Crayon Holders

The youngest girl, H, LOVES to tear apart crayon boxes.  So, in the middle of worship services, while the others are coloring or listening, she is tearing up the brand new, beautiful box of crayons.  This year, I decided to try and out smart her.

I made a crayon holder out of fabric.  The directions I found listed cutting sizes for 16 crayons.  Well, the size that always on sale for back to school is 24, so I adjusted.

Supplies:  backing piece 25"x5"
                 inside lining piece 25"x5"
                 pocket piece 25"x6"
                 8 to 9" piece of elastic
                 lace/rick-rack to go around

(I later learned that the fabric I picked had the color strips at just over 1".  So, for later ones, I've adjusted for this particular pocket fabric to 25 1/2")

1) Fold the pocket fabric in 1/2 lengthwise.  Then mark 1" intervals leaving 1 1/2" at each end, for seam allowances.

2) Pin the pocket to the inside lining fabric matching bottom and side edges.

3) Sew 1/2 seam around the sides and bottom.  Then, sew the "pockets" at the 1" intervals.

4) Pin and the sew any rick-rack or lace or edging you wish.  I added lace for the girls and left the boys "plain".

5) Attach a piece of cording to make ties or elastic to made a closure.  I chose elastic because it's easier to get around than to tie for little fingers.

6)  Align the backing and pocket assembly together, front sides matching.  Sew with a 1/2" seam, leaving a few inches for turning.  I embroidered names on the backing before attaching them.  I put the names on one side and positioned the elastic on the same side.  This way, the girls can tell them apart.

7) Turn to the right side and top stitch.

8) Fill with crayons and let the fun begin!

Crochet Dresses

While going through and organizing my grandmother's kitchen cabinets, my mother found 2 crochet dresses.  I don't remember my grandmother crocheting.  However, I do remember her mother, my Bobo, crocheting.  I'm guessing these 2 were probably made by her.

At home, we have several more than 2 dolls.  So, we've embarked on an adventure in crocheting doll dresses just like the ones my great-grandmother did.  Can you tell which ones she made and which one I did?

Did you figure it out?

I made the purple one.

Grandmother's Flower Garden

After 6 years, 3 children and 3 ABC quilts and 3 crochet blankets, 2 moves, and countless dresses and other clothes, and numerous handmade gifts, in addition to normal household chores and homeschooling......

 I've FINALLY completed S's quilt top - grandmother's flower garden. 

Aprons and Culottes

Culottes for Girls  - it only went down to a size 4, so I modified it slightly so it would be smaller.  They are long.  However, it is winter and so far, they haven't hampered standing up like long dresses do.

Girls Edwardian Apron - Christmas present for girls.  Now the girls can help without messing up their clothes!!  They are very excited.  I think one is already planning/setting up the kitchen for lunch.

New Pattern Company???

Found a link today for a new pattern for girls/womens dresses.  This pattern is based on The Sound of Music - when the couple is dancing in the rain - called Liesel's Dancing Dress.  Looks beautiful - take a look for yourself Edelweiss Patterns.  Now to finish the other dresses I have in the queue.....

Christmas Stockings

This year, I finished #4 of 5 stockings.  The first one pictured is the one I just finished.

Another Baby Blanket