Vintage Toddler's Patterns

Nothing seems to give me goose bumps like vintage toddler sewing patterns. When my daughter was little and I was waiting for acceptance to school I would sew her clothes. I wasn't the best seamstress but I loved the thought of going to the store, letting her pick out the fabric for the pattern, finding the right buttons, and then creating something just for her. Every step of the outfit made me feel close to her and I miss that now that she is grown with children of her own. Nostalgic yes, but good stuff that makes me feel good and brings back good memories. It's all good. Here's a new listing in the Etsy shop. Kwik Sew 698 T-Shirts for toddlers with envelope shoulders designed by Kerstin Martensson. The package includes the appliques for the shirts. The pattern is uncut, complete, and in very good condition. Cute and fun for boys and girls ages 1-3.

School Dazed

Education plays an important role in nursing. From the time I thought about becoming a nurse, I was involved in school, continually challenging myself to do more and do better. Once I received my degree, I was on my way to making money. I could hold a job that paid well and commanded respect. I was a professional. I was a nurse. It didn’t take me too long to realize that an Associate’s degree was on the bottom rung of the RN ladder but with a family to raise, I didn’t feel ready to go back for my BSN. Oh, I tried to go back by taking a class or two every so often, but something would always get me sidetracked. After twenty-plus years as an ADN nurse, I finally went back to school for my BSN. Now that I am just about done (one more class to go, Yippee!), I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned along the way. Commitment: I tried to go back before but I was too easily sidetracked. This time I was committed to do whatever it took to get the job done. I developed a routine for studying and writing papers that no one (well, almost no one) could change. I felt like I grew an umbilical cord to my computer. Where ever I went, it went. I even named it. Her name is Sam. Help: I was terrified of Algebra (I still get shivers up and down my spine) and Statistics. Algebra beat me up once (black eye; couldn’t see for 3 days) and I was determined not to let it get me again. This time I found a tutor long before the class started and studied algebra every day just so it would be fresh in my mind. I even found a computer program to use and play with algebra when my assignments were completed. Somehow, I did it right this time because I passed Algebra I & II then went on to kick butt in Statistics but I’m no fool. I had help. I couldn’t have done it alone. Mentoring: I have one official mentor (on paper) and about 3 real live ones. I needed someone to help me through the application process, the reimbursement process, even the picking-out-the-right-school-for-me process. They are the people who listened to me moan and groan about my work and said “You can do it” and meant it. They’d read over my papers and correct the dumb mistakes (OK, I’m not perfect). They’d give me the push (or kick in the tush) I needed when I needed it. Timing: I went back on my time, not someone else’s. Yes, I am hard headed, been that way all my life and most likely won’t change now so I used that to my advantage. The timing was right for me despite the fact that I am not a twenty-something with fantastic texting ability know 50 ways to use a computer or any other electronic gadget. I am a fifty-something grandma who had to learn Power Point, Word (there’s symbols in there I’ve never seen before), and to use a computer for more than EBay shopping. The best part of being my age and going back to school is the kids are grown, I don’t have to cook if I don’t want to, and I can afford to have a housekeeper (not daily, please, be real). The only one vying for my attention is my significant other (I just love calling him that) and he knows how to cook. Well, that’s it. I’ve learned other things but those are the biggies. Just six more weeks to go and I can do the walk, and I will do the walk with pride.

School Break

Another class down and just 2 more to go. I can't believe I am almost there. I've been so busy working on school work that I haven't done much else. Dan has though. He is kicking butt. His wrought iron garden gate caught a lot of attention. He also finished the smoker and donated it to the DAV. There was a ceremony and he received a plaque, the newspaper was even there. I am so proud. He is really showing what he can do.

Patterns, Patterns, and more Patterns

I have an addiction to patterns. Must be an addiction. I think about patterns whenever I see a yard or estate sale and my heart skips a beat when I see them. I just love Vogue patterns (especially Vintage Vogue OOOOOhhhh) and the vintage patterns from the 40's, 50's, and 60's with the illustrations of pouty faced women or pudgy cheeked children. I get all fluttery inside. I feel the same way about the knitting and crochet patterns from the 40's and 50's. The patterns are usually in such rough shape from use but every so often you find patterns from a wanna-do, you know, the person who wants-to-do but never has the time? Yes, like me. I have the knitting needles but I don't knit. I know how. I just don't do it. The sewing machine is ready and threaded but it gets less action than my treadmill/clothes hanger. Oh, well at least the addiction won't hurt my lungs or rot my teeth. I just need to make sure I have a room big enough for them.

Vintage Vogue

Vogue patterns are always the most luscious of all sewing patterns available. Whether they feature a picture of a real model or an artist's illustration, the pattern envelope is the most fashionable and beautiful image imaginable. I just love them. Here's the latest listing in the GoofingOff Etsy shop. The pattern is from 1988. It is hard to find and absolutely beautiful.