A Garden of Virtues

Today I sewed a wrap-around skirt from start to finish. At least the package didn't say anything about it being a two-hour project. It took me all day. After dinner I sat and hand-stitched the hem. I love it! For the first time, I truly love one of my projects. It is a full skirt made in lustrous metallic-shot pink fabric, the pattern from the 1970's. I bought it with the intention of making this skirt and also a doll princess dress. However I may have enough to make another dress for myself before starting on the doll clothes. Violette has been very quiet today. I must say that I think she looks fetching in her new underthings. They've grown on me. I was a little sore yesterday about them not turning out the way I wanted. In addition, I made another sale, possibly two, giving a possible $80 to my doll fund. What should I do with this money? My mind has been working at it all morning. I don't really want to buy clothes for my dolls anymore, because it just isn't f...

I spent all day making these! I guess I shouldn't admit that. Oh, my gosh, Violette, do you have any idea how I toiled for you? I burned my finger on the iron while pleating the yellow lace, I sewed the wrong side to the right side, I had to re-make the drawers entirely after cutting them down too short at the crotch. Violette is 14" high and this pattern was made for a 14" doll, so why was it so huge? Was there something wrong with me for believing that I could make Violette clothes from this pattern? Well, reader, I was very frustrated. I am not a good doll seamstress, and I toil because it makes me feel tender to see my dollies wearing clothes I have made for them.    I like the color combination I picked in truth. The yellow lace and beige fabric actually matches her coloring well.   I think my pleating idea executed well. My intention was to try to learn to make doll clothing from scrap fabrics and trim, giving them a certain randomness. However what I wanted...

Amanda's day . . . We slept in a little while. I made a pot of coffee from the Southern Pecan I brought with us and drank it throughout the day. After I had seen Nathan off, I started on my sewing. I hemmed six napkins while I watched Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park. It was heaven to sew in a leisurely way while watching intermittently. I am watching the BBC movies, and I love the costumes. The fabrics and trim are so gorgeous as are the colors and textures. I grew restless and wanted to work on something clothes-related, so I cut out a bonnet and apron pattern from those I brought and placed patterns on fabrc and thought for a good while but haven't cut out anything for the bonnet yet. It is so wonderful to be able to work without worrying about the time, about going to bed or getting things ready for work the next day. This is the most wonderful vacation I can imagine. I cut out some pieces for a chemise and bloomers for Violette. I think they will be adorable, and I...