To the Bat Cave Robin...

No, I don't have a bat cave, but that thought popped into my head as I thought about getting off the computer and up into the studio to sew.  I have a routine in the morning, which begins with taking care of the critters first, then coffee and paper, check email and chat with Sara and then beyond that, if I don't get focused the day can be frittered away!  Yesterday was such a day.  We went to town to do some errands and by the time we got back home, laundry, cleaning and making dinner consumed the rest of the day and evening. No sewing there!  So today I am making sewing a priority...right after I finish this post...and straighten the counter...and clean the bathroom...To the bat cave Robin!!!

I've been committed...

Or should be committed...one or the other.  I'm going to do the Eugene Half marathon with my daughter this Spring.  She's booked her passage back to the states and will be here for a month to finish up her master's degree and visit.  And were doing the half!!!  This is my first organized run/walk.  I know I can run a 5K and maybe a 10K if I'm being chased by a bear...but 13.1 miles?  That's a serious commitment!  I did an hour on the treadmill tonight while I watched "American Pickers" and "Pawn Stars" on the History channel.  I did sew a little today on the scrub tops.  My efforts were slowed due to a search for one of the yoke pieces that the Chief knocked off the worktable and batted under a set of drawers. Silly kitty! I did up the seams on a couple crib sheets. Dinner at the firehouse took a few hours to prepare...pork chops au gratin (or that's the name I pulled out of the air for a dish I made up), with homemade applesauce, corn and salad. Plus I made some of the Rocky Road Bars (recipe courtesy of Cookie Madness). Think I'll go try one of those with my sleepytime tea...need to hit the hay for a double shift tomorrow!

Cut up...

Today was a preparation day for sewing.  I managed to cut out 2 more scrub tops for Sara and my knockoff top.  I have an unexpected day off tomorrow which is designated as sew day.  I pay for that with a double shift on Tuesday, but that's okay.  I miss the night route!!! Let's see what I can finish tomorrow!

Knock it off...

Sometimes you strike a bargain in RTW that just cries to be knocked off.  I ran over to the Nordstrom Rack on my lunch break today to see what was new and found a couple of things that came home with me.  One was a really cool top in a leopard print with an empire waist, dolman flutterby sleeves and a cowl neck. Originally $70.00, marked down to $24.75 with 75% off!!!  Love the Rack!!!  Now I know you are probably saying..."WTH" right now..."Aunt Mary has lost her everloving mind!" This top is darling.  And ripe for copying.  So that's what I shall do.  I really like how it's constructed and it should be one of those quick easy knit tops for when I am long on creating but short on time.  The other piece was a cute cream colored cardi to go over those Spring dresses I am dreaming of.  I did complete another project yesterday (that I am sworn to secrecy about but will disclose soon) and received my drop from Fabric.com.  Insane...I ordered on Tuesday and the goodness arrived on Friday!  A big ol' box of fabric that is all perfect!!! This won't be on the shelf for long!!!  Later...I need to get off the computer and make a pattern!

A Cat of Many Colors

The Chief is a frequent visitor in my studio. Whether it is sitting on the back of my chair supervising a work in progress or testing the softness of the fabric stacks, she is a loyal companion.  Yesterday I caught her and our old man Figaro on video...she was in a paper bag and he was trying to get her out of the paper bag.  It was a fun little vignette of our crazy zoo.  I did some work on the scrubs before heading in to drop my glasses off at the optician before going to work.  My glasses broke one week before the frame warranty ended...hallelujah! I'm glad they didn't wait until one week after! It's only going to cost $15.00 to replace the frames.  I pulled some fabric out of the stash closet for some upcoming projects and here's what I found on the fleece/minky shelf...A Cat of Many Colors...

Lazy Blogger

I apologize for the lack of pictures lately.  I assure you that I have indeed been sewing and have even taken some pictures.  I just can't seem to get the camera and computer together. I am wearing the Missoni cardigan today and I must say it is fabulous.  You know the garments that you just feel good in? Those are my favorite and I hope 2010 brings more of them. I stopped at JoAnn's prior to work to pick up some Simplicity patterns for 99 cents and to buy some of the 50% off flannel.  I was really underwhelmed by the selection, but did manage to pick up a few pieces.  Where do you buy good flannel prints?  Scrubs are next on the sewing docket and I have been busy working on my digitizing skills.  It actually is pretty fun once you figure out a few things.  Maybe I'll even post a picture in the future! Happy Sunday Y'all!

The Temptation of Sales

Why do all the good sales come in at once? Okay, I get it...the economy needs stimulated.  Pattern Review is having a wonderful sale on patterns...Jalie patterns included.  Dream come true! Daily I get emails from Fabric Mart, Fabric.com, Fabric Depot, Montavilla Sewing, Over the Rainbow...just to mention a few.  I get all kinds of inspired to shop until my husband tells me how much the recent power bill was...almost four. hundred. dollars! Ugh!!! I hate this time of year for that!  Seems like electricity keeps going up, and mind you, we don't keep the house super warm...66 degrees baby and if you're cold, put on a sweater or get under the blanket.  That's why we have critters...to keep us warm (not really, we love them...their furry little warm bodies is just a bonus!)  I did treat myself to a little bit of shopping at the downtown Nordstrom Rack yesterday.  I was working and one of the students commented that she gets her favorite sweaters from Nordstrom's when she noticed we were parked in front of the Rack.  Of course, she had work to do with her dog, but since the nurse had to take her mandatory 1/2 hour lunch break, I offered to go see if they had any of her sweaters at the Rack. Nope...nothing for her, but $11.97 I got a darling little shrug sweater, a surplice sweater in the most perfect shade of turquoise to go under the missoni cardigan I hope to finish today and a cute top with a darling fabric manipulated rose trim at the neckline reminiscent of Cynthia Rowley.  I know I have seen a pattern for this top...I wasn't sure it was a good style for me, but I figured for $3.00 I could pass it on to Sara if it was too young for me.  Mama loves a bargain, so I was pretty tickled with my finds.  Then I heard about the power bill...maybe I need to go look at those Jalies...maybe pick up a few to cheer me up...um, maybe not!  Today I have chores to do.  We are putting down new flooring in the living/dining/kitchen areas, as well as replacing the carpet on the stairs with hardwoods.  Since Tom is working today, I am charged with putting a coat of finish on the hardwoods down in the shop.  Best get at it so some sewing can happen later!