Lenora Jenkins Designs

Doing my bit

A few weeks back I volunteered for some class room sewing. Mr 7's teacher was not too specific, just a general call for some help with a little project.

About ten days ago, a lovely package arrived home with meterage of calico, a bundle of braided banding and a pattern for an apron. I had volunteered to make 10 aprons.

The sewing that I have been doing was much more interesting, so the calico was put aside and I continued on. 

At school assembly on Friday, there was secretive whispers. "Are you doing some sewing for Room 8?"......"Have you started yet?"........"How are you doing it?"......"DOESN'T IT TAKE A LOT OF TIME!!!!!" I had not thought too much about the task, although Mr 7 had reminded me and a note had appeared in his diary with a due date. I drove home thinking I must schedule some time for the apron sewing.

The weekend came and went, and Mr 7 arrived home with the news on Monday that  "Everyone else has done their sewing Mum." The aprons were not due until Friday, but with the warning I had received, I thought it might be wise to get cracking. So I did. I ironed, cut out, over-locked, pressed, sewed and attached straps, and 10 aprons appeared. Mr 7 took them off to school, proud as punch this morning. I was so determined to get them completed, I forgot to take a photograph.

Now I have a sewing room that looks like a fabric bomb has gone off.

I have not asked any questions about what the aprons are for, and Mr 7 is quite smug, but I wonder if I will be receiving one back soon?

Lenora X.

Oh, forgot to tell you. I am off on a super exciting road trip tomorrow, I'll fill you in when I get back.

Whipping up a bridal dress

Our children have a school performance this term; actually it is next week. With dress rehearsals on Monday, I have needed to get a rattle on and make a white bride's dress. 

It has given me a chance to play with my new pinking shears.

I made sure to choose cotton fabrics and thread, as we will probably dye the dress after the performance. I am thinking a lovely mango colour or watermelon pink. I think Miss 8 may have different ideas.

Lenora X.

My day out in Melbourne

I am slowly coming back down to earth after my day out at the Melbourne Quilt and Craft Fair. I really look forward to this day. A day in the city, a day without cows and calves and lots of time to slowly wander around taking in fabric, textures, ideas and inspiration.This year was even more exciting, because Dear Prudence was making her grand debut.

It was an early start for me, the alarm went off at 4.30am, but I was not complaining. Actually I was feeling thankful, a gastro had hit the house a few days earlier and I was scared that I would be home nursing sick children....luckily all were well.

I was pleased to be able to make it to the show in time for the presentations, with Linda being award two ribbons for her fantastic quilt.

It was so exciting. A just reward for the time and dedication that Linda put in. It was wonderful to stand nearby and listen to all the wonderful comments about Linda and the quilt. What I find really amazing, is that I know the time that Linda also devotes to her shop and their dairy farm. 

I wandered about the stalls, purchasing a few threads, some scissors, and a book. I popped into Nicole Mallalieu's stall and showed her my brand new skirt.

and thanked her for giving me the confidence to try an invisible zip.

(If you are looking for a great pattern with great instructions, this is the one. It's called the A Line Skirt.)

I had a lovely chat to Gail and Jane, and sat in on a talk about choosing fabrics for dressmaking. I wandered about until it was time for my train to leave and departed Melbourne at 6.36pm. As I sat on the train with my eyes briefly closed, I heard a wonderful recount of a beautiful hexagon quilt a group of ladies had seen at a quilt fair. I grinned from ear to ear.

I was up early the next morning, and straight back to feeding the calves before I had to be at football/netball at 8.30am. It was so good to have a day out!!!!

Lenora X.