Book Review: How To Sew a Button: and Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew
This is an excellent resource for those who are on their own for the first time or wanting to go back to the basics. This book teaches readers about things our grandmothers took for granted. Instructions on how to make gravy, how to can fruits, the proper way to iron a shirt or fold a fitted sheet are included along with many other forgotten tasks.
Have you ever thrown away an item only to discover that you really could have reused it for another purpose? We all know the old saying, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." Well, I experienced this with a book that I recently stumbled upon while searching for Halloween costume ideas. The book, Denim Revolution: Dozens of Ways to Turn Denim Cast-Offs into Fashion Must-Haves by Nancy Minsky was amazing!
The Grain Valley Stitchers made 15 minute table runners at our Tuesday meeting. Despite the road conditions, we still had a few ladies attend with the fabric needed to make the runners. A good time was had by all. Check with the Grain Valley Branch to see what we will be making next month. We meet every third Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.
Fall is the time of year that my interest in quilting and knitting is renewed. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the "Original Quilting and Sewing Expo" at the KCI Expo Center near KCI. Observing the many projects that other crafters have produced is always an inspiration to me. Wonderful hand and machine quilted items, embellished sweatshirts, classes, presentations, lectures, talks, workshops, shopping — the list goes on.
MCPL has many resources to inspire you and make your mind race with ideas galore. Get inspired with these books:
September is National Sewing Month! Whether you are new to the craft or a seasoned seamstress, the Library has an endless variety of resources to discover and enjoy.
When I was 13, I stayed with my grandmother, Rhoda, for a while. Granny, as we called her, was born in 1891. Because Granny believed girls should learn how to sew, she decided to teach me how to make quilts. It took a long time to cut out all of the blocks needed for a quilt! The blocks were made of corduroy, and they were called "big blocks." Granny had a treadle type sewing machine, which she taught me to use. We pinned the blocks in a row and then sewed them together. That was how I made my first quilt.
It is only a few weeks until the holidays, so I am in full-fledged creative mode. My projects seem to be going great, but it has been difficult to get into the proper mood for the season. I think the most likely culprit is the unseasonably warm weather.
I’ve recently began sewing again. My first attempt in middle school home-economics was not very successful. This time I began small to build my confidence. A book that’s really helped is Sewing Techniques: The Complete Step-by-Step Handbook by Dorothy Wood.
This is an excellent resource for those who are on their own for the first time or wanting to go back to the basics. This book teaches readers about things our grandmothers took for granted. Instructions on how to make gravy, how to can fruits, the proper way to iron a shirt or fold a fitted sheet are included along with many other forgotten tasks.
