(1967 February 27)
For a little Lenten exercise, I have taken over a box of linen left by the LeHew sisters in which are a few altar linens half finished - also cloth for making more - so I am embroidering crosses on those and hemming them.
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
August 19, 2012
April 3, 2012
Button box
(1993 July)
A nice man, Jim, in a wheelchair, told me he needed shirt buttons sewed on; so I brought my button box - that wooden marvel Etta Clark's father made and she gave to me. He raved over it.
A nice man, Jim, in a wheelchair, told me he needed shirt buttons sewed on; so I brought my button box - that wooden marvel Etta Clark's father made and she gave to me. He raved over it.
November 29, 2011
Family mender
(1992 January 17)
Can I do anything to help any of you? Remember, I am the Family Mender, so send any thing that needs special attention.
Can I do anything to help any of you? Remember, I am the Family Mender, so send any thing that needs special attention.
August 6, 2011
Trip to NYC
(1990)
Thank you for looking up me and The Woman's Home Companion. Aren't you smart!?! The snap of me is taken at Beaumont Avenue, and I am wearing an apron and hat made from a kit advertised in Woman's Home Companion which I sent for. You know WHC paid all my expenses including travel [to go to NY and be interviewed for an article on her craft work]. It wanted me to have my picture taken and then decided the enclosed was better as it also advertised the set. LL was in Milwaukee when I read the invitation but decided I'd get lost alone in a big city so came with me and paid his own expenses. My impression was that of a clean city. In the morning the sidewalks were all scrubbed in front of stores. Ev ery day. All in good taste.
Thank you for looking up me and The Woman's Home Companion. Aren't you smart!?! The snap of me is taken at Beaumont Avenue, and I am wearing an apron and hat made from a kit advertised in Woman's Home Companion which I sent for. You know WHC paid all my expenses including travel [to go to NY and be interviewed for an article on her craft work]. It wanted me to have my picture taken and then decided the enclosed was better as it also advertised the set. LL was in Milwaukee when I read the invitation but decided I'd get lost alone in a big city so came with me and paid his own expenses. My impression was that of a clean city. In the morning the sidewalks were all scrubbed in front of stores. Ev ery day. All in good taste.
June 24, 2011
Spring Meadows
(1989 April 22)
Thank you for asking about my next embroidery. "One picture is worth 100 words," so see enclosed from Met. Museum of Art, "Spring Meadows," taken from the back of an 18th century armchair. At first I thot of buying the kit, but the work is finer than the canvas I sent for; besides this way I can use up my leftover wool.
Thank you for asking about my next embroidery. "One picture is worth 100 words," so see enclosed from Met. Museum of Art, "Spring Meadows," taken from the back of an 18th century armchair. At first I thot of buying the kit, but the work is finer than the canvas I sent for; besides this way I can use up my leftover wool.
April 26, 2011
A spring outfit
(1988 May 4)
Today I did wear my new outfit to Church and not one comment. The coat is heavier than I thot, and the dress is like a nightgown. Sue L. sewed up what I drew, but didn't turn out chic at all; however, a spring outfit.
Today I did wear my new outfit to Church and not one comment. The coat is heavier than I thot, and the dress is like a nightgown. Sue L. sewed up what I drew, but didn't turn out chic at all; however, a spring outfit.
March 27, 2011
New waist
(1987) It's tea time and I write as I sip my tea. .... Have you heard the joke about the cold Irish man whose feet were cold at night so he cut off his blanket on top and sewed it on the bottom? I was thinking of him when I altered some sapphire slacks which I cut off on the bottom and sewed the pieces on the top for a new waistband because the original was nearly 2" wide, sewn 6 X with elastic - so hard and tough, I knew I could not stand it!
February 4, 2011
Ticked off
(1986 July 12)
I did a miserable thing today. The blue pillow on davenport was losing feathers and a bother. So I made a new cover for the inside pillow of ticking. On the machine. Got it all done and was very disappointed to feel how hard it was - not nice for naps any more. I didn't know the ticking would make it so hard. At least we are spared feathers all over.
I did a miserable thing today. The blue pillow on davenport was losing feathers and a bother. So I made a new cover for the inside pillow of ticking. On the machine. Got it all done and was very disappointed to feel how hard it was - not nice for naps any more. I didn't know the ticking would make it so hard. At least we are spared feathers all over.
January 19, 2011
Crossstiches
(1986 June 28)
MaryCassidy brot her needlework to show me, counted cross stiches, which I have never attempted so fine, & told how she found a mistake MaryQueen of Scots made in her needlework hanging on a castle wall.
MaryCassidy brot her needlework to show me, counted cross stiches, which I have never attempted so fine, & told how she found a mistake MaryQueen of Scots made in her needlework hanging on a castle wall.
October 25, 2010
Retiring teacher
(1975? September 9)
In a way, you might say, I got some of my own back the other day, tho I guess it wasn't quite in that spirit it all happened. Remember I told you what an ass took over the vocational school after Mabel died? Never called the teachers or got them together - wouldn't answer my phone calls, let it ride to the ground. Well, a new man, high school teacher, has taken over, and he called very nicely and asked me to teach. I was sorely tempted to, but this pain set me back on my heels. I have been very nervous lately - afraid to cut out your other shirt for fear I'd make a mistake, etc. So I thot I'd better try to find someone and wrote a former pupil of mine who hasn't replied yet. It was really hard for me to prepare for these classes - so many little things to gather up, so many illustrations in various books, but I did enjoy being with girls who saw beauty in what I did. Takes a lot of nervous energy to face a group, at times.
In a way, you might say, I got some of my own back the other day, tho I guess it wasn't quite in that spirit it all happened. Remember I told you what an ass took over the vocational school after Mabel died? Never called the teachers or got them together - wouldn't answer my phone calls, let it ride to the ground. Well, a new man, high school teacher, has taken over, and he called very nicely and asked me to teach. I was sorely tempted to, but this pain set me back on my heels. I have been very nervous lately - afraid to cut out your other shirt for fear I'd make a mistake, etc. So I thot I'd better try to find someone and wrote a former pupil of mine who hasn't replied yet. It was really hard for me to prepare for these classes - so many little things to gather up, so many illustrations in various books, but I did enjoy being with girls who saw beauty in what I did. Takes a lot of nervous energy to face a group, at times.
August 28, 2010
No oilcloth
(1972 January 21)
I have tried all over town and no oilcloth. Gone completely off the face of the earth. I may be able to get a thin plain vinyl very much the same sometime and have my cohorts working on it. But will take time. Meanwhile if you should find any, 12" would do, the width of the material would be unimportant. The stuff here has a knitted backing, therefore heavy, is "crushed" looking. About $4.00 a yard. Just no good for this. "The wet look."
I have tried all over town and no oilcloth. Gone completely off the face of the earth. I may be able to get a thin plain vinyl very much the same sometime and have my cohorts working on it. But will take time. Meanwhile if you should find any, 12" would do, the width of the material would be unimportant. The stuff here has a knitted backing, therefore heavy, is "crushed" looking. About $4.00 a yard. Just no good for this. "The wet look."
June 20, 2010
Easter not enough
(1966 April 9)
March 19 I took a pattern and material etc. to dressmaker (Mrs. Knothe). No murmur. Finally I called her and she said, "O, did you want that for Easter?" Then she tried, but she didn't make it. To vindicate herself, she asked where I was going anyway that I needed a new outfit. I said I would like to wear it to church, and she laughed to show what a silly idea that was. "Why you couldn't wear it anyway this weather without your coat." Foolishly I carried on the conversation and said I realized that but intended to take coat off when I got there. But unless she know what the occasion is, and if important enough, she will not rise to it. So tomorrow I worship perhaps more humbly than I would have otherwise, in an old outfit. Really, I am not broken up, only annoyed.
March 19 I took a pattern and material etc. to dressmaker (Mrs. Knothe). No murmur. Finally I called her and she said, "O, did you want that for Easter?" Then she tried, but she didn't make it. To vindicate herself, she asked where I was going anyway that I needed a new outfit. I said I would like to wear it to church, and she laughed to show what a silly idea that was. "Why you couldn't wear it anyway this weather without your coat." Foolishly I carried on the conversation and said I realized that but intended to take coat off when I got there. But unless she know what the occasion is, and if important enough, she will not rise to it. So tomorrow I worship perhaps more humbly than I would have otherwise, in an old outfit. Really, I am not broken up, only annoyed.
April 30, 2010
Duster
(1964 November 2)
I am making a blue and navy checked duster for Aunt Lois who can't be fitted in store-boughten clothes as she likes shirts fairly long. She can wear this either as a robe or dress. May include sample. Is cuddly. Put the collar on this aft and have the pockets and buttons left.
I am making a blue and navy checked duster for Aunt Lois who can't be fitted in store-boughten clothes as she likes shirts fairly long. She can wear this either as a robe or dress. May include sample. Is cuddly. Put the collar on this aft and have the pockets and buttons left.
April 23, 2010
A Polly Kay Original
(1964 May)
One day MM told [husband] Junior to hang a small floral print on a large dining room wall near the ceiling. He took a large nail and whacked hard and out came a piece of plaster as big as your head. I am dreaming up a hanging to cover it. On an unbleached cloth I am sewing a variety of quilt blocks, all different, in old fabrics, thus creating an Early American Hanging - one of those Polly Kay Originals.
One day MM told [husband] Junior to hang a small floral print on a large dining room wall near the ceiling. He took a large nail and whacked hard and out came a piece of plaster as big as your head. I am dreaming up a hanging to cover it. On an unbleached cloth I am sewing a variety of quilt blocks, all different, in old fabrics, thus creating an Early American Hanging - one of those Polly Kay Originals.
December 31, 2009
Tempus fugit
(1959 February 1)
Mary M and I feel so very sorry because we were so late and especially since by your remarks I could tell you didn't believe us. Actually, it is often hard to account for time which often goes by quickly especially in a department store. I have been wondering myself where the time went. I suppose we were about 20 minutes in Manchesters where we observed teen fashions and bought my black tights. Then about 15 in Barons where M bot her black tights. And at least half an hour in Rendalls to buy M's jacket and wait until snaps were sewed on. Then the wait for the bus, the delicatessen, the sausage shop, the wait for the cab and the long snaillike pace. I really do think your wife might understand better than you about shopping, but anyway, please try to understand the feminine mind and that we are so very sorry to have caused you so much inconvenience.
Mary M and I feel so very sorry because we were so late and especially since by your remarks I could tell you didn't believe us. Actually, it is often hard to account for time which often goes by quickly especially in a department store. I have been wondering myself where the time went. I suppose we were about 20 minutes in Manchesters where we observed teen fashions and bought my black tights. Then about 15 in Barons where M bot her black tights. And at least half an hour in Rendalls to buy M's jacket and wait until snaps were sewed on. Then the wait for the bus, the delicatessen, the sausage shop, the wait for the cab and the long snaillike pace. I really do think your wife might understand better than you about shopping, but anyway, please try to understand the feminine mind and that we are so very sorry to have caused you so much inconvenience.
December 10, 2009
Tech talk
(1958 April)
My dress is cut with not a half inch to spare. Hardest of all is to follow printed directions. I think I can read English until I start on those. It seems unless you already know what they are trying to say, you cannot work it out from the directions.
My dress is cut with not a half inch to spare. Hardest of all is to follow printed directions. I think I can read English until I start on those. It seems unless you already know what they are trying to say, you cannot work it out from the directions.
November 7, 2009
The puppet king
(1956 Winter)
MM has a puppet project on at school and we have been making a puppet king with two outfits, an ermine trimmed purple robe over a dark red gown, or robe, and also an ermine trimmed nightgown and nightcap. It was a lot of work, especially hunting the materials. But it turned out well, except the ermine. On that everything went wrong. First I washed an old pair of white fur mittens, cut it into strips (got rabbit hair all over). Then I painted on the black stripes with some black ink which looked wonderful. Only later when it wouldn't dry did I reflect it was ink for a stamping pad designed never to dry! So I blotted that up with a Kleenex, put on hair lacquer, and painted it over with white oil paint and touched up the black with oil paint. That isn't dry yet either. But Mary Margaret forgave me and thot it was wonderful!
MM has a puppet project on at school and we have been making a puppet king with two outfits, an ermine trimmed purple robe over a dark red gown, or robe, and also an ermine trimmed nightgown and nightcap. It was a lot of work, especially hunting the materials. But it turned out well, except the ermine. On that everything went wrong. First I washed an old pair of white fur mittens, cut it into strips (got rabbit hair all over). Then I painted on the black stripes with some black ink which looked wonderful. Only later when it wouldn't dry did I reflect it was ink for a stamping pad designed never to dry! So I blotted that up with a Kleenex, put on hair lacquer, and painted it over with white oil paint and touched up the black with oil paint. That isn't dry yet either. But Mary Margaret forgave me and thot it was wonderful!
June 4, 2009
Dolly
(1994 October)
I called a maid to bring me a drink and fold up a blanket I crocheted, and she said, "Be quick. the boss said I should be out of here by ten." I said, "Hurry up and go. It's that now." So she went. She must be the oldest maid, Dolly. People say when this place opened she was the first one to apply. She says she has a husband lame from a car accident, she works here and does housework for other people not able to do their own. She did what I asked and tickled me under a protruding foot and took off.
I called a maid to bring me a drink and fold up a blanket I crocheted, and she said, "Be quick. the boss said I should be out of here by ten." I said, "Hurry up and go. It's that now." So she went. She must be the oldest maid, Dolly. People say when this place opened she was the first one to apply. She says she has a husband lame from a car accident, she works here and does housework for other people not able to do their own. She did what I asked and tickled me under a protruding foot and took off.
April 29, 2009
Bread bag
(1951 September 21)
I set a hot pan on plastic bread bag and today bought more plastic for another bag at Peases - pink with big fruits - all made and holding the bread this minute! Applaud!
I set a hot pan on plastic bread bag and today bought more plastic for another bag at Peases - pink with big fruits - all made and holding the bread this minute! Applaud!
April 24, 2009
Darn it!
(1951 November 13)
You know I almost never have time to write a letter for myself, or sew on a button or do a thing for myself - just you and Maggie and Daddy and the house (and of course those cats). And so you would think that all of you would get more attention, but those hours roll by and then I am getting another meal again. But just keep on mentioning your needs and I will do what I can for you. Do think seriously about marrying some nice girl who is fond of darning. She could spend hour after hour on all the little holes and have a wholesome time. Wasn't that fierce?
You know I almost never have time to write a letter for myself, or sew on a button or do a thing for myself - just you and Maggie and Daddy and the house (and of course those cats). And so you would think that all of you would get more attention, but those hours roll by and then I am getting another meal again. But just keep on mentioning your needs and I will do what I can for you. Do think seriously about marrying some nice girl who is fond of darning. She could spend hour after hour on all the little holes and have a wholesome time. Wasn't that fierce?
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