Bedjackets and Smart Slippers

Thought you might enjoy these images from Bedjackets and Smart Slippers dated 1945, Bernhard Ulmann Co.

 Wikipedia - The bed jacket, a woman's garment, is a waist-length robe worn to cover the chest, shoulders and arms while sitting up in bed. Its short length and cape-like cut allowed it to be put on (or removed) while in bed. Often made of sheer or lacy fabrics and displaying very feminine trimmings and details, it was often used more for seduction, rather than warmth or modesty. It was popularized in 1930s Hollywood films featuring glamorous settings and glamorous stars lounging languorously in their silken bedrooms. Ostrich feather tips, swan’s down, pleated tulle and shirred lace were just a few examples of the extravagant materials that could be used in creating these confections. These garments are currently very popular with people who have been hospitalized or recommended bed rest.


I think it is fun to see these old instruction booklets with their great pictures.  For other Vintage Thingies check out Vintage Thingie Thursday. 

Another Wildflower

Here is the third of the wildflower embroideries.  I have decided to do only three.  Even though their webstie states that you can do the trim applique for their older patterns.  I found that is not true for all the flower designs.  So rather than become frustrated, I will stop with three.  This one needs a good pressing.  I think I may make a small wall hanging instead of a table runner. 

Love this lily.  It reminds me of the lilies in my yard in Kentucky.  Those lilies came from my Grandma's house and they are such pleasant reminders of my "Mama" and all her beautiful flowers.  I talked with a cousin over the weekend and she said there are signs of spring in KY.  March lilies are beginning to peak through.

Wildflowers

Today I experimented with an embroidery design package called Wildflowers from Smith Street Designs. A number of years ago, I saw the quilt, loved it, and purchased the design packet.  Then I got home and looked at the instructions and decided I wasn't ready to tackle this project.  It used fusible applique during the embroidery process.  I was not  keen on the idea and the pattern has been sitting in a box.  I got it out last evening and went to the Smith Street website.  They mentioned that they no longer use the fused applique and suggested that you can use the stitch and trim method with their old designs.  So the disk came out of the box and the designs were loaded into my sewing machine.  I made these two quilt squares today.  I've decided to make a table runner instead of a quilt.  These two were experiments.  The top using tear away stabilizer and the other using an iron-on stabilizer.  I didn't add the name to the bottom one.  The fabrics are hand dyed fabrics that I purchased when I friend closed her quilt shop a few years ago.  There are a total of 6 flowers in the design set.

More Bookmarks

I decided to play around with the Vintage Bookmark designs that I mentioned yesterday.  I made the two floral ones following the designs in the design pack.  I then decided to use the basic shape and outline stitches but add the grand daughter's names instead of the flowers.  I selected some prints with stars. I'll make them a card that says "Your a Reading Star" and enclose the bookmark.  What fun I am having with this design pack.  I'm planning to make more of the Vintage ones this afternoon.  They will be given to friends as a Welcome Spring gift.  I'm glad I decided to take a break from quilting and play with my Janome 11000. 

Vintage Bookmarks

I picked up my Anita Goodesigns Diamond Club embroidery packs today at Mulqueens.  I joined the club at the Valentine Anita Goodesigns event in Phoenix in February.  The Vintage Bookmarks was my mini collection this month.  We have the option of exchanging for any other design at the shop but I love this one.  I'm making two of these little beauties today.  They are for my friend and her mother.  They both love to read.  I'm making theirs following the instructions provided.  Later I will attempt to add a monogram to some of the designs.  The back is plain and I might add some writing there.  Lots of possibilities.  My Janome 11000 does such a wonderful job.  My next one will be with lavender and yellow flowers. 

Civil War Chronicles March Block

As many of you know I am making the Civil War Chronicles Block of the Month Quilt.  It is a Block of the the Month at Three Dude Quilting in Phoenix.  This month's chronicle featured Arabella Griffith Barlow, a nurse in the Civil War. 

The March block is shown above.  Again we cut many half-square triangles.  These squares were especially difficult for me.  I'm not sure why I had such a hard time with this.   There are four of these 16 1/2" square blocks.  When I finish these squares, they will be added to January and February blocks to make the center of the quilt.  The completed quilt will be a large 108" x 108". 

Color Coordinated

I recently purchased new bedding for our bedroom.  Didn't realize until I got it home that it coordinated perfectly with our little Cody.  You may remember that we adopted Cody a year ago from the Lucky Dog Rescue.  He has been such a joy.  The granddaughters love him.  He does not sleep in the bed but is allowed to snooze there during the day.   His hair is a little longer than usual.  He will be going to the groomers next week.