Monday, May 24, 2021

Rhubarb News

Rhubarb Stalks

If you haven't ever enjoyed rhubarb - growing it (its easy), harvesting (pull don't cut), freezing (actually works better than fresh in many recipes simply cut in 1/4-1/2 inch slices, bag and put in the freezer), start now.

This article summaries it all: 

Editors of The Old Farmer's Almanac. (n.d.) Growing Rhubarb: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Rhubarb. https://www.almanac.com/plant/rhubarb 


Or other treats - simple to make:

See these articles for more rhubarb treats -- 

McElmeel, Sharron. (2018, May 17). Rhubarb Time.Green Frog Gifts (Blog). http://bit.ly/rhubarbtime


McElmeel, Sharron (2014, April 2) Green Frog Gifts: Rhubarb- ’Tis the Season. Green Frog Gifts (Blog).  http://bit.ly/rhubarbtime2



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Cite this article: 
McElmeel, Sharron.  (2021, May 24).  Rhubarb News  Green Frog Gifts (Blog).   http://bit.ly/rhubarbnews



Monday, May 10, 2021

Using a Passion as Sewing Inspiration


Each person who sews and creates often finds that the creativity for what they sew comes from their own passions, or the passion of a friend or family member.  The following pictures share some passions and loves of some friends and family members - and hopefully will suggest some inspirations to other sewists to create some unique and meaningful items for themselves or others.


Gifts do not need to be elaborate - it is the connections and meaning embodied in each gift that make it special.  The detail of the monogram was the key in making this simple cover for a diary.

Nothing consumes this young athlete's time more than playing baseball.  This quilt recognized his love.  The quilt was a substantial investment in time and $$; but well worth the delight it brought to him.

A simple gift, but the fabric acknowledges the familiarity and attention to detail to show that you really did create the gift with the individual in mind.

The fabrics here make for an entirely different focus and acknowledges a family joke (the flamingoes) that will bring a smile to the two who share the joke throughout the year.

Sometimes a gift can honor a professional passion and serve a very practical use.  This tote not only recognizes this professional's passion for sharing information about Laura Ingalls Wilder but gives her a thematic way to carry her handouts, and small demonstration items used in her presentations.

The parents of this young child are passionate about documenting the experiences in his life.  An annual photo album includes pictorial representations for experiences he has during the year.  And throughout the year  the memories continue to be meaningful as items such as the pillowcase (and book) are shared and used over and over.

This gift for a new baby honored both the father's passion and the mother's side gig.  Many other themes could have been used, if one had known the nursery theme, and so forth but without that knowledge this theme seemed to have a fun connection.


Choosing to make a meaningful connection can bring both a fun search for fabric and a way to connect it to a friend's passion.  Rose is known for her cooking and her hospitality so the apron and tea cups were just the connection to make to her name.

Using a panel highlighting a special character, object, or motif is a quick way to share a passion.  One does not always need to use the fabric as someone else dictates.  These book panels can be used as stand-alone quilted pictures.

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These sewing projects were all inspired by a passion or love for a particular activity or motif that someone special possesses.  While these examples tend toward the home decor or accessory line; inspiration for clothing can be built on interests as well.  Consider a garment in a recipient's favorite color, or showcasing an interest - perhaps a cover-up apron for a chemistry teacher (using fabric with the table of elements); or recycle a thrift store item to contribute to the conservation efforts of your community.   Look forward to a special occasion and zero in on a special dress to be worn and make a coordinating accessory to go with that special dress - perhaps a faux fur cape with a lining to match the dress, or an evening purse to accent the dress; or a tie or vest for a companion.  

What's the passion (or love) that inspires you?

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Cite this article: 
McElmeel, Sharron.  (2021, May 15).  Using a Passion as Sewing Inspiration.  Green Frog Gifts (Blog).   http://bit.ly/inspiration-sewing.