Primitive Sheep

I enjoyed making this primitive sheep from a pattern I got from Threadbare Primitives.

I will be adding some sewing posts so be sure and watch for them.

They walk you step by step through the entire sewing and assembly process so you can see how it all comes together.

There are so many things you can make with a sewing machine, and it is a lot of fun.

I did not want my sewing area in my warehouse studio, I use the studio for woodworking, painting, soap making, etc.

I wanted my sewing area in the main house. That way I can sew while I have dishes cooking, and sewing doesn’t make such a mess like woodworking and painting does.

LB started making some really nice cottage style furniture. That takes a lot of studio space, and there is a lot of sawdust. So it works better all around to have the sewing room in the main house.

So I have an old antique dresser that LB’s mom gave me, and I store sewing and crafting supplies in there and keep it near the sewing table. I have a work area with my sewing machine. And a television close by, so I can watch old movies and sew. It is SO comforting on a rainy day to put on a pot of stew, and start a sewing project while watching your favorite old movies.

When Magpie was small, I had a lot of fun sewing her the cutest dresses and outfits. I don’t sew for her anymore unless it is something she needs for school or a special dance. She needed a poodle skirt a year or so ago for a dance, and we had fun making that. Here is a picture, it is a bit wrinkled, but what the heck.

The Poodle Skirt

Watch for more articles on sewing and crafting. Have a great day!

~ The Ranchers Daughter

This is something people passed from mother to daughter, but it is not so common or widespread anymore that kids learn how to sew. People pay to have their pants hemmed. This is a recession, we will have to do a lot of things ourselves. What if you don’t know how?

Some people throw a shirt away with a missing button; they don’t even know that most shirts come with a replacement button sewed on the shirt bottom just inside the front. A shirt tossed over something like a missing button? Sew it back on!

I used to make Magpie’s clothes when she was little.

I used to make LB’s shirts.

I have even made some cute little swim trunks for Mickey.

Now I mostly make dolls, curtains, placemats, aprons, and quilts.

I also make ornies, bowl fillers, really cute Holiday Decorations.

I have an online store where I sell these, I will post a link here soon so you can shop if you like.

I am one of those housewives who hems her husband’s trousers.

I sew buttons back on when they are missing.

I install replacement zippers and fix items up that just aren’t fitting right.

I create cute purses out of old jeans.

I convert long jeans to jean shorts.

I make my own tablecloths, window curtains, and home decor pillows.

I make wonderful handmade quilts and folkart wall hangings.

I have made truly stunning costumes.

I made a Dolly Madison outfit for Magpie for a single book report. The little “white thing” off to the side is the bonnet I made to go along with it. She got an A. Not because of the outfit. Because Magpie wrote a stunning Book Report.

That may sound silly, but the dress won a blue ribbon at the County Fair.

If you look closely, there is lace at the neckline, and lace in each sleeve. The “ribbon” in the front did actually “lace up” like a corset in the back. Intricately hemmed, intricately fitted, details all “sewed up.” Don’t ya love that term? Seamstress gets things sewed up!

And it is an item that Magpie Leotie will treasure always.

I also make primitive framed stitcheries.

Magpie is 16 and 16 year olds don’t want to wear clothes made at home.

16 year olds don’t realize that even the clothes they wear get made somewhere.

On a sewing machine, just like mine, or almost like mine.

But even so, it is not cool to wear clothes made by your mom when you reach a certain age.

LB on the other hand would gladly wear anything I made him, and be happy to get it.

Cause when someone sews something for you, it is a sign of true love.

I grew up in a family of 7. My mom sewed out of necessity, not hobby.

One thing I do not do is darn socks.

I am really funny about my socks.

I work at home, so I can get away with wearing those really bright colored super soft fuzzy socks.

Yes, even in July in the south. I wear them.

And when you darn a stock, especially in the heal or toe, it just doesn’t feel right anymore.

So I don’t darn socks.

If push comes to shove, and I have to darn socks, I will.

But I am not at that point. Yet.