Project Linus - Sewing For Others

 I hate to let go of any of my fabric but if I know that it will be enjoyed by someone else it makes the seperation easier.

In the past I have shared a couple of places that you can donate your handmade items. Are you ready for another resource that can use your talents and time? Project Linus is a well organized and very productive group that provides warmth for children in need.

The volunteers, known as “blanketeers,” provide new, handmade, washable blankets to be given as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0-18. It is Project Linus’ policy to accept blankets of all sizes, depending on local chapter needs. All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors.

Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter  works together to achieve the goal which is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by the volunteers. Since 1995 they have distributed over 3 million blankets to those in need.

Linus, of Charlie Brown fame, found great comfort in his blanket. Won't you spend a little time this month creating something that will give a child that same sense of security?

http://www.projectlinus.org/

If you want to work with one of the freshest color palattes try yellow and gray. It works in home decor as well as your wardrobe. How about finding a buttery yellow print and making a quick scarf to wear with a gray sweater? Brighten up dining room chairs by covering them in a print such as the one pictured.

I have a yellow polka dot that I have draped over a chair in my sewing room. I am waiting for the right inspiration to hit on what to do with it. In the meantime I am just enjoying this little piece of sunshine.

Happy sewing!

Melisa

What Your Table Needs

I was looking at a collection of home decor fabrics of varying sizes and designs. I wanted to make something that would allow me to enjoy the colors and textures.  I came up with this table runner. I make a pillow to go with it.

To make one for your home decide on the length that will work well on your table or buffet. The width can be in the range of 14 inches. Lay the fabrics out in a pleasing design then sew together. Add a backing fabric and if desired a piece of flannel or thin batting for an interlining.  Pin the backing on well to keep it from shifting when you are sewing the long runner.

Runners will add a bit of color to your entryway hall table as well as end tables in the den. Make a collection to decorate your home for the different seasons and holidays. My daughter and I used a bride's china as inspiration  to create a pretty table runner for her new home.

I hope that my runner inspires you to pull a few of your favorite fabrics to decorate your home.

Melisa

You Love Fabric and Sewing When....

You iron alot but NEVER clothes.

You stroke and pat fabric in the store and at home.

A trip to the grocery store includes a side trip to the local fabric store. ( Why don't they sell fabric at the grocery store? You could hide your fabric purchases by making it look like you were buying hamburger meat.)

Hardly a day goes by without someone picking a thread off your clothes.

UFO's aren't just for science geeks.

A fulfilling day is one where you can refold your fabric and think about all you can do with it.


Have a fabric filled day!
Melisa

 

Pink Awareness

I am so in awe of organizations like the Susan G Komen Foundation that has made us aware of how prodominent breast cancer is among our peers.They  have also pushed hard so that finding the cure is a major goal in the medical community.

 I walked into WalMart one day and all the endcaps were filled with products that have 'gone pink' this month.  At first I thought I had walked into a giant Barbie world filled with full size products for our  favorite shapely doll. I then saw how lovingly and creatively companies had used pink and the symbolic ribbon to show their concern for women in America.  With support like that I am sure this cancer will become less of a threat in future years.

Speaking of Barbie, Mattel has designed a gorgeous Pink Ribbon doll for collectors. They have also pledged a minimum of $100,000 to the Susan G Komen Foundation.

In keeping with the pink thoughts this month, here is a fabric that incorporates the color  in a way that doesn't seem too girly. The use of cream for the background adds sophistication to the design. I have used it in pillows. My daughter has made a striking clutch adorned with a silk cream flower pinned to it. Both were feminine and grown up.

Find a little pink in your fabric collection and stitch up something this month. And don't forget to schedule your mammogram!

National Sewing Month!

September is National Sewing Month. As if we needed an excuse to stitch!

I enjoyed surfing around the website http://www.nationalsewingmonth.org/   and looking at all the things I could do. They are running contests and are sharing patterns for cool but quick projects. The ruffled wristlet looks like a fun project that can turn into much adored presents. I am putting it on my 'to do' list.

In 2009 they wrote this about  sewing skills. I thought it really hit the nail on the head on what many of us are doing with our talents.

The new mantra for 2009 aims to encourage sewers to innovate while they recreate. Sewers are challenged to Reuse, Remake, Restyle their favorite fads into timeless garments, home décor items or even a trendy new bag. Antique linens are becoming children’s dresses and unadorned jean jackets are becoming wearable works of art with the addition of ribbons, feathers, trims and free-motion embroidery. Even Tyvek dog food bags are enjoying new lives as reusable tote bags!
Sewing is not only fun, it’s a great way to save money. Hemming skirts, appliquéing over stains, replacing buttons and repairing tears are much easier on the budget than buying something new. And the feeling of creating – or recreating – is addictive and the results can often be dramatic with just a few hours spent with needle and thread.

Take a  little time and look through the contests that NationalSewingMonth.org is sponsoring. Enter something just for fun. Don't  forget to share the photos with the rest of us fabricholics.

Fabric Storage

Here are a few quick things to be aware of when storing your fabrics.



The sun really will do damage to your textiles. Do not let the sun from a window or strong light shine on them everyday.



If you store your fabrics folded take the time to refold them in a different way periodically. It prevents permant creases and weakened threads. This is a fun way to spend the afternoon. You will fall in love with your pieces all over again and may even be inspired to make something with them.



Dust does not discriminate. It will collect on your pretties as they sit on a shelf. Your vacumn will help keep the dust bunnies from settling on your fabrics.



Enjoy your day!