from the rag bag

and not a bit wiser...

2012-02-09T22:18:00.000-08:00

I am now "officially" in my late 60's. I don't feel or look any different than yesterday, but that's fine by me. Since I go through life with a somewhat skewed image of me, I never know how to answer those folks who ask, "What does 60-whatever feel like?" The best I can manage is, "If I ever start to feel that age, I'll let you know."
Gifts were a sewing machine (my back-up has it's back up) from Fred-along with a beautiful Italian Amaretto cake; gift card and hugs from Son, DGDs, and DIL who has the same birthdate, and best of all, many birthday wishes from friends around the planet. It's bedtime, so I will sign of, Nehmah62

We made it through another year...

2012-01-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome and Happy 2012. We had a very quiet holiday season. The granddaughters went to Florida to celebrate Christmas with their abuelos. (We are the grandparents)
They are back home and preparing to return to classes.
A bit of sad quilting news; my favorite site, The Golden Thimble announced the closing of this most valuable site. As is so often the case with individually-owned sites, I gather that finances were becoming a problem. I don't understand, other than the grubbing for ever-more-cash, why a non-profit site has to pay the same rates as a virtual Big Box site. She shared and taught quilting from her heart. The area where photos of "quilt barns" were kept was a treat to me. I'm just old enough (snicker if you like) to recall seeing these as we drove from Chicago.
She generously shared links to other quilting sites, craft sites, archived needlework sites, and the list goes on, and on.
Becky, I shall miss you. I'll be over to the non-EBay site. May you enjoy your "free" time. Cordially, Nehmah62

A peaceful and prosperous 2012...

2011-12-29T07:51:00.000-08:00

May all who read this have a peace-filled 2012. May you live without fear. May you treat others well. Nehmah

It's digital for Nehmah...

2011-12-18T16:51:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we celebrated 45 years of marriage. It was a quiet day for us. He had his Saturday bible study group, while I sewed, frantic to get stuff done by the 25th. We went out to shop for a joint gift and a meal. The gift was a digital camera and extras. Our last camera purchase was in October of 1994 when we went to the UK for my 50th birthday (b-day was in February-I mean why rush things?) It saw yeoman's duty when grandchildren were born.
Due to tremors I can no longer use a film camera. Either I drop the film under the couch or the photos look like they were shot during the 1906 SF earthquake. Digital is the only way to go. The colors are terrific, I can't cut off heads as there is a wee box to center images. Colors adjusted automatically, however they have not quite perfected the software to clean up (virtually) the mess behind the shootee. Best of all, the picture is on a teeny monitor so I know if the shot is good or ICK! Since I probably won't be posting I'll wish the readers a Happy Holiday and peaceful 2012. Nehmah62

It's HOW many days till Christmas?...

2011-12-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

I am deep into holiday sewing for two of the four grandchildren. I had from December 2, when the last of the taffeta fabrics arrived, until December 19, when we get the dresses ready for the Xmas tree. Due to sudden rearranging of schedules, I must have both dresses ready for a photo op with Santa this Saturday December 10 at 9 AM.
Dress one-red plaid taffeta is finished enough it can be worn for that specific appointment. Dress two-blue plaid taffeta is cut and prepped for a temporary finish by Friday night. After Saturday morning, both will be returned, the temporary closure of Velcro will be removed, skirts sewn to bodices, and zippers added. Then, should I have enough time, I will make the matching underskirts for the girls. While they are celebrating the holidays with the other grandparents elsewhere, I will be finishing the Barbie dresses and copies of their 2011 dress for the cloth dolls made from a Brown House Dolls pattern.
If you are looking for a really sound pattern for other than the red-headed kid (although she has that also) GOTO: link to doll site
May all of you who read have a peaceful holiday season. Take care, don't drink and drive. People would miss you were you to die. Cordially, Nehmah62

Happy Birthday, wherever you are...

2011-11-29T15:27:00.000-08:00

The 2nd of December is my first grandchild's 17th birthday. I haven't seen him in over two years. He must be quite tall, by now. Wherever life has taken you, Patric, we will always love you.
To all who read this page, I hope the holiday season will be one of kindness and courtesy. I've walked both sides of the "treat others well" street. I can tell you that being civil and kind is the better route. Keep well, get a flu shot, don't drink and drive. Nehmah

Happy Birthday from far, far away...

2011-10-27T01:59:00.000-07:00

My first female grandchild is 13 today. I wish her a very happy birthday and a full and joyful life from both of us. We send all our love to you, Andrea. Grandpa and Grandma

Oh my! What a surprise...

2011-10-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday evening, after we were done with bible study, a very special friend gave me a large bag with 150+ older patterns. About 1/3 were uncut; the rest had all of the pieces and instruction sheets. BTW, this is not the first group of patterns I have received from her.
So, what to do with them. Some will be made into clothing for children, then given away (the clothing, not the pattern.) There are two Anne Adams patterns, one from the 1930's and one from 1940's. When my holiday sewing is done, I will very carefully open each one to see what condition they are in. I really like the dress pattern and will attempt to make up this style. This may not seem like a particular challange, unless you have actually seen a pattern from that era. There are no printed lines, darts, or other indicators we are accustomed to using. It should be very interesting.
I will be sorting through again to be sure the pieces are all there and make a note of what is missing. They will be sent (in friend's name) to a pattern preservation site, link here (Link works) so that others will be able to finish out a favorite pattern that is missing instructions or pattern pieces. I'm not interested in selling them to someone who sees patterns as a source of quick cash. I want them to be put to their proper use.
Now, there must be other sites like "patternrescue.com" on the web. If you have a link to a similar one, please leave a message and I will check each one out.
Cordially, Nehmah62

If you see it on sale...

2011-10-05T11:59:00.001-07:00

Once again, I have delayed on a purchase and lost it. Not that life as I live it will crash about my ears, but it was a very nice knit print.
How many times have we procrastinated, then rued it. And how many times have we delayed only to lose the perfect OH or job or car. Then, down the road found out the car was a lemon; the job was a temp advertised as full-time; the perfect OH was a loser from the start.
Not all losses are so very bad; but I still would have liked my poppies. (Sulk) Cordially, Nehmah62

Autumn is here...

2011-10-01T02:28:00.000-07:00

(Almost) Tonight was cold enough for the heat pump to get to work, and for me to dig out an extra half-blanket. We have a cotton throw on the bed, year-round and fleece blankets or quilts in the colder months. Since DH is somewhat warmer-blooded than I am, for most of the year, two blankets is far too warm for him, while only one is not enough for me. (There ought to be a body-temp compatability scale to check out these things BEFORE one marries!) My solution was to cut up a blanket into lap rugs. I pulled one over the shoulders to keep warm.
DH recently has had very cold legs in the early AM-low BP, most likely. He gets the other half over the lower legs and we are content. Well, as content as one can be when Nature urges the body out of a nice warm bed at 2:00 AM on a chilly wooden floor. ICK!
I like to make clothing and body wraps out of fleece blankets for a couple of reasons. One is cost; a king-size blanket has an enormous amount of fabric for the price. The other is the weight; my first wraps were for a dear and now-departed (but still missed) friend who spent his last months in a nursing home. His daughter was saying that quilts from home were just a tad too heavy. She asked me to make a shawl like one someone had given him. I made it longer, added pockets and machine embroidered his name in VERY LARGE LETTERS so everyone knew it was his. His daughter heeded my warning and washed it in cold water and gentle dry. No hardening or pills.
I could get four of these from a king blanket with enough extra fabric to make two-four outfits (hoodie and pants) for wee folks, depending on size. Fleece garments should be cold water washed/gentle or air dried to keep the fabric soft and fleece-like. Blankets come in colors that are boy-child friendly. I must admit to a peeve with the pattern and fabric industries for neglecting boys where patterns and colors are concerned. Hey, Big 4, boys wear clothing, too!!!!
Enough, the coffee is making me sleepy. Time to hit the (fleece) sack. Cordially, Nehmah62

Give some thought to the temperature outside...

2011-09-30T07:17:00.001-07:00

I recently found (through a friend) a wonderful site with FREE patterns to be used with fleece-any kind-fabrics. It is at: Fleece Fun (link is good) She, Angel, has uploaded free patterns in different sizes to be used with fleece, and in some cases, jerseys. There are both (mostly) infant/toddler/child-b/g patterns. They are free, so remember my previous admonitions, A. Say "Thank You." B. Don't abuse the limits by claiming the pattern as your own by making a tweak. C. If you do post the information be sure your link is OK by Angel's regs. I'd hate to lose such a valuable source of tutorials (they are there for each pattern) and patterns.
Now, on to the reason for the title; The name of the site is "Fleece Fun" and the patterns are designed to take advantage of fleece's many great qualities. However, if you live in Michigan, or Toronto, your temperatures in Fall and Winter will be much lower than mine. I live in an area called "Middle Tennessee" as it is the central portion of...TN! Our wintertime temps are probably closer to Chicago's Autumn temps. For Detroit, fleece in November is great. For Nashville and further south, jersey is a good alternate. Little folk have dicey internal thermostats. So, give some thought to the temperature outside. Cordially, Nehmah62

Too much of a good thing...

2011-09-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

I can't resist a freebie. However, it has become very obvious that there truly is too much of a good thing. I used to spend about 2-3 hours a day on all computer-related chores. Now, it is more like 6-7 hours, just hunting for free items, usually patterns and instructions that are related to sewing. I have become "George". (There is a sort of shaggy dog tale that ends with, "Let George do it." only George has expired from overwork.)
Well, this George is cutting back. I am older, and I need to get things tidied away more often. If I just leave stuff where I put it to work with, I'll forget and....
Here endeth,etc. Nehmah62

It would be nice if...

2011-09-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

How many times over my 60+ years have I heard this statement? I have no idea, but often enough that I now use it. Example: It would be nice if: A. E-companies would correct errors in their ads. For example I purchased a disk which showed men's trousers patterns as being on it. No patterns, so returned. Thinking it was a one-off dud, I bought another. No patterns for trousers, but shirts which I can use, so it stayed. Both times I notified the seller but, as of today, there is NO MENTION that not all of the items shown are on the disk. HMPF!
E-companies that change the regs for use of the site, but NEVER send that information to their registered users. How hard is it to send a no-reply message? For example, a site which stores .pdfs of purchased patterns, now removes some with no notice as to why. I groused and they are back, but for how long? I still do not know when or why this happened.
There are many of these occurrences every day, but no remedy unless abandoning what you have paid for, is any sort of reasonable remedy.
Here endeth the sermon, Nehmah62

Back to the keyboard...

2011-08-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have been learning about fashions in South America for about a year. The interest began in 2010, when two granddaughters, ages 5-7 wanted "proper princess gowns Grandma; no D*&^%y doll stuff!" This led first to the Middle Ages, then to 1600s Florence and Venice, thence to SA. The flamenca (Br. Port) gowns are of rich colors. I love to see children in jewel tones. I am setting up for Halloween 2011...

last posting...

2009-11-26T13:10:00.000-08:00

Due to health problems, I am closing this journal.

"wkdesigner.wordpress.com" is at an end...

2009-09-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

On August 31, 2009, the blog at "wkdesigner.wordpress.com" posted it's final entry. While I can well understand the reasons for ending the column, I will miss the enjoyment of finding a new set of instructions from Don. He had a no-nonsense approach to drafting everything from pillow covers, to his "zoot alors" trousers. That last is my favorite.
Don, you will be missed and should you take up a new site, please let us know. If, (hint, hint) you should write a book on drafting, I will be in line (on-line) to purchase it. Keep well, folks and do a good deed without letting anyone know it was you. Cordially, Nehmah

The Golden Thimble...

2009-07-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Quilting is one of the earliest of the needle arts. Quilting fabrics together with a padding or filler of wool, straw, grasses, or cotton between them, produced a warm, protective covering. Straw/grasses, or wool was most likely the first batting. But, like the question, "Who invented the first wheel?" that won't be settled here.
Modern quilters are always on the lookout for a new pattern or rather, a new variation on an older one. At thegoldenthimble.com owner Rebecca Kuck has posted a great number of .pdf's for themed quilts, and individual blocks. She has generously given permission for me to link to her site. Thank you, Rebecca. While there are some patterns for quilts and craft items for sale (some as e-patterns) to my way of thinking, this is a non-business/work of love website.
Should you know of an avid crafter, embroiderer, or devotee of any of the needle arts, send them here to browse through her lists of craft and needlework links. She is very good about keeping the links up-to-date and removing dead ones, if they are reported to her. So, the next time you have a donation for the rag bag, try making a patchwork quilt. Remember to mention her site if you should use/post a photo of an article of work using any of her patterns. Enjoy the days you have been given. Cordially, Nehmah

"I'm sorry; I wasn't playing fair."...

2009-07-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

Good morning,
How often have we heard children grouse, "That's not fair"? Followed by, "Mommy,(insert sibling/friend/playmate's name here) won't play fair." Fair play is one of those lessons we should have learned as children. As adults, we forget if it is inconvenient. We all do it. Not all the time, but....we do it. The reason for this article has to do with two requests from on-line acquaintances who each asked for a copy of two different items (in my case, patterns.) At first, I didn't think anything about the requests. However, when someone makes the effort to create a download for anything, they have every right to set a limit on it's use. There are many sites on the internet whose owners/writers have a small business selling the fruits of their labors. They occasionally give a freebie as a download to readers of the site or blog. To them, I say "Thank you." To those whose generosity I abused, please accept my apology. I no longer pass on that free gift, for gift it is. I share information and web addresses. Part of the reason is altruistic, (it isn't fair); the other is peevishness. If you are too lazy to look up a site for which you have the data, don't expect anyone else to do it for you. Here endeth the sermon...
It has happened too often to count; I want to locate information relevant to sewing techniques in the late 1800's. I would enter, "sewing, 1800's, women's garments" What do I receive back from my wee virtual harvesters? Ads, many, many pages of ads for vintage garments sellers; sellers of vintage patterns; sellers of vintage buttons; vintage threads (Are they crazy? The stuff would be so rotten, it wouldn't stand up to one trip through my machines.) There will be English language sites, and sites whose language I need a translation download to determine. I would be very fortunate to find more than one entry on each page that was even close to what I want. I found a way to eliminate most but not all of this dreck. Enter the word "archives" or 'Archived" at the front of the search request. The words "research" "journal" and similar will also limit the search. I fell into some of the most wonderful sites this way. I will post them later. BTW, this was to have been the week's sole entry. Well, it is my blog, after all. Cordially, Nehmah

What's a rag bag, Mommy?...

2009-07-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up every family I knew of had a rag bag. It was the sack, pillowcase, or box where any fabric item, whether linens or clothing that was past using in it's original state wound up. It would be a "repurposed items holder" in today's language. Whatever it is called, it means we recognize that things can serve a purpose often much different than was intended. The same can be said for people.
People can and do have purposes and dreams far different than their parents, teachers, or they themselves planned on. To those people I say, "Go for it. Make the most of what you have. First, do no harm." Cordially, Nehmah