October 2004
Dear Friends ~
September was quite a month here in Florida! A heartfelt thanks to all of you who prayed for everyone here as we were pounded by four hurricanes in six weeks – truly an historic event! Other than an overturned tree which is still lying on its side in our front yard, we suffered no damage. We are so grateful. Our power went out for a few hours but thousands in the state are still without power and will be for weeks to come. Please continue to pray for them and, if you want to help further, consider donating to the Red Cross or Salvation Army. They are still sheltering, feeding and assisting many throughout the state in what will be a massive, on-going effort.
My FCH group has met between storms and enjoyed microwave cooking in September. This month we are sewing a flannel pillowcase and we’ll embroider a simple heart on it. Girls enjoy learning to use the sewing machine, but don’t forget to teach them hand-sewing skills, too.
Although it is still near 90 degrees here in Florida, the temperatures will begin to cool in the coming weeks. I’ll be asking my class to list some of the
seasonal tasks homemakers need to do in the Fall: Getting out winter clothes, checking to see if they still fit or need repair, getting out blankets and flannel sheets, washing windows, preparing the garden and yard for winter, etc. Write a list of the things you need to do to be ready for winter and start scheduling them now so you’re prepared when the first artic blast arrives.
As I mentioned last month, JoAnn Gagnon has written a new sewing book for
intermediate sewing. “Pins & Needles” picks up where her beginner’s book – “Stitches & Pins” - leaves off. This book is an absolute treasure! I read it from cover to cover and learned a great deal. Whether you want to update your own sewing skills, or teach your daughters, you’ll find everything you need in “Pins & Needles”. The book even includes patterns for girls and women’s sizes. Projects include: an appliqué vest, blouse, culottes, lined jumper, sundress and coordinating jacket, a beautiful heirloom blouse, sweatshirt and sweatpants using the serger, quilting projects, and fleece projects.
JoAnn teaches many sewing skills along with these projects. You’ll learn to make pockets, buttonholes, darts, pintucks, and put in a zipper, set-in sleeves, a collar and so much more. The many illustrations are clear and helpful and the step-by-step directions make the projects easy to follow. Thank you, JoAnn for some terrific sewing books!
If you want a complete sewing course, start with “Stitches & Pins” and progress into “Pins and Needles” and you’ll be sewing your own beautiful clothes in no time! To see all of Joann’s books, go to her website,
www.bunkhousesewing.com.
Until next time ~
Yours in Him,
Copyright, 2005, Laurie Latour.
www.FutureChristianHomemakers.com You may make one printed copy for your own personal, private use. FCH leaders may make one printed copy for each person in their group. Copyright line above must be included in all copies. Permission for any other use must be requested in writing.
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