Warning...Don't eat mexican food after 8:00 p.m.

Thought it was a good idea...we were hungry...mexican sounded tasty. Maybe it is a sign of our aging digestive system...I don't know. My poor hunny had an upset tummy all night and I had to take some Zantac upon arrival to work and no coffee this morning...UGH!!! It's 1/2 PB & J for lunch for me today. Actually that does sound surprisingly soothing. No sewing was accomplished yesterday because the SUN was out when I got off work. The upper garden and strawberry bed got weeded and tilled and I planted my pumpkin hill and horseradish roots. I spread slug bait (the animal friendly kind) and diazinon on the plants that needed them. I also shamelessy sang and danced to my ipod since the boys went out to play on the quads. Hopefully tomorrow will bring some sewing. Can't wait for June's BWOF...already have some fabric earmarked for some of the styles!!!

Retail Therapy

Mill End shopping excursion was a success! I was in heaven, walking around, touching fabric...beautiful silks...Pendleton wools and the bargain annex...what fun. I actually only spent $32.00, but I got some nice cuts...a striped silk for a blouse...white knit for a basic T-shirt...a beautiful floral for a blouse I scoped in the June BWOF. I found some white fold over elastic in the bargain corner and a bias tape maker for 50% off. I also found some italian fusible interfacing and bought some fabric to try my hand at lingerie. I could have bought a lot more, but since Jo will be going for a day surgery dental cleaning and some extractions in a few weeks, I can buy more then. Since gas is so expensive, I'll just have to spend the day in Portland. Yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Dogs on Thursday

Heading into Portland this morning for Jo's appointment with the doggy dentist. I am not interested in Jo having a perfect grill...I just want him to have good oral health and better doggy breath would be an added bonus, since he is my constant companion. He got a bath last night. Generally he gets one bath a month. We call it his "pre-class bath" as I always bathe him the Sunday before the new students arrive at work. Since the current class graduates on Saturday, this will suffice as his pre-class bath. He is so funny after a bath. He does scooty circles on his head, presumably to get any water out of his ears. The interesting thing is, if I do a "booty cleaning" should anything foul stick to his bushy pants during relieving...he does the same routine, even though no water has come anywhere close to his ears. Dogs...gotta love em!!!

What I did Yesterday

Yesterday was a good day for sewing. I finished BWOF 3/08 wrap top #113 in a white stretch gauze. The top sewed up super fast and was really easy. I did a rolled hem on the edges that gave a slight lettuce edging, which is what I was hoping for. I finished the ruffle collar by sewing a french seam and then sewing it down under the collar. The stretch gauze hangs nicely and I can see making this one again. I also started another top and cut out a vintage sheath dress and a faux wrap skirt. No real sewing today...it is baby day and the reason I am able to blog now is because Uncle Tom is holding Hayden. Fabric.com is having a 30% off all their clearance fabrics. I had sworn them off, but they got me again. Tomorrow Jo has a doggy dentist appointment. The fastest route is down the Milwaukie expressway...right past the Mill End Fabric store...haven't been there in awhile...Hmmm. Anyone up for a little shopping?

Music Monday

Posted on Monday for a change. Last week I wrote my Music Monday entry, complete with pictures and proudly posted it...on Tuesday! I was so clueless about the day, I didn't realize what day it actually was until much later. It was good for a laugh, and if you can't laugh at yourself, your world must be pretty serious! Anyway...on to the music. There have been a couple people singing in my head lately. First...Tina Turner. Specifically her song "I Can't Stand the Rain". Can you guess why? We were teased with some beautiful warm Spring days over a week ago and then the rain came back and has been my constant companion. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, I am no stranger to rain. Maybe it's just because it's Monday...The Carpenters "Rainy days and Mondays" sing it People!!! "Always gets me Down." How about Eddie Rabbit "I Love a Rainy Night"? No! No! No! Let's move forward to what I've been rocking in the car this week. I belong to a CD club http://www.yourmusic.com/ where you make a queue of CDs to puchase and they send you one each month for $6.99. It's like getting a surprise present that you picked out each month. The key is to keep your queue full, because until you opt out, if there's nothing in there, you are getting charged. But not to worry, that doesn't happen to me. This month I received Roxette's greatest hits. The 80's had a lot of rocking tunes. I fantasize that if I ever had a fashion show of my line, the music would start with "She's Got the Look" for my everyday wear, easing into "Dressed for Success" which would highlight my business clothing and then ending with "Dangerous" for the edgy finale of evening wear. Yeah...that's my fantasy. I actually wanted to be a fashion designer when I grew up. I loved working for Jantzen on the sewing line, which is as close as I came to that dream. I manufactured the garments that other wore, even thought they were not by my design. Hey, there's still hope...I can design my own collection...and you know what tunes I'll be working it to!!!

SWAP

Not much to write about sewing progress today. I am working all of this holiday weekend (Don't cry for me...I will be well compensated) so since I cannot be sewing, I am thinking about it. I have several cuts of fabric that coordinate well, but it has taken me some time to figure out what they will be when they grow up! I am inspired by the June issue of BWOF. I adore the lines and the detail on this jacket. The scallops are nice and their are pintucks on the sleeves. I think I shall create a straight skirt with a scalloped hem to go with it and call it a suit! This blouse and pant combo is nice as well. I have swore off pleated pants, but I think these tucks go long enough to hide the tummy...we'll see how the muslin goes before I commit to the style. They would look nice with my jacket too. My burning question...do most sewers buy fabric to fit a pattern they love, or do you buy pieces of fabric you love and wait for the right pattern to smack you in the head?

What I have been up to...

Here are a few of the things I have been working on over the past couple weeks...over 40 ball caps for the guys at the fire station. I have a few stragglers to finish up, but for the most part this order is done. Then there is the Butterick dress. I really like how this dress fits. It went together quickly too...a good project when instant gratification is needed! I finished the required quilt blocks for this weekend's craft party...unfortunately I am working, so I will just run my blocks over to the visitor's center, but that leaves me free to go see the Sex in the City movie next weekend. Hopefully I can talk Sara into joining me...if not I guess I'll go alone. Many more projects in the works...stay tuned

Music Monday...Big Dog Daddy!

This music Monday is devoted to county music, specifically to Toby Keith and Montgomery Gentry because I am going to see them in July!!! YAY!!! Tom scored good seats at the Clark County amphitheater and I am so excited! I have seen Montgomery Gentry before in the Rose Garden and I know they are good, but Toby Keith is one of the artists that the planets had never aligned quite right for me to see him perform. I like his style...he has something to say and says it...no apologies. And he's kinda hot in a macho sort of way. Montgomery Gentry are like minded...Bad boy country rockers...I love them too. Now I just need to figure out what attire to make for the concert.

I haven't put in my "30 minutes of sewing" yet, but intend to work on quilt blocks before I go to bed tonight. Tomorrow is a baby day, so it will be just hangin' with Hayden. It rained this morning, so I pushed to get the beets and radishes planted before the rain really came down. Now the lower garden planting is complete! My next gardening project is cleaning up the strawberries and the beds up top by the greenhouse. I bought some horseradish roots today to plant, so they will go up there between the strawberries and the sage. The other bed has just enough room for some crookneck squash and a hill of pumpkins. I like to grow them for the kids and I like a fresh pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. I think I will have to quit then because I will be out of dirt! Then comes maintenance...weeding. That's okay...plug into the ipod and it's Music Monday everyday!!!

New Dress

I am so happy to be wearing a new dress today. Last night it was too hot to be outside when I got home from work, so I decided it was high time to spend some quality time in my studio on ME! I had this gorgeous Maggy London dress cut out and ready to sew (Thank you Marji for the wonderful gift pattern). Do you think I could find the pattern envelope with the instructions? The studio sometimes gets a little messy when I have a lot of jobs going on and I must have spent over 2 hours looking for this pattern. It took less time to sew the dress when I actually located it. It was in my stack of BWOF magazines under the counter. I was uncertain of how the twist went together, and now that I've done it, I'm sure I can duplicate it...It was SEW easy!!! I really like the fit of this dress too. No zipper or other closures...I was concerned about how it would go on, but it slips on like a nice fitted T-shirt. I can see me making some more of these in the dress and top version. I think I am going to draft another back with a rounded neck to do some casual tops. The V in the back is perfectly fine and does not reveal anything it shouldn't, but I think a higher rounded neckline in the back will be more conservative for work. I work a white cardigan over the dress today to make it more professional...don't want the boss getting the call "Mary's dressing like a tramp when the board is here". I also finished my yoga pants and they are so comfy...those will be nice for winterwear around the house. I have been reading some blogs where people are committing to sewing activities 30 minutes a day. I know I get bogged down thinking that I must have bigger blocks of time to sew and the reality of the situation is that those big chunks of my time don't come very often. If I want to get some clothing done I need to just do what I can in whatever time I can eak out and hopefully I will see some progress. That's the plan today, so with that being said...I think I will go trace out BWOF 104...I have big plans!!!

Just a Quickie!

The nice weather has created a sense of urgency in me. There is so much to do outside and I want to get the rest of the garden in to take advantage of this great weather...which means sewing is on the backburner...not entirely mind you...it is always on my mind...I just have to wait til after dark to do it! My Hunny is coming home tonight, hopefully with a sturgeon for dinner. Gone are the days where the freezer is full of delectable sturgeon...when we lived on the coast by Coos Bay, Tom was a sturgeon God!!! Up here the pickings have not been as good, or maybe it is just a sign of the times. Mmmm...fingers crossed for catching good luck!!!

It's a Beautiful Day....

The sun came out and it was a beautiful day today! I didn't get a lot of sewing done, but I did get a lot accomplished. I finished the Vanka quilt last night and Nancy was thrilled to get it back! I bought fabric this morning online...did some thrift shopping...bought a new camo Ruger 10/22 for Tom...he is really reaching for excuses to buy guns now...he said he wanted to buy it for our grandson...you know the one that has not even been conceived yet!!! I feel like we have an unwritten rule in our marriage...he doesn't say anything about my sewing addiction and I keep mum about the hunting and fishing stuff. Truly, if it makes him happy and fits the budget...I don't care! We operate on making each other happy! Anyway, back to the happy day...baby shower for Holly and Kelly in the afternoon, then into Portland to pick up my family home movie DVDs. Took a trip down nostalgia lane and then it was outside to wash the car, rototill the garden, plant potatoes and transplant the basil and zucchini plants. Next up is perusing the pattern archives for the giveaway gifts...then I think it's time for bed.

Give Away Results

It's Baby day at the Deeter house and Hayden is helping me with the give away. He says you are all winners, so I sent you all an email. I'm signing off now because this little guy is FAST!!! Catch you all later! Mary

Music Monday

I'm feeling a little nostalgic today. My oldest brother recently sent me the 8mm movies reels that my Dad took circa 1964-66. I nearly cried when I got the package. I contacted a video guy that came hightly recommended to transfer these memories from film to DVD. Jeff said he also could put the movies to music, so I started thinking about what would be appropriate for the vintage footage. Of course, music from that era is the obvious choice, so I googled to see what songs were popular then. I remember the music, just not the exact year it came out. I loved the Beatles. My sister, who is 10 years older than me had the albums and swore she was going to marry Paul. I had an affinity for Paul as well, I was really bummed when he married Linda, but hey, I was too young for him anyway. The song "Yesterday" was a perfect choice. I also liked "Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds. I also noted that Shirley Bassey's "Goldfinger" from the James Bond moive was listed. That made me shiver. I was deathly afraid of that song when I was a little girl. So much so that my siblings would chase me around with the radio when it came on or would hide in the closet and sing it to freak me out. I still don't like it and doubt that I could listen to the whole song...I don't even want to watch the movie Goldfinger...Okay, breathe Mary!!! Back to the 8mm home movies...not going to put them to music. I decided that the best plan is to transfer them as is and keep the same vibe that was happening then. It's been over 40 years since I've seen these, so it should be good. I can remember some fancy trike antics by my younger brother and me, and I believe it chronicles a family reunion. Can't wait to get them back. On the sewing front, the Fire department hats are out the door (save the late orders...Tom is giving the stragglers a last call week) and I deposited enough proceeds to pay the vendor...the rest of the money is pure profit Baby!!! The Vanka quilt repair is coming along nicely. I finished the embroidery and quilting of the patch piece and should get it in over my days off. Then my plan is to work on the outfits I have cut out. I have so many ideas rolling around my head right now for garments, it's craziness. My windfall Burda magazines came today and I am just thrilled. There are so many styles that I can see myself making and wearing...makes me glad I took 3 years of German rather than Spanish...Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

Happy Mothers Day and a Give-Away!!!

In honor of Mother's Day (and just for the fun of it) I am posting Vintage McCall's 8247 as a give away pattern. All you have to do to be in the running for this pattern is leave a post and I will do a random drawing from all posts on Wednesday. McCall's 8247 is circa 1966 (I was just a mere child then...LOL) and comes in a size 10. It is described as "Misses' Coordinates: Jacket or Vest, Dress or Blouse, Pants or Shorts and Skirt". The dress and blouse feature french darts and the vest or jacket have and applied band with double buttoned front closing. The envelope is a little beat up (hey, it's over 40 years old...I look a little beat up too!), but the pattern pieces and instructions appear to be in good shape. I love the hairstyles on this envelope...chic bobs. Isn't it great how fashion just circles back around? I wish I had kept some of my old clothes...but then again, they probably wouldn't fit anymore. I hope everyone is having a great Mother's day. Tom brought me a beautiful hanging basket of flowers that I have out with my hummingbird feeders to give them some natural food too. We celebrated last night with sushi. My daughter made me some beautiful earrings with black beads and tiger's eye as she knew my wardrobe neutrals are tending towards brown this season (listen to me...this season...how about this decade???) And is it okay to wear black and brown together??? YES... according to Clinton and Stacy of TLC's What Not to Wear they are both neutrals. Sara is my fashion hero...she always dresses so fashion forward, but in a classic kind of way. Last night she wore gorgeous pair of jeans with interesting trim at the pockets, a black sweater and black wedge heels and a great beaded necklace I bought her in Berkley last year for her birthday (I always forget that I bought it and compliment her every time she wears it...guess the alzheimer's is setting in). My MIL is my hero too. She knows how much I like to sew. My husband went down for a visit on his days off and was relating the story of the waterbed heater and why we couldn't sleep in the guest bedroom (the guest bed is my current pattern sorting table). My FIL perked up and said "we have 2 boxes of old patterns you can take to Mary!" Tom was skeptical, but Ma piped up and said "Yeah...take them to her...she'll want them" Love ya Ma!!!! I am such a pattern whore!!! Anyway, I did a quick sort and got them out of the old boxes they were stored in that were kind of musty. Some real treasures in there...vintage Vogue and some other patterns that I am unfamiliar with and need to do some research on. One came in a waxed paper envelope under the name of "Anne Adams Pattern". I have not found a date yet, but the dress looks like it may be from the 40's. I will do some research when I have some free time (I really should be doing something other than blogging right now, but you know how that goes) Well since I reminded myself that there is work to be done before I go to work, I shall sign off for now, but watch for more pattern give aways as I sort and organize all my treasures.

Gotta Sew before I'm Nekkid!!!

My wardrobe is sad! It seems like things are wearing out and I am not keeping up with replacement sewing. I was feeling discouraged about my goal to sew all my clothing and considering breaking the moratorium by going clothes shopping. Thursday I wore my wearable muslin retro hippychick top as it was a "working day off"...embroidering the hats and dealing with the waterbed heater issue. The clerk at the waterbed store asked me where I got my top and complimented me...that led to a great conversation about sewing, "What Not to Wear" and if empire is pronounced "empire" or "Om-peer" as we both heard Stacy describe the empire waist detail. She showed me some bags she makes out of the fabric samples they get at the store and her sewing machine in the back room. Great to meet a Sister!!! Later a young gal at the deli counter at Fred Meyers gave me a compliment on my top as well, which was a sign to me that shopping is out...sewing is in! Now to work it into my schedule before I'm Nekkid!!!

Ugh!!! I'm Tired!!!

Seems like I have to come back to work to get some rest!!! Almost finished with the hat job...would have finished it yesterday had the waterbed heater not died! Spent a good portion of the day wrestling with the waterbed mattress, obtaining a new heater (not an easy task considering that there are not too many waterbed stores anymore). The good news is that the bed is back together with the new heater in place and in a few days it will be warm again. Until then we will lay on a ton of blankets! I did manage to start sorting my patterns while embroidering the hats and I promise to have a give-away...soon. There are some nice vintage patterns that really aren't my style (or size) and I thought it might be nice to give back. Stay tuned...

Progress

No pictures today, but I am making progress. 10 more hats to embroider and then all I have left to do is the personalization on the back, but those are on average 3 minutes a piece, so I should have this job done by Thursday. Then all I have is the quilt repair (thanks Vanka!) for paying jobs and then I can focus on my wardrobe, which is pretty sparse these days.

Music Monday

Bucky Covington. Let me start with the disclaimer that I am not a big Idol fanatic. It usually falls on the nights I am working, and we don't have a DVR or Tivo or anything like that. No problem. I do like to watch the early shows with all the crazy people who think they can sing (I'm not being mean...I totally fall into that category...just ask my husband!!!) I followed Idol vicariously the year Jordin Sparks won (was that last year?) as one of our students at the time was friends with her parents and the whole class would watch Idol at night. Of course they needed a nurse close by (I really love my job sometimes!) Anyway...back to Bucky. My daughter's friends loathed Bucky. With a passion. So much so that they found devious ways to mock and defame him. I really didn't know too much about Bucky. My first exposure was watching CMT one day in the studio and his first video "Different World" came on. I really liked it. I couldn't see what was so hideous about Bucky. I thought he was kind of charming in a country sort of way. So I was not unhappy when he turned up on the lineup for the Oregon Jamboree last year. I had a diabolical plot though. From our seats I can take pretty good pictures with my zoom lens in the daytime. Also seated in the reserve seating allows you to walk up front and take 2 pictures. This is one of my 2. It turned out pretty well so I blew it up to an 8x10 glossy for Sarah Wood...Bucky's biggest fan...NOT!!! I also got some good shots of JoDee Messina...our friend Jim's "girlfriend"...he also got an 8x10. I am truly getting excited about this year's lineup...Sugarland, Kellie Pickler, Glen Campbell and my man Trace to name a few!!! Can't wait for August!!!

Shop Victoriously!

It seems like most of my postings have been about shopping lately. Guess that's what you do when you're somewhere you can't sew. I just picked up the entire year of BWOF 1991 for a total price of $3.49!!! Garage sale-ing without even leaving my chair! I love it!!! I have found that the vintage Burdas have classic styling and so I still find inspiration and pieces to add to my wardrobe. After my pattern haul last weekend I should feel guilty, but hey, we all have our vices. I have been sewing...just not on my wardrobe lately. I took a picture of the hats I am embroidering for the fire department...just haven't downloaded them yet. I have been working on the quilt blocks and finished them, but I am not happy with the outer points, so I will be taking them out and re-doing the ones that are not up to my standards. I have some things cut out that will be easy to zip together once the hat order is done. Seems like I finish one paid job and another comes in...guess I should be thankful and just quit B@#$%ing!!!! We have a BBQ fundraiser to go to tonight and since it is graduation day I have tomorrow off! Amen!