I never understood why smaller sewing supplies and fun extras were called notions.
I got the chance today to peruse the notions aisle at one of our local general stores this morning.
Our governor mandated the use of face masks, which meant I needed to get a few things to make fabric ones.
Elastic was impossible to find, but I was able to get bias tape and thread and I was on my way.
My day was spent making masks. Rosie Mae had requests for the masks she needs for work. And plenty of them so she can change them out frequently between our laundry days. No time for everything I had previously planned for my day. Things such as making a blog post and having a Mom and Steven's day of fun. He didn't seem to mind that it got postponed a bit. He found the treadle sewing machine fascinating and stood next to me watching the entire time with lots of questions on how everything works.
My day may not have been as I had envisioned, but I got to do a quick browse of the sewing notions aisle, so all's good.
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The shortage of elastic has given all the newly budding seamstresses a chance to employ a little mental ingenuity. Small accomplishments lead to bigger ones down the line so I'm all for anything that causes people to think.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
I read a post about one woman who got it by picking the elastic out of a fitted sheet. There is someone with WAY more patience than I have.
DeleteOh my! Picking the elastic out of a fitted sheet would be quite a task!
DeleteI often wondered about 'notions' too!
ReplyDeleteGlad I'm not the only one.
DeleteI guess I had never thought of it, I just accepted the name "notions." I made seven masks before I ran out of elastic and have found it impossible to find anymore. The elastic I had was actually from my Mom's sewing basket that I inherited when she died 31 years ago. Who knows how old that elastic was because I never saw her sew anything.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Betsy, that sounds soooo familiar! My grandmother and Mum both sewed, but I inherited a boatload of odd bits, including elastic.
DeleteI've thought of my Mom's collection of notions. I'm sure there is no shortage of elastic at her house.
DeleteI also spent yesterday - Thursday - making masks. I had some elastic on hand, as I make a lot of doll clothes. I was talking on the phone with a friend from church who mentioned she was out of elastic and couldn't find it in the stores, so I was able to pass along two half-packets - one black and one white. I ended up making on mask with ties, instead of ear-loops.
ReplyDeleteI made our masks with ties as well. I tried using pony tail holders, they worked, but I was sure my ears would get sore fast if I wore it for more than a few minutes.
DeleteI too wonder where the word notions originated but what fun to dig about and do a little research.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI am not a sewer so I appreciate anyone who can sew. My sister in law made me a couple of masks to wear. I did see that a bungee cord has oodles and oodles of elastic? rubber? in them. Maybe try that too? Go snitch one of your hubby's bungee cords. Hahaha
ReplyDeleteI heard about bungee cords as well. My husband said he trusts I won't destroy them. :) I'm not desperate enough for elastic that I'm up to breaking his trust.
DeleteI was always interested in the term notions as well as sundries And what's up with the term dry goods?? :}
ReplyDeleteSo many words and terms that make you wonder, once you stop and think.
DeletePony tail holders with one sewn in on each side and then loop another one on each side of the masks works for a medium. might need more for a larger face.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good idea if you want it to loop around your ears.
DeleteLoved going through my mom's sewing box as a little girl and was always fascinated by the many "notions". Bias tape is a great replacement for the elastic!
ReplyDeleteMom's sewing basket used to be so much fun!
DeleteSince a previous comment mentioned "sundries", I will add that I found that word most confusing. I remember going into a store (as a little girl) that had in big letters, among other words, SUNDRIES. I was so excited about the possibility of eating SUNDAES but as I looked around, I realized there was nothing about this store that would produce an ice cream sundae, I didn't even bother to ask XD !
ReplyDeleteWhat a disappointment that you weren't able to have a sundae. :)
DeleteI know of some people making masks that tie because of not being able to get hold of elastic.
ReplyDeleteI have resorted to using bias tape and ribbon for string on our masks.
Delete