Mass Production

Last night I completed 2 more dresses, 2 more bikers, and 2 pairs of yoga pants to wear with them when the weather cools (pattern info here and here).  But knits are super quick to sew up.  I just wish I would have whipped these up earlier in the season because I feel like I making things I could probably find on clearance racks.  At least it clears my conscious before I start Fall/Winter sewing.

To clarify the specific uses of the Janome Cover Pro I use it for knits because it prevents popping of seams and hems.  You can certainly sew knits on a regular machine even without a serger but the Cover Pro finishes clothing much like RTW.  Cover stitch machines don't cut and can be purchased with 3, 4, 5 thread options.  I do not recommend the serger/cover stitch combo because when I went to my demonstration class the teacher struggled for 10 minutes converting the machine.  When sewing in mass production mode I need to alternate between the machines freely.  Pattern Review has a pages of info on the Janome Cover Pro 1000.  If you are registered (I recommend it -it has a been a great source of support and knowledge for me), check out the knowledge base page and you can read through over 371 pages of question and comments about this specific machine. 

Pink and Purple

Maryanna likes pink and I already wrote about how much Clara likes purple.

These were the first projects to come off the new Cover Pro and I am excited to start some more.  Other info about the pattern and fabric here.

The Cover Pro makes sewing knits a breeze with the chain stitch that prevents popping and the 2 needles for the hem.  The only frustrating thing is Janome included the worst possible foot only to get you to have to buy additional feet and accessories.  I felt like I was sewing blindfolded and will have to check ebay to find what I need.

Other than that I'm happy with the dresses.  They are simple, comfy, and very girly, something that is hard to find in stores.  I have observed girls as young as 2 & 3 dressing like teenagers and I suppose these dresses are in rebellion towards that trend.    

Oh yeah, I also sewed up some little pink and purple bikers to wear underneath.

Getting to know the Cover pro

I've been eyeing this machine for over 3 years and Paul surprised me with it as a Mother's Day/post yard sale gift.  I'm embarrassed to admit it has been in its box since May but since opening it up last week it has gotten little rest.  No more popping knit seams!  

Clara and the Purple Crayon (and other Summer adventures)

We don't own a TV but my Dad has a 50" plasma.  Clara must have thought it was some sort of fancy easel because she went at it with a purple crayon (Dad, if you are reading this don't worry I already googled it and cleaned it- don't evict us just yet).  

"Come what may and love it"...... and then clean it up.  That is what I told myself Monday when Peter slipped and dumped a whole quart of yogurt on himself on.  It is a tight kitchen and Maryanna stepped in it then tried to clean it up with a broom. 

Yesterday I took the kids to a 3D IMAX but I already mentioned that mistake on facebook.  The point is I think we are all getting restless, William dialed 911 the other day just to see what would happen.  The lady called me back to make sure everything okay, James waited outside to see if the cops would come and William spent some time on his couch.

Peter cut his hair last week, Maryanna cut her hair today.  Maryanna forgot to wear underwear to church last Sunday and flashed the Primary, Clara had an accident just 5 minutes earlier so I was able to catch Paul just in time to go home and pick up not 1 but 2 pairs of panties.  Peter hid a harmonica in his pocket because he wanted to play reverently along with the hymns, he was sitting next to Maryanna who had lifted up her dress to "nurse" her baby doll (I'm glad she finally had underwear on).  Paul was giving a talk and was laughing at us all the while.  A kind lady approached us to tell us how much she enjoyed Paul's talk and how much our family would be missed when me moved, for some reason sweet shy Clara charged at her and lifted up her skirt. 

The kids aren't the only ones getting restless.  Paul's been browsing Airstream booklets daily, I cut bangs, myself, served the kids a can of sardines for lunch (they actually loved it), then tried to serve them some sauteed dandelion greens for dinner, they were unpalatably bitter (even I couldn't get them down).  The fact that I even updated my status on facebook confirms my restlestness.  I must be careless as well because as I was digging through my church bag for some crayons I encountered Clara's original panties, still damp, from the previous Sunday.  It will be nice to settle down again and perhaps gain a back a bit more brain control and child control but in the meantime we are collecting some laughable memories.    

Stone ground

Peter has been enjoying all the pie making.  He wanted to make his own pie so he asked Oma for a baggie of wheat, found a smooth stone and starting to grind his own flour the old fashion way just like he saw demonstrated at Capital Reef National Park.

He worked at it for at least two hours and ended up with a Tbs. of flour which he decided to leave "as a treat for the bugs".  He also decided it would take a long time to make a pie that way but still added "Flour" as recipe #2 in the illustrated cookbook he has been working on.  

Boiling Pants

Michigan is famous for its cherries.  That is how William convinced me to buy a cherry pitter at a yard sale last week.

That same evening we picked up a bag of cherries at the corner farmer's stand and the cherry pitter became the new favorite toy, everyone was anxious to help.  We made 4 cherry pies in 4 days, they were both delicious and messy. 

This morning James didn't have any clean church pants.  I dug through the dirty clothes piles and found them crumpled up along side several other cherry stained items.  They've been sitting there for almost a week because I didn't want to face the challenge.  This morning I had no choice because James had no other pants.

 A quick google search suggested boiling the stains out.  Could it really be that simple?  It was! At least it was with the poplin shirts and khaki pants.  After a 30 second dip they were ready for the wash.

Maryanna's new linen genie pants on the other hand gave me a bit more trouble.  I believe I boiled them for as long as it took my children to eat their oatmeal, all the while Maryanna was whining, "I don't want you to cook my clothes".  The boys made a joke of it and suggested boiling all sorts of other inedible objects, diapers, legos, My Little Ponies, car keys, and books.

Still no luck after 10 minutes of boiling. In fact that cute little red hang tag I sewed on slipped in and leaked its dye across the top of the pants. It was a quick rescue to the sink and with a shot of Zout the red dye came out but the cherry juice was still a dull purple.

I had a flash back to my  youth watching my mom smear a juicy cantaloupe all over the red ostrich skin binder my Dad brought back for her from Africa.  When I asked her what she was doing she replied, "someone must have mistaken this for a cutting board and since I knew I couldn't get the stain out I'm just staining the whole thing".  At age 15 that seemed like a crazy thing to do but there I was this morning, more than 15 years later, planning to make yet another cherry pie only to roll the new linen genie pants in whatever juices were left in the mixing bowl.

Instead, I gave them another rinse, scrubbed in some Zout, let them sit then boiled them again and again.  Finally they came clean in more time than it took to sew them and certainly more time than it would have taken to make another pie.  Next time those kids are going to cook and eat their pie in their underwear.            

Summer Sleepwear

Last summer's nightgowns were made from vintage pillowcases.  This summer I used old sheets picked up at a yard sale.  I can't believe how much they have grown up in just one year!

The pattern is a Kwik sew pattern (3423) and view B from the same pattern I made for Christmas 2007 (actually I did make some style adjustments to view A).  I like it and think I'll make another two of view A for this next Christmas.  

Squeezing in the Sewing

This is in response to the following comment from Brown Eggs and Jam.

My daughters and I enjoy seeing all of your sewing projects and hope to try one out soon. We both enjoy sewing but I haven't quite mastered how to fit it in. How do you do it? I only have four children; ages 3, 5, 7, and 9.

First of all thanks for asking me how I "fit it in" because it gave me an opportunity to ponder and reflect on how I spend my time and whether my time spent sewing was time well spent.  This is actually a question that comes up in my mind at least once a year, typically around September when we are starting anew our homeschool schedule.  I have discussed this on multiple occasions with my good friend Marie' and I have even made it a matter of prayer.  Here are the answers that came to my mind:  Your children need to see the creative process in action.  Your children need to see you live more providently.  Your children need to see you find joy as you learn new skills and develop your talents.  For these reasons I have not abandoned sewing, in fact since then I have been able to fit more of it in than ever before.

Here are some tips that I sew by: 

1.  Only sew what you need.  Before each season I go child by child and take an inventory of what is needed.  I save hand me downs, graciously accept clothing donations from other families, go garage saling and on occasion scour sale racks.  When there are gaps I get to sew.  It seems I sew mostly for oldest girl and my youngest boy because that is where the biggest gaps are (few items survive the older 3 boys).  I am also finding it harder and harder to find things to sew for boys over the age of 8 - they start to get 'too cool' for handmade clothes and if I know they won't wear it, it isn't worth sewing.

2.  Make a plan.  My children are involved in this step.  Considering what is needed we flip through pattern books, talk about what they like or dislike, and then go through my fabric stash.  We also browse fabric online or make a run to DI for inexpensive clothes that we could use as fabric.  The girls especially love playing with the fabric in wrapping around themselves like mummies requesting yet another "pretty dress".  I take notes and make a final plan with sketches, pattern #, size, and fabric to be used.  I also take note of any notions or trim that would be needed.  Marie' took a picture of my plan here. 

  

3.  Draft and cut all at once.  I really don't love this step so I'm better off getting it over with all at once.  It takes at least one weekend and starting on a Friday I give the kids "the day off" even watching movies in the middle of the day.  We have simple meals and Paul takes them out or just takes over on Saturday.  This is the most critical step and I cannot be interrupted.  Any mistake made drafting or cutting will lead to frustration and flops. 

 

After each pattern is drafted I put it in a sandwich size zip lock baggie with a label of the book, size, style # and a sketch.  This is then organized in an accordion file folder by book or pattern company.

When all the drafting is complete I start cutting.  I will roll the whole project up or place it in a gallon sized zip lock bag.  I store them in a foot tub stacked in order to sew.

4.  Use good tools.  A sturdy machine, new needles, cutting mat, sharp (fabric only!) scissors, rotary cutter, and pattern drafting supplies.

5.  Use good fabric.  This is getting harder and harder to come by.  It's not worth sewing on junk!

6.  Set up a sewing station.  Have your sewing machine and iron in a spot that it can be used on a moments notice.  In my last home this was a tiny 24" desk nestled next to my washer and dryer.  If you already have everything cut out and ready to go you really don't need much space (unless you are sewing wedding dresses).  Actually it did get really hard to sew back there when I was late into my last pregnancy.

7.  Don't sew when angry.  This is when I make my most mistakes.  One mistake can quadruple your sewing time

8.  Don't sew during "wild time".  This is between the hours of 4pm - 6 pm when children are hungry and restless.  This is the time when I make the second most mistakes.

9.  Don't talk on the phone while sewing.  It may just be me but this when I make the third most mistakes.  Again mistakes = sewing angst and more time

10.  Reward yourself with sewing.  Fold a load of laundry, finish the dishes, or read books with your children then take the time to work on your project.

My best time to sew is during our scheduled quiet time hours.  This is when the babies and toddlers are napping, the younger kids are coloring, looking at books or playing quietly alone, and the older kids are working on their reading, writing, and math.  I'm not one to hover over their work but instead make myself accessible for questions and help.       

       

I hope this helps. I can't wait for my girls to start participating! Right now they just push pins in pin cushions, cut up scraps, and sort buttons.

Getting through WIPs

I'm behind on posting my sewing projects.  I guess because I'd rather be sewing than blogging.

This dress was among a bucket of projects cut out before we moved (read more about the pattern here).  I've got to get through them all before I can reward myself with Fall/Winter wardrobe planning.  

Genie Pants

This is the second pair of genie pants I have made for Maryanna this summer.  The first pair I have yet to post.  The pattern is from a Japanese sewing book and you can read more about it here. 

What was most amusing to me was watching Maryanna instinctively practice her yoga moves after putting on these pants (She is attempting tree pose while Clara is in dog pose).  What was not so amusing is how soiled the pants were by the end of the evening of their first wear.  They are sitting in a pile to be treated for cherry juice, soy sauce, and chocolate stains.  Any suggestions?

Stuff Stoires: Bear Lake Stuff

1. Seed rooster picture that blocks the broken window. This may have been left from the original owners.


2. Book end from the same bookshelf as the bell lady.


3. Clock from Grandma and Grandpa's house.


4. Original phone.


5. Tin wall plaque I made in 7th grade shop.

This is a special post just for you Suz - I think you love Bear Lake with all its quirks more than any of us.  There is just one photo I forgot to take, the 64 oz (actually it may have more capacity) Mavericks mug.  I believe it is just as much as a farm house icon as these other items. 

More freezer paper stencils

My tie dye supplies are somewhere in the storage unit but we needed a craft for Bear Lake.  I suggested freezer paper stencils with soft scrub bleach but thought to do a test run with my boys first.

First we scrolled through countless clip art images online, printed them out and traced them onto the freezer paper.  I was on my own with the exacto knife and that got rather tedious.  The bleach application was quick but too dangerous for young children.  It was decided that this would not be a great project for the 30+ kids at Bear Lake.

The boys had fun designing their shirts and watching me do the rest.  I think it is funny how each design reflects their individual personalities.  

I'm glad we decided not to attempt this at Bear Lake because the weekend was already a bit chaotic. Instead a few sisters will come by this week and we'll do it while the kids play.

    
 

Back from Bear Lake

The weekend weather forecast wasn't very favorable but we went anyways.   We couldn't miss out on a "mini reunion" with just 51 members of my family.  I'm glad we went because the weather turned out to be perfect and it was a lot of fun.

 We swam, kayaked, rode the paddle boat, went tubing, ate lots of junk food, played soccer on the beach, toured a cave, and made friendship bracelets.  Actually that's what the kids did, us moms mostly sat in the shade counting heads but that is still enjoyable when you are sitting with people you like.

Can't wait to head back in just a couple weeks.

New Books & a New Blog

Marie's mom was in town last weekend and was so kind in picking up a few new books for me.  If you haven't already figured it out I have a slight addiction to Japanese sewing books. 

I recently found a group of women who share my same addiction - check out The Japan Couture Addicts.  Unfortunately we don't share the same language.  My sister in law who is French/American was kind in registering me into the forum but even with the help of google translator I couldn't keep up.  The boys frequently read over my shoulder and commented, "well mom, looks like you'll have to learn french and Japanese now".

I still enjoy scrolling through the pictures but it isn't enough.  So Marie' and I thought to start a blog together were we can share tips and ideas.  Many of my friends and family have expressed interest in the Japanese sewing books yet are intimidated or don't know which one to start out with.  It is still a work in progress considering most of my books are in the storage unit and I don't feel as organized in this temporary living arrangement. 

Here it is The Joy of Japanese Sewing.  We are still in the process of adding all the projects we have already completed and in the near future hope to add tutorials and translation guides.  Hopefully we can meet other addicts to join in and share the fun.  In the meantime I can't wait to start sewing from these new books and  just as excited for Marie' trip to Japan - I can't wait to see what she brings back!