Not a sewing machine, but some misc blocks for a sewer / quilter. This is something each of you could do one block and send to one person to put together. I know I have seen an antique sewing machine block somewhere - maybe someone has seen it. I'm sorry she and your family has to endure this horrible disease. Making this quilt will help you all. Here is a link that might be useful: Quilter's Blocks

I want to make (SEW) a girls coat size 6 or 8.One just below the knee. I am making it from Vellux material......any ideas. tk you

Linda in Iowa That was extremely rude of the 'fellow worker.' I'll bet she was more concerned with gossip than the work she was supposedly doing. First, you were wise to wear something to protect your clothing as you concentrated on doing a charitable service for people in distress. Second, those people serious about preparing, cooking, and serving food in a professional manner (whether paid or voluntary) wear aprons. They can then concentrate more about producing a good product rather than worring about ruining, or flaunting, their clothing. and Third, aprons are fashionable right now! You had that heifer beat in every way possible. Susan JF That pattern is a cutie, too. Kathy G in MD I agree; the pattern is not old as in pre-WWII, or difficult. I'll bet it isn't even scarce, but it does seem to be very popular, thus the price. I've bought several lovely patterns from the 50s-80s for $2-$3, some with free shipping even, from both eBay and Etsy. This one is proving to be more of a challenge. Kay Jones That is an idea I may try. I'm going one-step easier. Since I may have better luck finding a child's dress in 100% cotton, I'll start small and see if I can find a dress that will covert to an apron for one of my nieces. That should be good practice.

Gloria, you may want to go out and buy a pattern that is the style that you are looking for. Most times the patterns run about two bucks a piece on a promotion. It is always easier to just spend a couple of bucks and have it laid out for you instead of trying to "reinvent the wheel". On the other hand, what you may be looking for is the old technique of cutting and sewing with squares and rectangles. Even to do that, you need some sewing experience and some knowledge of what you are doing. Up until about the late 1800's most mens shirts were cut of squares and rectangles. Most of the garments of the old world were cut and pieced this way. When fabric had to be grown, harvested, spun and woven it was much more valuable than a length of stuff off the bolt at Joanns. They did not waste by cutting out holes for the sleeves and using facings and such. An original caftan as worn in the old world was, no doubt, made this way using geometric shapes and gussets. Pants were made the same way. They were cut and sewn with not a thread wasted. A lot of the web sites from folks who do historical interpretation and those who are involved in the Society for Creative Anachronism have tutorials for making such tunics, trousers, and gowns. Just go and buy a pattern for what you are looking for.