Happy New Year

Ahhh. I always breathe a sigh of relief at this time of the year. Christmas is over, another successful holiday dinner...this year for 20 guests...and a new beginning, a new year. I have high hopes once again to finish up some UFO's, participate in the Stitchers Guild SWAP and get myself organized. I can dream can't I?

This has been a difficult year for me because I left my comfortable part-time job for full time work. I haven't worked full time in over 27 years. It has been an adjustment to say the least. I am learning to say "no, I'm sorry I can't do that."

My mom keeps telling me that she is checking my blog and "do you know you haven't updated it since October?" Hi mom, this post is for you! I have been making things, but never seem to have the time to photograph the finished project before it goes out the door. I am going to try to be better about that so I have something to post about. Until then, Happy New Year to you and I wish you (and me) a productive, creative and most importantly a healthy new year.

A Giveaway

Wouldn't this be handy to have at the fabric cutting counter?  You could win it!  What a treat that would be.

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Look What Followed Me Home

The guest speaker at our neighborhood ASG meeting this morning was a woman who makes the most beautiful buttons.  They are mostly made from polymer clay and each one is a work of art.  I have purchased her buttons before in some of our local fabric and yarn shops, but each shop has a limited supply.  She brought hundreds to the meeting.  One was prettier than the next!  These are some that followed me home...

I'm Back

Finally something to post!  I finished a jacket from the Sept. issue of the Burda magazine.  It is 100% cotton flannel.  I would like to make it again, but next time I will make the sleeves full length.  I can wear 3/4 sleeves on tops, but I don't like them on jackets.  It takes me back to my gawky teenage years when I couldn't find pants or shirts that were long enough!

      

I also started another job so now I am working 5 days a week.  I don't have much energy for blogging these days.  Hopefully I will get used to the routine and be more productive with my time.  Here's hoping...

Back To School Shopping

I'm going back to school.  I got a job!!  I am sooo excited.  I will be working two days a week in a local elementary school as a computer tech aide.  It is only a temp position, but I'm hoping that it's a "foot in the door" opportunity.  And if I'm putting my foot in the door won't I need new shoes?  And doesn't one always get new shoes when it's time to go back to school?  I know it was always my favorite part of back to school shopping.

I bought these red shoes in black too because they were so comfortable.  I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of time on my feet.

I'm a sucker for fabric shoes.  These will go nicely with lots of black and gray that's in my closet.

How could I resist faux snakeskin and patent leather?

I also made a trip to the fabric store for this pattern while it was on sale.  Check out Christina's posts on this pattern here, here and here.  I couldn't resist giving it a try.  I bought a black lightweight knit from Joann's.

I also received the new Burda magazine over the weekend and I love, love, love this issue.  I purchased some denim for the jeans style trousers and this fabric for this jacket.

Now I'm off to straighten up my sewing room and get started tracing the patterns.  Stay tuned...

Blogging Vacation

Here's what I've been up to during my vacation from blogging:

1.  I made cushions for a friend (photos later).

2.  I traveled to Boston for a few days to visit my daughter and slipcovered a chair while I was there (photos later).

3.  I'm knitting a maternity sweater.  No, I'm not pregnant!  Here's the story:  my LYS had a model sweater that I tried on and really liked.  It had a "swing" shape to it.  When I asked for the instructions I realized it was a maternity sweater!  Here's a photo from the book and my sweater so far.  Honestly, I didn't look pregnant in it.

               

4.  I have been looking for a new job.  I must say this is a very humbling experience.  I have a few possibilities so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

5.  I have been designing a project for the needlework guild I'm in.  It is a pattern darning piece that accommodates our guild charm.  It will be a needlebook when finished.

I am teaching this piece in a week and a half so I'd better get back to it!  

A Wonderful Day

Our niece was married last weekend.  It was a wonderful day.  I didn't get my special dress made in time so I pulled something out of the back of my closet.  This was the first wedding in our immediate family...the first of many we hope!

Me and my crew on the big day!  We had so much fun.

Some Crafting Friends

When my children were small I would put them down for their afternoon nap and have some "me" time in front of the television with Aleene's Creative Living show.  Do you remember the show?  It was full of fun crafting lessons with Aleene of Tacky Glue fame and her daughters, Tiffany and Heidi and other great guests.  Last night when I was searching for something on the net I happened upon a site where there were people remembering the show and the people connected with it.  Well, as you can imagine, these crafters are still doing their thing, adapting to the times with blogs and podcasts.  

Tiffany's website is here and she has a podcast that I downloaded to listen to later.

Two of my favorite guest crafters were Cheryl Ball and Katheryn Bieber

I feel like I have found some long, lost friends!  

Where'd My Mojo Go?

I have not accomplished a thing for myself since my last post.  I took a sewing job for making outdoor furniture cushions and it has taken me waaaaayyyy too long!  I should be able to finish today.  I haven't sewn one stitch for the JCC that ends on June 30th!  I also want to make a dress to wear to my niece's wedding on July 4th.  Ugh!  I hate it when I have no mojo!

Comments

I'm going to participate in the JCC at Stitcher's Guild.  Here is my "orphan".  It's a reversible jacket that I purchased last year.  I have only worn it a few times with black pants and always with the lighter side showing.  It's not really my colors (except for the blue), but I get compliments on it every time I wear it.  

I have some blue French terry that is the right color that I will use for a skirt and top.  I purchased some Tencel fabric in the gold tone, but I'm not sure what I will do with that.  My accessory will be a belt (I think).  You'll have to stay tuned ...!

I just realized that I am not getting the comments from my blog sent to my email anymore.  I have to fix that, but in the meantime, thank you for the kind comments you have posted, Karen, Eva, Pamela, Eileen and Diana.  I wasn't ignoring you I just wasn't paying attention to the comments area of my posts!!  I will pay attention from now on...I promise.

Three Down, One To Go

Child #3 graduated from the College of the Holy Cross on Friday.  It was a beautiful, hot day with not a cloud in the sky.  Here he is receiving his diploma.  I forgot to take my zoom lens so this is cropped and enlarged and a little grainy, but it works!

As the final name was called the balloons were released.

Here's the whole crew with the graduate.  That's three down and one to go...stay tuned!

Some Scenery

When my hubby took photos of me for the SWAP contest, he positioned me around the yard to show his tulips, picket fence, stone wall, arbor, etc.  Little did he know that I was going to crop all of those things out of the photos!  So here are some shots of the Spring scenery.  The tulips were fantastic.  He promises next year will be even better!!  I guess we'll all have to stay tuned...

I'm A Winner!

I am the Third prize winner in the SWAP contest.  I can't believe it!  Here are the rest of the garments that I hadn't shown previously here.  The other two winners in the contest are ones that I voted for.  All of the wardrobes were lovely so this a very special honor.  As well as the fact that I now have some nice new clothes that fit!

      
      

 

How Shirley Adams Saved My SWAP...

Now that the SWAP photos have been posted, I can feel free to talk about my garments.  Great procrastinator that I am, I left lots of the sewing to be finished at the very end of the SWAP deadline.  The last week of the SWAP, Shirley Adams was coming to Buffalo for two days and I was signed up for both days!  The first day was a trunk show of hundreds of garments...wow, what inspiration.  Day two was the origami top class in the morning and a purse class in the afternoon.  The fabric I took from my stash for the origami top just happened to coordinate with my SWAP pieces.  I wasn't sure I would like the top, but I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to take a class from a sewing expert like Shirley Adams!  I loved the top when it was done (I added the bottom tucked hems to the top and sleeves) and it saved my SWAP because it replaced a top that I had completed and hated and I hadn't wasted a day away from my sewing machine!

The top is made from 6 squares of fabrics.  Two of the squares are cut on the diagonal and the pieces sewn together.  Because of the way the pieces are sewn the top hangs on the diagonal. The instructions are in Shirley's Sewing Connection book #17.  You can also take a look at the new issue of Threads magazine (July) for a top and jacket that are made similarly with two squares of fabric.

If you ever get a chance to see Shirley Adams at a seminar, or take a class with her, don't miss it.  She is a sewing inspiration!!

Happy Mother's Day

I enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day.  I took a 2 1/2 hour drive to have lunch and spend the day with my mom (and dad!).  It was fun.  I got home just in time for a lovely dinner cooked by my husband and gifts from my husband and son #3.

The SWAP photos are up.  You can see them here.  There are some very nice collections.  It's going to be hard to decide who to vote for!

An Update

I was able to finish the SWAP in the nick of time.  The photos will be up on Sunday, until then here's a sneak peek of my favorite combination.  

I've been doing some knitting and letting my sewing machine rest for a few days.  Check back on Sunday and I'll have a link to the SWAP contest so you can see all of the wonderful wardrobes that have been created in the last 6 months.  Stay tuned...

Gone Sewing

I am stuck at my sewing machine trying desperately to finish the SWAP.  I still need to make two bottoms and some buttonholes...stay tuned... 

SWAP Progress

I am still sewing for the SWAP, but time is getting very short!  I still have two tops and three bottoms to finish.  The jacket is very close to being finished and I really like it (although the fabric I chose was not easy to work with).  No photos today, it's too gray and rainy here.  I think I have everything in order for a photo finish...stay tuned!

Another Birthday Wish

Another birthday boy.  Today he's 22.  Happy Birthday to Son #2.

He's soon to be a college graduate.  Check out his music here.

I Wish I Could Sing

Check out this you tube video from the latest Britain's Got Talent!  I love it.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my 25 year old!

Where has the time gone??

Catching Up

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted...time just keeps marching along doesn't it?  I have been very busy....I finished a sweater, a top-down from Knitting Pure and Simple.  I was easy and quick because it was knit with bulky yarn on size 15 and 17 needles.  I like it very much.

I started that sweater because I was very frustrated with this one:

this is supposed to be part of my SWAP, but I'm not sure it's going to make it.  It is kid mohair is supposed to look like this:

I like the way it is turning out, except that it might be too big.  Ugh!  I am going to keep going and see what happens.  It's an awful lot of work for something that I'll never wear!

I also finished a quilt for my sister-in-law, who will be beginning chemo very soon.  Everyone in the family wrote on a heart and another sis-in-law and I did the construction.  I finished the borders, quilting and binding.  I know she will love it.

That's all for now, more later...stay tuned!

SWAP piece #3

I finished SWAP piece #3 on Saturday.  I wore it to church and work on Sunday.  It's Macphee Workshop pattern #311 called the BLT (Best of Linda's Tops).  I made it with a Slinky remnant that I bought at my local independent fabric store...I paid $8.00 for 2 yards.  I have a small piece left over that might be enough for a tank top.  It is a little droopy, especially the sleeves.  If I make this again (and I think I will) I'll make a smaller size at least in the sleeves.  I wore my long underwear with it because it's very cold here and I didn't realize it was peaking out in the photo.  I also have a funky spot where the front crosses over on one side.  I resewed it many times and finally just left it because I probably won't wear the top without tucking it in so it will never show.  I know I have a piece of black Slinky somewhere in my stash that just might have to be turned into this top!

My SWAP sewing has been very slow going.  I have been stuck in the pants fitting stage.  I have made at least four muslins of various patterns and I am not happy with any of them.  I decided to move on to the tops and come back to the pants.  I also started the Flat Belly Diet a week ago and have been successful in losing a few pounds so that will change the fit of the pants too.  I'll deal with the pants closer to the deadline.  Stay tuned...

Embroidery Designs

I have added some embroidery designs that I created to my etsy shop.  I have more in the works so stay tuned!

I'm Audrey, Who Are You?

I'm not sure I agree with all of this, but it was funny when Audrey Hepburn popped up because my daughter loves Audrey Hepburn.  There's a link to the quiz at the bottom of my post so you can see who you are.  

I have been knitting away on the Tulip sweater.  I have started over three times and I'm pretty sure I am going to run low on at least one of the colors.  I'm going to keep going to see what happens.  Stay tuned...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Knitting With Toothpicks

I am now knitting with size 0 needles or toothpicks as I like to refer to them.  The design is very pretty, but I made a mistake in reading the chart so I will be starting again.  I may move the colors too because it is pretty hard to see the black and I would like to be able to knit up the hem instead of sewing it later.  Stay tuned...

What is it with gauge?

I have been craving a new knitting project for a while.  I recently found Twist Collective.  I ordered three new knitting patterns, here, here and here.  (With many more that I wanted to buy!)  I figured I would start with the mittens.

It would be a small (size wise) project with some difficulty (the fair isle pattern), but certainly doable.  I knit very loosely so I usually go down two needle sizes to get the gauge.  The pattern calls for size 1 or 2 needles.  I used a size 1 and got 8 stitches to the inch (I'm supposed to have 9 spi). (I'm using the yarn that the pattern calls for).

Now it's 10:00 pm and I want to knit!  I don't own any size 0 needles so what do I do?  I get out another knitting project...a kit I purchased in Sept. for this child's sweater from Dream in Color Designs.  I do a gauge swatch and I end up having to go up two needle sizes from what the pattern recommends!  Yikes! What is this gauge madness?  Do I need to find knitting designers who knit loosely like I do?  The idea of knitting a pair of mittens on size 0 (or smaller needles) is a little disconcerting.

So about two hours after starting a new knitting project I am able to actually knit on the project...the child's sweater, not the mittens.  Which I have to say is a dream to knit.  The yarn is the yummiest of colors.  Now I'm going to go to my LYS to see if they have size 0 needles...stay tuned...