Remember Holly Hobbie?

Holly Hobbie (born in 1944) is an American writer and illustrator, and the name of a fictional character based on this person. In 1970 she sold her distinctive artwork of a bonnet wearing, cat-loving little girl to American Greetings. In 1974, Knickerbocker Toys licensed the Holly Hobbie character for a line of rag dolls, which were very popular. This is a sewing pattern for a Holly Hobbie doll. The doll's head is made from a white nylon sock and her hair is made from yarn. So very pretty. See more of the pattern here

The Wonderful Art of Smocking

It's always amazing to see smocking transposed to more "modern" clothing (in this case, a 1950's girl's dress). This simple and decorative form of embroidery was introduced in the 13th and 14th century English countryside and used by farmers who smocked their clothes to create extra warmth and promote freedom of movement across the back, chest and arms. Practical and pretty too, the early smockers adorned their clothes with symbols that indicated where they were from and what role they played. These garments proved to be unpractical and dangerous with the introduction of machinery and were no longer worn on the farm but adapted to women's garments as a fashion element. Generally, done by hand, smocking machines were finally invented in the 1940's and have been used, more so, on children's clothing.

Embroidery for Your Home

Who doesn't love the look of vintage hand embroidered linens? While the cost of vintage linens is sometimes out of our reach, there's nothing to prevent you from duplicating these designs. Learn a few easy stitches and you'll be hooked. Literally. Start with an easy project and you'll be amazed at how quickly your skill level develops. The art of embroidery is also soothing for the soul and a perfect airplane, bus, train, at the beach activity or half-watching t.v. activity. Search out patterns and designs that inspire you and soon you'll be inspiring others with your new and artistic skills.

A tremendous resource on the Internet is http://www.needlenthread.com/, a site maintained by a hobbyist-expert in needlecraft, Mary Corbet. Beautifully organized with tips for the needleworker, from beginner to expert, you'll find a whole range of tips, references and resources, including a fantastic video library of stitches.


Photo from Embroidery Inspired By Wrought Iron Designs, Coats Sewing Group Book No. 1024, copyright 1968. (Tuscany Refectory Cloth. )

Making Things ~~ The Benefits of a Creative Mind ~~ Crafting Keeps You Healthy

My passion for making things began early. I was inspired by my Great-Grandmother whose home was filled with beautiful things that she had made herself. From table linens, to her own clothes, Great-Grandmother found a way to re-use fabrics in beautiful and unique ways. I started making doll clothes when I was 7. Later on, I graduated to designer duds, buying Vogue patterns and creating my own Paris Originals. I made my first quilt when I was 16 using up material from my old dresses. I devote a portion of my day to creating something, whether it be working on an on-going project (French needlework), creating my own clothing, or re-patching that old quilt. Quite simply, I've discovered that a creative life is a healthier one. Here are some tips to make your life a craftier one:

1. Crafts help you concentrate on the here and now. Enjoy the process! So find something that you really love to do.
2. Rhythmic crafts such as sewing, knitting, woodworking, crocheting, improve the mind-body benefit
3. Think of crafting as a medical necessity. Making something allows you to tune into your emotions and creativity and help release frustration. Practice it daily.
4. Get into the flow! Be completely absorbed by your activity and lose all track of time. Push yourself a little harder to improve your skills so that you won't get bored.
5. There are no mistakes in creating! Some of the best inventions were the results of so-called mistakes. The process of trial and error opens your mind to extraordinary things.