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My Parents

I had lunch with my father recently.  I told him about the market I had attended.  He told me about how when he was 14-15 years old, he lived with a family who had a tailor shop.  My father was an apprentice there.  He explained to me that he would have to go to a part of the town and sell pants and jackets on a regular basis.  What ever he sold, he explained that he would not get paid for his time, his room and board was his pay.  I was told by my late mother, while she was in school, she had to learn how to mend, make socks, learn embroidery.  I have one of her pillow cases with embroidered eyelets.  I remember both parents continued to be creative in there own personal way.  Mom, over the years, did everything from crocheting, knitting, needle work, sewing, painting, ceramics, paper crafts, etc.  I have many pieces of her creativity.  Dad could make anything out of wood!  He didn't sew much after coming to Canada, but he tau...
Recent posts

Supporting Our Girls Breast Cancer Quilt

     As I mentioned above, this 20 block quilt took 3 years to create.  Inspirations from many people and events has been woven into this piece.       Here are all the bras named and reasons why they are on the quilt. 1.  Pink Ribbon:  I wove pink ribbons and added pearl straps,  As you know the 'pink ribbon' is the symbol for Breast Cancer. 2.  Winter Wonderland:  I wanted to create soft and romantic. 3.  Think Pink:  Quilted pieced of pink ribbon fabric with measuring tape ribbon as straps.  It is inspired by the "Better Homes and Gardens" issue, in which, the quilt was made. 4.  Feelin' Groovy: Some groovy fabric with a button that says "HOPE" and chain link straps is a reminder of the many women before us who survived and passed away. 5.  Paisley:  I just loved the fabric with it's many colors! 6.  Al's Harley:  ...

Antique Needlecraft Magazines

I recently acquired 16 Needlecraft Magazines dating from November 1910 to September 1919 at an estate sale.  I browsed through the issues with excitement and intrigue. There are many crochet patterns that are explained in such detail, for tables, chairs, and even collars for your blouse!  Patterns are also available for blouses, skirts, children's clothing, and even tips on how to take care of your hats, and adornments. Poems, stories of the day in the life, swapping tips of daily life from ladies across the nation, take you into a simpler time.  You can also purchase furniture, hair tonic and more! Most of these magazines are on their way to the University of Rhode Island's Special Patterns Library. I felt that these treasures should be preserved in a way for many to see and appreciate. I tried to find out more about the history of the magazines.  When they started to publish and so forth, however I have been unable to find...
A new and exciting time for Created By Mouse! Spring is in the air and fashion is at its best! How did I come up with the name? Well, I once wanted to be a 'roadie' - yes, go on tour with a band and slug gear! I got a part time gig at a local bar/small concert venue in my hometown of Burlington, Ontario.  In the first band I worked for, one of guys the permanent crew gave me the nickname “Mouse”. And it stuck! Whenever the band come to back into town or Toronto, and I wanted to see them, all I had to say was “Mouse is in the house” and I was in the venue for free. When I wanted to start this business, I wasn't sure what to name it and how it could relate to sewing  Then I remebered the mice who sewed Cinderella's dress in the Disney Movie. Created By Mouse was born! I was born and raised in Burlington, Ontario, until 2015 my husband and I sold our house and then moved here to Ridgeway, Ontario. It's been a long journey settling in ...