Bittersweet and the little soap company

HABERDASHER NO. 1, ENID APRON

 
I'm finally adding some of the Haberdasher line to the Bittersweet web site. Sorry it took so long. Since I've received several requests for the "Enid Apron" I've listed her first.

I have a few made and more ready to be cut and sewn so if I get a large order there will be a waiting period of approximately 2 weeks before shipment of more. I will let you know when you place your orders.

The Enid is by far one of my favorite aprons! She has simple clean lines and it's more than a thrill to sewthe Aunt Enid inspired aprons. Knowing they will be hanging in friends kitchens is an even bigger thrill, thank you in advance.

The trim varies on each Enid as does the little removable bow. A variety of cotton calico is used for both. Washing instructions are included on the tag.

I'll be posting Enid updates on our Face Book page.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Vintage Patterns...

Finally, it's died down a bit around here, and I can show you my recent flea market finds.

I have to say, when I spotted these, my eyes grew large and my heart skipped a beat! They are from my favorite era, the twenty's, and I believe some of the very first made of their kind♥

Aren't they grand? Although tattered and torn, a treasured find for me. I have not opened them to see if the pieces are complete, but if they are, I plan to make a couple of the simple days gone by dresses in cotton muslin. I love cotton muslin! Have I told you that before? probably...

I was disappointed when the flea market vendor told me she had more but the early buyers purchased them. She said the buyer did not intend to make the dresses, just sit them in a basket:( Although I was sad to hear such news, I too was happy I had the two packets of vintage patterns. At $3 dollars each, a great deal too!

I'm going to put on my sketchers and go for a early morn walk. I'ts unseasonably cool and cloudy, but a walk will do me good.

Enjoy caring and sharing spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)
 

Creative Twist

As much as I love the Pinnie styled apron and its clean lines and practicality, I too am finding, the Ruffled Sassafras, a name I created for this retro 1970's pattern is calling out to me. Little did I realize when I picked up this pattern during my flea market travels, that I would enjoy its retro fluff and ruffled beauty to this extent. What is it about ruffles?

Yesterday when I began to dig through my archives of  fabric I soon  realized it was time once again to sort through the many different textiles, colors, textures, patterns, and do some reorganizing as well as an inventory of the fabric stash, not to mention my need for green creating.

It's hard to remember what fabric you have when it's piled high, bits and pieces tucked deep inside the piles. So with that in mind, in between taking breaks and making more Sassafras ruffles, I began the somewhat dreaded task of the green sorting. I haven't gotten very far with the project, as I have had  several intermissions, and a more than several iced coffee breaks just because it's not my favorite task.

I prefer this retro apron pattern with a contrasting pocket, rather than matching. So with that in mind I'm sorting out large yardage's of fabric and matching with small pocket snippets. The snippets are the bits and pieces that seem to disappear within my shelves of fabric.

I believe it's the fabric blends that make the final product stand out amongst the crowd.

I'm also realizing my mind, left brain, has taken on a recent twist in styles. My twist, an urge to create with a mix of retro and vintage , both styles timeless and complimentary.

I'm definitely influenced equally by both vintage and retro, and feel they both offer some sweet nostalgia in all my Bittersweet creations.

I really wasn't planning on making any more Sassy aprons any time soon, as I'm busy with so many different projects, but several of my customers have requested them at the Saturday Studio, so I aim to please!

So to my long time patrons, and customers both old and new, Sassafras aprons making their Summer debut exclusively at the Saturday Studio.

I'm sewing the day away my friends, and enjoying the creative twist, in between sorting a shelf or two, and looking for some RED HOT RETRO TEXTILES soon to be cut and sewn into a sassy Sassafras apron.

Enjoy caring and sharing Summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

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.