About Me

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MS Gulf Coast, United States
I am a Christian wife, mother and grandmother. I love to sew and create new and innovative items to share with my customers. The most popular area of my store is my Walnut Grove section which features clothing reminiscent of "Little House on the Prairie". Please take a moment to visit my store and see my latest creations. www.pattisoriginals.etsy.com

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday Phunnies

More Childhood Wisdom


Finding one of her students making faces at others on the
playground, Miss Smith stopped to gently reprove the child.

Smiling sweetly, she said, "Bobby, when I was a child I was told if that if
I made ugly faces, my face would freeze and stay like that".

Bobby looked up and replied, "Well, Miss Smith, you can't say you
weren't warned."

Little Johnny was eager to help when his parents entertained several
dinner guests.

When the dinner was nearly over, Little Johnny went to the kitchen and
proudly carried in the first piece of apple pie, giving it to his father
who passed it to a guest.

Little Johnny came in with a second piece of pie and gave it to his
father, who again gave it to a guest.

This was too much for Little Johnny, who said, "It's no use, Dad. The
pieces are all the same size."


The teacher asked her class what each wanted to become when they
grew up.

A chorus of responses came from all over the room.
"A football player... a doctor... an astronaut... the president... a
fireman... a teacher... a race car driver...."

The teacher noticed that Tommy was sitting there quiet and still. So she
said to him, "Tommy, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

"Possible" Tommy replied.

"Possible?" asked the teacher.

"Yes," Tommy said. "My mom is always telling me I'm impossible. So
when I get to be big, I want to be possible."

Friday, January 28, 2011

My New Robe

I know it is winter and very cold both inside and out, and we do love our nice warm robes during this season.  However, very soon the weather will change and it will be extrememly hot down here.  During the summer months it is so uncomfortable to have to wear a robe over our night clothes, so I was very excited to find a sleeveless robe pattern.

I found this really cute yellow floral fabric and decided to use it for my robe, I even had enough for some capris to match.



I used a contrasting blue floral

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Homemade Pasta

I was able to pick up some durum wheat berries and have been anxious to use it to make pasta.  Finally I found the time to work on the pasta.

I got out the grinder and started the process.  First, I had to grind the durum wheat.


The next step is to pull out the pasta machine.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Mother Daughter Nighties

I have a customer (and friend) that I call my marketing manager.  She lives in CA and first noticed the Butterscotch horse blankets that were so populara few years ago and she also told me about the pioneer dresses.   She has been a huge blessing to making my little home business so successful.

This customer, Lisa,  decided she would like matching night gowns or pjs (pajamas) for her and her daughter.  So she went shopping for a fabric that she liked and found this absolutely adorable pattern of clouds and rainbows on a blue sky.


Lisa has a few Lanz of Salsburg gowns

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sunday Phunnies

Childhood Wisdom

A six year old comes crying to his Mother because his little sister
pulled his hair.

"Don't be angry," the Mother says, "Your little sister doesn't
realize that pulling hair hurts."

A short while later, there's more crying, and the Mother goes to
investigate.

This time the sister is bawling and her brother says...
"Now she knows."

A little girl asked her mother:
"Can I go outside and play with the boys?"

Her mother replied: "No, you can't play with the boys, they're too
rough."

The little girl thought about it for a few moments and asked: "If I
can find a smooth one, can I play with him?"

On the way to pre-school, the doctor had left her stethoscope on the
car seat, and her youngest daughter picked it up and began playing
with it.

"That is so sweet," thought the doctor. "My daughter wants to
follow in my footsteps!"

Then the child spoke into the stethescope: "Welcome to McDonald's.
May I take your order?"

Thursday, January 20, 2011

The LYDIA Bracelet

Our eldest granddaughter is always complaining she can't find merchandise with her name on it. We're going to rectify that situation with a custom bracelet.

My husband, the jewelry designer in our family, purchased some 925 silver block letters to spell L-Y-D-I-A and some Swarovski crystals in her favorite color - purple. Here's a photo showing the "raw materials" of the "Lydia" bracelet.



Silver graded 925 is considered "sterling silver" and is the correct grade for both strength and beauty.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Quality Control

Every item I create leaves my home with my name on it, with my business card enclosed and with a thank you note with my contact information, therefore, I want to ensure those items are as perfect as possible.

I use a very simple yet effective, quality control tool - my iron.



I wash and iron each completed item before it goes on its way to its new home.  Ironing provides me with an opportunity to go over all the details in my latest creation - every nook and cranny.
As I iron I am always on the lookout for problem areas, such as loose or dangling threads,


missed stitches, fabric caught in a stitch or any other potential problem.


When I find a problem, I stop immediately and make the necessary repairs so I won't forget.
I continue ironing and checking until the entire item meets my approval. Once ironed / inspected, the entire outfit is ready to head to the home of my customer.


Ironing and inspecting each item before it leaves my home allows me to be sure every item is in perfect condition before shipping.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Sunday Phunnies

Childhood Wisdom

While leading a tour of kindergarten students through our hospital, I
overheard a conversation between one little girl and an x-ray
technician.

"Have you ever broken a bone?" he asked.

"Yes," the girl replied.
"Did it hurt?"

"No."

"Really? Which bone did you break?"

"My sister's arm."


One evening, a four-year-old child came in while his mom was setting the
table for supper. Quite surprisingly, he asked if he could help. His
mother said, "No, but I appreciate your asking."

The child responded, "Well, I appreciate your saying no."


A father went to pick up his daughter from school and happened
to overhear her talking to one of her friends.

She said, "I'm really worried. My dad works 16 to 17 hours a day to
give me a really nice home and good food. My Mom spends a lot time
cleaning the house and cooking. I'm worried *sick*."

Her friend said, "What have you got to worry about? It sounds like
you've got it made!"

The daughter shook her head and said, "What if they try to escape?"

Friday, January 14, 2011

Sewing Terms

There are many special terms used in creating the perfect outfit, whether you are the seamstress or the customer. Using the correct vocabulary makes communication a lot easier.

First a few pointers for taking measurements:
o Bust-Around chest at the fullest part under the armpits
o Waist-Narrowest part around the center of the torso
o Hips-Fullest part around the seat
o Tea Length-Dress or skirt falling to mid-calf

Now some general terms for sewing:

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I have been making our laundry detergent for over a year and cannot believe the savings. I use this recipe:

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar.  You can also use Zotes or Octagon bar soap.













1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

Monday, January 10, 2011

The Crud of Winter

It seems like each year around this time our family is afflicted with the 'crud of winter'.  This crud involves sinus infections, coughs, headaches and sometimes fever.  We have tried every medicine under the sun, including prescriptions, and none of them work as quickly or effectively as a sinus sauna.

I came across this post which explains in detail how this works and wanted to share with you.  Believe me, this really works.  Using a coat was very helpful in capturing all the steam.

I had some dried peppermint from our garden but I found peppermint oil to be more effective.  Adding just a little eucalyptus oil also helped. 

If you are suffering from this winter affliction, give this a try it sure does work.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Sunday Phunnies

Childhood Wisdom


 A father was asked by his friend, "Has your son decided what he wants to
be when he grows up?"

"Yes, he wants to be a garbage collector," replied the father.

His friend thought for a moment. "That's a rather strange ambition to
have for a career," he said.

"Not really," said the father. "He thinks that garbage collectors only
work on Tuesdays!"



When her young son developed an ear infection, his mother took him to
the pediatrician.

The mother was very impressed with the way the doctor
directed his comments and questions directly to the boy.

At one point the doctor asked her son, "Is there anything you are
allergic to?"

The boy nodded and whispered in the doctor's ear.

Smiling, the pediatrician wrote out a prescription and handed it to the
mother. Without looking at it, she tucked it into her purse.

Later, the pharmacist filled the order, remarking on the unusual
food-drug interaction her son must have.

When he saw the mother's puzzled expression, he showed her the label on
the bottle.

As per the doctor's instructions, it read: "Do not take with broccoli."

When a girl was about four years old, she still had a hard time grasping
the concept of marriage. So, her Father got out their wedding album,
thinking visual images would help, and explained the entire service to
her.

Once finished, the Father asked if the girl had any questions, and she
replied, "Oh. I see. Is that when Mommy came to work for us, Daddy?"

Saturday, January 8, 2011

A Walnut Grove Birthday Party

A customer contacted me about creating 10 Little House on the Prairie Sun Bonnets for her daughter's birthday party.  The child wanted a Laura Ingall's party for her birthday and mom thought it would be cute to give each of the guests a bonnet as a favor.

The mother was not particular about the fabric I used so I decided to use a variety of calico material.  I used my basic bonnet pattern with fabric ties and a large brim in the front.
The back has a modesty flap and a removable bow. 

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Remember the Flintstones Part 2

Today I worked on the Pebbles costume.  I started with the bloomers because I knew they would take less time than the top.  This is the leg of the bloomers-notice there is no ruffle.


And the finished product.



Next came the challenging part-the top.  I modified a slip pattern to make it fuller and shorter.  My customer wanted black triangles appliqued onto the green top.  I cut out the top and a group of small triangles. .

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Remember the Flintstones Part 1

A customer contacted me and asked if I would be willing to create a Pebbles Flintstone costume for her daughter.   It has been a very long time since I saw the Flintstone's television show so I had to go searching for a photo.




I was not sure exactly where to begin

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Sunday Phunnies

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary
Day number 180
8:00 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9:30 am - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
9:40 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!
10:30 am - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
11:30 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
12:00 noon - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
1:00 pm - Oh boy! The yard! My favorite!
4:00 pm - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
5:00 pm - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
5:30 pm - Oh boy! Mom! My favorite!
Day number 181
8:00 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9:30 am - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
9:40 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!
10:30 am - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
11:30 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
12:00 noon - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
1:00 pm - Oh boy! The yard! My favorite!
4:00 pm - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
5:00 pm - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
5:30 pm - Oh boy! Mom! My favorite!
Day number 182
8:00 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9:30 am - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
9:40 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!
10:30 am - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
11:30 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
12:00 noon - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
1:00 pm - Oh boy! The yard! My favorite!
1:30 pm - ooooooo. bath. bummer.
4:00 pm - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
5:00 pm - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
5:30 pm - Oh boy! Mom! My favorite!

Excerpts from a Cat's Diary
Day 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

Day 761 - Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair ... must try this on their bed.

Day 765 - Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was ... Hmmm. Not working according to plan.

Day 768 - I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid. My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

Day 771 - There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer." More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

Day 774 - I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is assured.
But I can wait, it is only a matter of time ...