By Debra VanDeventer
Vintage patterns are a blast from the past.
“Do you have any vintage sewing patterns?” I asked the man working on a display case in an antique shop in Bisbee. I was searching for 1970s patterns; the era of my Kenmore sewing machine. I had a half-baked idea to redo its yellowed, plastic carrying case using the artwork from the envelope covers.
(Just like my new pants, this post is cropped, comfortable, and fun!)
I recently blogged about finding the courage to begin a new project or try something different. I was nervous about making a pair of gold linen, wide-leg pants. They’ll be too bold, too wide, too wrinkly I thought. http://seamslikeastory.com/the-courage-to-bloom I received a comment from a reader who wanted to see the pants when they were finished. (coincidently, this person has the same name as my sister) Here is the finished product. I’m still fiddling with the waistband, but overall I’m happy with the way they turned out. They’re comfortable and the wrinkles in the fabric don’t bother me. Besides, they’re roomy enough for slouching.
Now if I just had somewhere fun to wear them!
P. S. Yes, I have a hat named Audrey. You may see her again sometime, but that seams like a story for another day!
Take a chance!
Be bold!
Have fun!
Go for it!
Meet Melanie, a bright, beautiful, energetic eleven-year-old whose smile lights up the room. She loves Disney princesses and has developed a passion for RV-ing. Melanie has autism. Each individual with autism is unique. Though Melanie can communicate through short, repeated phrases or words, she is mostly non verbal. Meeting her specific emotional, behavioral, and educational needs requires a team comprised of her family and a network of dedicated professionals. I am proud to play a supporting role as one of her grandmas.
When Melanie outgrew her Disney Princess dresses, my daughter Kelli asked if I could make a “grown-up girl” sized tutu. Though I’d never made a tutu before, I was willing to try.
We’ve been told “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but maybe we should! A fabric book cover adds a touch of elegance or whimsy to an ordinary book or journal. Here’s how, and why, you should give this project a try:
We’ve been told “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but maybe we should! A fabric book cover adds a touch of elegance or whimsy to an ordinary book or journal. Here’s how, and why, you should give this project a try:
by Debra VanDeventer
green tea with lemon
a beautiful way to greet
a blank page
The alarm wakes me from a fitful sleep at 4:45 am. I roll out of bed, make a potty stop, then a few minutes of yoga to try to prepare myself for the intense day ahead. Breakfast, shower, dress, out the door by 6:30, at school by 7. Adrenaline pumping. Prepared (most mornings) to greet 25-30 energetic kindergarteners, first graders or, later in my career, fourth graders. Done. Click. Repeat. For 37 years.
Sunlight streaming through the slats in the window blinds rouses me from a restful night’s sleep. The days are lengthening and the sun will wake me a few minutes earlier each day. My biological clock adjusts itself to the rhythm of daylight and darkness. This morning’s yoga session is leisurely, breakfast and a walk follows. After showering, I put on comfy leggings and a soft tunic top. Shoes are optional. The tea kettle signals my morning brew is ready. I make my way to my office/studio, open my journal and greet…