Blumenkinder Blog

Season’s Greetings

blumenkinderheirlooms — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:19:13 +0000

Merry Christmas from the Perry family.

Hannah, Lydia, Madelyn, Rachel, Sam and Ben

Many blessings to you and happy stitching in 2012.

Ben at eight weeks

blumenkinderheirlooms — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:17:25 +0000

Diaper shirt pattern by Sew Beautiful magazine, cotton/linen from Fabric Finders Inc., embroidery by Pfaff. Ben, a beautiful gift from God.

Clara

blumenkinderheirlooms — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:57:28 +0000

A knitted sweater for Miss Clara by Hannah.

More of Ben

blumenkinderheirlooms — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:17:58 +0000

Benjamin

blumenkinderheirlooms — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:48:06 +0000

Benjamin Patrick Perry was born on October 6 at 2:02 p.m.

So thankful for a safe delivery and a healthy boy, who’s loved by all.

A Few Baby Things

blumenkinderheirlooms — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:27:24 +0000

There really is something special and fun about sewing for an expected baby. With fall being in the air, I liked the long sleeves of this linen diaper shirt pattern from Sew Beautiful’s Issue 121. Fabric Finders’ cotton/linen blend has a soft hand.

The hats and boots are made with a Cascade Pima Cotton yarn, which is also a very, very soft natural fiber for a delicate newborn’s head and feet.

Lydia’s Lilac Dress

blumenkinderheirlooms — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:16:24 +0000

Lydia had a great time creating her version of Susan Stewart Designs’ “Lilac” pattern. She made it with Fabric Finders’ handkerchief linen and brown houndstooth for the belt and the slot seams.

Ainsley blouse for Rachel

blumenkinderheirlooms — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:34:57 +0000

This week I tried out the Children’s Corner pattern, “Ainsley,” with Fabric Finders’ petit point pique. I added smocking to the blouse, using two stitches that I learned through SAGA’s Advanced Stitches correspondence course, the barbed trellis and surface honeycomb. The pique fabric is lightweight, pleats beautifully, and is wonderful to smock. The blouse pattern instructions were very clear and easy to follow. We did raise the waist line, to give the blouse a little more of a “puffing” effect, per Rachel’s request. And, rather than a fabric waist band, I used a pretty trim I found at Treadle Yard Goods.

Rachel wore her blouse to the first day back to “Sunday School”. I washed it twice (smile) to remove “washable” marker from Sunday School, and ice cream from Barney’s, a little root beer and burger place on Clear Lake later in the day. She and her brother may even make it on Barney’s Facebook page in the next few days.

What a fun day!

Lydia’s Blouse

blumenkinderheirlooms — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:23:00 +0000

My daughter Lydia recently made this blouse using Fabric Finders’ raspberry gingham and white pima broadcloth.

Rachel’s Dress by Hannah

blumenkinderheirlooms — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:36:27 +0000

My twelve-year-old daughter, Hannah, had a great first experience with sewing and entering this dress at the Waseca County 4-H Fair last week. She was thrilled to receive Grand Champion for her efforts.

Hannah made this dress for her sister, Rachel, using Fabric Finders’ fabrics and following the Basic Yoke Dress pattern by Ginger Snaps. Australian Smocking & Embroidery magazine was also a helpful resource. The smock plate is her variation of “Linda” by Little Stitches.

Her mom, of course, is thrilled with her accomplishment and the encouragement she received from this first experience.