AmazinglyBlessed

Tracing master sewing patterns

Over the years I've traced patterns using parchment paper, wax paper and sections of commercial patterns that I didn't need anymore.  It was okay but not that great.  What worked better was to use landscaping cloth or wallpaper and cut the largest size of the master pattern, then the smaller one, down to the smallest size.  That worked well but I didn't have a master pattern left if a piece was lost or a child accidentally cut too much fabric.

I found the greatest solution:  Carriff sewing fabric.  It's funny to say that a land drainage filter company makes this cloth.  It's advantages are that it's see-through enough to trace with, sturdy enough to sew with, it clings to most fabric and can be used to interface a garment.  At 25.99 for a roll of 36" x 300' it's well worth the price if you modify or trace multi-size patterns.  Narrower widths are less expensive.  I've heard that it's available at Lowes but locally I can only find the 4" sleeve width.  I think that some have found it at Home Depo.

De-clutter Hall of Shame!

I'm in the De-clutter hall of shame.  I had things under control for quite some time, until last week.  My Mother-in-Law called asking to see the children ASAP, and since her health is poor, we decided to make the 6 hour trip.

We came home, after three days of pleasant fellowship, with the back of our 15 passenger van filled to the top.  Where, oh where will I put all that stuff??  Granted, all of it is very useful, and we firmly said "no" to anything we didn't need.  My sis.-in-law gave me 5 garbage bags of home decorating fabric, bolts of drapery material and that I can't say no to.  Much of it is too fancy for us, but that's beside the point.  So I'll probably start sewing Ralph Lauren and Laura Ashley pillows and table runners, along with the modest dresses and pinafores. 

We were also given lots of yarn, crewel wool yarn and craft kits.  I know that the daughters will enjoy most of it in the years to come.

Meanwhile I have to find a place for everythings and it's taking much creativity.  I've asked in prayer for discernment and thankfully I was able to fill a few boxes of our stuff to give away.  Oh yes! we brought home 2 filing cabinets; a must for home education, sewing patterns, ... organization.

Happy Home Keeping,
Christina

Decluttering