Read this post on my new site at www.housewrenstudio.com!
Yesterday I stopped by the church to help with sorting in the linens room. The spring sale is tomorrow and Saturday. A little late to show up and help really, but you know, I've been trying to stay away. Can't do it though, all that bustle at the top of my town's main street calls to me.
My friends who work in the linens/sewing room knew I'd show up sooner or later and had a few treasures set aside for me. And this is the one that made me gasp. When I lifted her skirt and saw the little petticoat felts for needle keeping, .... !
Looking closely, I wondered why her bonnet was sewn all around the edges but not the front and it dawned on me that it was for a thimble! Brilliant (though a little creepy when you look into the dark hollow of the thimble tucked inside). I brought her home, found a thimble and knew I had to share her with you. Still time to make one for a Mother's Day gift. Or a super-sweet gift tag made out of paper ... her hidden petticoat could be little love notes for Mom!
I sketched up a quick how-to pattern for you. (Click to enlarge and right click to save.) She's 4 1/2" high made from 2 pieces of felt, the top piece cut without the shoes. Each of the little rosettes is felt also, anchored with a French knot. You'll also want a few inches of dainty lace for her petticoat and bouquet and some felt scraps for the petticoats to hold needles inside.
Whoever made this donated their vintage orange felt a few years ago. Guess who bought it?
Happy day, my friends! I'm heading back there again to .... um, help. xo
Oh my! Lucky you! Absolutely love her! This would be a great project for my girls. Looking forward to stopping by the sale tomorrow--maybe we'll bump into each other there....
Posted by: Marcie | May 10, 2012 at 11:34 AM
Thank you for thinking of us, Charlotte. What a lovely surprise to find this today!
Happy Mother's Day to All!
Posted by: Suzy McQ | May 10, 2012 at 11:56 AM
"Helping", eh? This little gal is so clever. Thanks for sharing.
Every year, my town has what is billed as the worlds largest garage sale. The Rotary has organized this huge event for 50 years. I usually head to the sewing section...never know what treasures you will find.
Posted by: karen on bainbridge island | May 10, 2012 at 01:09 PM
I'm working on a needle keeper (my design) for my Mother for Mother's Day. I do like this idea alot. Make it next? Thanks for sharing. Julie
Posted by: Julie Clark | May 10, 2012 at 01:45 PM
So precious! What a wonderful little 'find'. Thank you for the pattern - loved seeing your sketch! Happy Mother's Day to you.
Posted by: Claudia | May 10, 2012 at 03:38 PM
This is so super sweet. just what I needed today. Thank you.
Posted by: Danee | May 10, 2012 at 05:49 PM
Thanks so much! I can't wait to make one! And I just received the two stitcheries I ordered! These will be great projects while I'm at the cabin this summer! Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
jamievowell@yahoo.com
Posted by: Jamie V | May 10, 2012 at 08:52 PM
She's adorable! Thanks so much for sharing her with us!
Posted by: Sally | May 10, 2012 at 09:52 PM
ha! Those ladies know you pretty well, don't they?
What a delight! It is the perfect thing for you and I am wishing so that I, too, could come and ...."help"....
Have a fun weekend, dear Charlotte.
xoxo
Posted by: jone | May 10, 2012 at 11:12 PM
This is adorable!
Posted by: Nancy Wethington | May 11, 2012 at 08:06 AM
I made one very similar to this when I was a kid. Thanks for the pattern. I think I know how I'm going to spend my Friday night!
Posted by: Yvonne Welty | May 11, 2012 at 10:11 AM
This is so darling... thanks for drawing up the pattern!!
monica
Posted by: Monica Fullerton | May 11, 2012 at 11:09 AM
This is so sweet. Thank you for the pattern. I must try after we return from vacation - off to watch my son graduate from college. Time really flies!
Posted by: Troy Louise | May 11, 2012 at 06:44 PM
So darling! Happy Mother's day Dear Charlotte!
Posted by: Cherie Wilson | May 11, 2012 at 07:22 PM
This is so sweet. I have a girl who will like this project, I think!
:)
Happy Mother's Day to you!
~april
Posted by: april | May 12, 2012 at 11:40 AM
Happy belated Mother's Day, Charlotte! Hope you and your dear ones had a wonderful day in each others company - hope your momma is doing well!
Sally
Posted by: Sally | May 14, 2012 at 06:23 PM
THat is so adorable!!!
Posted by: Amy | May 15, 2012 at 03:33 PM
She's adorable! I let one go recently in one of my junk sales. She was a pink felt girl and had a little thimble in her bonnet. Aren't the vintage designs irresistible? :)
Posted by: Lana | May 16, 2012 at 11:32 PM
I still have mine that my Mom made for me when I was a kid and first learning to sew. I've always called her my Holly Hobbie. Now when I ask my own girls to get Holly Hobbie for me they know just what to do!
Posted by: Wendy | May 17, 2012 at 11:27 AM