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.