What's Going On....

It's been awhile (I used to blog almost every day???), so in the relative quiet of Sunday morning it seems appropriate to blog. I am settling in to my new job. There are challenges, but that's what helps you grow, so I am working on it. Last week I put together a quilt for a gal at work who is facing some serious health issues. We wrote messages of encouragement and I included some machine embroidery and family pictures. I stitched it all together and quilted it last weekend.

We also went and purchased a snowmobile for me last weekend, and this week we were blessed with enough snow that I can ride it today! My helmet arrived quickly, but my bibs, coat and gloves won't be here til Tuesday. That's okay...I have enough cold weather gear for just putzing around the property today. It's a cold one...

It was so cold my sled didn't want to start at 20 below, but about 15 minutes of the Big Buddy in the trailer and she was ready to roll. It was my first time, so I was a little slow to begin with, but after an hour or so I was flying through the trees and feeling more confident! I rode til the snow was wore down to the duff! Can't wait til I can go ride up out of the snopark! Here's my new toy:

Milestone: Celebrating 40 Years of Work

Today is a special day. Today is the day my husband retires after 40 years of working. 

He loves helping people. He was good at his job. He loved to teach the up and coming firefighters. Many have learned the wisdom of "Uncle Tom".

He loved the history and brotherhood of the Fire Service.

He's heading home from his last official shift. Welcome home Baby!

Nope...No Sewing!

But I did chat with my grandson, plant a bunch of garlic, empty a bunch of boxes...the stew was fabulous and am enjoying the World Series...go Red Sox! Ready for another busy week!

Lazy Sunday...

Will she get to sew? I don't know! Fireman Tom came home with a case of the crud and I didn't feel so hot last night, but a cup of Joe and catching up with my blog friends has me feeling somewhat better. Think I'll put a stew in the crockpot, make some breakfast and see if inspiration hits! It's a beautiful (cold) day in the high desert...hope you are having a good Sunday wherever you are!

Is it Friday Yet?

Wow! It feels like this week has been dragging on forever! Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday and my Sweetie is coming home. We are under 30 days til he is home for good and no more commutes over the mountain! I could be sewing, but here I sit watching the World Series and contemplating what to fix for dinner. I ordered some yummy Italian jersey from FabricMart and also purchased a couple bundles. I love the mystery of a fabric bundle. I received about 3 yards of a gorgeous coral ponte and a silky fabric that I thought was black in bad light, but discovered it is actually a rich dark green. Perfect for the holidays! Also there was a beautiful small plaid with purple threads running through. Lately I have been digging purple. Never had been crazy about purple like some folks, but now it's "my color". My stethoscope died last week...what did I order? Yep! A purple Littman! Can't wait til it gets here. Been using my old Sprague Rappaport from nursing school...that's an antique for sure. Tom's gun safe has finally been delivered so my master closet will be done soon hopefully! Moving ain't for sissies, I'm telling ya! Well, the Red Sox just took the lead, so I better go cook some dinner before I waste away! Catch you later!

US BurdaStyle

Like many of my sewing buddies, I became disillusioned with Burda when they started making changes to their format. I let my subscription go a couple years ago and hadn't really missed it much. Last Sunday I was web surfing and saw that a US version of BurdaStyle had been released and it piqued my interest. http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/burdastyle-us-magazine-is-here Monday I had to go to Bend for a meeting, so I treated myself to a stop at JoAnns and picked up a copy. It was like when I first discovered Burda World of Fashion! There are several styles I can't wait to make. Have you checked it out yet? Discuss amongst yourselves!

Just a Drive By...

The boys got me up early this morning, so I thought I'd get a quick post in before getting ready for work. The temporary sewing studio is almost ready for production, meaning that now that the hunting season is over, I snagged the folding table to set up my serger and cover stitch machine. I have a folding sewing table that has my main machine and the Mac on it. The embroidery machine sits dormant, but I may need to get busy here and fire it up to make some Halloween goodies for my little man! Tom will work his magic to make my room all that it can be, but there are some other pressing projects, and he is finishing out the last of his contract, so now I am just planning! I bought a few patterns from the BMV sale.  Here's what I bought: Butterick 5950 , lovely dress shape with a couple of options, Butterick 5954  Shams made a beautiful version...looks comfy and cozy! and McCalls 6844 it reminds me of my favorite Jalie cardigan pattern, only with a peplum!
I just don't get to a fabric store like I used to in the big city for those pattern sales. FabricMart is my main fabric squeeze now! Well, it's almost 6:30 so I better get ready for work. I have a meeting in Bend today and we are closing on our refi! Woohoo! Time to celebrate!

Settling In...

It feels like I just dropped out of my old life and dropped into my new life. Probably because I did. The house is coming together nicely and I have been able to do a little sewing, even though it has been hemming pants and altering scrubs. I bought some scrubs to get started since they are inexpensive, even though they are super easy to make. I carefully bought online checking their sizing and reviews. Who would ever dream I would be a small? I bought a lot of tops in size medium that I had to alter the sleeves and take in the body 4 inches! Crazy! I am working hard at my new job and missing my honey terribly with the transition, but I know the first of the year will come soon and it will be the start of a whole new life. I've been working on the house and trying out vinyl decals. This graces my new sewing space.

The hallway, which is going to feature family photos have this wall art.

I plan to get something cutesy for the laundry room. Looking forward to the weekend with my honey. Here's a picture of my handsome grandson...he gets bigger by the minute!

First Week In

I completed my first week at my new job! I am so happy with new challenges. Although the change was prompted for other reasons, being stimulated in a new environment is a big plus. After work Friday, I loaded up all the dogs and headed back across the mountain to celebrate Tom's last official shift before retirement and help pack the shop.  I didn't plan on being his last call. I dropped Kodi off at home because a 3 1/2 hour drive is hard on the boy. I took the littles back to the station to have ice cream with the boys. On the way home I was hit from behind by an uninsured driver as I turned into my driveway. I'm okay, praise God, but really sore. We got a rental car so I can head back for work Monday, but it's just one more thing to deal with...ugh! And still no sewing in sight! Oh well, things could always be worse...

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

When you can't sew, what's a girl to do? Shop, of course. Well. actually I am not shopping shopping, but rather just browsing. The thought did cross my mind to go hit Fabric Depot one.last.time. as they are having 30% off this weekend, and that's about as good as it gets anymore, but my fabric stash is truly deep and after a week of packing up and cleaning, I don't want to deal with any more stuff. So snoop shopping it is! Was anybody else impressed by Buttericks pre-fall offerings? Usually when the new patterns come out I may see one or two that interest me, but usually I'm a little meh. I have so many patterns, a ton of BWOF (or BS if you prefer) and some mad skills, so I could adapt something from another pattern if the mood struck, but I saw several patterns that I actually will buy. Perhaps it's just lack of sewing making me crazy, but here's what has inspired me:

Butterick 5950  I love the silhouette of this dress and see the long sleeve view as something nice to wear with boots and tights; the sleeveless will be great next Spring with a jacket.

 Butterick 5956 I didn't notice this top my first go round through the offerings, but upon closer inspection see this as a great pattern I can modify for some interesting scrub tops for work.

 Butterick 5957 This is a seemingly basic vest pattern, but I love the yoke and in seam pockets...perfect for layering in my new habitat!

 Butterick 5954 I love the lines of this tunic. I know I have lots of sweater knits in the stash that would be perfect for this pattern!

 Lastly is Butterinck 5951 I chose to show the line drawings because the beauty of the design is lost in the print of the drawing. Love the gathers at the waist darts. If there isn't crazy fullness there, I think it could be very flattering.

So there you have my five top picks. Did anything jump out at you as a "must sew" pattern?

Only a few more things to pack and then tomorrow I'm on the road again for the final time. New job starts Monday...so excited to get back to work and a routine! We haven't set up our internet over there yet, but I'm hoping Tom will sort that out while I am at work. See you on the other side...

My Bags are Packed, I'm Ready to Go...

Well almost...this week off has been anything but! Tom is still gone on a wildland fire and I have been steadily chipping away at the packing, while juggling inspections for the sale of the house. Met the prospective buyers yesterday. Really nice people. I approve, even though it is really none of my business as long as they show me the money! I am finding a strong emotional attachment to this house...so many memories we have created here. I gave the gal a spaghetti squash out of my garden. She said she didn't know how to cook it. I gave her some ideas and suggested she try it. She's gonna end up with a bunch of it! And tomatoes...what a crop we have this year...sniff, sniff!!! Today's focus is going to be outside and the garden shed...hopefully no inspectors today, Later Kittens...

MIA

Wow! I just looked at my stats and realized I have not posted anything since June! Crazy summer! Actually, I do understand why I have not been able to squeeze in any quality blog time. Big things have been happening in the casa de Deeter! We are putting the finishing touches on the La Pine home. Good thing, because I am going to be living there starting next week! I said goodbye to my old job last Monday and I start my new job a week from this Monday. Tom will officially retire come September, although he will continue to work for awhile. We put the house over here on the market last week and have a good offer pending! I have been steadily packing and taking loads across the mountain (sniff, sniff...my fabric is all in boxes and no quality sewing time in sight!). My garden is probably the best it has ever been, so I have been canning as much as I can. The new owners are going to get a nice housewarming gift in the form of goodies from my garden! I harvested the peach tree yesterday and spent most of the day in the kitchen making dilly beans, pickled beets, canning green beans and peaches. Today is all about the packing. Also listed a bunch of stuff on Craigslist and all of the free stuff is gone. A ratty old porch swing was the big winner...I had half a dozen calls for that! Who knew it would be so popular? I also managed to get rid of two old TVs that aren't going with us...score!!! We currently have no internet or sattelite in La Pine, so I probably will go dark again soon, but hopefully sewing will commence in the near future and I will have something to share. Hopefully before the snow flies! And since posts are boring without pictures, take a look at my little man...he got his first big boy haircut!

Pop approved and melt's Gram's heart!

Addicted to....Garlic

This is not a sewing related post, so if that's what you're hoping for you can look away right now! Let's talk about garlic. My new BFF and I were chatting (hi Berta!) about what we love from Costco and she brought up the big bag of peeled garlic. They are ginormous and cheap...like $4.99. I had looked at those lovingly before, but I love a me some roasted garlic, and was not sure how I would achieve that with already peeled garlic. I bought one anyway the last trip and it occurred to me that I might be able to roast them low and slow in my Little Dipper crockpot. This little gem came free with a large crockpot we bought years ago, and with the exception of the occasional queso dip or little pot of BBQ sauced little smokies, this appliance was sadly underutilized. Well not anymore! It is my dedicated garlic roaster now. Two days in a row I roasted garlic for the most tasty garlic laden focaccia bread you can imagine...yep, big ol' bag of garlic goes on my Costco staple list for sure!

Disclaimer: Berta, if you are reading this, I do not think we are BFFs in that weird stalking way...I think you are pretty cool and am so happy you re part of our team! Sorry no photos of the garlic filled bread...it goes that fast! Hopefully next post will have actual sewing related content! Over and out.

Staying Alive...

Sorry...BeeGee moment here. I have been busy! With work...with the garden...sewing...with this guy...

We made cupcakes today. And put out a bunch of fires! And hung out in the garden. I love that little guy!

I put together a quilt for our bed and have it ready to quilt. Hopefully I can get it done this weekend. Darn work gets in the way of my creativity! Later Kittens...

Don't Piss Off the Fabric...

I just love Peggy Sager's webcasts! She cracks me up! When she said "Don't piss off the fabric", it really resonated with me that sometimes we don't pick the right pattern for the fabric we are using and fabric+wrong pattern=WADDER! I had this ITY knit in a bundle of fabric I bought at the Goodwill a while back. It was a busy print with yellow, grey, black and white. I thought it was pretty, but was convinced that yellow is not a good color for me, yadda, yadda, yadda... Anywho, look what that busy piece of fabric became:

I think I did a good job of keeping the fabric happy...I know I am happy! I did things a little different this time. My usual M.O. Is to just serge everything ( although the major seams are serged) and use clear elastic for the neckline finish. I used my straight stitch machine and just rolled them and they look marvelous! I know this is a whole lot of print, but I think it will be great with a black pant!

I'm not the only creative one in our house...remember this?

Check it out...horses are gone and elk are in the mountains! 

Yay Tom! The bed looks awesome! Now I need to get cracking on the quilt!

Checking In...

As my weekend draws to a close, a little check in is in order. It's been a great weekend. I got a lot of cleaning and organizing chores done, as well as traction on several projects! I picked up the makings of a quilt for our bed at the thrift store on Tuesday. Arlea said "you sew" and took me in the back room to ask my opinion on some squares and sashing that someone had dropped off. It was wildlife prints in blues and browns. I asked "how much do you want for it" and for $5.00 it became mine! I trued up all the pieces and it should be an easy quilt top to put together. I finished a maxi the other day and altered the pattern for a better fit...the next iteration is cut out as well as another tunic. My plan was to sew today, but my sweetie and I watched a movie (Argo) and I worked on my current pair of sock on the needles. Made a super brown sugar garlic glazed chicken for dinner tonight (thank you Pinterest) and now I am relaxing with my boys considering the work week ahead. Love the weekend!

Make Time for Sewing

Happy Sunday Morning! I'm up bright and early as usual and thought I should document my current sewing adventures. I completed my first Silhouette Patterns Giorgio top last night. Here's a picture on Valentine, as I am not getting dressed until I have to go to work this afternoon!

The fabric is a mauve colored ITY knit. I don't know why the center front seam is shining like that...it does not look like that in real life. It is a simple pattern to fit and sew. The princess lines are very flattering. I have some light grey capris that I think will marry well with this top.

As for my blog post title, "Make Time for Sewing"...I was watching one of Peggy Sager's webcast yesterday, and one of the questions she answered was from a woman asking how she could be more productive as she had a hard time getting to her sewing...it was low on the priority list after washing the dirty dishes, laundry, meal preparation, etc... Sound familiar? It gobsmacked me right upside the head! We all have the same amount of hours in a day! If we want to sew we need to just make the time to do it, and if it means something gets undone that day, so be it! We can enlist the help of our family to do the necessary chores to allow us time to pursue our passions. We can put a screen up and hide our works in progress if chaos makes us crazy. I am lucky enought to have a dedicated sewing room, so I can just shut the door if it's a mess, but there are ways to deal with the clutter that kicks our OCD into hyperdrive! So my new mantra is Make Time for Sewing, because if I wait for the perfect time, it will never come!

I hope you are all having a safe and relaxed Memorial day weekend. Take time to remember those who sacrificed and continue to work for our freedom! I am working the whole weekend of course, but guess what? I'm making time for sewing! :)

This Girl is on Fire...

After a long lull I completed my Sewaholic Cordova jacket and two tops over my weekend! I wore McCalls 6513 view A in a similar coral colored knit today with my Cordova. Don't look for a picture though, as this Mama was tired after her long Monday! I also made the Maria of Denmark kimono tee offered for free over at Craftsy. Go check it out...it's a great quick palate cleanser and a great pattern to use up those remnants. Busy week ahead, so we'll see if this mojo keeps on. I hope so...I need some new clothes!

Good fabric Gone bad...

Ugh! I've been sewing in my free time,but have nothing to show for it! Last night I was working out a peplum top McCalls 6754 with a piece of fabric I picked up at a thrift store. When I was sewing on the peplum I noticed some holes in the fabric. Since I didn't have enough fabric left to cut a new piece, I settled for calling it a muslin as there were some tweaks to be made to the pattern. Tonight I felt like I just needed to sew something successful, so I pulled out the Jalie cardigan I had cut out weeks ago. I have made this many times...fit is great...goes together quickly. I didn't stabilize the neck and the lovely sweater knit ran! Ugh! Rookie! Hopefully this string of calamities will be over soon!

I Made Something!

Finally I have something to show! Okay, granted, it is a totally lame iPad shot, but I don't dare get my tripod out with my little helper. Although I must report I made him a tool belt and he sat in rapture of the embroidery machine and did not try to touch a thing, which I can't say for the downstairs machines. Yeah, that's right, I have a serger and regular machine downstairs in the common living space so I can sew or do alterations with the family...sometimes I like the company...
Here is my new Renfrew made with the space dyed knit

Not the most flattering picture, but you get the idea. The fabric is very soft and I believe next time I will interface the neck lining if I choose a fabric this drapy. It is very comfortable. The tee isn't as close fitting as my TNT Jalie pattern, but it's nice to have a little variety. Next up are some peplum tops an a dress for Spring. What are you sewing?

Craigslist Score!

Tom and I are slowly but surely putting the finishing touches on our LaPine home. The feel of the house is rustic cabin, and we knew we wanted a log bed for the master suite, but not just any old plain log bed. We found a gorgeous custom bed on Craigslist, but there was one detractor...the iron work had a horse scene on it. I love horses, but a little off our decor. Enter Tom, who can do anything! He plans to replace the horses with some elk! Perfect! So here's the bed, but imagine elk running through the trees instead of horses!

Sewing is progressing. Working on a lot of basics for summer. Did you see the new Vogues? I was going to get some, but as Shams pointed out, many of the new ones are already sold out! Gotta be quick these days! 

Sew Success!

In a manner of speaking! I did get a Renfrew Tee shirt cut out yesterday afternoon, but did not sew. I'm planning a big topapalooza and the Renfrew is a perfect top for that because you can do all the construction on the serger. I have a Babylock Evolve, but recently purchased a Janome serger off Craigslist that is easily portable. OMG...yesterday there was a Janome serger for $20.00 and a Bernina sewing machine for $40.00 advertised on Craigslist at a garage sale. Unfortunately ( or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) I was at work and unable to go until well after they opened. I'm sure some lucky soul snapped those up! Anyway, back to my plan...I have a few knit tops and another Jalie cardigan ready to stitch...it's coming along!
Today I am wearing a retro dress I made a couple years ago from a cotton print I purchased from FabricMart oddly enough. The makes from their fabrics tend to live a long life in my wardrobe...hmmm...

Sew Fail

Didn't even make it to the machine tonight! Boo! After a 10 hour shift, I ran in to the station to have dinner with the boys...I didn't have to cook...Thanks Adam! I made it home about a quarter to 7:00 and felt compelled to pull a few weeds in the flower bed. A good 15 minutes got the major weeds out and a nice snack for Millie Goat. I went in and tended to some necessary chores and then set out to cut out a couple Sillouette tops. I didn't have enough of the fabrics I had intended, but I thought I could cut out a few Renfrews. Then I couldn't find my pattern. By the time I found it I was not in the mood anymore and decided the best thing to do was clean the carpet upstairs. Because that's what every sane person wants to do after a long day of work! But tomorrow is a short day at work...I have my patterns in place and a minimum of errands to do after work...dare I dream of an afternoon of stitching? Yes! Yes! Yes!

The Reason for my Sewing Slowdown

This little guy has been keeping me busy.

We've been helping Pop on the tractor...

And taking our new best friends for a ride on the tractor. We've been to the movies, and flown a kite, and even taken a nap! We went down at 1:30 and he was asleep at 2:00 when I woke up! He is spending some time with his other grandparents for a few days, so I should get some sewing in tonight as Pop is working! 

FabricMart is having another great sale and wouldn't you know it? The Maggy London border print I coveted is on sale for $2.80 a yard. Story of my life...oh well, I love it anyway at full price. Look for some garments soon

Itchin' 2B Stitchin...

Just a quick fly by...a toddler's attention span is very short and we have big plans for the day, but I just had to share my latest fabric aquisition. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I succumbed to a great FabricMart sale. They actually have another one that ends today, but I am showing incredible restraint (but I am thinking about going back there....) Let me just show you what came last week and maybe that will satisfy my urge! First off...the fabrics I selected:

The bright floral Maggy London border print in the lower right hand corner prompted the order. Common logic would dictate I use the floral on the bottom edge of a dress, but I am thinking of having it down one side with the rest of the dress black. What do you think? The black and white ponte print above that is amazing and I think Carolyn made a dress with it, but I haven't had a chance to peruse back through her makes to see. The zigzag will be a wrap dress I think, and the black with gold stripes and the olive spaced dyed knits are going to be Renfrew Tees. The grey and beige print is a nice lightweight stable knit and I'm thinking some kind of cardigan. Now for the surprise fabric that came in the bundles:

I've got plans for most of this too. Upper left is a gorgeous plum wool blend that will be a skirt...pattern yet to be determined. The pink is a super soft stable knit with tiny ribs...at first I was not sure if I liked it...not much of a pink wearer, but I am thinking about a longer cardigan pattern from an earlier issue of My Image. Next is a dark teal crisp poly that will probably be a lining for something. The black, white and grey animal print will be a skirt (soon, I hope). The upper right is a dark teal (very similar to the lining fabric) velveteen. It screams tailored jacket. The orange poly satin...LINING for sure...Tom said it would make a great hunting vest...NOT! The zebra print double knit will make a great magic pecil skirt unless I come up with something else. The circle print jersery is yumm, but will need special care in cutting out to prevent the bullseye effect!
I'm very excited to get working with this fabric. I did muslin out the Silhouettes Giorgio top to fit my body. I found the sizing a little confusing, but ended up with the smallest size and tweaking the sleeves a little bigger (for my massive biceps...LOL!) and nipping in the waist about an inch. Looking forward to sewing a few of those up because they do work up quickly. Hopefully my next post will have pics of fabric made into actual garments...gotta run...time to take a 2 year old on an adventure!

All's Quiet...

...in the blogosphere. Everyone must be contemplating the terrible tragedy in Boston today. Really? What possesses a soul to do something so evil?
Big surprise in the mail today! My Silhouette pattern and DVD arrived today! I ordered it Friday night! I live in Oregon...not anywhere near Texas! I am flabbergasted how quickly my package arrived. I purchased the Giorgio top #312. I already have my pattern pieces cut out. I need to pick a fabric. The instructions are very straightforward so it should stitch up quickly. I see a bunch of these once I nail down the fit. No sewing for the next two days though. Heading to the land of snow and dreams to work on the house. So excited to see the new sink Tom put in! Hope to return with a wardrobe plan to share...putting my thinking cap on!

Following Suit...

You may notice a new button at my blog. I have decided to join the Sew Your Own Wardrobe for a Year challenge here. Well, I think I did...I left a comment but have not heard back if I am accepted officially. No worries, I would be doing it without joining a challenge, but it's much more fun to do things with your friends! Click here to watch the welcome video. I always have such a hard time finding RTW that fits right that I rarely ever bother to shop for clothes anyway. (I assure you, I am not running around naked!) Think I'll get cracking on it right now to prevent any nakedness...only a few short hours before work.

Silhouette Love

Do you all know Peggy? Oh my gosh! I just discovered her webcasts and what a wealth of information and entertainment! Go here and check them out! I may not watch normal television for weeks. Except for Duck Dynasty of course...a girl has to have her vices!
Also I made an exciting discovery at our local Barnes & Noble yesterday. While they no longer carry Burda Style anymore, they now have My Image magazine! I had been contemplating subscribing as I bought a couple earlier editions and love their styles, but was afraid like my Ottobre Woman subscription I might only like 1 or 2 of the patterns. This way I can just purchase the issues I really want and leave the rest. Have you tried My Image?
It's a short work day for me, so there may be some sewing involved. Hope so! Hope your weekend is pleasant and fun...catch you later!

Enabler Alert!

Peggy at Silhouette Patterns is having a fantastic celebration sale here.  A pattern and DVD of your choice combo for $16.00. Go help her celebrate! You're welcome...over and out!

Woody

I swear I could easily become a dog hoarder! Look at that face! Doesn't it just say "love me"? Woody was offered up free on Craigslist. I think one more would tip the scale over the edge. Good luck Woody...I hope you find a good forever home.

Exciting things brewing at our house...I'll dish when I know more. TTFN!

Hello, it's Me...

I've thought about us for a long, long time...okay, those of you old enough are singing that song now. You're welcome! It's been so long since I've checked in that I feel like a stranger in my own blog! So much has been going on, it seems a luxury to pause for a moment to reflect.

Sewing? Not so much. I did shorten a couple of pairs of fleece pants for Tom the other night. That felt good! I have some things cut out and ready to go, but time and energy to sit down at the machine? No! I found myself jittery last week and drooling in response to a FabricMart email. I had to pull the trigger and place an order! Fabric should be here by the end of the week. A Maggy London  border print started the madness and then since no piece of fabric should travel alone...well, you know how that goes..

Grandma time...a little slice of heaven! That little boy melts my heart..when he smiles it gets me every time.  It's hard not to spoil the dickens out of him!

The retirement house is coming along beautifully. Tom put the new sink in the kitchen and took over the table and chairs for the dining nook. He had an idea to redo the carpet with camo...pretty wild, huh?

Well, I best get back to business. I'll try not to stay away too long...here's a picture of our little man out enjoying a rainy Oregon day.

A Good Day...so far

A schedule change gave me an unexpected day off today. That double shift was totally worth it to be enjoying my third (or fourth) cup of coffee (but who's counting?) and telling you about my day so far. It began early (as always) with Kodi boofing downstairs telling me he needed to go out. So I rounded up the usual suspects and we all went out and did our business (I waited til I came in). Then I decided to upload a couple books to my Kindle Ipad app (Tom is now using the kindle-Kindle). I had not loaded any new books since the great crash of 2013, so it took a little techno fiddling to set that back up with Calibre, but I now have Silver Lining Playbook and Argo waiting to read! Reading has taken the lead as my leisure activity and I think I have finished 9 books already this year! Goodreads has been good to me...check out the giveaways. Publishers are happy to send you books to read. Reviewing them is not a prerequisite for the giveaways, but I feel if they are nice enough to send me a free book, I should tell you all what I think about it. The reviews have been pretty good, because I only enter giveaways for books I actually would pick up and read. After I'm done with the books I give them away, because it's good karma to share the love. I just finished Found: A Memoir by Jennifer Lauck. I really enjoyed it. Frind me at Goodreads and let's talk books!

Next came errands and a trip to my favorite thrift store. I knew it was a good day when I saw this beautiful little fold up sewing table outside where they keep the big things. I asked how much? They said $3.00 and I hauled it immediately to my vehicle! Inside I found 3 brand new 10-yard rolls of Swedish Tracing Paper. $2.00 a piece...yes please!!! I also found a beautiful silver tray for a buck to put my oil and vinegars on. Totally addicted to the Oil and Vinegar store in the mall. This way they are beautifully displayed and I can easily access them when I'm cooking. Also found some more toys for my little guy. Toys are expensive Peeps! We went shopping last week and I was kind of shocked at how much they ask for hunks of plastic! I will get these toys bleached and in Gramma's playroom for his next visit. Last week I found a little golf set that he had a blast with. The dogs seemed to enjoy fetching, um, stealing golf balls too. A good time was had by all!

The mail stop was good...some new shoes for work and a freebie book (Thank you Goodreads!) A stop at the market for some dinner stuff (and blood oranges...couldn't resist!) and a visit to the Bargain Depot for pita chips (best buy in town) and now it's time to get to work! Can you tell I'm stalling on the work part???

Anywho, since pictureless posts are boring, here's Colt and Pop on the Fire truck. I think he is telling me to get off the running board and get in the "garbage truck" (aka, the brush rig). He also tried on Pop's turnouts, but he has a ways to grow before he fills those boots!

Home Sewing

I have been a poor blogger lately! Fortunately I have been a pretty good seamstress lately and have churned out some pretty good things. For example...my window seat cushions and accent pillows,

Tom spotted this awesome wildlife tapestry at the Mill End store in Milwaukee and we knew it was the perfect fabric for the window seat. Embroidery Library had some Northwoods Silhouette designs that accented the base fabric. I'm very pleased with how this project turned out. Here are some detailed pictures of the pillows.

Our last trip over was very productive too. The kitchen and nook walls are completely painted. All I have left in there is the window trim.

We finished painting the hallway as well, so all that is left is the master suite, the main bathroom and my sewing room. I'm still undecided on the color for my sewing room. I think I am going to use a Liberty print I picked up the last time we visited the kids. What color would you choose with this fabric?

I'm leaning towards the green. The blinds are black and I don't think I could live with pink long term. Part of the master suite is painted pink, and that's gotta go, so I'm not going to lay it down in my studio. The current carpet is a forest green, but that will be changing!

Well it's a work day, so I better get off the computer and get a few chores done before I have to leave! Hope you all have a super Superbowl Sunday!

Flyby...

As the song goes..."this is just a flyby..." I thought I would give a brief update as I am working on our  desktop. Just bought new antivirus software and it's really quite the joke that I am the IT specialist in our house (quit laughing Steve!) Things have been quite hectic here! We made a quick trip to the Deeter's Old Folks home to find it had sucked down a whole tank of propane! 27 degrees inside the house does not feel good! It has been super cold over there...negative degrees, so the house gets a pass this time, but we took measures to boost the insulation options and got ourselves on a keep full situation, so that should not happen again!
The best news ever is that our kids will be back in country in a few short weeks! Yay! Can't wait! I have jumped into super Grandma mode and have been getting things for Colt. They will not see their   household goods for 6 months, which is annoying enough for an adult, but a 2 year old needs his stuff! Gram picked up a Radio Flyer Retro Red tricycle yesterday...just like the ones we had as kids, only new and not rusty! It is different than his "motorcycle", so hopefully that will be fun for him! Of course I have my toy box for visiting kids, but I also have my Grandma box with things I have been collecting for Colt. Lots of books, puzzles, cars, trucks...the things little boys dig! Of course a trip to the Carter's outlet will be in order. I have been waiting to take Sara shopping so she can pick out what he needs. Squeal!!!

I also have been sewing too! Working on an extra special project that I can't reveal just yet, but I promise there will be pictures and lots of gushing when it's done! I am almost finished with my Sewaholic Cordova jacket and it is fabulous! I see a few more of those in different fabrics as well. Did you notice how many of Tasia's patterns were nominated for best patterns of 2013 on Pattern Review? I've said it before...I'm a Sewaholic fan! I also bought some Simplicity patterns at the 5 for $5.00 sale the other day. Simplicity 1699...cute new peplum top...just sayin...I also am in love with Leanne Marshall designs!  Did you get the notice from BMV for the $2.99 sale? Including Vogues? I have so many great patterns but so tempting! We'll see. Tom tells me now is the time to buy because in retirement spending money may be more tightly monitored. Sigh! I know my stash will carry me through! I did resist buying more sock yarn while at JoAnns. I have a beautiful pattern on the needles and try to knit whenever I have a spare minute. That includes stitching to and from Portland in the van ( God help me if they ask me to drive...whenever will I knit?) One of the instructors is teaching the others to crochet. It's awesome to see..a crafting revolution!

Well, I better get in gear and do some cleaning or something while the desktop finishes it's thing. It's a work day for me. Tomorrow is my Friday, which is a good thing because it's a holiday (yay for time and a half!) and it's dog day, so everyone should be Happy, Happy, Happy! Hope you all are enjoying your Martin Luther King holiday weekend...see you again soon...with pictures!

Clothing Expiration Date?

Yesterday as I was getting dressed I wondered...does clothing have an expiration date? I was pulling on a favorite print t-shirt that plays in the rotation a few times a month and thought about when I had made it. Had it really been almost 4 years? I remember buying the remnant at JoAnn's after we had breakfast with Sara at a little diner in Oregon City. Tom and Sara went to the automotive store to get something for her car and I snuck into the fabric store. The T was a BWOF raglan sleeve that takes a minimal amount of fabric (less than a yard). It's not stretched or faded. The shirt still looks good and works well with my wardrobe. Should I be concerned that I'm still rocking it? I find many of the things I make become the things I wear all the time and sometimes the clothing I buy end up in the donation bag. Dear Readers, how do you determine when it's time to say goodbye to your creations?

Back to Work...

Ahh, the dreaded end to vacation. Actually I have worked a few days over the holiday, but today is the day we go back to work in earnest. Not entirely a bad thing as getting back in the groove can be good. Bad thing is less time to sew, knit, crochet, read, play the guitar, play with the dogs, watch football, watch movies, play on the internet...

Progress has been made in the studio. My first Cordova is well on it's way. The zippers have arrived from the ebay shipper and the mystery bundle had a black one in it, so my next Cordova will be black wool. I may alter the sleeve in that one to be a plain fitted sleeve as the wool is a little bulkier than the suggested fabrics (when has that ever stopped me?) and the tucks might not work as well. I am loving the peplum and hope to have it done in a day or so to wear! I am working on a quilt for Colt as well...I need to get back on that as they will be coming home soon! Yay!!!

I started a good book last night. It was sent to me as a giveaway on Goodreads and I am already halfway through! It's called "The Valley of Unknowing". Friend me at Goodreads and we can talk about books!

Well, better get off the computer and get something done before time to head to work. Later Kittens!

A Much Better Day

After feeling punky all day yesterday, my sweet Baboo sent me to bed with a couple of Tylenol PMs. Surprisingly it took about an hour to fall asleep, but when I awoke only one side of my head hurt! Luckily that went away as the day wore on and my Cordova pattern showed up. Yay! It's already traced and the first version is cut out. I ordered some zippers off eBay when I discovered I had no zippers the right size in my stash. I watched an interesting documentary on Jack Kevorkian and discovered the 6th  season of Army Wives is now up on Netflix (I know I'm way behind G...I'll catch up!) I played my guitar while Tom was out...it's getting easier, but it's going to take a lot of practice to sound how I imagine the music in my head. The only distressing thing that happened today is that the shipping tracker I've been following for the shearling boots I ordered said they were delivered...somewhere on the East Coast...what??? Hope they straighten that out soon! Well, time to kick a Pom off my lap and get some cake for us...I'm sure he won't mind when I come back with food! It's back to work tomorrow!

Happy New Year!

Hope you all had a joyous new year celebration. Things are still quiet here. We watched football and other TV shows and I finished my sock. I also completed a comfy plaid tunic...the last creation of 2012 and I had intentions of taking a picture for the blog, but I'm trying to kick a migraine headache and nobody needs to see that visual! Maybe tomorrow...