I'm Back in the Saddle Again...

 Or something like that if I actually rode horses! 😁 I'm trying to make blogging a habit again, so I added this page to my desktop to prompt me and making mental notes about what I want to express. It's been a relatively busy week for me. Nothing too earthshaking, but some excursions out into the world and a little bit of work around here. My friend's hotwater heater went, so that caused some angst (and a whole lot of work) She still went to our ASG picnic with me. I recently connected with an ASG group here in central Oregon and have really enjoyed spending time with my new sewing buddies! Pictures were taken (not on my phone), but I don't have any to share today. We took a group picture with "Maddie's Hair". Let me explain...my friend's 3 year old great granddaughter is battling leukemia. She was determined that she wouldn't lose her beautiful curls during chemo, but of course she did. A friend gave her a wonderful book about her hair "going on vacation" and coming back one day after the vacation is over. When her Mother asked her where her hair was going on vacation, Maddie said "with Grand Mom-Mom" (my friend). When she told me that, I immediately went online to find a hair piece that could be taken "on vacation". Creagh takes pictures of the hair wherever she goes, and it makes Maddie happy to see all the places her hair gets to go with Grand Mom-Mom! Cancer sucks! 'nuff said!

I've been sewing a bit. I'm currently working on some placemats and a table runner. I really need to make some pants! I spilled blackberry milkshake on my favorite Pietra pants last night, so that may get me motivated if the stains don't come out! I've been painting and diamond painting a bit too. What can I say...crafting ADD...it's a thing!

Today we are running to town to pick up some wheels for Tom's Jeep he's building and hit Costco (gotta make those trips to town count!) Then we are going to sand on the VW bug. This project was my brainstorm, but I've kind of been whiffing my part lately, so I need to help (Crafting ADD...🤣) And since I don't have a picture of the bug at the ready., here's a picture of our bus we are fixing up (another Tom & Mary production!):

Has it Really Been Over 2 Years?

 Wow! I was reading my blogger feed and recently one of the bloggers I followed back in the day has resurfaced.  In responding to her post, I checked on my blog because I needed the url to identify myself. 2 years since I last posted! Over 2 years! We were in the midst of covid vaccines and isolation...ugh! Certainly things have improved! So is Mary still Sewfast? Yes and no...I still sew and am pretty efficient about it. Being retired,  there isn't that urgency to get things done so I have something new to wear to work or a job for hire. I limit who I sew for these days and try to do so with more intention.  I don't feel a tremendous urge to buy fabric like I used to (say what???), but i think that may be due in part that i have a well curated stash that i can shop day or night. There is a bittersweet joy in discovering a beautiful fabric in your stash that has been languishing for years and hasn't been sewn into a much loved garment. I hope to remedy that problem.  Patterns are another issue.  I have many, some are too small now, and probably could make anything I wanted between the patterns and my Burda collection.  I also am in 2 subscription services and am enjoying a new pattern every month. Closet Core patterns fit me really well, once I nail down the right size to make (I'm looking at you Nicks dress and top! I eventually settled on size 10, and anyone who knows me IRL knows that ship sailed a long time ago 🤣) I recently joined the Cashmerette club and am really digging their vibe right now. Itch to Stitch is starting their weekly summer sale this week...sigh. Love Kennis too!

Well, you may be wondering what I've been up to these last few years (or not...) We have spent winters at our friend's ranch for the last 3 years since I retired.  We kinda work, but not really.  It's our home away from home...we lost our 2 pomeranians during the covid years and were dogless for quite awhile.  Tom wasn't sure we would have another dog again. I wasn't really feeling that, but I did have to grieve for a long time and still miss Jo and Sam to this day.  I was so bad, I left their little nose sprints on the window where they watched out the driveway.  Did not even think of the optics of it, but some friends stayed at our house while we were at the ranch and Janice cheerfully texted me "I washed your windows for you!" It was a good thing, because then I could start to move forward,  but I thought "Man! She must think I am really a crappy housekeeper!" 🤔 Anywho...I am happy to report we do have another dog in our life now. Blue is a charcoal lab that needed us as much as we needed him, and it's worked out beautifully! Here is a picture of Blue to end this post, because we all like blog posts with pictures. I will try to not make it another 2 years before I check in again!

He seems pretty content...don't you think?

Covid-19 Haze

 Saturday we got our 2nd dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.  I was prepared to feel icky as many people had said the real reaction happened after their second dose. (Except for my friend Creagh that said all she experienced was a sore arm...I remained hopeful) We took it easy Saturday afternoon when we got home, but by Saturday night the fever, headache, body aches and nausea started. Sunday I thought I was going to die and yesterday I prayed to be put out of my misery! I made it through to day 3 and can finally see the light! I was able to drink a cup of coffee this morning, which did a lot to quell the headache and finally ate something.  It was rough, but I can only imagine how much worse actually contracting the virus would be. I'm grateful that I was able to get the protection against that deadly virus. Today I will regroup and catch up on all the things we've let go for the last few days. Hopefully I will make it to the sewing studio to start working on all the projects I have cut out. I pray you are all well and have time to create!

Happy Friday

 Happy Friday!  It's a new day, ripe with possibilities.  What am I going to do? Not sure yet, but you can bet it will be fun! (If your idea of fun includes sewing)

Projects I'm working on:

The Sew House Seven Burnside Bibs. Funny story...when my husband and I moved to Vancouver,  Washington (back in the late 70's), I was just learning my way around Portland.  Tom would send me for parts sometimes.  No matter where I got lost, I always ended up on Burnside and could find my way home across the Burnside bridge! Our daughter lived on Burnside for awhile (up near 23rd, not crack town!!) I shudder when I think about how Portland has become 😥  Enough about that...this is a sewing blog!

Flag Quilt. I started working on the Flag pattern I picked up at the quilt shop in Westport,  Washington when we were out adventuring. I am sewing her on my new white Singer featherweight that Tom gave me for my birthday.  I have named her Pearl and she sews like a dream. I always like to make a special project with each new machine I get. Does anyone else do that? Maybe you don't collect old sewing machines like I do. 😁

Crochet vest.  I've been hooking it lately.  I vacillate between knitting and crochet in my yarn projects.  I have a large yarn stash, and my feelings lately is to use up what I have. The vest is an interesting chevron pattern and I'm close to finishing it. It's in shades of pink and burgundy that will go well with the burgundy Jeans when I get them made. 

I pulled some black and white polka dot ITY for Inside the Hems jumpsuit sew along in May.  We are making the Love Notions Sunday Romper, which is the Friday Feature pattern this week. You can get it for $5.00 today only. It's a great pattern!  I made one last summer and am happy to get another version in my wardrobe!  Love Notins has a new pattern coming next week...the Ballad top and dress. Be on the lookout for that because it looks to be a winner!

Well, I better get to seeing what this day has to offer...hope you are doing what you love!

 Hello my Sewing Friends! I've missed you! I didn't mean to stay away so long, but well...life happens! I wanted to let you know that I am starting a new vlog over on YouTube called...wait for it...Mary is Sewfast! I know...so original, but it will make a great tie in with the blog. 

What I've been up to...I just finished quilting my Quiltville Grassy Creek mystery quilt and have it on the bed. I wasn't sure I liked it when I finished piecing it, but now that it is done and on the bed...I love it. The blue gray background colors are pulled out with the blue walls and makes the blocks pop. Sometimes you have to see a project through to the end to see how it will turn out. Quiltville Grassy Creek mystery quilt here.

Next up, I have some Sew House Seven Burnside bibs cut out in a beautiful green twill, and I have plans for some burgundy Jean's (still considering which pattern to use. I need to make some new sports bras as well, so I will be whipping some of these up.

Thank you for checking back in with me. I hope to return to a more active blog presence and learn how to make interesting sewing content on my new YouTube channel. Catch you soon.

Fiercely,

Mary

I'm In!

Anyone else participating in the Pattern Review Sewing Bee? Time to go shop the stash...

Last Post of the Year

Almost the only post of the year!!! Ah, well...maybe 2019 will bring more blogging or vlogging. Time will tell. Been busy-you know this retirement gig is not for sissies! I have been warming the jumpseat in the groomer while Tom does the heavy lifting. We went out for a ride with our friends Jim and Louise yesterday and had a blast. I start jury duty tomorrow. Hopefully I won't be needed this week so I can go grooming with Tom. Working in the studio when I can. I put away Christmas today and cleaned house. Enjoyed watching the squirrels and birds that we are feeding. What can I say, I'm my Mother's daughter!  Put the new bridge on my practice violin, but not playing because the Seahawks are on. Enough rambling...quilt blocks need to be made. See ya next year!!!