27 dresses (or 30 or 42)

February... the month of Valentines and love.  I've decided to get a head start on my February sewing project.  My sewing room is FILLED with vintage bridesmaid dresses.  Mother finally divested herself of all the dresses she wore in the 1950's, and there are a LOT.  In the mix, there are also the dresses my sisters and I wore in various weddings in the 80's and 90's.  A few of the dresses even belonged to my grandmother.  Those date to the 30's and 40's.  A treasure trove... right?

The challenge... create new, one-of-a-kind children's dresses out of these great vintage fabrics.  I had them all dry cleaned to assure that the fabric is stable.  Every one of them held up beautifully.  There are some faded spots, and a few moth holes here and there.  I can work around those.  

My mind is racing thinking of how to use all the great trims, ribbons, bows, laces and buttons on the dresses, like this velvet ribbon woven through heavy satin, or the great sort of voile embroidered trim on the green dress below, or the dreamy chenille trim on the two-toned pink dress.  And there's so much more!  I'll try to post some of the creations as they're finished.  If you have some ideas, please post a comment and tell me your thoughts.  And now, as Maurice Sendak said "Let the wild rumpus begin!!"

Join the club

Club # 2... drum roll, please... "Openly Gray and Lovin' It."  Again, I'll gladly be the charter member.  I find that I am an endangered species these days.  As you can see from the posted photos, I have gray hair-- a LOT of gray hair-- and I don't hide it.  

My mom had a gray streak in her hair by 25, and my grandmother's hair was snow white by 40.  In my mind, the word matriarch is synonymous with a sparkly, silver mane.  The transition from silky brown to wiry gray hair began early in my 30's, and in my 40's those pesky gray devils have transitioned to white.  

The very few times I choose to discuss the issue, my sisters and friends say things like "well, if my gray was as pretty as yours, I wouldn't color it either."  Hmm... I have a feeling that, if read between the lines, that comment actually means "if you hang around me and I cover my gray, I'll look younger, so just keep those snowy puppies visible."  That's cool.  I don't mind.

My husband and kids would stage a riot if I colored my hair.  Yeah.  That might stop me for 45 seconds or so.  After all, it's my hair.  What does stop me is that it would take the equivalent of the national debt to keep this much gray under wraps!  Not to mention the hours in the salon.  (I love you, Jamie.)

So, if you need emotional support for sporting your natural color, join the club.  Oh!  And if you're like my sisters, you can join us for a drink after the meeting.  You're sure to look extra youthful in this crowd!  And, that's OK, because we're comfortable with our choice to be openly gray.

Sign me up!

You know the old saying "I never want to be in a club that would have me as a member?"  Well, I'm considering starting several clubs, and I will gladly be the charter member of each.

The first one would be "Mornings are Overrated".  This club would provide much needed support for those (like me) who are perfectly content sleeping right through the morning hoopla.  There are two parents in the house, right?  Morning can be his turn!  I'm not a morning person.  I'm not chipper in the morning.  In fact, I'm downright mean in the morning.  I hate mornings.  My family came to the conclusion long ago that everyone is happier if I awaken on my own time (when everyone else has left the house).  

There are many righteous folk out there who would have me feel horribly guilty because I'm not there to pour the bowl of Fruit Loops, to find the elusive orange hoodie, or to sign the weekly planner.  I used to succumb those attempts to make me feel less about myself.  I got over it.  Now I just snooze away.  If the boys need therapy later, we'll work something out.

So, if you are in need of some loving support because you callously allow your offspring to leave the nest in morning without your cheerful smile and kiss on the head, join me.  The meetings, needless to say, will be in the evening.

Practice makes perfect

So, my kids were proud of my foray into the cyber-world.  I even got a Facebook shout-out from my daughter.  I have no idea why all the words are underlined in blue, and I'm stymied by the fact that the captions didn't line up with the photos, but practice makes perfect, right?

It's still mighty cold here in the lower midwest.  We're not really used to wind chills "below the doughnut."  The cars go out, run through puddles, return home and leave water to freeze on the garage floor.  I estimate three more days before we have a skating rink.

My mom and dad are currently in the Florida Keys, where it's also pretty brisk.  Dad sent me an email saying that the iguanas (who sleep in the trees) enter a catatonic state when the temperature dips drastically, and then they fall out of the trees.  He was expressing hesitance to take out the garbage, fearful that he'd be hit by falling iguanas.  I suggested a sturdy umbrella.  

Disclaimer:  PETA people, please don't be offended.  If I were in the Keys, I assure you I would help the iguanas to wake up and scurry away.  I would never wish an iguana concussion on anyone (or any reptile).  Promise.

I'm afraid I won't get much sewing done this week.  I need to practice "Hansel and Gretel" for the opera performances next week.  I'm sitting principal second this year, so I actually have to count all the rests.  Bummer.  No napping during this one.  I did get some FABULOUS fabric, however.  I've left it sitting out so I can stare at it and drool.

Welcome to the 21st century, Mom!

Welcome to my very first blog post!  My kids will be so 

proud (until I start telling stories).

I'm Hays.  (I know.  I have a weird name.  It's a 

family thing.) 

Among other things, I design and sew one-of-a-kind 

children's clothes.  Two years ago, I succumbed to years of prodding and began selling my creations to the public. 

 You see, for a long time I worried that if I "had" to sew, it wouldn't be fun anymore.  Wrong-o, my friends.  I still love sewing.  In fact, I think I love it more.

This blog is primarily intended to share ideas and inspiration with those of you who also love sewing, but I'm sure that other issues will creep into the posts.  My sister accuses me of lacking an inner monologue (much to her chagrin).  I've found, though, that "sharing" builds community and camaraderie.  For example, who hasn't been frustrated by... long lines at the license bureau... children who announce that a 4-week project is due tomorrow... too much "stuff" and not enough storage... dogs who are ALWAYS on the wrong side of the door.  So, if "life" interrupts my sewing, I might just share a story or two.  Maybe they'll bring a smile to your face.  If so, share that smile with someone who needs one.

So, without further ado, on to the sewing!!  I thought I'd start by sharing some photos of creations I've made using patterns by my wonderful cyber-friend, SewSensible.  Her patterns are wonderful for beginners, and I love the versatility they offer.  You can find more information about availability of these patterns (and more) on her blog at www.sewsensible.blogspot.com, or in her etsy store at www.sewsensible.etsy.com.  

Faith double-layer dress top, available in sizes 6mos. to 6 years and boutique bottoms (see below)

Boutique dress top and Boutique bottoms, both available in sizes 6 mos.- 6 years or 7-16 plus

 

Simple Sunday Dress, available in sizes 6 mos. to 6 years

Applique Apron Skirt, available in sizes 6 mos. to 6 years.  

(I designed the dolly version.)

Reversible pleated dress top, available in sizes 6 mos. to 6 years