{"id":34506,"date":"2015-07-18T03:29:48","date_gmt":"2015-07-18T07:29:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/?p=34506"},"modified":"2022-05-23T02:08:21","modified_gmt":"2022-05-23T06:08:21","slug":"my-dishtowel-rant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/2015\/07\/18\/my-dishtowel-rant\/","title":{"rendered":"My Dishtowel Rave"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>NOTE: This post was first named &#8220;My Dishtowel Rant.&#8221; Reader Shirley wisely suggested that a better name would be <strong>Dishtowel Rave<\/strong>. I agree, Shirley! Thanks for your comment.<\/em>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n<p>Happiness doesn&#8217;t result from what we get, but from what we give.<br \/>\n\u2022 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/author\/show\/11100.Ben_Carson\">Ben Carson<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ben, that&#8217;s just one reason for my happiness. But it&#8217;s true that for any occasion&#8211; large, small or no occasion at all&#8211; I love giving gifts. But it can be tricky.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34511\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/giftwrap.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34511\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34511 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/giftwrap.jpg\" alt=\"giftwrap\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/giftwrap.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/giftwrap-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/giftwrap-800x532.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34511\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Goldilocks said, &#8220;This gift is too big!&#8221;<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Too large or too expensive a gift like this jewel encrusted package or a trip to Paris for lunch would make a friend feel beholden and I don&#8217;t want that. <em>(Let me be perfectly clear, I would not give a trip to Paris for lunch.Or a jewel encrusted package. So don&#8217;t ask.)<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34512\" style=\"width: 305px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/hanger2.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34512\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34512\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/hanger2.jpg\" alt=\"hanger2\" width=\"295\" height=\"219\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34512\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Goldilocks said, &#8220;This gift is too small!&#8221;<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Too small a gift, like a coat hanger, is just tacky. Getting it just right takes some thought.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34513\" style=\"width: 537px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DSC01118.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34513\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34513 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DSC01118.jpg\" alt=\"1-DSC01118\" width=\"527\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DSC01118.jpg 527w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DSC01118-247x300.jpg 247w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 527px) 100vw, 527px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34513\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Goldilocks said, &#8220;This gift is just right.&#8221;<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>The design is OESD\/ Embroidery On-line&#8217;s <em><a href=\"http:\/\/embroideryonline.com\/p-52906-happy-birthday-frog.aspx\">Happy Birthday Frog.<\/a><\/em> My design library includes the Bernina collection Fanciful Frogs. I have used those designs <a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/2009\/09\/14\/pack-n-play\/\">here<\/a> and again and again.<\/p>\n<p>Dishtowels are my go-to &#8220;little&#8221; gift. They can be personalized with machine embroidery <em>(do you think my sorority sister Danilee ever got one of those bicycle license name plates or wall plaques?)<\/em> A novelty fabric turn tube hem or hand embroidery embellishment makes a towel special.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34536\" style=\"width: 458px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-blackeyedsusan.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34536\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-34536\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-blackeyedsusan.jpg\" alt=\"Yo-yo flowers with button centers, rick rack and a turn tube hem transform a plain white dishtowel to something more interesting.\" width=\"448\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-blackeyedsusan.jpg 448w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-blackeyedsusan-210x300.jpg 210w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 448px) 100vw, 448px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34536\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yo-yo flowers with button centers, rick rack and a turn tube hem transform a plain white dishtowel to something more interesting.Should I offer this design and project for free?<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This towel was a project I taught at Sewing at the Beach, Myrtle Beach. Would you like this design to be offered as a freebie?<\/p>\n<p>Dishtowels are always the right size, the right price and even if the color is wrong they still dry the dishes.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34517\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/thanx-towels-2cr.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34517\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-34517\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/thanx-towels-2cr.jpg\" alt=\"For the hostess of our fabulous family Thanksgiving dinner.\" width=\"800\" height=\"536\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/thanx-towels-2cr.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/thanx-towels-2cr-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34517\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">For the hostess of a fabulous family Thanksgiving dinner.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The leaf spray is from<em><a href=\"https:\/\/kreationsbykara.com\/collections\/autumn-wreaths\/\"> Autumn Wreaths, Kreations by Kara<\/a><\/em>. I added the pumpkin from some other set.<\/p>\n<p>They make a perfect hostess gift.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34518\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/beach-towels.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34518\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-34518\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/beach-towels.jpg\" alt=\"A thank you for the gracious owners of the beach condo my daughter rented.\" width=\"640\" height=\"470\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/beach-towels.jpg 640w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/beach-towels-300x220.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34518\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A thank you for the gracious owners of the beach condo my daughter rented.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>These designs are from<em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dakotacollectibles.com\/comm\/pack_detail_homecollection.asp?packcode=970241\"> Dakota Collectibles Shell Collection<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>In groups they make a substantial birthday gift.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34526\" style=\"width: 628px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DOWquiltowels.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34526\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34526 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DOWquiltowels.jpg\" alt=\"1-DOWquiltowels\" width=\"618\" height=\"371\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DOWquiltowels.jpg 618w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DOWquiltowels-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34526\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This DOW set was embroidered for my sweet, enthusiastic quilting friend Catherine.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This set was done by <em>Tracy Burkart of Needleart Studio<\/em>. The seem to be unavailable now.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34527\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DOWquiltowels2.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34527\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-34527\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DOWquiltowels2.jpg\" alt=\"It helps a quilter schedule a perfect week.\" width=\"600\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DOWquiltowels2.jpg 600w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/1-DOWquiltowels2-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34527\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">It helps a quilter schedule a perfect week.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>A recipe towel paired with a jar of jam was just the right size for each of my treasured<a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/2009\/11\/18\/pgm-playgroup-mamas\/\"> PGM<\/a> friends at our Christmas gift exchange.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34521\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/recipe-towels-jars1.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34521\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34521 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/recipe-towels-jars1.jpg\" alt=\"recipe towels-jars1\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/recipe-towels-jars1.jpg 640w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/recipe-towels-jars1-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34521\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I haven&#8217;t canned in years, but these jams from the Mast Store had more down-home appeal than Smuckers.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The recipe designs are from Embroidery Library. They come as simple redwork.\u00a0 I added the fruit.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34528\" style=\"width: 489px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DSC07288.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34528\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-34528\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DSC07288.jpg\" alt=\"The hostess of our Christmas party had just become a grandmother to...you guessed it...little Harry.\" width=\"479\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DSC07288.jpg 479w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DSC07288-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 479px) 100vw, 479px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34528\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The hostess of our Christmas party had just become a grandmother to&#8230;you guessed it&#8230;little Harry.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The design is from<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sewforless.com\/item\/Christmas_Applique_Embroidery_Club_Embroidery_Designs_by_Dakota_Collectibles_on_a_Multi_Format_CD_ROM_F70311\/7919\/p9c31\"><em> Dakota Collectibles Christmas Applique collection<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>When a very dear but far away friend was experiencing some serious difficulties, these towels offered\u00a0 daily inspiration and a reminder that I cared.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34522\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Inspdishtowels2.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34522\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-34522\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Inspdishtowels2.jpg\" alt=\"Coordinated with a turn tube hem, the dishtowels were bright and cheerful.\" width=\"640\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Inspdishtowels2.jpg 640w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Inspdishtowels2-300x206.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34522\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coordinated with a turn tube hem, the dishtowels were bright and cheerful.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Designs are from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.uncommonthread.com\/Amazing-Designs-Inspirational-Concepts-p\/adc3000.htm\"><em>Amazing Designs Inspirational Concepts.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>A dishtowel can give a very personal message for little more than the cost of a greeting card. It lasts longer and is useful.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34523\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/true-friends-towel-1.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34523\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34523 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/true-friends-towel-1.jpg\" alt=\"true friends towel-1\" width=\"640\" height=\"504\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/true-friends-towel-1.jpg 640w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/true-friends-towel-1-300x236.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34523\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The embroidery is a compilation of elements from various designs. The house, tree, and &#8220;road&#8221; were combined with text to express a heartfelt message.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>For another group gift exchange, Christmas dishtowels filled the bill.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_34529\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/2-towels-tree-calm.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34529\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34529 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/2-towels-tree-calm.jpg\" alt=\"2-towels-tree-calm\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/2-towels-tree-calm.jpg 640w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/2-towels-tree-calm-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34529\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Christmas tree design is from Kreations by Kara, Christmas in Motion collection. &#8220;All is calm, all is bright&#8221; is in Amazing Designs Christmas IV collection which seems to be discontinued.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_34530\" style=\"width: 970px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/xmas-towels.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34530\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-34530 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/xmas-towels.jpg\" alt=\"xmas towels\" width=\"960\" height=\"962\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/xmas-towels.jpg 960w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/xmas-towels-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/xmas-towels-300x300.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/xmas-towels-798x800.jpg 798w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-34530\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The &#8220;Tilted Tree,&#8221; &#8220;Jingle,&#8221; and Gingerbread House are all from Applique Corner.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Well, there are more dishtowels, but I seem to have beat this horse to death. I get all wrapped up in remembering the occasion and the recipients. Can you tell I love dishtowel gifts?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NOTE: This post was first named &#8220;My Dishtowel Rant.&#8221; Reader Shirley wisely suggested that a better name would be Dishtowel Rave. I agree, Shirley! Thanks for your comment.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Happiness doesn&#8217;t result from what we get, but from what we give. &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/2015\/07\/18\/my-dishtowel-rant\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[19,18,144,23],"tags":[287,1012],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34506"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34506"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34506\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39383,"href":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34506\/revisions\/39383"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34506"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34506"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.janicefergusonsews.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}