NOTE: Thanks to all who spoke in favor of an overview/report on the last day of Martha’s Market.  No one chimed in that the topic was overworked, so here is the final installment of my report from the front line of sewing fun.~~~~~~~

This was another great day, though relatively short.  I was so tired that I chose to sleep in, even though it mean missing Louise Cuttings 8:00 class. Her One Seam Pants pattern has always intrigued me and I thought I’d check it out.  But it will have to be another time.

www.thatssewconnie.com

So I slipped in to Connie Palmer’s class  Connie’s Techniques & Notions Know-How – Take your sewing up a few notches by learning the favorite techniques and notions that are Connie’s favorites when she creates her sewing masterpieces. You’ll see how she uses notions; whether “tried and true” or the “new kid on the block,” you’ll learn how to make each and every technique easier and with perfect results every time. ..

WOW!  Connie scopes out all the latest notions and then applies them to her dynamite techniques.  She creates more beautiful things in less time than anyone I know.  As this blond whirlwind said, when she sews, she likes to GO!  And not stop to wait for something to dry or to spend time calculating the distance between buttonholes.

Spaghetti bias is so big right now and Connie is all about it.  Fasturn Tubes have been around for a long time, but it took Connie’s samples and tips for me to board that bandwagon.  Of course, in her insistence on perfect everything, she has embraced the Fasturn Tiger Eye.  It sounded good when she described it, though I wasn’t at all sure how it would work.  But I bought it.

Like the majority of people, I am a visual learner.  I found this very clear, succinct instructional video on YouTube that shows exactly how to use this valuable little tool. Continue reading →

NOTE: I still have one day’s highlights from Martha’s Orlando Market to share, but perhaps I have worn out that topic. Let me know if you would like this last report.

I’ve been grinning like the Cheshire cat since last night.   That’s when my ever indulgent husband drove with me to the other side of the state to pick up my new old sewing machine.

This 1907 Young and Chaffee treadle machine was touted as a technological marvel of its day, what with its automatic tension and variable stitch length.  WOW!

But why, you might wonder, would I want an antique, foot-powered, straight stitch treadle when this beauty, my incredible Brother Duetta 4500D, lives well and works hard in my sewing room?

It’s a hard thing to explain.  Perhaps it’s because my college minor was history, or because I love all things old, like lace and quilts, or because I just want the whole spectrum of sewing machines from A-Z.  And this treadle is definitely “A” in the sewing machine alphabet. Continue reading →

The second day of Martha Pullen’s Sewing Market was even better than the first, probably because it was a longer day, from 8 a.m. until 9:00 p.m..  So many new sewing techniques learned, so much creative inspiration, so much technical guidance!

My early day started at with Janice Stewart’s class:  Drawn Thread by Machine -Love the look of drawn work? – Let Janice show you how fast and easy you can accomplish this technique all by machine. Copy this high end look for your home, wardrobe and even babies. Lecture includes tips, tricks and a trunk show of ideas to get you inspired.

I am not a morning person.  Margaret Boyles was known to say that her heart did not begin beating officially until 10 a.m.  Some days, mine starts even later. I like to say I work the night shift (in my sewing room).

Any earlier start of the day requires HUGE motivation, like homeschooling my grandchildren or sewing workshops.  But I reeeeeeally wanted this 8:00 class from Janice Stewart.  Thankfully, it was most definitely worth firing up my slow starting old heart.

Janice’s projects were just spectacular.  Sadly, by the time I picked up my things and finished a quick chat with a few other students, Janice had already packed up her samples.  She did not have them on display in her booth so I missed a one-time opportunity to share these incredible pieces with you.

One sample was a blue wool wrap around skirt.  Drawn thread ran down the front, next to the fringed edge.  It was so attractive, but especially interesting because of the fringe.

Janice felt it was not full enough.  So she cut a narrow strip down the selvage edge, fringed it up to the selvage and then stitched it on the underside of the skirt flap next to the fringe.  It was very striking. Continue reading →

My head is still buzzing, and will be for quite a while, about Martha Pullen’s Orlando Market. I want to relive it and give you a play-by-play in hopes that you will treat yourself to this delight when the opportunity presents itself.

This is one of Connie's Madeira applique' patterns. I had to buy the companion pattern for AG dolls.

I arrived just before noon on Thursday, in time for my first class, Madeira Applique’ with Connie Palmer.   Though I am practiced in the basics of this technique, I knew Connie would have more to offer.  And, of course, she did.   A few of the things I learned from Connie Palmer in her Madeira Applique’ class:

• Use water soluble thread in the bobbin.  I’ve always put it in the needle but it breaks more easily there than in the bobbin.
• Use the water soluble/sew it together technique to make two identical pieces, such as Madeira frames.
• There is a terrific new scallop template that Connie loves.  You simply determine the size scallop you want by measuring the skirt width (or whatever) and deciding how many scallops you would like, i.e. for a 42″ skirt you might want 7 scallops.  Then you would want them to measure 6″ each.   Just snap the two piece template together at the proper markings and you are ready to trace your scallops!  As Connie said, now you can get all of the saucers, soup bowls, tea cups and whatever you have used to make scallops out of your sewing room and store this flat little notion.

• 

  Mark scalloped borders on hems, collars and quilts quickly and easily in sizes from 5" to 12". Instructions are included with template. In stock Price: $14.99(from MO)

In response to a student’s question, she also went into her uses and techniques for spaghetti bias, especially as a cathedral window look.  I might write more about that in a later post but for now, just look at this blouse she made!  I had forgotten my camera that day, so this was taken with my phone.  The photo quality is not good, but the blouse is spectacular. Continue reading →

Custom Keepsakes Sweet Dreams AG doll sundress

MY, OH MY, OH MY!!!  What a fabulous time I am having here at Martha Pullen’s Orlando Sewing Market!  I did bring along my cranky, antique laptop but it is sooo hard to work with.  So this will be a brief report.  I just had to give  you a peek into this wonderful event.

It is hard to say which is better, the classes or the vendors. But right now, I am over the moon excited about Custom Keepsakes designs (Kathy Harrison).  I LOVE the Sweet Dreams collection which I got today.  This i-phone photo does not do it justice so please click on the link and see the slide show on Custom Keepsakes web site.

The collection is described as “six sweet nightgowns to stitch in the hoop for ladies, girls and dolls.”  I absolutely cannot wait to get home and make up a matching set for Laurel and her dolls.

another sundress/nightgown from Custom Keepsakes Sweet Dreams collection

Continue reading →

This post has nothing to do with “modern projects for old fashioned Nanas” or even sewing, for that matter, but I just couldn’t help sharing this with you.  A friend just sent me these actual bloopers that appeared in church bulletins or were announced from the pulpit.  I’m still chuckling after reading them.

It took me back many years ago when an equally entertaining (to many, but not all) story about our church’s Maundy Thursday service.

Glenwood Presbuyterian Church. Please disregard the characters in the front. They were there to promote the Vacation Bible School theme.

Our new, young pastor had a beautiful wife, Nancy, who was studying liturgical dance and wanted to share the spirituality of it with her new parishioners. Her husband was a little concerned about the reaction of his very traditional congregation to this innovative form of worship.

He decided it would be best introduced at the upcoming Maundy Thursday service, which had not been held in this church for many years.  So that evening, in a black leotard and flowing black skirt, the willowy ballerina performed a very moving sacred dance to the music of The Lord’s Prayer.  It was well received by her husband’s new flock.

A few weeks prior to this, I had given over my weekly newspaper column,  “Glenwood News,” to a sweet, naive high school girl with an eye on a journalism career.  Maundy Thursday she was tending the little ones in the nursery and knew only that Nancy would be dancing.

Her column a few days later caused quite a stir in the community. After listing the title of the pastor’s sermon, she included this in her description of the service.  “The minister’s wife did a song and dance act. Everyone loved it.”

Today, she is a happy, successful young lady.  But she is not a journalist. ~~~~~~~~