Simplicity 1950's Patterns In June cont...TEENAGE REBEL Revealed

Even if you are not a 'Sewing/Pattern/Notion Collector' you will be interested in what I found in the 1953 Simplicity Pattern posted about yesterday...June 1, 2015.  To catch up you can read the post below.

Before the reveal, you should know the 'Old Pattern's' came from an unknown person and place.  As a Genealogist and History Buff, I'm always on the watch for hints of a personal nature when saving/restoring/collecting stuff that previously meant something to someone. 

When it comes to sewing memorabilia, I feel a special connection and appreciation for the former owners and their efforts in creating a handmade garment or a piece of needlework.  Often on patterns, notes are taken as reminders of changes made for the next time the pattern is used.  I suspect this collection belonged to one person who used many of the patterns over and over again.  Such is the case with Simplicity Pattern #4464 printed in 1953.

The envelope's condition is what collectors would call  well used and fragile with both the top and bottom closures tattered.  It's greatest asset as far as any value would be for the 1953 Graphics and the fold out 'Instruction Sheet' where the copyright and pattern company is identified.  It's always a plus if the tissue pattern pieces are complete..even if cut/trimmed.

This pattern's envelope was overly stuffed with what I assumed was hastily folded/wadded tissue pattern pieces.  So, when I attempted to take out the instruction sheet to find the copyright date all the contents fell out of the bottom. 

Folded in with the tissue pieces were the front and back  pants patterns cut out from a newspaper which had yellowed with age. The tissue pieces were in excellent condition, but the newspaper was a bit fragile and had straight pins holding it together.

As the newsprint was unfolded I was in hopes there would be a headline or some indication of a date.  I felt sure it would be from the 1950's as the pattern's date was 1953. 

Sure enough...it was...Thursday, August 15, 1957 in Big Spring, Texas.

The JET Drive In Picture Show's Feature Movie that night was

FUZZY PINK NIGHTGOWN staring Jane Russell

But what everyone was waiting for started on Friday night.



TEENAGE REBEL starring Ginger Rogers and Michael Renne

Recommended For Everybody...Except

Adults with a Guilty Conscience!

I was 10 years old...my parents did not have a guilty conscience...yet!

Switching Sewing Settings To Stretch Stitch

For years my Janome's settings have been for sewing on COTTON fabrics. That's what quilters sew on pretty much exclusively, and that's what I've been sewing since the early 1990's.

I've been taking a long break from piecing and quilting, but I won't go so far as to say I'm over it.  After so many years of owning a quilt shop and all that goes with it, giving it up is not easy.  So I hang on to all my quilting stuff except the Longarm Machine.  It's gone, but I know where I can find it if need be.

For awhile now, I've been on a Bag Binge.  Putting together a bag is not too different from making quilts in that the machine setup stays the same with switching out a couple of feet and the walking foot.  My 'Cotton Stash' gets used as well as a collection of denims, ducks, upholstery and drapery fabrics, and bags are easy, quick and fun to make as well as good sellers in my Booth at the First Saturday Chicken Farm Art Center.

Lately, the urge to make clothes has captured my interest again.  I say again since clothes sewing was where it all began.

 I talked about my sewing life back in the 1960's and how it has played such an important role throughout my life. 

You can read some of those post in the Re-Run of AtoZ Challenge 2015...HERE.  One post in particular kind of brings me full circle....Patterns, Predictions and Perspectives.

In that post, I quoted my Mother as having said, "Sue, you can't play basketball forever, but you can sew for the rest of your life."  Aren't Mother's smart?

I gave up Basketball so long ago I now can't remember when I last dribbled, but I do know that basketball's court, rules, and uniforms have changed drastically from the days when girls played half court.   Okay, that'll do...I don't want to put off the next and the next generations of my 'Sewing Readers' who hopefully, see me as a '21st Century Tech Savy Sewist' rather than a 'Dark Ages Dribbler'.

Which brings me to 'Switch Sewing Settings To Stretch Stitch'...finally you say!  Yes, finally, and what a transition it is when switching from woven cotton's to stretch fabrics like, lycra, jersey, knits and many polyester blends.  By the way, I am not talking about the 1970's and 1980's Polyester Double Knits...I won't go there with that stashed and stored collection.

As shown in the above photo there are a few key settings to make on your sewing machine...

~#1...refer to your machine's instruction book.  I know...if all else fails, read the instructions...believe me I know about that little wise crack first hand.
~#2...set your STITCH choice to the Stretch Stitch.  Mine is in Mode 1, Stitch #6.
~#3...change your NEEDLE to a Ball Point.  Keep in mind the bigger the number the bigger the eye and the less likely the thread will shred and break.  The stretch stitch makes lots of tiny stitches and the faster you stitch increases the chances for shredding and breaking. 
~#4...set your speed regulator to medium or adjust your speed with the foot pedal.
~#5...adjust your stitch length and width.  My MC6600 is so smart...it auto sets and will only allow so much adjusting.  It says 3.0 and 2.5 are the maximum.
~#6...adjust the FOOT PRESSURE setting.  This allows for slippery fabrics to feed smoothly and efficiently through the feed dogs...you know the two rows of teeth that bite gently and push the fabric forward as each stitch is made.  Remember....Do NOT pull on stretch fabric as it stitches....you will end up with a pucker stretch stitched seam...let the machine do it's thing.

Tips and Techniques

~Use Clover's Wonder Clips instead of Pins...slippery fabrics slide apart when seaming together.  Pins like non-ball point needles, pierce stretch fabrics with a tendency to snag and leave a hole.

~Sew with the 'Stretch Stitch'...through all seams where garment will need to stretch.  example:  Tops...sleeves, under arm side seam down past bust line, neck;  Pants...WAIST band, front and back seams from top to crotch,  inseam from inner thighs to below knee, side seams from waist to below knee. 

~I often Switch to a Straight Stitch setting of 3.0 to 3.5 for sewing seams that are not going to need to stretch...example:  Pants...inner and outer side seams from the knee to the hem, hems.  Tops...loose fitting with flare from bust line down to the hem and the hem itself.

 

Wow...I really Stretched this post out, huh?  I've been sitting here so long I have puckers in my setting sitting seams....never mind...I'll just go stretch and sew.  How about you...are you ready to Switch Sewing Settings to Stretch Stitching?

Spring Sewing Stuff Makes Tea Towel Aprons

I daresay much of our nation is ready for spring and the end of the 'Polar Vortex' that is spinning out of control with record breaking snowfall.  Why we even got a smattering of  the powdery stuff a few days ago here in West Texas.  It was gone by noon.

I find myself repeating the same sentence after watching the national weather news...."I'm so glad I live in Texas."  I promise you, I would be the biggest 'Weather Whiner' in Boston or anywhere on the East Coast these last few months. 

In fact, I feel a little guilty getting out my Springy Sewing Stuff, but it is necessary for several reasons.  First of all, I have only two more weeks to get ready for my booth at the Chicken Farm Art Center.  That will be the first Saturday in March...on the 7th. Secondly, I am always ready for WARM weather...again feeling guilty because we have had some unusually warm days for February. 

I may be a little ahead of myself and having a day of wishful thinking.  Spring Sewing Stuff has a way of making that happen.  However, since I've started, I will keep on keeping on and count the days down until March 20th...First Day of Spring.  By then I should have my stash of Aunt Martha's Flour Sack Tea Towels transformed into Sue's Springtime Aprons.

Thank-you Aunt Martha for making these premium Tea Towels already sized and hemmed...perfect for the A-line style Apron.  Yep, it is two cuts, two casings, one pocket, one tie, a couple of trims and twenty minutes or so...and...TaDa...Tea Towel Apron.

For Medium and Small Apron I use the 28x28 Towels.  For Large Apron the 33x38 towel.

 

Crochet Baby Blanket Edgings On Fleece With Yarn + Quick Tute

It's a TwoFer One Project.  Yep, from one yard of  a baby print fleece I can get two baby blanket tops which I back with one yard of a coordinating solid.  It is a win-win winter blanket deal when there is a Winter Fleece Fest Sale.

For this post, I am sharing one of the ways I like to finish fleece.  It's totally a NO SEW project that requires tools from a quilters studio.  I will list those at the end of this post.

But first, the finishing crocheted edges and the baby yarns.  They are so sweet.

The Key to making this a NO SEW project is the Skip-Stitch Rotary Blade!

Here's a Quick Tute!

~Layer print fleece right side up on solid back right side down...layer will be one yard cut by width (most fleece 60").

~With Rotary Cutter and long Rotary Ruler on Rotary Mat...cut layered 36"x60" piece in half....set one layer aside.

~Trim selvages and square up all around...keeping layers together with sharp even edges.  Piece will measure approximately 35"x 30".

~If your MAT is large enough avoid picking up piece and disturbing the layers.  If using a smaller mat...pick up carefully and set edges together...a little extra fullness is okay when smoothed to the inside.

~Place your Ruler 1/2 inch from the edge.  Using the Skip-Stitch Blade Rotary Cutter...start off the mat and run cutter along the 1/2 inch margin .  You may have to move ruler forward to complete the cut off the opposite edge...DO NOT PICK UP the Rotary Cutter.  If you do be sure to place it back in the last hole to maintain even space of holes.

~Repeat on all four sides.   Before picking up off mat use safety pins to secure the layers together...an inch or so from the edge every four or five inches apart.  This holds the layers and holes together so crochet needle will poke through both layers evenly.



Quilters Tools

Large Rotary Cutting Mat (Amazon example below)

Long Rotary Cutting Acrylic Ruler (Amazon example below)

Rotary Cutter with Straight Cutting Blade (Amazon example below)

Rotary Cutter with Skip-Stitch Blade (example photo above)

(blade can be switched with straight blade if you don't have two Rotary Cutters)

 

Crochet needle...I use size G-6 4.25MM

Baby Yarn or Sport Weight

 

Skip-Stitch Rotary Blade...Website

Staying Current with BackInThe Day Love of Crochet

Love of Crochet....kind of says it all doesn't it?  And what lover of crochet can resist at least taking a peak at their offers of great savings and latest patterns?  Not me...a Lover of Crochet since I first picked up a 'J' hook and enough Red Heart acrylic yarn to make a 'Groovy Poncho'.  That would have been about 1968-69.  That same 'J' hook and Red Heart yarn whipped through a number of afghans and whatever was trending in the magazines that circulated through my mailbox.

Although my Love of Crochet may have waned for a number of years, it remained my favorite yarn medium.   I thought for awhile I could be a master knitter, but socks got the better of my ability to master making two of a kind.  On top of that, the One of Kind projects always seemed to have two of a kind parts...sleeves...right and left fronts.  I have baskets of sweater backs with one sleeve and right fronts.

My best knitting projects were shawls made with jumbo sticks  and patterns that promised a Shawl In A Day.  I actually fell for that 'Sue, You Can DoIt' come on.  Three hundred sixty-five days later I would still be working on the Day Shawl and counting the dozen or so 'J' Hooked ones I had completed in the same three hundred and sixty-five days.  I fessed up to this procrastinated promise in The Sabbath Shawl post. 

So here I am returning to my Crochet Roots and the everlasting Love of Crochet.  Yep, it's an Afghan!  Do I need another blanket?  NO! 

You know this means that all the downsizing of yarn, books, bags and tools over the last year was all for naught!  Yep, I'm pretty sure I donated The Great Afghan Book to Goodwill, and I know for sure I once owned a copy of The complete Book of Knitting and Crochet.

Shoot, the Afghan book is probably THE ONE I donated.  It's okay, I only paid a dime to get it back.

The Rippling Ridges pattern?  It was FREE in Love of Crochet's 'We Miss You' subscription renewal letter that showed up in my mailbox just when I was wanting a Crochet Afghan pattern to make up my new stash of Bernat On Sale Super Saver Skeins in those Trendy Colors.  Sorry, I'm not only back to my 1960's Crochet Roots, but back to 'rambling'...again.  What's next? 

You guessed it....I went for the Love of Crochet come on...'We Want You Back'. 

I just love getting that magazine in the mail. 

Besides I gotta have 'FREE Pattern #2'.

Mid-January Yarn-Knitting-Crochet Needs

About this time last year...post Knit/Crochet Christmas Frenzie...if anyone had asked what are you knitting or crocheting, I would have answered NOT ONE THING!  There was more reasons behind that than just the 'OverDoSue' thingy.  One was the warning from my chiropractor...neck and shoulder all knitted knotted up.  Then there was the Yarn-A-Rama UseIt or LoseIt.  I Used It...or Shared It down to a few baskets.  So proud of myself for sticking to my 'Needles' and using what I had on hand...the shelves...the baskets...the bags!

 

So what's the problem, Sue?  Well, I'm having a 'Need to Knit/Crochet' attack, and my Stash has dwindled down to nearly nothing.  If you believe that, I think George Straight still has some ocean front property in Arizona for sale.  Whatever!  At any rate, I have learned to pay attention to my Inner Yarn Voice when it starts unraveling and getting on my last frayed nerve.

 

I'm going to be fine.  I fixed the fraying. 

IT WAS ON SALE. 

It is BERNAT.

I SAVED more than I SPENT!

And, I have learned from experience not to OverDoKnitting. 

On top of that I have taken to heart Erma Bombecks quote.

"Learning how to knit was a snap.

It was learning how to stop that nearly destroyed me."

Of course we all know learning how to knit was and is not a snap...

I don't care if she is Erma Bombeck.

Wordless Wed...Ancestor Chirugeons

In My Family Tree there were two 'Chirugeons.'

And no, they weren't Tree Surgeons!

Their story on 52 Ancestors Weeks Challenge 2015...#2 Theme 'King'.

Two Chirugeons~One For King~One for Colony

 

My PlanAhead Planner...Plus Improved Paperclips

From Day One , I've had a plan on How I Plan To Do Everything In 2015.  Here it is Day 10 and I am in 'Shock and Awe'...I am actually doing what I planned.  Thumbs Up, please.

Before I break my arm patting myself on the back, you should know that I've had HELP!  In the form of a PlanAHead monthly/Weekly Planner book.

Now before you say, 'Aw, that's no biggie'...let me 'wax poetic' about the New School Updates of the 2015 calendar.

Yes, it has the usual Tabs, Calendars, References, Holidays and so forth.  The 2015 PlanAheader truly plans for the 21st Century Hi-Tech user.  Yep, it plans for your credit cards to get hacked with a section for your Lost/Hacked Card's info and number to call when it happens.  Right after that it has your Accountants info and phone number, and right after that....your Lawyer's info.  How great is that!!! 

In addition there is a section for all of your 'Household' important numbers like Electricity, Water, Trash and your Alarm System provider who you would only be able to call from your Smart Phone in the event the electricity goes out or get's shut off or heaven forbid, there is a gas leak...in which case you would want to make a note not to use your Smart Phone near the gas leak for fear of setting off a chain reaction of events that would involve your Emergency numbers, Insurance contacts, Mortgage carrier, SS Disability Counselor, and LAWYER.  KEEP your PlanAHeader on your person at all times!  (fyi...that was another blogger ramble...explanation HERE).

I'm not finished waxing...there's more.  Get this...the 'Address Section' no longer refers to your family members as family.  They are 'CONTACTS' with spaces for their CELL and EMAIL.  I have to LOL at this as it reminded me of the entry I would have had to enter for my Mother's cell phone...CELL PURSE.

And finally the last Wax Job...pages for your WEBSITES with Login...Password and Notes. 

Hmmmm, I hesitate to wax very poetic about this feature.  I'll let you decide if in the event the electricity goes off, your Security Alarmist is not alarmed, your book is burglarized, or you drop dead from the thought that all of your Logins and Passwords are recorded in your PlanAHeader and you either forgot where you hid it from yourself or it's open on your desk for easy access for Who,What, When and Where you Plan To Do Everything In 2015....you decide if you want to fill in that section.  (fyi...that was mega-ramble).

So, I'm pretty pumped about my 2015 PlanAHeader, and even though not much is going on in January, I have made a big deal note about the 20th with my New School Tabbed Paper clips.  I just love NewSchool/NewOffice supplies.  Really...how do they think of a 'better paper clip'?

If you haven't gotten your 2015 PlanAHead Calendar/Everything Book, you might want to take a look at one I found on Amazon.  It's a Mega Planner, and if I were still a Teacher, it's the one I would love to fill in.  I'm thinking seriously about it for 2016 just because it's so cool and I plan to be Wiser.

 

 

'R' Is for 'RunRightOver'

It is NO Secret that I am sometimes Directionally Challenged.

It's the main reason I couldn't get hired on at the local CHEVRON Gas Station,

that and the smell of gasoline made me puke!

They (being HiHoney (husband) and his Brother David...owners of said Station) wouldn't even let me be a

window washer or cashier for fear that someone would ask me for directions.

If only I had these nifty directional pins back then.

Now that I think about it, I probably did....have them...just didn't realize what they were for. You see,  they were a Door Prize and such a surprise that I immediately put them away for using on something extra special.  I mean look at that neat box and the pins were wrapped in cellophane and the whole thing was well.....just too fancy and new fangled.  There, I've admitted my fear of the 'New Fangled' anythings!  

Whew, I feel better.  I bet you had no idea this post would turn out to be QuiltPsycho101. 

There's THREE reasons why I am finally getting them out to use.

#1.  New Years Resolution...Use It or Lose It

Yep, in 2013 there will be no more PackRatting of Fabric and Notion Stashes.

There will be MORE Embroidery Machine and Serger Useage.

#2.  The Winter White Friendship Exchange IS an Extra Special Event.

...just justifying...

#3.  I've gotten over Fancy New Fangled Fear.

And, I had to figure out what these Arrowed-Lettered Pins had to do with Quilting! 

At first I thought the 'R' stood for 'RunRightOver'.

I mean, have you ever seen a skinner pin that you could sew right over and not break a needle?

Then I noticed that the ARROW was pointing to the RIGHT.

OMG...the 'L' Arrow points LEFT.

Eureka...the 'D' is pointing DOWN and the 'U'...how obvious, Sue!

 See, I told you I was Directionally Challenged!

 Ya know, it's amazing how getting over Fancy NewFangled Fear has helped in the
piecing of these Beacon Light Blocks for the
Winter White Friendship Exchange.
You might want to RunRightOver them, too!

WinterWhite Blocks 1-2-3...Take A Peek!!!

Here it is time to be thinking about what to do in the New Year 2013...now that we have made it past the

 Mayan Calendar DoomsDay Drama!

I'm so glad to still be here...on Earth, in Texas and in Blogland...aren't you?

If you aren't in Texas, but in snow covered Canada, like Lee from LaLa's Lovelys, then perhaps you might want to visit Texas right now.

 

It's a bit cold...40ish this a.m....but no SNOW, none in sight, and no below freezing temps in the forecast....EVER.

 

Anyway, snow or no snow, I am happily piecing the Winter White Friendship Blocks in my NOW warm Sewing/Quilting/Knitting Etc Studio.  Since I added QuiltAntiFreeze in there, it's been nice and toasty.  Check the post below for the QuiltAntiFreeze Formula...I promise if you are a quilter in a drafty sewing room...this formula is for you.

 

Now, about Blocks 1-2-3!  Yep, I'm doing a Gallery of Twelve Blocks from Around The BLOCK Again by Judy Hopkins.  You might think this is an indicator that 'OverDoSue' has had an attack of  'OverDoArexia', and that's probably part of it, but mostly it has to do with my New Year's Resolution for 2013...mentioned in Winter Whites and Icy Blues In FabricLand.

Beacon Lights is the name of Blocks 1-2-3, and the three Units are ready for their quarter inch seaming together.  You'll notice in the top photo that my Janome 6500 MeanPiecingMachine has a SnapOn Quarter Inch Foot...it's ALWAYS SnappedOn.  If you don't have a Quarter Inch Piecing Foot, HERE's an alternative method for piecing a quarter inch seam. 

 

Beacon Lights Blocks 1-2-3 look pretty COOL COLD, don't you think?  Just wait til you see the COOL finishing touch....it's not just COOL-COLD, but Sparkly/Snowy COOL!

 

Winter Whites and Icy Blues In FabricLand

 I know this is an ODD Christmas Eve post. 

Normally there would be RED and GREEN all over the place with last minute finishing up GIFTS,

 putting on my Christmas Apron, and all the kitchen cooking and baking.

That's going to happen today too.....later!  Yep, I'm setting aside Christmas Eve to get a head start on the

Winter White Friendship Block Exchange! 

 It's been a very long time since I participated in an InterNet Quilt Block Swap.

As a matter of fact, it was in 1998 and all about a Christmas Quilt. 

 I posted about it this month...Favorite Holiday Treats-Both Tasty and Tasteful.

Anyway, I couldn't wait to go through my Winter White and Icy Blue Stash

for just the right fabrics for the Blocks I will be making.

 Really, it's not too early to get started...the deadline for Swapping is January 20th.

Now, I don't want to come off as 'OverDoSue', but when you have a Super Stash of

Fabric, Thread, Patterns, Machines, EtcEtcEtc and a New Years Resolution of

Use It or Lose It

You gotta get with the 'USE IT' program.

Besides, Using It is Sew Much FUN FUN FUN!

And since it looks like there's NOT going to be a Blue Norther to blow in an

Icy Blue White Christmas here in Texas...I'll just make up my own!

Linking To:

Smiling Sally's Blue Monday