Saturday, April 9, 2011
Pattern Sale - April 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Notice of Maiden Flight Clothing's Doll Jeans Give-Away
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - March/April 2011
I've been doing a lot of sewing lately. I have gotten so far behind on baby gifts. We have had a bumper crop in the cabbage patch at church this year. I'm nearly finished with an outfit for one of the new little "guys". I'm rather pleased with it, so I'm sure you will be getting to see a picture of it soon.
MSRP $10.95 to $19.95 each
Excludes See & Sew
Limit 10
No Special Orders
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Simplicity Patterns - 99 cents each
MSRP $6.95 - $17.95 each
Limit of 10
No Special Orders
Excludes "It's So Easy", New Look,
Burda & Simplicity Books
Friday, March 11, 2011
Cherished
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Pattern Sale - First Half of March 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Blossom in the Snow
Hi, everyone! Those of you who know me, know that winter is NOT my favorite season of the year. While I'm not overly fond of being cold or having treacherous ice underfoot, the Number One Reason that I dislike this time of year is lack of sunlight and color. Greyed-out colors and dismal days last far too long in my opinion. Although, around here we consistently had a good deal of snow on the ground this winter, and that does a tremendous job of reflecting sunlight and brightening the world around me. So if it must be winter, my motto is "let it snow".
Those who know me, also know that the winter solstice is just about my favorite day of the year because I know that there will be more and more daylight as the days grow longer. By the end of this month, I will be making daily excursions into the yard to see if any little green "shoots" are there to greet me.
I found the most beautiful blossom, full of color and promise, in the snow last Friday evening.
I love the beading and the embroidery on the bodice and skirt panel of this very simple gown.
And yes, it was too cold, even for this flower, to be outside, so she bundled up in a warm coat and headed off with her friends for a wonderful evening.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Pattern Sale - February 2011
I seem to be running a little late on this one - Starting today Butterick and Vogue Patterns are on sale for the weekend.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
To Go With His Big Baby Blues
There is sewing that is truly a labor of love. . . each step of the process is performed with loving thoughts of the one for whom it is being created. In my mind, it must be just the right pattern, the perfect choice of fabric, and have added details to convey "I love you so much, and I want this to show how special you are to me!"
After reading a post that the little guy that was to receive this was growing by leaps and bounds, I decided to mail it fearing that he would outgrow it before I could hand deliver it. In truth, after reading that post I feared that it might already be the case. So off it went, without me!
The good new is that it fits, "Mama" says that he even has a little room to spare. I tried something a little different with the leg closure. Instead of snaps, I used a zipper. I am anxious to hear how that worked out for Mama and son. The fabric is a soft-as-velvet miniwale corduroy that I fell in love with.
If you would like to see this little fellow wearing it, there are some gorgeous photos taken by his very talented Mama that you can see by clicking here.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - January 2011
So, you have some sewing projects to do. . .
Well, Butterick, McCalls, Simplicity, and Vogue patterns are all on sale at JoAnn Fabrics this month. Not all patterns are on sale at the same time, so be very careful to check the dates for the particular pattern in which you are interested.
and
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3 Days Only
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A Quiet Moment To Write
Well, I'm finally back. It's been a really busy few months, but it's also been rather exciting. I've been learning lots of new computer skills needed for my Maiden Flight Clothing endeavor and, of course, sewing and getting ready for the holidays.
Christmas was very good. Bill was off work the week between Christmas and New Year, so that made the time especially enjoyable for our family. We didn't do any homeschooling during that week, so Orangeblossom, the ManChild, and I were especially pleased about that. (Yes, we have often been known to continue homeschooling when others are out of school on Christmas vacation). The eldest had a much needed break from college work. While her two younger siblings and I have been back in full homeschool mode for 4 days now, she doesn't return to classes until the 10th. Much of her time off has been revamping and organizing her bedroom when she wasn't at work. I can barely believe that she only has one semester to go with her nursing program. This last semester will be a full one for her.
Yes, and she has also been doing some 'modeling" for me. I roped her into modeling these fingerless mitts that I am putting into my Etsy shoppe later tonight. I had made a pair for Orangeblossom for a Christmas gift, and they were a great hit. Then I made myself a pair because I thought they were so "neat", and fit nicely and snugly.. So, I'm going to try them on Etsy. They are a 70% wool blend, washable, and I have found them to be great for driving.
I thought the next two pictures of the "Eldest" were good.
I, also, wanted to welcome the new "followers" that have joined us here at Brambleberry Cottage. I notice that we have some doll lovers in the group. I don't blog a lot about my doll clothing here now, but you can still see what I am making over at my Maiden Flight Clothing blog. I'm having a Give-away over there duing January. Check it out, if you'd like.
I hope this finds all of you well, and that 2011 holds great blessings for each and everyone of you.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - December 2010 January 2011
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - First Half of December 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I've Been Kidnapped by the Karito Kids. . .
Since about the time of my last post, I have been adapting some fabulous patterns that Cinnamon Miles, Designer and Founder of Liberty Jane Clothing, had created for 18" American Girl Dolls. Anyone who knows me, knows my love for American Girl dolls and making fashions for them. Then I was introduced to the Karito Kids and have fallen in love with them as well.
When Cinnamon approached me about adapting some designs for the Karito Kids, I was honored and just thrilled to pieces.
So while I REALLY haven't been kidnapped by the Karito Kids I have been knee-deep in the project. Thus far I have adapted pieces for three patterns and am in the midst of the fourth. I have sewn a tank top, 4 tee shirts, 4 strappy tanks, 2 skirts, a pair of leggings, and two pair of jeans for the photos. And I have taken an awful lot of pictures of the completed items.
I have been so busy that no time has been left for blogging, and my Etsy Shoppe is rather poorly stocked these days because I have precious little time to sew things to put in it. Bill and the kids have been so sweet to pitch in around here to pick up the slack of my undone chores. And I could never be doing this without their wonderful help and support.
But, this is something I have dreamed about for half my life. . . to design doll clothes for someone other than myself. And I have to tell you today that I am so excited, and I thank the Lord with every stitch and photo along the way. Cinnamon Miles has been such a dear; I thank the Lord for letting our paths cross. She has shared so liberally!
Sorry for rambling; guess you can tell I'm sort of giddy. Just wanted to say hi, apologize that updates may be scarce for awhile, but at least now you know why. I know not everyone can get excited about doll clothes, and that is one of the reasons why I started the Maiden Flight blog -- to keep my personal/sewing blog from being over-run by my doll designing enthusiasm. I hope you'll overlook my making an exception in this post, but this is really too much to keep to myself. And since it is affecting me so profoundly -- I guess that makes it personal as well.
Anyway here's the cover to the first pattern book. . . that's my doll and I made those clothes. . . I have to pinch myself because this all just amazes me. The patterns will be available in the next week or so at Liberty Jane Patterns.

You can check out Cinnamon's announcement of the patterns to be released here.
Note Added: February 1, 2011 -- 9:05 pm
Although this post is two months old,I have noticed that many web serches about Karito Kids have brought folks to this post. If you are interested in some more things that we have been doing for Karito Kid dolls, please check out our Maiden Flight Clothing blog. I think you will definitely enjoy seeing the fashions and information we have there.
Nanci
Monday, November 1, 2010
A Wonderful Surprise
Imagine my surprise when she came down wearing this peasant top. She had decided she wanted to finish it, studied the instructions, and voila. I think she really did a great job on it. And it is probably one of the nicest surprises I have had. I was so happy!!!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - First Half of November 2010
Boy, I almost missed the information on this one. It took me a little bit to locate it -- it looks like only one brand of patterns is on sale during the first half of November, but it lasts an entire week.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Sew with Confidence - Where do I start?
First of all, Dana, I'm sorry I didn't respond to you more quickly. Time somehow gets away from me these days. Second, I thought this might be a topic that others might be interested in as well, and so, I decided to answer as a post.
I have taught my two daughters to sew when they were younger, and several of their friends, as well as a few adults. Several of them are becoming quite accomplished, steadily progressing in the difficulty of patterns they use.
My first suggestion is this: Always set yourself up for success. Start on projects that have only straight seams, perhaps casing and elastic waistband.. Progress to gentle curves in the next project. Perhaps gathering in the next. You want to walk away from each project with a sense of accomplishment that gives you confidence to do the next step. (I find that one of the biggest discouragements that causes someone (especially adults) to try one sewing project and never, ever try again is choosing a style they love, but the pattern is too difficult for them. They become discouraged and decide sewing is something they don't have the "talent" for. In truth they simply never learned the basics that allow them to eventually tackle a more difficult style.) ALL THAT TO SAY THIS -- START SIMPLE, WORK UP.
My second suggestion is this: A book rather than a tutorial. Why? Because a book is more portable, it can be taking right to the sewing machine. It's more easily referenced.
The book that I suggest is Sew with Confidence by Nancy Zieman. I have bought this soft covered book for my own daughters and also for a couple of their friends. It is a beginner's guide to basic sewing with lots of clear insructions and illustrations. It's a great reference book. The ISBN # is 0-87349-811-9. Here's a picture of the cover.
Nancy Zieman, learned to sew through 4-H when she was younger, and has now written the manual that is used by young girls in 4-H. However, this book is great for any beginner -- young or old. This and your sewing machine manual can get you started on your road to sewing well. I've always felt that she explained things simply and understandably in her books.
In the back of this book their are a few very simple projects such as the one shown above. There are also one for gift bags (good project with Christmas closing in).
I hope these suggestions have been helpful to you. If you have further questions, just comment and I'll try to answer them for you.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - Last Half of October 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Pattern Sale at JoAnn Fabrics - First Half of October 2010
Y What will you be sewing?
Nanci
Friday, October 1, 2010
Diabetes and Drink Stick Wallets
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
More Prototypes for American Girl Doll Clothes
So I grabbed some paper, pencil, rules, scrap fabric and such and began. I'm pretty satisfied with the results, but I need to "tweek" a few things before I really feel good about the pattern.
Top stitching should be added for aesthetic reasons I think, especially on the straps. It has good body to stand on its own, and I like the contrasting lining. I think a tab with button closure would be a good detail to add.
