A Long-Awaited Business Venture

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ Leave a comment

I have something I am over the moon excited about to share with you, my friends.
 
I’ve kept it under wrap for some time.
 
For many years I have dreamt of becoming a Martha Pullen Licensed Sewing Instructor.
 
I am oh so close to realizing that dream and I want to share it with you all.
 
Martha’s Madeira and Bias Shaped Table Runner is one of the required projects for completion of the
 
Teaching Beginning Sewing teacher licensing course.
 
To date, I have completed 7 of the 8 required projects.
 
Over the next few weeks, I will share each of them here on A Notion to Sew.
 

Heirloom stitching with a wing needle is a beautiful accent to this vintage inspired table runner.
 
Linen fabric lends itself perfectly to heirloom sewing.

How fun it is to be able to use those embellishing stitches included on many of today’s sewing machines.
 
And even if you have a machine with only utility stitches,
 
you can still accomplish a similar look with your zig zag stitch.
 
This project is a quick, no stress introduction to heirloom sewing for the beginning sewist.
 
This vintage silver bowl is the perfect decor item for Martha’s Madeira and Bias Shaped Table Runner.
 
The bowl was a $15 find at a local consignment shop.
 
It was badly tarnished, although not pitted, and in need of some simple TLC.
 
The velvet-petaled pansies are courtesy of my garden.
 
Enjoy the everyday beauty that is all around us, my friends.
 
 



Easter Dress

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 2 Comments

Oh my goodness, can I just tell you all how much I love this new pattern!
Colette Patterns hits a home run on my scoreboard.
The Moneta is a simple, but essential wardrobe builder.

I did not make a muslin because I didn’t decide until Friday which dress I would make for Easter.
So, with limited time, I opted to just sew this one up right out of the envelope,
or off the computer as the case may be (I purchased the digital version).

The fit is very good.  I cut a straight size medium, but I added
3″ to the length and 1″ to the sleeve length.
There is, however, one small issue – the front neckline gapes just a bit.
Not a pattern flaw, but a physical body flaw!
That will be an easy adjustment on my next go round.

I already planned to wear this scarf with the dress, before I even sewed it.
So, it all worked out.
Fabric:  Aqua solid by Riley Blake
May you all have a very blessed Resurrection Day, my friends.



Kitchen Redecorating and a Sewn Accessory

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ Leave a comment

 
We are in the middle of a kitchen re-decorating project.
While the painters are painting my outdated, golden-oak cabinets
with a new, bright white lacquer finish,
I’ve been busy sewing up a few little items to add some sweet details to the whole look.
 
 
 
I used the toaster cover tutorial from Sew 4 Home as my guideline.
Mine is not a toaster cover, but rather a food processor cover.
 
 
 
Four squares bordered by ric rac serve to accent the front.
 
 
Self-made piping is sandwiched between the edges.
 
 
It may seem an oddity, but I enjoy making piping. 
 
 
 I chose to use my serger this piping go round.
So easy, so quick, and beautiful finished edges.
 
 
 All fabrics are Early Bird by Cosmo Cricket.
That cute cheery cherry lining makes me smile.
 
Updating and brightening up a room in my home
by adding new, handmade details is such a satisfying endeavor.
Are you making any home or wardrobe changes to welcome in the new season?
 
I’ll be sharing some garment projects shortly – stay tuned.