Some Summer Sewing

I finally took photos of some of my summer sewing.  The quality is terrible, but it's really hard to take photos of yourself.  I'll need a lot more practice.  I also need to invest in a good tripod, I guess!  They were a little dark so I lightened them, but I think you'll get the idea.

All of these are Peggy Sagers Silhouette Patterns.  

This looks like a dress but it is two pieces.  I love it because I can wear it together or as separates. It is the Sweater Set #195 top with the bottom of #4300 Paula's Dress.  I was inspired by one of Peggy's webcasts to use part of a pattern. I did not put in the pockets because the fabric was a very stretchy knit and I was afraid they would droop.  I also added a few inches to the length because I didn't want it above my knee.

This is Giorgio's Top #312.  I really like the style of this top and I plan on lengthening it to make it into a dress when I make the next one. The fabric is really drapey and kind of clings to the pants (which are RTW) so I have to try it with some other pants or a skirt. I have gotten many compliments on this outfit.  (I think people are just glad to see me wearing something other than black!!)

I have another skirt that I just finished that I will post about next...stay tuned!

A Crazy Little Hummingbird

I made a new batch of hummingbird food this week and ever since I filled the feeder this little hummingbird has come in the evening (he was also there this morning when I left for work).  He sits on the wrought iron crook for hours.  Sometimes he eats and often he will chase away another hummingbird who is trying to approach the feeder.  It is hilarious to watch...I have never seen a hummingbird sitting for so long in one place!

Sweet Enough

I have stopped eating refined sugar, and not because I'm already sweet enough!

Many things happened to create this new way of life:

1. I gave up eating sweets for Lent.

2. I read a book about how bad sugar is for your brain (google Dr. Daniel Amen)

3. I listened to a podcast given by Dr. Terry Wahls.  Dr. Wahls had MS and, a few years ago, was confined to a reclining wheelchair.  She now can walk, ride a bike and hike with her family.  This is fascinating stuff...check her out here.

4. My mother has Type 2 Diabetes and has lost feeling in her feet and now her hands are getting bad too.

I decided that since I had already gone through sugar withdrawal with my Lenten sacrifice I would keep going and stop all refined sugars.  It's amazing how much sugar is in the food we eat.  I was eating whole wheat sandwich thins for my bread at lunch.  Healthy, right?  I looked at the ingredients and sugar was number four in the long list!

This has been a lot easier than I ever thought it could be.  I still have fruits so I get my sugar from them. I feel so much better and have lost 15 lbs.  I'm not sure my brain function is improving, but I'm going to keep at it :)

Today I found this blog that is going to be a big help to me.  Tomorrow's dinner is Pulled Pork with Sugar Free BBQ Sauce.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

A Little Knitting

I am knitting the Ravi sweater by Carol Feller.  There is a KAL going on at Ravelry.com which is very helpful.  I have lost count on how many times I have restarted this sweater.  I think it's about 7!!  I kept making mistakes that were impossible to fix.  Now I have a chart and I am checking off each row I do so I don't get lost.  This cardigan is a study in short rows, which I have never done before.

The yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts "Socks That Rock" Medium weight, the color is Tanzanite...yummy.  It is wonderful to work with.

Carol Feller is brilliant as a knitting designer and her instructions are superb.  I also signed up for her cable sweater on Craftsy.

in·de·pend·ence

in·de·pend·ence

 

[in-di-pen-duhns]

noun

1.

the state or quality of being independent.

2.

freedom from the control, influence, support, aid of 

others.

It is July 3rd and I am listening to fireworks in the distance.  Tomorrow will be a day of celebrating with a family picnic and more fireworks and a holiday from work for many people. It's an independence to be celebrated.

I am now independent too and this is not the celebrating kind of independence. Eight months ago today my life came crashing down around me when my husband passed away.  This kind of freedom stinks. 

Enough said for now...I am beginning to knit and sew again so there will be more projects on the way.  I also have a new business venture that I will be posting about...stay tuned...and if you could offer a little prayer up for me and my children we would be most appreciative!