New Dress from Simplicity 2444 for Jessica

I sure love sewing for the girls and this is a new dress I finished this morning for Jessica.  She is playing "Elaine" in the play "Arsenic and Old Lace" this coming Friday and this is one of her dresses.  I like how it turned out, the pictures aren't the greatest - it looks a little puckered in front but it must be how she is standing...because it fits her nicely.  I love the collar!
It's from this pattern:

It was very easy to put together and I didn't have to make many alterations.  Instead of interfacing the collar, as it called for; I used two layers of the fabric so it would look better if it happens to blow up.  I used an invisible zipper instead of the regular one it called for I did also add a couple of inches in length.  Overall....I will certainly make this pattern again if the girls want me to.  It's also good for a beginning sewer.  

New Aprons and Making Jam

I (Beth) made Jessica and Jennifer matching aprons for Christmas and thought you all would like to see them!  I used the same fabric, just different color rick-rack so the girls would be able to tell them apart.  Jenny's apron was put to good use today as we made strawberry freezer jam after we went berry picking this morning. 
I love working in the kitchen with my daughters...teaching...nurturing...encouraging...all while we "put-up" some "good stuff" for all of us to enjoy later.
Yes, I did also make the star wall hanging in the background.  It has hung in my kitchen for years and has some of my favorite colors in it. 

In the background is also the box of peaches we picked up this morning...

                        we'll start those next!

 I decided to post the pictures of my apron too - reds and yellows.  After a day of processing strawberries, I'm certainly ready to relax!

Sewing Weekend 2011 Photo...it's tradition!

I always take Jessica and Jennifer's picture with one of our sewing favorites - Nancy Zieman - as each year we attend Sewing Weekend.  We always make sure to catch Nancy's seminar which is never a disappointment.  We post the photo in our sewing space for the next year...it's tradition AND inspiration.  She is an amazing woman - talented and creative - and so willing to share her knowledge and ideas.  It's something I did with my mother too!  We are thankful to live so near her and her wonderful store, Nancy's Notions. 

They really match the colors in the quilt behind them!

Starting Again!

Well, tomorrow the Farmer's Market starts again. I'm so excited about being there and have been working hard to have a good selection of bags/purses/wristlets...ect. I can't wait to post about how our first day goes and hopefully I will have good news to report. Untill tomorrow...

Blessings...

We've had some wonderful blessings this past month - all related to sewing! For those of you who know us, one of our favorite traditions is going to Sewing Weekend in May - sponsored by Nancy's Notions in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  I've (Beth) been going for over 10 years and it all started with my Mom and I.  Several years ago I started taking my daughters - the other two "Baggy P's."  We look forward to it and try to save money all year long for the shopping we do there.  We also attend some of the seminars and workshops and learn new things - all contributing to more excitement each Spring about sewing. 

First Blessing...This year our picture is on the Sewing Weekend brochure!!!  We were so amazed when it arrived.  Here's pictures of our picture.

We don't even remember posing for this picture,

 but we're glad we did!

Second Blessing:  Just days after receiving our brochure, I posted a comment on Nancy Zieman's blog about her new bag pattern.  I was the lucky winner of that new pattern, and received it in the mail just last week!

We are looking forward to using this pattern as it is for a large tote.

Third Blessing: A friend called me after receiving her new Nancy's Notions Catalog and told me our picture was also in the catalog to promote the event.

Yes, we are shopping for fabric! 

Three blessings...Fun...Excitement...Anticipation...We are really looking forward to May - and we'll have to make sure we have our hair done and look nice...just in case we get snapped again!



New Post Soon...

The New Year has started off as a race and January is more than half over!!  We have some fun and exciting news we want to share...this is just to whet your appetite...it's coming soon.  Nothing earth-shattering, but fun, nonetheless.  In order for it to be fun, I have to post a picture - and no time right now.  I love our new page design - so thankful for the "Cutest Blog on the Block" website!