THE DOMESTIC DIVA’S DISASTERS™

Reposted from Sew Mama Sew as I cannot figure out how to add the darn button to the sidebar…ugh!

 

Are you ready for Handmade Holidays?

Posted October 31st, 2007 by Beth on SEW MAMA SEW

It’s started. You know what we’re talking about: Christmas trees in department stores, not-so-subtle ads everywhere, a deluge of catalogs and the nagging feeling that you should get to work and at least think about holiday gifts. We have the answer for holiday gift-giving this year, or at least the inspiration and a few (100+) tools to help you get it done. We’re thrilled to present, starting tomorrow, our Sew,Mama,Sew! Handmade Holidays: 30 Days of Gifts to Sew!

Each day in November focuses on a particular theme; we will provide great resources and inspirational ideas for sewing holiday gifts. Every week throughout November we’ll also offer two $25 gift certificates to Sew,Mama,Sew! Winners will be randomly selected from all comments posted on the blog in the previous week.

Please help us spread the news about Handmade Holidays. Feel free to add our button to your blog or website (see below) and please enjoy our sneak peek at the themes below. Visit daily, find your creative muse and enjoy Handmade Holidays!

Sew,Mama,Sew! Handmade Holidays: 30 Days of Gifts to Sew
November 1 ~ Aprons
November 2 ~ Pincushions & Pins
November 3 ~ For the House
November 4 ~ Lunch Bags
November 5 ~ Tote Bags
November 6 ~ Blankets for Baby
November 7 ~ For your Purse or Pocket
November 8 ~ Whimsy
November 9 ~ Fabric Ornaments
November 10 ~ Ties and Belts
November 11 ~ Reading & Writing
November 12 ~ For the Table
November 13 ~ Placemats
November 14 ~ Kids’ Clothes
November 15 ~ Warm those Toes
November 16 ~ Gifts for the Crafter
November 17 ~ Purses
November 18 ~ For Baby
November 19 ~ Tech Gifts
November 20 ~ Gifts for Organization
November 21 ~ Pillows
November 22 ~ Fun for Hair
November 23 ~ Soft Toys & Games
November 24 ~ Sachets
November 25 ~ For the Kitchen
November 26 ~ Embellishments
November 27 ~ Gifts for Warmth
November 28 ~ Drawstring Bags
November 29 ~ Fabric Boxes
November 30 ~ Gift Compilations

We respect the copyright of all crafters.
All links and photos from blogs on our Handmade Holidays posts are used with permission.

Code for button:

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How cool is that?!!!

I’m going to attempt several of the above projects.  Sounds like lots of people will be getting home sewn gifts this year…woo hoo!

House on the Hill mentioned assembly line sewing the other day.  Thought I’d share the method I’ve been using for quite some time now as it is a major time saver.

Here’s how I do it when making a button down shirt:

• Fold fabric selvage to selvage.
• Layer additional fabrics on top of each other (up to 6 different fabrics) lining them all up at the folded edge (non-selvage edge).
• Lay pattern pieces out.
• Trace pattern pieces onto top fabric with a contrasting Sharpie™ marker (it won’t soak through to the bottom layer, so no worry about ruining your cutting surface).
• Remove pattern pieces.
• Cut out pattern using either a manual or electric rotary cutter.  Note:  I usually will trace and cut the largest size first.  I pull 2 of them off the pile (my largest size) and  then trace/cut the next size down.  Pull another 2 off the pile and so forth until I’m left with my smallest size.
• Repeat cutting sequence for Interfacings.
• Interface necessary pattern pieces (collars and facings).
• Embroider any pieces necessary.
• Sew all small pieces (collars, pockets, tabs and cuffs).
• Topstitch small pieces.
• Put small pieces aside.
• Sew shoulder seams and topstitch.
• Attach small pieces (collars, pockets and tabs).
• Attach sleeves and topstitch.
• Sew side seams.
• Hem.

Presto…multiple items!

Baby Gift Complete

Embroidered some more baby boy bibs.

Several of the bibs are “tax” themed as Mr. Diva™ is Little Jake’s parents’ CPA…haha!

Done!  2 Minky blankets, 9 bibs, 8 burp cloths and of course, a Yankee bottle!  I had wanted to embroidery a few onesies, but finally decided to end this insanity and move onto the next 3 baby gifts I need to do.

Happy Halloween

Wishing you lots of candy!

Ok…now I’m craving Caramel Apples.  Unfortunately, Capt N Crunch with Crunch Berries will have to suffice…drats!  Well, at least I found the original Crunch Berries this week…not the stupid pirate shaped ones they’ve been selling lately.

Speaking of Halloween…I was clever this year and purchased Glow Light Bracelets for the little Trick or Treaters and the rotten teenagers who ring my bell at 9pm.  Note to self:  Be smarter than your neighbors once again this year and make sure you take care of the teenagers…they will smash your pumpkins all over your sidewalk if you don’t (not to mention, wrap toilet paper all around your shrubs and steal your Halloween display of tombstones and cleavers if you run out of treats).

I’ve resisted purchasing Halloween candy as I usually have to restock several times before the Trick or Treaters arrive as I will eat it all if left around.  I’ll go get some candy right before they show up at my doorstep.

oh and I made a Scary Hand Bowl to terrorize the greedy children…

Figured while Mr. Diva™ enjoys a lovely morning (which turns into an afternoon) of Bowling with his buddies, I’d do a little shopping for everyone…

Enter my fantasy world…

Everyone needs one of these, if only to poke your significant other in the eye:

Sterling Silver Awl with Adjustable Slide

This is such a cool tool…a Measuregraph–it measures how many yards of fabric are on the bolt without unrolling it:

Vintage Measuregraph on Ebay

Another Vintage Bakelite Measuregraph

Now this is one handy apparatus…a Tailor’s Tackmaster.  In order to mark 2 pieces of material, it is usual to tack the 2 pieces together by hand and then to cut the thread between them. This is tedious work.  Luckily, the Tailor’s Tackmaster permits rapid execution of this work.

Vintage Tailor’s Tackmaster

Could someone please tell me why the current bid on this Tell City Chair Co. Sewing Station is at $266?  Yes, it’s cute, but?

Vintage Tell City Chair Co. Sewing Station

Now here’s an awesome blue sewing caddy filled with notions (including a pair of Vintage Wiss Scissors).  I’m sure my buddy, Amy of Love My April, would just love it for her new blue sewing room:

Vintage Blue Sewing Caddy with Notions

Even though I don’t knit, perhaps my friend, Jen of Olive’s Pearls, might like these.  Yes, I know they are not Ebony with Hand Cultured Pearls, but they’ll have to suffice:

Vintage Tortoise Shell Knitting Needles

Check this out…a Vintage Plaiter.  With the help of a hot iron this plaiter allows the user to make box, oak leaf, rose, ruffle, flute, princess and other pleats.  Wonder why they just didn’t call it a PLEATER?  Guess that would make too much sense.

Vintage Simplicity Plaiter

If you make collared shirts, this is a must–a Dritz June Tailor’s Folding Tailor Board.  New, they go for about $30…this one on Ebay is a steal:

Vintage Tailor’s Board

Another Vintage Tailor’s Board

Ooooh….look at this wire dress form!  It’s not vintage, but it’s SWEET!

60″ Wire Dress Form

Here’s a lovely adjustable wire dress form:

Adjustable Wire Dress Form

Ok, don’t laugh…but I am so jonesing for a real steam press…only problem is this would require an expensive boiler set-up (much like your local dry cleaners).  This would surely send Mr. Diva into a tizzy if this showed up at my door:

Commercial Steam Press

Anyone need their own little sweatshop?  Heck, it’s only $47,000:

Complete Sewing Business

I’ve never seen one of these…a 4 row Ruffler!  It’s killing me as it’s located just 10 minutes from me…ugh!

Attach 4 rows of Ruffles at a time!

How cute is this?

Vintage Portable Featherlite PINK Sewing Machine

Oh my goodness…ain’t she a beauty?!

Sewmore Vintage PINK and Gray Sewing Machine

Since I’m on a tatting DIET, it’s all yours:

Vintage Blue Tatting

As always, feel free to buy me any of these wonderful goodies…I’ll even pay shipping.  And if you do buy them for yourself you selfish brat, don’t you dare tell me.

Happy Sewing Sunday!

Finally wrapped up my Breast Cancer Awareness SWAP gifts for my recipient.  I found the coolest pink mylar boxes, embroidered some fabric letters, tied a tulle bow and stuck on my magic Diva wands.  Can’t show you what’s inside just yet…it’s a surprise.  But let’s just say we had to spell out B C A…and all items have to benefit one of the many Breast Cancer foundations.  Hope my recipient likes it…

especially since my hands are now stained hot pink from the mylar tissue I used to stuff inside the boxes…ugh.  So much for that manicure I got the other day…LOL.

Flickr is so PINK this month

Came across some of the coolest PINK photos in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month…

Hope you’re having a great weekend!

Seems WordPress wouldn’t let me post it all together…so hence, I give you Part 2…

Gifts for the Home

Martha Stewart’s Quilted Stocking

Christmas Stocking from About.com

Another Christmas Stocking

Debbie Mumm Stockings

Fancy Boot Stocking

Heirloom Christmas Stocking from Sewing.org

Christmas Tree SKIRT from Sewing.org

Christmas Tree SKIRT from About.com

Mantel Scarf from Sewing.org

Holiday Fleece Throw Blanket from Sewing.org

Silk Tree Ornaments

Personalized Placemats from Sewing.org

Felt Monogrammed Pillow from J. Caroline Creative

 

Pillowcase from J. Caroline Creative

Picture Pillow

Ribbon Towels from J. Caroline Creative

Mason Jar Covers from Sewing.about.com

Insulated Teapot Cozy

Martha Stewart’s Quilted Coasters

Gift Tag Holders

An embroidery machine comes in handy this time of year…you can personalize (monogram) EVERYTHING (even store-bought items in an effort to save time).

Happy Sewing!

Figured I’d give you all an early start with some holiday sewing ideas.  It’s not like I’ll get to doing them myself anytime soon…KWIM?  LOL…

Gifts for Kids

Back Seat Vehicle Organizer from About.com

Insulated Lunch Bags

Fur Muff from Sewing.org

Locker Pocket

Soft Baby Blocks

Fleece Hats

Puppet Washcloths

Stadium Blanket

Tic Tac Toe Game

Felt Checkers Game

ABC Pillow

Superhero Cape

Roll-Up Pencil Case

Fabulous Fur Headband

Hooded Towel from Sewing.about.com

Doll Sleeping Bag

Suede iPod Case

Felt Laptop Bag

Gifts for Him

Men’s Bi-Fold Wallet

Photo Bookmarks

Serger Robe from Sewing.org

Tool Wrap

Men’s Travel Bag

Remote Control Armchair Organizer from Sewing.about.com

BBQ Apron from About.com

Gifts for Her

Dish Soap Apron from About.com

 

Tissue Holder from About.com

Checkbook Cover from About.com

Cell Phone Case

Apron by J. Caroline Creative

Sewing Room Accessories

Glamorous Gloves

 

Elegant Shawl

Velvet Clutch Bag from J. Caroline Creative

Photo Albums from J. Caroline Creative

Photo Album

Sachets

Organza Sachets

Lavender Eye Masks

Chic Velvet Bag

Tiered Peasant Skirt from J. Caroline Creative

Fur Shrug from Haberman Fabrics

Broomstick Skirt from Ericas.com

Heart Pillow from About.com

Martha Stewart’s Felt Slippers

Eyeglass Case from Sewing.About.com

Gifts for Pets

Dog Bed

Hemp Dog Collar

Jenny Kitchen’s Dog Dress

Cat Mat

Cat Nip Mouse

Enjoy!

Just fine…you can all stop whispering behind my back after my CAT confession the other day…ok…I like kittens, but that’s as far as I’ll go.

But not to worry, everything is good in my world–Jesse Metcalfe is making an appearance on Desperate Housewives next week!  Not to mention, I found 4 new baby Koi in my pond this morning…YIPPEE!!!!

Anyway, onto the shopping…

Feeding my Fabric Addiction

Another blogger had to mention the sale at Joann’s Fabrics this weekend.  As much as I tried to resist the urge, by Sunday afternoon I gave into my fabric addiction.  Honestly, I haven’t been to Joann’s in at least a month, if not more.  I used to visit Joann’s at least once a week.  Now  I buy most of my fabric up in Manhattan’s Fashion District.  Joann’s no longer holds the appeal it once did–Manhattan puts it to shame.  But there I was…

At $2 a yard, I bought a bunch of flannels for the 40 pair of lounge pants I’ll make for the kids on my Christmas list again this holiday.  Some PINK fabric for Marielle’s room redo (after I’ve spent a wad of cash to paint and accessorize the child’s room in Lavender, she now decides she wants hot PINK and Zebra…ugh):

Then some knits and denims for my boys’ clothing line…

And of course, I couldn’t pass up the 50% off on all threads:

At Sally’s

That’s what my Dad calls the Salvation Army…LOL!  Check out this sheet set I found:

Good Mail

Fabric I ordered in the beginning of July from one of the Yahoo coops FINALLY showed up in my mailbox:

 

Window Shopping on Ebay

Now onto the Imaginary Shopping (again, feel free to purchase me any of the following items):

This 1940s Lace Tablecloth is a beauty.  It took First Prize in the 1942 New Jersey State Fair!

Vintage Tatted Doily

Vintage Netted Bedspread…Oh My!!!

This beautiful 1930s PINK Needlerun Collar could easily be incorporated into a little girl’s wrap shirt:

What about some PINK cotton pintucks with lace insets?

I am drooling over this Vintage PINK Kenmore Sewing Machine.  It has an unusual elongated bobbin:

An even better find is this Vintage PINK Atlas Sewing Machine:

How precious–Vintage Silk Baby Shoes Pincushions:

WOW!  Look at this exquisite Tambour Net Lace:

 

The Never Ending Baby Gifts

Why is it taking me so long to finish these darn baby gifts?  Well, could be because I’ve messed up the embroidery several times and I am less than pleased with the way some of them came out.

I did manage to finish these embroidery burp cloths:

I was also able to whip up two snuggly baby blankets (I didn’t dare try to embroider these…LOL):

 

Think I’ll make at least 3 onesies and 3 bibs to go with the above baby gifts.  I’ve already created all the embroideries, but need to stitch them all out.

Still at the beginning stage is the blue silk dupioni baby jacket (pictured in a floral print on the cover of the book below) to match the Silk Baby Bottoms.  I’m having second thoughts about this pattern as the collar seems wrong.  I got the pattern from the Baby Couture book (and no, I don’t recommend buying this book–it’s one of the worst I’ve seen for children’s garment construction).

And finally…I need to finish the waist on this PINK pettiskirt (which matches one of the hand beaded onesies I made.  Got to see if I can find any pink silk in my stash:

Hope your day is marvelous!!!

Kim of The Darwin Exception send me an anniversary present:  a Seven Things about Me Meme…um, thanks?

Here are the rules which you must abide by if you are tagged:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

7 Facts about Lisa:

1.   Tried as I might for 3 months, I couldn’t figure out how in the world to use a Sidekick phone and had it shut off…happily returning to my basic cell phone.

2. I dislike cats…actually I HATE CATS.  It’s probably my former neighbor’s fault, the Cat Lady.  She used to talk me into feeding the neighborhood stray cats for her when she would take her Summer vacations.  And yes, canned cat food…OMG…the thought of it makes me want to vomit.  And the other reason is they tend to mess with my Koi fish…I constantly find stray cats in my yard peering over into my pond…and you can see me with the broom chasing them out like a mad woman.  Then there’s the cat litter…I’m not even going to go there.

3.  I don’t freeze meat or much of anything for that fact.  Everything has got to be fresh.  The idea of freezing steaks kind of grosses me out…and don’t even get me started on microwaving meat.

4.  I’ve never had a mammogram (I’m 44 years old), nor am I planning to anytime soon.  Most of my friends who’ve had breast cancer are in heaven now–and the few who have survived had to undergo disfiguring surgeries.  No comments from the peanut gallery, please. 

5.  I’ve had all my teeth capped three times and my gums cut….mostly for vanity reasons.  And to think in just 10 short years, I’ll do it again.

6.  I have this “excess” mentality….it effects all areas of my life:  too much Tupperware, too many Christmas lights (44,000!!!), too many guests at my parties (one year I managed to fit 260 people in my house for one of Marielle’s Liver Transplant Anniversaries/St. Patrick’s Day parties), too much food, too many flowers planted (my gardener will be able to send his kids to college with just my landscaping bill), too much fabric…and the list goes on.  I seem to see everything on a grand scale…simple and sparse are not part of my vocabulary.  Unfortunately, this type of thinking causes me unnecessary stress, money and time.  I just don’t know how to do things small.

7.  I rarely retrieve my phone messages on my home phone and have NEVER retrieved the messages left for me on my cell phone (I have 147 messages waiting to be heard…ha ha).  Most people know if they want to get in touch with me, they’ll have to keep trying my home phone. 

Tag 7 Friends:

1. Sheree of Sheree’s Alchemy

2. Jen of Olive’s Pearls

3. Becca of Bren and Company

4. Amy of Love My April

5. Tracey of Praise Garments

6. Eileen of Whimsy Portraits

7. April of Momosclothes

Literally!  One of the Halloween ceramics I made years back (when I still had fine motor skills and didn’t require eyeglasses to see details…LOL) was found in one of the many decoration boxes all smashed to pieces…

But luckily, I still have all of these…

I’m glad I worked hard making all this stuff back then, because I no longer have the patience or the time to do this type of craft.  I still have all of my ceramic painting supplies…most of the paints are starting to dry up, just like my interest in making these types of things.  I keep telling myself I’ll finish painting the huge 5 piece Christmas Caroler family (they are all between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 feet each!!!), but every year goes by and no carolers…maybe this year will be different…maybe not…LOL

 

16 years ago, I got hitched…

 

 

My bride’s maids wore strapless sweetheart necklines and high slits up the front of their of their custom jade green sequined gowns.  They were some of the hottest bride’s maids in town…each one could have passed for a Barbie doll.

Did I mention the jade sequin dresses literally fell apart when the girls started to dance?  Yep, their heels were tangled in sequins.  We had to take the custom dressmaker (crook with a sewing machine) to Small Claims Court.  We won and got to keep the dresses (heck, I still have these dresses in my fabric stash as if jade green sequins are coming back in style anytime soon).

Back then I had a serious addiction to Alencon Lace (and still do)…

Mr. Diva™ put his hands up my wedding dress in an effort to get hold of my garter…only to find a pair of men’s leopard underwear…haha (it was a joke, but you should have seen his mother’s face).

 

Not only did we have a ridiculous 7 tier vanilla buttercream wedding cake, we also had a 3 tier chocolate groom’s cake!

 

 

 

Little did Mr. Diva™ get my meaning behind our wedding song (Soul Provider by Michael Bolton).  Umm SOLE PROVIDER…silly!

So, you’d think we’d be celebrating today…but no…

Mr. Diva™ and friends are enjoying a two day vacation from their wives playing in a Poker tournament in Atlantic City, New Jersey…lovely, just lovely.

But that’s ok…I’ve been compensated for my troubles:

 

 

Mr. Diva’s™ secretary had a 3 foot flower arrangement sent to me…and it seems no matter how many times I tell her I HATE YELLOW FLOWERS, she forgets.

 

 

 

Since I couldn’t decide on whether to get the black or brown Coach boots, Mr. Diva™ bought me BOTH…YIPPEE!!!

 

 

Mr. Diva™ doesn’t know it yet, but he also bought me these lovely 2 foot statues for my garden….THANKS HONEY!

 

 

Saturday night he’s taking me to our favorite restaurant, The Palm in NYC for some filet mignon and homemade mashed potatoes!

 

Then we’re going shopping in Uptown Manhattan….

 

 

On Sunday, I’m going to be walking in the Muscular Dystrophy Walk with Little Diva™ and friends…wish me luck!

Hope your weekend is off to a great start!