Talk of Alabama

What a busy, busy week!

Have you ever had one of those weeks that seems like you're just hopping and never get to slow down? Usually when I have one of those, it's not a good thing.

This week actually seems like it began last week - talk about hectic! We spent six days on a family vacation in Gatlinburg, returned home and I was given a unique opportunity to feature some heirloom clothing for children on a local television news/talk show. It was SO EXCITING! I have had one or two things that have made it to magazines in the past, but never television - I was scared to death! I'm not much of a talker and definitely don't like being in front of a camera.

I've posted a couple of pictures from our TV appearance. The video of our interview can be viewed at www.abc3340.com. I took my friend and mentor Billie McAndrews with me; she owns Billie's Heirloom Sewing in Birmingham, which in my opinion is the best little shoppe around! She has such a wonderful selection of laces, many that aren't available anywhere else. Billie was very nervous as well, and as we were walking into the studio, turned to me and said "I think I'm just going to wait here!" I very respectfully (Billie's the same age as my grandmother) told her that she couldn't bail out on me at the last minute, and you know what? She did great! I hope that we will get other opportunities similar to this in the future. It was so much fun!!!

I'm so proud of Emily!

My oldest daughter, Emily (age 12) made this version of Petite Poche's Vintage Baby Bubbles. This was her entry in the textile category for the Alabama Christian Education Association's art competition this past week. I love the look of this bubble - it looks like a diaper set, but when unbuttoned on the sides, is one flat piece. The little chick is done by madiera applique, and for her first attempt at that, Emily did an excellent job. She won a first place blue ribbon among all junior high school students in the state!!

Holly and Hunter with a personal touch

This sweet little romper actually began with the Holly and Hunter pattern by Bonnie Blue. I added an inch to both sides at to allow for a small elastic casing under the arm (similar to Children's Corner's Bobbie pattern). For a more feminine look, I added a ruffle to the shoulder strap and bows at each side from a coordinating gingham ribbon. The customer wanted her daughter to be able to wear this now with a blouse or turtleneck underneath, as well as in the spring, so I lengthened the legs to ankle length. The extra inch I added to each side also helped give the legs a little fullness for the elastic added at the ankles. The monogram is "Monogram Script" from Monogram Wizard Plus.

I think buttons covered in gingham to match the ribbons would have been really cute, but since this is for a baby, I opted with a more secure basic button.