Category Archives: heirloom sewing

Christmas Baby Doll for Baby

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Janice| 23 Comments

 

4 1/2" baby doll

4 1/2″ baby doll

For Christmas, one of 11 month old Vivian Rose’s gifts was this porcelain baby doll.  Nestled in a tiny wicker Moses-in-the-bulrushes style basket, the Dream Baby doll antique reproduction was tucked in looking like a classic heirloom clothed infant.

Just 4 1/2″ long, she seemed to be just the right start for our grandbaby’s doll collection.  Of course, it will be some time before she is allowed to handle this tiny treasure.  But it’s not too early to begin collecting. Continue reading →

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Posted in doll clothing and accessories, heirloom sewing, smocking

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Free Brother MCS Design & Pink Baby Blanket

Posted on September 30, 2013 by Janice| 54 Comments
Swiss flannel daygown, bonnet and blanket for baby's homecoming

Swiss flannel daygown, bonnet and blanket for baby’s homecoming

NOTE:  The free design can only be used on Brother machines with the My Custom Stitch feature.  You must download the design and then import it to your machine via memory stick or floppy drive.  It cannot be opened on a computer or accessed any way other than through a Brother model which offers this feature.

It has been busy, busy, busy around here.  I’ve embroidered and framed more scripture verses for church, sewn a denim gored skirt for 9 yo Laurel (a fabulous pattern which I will chat about in a future post), embroidered my son’s hiking back pack, altered his “thunderware” (YIKES!) and done a variety of other “utility” sewing projects.

While  trying to get some blogging done, I came across the forgotten post below in my draft folder.  Since two earlier post on Brother’s  My Custom Stitch  feature,  Heart Swag Baby Shawl  and  T-Bonnet ,    there have been several inquiries asking about the zig zag feather stitch I created.  So once again, I am offering it to readers.  It can be saved to a memory stick or floppy disk or whatever device you use to transfer information to your sewing machine.  It is not a .pes hooped embroidery design.  This is done on the sewing side of the machine.

Swiss flannel bonnet, blanket and daygown for baby's homecoming

close up of zig zag feather stitch, worked with 30 wt. cotton thread

This  soft pink set was made for granddaughter Vivian Rose’s homecoming in January.  But she was a smaller newborn than our other three grandchildren so the size I chose was too big for her.  Now, 8 months later, the gown has been worn and outgrown.

Read on about this useful stitch and post your request for it in a comment.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Continue reading →

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Posted in baby accessories, free patterns and designs, heirloom sewing, machine embroidery

For Sale: Vintage Baby Items from Nana’s Nursery

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Janice| 9 Comments

Nananurserylightdressespic

 

TO MAKE A PURCHASE: If there is something you would like to buy, simply leave your request as a comment at the end of this post. Be sure to specify the item number. If you have never before posted a comment, I will see it immediately but it will not visible until it has been approved.  After approval, all subsequent comments will be posted immediately. Or send an e-mail to me at NCcabin@aol.com. Payment may be made via Paypal or personal check.  Shipping will be added to all prices.

Each order is eligible for a freebie from the freebie post so check that out.  Just add the item number to your order and it will be included in your package.

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These little dresses, bonnets, and a few others have been displayed in Nana’s nursery for some time now, making me smile every time I stroll by.  When they were first hung, we were awaiting the birth of our first grandchild.  The dainty vintage frocks seemed perfectly suited to a room for our precious, long-awaited baby when she visited our vintage 1926 home.

 

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Each of our grandchildren has worn one or another of these daygowns a time or two.  But now, grandbaby #4, Vivian Rose, is 8 months old and has been declared our last grandchild.  These dresses will be worn by no more Ferguson babies.

Soon the dresses and bonnets will be replaced with a few of the special items I’ve made.  Since neither my daughter nor daughter-in-law have any desire to keep the vintage items or store the things I have made, the items below need to move on.

TO MAKE A PURCHASE: If there is something you would like to buy, simply leave your request as a comment at the end of this post. Be sure to specify the item number. If you have never before posted a comment, I will read it as soon as it is sent,  but it will not visible until it has been approved.  After the approval, all of your comments will be posted immediately. You may also send an e-mail to me at NCcabin@aol.com. Payment may be made via Paypal or personal check.  Shipping will be added to all prices.

Each order is eligible for a freebie from the freebie post so check that out.  Just add the item number to your order and it will be included in your package.

#A1~Round Yoke with embroidery and tucks, $25. For more photos and details, see this blog post.

#A1~Round Yoke with Embroidery and Tucks, $25. For more photos and details, see this blog post, Vintage White Baby Dress.

 

#A2 Silk Bonnet, $30. Near perfect condition except for ribbon ties. Fully lined with a crepe like fabric.

SOLD  #A2 Silk Bonnet, $30. Near perfect condition except for ribbon ties. Fabulous feather stitching, fully lined with a crepe like fabric.  This is gorgeous.

Continue reading →

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Posted in antique textiles, antique/vintage textiles, baby accessories, bags, hand embroidery, heirloom sewing, infant clothing, Nana's nursery, Nana's Nursery Closet Sale, smocking, uncategorized

Nursery Closet Sale #7

Posted on August 25, 2013 by Janice| 10 Comments

URGENT NEED:  Firefighters in Idaho need bandanas.  Shirley G. re-posted a plea from eQuilter  stating that all 6000 previously sent bandanas have been used up and more are needed.  Please check Shirley’s blog  for details and do what you can to help these brave firefighters. 

closet vert

 

The closet clearance sale continues.   As noted before, everything previously and currently posted can be located by clicking on the category Nana’s Nursery Sale category under A STORE on the right side of the page.

Checkout the remaining items from  Nursery Closet Sale #1 ,    Nursery Closet Sale #2,    Nursery Closet Sale #3,   Nursery Closet Sale #4   and  Nursery Closet Sale #5, and  Nursery ClosetSale #6.

TO MAKE A PURCHASE: If there is something you would like to buy, simply leave your request as a comment at the end of this post. Be sure to specify the item number. If you have never before posted a comment, it will not visible until I have approved it. After the approval, all of your comments will be posted immediately. Or send an e-mail to me at NCcabin@aol.com. Payment may be made via Paypal or personal check.  Shipping will be added to all prices.

Each order is eligible for a freebie from the freebie post so check that out.  Just add the item number to your order and it will be included in your package.

And now, Nursery Closet Sale #7.

 

#71 Feather Stitched Bows T-Bonnet, $20. Swiss batiste, French lace. For more photos and pictures click here. http://www.janicefergusonsews.com/blog/2013/06/07/feather-stitched-bows/

SOLD #71 Feather Stitched Bows T-Bonnet, $20. Swiss batiste, French lace. For more photos and pictures click here.

 

#72 Smocked Boy Daygown, 3 months, $20. Easy care fabric, Swiss trim, mother-of-pearl buttons, perfect condition.

SOLD pending payment #72 Smocked Boy Daygown, 3 months, $20. Easy care fabric, Swiss trim, mother-of-pearl buttons, perfect condition. For more photos and info, read blog post Boy Smocked Daygown.

 

#73 Stamps Onesie and Cap, 6-12 months, $15. Made for Creative Needle magazine article, never worn.

#73 Stamps Onesie and Cap, 6-12 months, $15. Made for Creative Needle magazine article, never worn.  For more about “Stamps” read this blog.

Continue reading →

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Posted in antique textiles, antique/vintage textiles, baby accessories, Binche Lace, boys, embroidery blanks, hand embroidery, heirloom sewing, infant clothing, lace tape, Nana's Nursery Closet Sale, smocking

Nursery Closet Sale #6

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Janice| 11 Comments
#61 Sweet Baby Jane bubble, 3-6 months, $14. For more photos and details, see

SOLD and shipped #61 Sweet Baby Jane Bubble, all cotton, 3-6 months, $12. Worn but in near perfect condition, no stains or tears. For more photos and details, see Sweet Baby Jane post.

Thanks to each one of you who made purchases from the earlier Nursery Closet Sales.  I felt that I was making some progress in my de-stashing efforts, but then….

There are 3 rows of buttons at the crotch for extended wear and/or to accommodate bulky cloth diapers.

There are 3 rows of buttons at the crotch for extended wear and/or to accommodate bulky cloth diapers.

My Rebecca came home with another basket of outgrown and unused baby items.  Yikes!!!  Now the closet is just as jam packed as it was before sale #1.  So here we go again.  I hope something strikes your fancy.

As noted before, everything previously and currently posted can be located by clicking on the category Nana’s Nursery Sale category under A STORE on the right side of the page. Continue reading →

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Posted in baby accessories, boys, hand embroidery, heirloom sewing, infant clothing, Nana's Nursery Closet Sale, shadow work by machine

The Last Hurrah

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Janice| 18 Comments
Aliya, newly turned 4 years old

Aliya, newly turned 4 years old

 

Seeing little girls in heirloom dresses just makes me purr with happy contentment.  And seeing a dress I made so long ago come back to life on another beautiful child is one more dividend for the time and effort that went into making it.

 

A standing

Everything they say about the timelessness of heirloom clothing is true.  Twenty-nine years ago, my blue eyed blond Rebecca frequently wore this to church as well as a few weddings.  She was a veritable Vision of Loveliness.  Then it was on loan to my dear friend Gale for her towheaded, blue-eyed Anna, Vision of Loveliness #2.  Anna wore it as much as Rebecca had. Continue reading →

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Posted in girls, heirloom sewing

Nursery Closet Sale #5

Posted on August 4, 2013 by Janice| 6 Comments
Lace Tape Christening Gown, $70. Swiss batiste, lace tape, tatting, entredeux, feather stitching. Read more Lace Tape Christening Gown.

#51 Lace Tape Christening Gown, $70. Swiss batiste, lace tape, tatting, entredeux, pintucks, feather stitching. Read more Lace Tape Christening Gown.

 

And the beat goes on, but it is slowing down.  There are still a few dozen items to list but I’m tired of this sale and expect that you readers must too.  But I am so grateful to those of you who have shopped here and welcomed my old treasures into your home.  The absence of these things has opened up the nursery closet and dresser, making room for more creations.

For almost two weeks now, we’ve had grandchildren in various combinations  and have another two weeks ahead.  So ending this sale will give me a few more precious hours with them.

As noted before, everything previously and currently posted can be located by clicking on the category Nana’s Nursery Sale category under A STORE on the right side of the page.

Of course, the sale is ongoing but there will be no more new listings for a while. Checkout the remaining goods from  Nursery Closet Sale #1 ,    Nursery Closet Sale #2,    Nursery Closet Sale #3 and Nursery Closet Sale #4.   Each order is eligible for a freebie from the previous post so check that out.

TO MAKE A PURCHASE: If there is something you would like to buy, simply leave your request as a comment at the end of this post. Be sure to specify the item number. If you have never before posted a comment, it will not visible until I have approved it. After the approval, all of your comments will be posted immediately. Or send me an e-mail at NCcabin@aol.com. Payment may be made via Paypal or personal check.  Shipping will be added to all prices.

fancyband with tucks, feather stitching and hemstitched lace tape

skirt fancyband with tucks, feather stitching and hemstitched lace tape

Continue reading →

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Posted in antique/vintage textiles, baby accessories, boys, girls, hand embroidery, heirloom sewing, Holiday Projects, infant clothing, machine embroidery, Nana's Nursery Closet Sale

Moving on…..

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Janice| 24 Comments

all w headband2BR

It seemed that I would never finish this simple little pini-4, but at last it is checked off on my to-do list.  There were no technical complications, but rather just a matter if life getting in the way.  Entire days passed when I did not sew and that makes me cranky.  I feel better now.

The original plan was to add a row of cable under the beaded ribbon, but in my eagerness to finish this up I just forgot.  Of course, it’s not too late and I could still do it.  It  really would look better.  But I am tired of this project.  It’s done. I’m ready to move on.

The pattern is the same one I used for the Liberty of London popover for granddaughter Vivian Rose.  But I look forward to when Lisa at Mommy’s Apron Strings releases her very similar pattern.  She has so many improvements, like sizing. Continue reading →

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Posted in hairbows, heirloom sewing, infant clothing, serger, smocking

Shadow Embroidery by Embroidery Machine

Posted on July 20, 2013 by Janice| 24 Comments

I just can’t seem to catch up with my must-do’s so that I can write a new post.  I won’t bore you with ALLL the details, but one obstacle is time spent supervising 7 year old grandson Robert as he works the book he has written, Football Frenzy (soon I HOPE to be for sale @ $7, at least until Amazon or BooksAMillion pick it up ;-)). After I printed up two copies for his perusal, he decided that it is too short. So he is back to composing, adding a chapter on recipes for football watching snacks and more.

front scanCR

Additionally, I have been substitute teaching Sunday School for 1st-5th graders, a satisfying but time consuming task.

So until I finish the little popover pinafore (Pini-4) which is almost done, I resort yet again to putting up a post from the past.

Shadow embroidery by machine continues to be of great interest.  Though you probably have a greater chance of winning the lottery than of laying hands on any one of Suzanne Hinshaw’s to-die-for collections, you just might get lucky.  There are other designers mentioned below with sets or individual designs.

So here is the old post, with a few photos of projects done since putting this one up.  A  real, new, fresh post should be up very soon.

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grandson’s Easter outfit with shadow embroidery from Southern Stitches’ Shadow Work Baby Collection

Continue reading →

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Posted in heirloom sewing, home dec, machine embroidery, techniques

Desperation Bubble

Posted on June 23, 2013 by Janice| 29 Comments

bubble front all

Have you ever been  desperate to smock and thwarted in the effort?  Desperate to stitch hand embroidery and been hampered? Desperate to sew in a power outage?  I bet the answer is yes.

It reminds me of my crazy friend Catherine who, 25 years ago, had taken her boys to the beach.  Settled down in the sand on an old quilt, under her beach umbrella, she pulled out her smocking only to discover that she had everything but a needle!  Desperate, like me, she walked up and down Daytona Beach asking each sunbather if she might have a #7 crewel needle that Catherine could borrow or buy.  That, my friends, is desperation.  To no one’s surprise but Catherine’s, she came up empty handed.

How this bubble came to be is a result of such desperation.  It didn’t turn out as planned, it didn’t turn out great,  it didn’t really please me.  But it did scratch my itch  for some form–any form!– of needlework. Continue reading →

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Posted in heirloom sewing, infant clothing, ready-to-smock finished projects, smocking