still in stitches

a cap for gracie, another completely hand stitched project with an 1800s era shell button.

oddly enough, after taking the leap and making my first article of clothing by hand (see last post), i enjoy sewing more than ever. it has freed me somehow, and i see sewing very differently. i have been sewing since i was about 5, begging my mom for embroidery projects like hers and making my grandma an apron completely by myself when i was 7. i was a 4-H sewer through my growing up years, and then majored in clothing and textiles at BYU, where i sewed, and sewed, and sewed some more (quite tragic that the department no longer exists there). i have always felt compelled to sew and create with my hands. after over 30 years of sewing, everything is new, because of my 1800s hand sewing adventures. i feel empowered, enabled. i understand pattern making better, and i have all kinds of new construction ideas.

i'm making mia's cap by machine, because i have so many projects i want to try, that i unfortunately can't do them all by hand. hers still needs a "frill" (ruffle) and chin strap. the background quilt is circa 1860 - 1880, one of my most favorites in my collection. you can't see it well i this photo, but many of the 8-pointed star blocks are signed.

now i am working on a dress for mia, using the patterns and directions in my 1838 "workwoman's guide" just as with the pantaloons and caps. this is a fun adventure too. if you have ever sewn a sleeve, you may be as surprised as i am to see how i was instructed to make these sleeves. they are a complete circle, with a hole cut in the center for the arm band, and the underarm edge trimmed slightly. the photo below shows one sleeve as it was cut, and one sleeve gathered to the bodice.

Comments

[glor]

I'm SEW impressed! What a fun way to stay inside and finish off winter! ps now Landon is home with fever-bummer. He said hi stummy feels like thunder...funny

[Jeni Owen]

Julie, I enjoy reading your blog so much. This sewing by hand is fascinating to me. You are so talented! It's really cool to see what you're working on.

[Mary Smith]

That sleeve is amazing! Does it make it more poofy that way? Ella wants to do a quilt like Lexi's. Any pointers?