Greetings In A Time Like No Other – 2020

In appreciation of all of the mask makers, it’s time for me to say how PROUD I am of our Sewing Sisterhood/Brotherhood. You’ve helped to create a sewing revival. Did you ever think you’d be sewing so many masks? Thank you for your skilled, volunteer service!

What else are you sewing?

In this newsletter I’ll share some of my projects and I hope you might write to let me know what you’ve been making too. We don’t have to be bored at home.

I’ve finished a T-shirt Memory Quilt with Evan. He’s a local high school senior and when he asked if I’d make him a quilt from his T-shirt collection, I agreed as long as he (not his mother!) would help. Here you see him sewing “x’s” through T-shirt and flannel layers. He’s working on the last step of cutting the rag edges in the exposed seam allowances. (This easy, washable, and comfy quilt is from my pattern Second Chance T-Shirt Gifts.See it offered in the “Specials” section.)

Inspired to Sew

For entertaining and informative reading in your free time, check out the e-magazine Inspired To Sew from my friends Rhonda Pierce and Rita Farro and sponsored by Schmetz needles. The newest issue of this monthly magazine is about 4-H—maybe you are an alumni like I am and have some great memories of your experiences. In the archived collection of the issues, you’ll read about seamsters and quilters and lots of folks associated with sewing.

Here’s the link: schmetzneedles.com/archived.digital.magazines

Sewing Tip: Baby Bibs for Grandmas?

Here are two bibs I sewed recently for my friend Gail who has a new granddaughter. She needs at least one bib for the time the baby visits Grandma’s home. The smaller bib, from a guest towel, features a “B” appliqué that’s perfect for any bib and any new BABY! It works no matter the baby’s name or gender! I suggest making several to keep on hand for gifts. The second, larger bib is made from a hand towel—a great size and good coverage as Baby grows. This project is found in my book Sew Gifts—Make Memories, also in “Specials” below.

Mary “Recycles, Repurposes, and Restyles”

The baby bib project is one of many recycling samples I shared at 24 Arrowhead Region Libraries here in northern Minnesota in January and February. The timing was perfect in many ways: the audiences were still optimistic about their New Year’s resolutions to “reduce stuff and clutter”, the roads and weather were clear and cooperative, and all the programs were completed before the pandemic. I know many sewing machines were rescued from a closet and opened for use; one attendee went out to buy a new machine! Now I’m thinking that those machines may have been primed and ready for mask making. (By the way, have you noticed that some no-sew bandanna masks use my favorite ponytail elastics as loops around the ears? It’s just one more way to use these wonderful elastics if you can’t use them to hold your hair in pigtails or ponytails!)

Take Four Tunics on Sisters

My sister Ruthie was my assistant and tunic model for the library tour. A visit from our sisters Rachel and Becky meant I had two more models. Here are the four of us at the Hibbing Public Library. Our sister Sarah had to work that day.

The instructions for making a tunic from 4 T-shirts are in my pattern Take Four Tunic.

What’s New at Mary’s Productions? Viola Apron panels

Now you can make matching reversible aprons for Mom, Daughter, and Doll with two Apron panels I’ve designed for Midwest Textiles.

Blue and pink versions are available for both the adult apron and the girl and 18” doll panels…your choice! In the kits I offer, you’ll get a panel, an extra yard for the reverse side (2/3 yd. for girl/doll panel), and a tip sheet I’ve written with additional ideas for making and trimming the aprons. The adult panel also includes a fabric band that matches the apron and it can be sewn to a towel for a bonus gift along with the apron. See the “Specials” section for ordering options. Shop here for Viola Apron

What’s Ecclesiastical Sewing?

In February I met Carrie Roberts at her business, Ecclesiastical Sewing, in Baxter, Minnesota. She has a niche sewing business, quite fascinating, and she and her staff embroider and sew church linens and vestments that are shipped all over the world.

Check out her website www.ecclesiasticalsewing.com and watch for her story to come in Inspired To Sew.

I am grateful to name sewing as my hobby, and I hope you are too. It’s perfect for our time of isolating at home. As we sew for ourselves and others, we boost our emotional health and reduce stress and anxiety. What’s not to love about that?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers!

Mary Mulari
marym@marymulari.com