Keeping Busy

June is winding down. Not sure how that is possible but really, it is best not to question things these days. Time passes, some days fly by and others feel so incredibly repetitive. Such is life during a pandemic.

I haven’t shared much lately so I need to get caught up! First off – a little crafting. Julia and I have been trying to spend some time together making projects. A few weeks ago, my son and his wife were here for a weekend (the first time we had seen them since Christmas!!). We spent some time painting small rocks Julia had collected outside. The goal was to place them here and there along a local trail so others could spot them as they walked. We pulled out some (really old) acrylic paints and started painting. It was a fun way to spend an afternoon and we made quite an assortment.

Flowers, an avocado, a monster and some sweet daisies

A few days ago we lucked into a nice cool morning so Julia and I walked the local trail and tucked the rocks here and there as we went. Love the monster with the googly eyes and the avocado (my DIL painted). Pretty creative!

Clouds, Gnome, Ladybug, Flag and the scariest Shark EVER!

More fun! They look really cute out there. The shark is probably my favorite of this bunch. Plus he is sitting on the branch of a Manzanita tree and that curly bark is always fun to see. Julia and I will head back to the trail later this week. We want to see whether people leave the rocks there for others to see or if they pick them up.

A play fort

About half way through the loop, there is this huge old oak tree. I have pictures of Julia sitting in it from years back. This time, there was this play fort built around the base of the tree. So many branches were collected and assembled teepee-style around the base. We went and peeked in. So cute!! There were a few bits and pieces of construction paper with flowers drawn on them hanging on the inside with string. At the opening to the fort there was a bit of red glitter sprinkled on the ground. I just love thinking of the kids who made this. I hope it stays in place as it must have taken quite a while to gather the branches and assemble this. There is nothing like pretending in a fort like this. I know my kids would have loved this when they were young.

Vintage Simplicity Pattern

About a week or so back, I posted this picture on Instagram and Facebook. I decided to make a summer dress. I have had this vintage Simplicity pattern for a long time now. It was printed in 1966. I thought this would be perfect for lounging around. The fabric is a voile by Art Gallery Fabric. I love their voiles because they hang nicely and don’t wrinkle after washing. Super soft and comfortable too. The voiles have been quite popular in the shop lately so I am running low. I just placed an order for more and cannot wait until they arrive (maybe another ten days or so?)

The dress took no time to put together. Four pieces to cut out and since it ties at the shoulder, no zipper to fuss with.

French seams to prevent fraying

I used French seams on the two side seams to prevent any fraying. These are super simple when dealing with simple, straight seams.

While it is certainly nothing fancy, it is just what I wanted. Cool and loose and comfy which is just my style. Whether it be 1966 or 2020, the pattern works just fine. Be warned though – sewing with vintage patterns is a little bit tricky. The sizing is very different. Don’t assume you are the same size with older patterns as with current. Rely on the measurements listed on the pattern – that will tell you what size you need to use. It was a fun dress to make.

The kick off for this year’s Mystery Quilt Along happens this week! I am really excited. Probably due to the lack of local quilt guild activity and community quilting (with everyone staying home during the pandemic), the sign ups for this years QAL increased greatly. If you have not participated before, I encourage you to give it a try. I love working with Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs, the host of this event and her patterns are always a hit. Without divulging anything I will tell you Cheryl described this year’s pattern as beginner friendly and it does not require any paper piecing or difficult techniques (eg the dreaded Y seams or curved blocks.)

Here are a few of the kits available. Pop over if you want to see the rest of them!

There are kits available in the shop if you prefer working from a kit rather than picking fabric yourself. Take a peek. They are selling like crazy and I have been cutting yard after yard of fabric this week!

Covid numbers continue to climb. Life is filled with this strange feeling of uncertainty even as we live in quarantine, doing the same things over and over with one day melting into the next. Hang in there, support each other and above all, sew something!

21 thoughts on “Keeping Busy

  1. Kathy -NY

    Love the dress style on you!! It looks comfy and perfect for summertime.
    I have never made anything with voile fabric so this tempts me.
    The painted stones are such a good idea to brighten a walk outside.
    Such cute paintings on them.
    Stay well.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thanks Kathy! Voile is a breeze to sew with. It is just a soft, 100% cotton and doesn’t wrinkle as much as quilting cottons. Give it a try. You will. be happy with it. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Wendy

    Rock painting, what a fun idea – I love the avocado and the shark. I hope people pick them up and leave them in new places. The dress looks great on you! I have more vintage patterns – some that I’m ready to give away. I should check with you again before I do!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      The avocado and shark were both my DIL’s work. I loved them.
      The dress is perfect for summer and for being home all the time – it is replacing my yoga pants for the summer!

      Reply
  3. Tracie

    Bernie, your dress is so cute! I love the fabric. I’m toying with the idea of making a simple dress, but time is short so I have stuck with quilting so far. We have cute Little Rock’s throughout our neighborhood too. Most of the people on our street are empty nesters, but one mom has three kids and they’re yard displays some cute painted rocks. Thanks for the update. I can’t believe it’s July tomorrow!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      We live in a rural area so there are not many people in our neighborhood. That’s why we left ours on a walking trail. I was so surprised to see that little fort. It was really creative with the bits of glitter and the little decorations inside. Just made me happy to come upon it. We tucked one of the rocks there for those kids to find. Have a nice day Tracie – July is here. Crazy, right?

      Reply
  4. Cheree Hull

    The rocks look like a lot of fun to do and to leave around for others! It’s been forEVER since I sewed myself something to wear–25 years? (Once upon a time you couldn’t stop me–now I feel that way about quilting instead) That looks so cute and comfy!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      I was the same way. Can’t say I make tons of clothing but now and then, it is fun. Probably because I get to finish something quickly. Quilts take such a long while to finish up. Both are great ways to spend time though. Take care Cheree.

      Reply
  5. Debbie Miller

    I think your dress is amazing and looks so cute on you! Love the painted rocks idea too!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thanks! We have seen rocks here and there so we thought it would be fun to contribute. We certainly have time on our hands these days. It is crazy to think it is the first of July. How did that happen?? I hope you are doing well and keeping busy Debbie. 🙂

      Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Hi Christine – thanks for the note. How are you doing?? Keeping busy in these strange times I hope.
      The dress is fun- I like making (easy) clothes. Julia is hanging in there – doesn’t quite know what to do with herself sometimes since she is not able to just hang out with friends etc. Take care. B.

      Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Hi Carol – I get it – my arms are getting so flabby and I can’t say spending lots of time at my sewing machine shelving that any. Hahaha. Such is life. Hope all is well in Tehachapi!!

      Reply
  6. Susan Shamekh

    I love the dress you made! It looks so cool and comfy! I want one too- although I probably want to wear a T-shirt under it to cover my Grandma Arms AND I would add big pockets.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thank you Susan. I completely agree about the pockets! I debated adding them when I made this but was too lazy. However I miss having pockets when I am wearing it. So if I made it again, I would add them for sure.

      Reply
  7. Cathy Kizerian

    Wow! Look at how cute you are in the vintage-cum-modern sundress! I love voile and the fabric you chose. But if I’m honest, all but one of my sundresses are blue!

    Reply
  8. Kathleen McCormick

    Love that dress! So much fun to have a finish to wear. I have a shirt: I should make it. Maybe if I get a day alone I will cut out the muslin (hardest thing to do is make one to wear for practice, but I always like things better if I do that. OOOOOHHH I see my package is coming soon!

    Reply
  9. Mari

    That looks like a great, comfy dress, Bernie! No fitted parts, which is great. I see little painted rocks all over the yards here, too. They’re very cheerful. And I’m with you– how is it July? I seem to have completely lost several months. . .Happy 4th!

    Reply
  10. Emily

    What an awesome fort!!! We’ve kept a play tent up in the living room for my son but it’s not as cool as a fort made of sticks! Love your dress–looks prefect for summer!

    Reply

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