When stitching my Feather Stitch TAST sampler this week I remembered that the last time I had used this stitch was on little sleeveless shirts I made for my babies. I thought they had all been thrown out but I found one in the cupboard. I didn't have a working sewing machine at that time so they were all sewn by hand.
I drafted my pattern so that the only seam was at the shoulder. Hand rolled hems at the neck and bottom with blanket stitching around the armholes.
All the buttonholes were hand stitched ,
then a bit of embroidery to finish off.
Most had feather stitch around the armholes, neck and hem. Although this was washed and ironed before I stored it I see that 'baby dribble' has discoloured the neck.
I made seven for each baby and another seven to give to the Nuns at the hospital for another mother that didn't have enough clothing for her new baby. The only reason this one survived was because it was girlie, no feather stitch here.
This video on the V&A site was very interesting. I bought the book about the Quilt exhibition but actually seeing one of the quilts like this was fascinating. I think Tracey Chevaliers new book she is researching is pretty interesting as well.
http://www.vam.ac.uk/channel/people/personalities/tracy_chevalier_quilts/
It's charming, and looks simple and easily made - just what you need with a new infant, or one on the way!
Posted by: Rachel | January 24, 2012 at 05:02 AM
I lived thousands of miles from my family with just my husband getting ready for this baby. Sitting and stitching was very special at this time.
Posted by: Carolyn Foley | January 24, 2012 at 07:02 AM