Category Archives: machine embroidery

PGM Gingerbread Aprons

Posted on December 7, 2009 | 2 comments

 

Gingerbread houses are truly old fashioned projects for old fashioned Nanas.  It can be one of the most lasting Christmas memories for your children  or grandchildren.

Since my children were old enough to lick the mixer beaters, we’ve made Christmas gingerbread houses.  And all the PlayGroup Mamas made gingerbread houses with their children (see earlier post, PGM-PlayGroup Mamas ifor explanation of PlayGroup Mamas).

 

PGM Arlene made four every year, one for each child.   Striving to make the best house or the best fire station or the best school or whatever,  they were fiercely competitive.  Each child  had a big idea and a big time.

A few Christmases ago, when a few of the PlayGroup Moms started backsliding in this time honored tradition, Arlene gifted each of us with an unadorned but constructed gingerbread house. We gathered together to decorate our cookie houses, each bringing a variety of decorative candies, a box of 10X confectioners sugar and extra electric mixers. Like Arlene’s children, we each had a big idea and a very big time. Continue reading →

2 Comments

Posted in embroidery blanks, Holiday Projects, home dec, linen blanks, machine embroidery, party accessories and ideas

Christmas Aprons with Candy Cane Font

Posted on December 7, 2009 | Leave a comment

 

Josie

 

I’m not sure this guy knows what he is talking about.  These four ready-made aprons were embroidered for another doting grandmother who spends significant blocks of time with her two granddaughters and she seems to be aging not at all!

This ageless Granny and her daughter will be making Christmas cookies with the girls. I’m sure there will be some great photo opportunities for the multi-generational baking crew.   And I doubt either Granny or Mommy will look any older when the kitchen is finally cleaned up.

 

Josiebear1

When I embroidered aprons for my grandchildren, I had a hard time finding any appropriate designs. There is a plethora of chef collections, including those by Loralie, Amazing Designs, Adorable Ideas and Hatched in Africa. But none of these are for children.

Then I found Roberta’s Creations Cookie Cutters. www.robertasreations.com Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Posted in Holiday Projects, linen blanks, machine embroidery, techniques

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Posted on December 6, 2009 | 2 comments

The best babysitters, of course,   are the baby’s grandparents.  You feel completely comfortable entrusting your baby to them for long periods, which is why most grandparents flee to Florida.”  Dave Barry

Is there anything sweeter than a freshly bathed baby? Is there anything slipperier than a freshly bathed baby? (The word “slipperier” looks all wrong, but trust me, this is correct. I’ve checked.)

Sweet and slippery as they are, after I nearly dropped infant Laurel lifting her from the tub, I decided that a hooded bath towel was a layette requirement, not just a nice accessory. You can “hang” the hood on baby’s head and get a good grip on The Wet One. Since this Aha! experience, it has become one of my favorite shower gifts. Continue reading →

2 Comments

Posted in baby accessories, embroidery blanks, linen blanks, machine embroidery

Flying Santa Stocking

Posted on December 5, 2009 | Leave a comment

Before I learned to sew, I knitted Christmas stockings for both my son and newborn daughter. Their names were knitted into the cuffs and Ryan’s featured a choo-choo train, Rebecca’s a doll and wreath. I really dislike those stockings now, but my children hold them dear. Even though they are parents themselves, they think tradition trumps good looks and age appropriate designs. Memories of childhood Christmas magic are precious, I know.

When I was asked to make stockings for my grandchildren, it seems that I would have learned my lesson. But I reverted to my preference for childhood fantasy.   I might regret it years from now if the children prefer something more contemporary.

If that happens, I will not make a Spiderman or Dora the Explorer stocking. I refuse. So all three get traditional juvenile Christmas designs. If they want something else, they can shop at Cracker Barrel. They always have a nice selection. Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Posted in baby accessories, Holiday Projects, machine embroidery

Candy Cane Christmas

Posted on December 2, 2009 | 1 comment

 

buttons pending!

buttons pending!

 

These brother-sister outfits are truly modern projects for old fashioned Nanas.  They are quick, easy, wash-and-wear and contemporary.  Yet, the classic styles and candy cane theme are as old fashioned as can be.

Our Christmas tree decorations have always included  a dozen celophane wrapped candy canes.  When little guests  visit, they are invited to pick one from the tree.

Last year, when Robert and Laurel were 3 and 4 years old, and their visits were blessedly frequent, I knew we needed more.  For them, it seems that here is just something irresistibly delicious about a candy cane that actually hung on a tree.  Their Christmas outfits  reflected their holiday appetite for the striped sugar classic.

 

Xmas card

 

Continue reading →

1 Comment

Posted in boys, brother-sister, girls, Holiday Projects, machine embroidery

Tagged , , , ,

Sweetie Pie

Posted on December 1, 2009 | Leave a comment

Alastair, 8 months old

My daughter, Alastair’s mother, has returned to work two days a week. Called back from extended maternity leave, she agreed to do this only because her husband’s wonderful Aunt Jeannette volunteered to keep the little guy on those two days.

This embroidered one piece suit, which is one of my favorite styles for baby boys, reflects Alastair and Aunt Jeannette’s mutual affection for one another.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Posted in embroidery blanks, infant clothing, machine embroidery

Angel Watch

Posted on November 29, 2009 | Leave a comment

My daughter loves pretty blankets for her baby  boy and this is one of her favorites.    I like to think this angel and others, unseen, watch over my precious grandson.

The shawl is made of 100% wool challis.   It has the drape and softness of rayon challis, with extra lightweight warmth and without synthetic fibers.  What a luxurious and cooperative fabric this is!  This shawl has been machine washed and dried a number of times and requires only a light pressing. Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Posted in antique textiles, baby accessories, heirloom sewing, machine embroidery

Gator Hearts

Posted on November 28, 2009 | 1 comment

 

Sadly, the 2009 college football season is about over.  University of Florida’s final regularly scheduled game was played Saturday against the Florida State Seminoles.  It was a great Gator victory, 37-10.

Last week, our son and his wife were in Gainesville at The Swamp watching the victory over Florida International University.  Before the game, Shelly realized that she needed a new Gator shirt so I embroidered this one for her.  Continue reading →

1 Comment

Posted in embroidery blanks, machine embroidery, sporting gear

Santa Claus is Coming

Posted on November 27, 2009 | Leave a comment

With Thanksgiving over, it’s time to pull out the Christmas pillowcases. This bedtime message gives children  something to think about before  “visions of sugar plums dance in their heads.”  It is just one more element that adds to the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming festivities.

Before I had grandchildren, I made this pillowcase for a special little boy whom I love very much. His intelligence, imagination and grasp of fantasy delighted me then and continues to do so now. Years ago, 5 year old Grey and I were discussing  Santa’s amazing ability to deliver toys to children around the world.  This led to further discussion that showed an amazing understanding of geography for a child so young.  Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Posted in Holiday Projects, home dec, machine embroidery

Monogrammed Linen Napkins for White Wednesday

Posted on November 27, 2009 | 2 comments

monogram_napkincrop

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and had much for which to be thankful.  We enjoyed a fabulous dinner and a beautiful day at the home of our son-in-law’s mother, Carol.  I was pleased to see one of these monogrammed hemstitched linen napkins at each place setting.   I had made/embroidered this set of 16 serviettes as a wedding gift for her and Alan.  Of course, knowing I would be a guest at her table, she is too gracious a hostess to use anything else.  But I was pleased, nonetheless. The napkins looked so pretty next to her gold rimmed china with sprays of pink roses surrounding the center.

monogram_napkin_close

color enhanced to better show the design

The napkins are linen blanks, monogrammed with letters and the companion design from Martha Pullen’s Internet Embroidery Club 2003 alphabet.  There are color stops for the flowers and leaves, but I preferred a monotone scheme.

More and more frequently, I see evidence of  a  trend to use lower case letters for the first names of the couple, rather than just the bride’s first, last and maiden names,  and the upper case for the last initial only. So I chose to use this approach. Continue reading →

2 Comments

Posted in linen blanks, machine embroidery, White Wednesday