This week's Instructor is:mail to:JoSewsJo will teach us how to construct Footstools.
Here's our Instructor:JO WHO?
My real name is Joanne McMann and I reside in Lansing, Michigan (The Great Lakes State!), married to Bob for 43 yrs, we are the parents of Dawn, Bethanne, Shelly, Sean and Erin. I am a self-taught seamstress, having had a mom who made all my clothes I hated, vowing NEVER to learn to sew until I became pregnant for Dawn and employed as a hairdresser in a high-fashion salon who expected their employees to dress the same way.
I was short, maternity clothes back then consisted of tops that hung to my shins, skirts with holes in front came to my knees, ending at the back seam. Buying my first Singer who advertised free lessons as I refused to ask my mom to help me sew, only to discover the free lessons were how to use the machine.
I decided to teach myself, starting with a pair of pillowcases that took 2 weeks to make, eventually leading to making my entire maternity wardrobe for work and play, hand embroidered layette, the bassinette that took 50 yds. of organdy and 100 yds. of lace, curtains, drapes, quilts and clothes for all of our children, along with the costumes most of which I wish I still had to pass on to my GRANDchildren---Braden, Megan, Ashley, Will, Riley, Conner, and Aubri.
Overwork led to the demise of 5 Singers, which took me to a Viking store, fabric samples in hand to testdrive, only to be told I could not, that I had to be shown. Proceeding to the local Pfaff dealer expecting same, only to find a warm welcome, and told me to try em' all, and come back tomorrow if you want. I bought the 1471 one-hour later, then the 1473, 2yrs later, which I kept until the 7570, with it's embroidery pfeatures, just tugged at my heartstrings. My lastborn Erin (who resents being called "the baby") introduced me to the computer via a private chat with her sister Bethanne in Hawaii. My typing was so slow and poor, she typed, I dictated. The typing got ezier, the puter pfascinated me, and then the 7570 with the software was my dream come true, plus the added help from online sources and lists.
As for the pfootstools, there never was any written instructions, it was just a handed-down craft from depression era where people had to use existing materials and creativity which we now call recycling. I do hope I've written the instructions in easy to follow steps, but if not, I'm just an email away ----
mail to:JoSews :-)
Pfootstools From Fruit Juice Cans
Supplies needed:-
7 cans with tops intact (use hook opener on one end)
-
1/2 yd each of 2 diffent colors upholstery fabric.
-
1/2 yd of flannel,fleece,blanket as underlining for main fabric
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Tpins
- batting
- heavy thread
- curved upholstery needle
CONSTRUCTION
Cut seven(7) oblongs 12"x14" of both underlining and main fabric
Center the seven(7) cans on the fabric and baste
together on long edge. Gather the bottom/top edges.
Repeat same process for six(cans) .
** If you choose to add trim to top of cans, add this now**
Put one can in the middle and secure with thread on top and
bottom, continuing to join remaining cans to center the same way
on both ends
Using the joined cans as a template, trace on heavy paper and add one and a half (1 1/2) inches to tracing.
With top and bottom fabrics, cut out pattern,making slashes at the intersections where circles connect.
Cut one more template without the added 1 1/2 inches, using 2 layers of underlining fabric.
Laying the 2 layers of underlining,and 1 of main fabric on the bottom cans. Fold under raw edges of main fabric and secure in place with Tpins, carefully slashing at the intersections. Using matching upholstery thread, attach bottom to sides reinforcing stitching at intersections.
Using batting, pad the top, working from the middle can to the outside,so that the middle is higher than outside edges. This adds durability and comfort.
Using the main fabric template, apply this the same way as the bottom, only stretching as tight as possible , securing with Tpins. To make this part easier, I pin the top to cans starting on one side, then going to opposite side to stretch and secure, continuing around. Doing it this way keeps the fabric stabilized, centered, taut.
The two large footstools are now in front of lazyboys for my short legs to rest on, and grandkids to play and sit on . The small one on top is the little sample my mom made when interviewed for our local newspaper June 12,1942 about creative uses for ordinary things during World War 2.
As of this writing, there are 14 cans sitting on my cutting table awaiting construction for my brother's grandsons. The Pfaff 7570 will embroider their names and date on the bottom.
Jo :-)Archived classes:LINKS:
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