So, I was poking around the internet learning more about the history of the sewing machine…. ‘cus I’m a dork like that…..and I discovered lots of bizarro facts that I wanted to share with you.

For example: the first servicable sewing machine caused a handsewer’s riot in Paris. Fear of unemployment caused tailors to torch the army uniform factory that was using the “mechanical stitcher.”

For another: When the first treadle machine came out (FYI: treadle machines are those old school pre-electrical machines with the rocking foot pedal) folks in Britain suspected that the rocking motion was unladylike because it might cause arousal in the user. (No comment. Except: why doesn’t my machine do that?)

And another: I also discovered that the first zig-zag machine was invented by a lady! Her name was Helen Augusta Blanchard. She patented her zig-zag machine in 1873. She came from a wealthy family back East but when her family lost their fortune, she started patenting her inventions to support her kin. All the pictures of her on the internet make her look like a dog, so I messed around in photo shop to bring you this modern wonder….

I was excited to find Helen because I’m always looking for handy ladies in history. Crafty female icons in history are accounted for – Betsy Ross, Mme. DeFarge, etc. – but female handiness? Not so much. It seems to me that there’s absolutely no difference between the two qualities except…oh, I dunno….gender?

As a crafty AND handy lady myself, it’s inspiring to read about Helen’s 28 patents. I will always think of her when I use the zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine. (If you want to learn more about her, the best site about her that I could find is here.)

And yes, we made it to Santa Cruz safe and sound. Thanks to all for the well-wishes! =)

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Still obsessed with smocking. Haven’t tried it yet because we are packing up the bus and leaving for Santa Cruz today. I promise to try this really soon and report back on the details. I even found a really sweet tutorial here that I think I’ll try to follow! More random smocking inspiration:

fabric manipulation sampler bag featuring smocking

cute vintage smocked blouse pattern..

smocked sleeves!

smocked dress. wonder what the fabric is?

vintage smocked blouse I found on eBay…

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Before I send this vintage doll kit away to my dear waldorf-obsessed friend, Lara, I thought I would take some pictures.

‘scuse my flash…

I think Lara’s gonna love it. Safe travels, Rupfenpuppen.

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Many of you know that I live in a housebus that my girlfriend, Julia, and I built from scratch. (That’s a whole ‘nother blog…) At 7.5′ by 30′ it’s a small space. I had my sewing space set up in there (of course) and that’s where I made all of the stuff I currently have for sale in my Etsy shop. However, right now the bus is parked at my mom’s house in Santa Rosa. I’ve been taking advantage of her guest room and using the opportunity to get really messy with my sewing……

What’s going on in there?? Well, I’ve been working on a skirt for Stitch Magazine but I can’t really tell you any more details than that. (Sorry guys!) Ok, ok, I can tell you that these materials are involved:

Secret Skirt Materials – light purple linen, pretty new calico print, thread. Like it so far? Me too. My new Husqvarna was involved, too, of course.

Isn’t she pretty? I’m still so glad I didn’t go for those new-fangled computerized machines. I bought her last fall after crying over my broke-a$$ Riccar too many times. She may be made in China but she’s Swedish *designed* gosh-darn-it! Oh yes, I digress. Why are we still in Santa Rosa? Well, here’s why: I’ve been having a weird feeling in my throat (like a mouthful of mashed potatoes got stuck half-way down) since before Christmas and I thought it was time to get it checked out. Rather than go on to Santa Cruz, I decided to stay in one place to figure out what was going on. I thought it would take a week. About a month (and 7 or 8 doctor’s appointments, 6 tests and $600+ dollars) later, we *finally* know what my problem is! No, it’s not heart burn, its not cancer, it’s not hyperthyroidism, it’s…….globus hystericus. The doc says it’ll go away by itself if I just chill the heck out and give it time. LOL. Thank God! While I was waiting for the results of all these bizarre tests and awkward appointments, I rediscovered crochet as the fidgity, comforting little self-care activity that it is. (What can I say? Not knowing what the heck is going on with your neck/throat is kinda freaky!) We’ve been renting the Tudors and watching it for hours every night. The results? 1.5 scarves and 1 hat:

Woot. Scarf. This yarn has been in my stash for ages. Too ugly to use, too DIY to throw away…Both the pepto-bismal yarn and the dark browny-grey yarn were recycled from thrift store sweaters that I unknitted. Heck, I even dyed the pepto-bismal cotton yarn that lovely pepto-bismal color all by myself using the power of kool-aid. I think it looks…ok.

Another shot of my pepto bismal scarf in action. It’s all just straight double crochet.

Crocheted hat. I was going for a cloche look. I’m not sure I really nailed it. I like the bobbly on the side, though. I used a vintage button and a bunch of rescued braided satin frog closures. (Editor’s note: I had to crop this because I looked too stupid for words in this pic….better to leave it to your imagination.) Scarf .5? Well, it’s still in the works. It’s knitted, not crocheted and that takes me a good bit longer to do. I’m a slow knitter.

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So I read about Chizimi shrinking thread in a craft magazine a while back and I was immediately fascinated.

You sew with it normally (top or bobbin thread or both) and when you expose it to heat with your iron, the thread shrinks, creating puckers in the fabric. You could go many crafty places with this stuff, seems to me. I started looking it up on the interwebs, wondering if $10 was too much to splurge on a gimmicky thread….

Soon, my search was totally derailed by vintage smocked pillow patterns. I have one of these! I treasure it. Never did I think I might be able to make my very own. Apparently it’s done with a technique called Canadian Smocking, different from English smocking. Feast your eyes….

I think my smocking adventures have just begun. Smocked blouse yokes? Smocked dresses? Smocked pillows, wallets, bags? Yes. Yes. Yes. So much craft, so little time.

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