Busy Day

Hmmmm, it was the sunday before Easter.  Matt and I had  just started attending mass at St. Michael's. This church is much closer than St. Pius and we wanted to support the local church. I was sitting in the pew thinking of the things I used to do in my home town parish, Holy Angels. Suddenly Fr Gregg was standing next to me talking to the lady in front. They were discussing the decor he wanted for Easter. Once he left I took the chance of asking if she would like some help. She was not sure how to do what he wanted.

I made a phone call and got some old barn wood and had Matt make a big cross, from that we hung the white stole for Easter. It was just what he wanted. The rest was left to the women of the parish. It was a free for all when it came to setting up for Easter. I just stood back and let it all happen. Being the new kid on the block I did not want to upset anyone by telling them what to do. There were just too many women making decisions and you could tell. Nothing was co ordinated.

Should I try again? Yes, I called Peggy to ask about Pentacost. She had not even thought about it. One thing I know is that you work ahead by one feast day or season. So immediately I started to make the Pentacost Banners. Finding the right font and making the letters was the first step. Finding the fabric was the next step. Sewing the letters on the final step of banner one. I've been working slowly on banner 2 this one has the dove, fire and 12 long flames representing the 12 apostles. This has been a challenge to do alone.

While doing these two banners I've been wondering what to do about Advent. Nothing like thinking ahead.  I'm thinking of " Prepare Ye The Way" with angels playing horns or harps. Seems pretty ambitious. Looking for angels should start now.

Needless to say, I've been very busy with church projects. Not that it interferes with my dress making. I've made 2 sets and have one more to complete. this one little dress has been a good sell.

Amazing

What happened to my goal? Truly, there was a desire to write on a daily basis or at least a couple times a week. Sadly that has not happened. Why? Well because I have been so busy filling orders for little dresses.

One order was sent to my girl friend in Springfield, NV. Amazing was my only reaction when she called to thank me. She was crying, trying to talk and I listened in amazement. She just kept talking about how cute it was, the details and so much more. There have been many dresses in the past that I've enjoyed making and praising myself for the good job. This set was a step above what I've done in the past. My husband just kept looking at it, touching it and checking out the lace, ruffles and the dainty little flowers that were here and there making everything come together. The bonnet was especially cute, the baby's name was embroidered on the bib and the tiny little diaper cover was sooooo cute. I chose to use the softest fabric I could find with a dainty pink pattern. The background was white and the pink print has tiny hearts on little vines. In my area there are only two stores to buy pretty trims, Jo Ann Fabrics  & Hancock Fabrics. Would you believe me, when I say I could not find any pink trim to match the fabric? So I just had to design my own and it came out much cuter than anything out there.  The pattern I used is a 1950 Butterrick design. Now why don't I post a picture? Well dummy me wanted to send this right out to her and I did. The next day I realized no picture had been taken.

Before mailing this beautiful set I just had to show it to my friend Joyce. Much to my amazement she ordered two sets.  One set is almost finished, just need to do the buttons. Tomorrow I'll start the second set.

The one thing I've learned is that the patterns from decades before now, have many steps. Today's patterns have been streamlined and that is nice. Now, that I've sewn with both I must admit the old way is better. Ruffles are tedious and time consuming. So I bought a ruffler to speed up the process. Guess what? I don't like it. For one thing you can't adjust it once it is sewn. Well I couldn't. The other thing is that I believe that too much fabric is wasted. So the old way is the better way.

Anyone out there having problems with Continuous Laps? Well find an old pattern and read the detailed instructions and you'll be a pro from the get go. I can't tell you how frustrating that little process was to complete. For some reason I just could not get it. Now I put them in without even thinking about it. Simple, like zippers.

So have a wonderful day.