Gotz, Adora and Corolle Dolls On Sale

To help save you time from searching through the list of dolls on the website, we'll list for you here, which dolls we still have available.

Gotz - Joy

One of the prettiest dolls we have ever stocked is a Gotz doll name Joy. The attention to detail on this doll is extraordinary.

Joy was handcrafted in Germany by Gotz. Her artist is the internationally famous doll artist, Hildegard Gunzel.

She is a limited edition doll, only 750 were produced. Joy is 25 inches tall, a great size for those who love to sew doll clothes!

Here's your chance to own Joy at 40% off the retail price! Visit her webpage for a full length view.

Note - We may be able to arrange a layaway option, contact us if you're interested.

Adora - Christine Nicole

This is one of my all-time favorite Adora dolls! Christine Nichole looks so sweet all dressed in pink.

She has blonde hair, blue eyes and is 22 inches. Like all Adora dolls, she feels like and smells like a real baby!

Christine Nichole is also a limited edition, retired doll. We only have one left in stock so place your order soon before she is gone forever.

Read more about Christine Nichole.

Adora - Name Your Own Baby

We also have a red hair, green eyes, 20 inch Adora baby doll from the Name Your Own Baby collection.

This baby has short hair which is great for wearing baby bonnets. This particular model doll can be dressed as either a boy or girl baby, it looks great as either one!

Although this baby is not a limited edition doll, Adora has retired this model. They are very difficult to find.

This sweet baby doll is ready for adoption at 40% off the retail price!

Read more here about this doll.

A Few More Dolls Still Available

Babicorolle - We still have a Babicorolle, a 12 inch doll for ages 12 months and over.

Babies love these dolls. They have a light vanilla scent and feature plush fabrics that are so soft. This doll makes a great gift for a baby.

View the Babicorolle.

Franz & Marianne

On our last blog post, we told you about Franz & Marianne. As of now, we only have one set left. If you missed that post, you can read it here.

Look What We Found, a Treasure!

Look what we found safely tucked away in our archival stock room! As most of you already know, we are closing our doll department and have marked down the prices on all our dolls for clearance.

They are almost all gone, except for a few remaining treasures!

One of these treasures is a set of Gotz handcrafted dolls, named Franz and Marianne, that were made in Germany!

Franz and Marianne are so cute! They are soft-bodied, huggable dolls that any doll lover, young or old will love! They are a limited edition, made by Gotz of Germany to commemorate their Gotz Doll Company anniversary.

Franz & Marianne come with accessories, a wooden cycle and wagon. (Be sure to see the additional photos on the website.)

Because they were handcrafted and only a limited quantity were made, they came with a hefty retail price. But we are going to give them to you at the wholesale price!!!!

We only have a few sets of the Franz & Marianne Gotz dolls, so try not to delay ordering if you want one. Doll orders that come in over the weekend will be shipped out on Monday by UPS.

About the Gotz Germany Factory - It is closed down, Gotz is no long producing handcrafted dolls in Germany. It is extremely difficult to find these dolls now.

About our Archival Stock Room - Because I am into archival preservation, we have a special stock/storage room that was especially designed for proper archival textile storage.

It is where we keep the heirloom fabrics and laces that are purchased by our internet and mail order customers. The room has the ideal temperature and humidity level for textile preservation, plus it is germ free! This is why the fabric you receive from us is in such pristine condition.

When Gotz announced they were closing down their German factory, we ordered as many of their dolls as we had room to store. I insisted that room be made in the archival stock room for the dolls. So that's where they have been. The Gotz dolls are in the exact same condition as they were when we received them from Gotz! We even went so far as to cover each doll with archival tissue for added protection.

Order Franz & Marianne today at wholesale cost!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Heirloom Sewing For Children.

P.S. We also found a few more Gotz dolls tucked away, including one of the Gotz 2003 Precious Day dolls named Elisabeth and a Gotz Hilgard Gunzel artist doll named Joy. I will try to get these up on the website as soon as possible, but don't know if I can do it in time for holiday shipping.

Ginger Snaps Designs in Creative Needle Magazine

Last week, I mentioned that the current issue (December 2008) of Creative Needle magazine features baby clothes made with patterns by some of our favorite designers.

Several of them are Ginger Snaps Designs by Nancy Coburn.

On page 31 of the magazine, is a white cashmere cotton garment with button and needlework rattles that is made from Ginger Snaps Designs Kimono Sleeve Daygowns pattern. The instructions in the magazine are on page 77.

I absolutely love the Kimono Sleeve Daygowns pattern sewn with the cashmere cotton. It is warm, very soft and durable.

You can throw it in the washing machine and dryer many, many times and it doesn't show wear!

When you order the cashmere cotton, order enough to make a matching blanket.

Toddlers love it, especially to drag around as their favorite "blankie".

And for that type of blanket, you'll appreciate the durability factor of the cashmere cotton.

Also in the December issue of Creative Needle magazine, you will find another outfit made from two Ginger Snaps Designs patterns.

The cute yellow pique baby outfit (on pages 51 and 52) is made from Baby Diaper Covers and the Baby's Diaper Shirt patterns.

All of these are very easy patterns to sew and a lot of fun!

We have over 20 different Ginger Snaps Designs baby patterns in stock! Browse through the entire collection and you'll find patterns for baby heirloom gowns, daygowns, more diaper covers, sacques, bonnets and more.

New Patterns From Ginger Snaps Designs!

This month we are pleased to be featuring patterns from Ginger Snaps Designs, by Nancy Coburn.

Whether your experience level is a beginner, advanced or somewhere in between, you are sure to enjoy sewing a Ginger Snaps Designs pattern. Every pattern includes thorough instructions, along with illustrations and explanations.

For example, the following is an excerpt from one of Nancy's newest patterns, Heirloom Bonnets I:

"I have based my pattern sizes on the CDC measurements for infant girls. The head circumference measurements for infant boys are generally 1/2" - 3/4" larger than the measurements for girls......"

The attention to detail in the instructions is very helpful, especially if you are sewing for a baby or child that does not live near you. Without being able to measure the child, an accurate pattern with good explanations is very important for proper fit.

2 New Baby Heirloom Patterns

We have two new baby heirloom patterns from Ginger Snaps Designs, in stock and ready to ship.

Heirloom Bonnets I

Heirloom Bonnets I - This pattern contains easy to sew bonnet designs for Swiss eyelet trims. The pattern fits sizes Newborn - 24 Months.

This is a versatile, quick and easy pattern. If you prefer, laces can be used instead of the Swiss eyelet or you can even use leftovers or scraps from other projects.

The bonnet would be beautiful and would be a very special heirloom if you were to use bits and pieces from antique garments.

When I first saw this pattern, I thought it would be a perfect project on which to use the Vintage Baby Machine Embroidery Disks by Martha Pullen. I can't wait to try it! I plan on using the Swiss Silky Broadcloth for the fabric.

The 5 pages of instructions included with the pattern, also show you how to make the sweet, three-leaflet ribbon ties.

This is a pattern you will want to have on hand in your pattern library. It's perfect if you need a quick gift for a baby shower or if you want a small and easy project for beginning heirloom sewing or if you just want to have fun being creative.

Read more about the Heirloom Bonnets I pattern

Heirloom Christening Gowns I

Heirloom Christening Gowns I - Here it is, a classic heirloom baby gown pattern for you to sew! A high yoke gown, with lace bands and tucks, has a gathered skirt and your choice of either long or short puffed sleeves.

Take the guesswork out of making a beautiful heirloom baby gown by choosing this new pattern from Ginger Snaps Designs. If you can sew a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch, you can make this gown! Nancy's detailed instructions will guide you through every step.

So go ahead and get started! You will have so much fun and have a beautiful family heirloom when you are finished.

This pattern fits sizes Newborn, Small, Medium and Large.

Read more about the Heirloom Christening Gowns I pattern

Two Free Vintage Patterns!

Today we have two more free vintage patterns from which you can choose! They are from the vintage pattern collection donated by Mrs. Jo W. in Orangeburg, S.C.

Both of these pattern envelopes, the Simplicity in particular, are in fragile condition. We recommend that you trace the pattern pieces that you want to use, onto tracing paper or lightweight interfacing. Then use your traced pieces to cut out your garment, thereby saving further wear and tear on the fragile vintage pattern.

How to claim one of these patterns: For fastest submission, use our Vintage Pattern Request form that we setup especially for this. Each pattern will go to the first person who notifies us that they want it. No purchase necessary.

Today's Free Vintage Patterns

Simplicity 4026 - Size 2

Child's Snowsuit, Jacket, Slacks and Hat: The snowpants feature knitted cuffs and extra knee patches to protect the active youngster. The jackets in views 1 & 3 have zipper front closing. Jacket in View 3 has front button closing. Elastic casing finishes the waistline of the pants.

We cannot find a date anywhere on this pattern, but it was made when Simplicity patterns sold new for only 35 cents.

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, Simplicity 4026.

Little Vogue 1824 - Size 6x

Smocked Children's Dress: Above knee or ankle length smocked dress has Peter Pan collar, back zipper closing and tie ends attached at side seams. Short and long sleeve variations.

We also cannot find a date anywhere on this pattern, but it was made when Vogue patterns sold new for $3.00. From a glance inside the pattern, it looks like the iron-on blue smocking dots are still inside there!

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, Little Vogue 1824.

Winter Fabrics, Patterns and Current Sales

Heirloom Fabrics

Silk Dupioni in winter colors, red/green gingham dots and red check gingham is on sale at 20% off!

You can find Silk Dupioni in many places, with different prices and different qualities, but remember, not all Silk Dupioni is the same.

The Silk Dupioni we carry is from the Martha Pullen Co. and it is the best we have ever seen. It is a perfect weight for clothing and makes beautiful special occasion heirloom garments for children and for adults.

See the solid color Silk Dupioni and the gingham silks.

Swiss Wool Challis is another good selection for winter special occasion garments. It is lightweight, soft and drapes beautifully.

See the Swiss Wool Challis.

Swiss Flannel is another all-time winter favorite and is often used in children's clothes. Unlike other flannels, it is lightweight and very soft.

When people see it for the first time, they often say "That's flannel???" Add a touch of English Lace for embellishment and it makes a gorgeous holiday dress!

See the Swiss Flannel and English Lace.

Featherwale Corduroy is a long time favorite for children's winter clothes, both casual and special occasion. It's sturdy and hold's up well with repeated washings.

The Snow White is beautiful, many people remark about how much it resembles velvet. You can save 15% off the regular price!

See the Featherwale Corduroy.

Silk Satin Ribbon

Embellish your garment with buttery soft, double faced, silk satin ribbon. Save 30% on the 2 inch wide Red silk satin ribbon! Yes, it is real silk and it is gorgeous!

See the Silk Satin Ribbon.

Hand Embroidery Designs

Wendy Schoen's Embroidery Designs For Christmas is on sale at 40%!!! This 24 page, soft cover book has over 150 designs that can be used on collars, bibs, baby blankets, placemats, pillowcases and more.

Order yours today and at this price, you can order one for a sewing friend too!

Heirloom Patterns for Girls

Do you need an elegant heirloom dress pattern for a young lady?

Maryanne and Victoria Lynn, both by Kay Guiles are very popular and will please even the most picky young teen or preteen.

Both of these patterns are for sizes 4 - 14.

See the Maryanne and Victoria Lynn patterns.

Creative Needle Magazine December Issue

The current issue of Creative Needle magazine (December 2008) is the baby issue! It features baby clothes made with patterns by some of our favorite designers.

On the magazine cover is an adorable dress made from the Creations By Michie' Sunsuit/Sundress pattern. To see photos and to read all about it, visit the Creations By Michie' Blog.

And while you are there, be sure to subscribe to Michie's blog and don't forget to tell your friends! I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Australian Smocking and Embroidery - Issue 85 NEW!

We have the latest issue of Australian Smocking & Embroidery in stock and ready to ship.

This wonderful magazine always includes full size patterns and instructions.

Included in this issue is a cute pattern for a bishop style pajama top and matching pants to fits sizes 2 - 4 years.

Reminder - You can use a bishop (smocking) pattern to make a raglan (no smocking) style nightie or pj's. It's quick, easy and lots of fun!

We have lots of news, sales and more free vintage patterns to tell you about. So be checking your email for notifications of when we post these. It's going to be a fun weekend!

From all of us at Heirloom Sewing For Children, Happy Thanksgiving!

More Free Vintage Patterns

Today we have two free vintage patterns from which you can choose!

I cannot find a copyright date on either pattern, but I do recognize the style of the child's coat pattern. That's because the coat I wore to kindergarten in the winter of '57 was like that one! I had the complete set, the coat, leggings and hat.

How to claim one of these patterns: For fastest submission, use our Vintage Pattern Request form that we setup especially for this. Each pattern will go to the first person who notifies us that they want it. No purchase necessary.

Today's Free Vintage Patterns

Simplicity 3654 - Size 3

Child's Coat, Tapered Pants and Hat: Coat has long raglan sleeves, collar and patch pockets. Pants have left side zipper, elastic at back waistline and suspenders. Hat (View 1) has corded piping, tie ends and contrasting bias trim and bow. Lined.

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, Simplicity 3654.

Advance 8460 - Size 10

Pajamas or Shortie Set: View 1 has long sleeves top and long pants. View 2 pajamas have short sleeve top and long pants. View 3 shortie set has short sleeves and "shortie shorts".

The tops in Views 1 & 2 have a Peter Pan collar and lace trim. Pants and shorts have elastic waist.

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, Advance 8460.

Special Announcement!

We have some exciting news to share with you, Creations By Michie' is now online! One of our favorite classic children's pattern designers, Michie' Mooney, has launched her company website.

In addition to all her patterns, book and note cards, you will enjoy viewing her Trunk Show with all of its large color photos. She even has retired Trunk Show garments that you can purchase!

Visit her website at www.creationsbymichie.com and give Michie' a big, warm welcome to the internet.

Special Offer!

Our fabric wash sale continues with a special offer. Forever New is absolutely the best fabric wash for delicate fabrics that I have ever used. It is an all natural, gentle and safe fabric wash that rinses out completely. This is very important for your washable heirlooms.

Special Limited Offer

All of you who buy more than one bottle of Forever New at a time will love this special!

Buy 3 or more bottles of the 32 oz. size Forever New fabric wash and we will give you a Forever New Combo Pack, an $18.00 value, FREE, at no additional cost!

Just sent us a note when you place your order and request the free Forever New Combo Pack. This offer is only good while supplies last.

A Forever New Combo Pack includes an 8 oz. bottle of Forever New fabric wash (perfect to take along when traveling) and a large, high quality lingerie bag for fine washables and lingerie. The Combo Pack also makes a very nice gift for a friend.

This is an unadvertised special offer for our blog readers, it will not be mentioned anywhere else.

For baby's laundry, our hypoallergenic fabric wash, Variance, is also still on sale.

Upcoming Special Announcement!

Very soon, we will be making a special announcement about someone you all know and love. And in celebration of that announcement, we will be giving away several more vintage patterns.

I'm going to try to get into the office on Sunday evening (10/26) to post the announcement and the vintage patterns. So check your email on Sunday evening for the notification. Stay tuned.............

Free Vintage Smocking Pattern!!!

We have another vintage pattern to give away today! Our last free pattern went to South Weber UT.

Today's free pattern is an adorable toddlers smocked dress pattern from the vintage pattern collection donated by Mrs. Jo W. in Orangeburg, S.C.

MCCall's 7842 - Size 6 months

The pattern description on the back says:

Toddlers' Smocked Dress - raglan sleeves and smocked all the way around the neckline in two colors of 6-strand cotton. The little puffed sleeves have a touch of smocking at the lower edge. View A neck and all sleeves are bound with bias self fabric. View B has a narrow yoke and a white or matching collar.

We peaked inside the package and it looks like the smocking dots are still in there! The date on the pattern is 1965.

How to claim this pattern: Send us your name, address and the pattern number (use our contact form for fastest submission). The pattern will go to the first one who notifies us that they want it.

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, McCall #7842.

Just a Few Rules - The Free Vintage Patterns are an exclusive offer to our newsletter/blog subscribers only. The free offers will be limited to the USA only. We will mail them to home addresses only, no businesses. Some of the patterns are very old and in fragile condition. They will be distributed "as is". This free offer is for fun, without warranty or guarantees.

Hypo-allergenic Fabric Wash on Sale

Variance, the hypoallergenic, unscented fabric wash by Forever New is on sale now!

This is my first choice for washing baby clothes. It's especially wonderful to use on clothing, crib sheets, blankets, burp clothes or anything that comes into contact with infants and preemies delicate skin.

In addition to being very gentle, it gets the clothes clean! (I use it for my clothes and the sheets and pillowcases.) It's also great for washable heirloom clothing and textiles.

Try it, you will love it.

Special Offer!!!

Two 16 oz. jars for only $16.95!!!

Stock up and save $$$ while it's on sale.

Free Vintage Pattern

A Special Thank You!

We want to send a special thank you to Mrs. Jo W. in Orangeburg, S.C. Jo has generously contributed vintage patterns from her own collection to our vintage pattern giveaway!

You will love them, some are from the '50's and there are even some vintage smocking patterns. Stay tuned because we will start posting them as soon as we get them sorted and scanned.

Thanks again Jo!

Today's Free Vintage Pattern

Simplicity 5080 - Size 3

Child's Pajamas, Nightgown and Cap

The high yoke tops have set-in sleeves and buttons in the back. View 3 has a round collar and long sleeves. The pants have an elastic casing at waistline.

We found another one! Last June, when we gave away Simplicity 5080 (in a larger size), we received a huge response for it. So I'm very pleased to tell you that we found another one of these cute patterns, this one is a Size 3.

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, Simplicity 5080.

How to claim this pattern: Send us your name, address and the pattern number (use our contact form for fastest submission). The pattern will go to the first one who notifies us that they want it.

Just a Few Rules - The Free Vintage Patterns are an exclusive offer to our newsletter/blog subscribers only. The free offers will be limited to the USA only. We will mail them to home addresses only, no P.O. Boxes, mail forwarding services or businesses. Some of the patterns are very old and in fragile condition. They will be distributed "as is". This free offer is for fun, without warranty or guarantees.

Australian Smocking & Embroidery - New Issue!

You won't want to miss the latest issue of Australian Smocking & Embroidery, Issue No. 84.

It has lots of beautiful color photos, illustrations, instructions and full size patterns.

This issue is on sale now for only $14.95.

See the current issue for more information.

Also, we do still have some back issues available. Some back issues are becoming very hard to find.

3 New Machine Embroidery CD's

Blue Ribbon Baby by Karen Bosch, is perfect for a crib set or blanket. Great gift idea for a new baby!

There are 34 designs in 4x4 and 7 designs in 5x7. Includes formats for all popular machines.

Paisley Alphabet by Sandy Jenkins is a very elegant monogram collection.

This machine embroidery cd, which is part of the Sew Beautiful Machine Embroidery Collection, includes 26 alphabet designs in 5x7 format. Easy to use installer.

Le Petit Oiseau Bleu (The Little Bluebird) by Wendy Schoen contains pretty, dainty designs, perfect for heirloom baby gowns.

For more information on these and other machine embroidery designs from Martha Pullen, see: Machine Embroidery Designs

Cute Machine Embroidery and a Free Vintage Pattern

In a previous post I mentioned that Maleah and I made her an apron and decorated it with Martha Pullen's Pick-a-Pocket machine embroidery CD.

These embroidery designs are too cute! We chose the lollipop design for Maleah's apron pocket. The bright and cheerful colors stood out again the grey poplin fabric used in the apron. (I raided my fabric stash)

We stayed pretty much close to the color recommendations on the embroidery CD, except we substituted a gold metallic thread to outline the large, center lollipop. Then we accented the top of the pocket with a red rickrack. She loved it!

As promised, we added the Pick-a-Pocket embroidery CD to the website so that you can order it. Martha's embroidery CD's are easy to use and include formats to fit all popular machines.

For more information and to purchase: Pick-a-Pocket Machine Embroidery Designs

Free Vintage Pattern!!!

McCall's #1606 - Size 2

I always wanted to make this little tucked dress, but waited too long and now all my granddaughters are too big for it. So one of you gets to make it!

I thought it would look beautiful made with the Aqualine Blue Bearissima II Swiss Batiste. The pattern calls for 1 1/2 yds of 52 inch wide fabric. The contrast yoke in View A calls for 1/4 yd of fabric.

The pattern also says on the back: "Narrow Slide Fastener for Back Opening (Optional - 10 inches)" In those days they called a zipper a "slide fastener". Since it is optional, I would NOT use a zipper. I do not like zippers on this type of dress, I use button closings instead.

The copyright on this pattern is difficult to see, but it looks like it says 1951.

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, McCall #1606.

How to claim this pattern: Send us your name, address and the pattern number (use our contact form for fastest submission). The pattern will go to the first one who notifies us that they want it.

Just a Few Rules - The Free Vintage Patterns are an exclusive offer to our newsletter/blog subscribers only. The free offers will be limited to the USA only. We will mail them to home addresses only, no businesses. Some of the patterns are very old and in fragile condition. They will be distributed "as is". This free offer is for fun, without warranty or guarantees.

Acid Free Boxes are Back in Stock

The long-awaited, archival storage boxes are back in stock and ready to ship! As many of you already know, these high quality acid-free boxes are the same ones used by museums for textile storage.

The boxes are available either individually or in a kit. The Heirloom Storage Kit includes the Garment Storage Box plus a package of our Heirloom Naturals acid free tissue plus a sample pack each of the Forever New fabric wash and the Stain Remedy.

Be sure to see our Garment Care webpage for helpful tips on garment storage.

More Updates -

The Beach Dresses pattern and the Double Seated Panty pattern, both from Ginger Snaps are also back in stock.

The vintage pattern Simplicity #4314 has been claimed and is no longer available. There was a huge response to this particular pattern so we'll see if we can find another vintage toddler pinafore pattern to give away.

Another Free Vintage Pattern For You!

I hope everyone is having a fun summer! It has been very hot here in Alabama, too hot. I must admit that I am looking forward to cooler weather!

Maleah came for a visit and stayed with us for 3 weeks! It was too hot for her to play outside so she spent her time indoors cooking, reading, playing with dolls, lots of crafts, playing Webkinz (yes, yours truly played Webkinz with her!), but most of her time was spent in the sewing room.

We made an apron while she was here and decorated it with the lollipops design from the Martha Pullen Pick-a-Pocket machine embroidery CD. (It's not up on the website yet, but I'll put it up soon - you will love it!)

Maleah wore her new apron while she baked banana bread from scratch. It turned out yummy, she's a great little baker!

Update on the Archival Storage Boxes - We are expecting them to arrive any minute now, literally. I'll let you know as soon as they get here. We'll start shipping immediately.

Free Vintage Pattern!

I can't find a date on this adorable toddler pattern, but it was published when Simplicity patterns were only 35 cents.

How to claim this pattern: Send us your name, address and the pattern number (use our contact form for fastest submission). The pattern will go to the first one who notifies us that they want it.

Reminder - The free pattern giveaway is just for fun. They are packed and mailed by volunteers, after hours, off the clock and off the record. To protect your privacy, after the pattern is mailed to the first person who notified us, the remaining notifications are deleted.

Simplicity 4314 - Size 1

Toddlers Pinafore and Sunsuit, Brother and Sister Fashion:

Pinafore is styled with a bib and gathered skirt joined to a waistband. Shoulder straps fasten to back waistband with buttons and tie ends fasten into bow at center back.

The sunsuit is styled with bib and shorts joining a waistband. Straps button to back waistband and shorts have a roll back cuff.

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, Simplicity 4314.

Just a Few Rules - The Free Vintage Patterns are an exclusive offer to our newsletter/blog subscribers only. The free offers will be limited to the USA only. We will mail them to home addresses only, no businesses. Some of the patterns are very old and in fragile condition. They will be distributed "as is". This free offer is for fun, without warranty or guarantees.

New Summer Dress Pattern from Ginger Snaps Designs!

The new Beach Dresses collection from Nancy Coburn feature simple designs. It shouldn't take you very long to whip up one of these light and airy summer dresses!

For a beach portrait, Nancy recommends using white fabric. This dress would be very pretty sewn with Swiss Pique, Bearlin or the Drawn Thread "Linen-Look" Swiss Cotton fabric from Bear Threads Ltd. Two yards should be sufficient yardage to make the dress.

Read more about the Beach Dresses pattern

Also New from Ginger Snaps - The Float Dress

Nancy has designed a Float Dress adaption for her Ashtyne's Heirloom Dress pattern. We have it in stock now and it will be included free with the purchase of Ashtyne's Heirloom Dress!

View the Float Dress

2 More FREE Vintage Patterns!

Today, we have two more vintage patterns to give away!

How to claim one of these patterns: Send us your name, address and the pattern number of which vintage pattern you would like to have (use our contact form for fastest submission). Each pattern will go to the first one who notifies us that they want it. Only one free pattern per household - thanks.

Reminder - The free pattern giveaway is just for fun. They are packed and mailed by volunteers, after hours, off the clock and off the record. To protect your privacy, after the pattern is mailed to the first person who notified us, the remaining notifications are deleted.

Today's Free Vintage Patterns

Simplicity 4462 - Size 2

Child's Pants in Two Lengths and Tops

View 1 has set-in sleeves, Views 2 and 3 or sleeveless. Tops have back button closings.

Pants are fitted with elastic encased in back waistband and have side zipper closing.

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, Simplicity 4462.

Simplicity 5080 - Size 4

Child's Pajamas, Nightgown and Cap

The high yoke tops have set-in sleeves and buttons in the back. View 3 has a round collar and long sleeves.

Pants have an elastic casing at waistline.

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, Simplicity 5080.

Just a Few Rules - The Free Vintage Patterns are an exclusive offer to our newsletter/blog subscribers only. The free offers will be limited to the USA only. We will mail them to home addresses only, no P.O. Boxes, mail forwarding services or businesses. Some of the patterns are very old and in fragile condition. They will be distributed "as is". This free offer is for fun, without warranty or guarantees.

Vintage Baby by Martha Pullen

The Vintage Baby book by Martha Pullen is back in stock! This hardcover book has many beautiful color photographs that will inspire you to create heirloom garments for a special baby.

It includes photos and descriptions from the private collections of Martha Pullen, Sue Hausmann and Elizabeth Rhodes.

The Vintage Baby book is available either separately or included in a complete set with 2 companion machine embroidery disks.

(Above photo - Sample garment from the book)

Vintage Baby Book plus Companion Machine Embroidery Disks

If you own an embroidery machine or if you plan to get an embroidery machine in the future, you should take advantage of the huge savings you will receive if you purchase the complete set.

Martha Pullen machine embroidery disks are very easy to use, especially for beginners. They are high quality, giving you excellent results.

If you are new or inexperienced with machine embroidery, we highly recommend that you select high quality designs. (Cheap machine embroidery designs can cause headaches and frustration.)

See more machine embroidery designs from Martha Pullen

New Lace Shaping DVD From Martha Pullen

Learn the techniques of lace shaping with the new DVD from Martha Pullen.

This "how to" DVD titled Lace Shaping, is in stock now and ready to ship!

Fabric News

We are currently sold out of the Lilac color Bearissima Swiss Batiste. Bear Threads Ltd. told us that it will be several weeks until more of it arrives from Switzerland. We'll let you know as soon as it comes in.

Photo above: Lilac color Bearissima Swiss Batiste with French Lace, Catherine pattern by Kay Guiles

2 Free Vintage Patterns

Today, we have two free vintage patterns from which you can choose!

How to claim one of these patterns: Send us your name, address and the pattern number of which vintage pattern you would like to have (use our contact form for fastest submission). Each pattern will go to the first one who notifies us that they want it. Only one free pattern per household - thanks.

Reminder - The free pattern giveaway is just for fun. They are packed and mailed by volunteers, after hours, off the clock and off the record. To protect your privacy, after the pattern is mailed to the first person who notified us, the remaining notifications are deleted.

Today's Free Vintage Patterns

For Girls: McCalls 6663 - Size 3

Child's, sports separates: top, shorts and pants copyright date of 1962.

The back of the pattern says it contains a front buttoned top, a side buttoned top and pants or shorts. The front buttoned tops are lined and have vents in the side seams and a patch pocket on the right front.

The side buttoned top (View A) is unlined and has a vent in the right side seam. The pants or shorts have elastic in the back waistline.

From a quick peak inside, this pattern appears to be uncut and still be in it's original factory fold!

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, McCalls 6663.

For Boys: Kwik Sew 955 - Multi-sized (0 - 18 months)

Baby boys rompers and hat. I cannot find a copyright date on this pattern, but it was printed when Kwik Sew patterns cost $1.75.

These one piece rompers were designed with the pants and shirt attached at the waist, have back snap buttoned closing and snaps at crotch.

View A - Designed for woven fabric
View B - Designed for knit and woven fabric
View C - Designed for knit fabric only

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern, Kwik Sew 955.

Just a Few Rules - The Free Vintage Patterns are an exclusive offer to our newsletter/blog subscribers only. The free offers will be limited to the USA only. We will mail them to home addresses only, no P.O. Boxes, mail forwarding services or businesses. Some of the patterns are very old and in fragile condition. They will be distributed "as is". This free offer is for fun, without warranty or guarantees.

Creations By Michie Sunsuit and Sundress Pattern

We have some photos to share with you of a sunsuit and a sundress made from the latest pattern by Michie Mooney.

These would be such cute brother and sister outfits! It is a multi-sized pattern for sizes 3 - 24 months.

Sunsuit/Sundress - Creations By Michie

Another Free Vintage Pattern

Last week's free vintage pattern has been mailed out to it's new owner and now we have another one for you!

Today's Free Vintage Pattern

Simplicity 5478 - Size 3

This cute little top and boxer pants pattern has a copyright date of 1964.

The sleeveless top has a back opening that fastens with a thread loop and button. The lower edge of View 3 is finished with a casing through which elastic is inserted.

The long pants and shorts have an elastic waist.

How to claim this pattern: Send us your name, address and the pattern number as soon as possible if you want this vintage pattern because we only have one available (use our contact form for fastest submission). It goes to the first person to notify us that they want it.

We had a lot of responses to our first free vintage pattern offer but a lot of people forgot to include their name and/or address! (We really do need a name and address to be able to mail it.)

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern.

Just a Few Rules - The Free Vintage Patterns are an exclusive offer to our newsletter/blog subscribers only. The free offers will be limited to the USA only. We will mail them to home addresses only, no P.O. Boxes, mail forwarding services or businesses. Some of the patterns are very old and in fragile condition. They will be distributed "as is". This free offer is for fun, without warranty or guarantees.

Two Wendy Schoen Patterns On Sale!

Heavenly Bliss is a beautiful blessing dress pattern that is embellished with embroidery, lace and shadow work. It has a scalloped hem, button-on apron. A matching bonnet is included. Sizes Infant to 6 months. Sale price only $12.95

Heavenly Bliss by Wendy Schoen

Isabelle is a smocked, high yoke dress with matching bonnet. The pattern includes 3 variations of this sweet summer dress in Sizes 6 months, 1, 2, 3 and 4. Sale price only $9.95

Isabelle by Wendy Schoen

Other Pattern News: Precious Peeps Crib Set by Love & Stitches is no longer available.

Do You Want a Free Vintage Pattern?

We're doing it again! Those of you who have been with us for awhile know we like to give things away for free.

This time we're going to be giving away Vintage Patterns! This offer will not be advertised anywhere. It is an exclusive offer for our newsletter/blog subscribers!

We have a lot of them at the shop, plus I will be adding many from my own collection.

Here's how we will do it: From time to time, we'll be posting a vintage pattern here on the blog and if you want it, send us your name and address and the pattern number (use our contact form for fastest submission).

If more than one person wants the pattern, it will go to the one who notified us first. It's that simple!

Try to let us know as soon as possible if you want it, because we only have one each of most of them.

So let's have some fun, you'll love this one........

Today's Free Vintage Pattern

Butterick 7230 - Size 2

I love this darling pinafore, especially View A with the cute heart pockets! We're not sure how old this pattern is, but these pinafores were very popular in the 1950's.

Although the pattern envelope itself is not in good condition, the pattern pieces appear to be in very good, usable condition.

I really wanted to sew this pinafore for one of my granddaughters, but never had time to do so. I hope one of you who loves vintage styles on little girls gets this pattern and makes some little girl an adorable pinafore! (We also hope you will send us a photo, hint, hint!)

Send us your name and address as soon as possible because I don't think we have another one like it and this particular style is not easy to find.

Use this link to notify us that you want this pattern.

Just a Few Rules - The Free Vintage Patterns are an exclusive offer to our newsletter/blog subscribers only. The free offers will be limited to the USA only. We will mail them to home addresses only, no P.O. Boxes, mail forwarding services or businesses. Some of the patterns are very old and in fragile condition. They will be distributed "as is". This free offer is for fun, without warranty or guarantees.

Lightweight Summer Swiss Flannel On Sale!

Our lightweight Swiss Cotton Flannel from Bear Threads Ltd is perfect for cool summer nights and newborn babies.

Save 20% off of the regular price on the colors Pink, Blue and Ivory. It's approximately 55 inches wide and is machine washable.

Baby Layette Pattern on Sale

The Swiss Flannel is perfect for the sleeper, sacque, kimono and diaper shirt in the Layette pattern by Collars Etc.

The Layette pattern also includes instructions for a baby blanket. The Swiss Flannel makes a very nice receiving blanket, but if you want a little more warmth, we recommend the Austrian Cashmere Cotton.

The Austrian Cashmere Cotton is a medium weight fabric, great for crib or carriage blankets. It is very soft but also a very strong, durable fabric that looks great after repeated machine washings.

It is so soft and it will quickly become a child's favorite "blankie". I have one at home that the grandchildren love. It has been dragged on the floor, stepped on, rolled on by chairs and thrown in the washer and dryer many, many times and still looks great!

The Austrian Cashmere Cotton is approximately 60 inches wide and is available in White, Maize (yellow), Baby Pink and Baby Blue.

Doll Availability Updates:

We are completely sold out of all of the Martha Pullen, Precious One Middleton Dolls.

We are also sold out of the Corolle Potty Dolls.

Updates on Tiaras & Swiss Tulle

If you have been waiting for either the Silver and Pearls Tiara or the Garden Pearls Headband tiara, they have arrived and are ready to ship!

A note about the Silver and Pearls Tiara - It was on sale when we ran out of them, so we will extend the sale a few more days to give you a chance to order yours at the sale price of only $22.95.

These tiaras are so pretty! Both are silver plated and have pretty little seed pearls. Girls of all ages love them! Perfect for flower girls, brides, birthdays and many more special occasions.

Update on the white Swiss Tulle (netting) from Bear Threads Ltd. -

There's good news and bad news on this fabric. The good news is that Bear Threads has sent us all of the white Swiss Tulle that they had in stock.

The bad news is that there is a only a very small amount of it. Bear Threads told us that they do not know when they will be getting anymore of it in from Switzerland.

If you will be needing any white Swiss Tulle it is a good idea to order as soon as possible before it is sold out. By the way, Bear Threads did say that there is plenty of the Ivory color Swiss Tulle available.

Swiss Tulle is softer than English Netting, it also has smaller holes. You can see a comparison picture on the main website.

Sewing With Kids - Yes It Can Be Fun!

Several months ago, feeling very brave, I invited all 3 granddaughters to my sewing room. I needed a project that could be sewn fast and would capture and hold their attention.

The pull-on skirt in Martha Pullen's Sew Kool 4 Kids was chosen for the pattern. Hannah and Maleah wanted red skirts and Ashleigh wanted a blue one. We used Featherwale Corduroy, but any medium weight fabric would have worked.

All three of them wanted to decorate their skirts with machine embroidery and decided on a butterfly design. For the younger girls we used a butterfly design from Martha's Mini Collection. Ashleigh wanted a larger butterfly and chose the one from Dainty Designs.

The machine embroidery turned out great. It was very easy using the Floriana Wet and Gone Tacky. With this particular stabilizer, you do not hoop the fabric. Instead of hooping the fabric, you hoop the stabilizer and place the fabric on the sticky stabilizer. Very easy!

Because I didn't want the embroidery stitches to sink down into the corduroy fabric, we placed a water soluble stabilizer on top of it before stitching. The girls were absolutely fascinated with the embroidery machine!

That was Hannah's first time at seeing a piece of flat fabric turn into a cute skirt that she could wear! At only 4 years old, she loves clothes.

Managing Children in Your Sewing Room

The secret to managing energetic kids in your sewing room is to "de-energize" them! Earlier in the day, I sent Ashleigh and Maleah over to my son's (Hannah's daddy) house where there are acres and acres for them to run and jump and play to their heart's content!

When they returned, along with Hannah, they were more than ready to sit still and relax in the sewing room!

In the following video, you can watch them de-energizing before our sewing session.

Have a great weekend!