Friday, September 29, 2006

Boring?

I have a feeling my blog is rather on the boring side ... that is because I am bored with it myself! Is there anything you'd like for me to post? Every-day stuff, pictures, sewing advice (ha! I think I'm the one who needs the advice, but I could share what I have learned), articles, links?
Whether you visit ooften or this is your first time here, please feel free to let me know. I don't bite. =D

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Tip of the day

Don't do any cutting out or sewing late in the evening.
The other evening I was cutting out a skirt for myself out of a lovely toile print. It was late as night and I figured I would just cut it out while I was waiting to get into the bathroom. Without thinking, I cut the back skirt with the print going upside down. It would be totally noticable if I were to sew it together, so I figured I would just have go out and by another yard of fabric. I went to two place where I knew they would have it - they were totally out, and I think it was a "one time deal" type of fabric. What a bummer.
For those of you who do sewing, don't ever do anything related to sewing late at night. I hope I learned my lesson. =)

Monday, September 25, 2006

Selling on ebay

I am now beginning to sell historical gowns on ebay. If you are interested, feel free to see my listings here: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZstringsftk

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Ready-mades items are 50% off - this week only!!

I am posting this a day late, but when you buy any ready-made item and will send us a photo with you/your daughter wearing it for our website, we will give that item to you for 50% off the listed price!

Monday, September 18, 2006

Thankful to be at home

Erin and I have been so blessed to be able to "come back home" in the last couple of months. For over 3 1/2 years, we both worked part-time at a small, Christian-owned discount grocery store. This spring we just really felt like the Lord was leading us homeward to devote more of our time as single women, so that we can more effectively bless our family and also earning an income from home.
Though we have had our sewing business for 6 years now, it does get slow for us from time to time. But the Lord opened up other outlets this year of teaching music which was been a new stretch for us, but such a blessing. It has truly been an answer to prayer for me, as I remember Erin just really wondering if we would be able to make enough income to pay for things, but I told her that I was trusting God to provide. Knowing that is this is what God was leading us to do (and I believe it is his desire for all women to cultivate skills in the home!), He will provide. =)
Just this week however, we went back for a couple days to the little store to fill in for someone who was wanting to go camping with the young man she is courting. And coming home from a long day's work just totally reaffirms that my place is in the home, and realized in a new way how much I delight in being home! It is so much more rewarding to see new nightgowns made to send to a sewing customer, pulling out freshly baked bread out of the oven, tending to the gardens, and all the little joys that fill my day, rather than being stuck inside a building working a cash register all day! =)

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Writing Contest hosted by Childrens Clothes Etc.

Write an essay (no longer than 4 pages), describing how you are able to maintain your faith and Biblical feminity/girlhood in today’s world. There will be three winners, one from each age group. The prizes are:
Ages 7-10: A Grandmother’s Hope Chest Book Set, which consists of: Grandmother’s Hope Chest Book 1 and Potholder Kit and Grandmother’s Hope Chest Book 2 and Bread Cloth Kit
Ages 11-15: A copy of The Future Christian Homemaker’s Handbook and a $10 gift card to our store.
Ages 16-21: A copy of So Much More and a $15 gift card to our store. Complete information is on their blog: http://www.childrensclothesetc.com/blog/?p=56

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Shawl Collar Dress



Well, I went ahead and made the Shawl Collar dress from Hint of History. And I absolutely love every thing about it! I wanted the View 1 look, but without the hassle of the buttons so I used the skirts from View 2.
As cautioned, I noted the measurements and while I always wear a certain size regardless of measurements (they always fit me just right), I decided that I was going to make this dress the size above what I usually wear. The size turned out just wonderful!
The pattern instructions are very easy to follow. I detest directions from regular commercial pattern. And here and there, made a few different things. Such as I used to wide of lace (it came from England using a 1812 lace machine and I wanted to use it badly enough that I don't mind it). I also added an extra snap on the inset, just because mine was wanted to open just a little bit there in the middle. And I was glad for the extra length on the skirt pattern, just because I like to add pinstripes to a lot of my historical apparel.
Want to make one now? =) See the link on the side bar (Hint of History) and it will take you to Amanda's site where she offers this pattern, and another cute dress pattern for girls!

Thursday, September 07, 2006

What shall I sew?

Well, we finished up the order that we had, and we don't have any in for the moment. So I'm trying to figure out what I should sew next. I have some lovely Tropical Breeze that Erin bought while out East for her harp recording (which went very well, PTL!) that I'd like to make a dress in. And then I have some slate blue linen-polyester type weave fabric that I got for $1 a yard and am having trouble deciding what I should make with.
I am narrowing it down to a couple ideas of either a Regency gown (http://sensibility.com/pattern/regency.htm) or a 1912 Shawl Collar dress (http://www.hintofhistory.com/1910s/). I love history dresses and have enjoyed trying to draft a couple of my own.
Any other suggestions for me? =)

Friday, September 01, 2006

Weekend Sale!

Greetings from the sewing room! Just a quick note saying that this weekend, we are having a special sale for those who have subscribed to our newsletter. All of our ready-made items are 25% and if you have ordered from us before, we offer you free shipping!
What a deal right?! But this sale ends on Monday morning, so order while you can and while still have things up!