Bittersweet and the little soap company

Sewing It's Magical!

   

Last night I started digging around in my patten archives again. I am so taken in by these patterns of the 1930's. You may copy them if you wish, and use them. The attention to detail is beyond words, but yet simple and one page! I love them all!

I have this real problem with patterns you see. I cannot follow a pattern for the life of me! I have tried so many times, but each time it turns into a pattern disaster. I realize too they're not difficult to follow for most, but I believe when I try to read the pattern directions they suddenly become a over-sized page of mumbo jumbo to me.

Tomorrow I've invited sewing expert/friend, Sharon over to help teach me, and decipher a pattern I'm wanting to start working on. Oh Sharon, you will never know how much it means to me!

When my friend Gayle was alive, she was my expert seamstress/pattern instructor/sewing elf. She could sew anything, and I mean anything. We would set at the sewing machine for hours, and she would teach me little sewing techniques that utterly amazed me!

All of the sewing I do for Bittersweet is done by making my own patterns. Now for some reason I have know problem doing that. Don't figure!

It's so funny! I remember when I took home economics class in high school some ***years ago, and let's just say, sewing was not my favorite projects. Today, I love to sew! Again, don't figure!  I wish I would have paid more attention back then, I might have learned something.

I enjoyed Art, and woodworking. I made two coffee tables! Walnut I believe, and not to bad, if I say so myself!

Sewing...who needs it? I do! I do!

Setting down to a sewing machine offers spa like benefits for me. The entire sewing project is planned, and meticulous attention to detail is a must. Every little stitch the same from the last, although more mighty in numbers! Each step brings you closer to your finished work of art, and when completed, ah, a sigh of divine accomplishment!

The vintage patterns are a reminder of all that and more!

Sewing... It's magical!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

      

Vintage Pattern Fairy and memories of Gayle

Yesterday, a pattern fairy named Sharon brought this large selection of vintage apron patterns to me at the shop.

I plan to copy all of them with my friend Gayle's pattern tissue. What a great idea my friend Gayle had when she created her company "Thief River"! Her seamstress skills always fascinated me. This girlfriend could sew up a storm!

I on the other hand, had no sewing skills what so ever, but Gayle patiently worked with me on designing new things for Bittersweet. She helped me design the little bags that have been so popular over the years. Every time I sew a little bag now, my mind travels back to the days I spent sitting next to Gayle at her sewing machine helping teach me to make the little bags.

Your probably wondering why I'm using past tense when I talk about my dear, dear friend. Gayle passed away four years ago with breast cancer. I miss her so much! We became even closer friends as we grew older. I watched my friend struggle for seven years with this ugly disease. Not once,and I mean NEVER, did I hear her complain about anything. I grew even more respect for her during her illness, thinking to myself, I would be complaining every day I'm sure of it!

Gayle and I go way back too. We both dated twin brothers when I was around sixteen or so. We were together almost every day , and I never grew tired of  her extraordinary company.

I have a small inventory of my friends tissue paper that I sell in the boutique. Every time someone purchases a packet of "Thief River Tissue", my mind travels back to my lovely friend, and what a gift from GOD to have known such a wonderful human being.

My friend Gayle, another finger print of my life....

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

 

Vintage Inspiration 2

I'm continuing to dig through my pattern archives, and discovering more vintage inspiration. I love the little purse. The simplicity of the patterns is what I am particularly fond of.

The heat has returned to Liberty both yesterday and today. It will be a good day to stay indoors and continue rummaging through the patterns. I also have some beautiful old postcards I am going to dig out and share with you soon.

Today will be a potpourri day. A little this, a little that. Lot's of computer work and I need to make more Halloween Boxes. I can hardly wait to switch to the holiday stuff and start decorating the shop for Christmas. I was really getting into the fallish weather we were having, and now the heat has returned.

We have a saying here in Missouri. "If you don't like the weather, wait a couple of hours it will change"!

I have to admit, it's things that make my life a little more interesting. 

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Stuffie the little dog

Meet Stuffie the little dog.

He was hand made using a vintage 1964 pattern.

This little guy is stuffed full and I mean stuffed. I'm surprised he's not bursting at the seams.... I stuffed forever and ever----and------.

Transfer patterns are the greatest!

What is it about vintage patterns? I am impressed with the design and details. The little embroidered nose, mouth and eye, yes I said eye, only (1), one eye.

That might bother some, but I just think it adds to the authenticity..

What do you think?

Vintage Patterns

These are some of the patterns I'm working on now.