G Marie

Wanna See Mine?

2012-01-25T07:48:00.000-08:00

Get your mind out of the gutter people! My fabric - fabric. Remember way back in November? We were on vacation and I got to meet Chan, Marjie and Karen.

Well - Marjie and I managed to get together to go shopping. We went to JoMars in Philadelphia. After a very scary trip on public transportation we managed to figure out where we really were going. But it was touch and go for a minute and JB was very worried we were gonna get mugged.

Marjie has already showed you hers (scroll down), so I thought it was time I showed you mine. I didn't get a lot, only 3 pieces. The one on the left is a plaid jersey. I want to use it to muslin a new dress pattern that I bought because Carolyn did. I often purchase a new pattern because Carolyn did and it looks amazing on her. The other two pieces were remnants. The blue print is a blouse weight and it has a kinda sheen on it which I hope will wash away. The dark fabric is a bottom weight with a velvety texture to it. It will make a lovely skirt and actually matches quite well with the blouse fabric. Marjie so nicely mailed the fabrics to me.

Thanks - girls I had a fabulous vacation.

Cape May

2012-01-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

I'm stepping into the way back machine and carrying on with the November vacation recap. After several days in Washington DC we went to Annapolis, MD. From there - we took the ferry to Cape May, New Jersey.

I'm telling you - JB and I fell in love. What a lovely little town. However, we were there the night before Thanksgiving. Honestly, if we didn't have to pick up The Princess in Philadelphia at the train station and have plans for Thanksgiving Dinner - we would have stayed and explored the town.

As it was, we stayed in this fabulous Bed and Breakfast in Cape May. We are now trying to figure out when we can get back to the New Jersey Shore (in the off-season, of course) and explore more of the East Coast. Are there any little coastal towns we must see?

Snow Dogs

2012-01-19T05:19:00.000-08:00

It's hard to balance on these slippery bricks! (Beau)

What? Everything smells different covered in snow! (Lucy)

Okay - it can stop snowing any time now. (Abby)

It has been snowing off and on - more on - since Sunday night. Yea - I live in Western Washington in a city built on very steep hills. There has been no school this week and today even Courts are closed. The dogs love it - except Abby who's belly now drags in the snow - but only because her legs are only 6" long!!

I am loving it. It's beautiful and quiet. I worked half a day Tuesday and stayed home safe and warm on Wednesday. Who knows what today will bring? Happy Dogs on Thursday! Hope everyone is enjoying what Mother Nature has delivered.

Left Overs

2012-01-18T09:13:00.000-08:00

I knit a ton of socks! Even with most of the socks I knit being for people with a shoe size of 9 or better and some of them have very wide feet - I still have extra yarn left over.

Those are not my leftovers, however. These are Amy's leftovers. I was looking at knitting The Beekeeper's Quilt - which is made from stuffed, knitted hexagons which are then tacked together into a quilt. What a great use of leftovers. What a long process - but I think I'll work on it.

The Beekeepers Quilt by Tiny Owl Knits

Somehow - while discussing this plan. Amy offered to send me her leftover sock yarn. She wrapped it up in tiny hanks and dropped it in a Ziploc baggie and mailed it. I love them. Her leftovers are so much prettier than mine! And how adorable are those mini hanks?

I think I'll work on a few while I enjoy the snow.

All is Snowy & Quiet

2012-01-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

I love the way the trees look when they are dusted with snow

I sent JB out into the cold yesterday so he could snap some pics

some of the snow has melted off already and green is showing through

but more snow is expected today

Not Enough Press

2012-01-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

I was told last week when I missed Dogs on Thursday - that my dogs don't get enough press.

That's because they aren't majestic like Thor, they aren't funny like Fudge and the rest of his pack,

nor are they majestic like Sissy and GG, they are just

Lucy

Beau, and

Abby.

All photos were taken last week - not that they look any different from photos taken last year.

Happy Dogs on Thursday Folks!

I'm Nooked

2012-01-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

One day last summer while we were camping, I decided it might be nice to have an e-reader of some sort, but I wasn't sure which sort I wanted. I mean there is the Nook Color, Kindle, iPad, Kindle Fire and the Nook Tablet.

So I mentioned to JB that it would be nice to have. He remembered and got me a gift card to Barnes and Noble for Christmas. The dogs, however, bought me a Nook Tablet.

It took me a few days to buy some books and a few more to try reading them. I've downloaded Angry Birds Seasons, played sudoku (I'm not very good), checked my email, side loaded knitting patterns and even started reading a book. I originally wanted it to be able to read while I was knitting and didn't have access to a tv - but with this - I have access to my netflix account and can watch tv while I'm knitting! Or even read.

Last weekend when we were looking at the Eagles, I was able to bring my knitting pattern up and could work on a complex pattern long after it would have been too dark to read a pattern. So far, I'm loving it. So - do you e-book? Can you be my friend?

There's an Eagle in that Tree

2012-01-09T21:44:00.001-08:00

Last weekend we headed up to the Skagit River to see the Bald Eagles as the migrate.

Thank goodness for photo editing because you couldn't see the Eagle before.

It was also determined that I need a good book on using my camera and a bigger lens.

Socks!

2012-01-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

Well - sock knitting apparently was still very important to me in 2011.

That is only a few of the pairs that got finished.

Some have been given away already.

I think the final number was 25.

I knit up 8 of the 12 brown bags that got packaged at the beginning of 2011.

In fact, I just started the snowflake socks last night.

And I haven't pulled and caked yarn for 2012 yet - not sure if I will.

So - what did you knit? Do you knit socks?

Do you wear handknit socks?

The Favorite Gift I Made

2012-01-02T18:35:00.000-08:00

I did not make a lot of gifts this past year. But my favorite one has been floating in my head for a long time. See The Musical One made a piece of a tumbling blocks quilt way back when she was in middle school. It was an extra credit project for geometry.

Ever since then I've saved the top that she made and the remaining fabric with the intention of making placemats - someday.

Well - since she's buying her first house, someday is now.

I pulled the top out of the plastic bin and took it to the fabric store. I had to find coordinating fabric for the back and fabrics to make reversible napkins.

I spent two days making more blocks (she had only made enough for two placemats). I picked a dark navy with lime green and then bought 4 different fabrics to make 2 sets of 6 reversible napkins.

After I finished the piecing, cut out placemats and batting, sewed them rights sides together and then turned them right sides out.

Then I quilted around the tumbling blocks. Using purple thread on the pieced blocks and lime green on the solid fabric. I made 2 sets of 6 napkins. One set matches with the solid side and the other with the pieced. They are reversible. While there are only 4 placemats (that's all her table will seat), I made 6 napkins because I believe you should always have spares to rotate in - just in case something happens - like a horrible stain or a tear.

Anyway - I'm tickled pink with this gift.

Welcome 2012

2012-01-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

I am not doing a look back. I had a good year - with the exception of some good friends having health issues with their dogs and then saying good bye to a few dogs.

I got more sewing done in 2011 than I have in a long time. I did not, however, knit as much. It's all a balancing act.

In 2012 and I went to spend more time with friends. Get back to developing relationships with "virtual" friends - something I've let lapse with my job change. Sew more, knit more, blog more, cook more, exercise more - enjoy more.

Thank you for stopping by and saying hello. I really do appreciate each and every comment. g

My Favorite Gift

2011-12-29T07:57:00.000-08:00

shhhh - don't tell JB (he doesn't read the blog)

my friend made - yes Made - me a rain chain.

I adore it. it's made from heavy dog chain, and cute little buckets.

It makes me smile every single time I see it.

So Far Behind

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

~ I'm never gonna get caught up

~ After DC, we went everywhere - 5 states and a district in 10 days (DC, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.)

~ I was able to meet 3 blogging friends in person, but only took photos of one (which I've shared)

~ I went fabric and yarn shopping - didn't buy much of either.

~ We came home and the holidays were in full swing.

~ I was able to make some things happen this year by making them social (the holiday lights)

~ My friend Y and took Cuteness to see the gingerbread houses.

~ The theme this year was train stations and they were beautiful as always.

~ Cuteness loved the Merry Go Round.

~ Cuteness was scared of Santa

~ I did all my holiday sewing last minute.

~ It's still not done.

~ Saturday is my 17th Anniversary.

~I think I have enough apps on my phone.

~Anyone have a Nook? I haven't downloaded a single book yet.

~The holidays are low key at our house and for that I'm thankful.

~Hope you had a holiday that was Merry and Bright and that you safely see in 2012.

~I miss this space and will make more efforts to be here more often in 2012.

~I miss my velveteen friends.

~Thank you all.

Good Bye Sweet Boys

2011-12-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

Jackson Short

Henry Borg

I have been very blessed to have met both of these boys in real life.

I adore their humans and they were pretty sweet too.

Today I am sad to say good bye to them.

Their lives were too short.

Arlington

2011-12-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

Before leaving the DC area - we took the subway out to Arlington.

It was the only day of our entire trip when it rained - and I mean dumped down water.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Changing of the Guard

Row upon row upon row of headstones.

The majority of the people buried here defended our right to do whatever we want.

The amphitheater at the Tomb of the Unknown.

This was a very sobering day for us and not just because of the rain.

I'm glad we made time to get there.

Today I'm Thankful For

2011-12-15T08:15:00.000-08:00

Holiday Light Displays.

Healthy Dogs and family.

Friends to make holiday memories with.

Snow! Even if it's in lights.

All photos from Bellevue Botanical Garden's Annual Holiday Light Show.

Hmmm - Where Did I Leave Us?

2011-12-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

Our last day in DC. The weather was fabulous. We are huge fans of architecture.

I need to stand up straight and start dieting - UGH!

Inside the Library of Congress - Beautiful

Isn't this amazing?

Blogger Meet Up #1

2011-12-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

On the second day of our vacation (or really the first real day) we figured out the DC subway and took the orange line to the end to meet ChanKnits and her Knight at a mall that wasn't too far from them.

She is absolutely as lovely in person as she is via her blog and email. My only wish - that we had been able to meet someplace less public and had more time to just sit and visit. But the menfolk were a bit restless.....

a photo of the two of us - i look like the golly green giant and she is dainty and petite.

As we were leaving - JB was attempting to get some shots for my pattern page

and I was pointing out the error I saw when she held it out.

Even The Knight was interested in finding it.

Back in the Groove

2011-12-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get back in the groove after vacation. It's harder than it sounds. Especially with the holidays right on the heels of that vacation.

So, for those that don't know - we flew to Washington DC and then drove all over the East Coast - incluing Virginia, Maryland, Deleware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I had real life meet ups with 3 bloggers which was lovely. I was absolutely amazed by the architecture everywhere we went. Today - I'll give you some photos of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument taken the night we arrived. All photos where taken by JB and none of them have been edited.

Happy Birthday Doodle Bug!

2011-12-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

Today is Abigail Jane's 12th Birthday

She is an old girl - but she's still going strong

with the exception of some arthritis in hip, she's healthy as an ox

and really - shouldn't she be allowed to have some joint pain?

in people years she's 84!!

Happy Birthday - wee one

Random Thoughts on Thursday

2011-11-17T08:04:00.000-08:00

I'm just filled with random thoughts that don't make a ton of sense these days. I was trying to get a photo of Mr. Beauregard's eye - it's recently got all cloudy. But he didn't want his photo taken - and this was the best I got. And I had to hold his head to get it.

I'm thankful that a dog's sight is not their first sense - especially in a scent hound. But it still makes me sad. He's coping well and other than his eye being super cloudy - he's not acting like his vision is impaired at all.

We've started adding frozen blueberries to all of the kibble because a very good friend said that it could help with his sight. I don't know if it helps or not, but they are all enjoying the purple goodness in their food.

Do you give your dogs only dog toys? My big hounds *love* anything that makes noise - seriously. So last week - after an especially long day - I bought them a noise making pig from the angry birds game. Yes, it was a kid's toy, and it was fairly expensive for how long it lasted. But for 3 days Lucy adored it. She pranced through the house with the piggy in her mouth, she'd bring it to me so I could throw it (yes - we do throw balls in the house) and chased it. She wrestled with Beau over the piggy and she made it oink. She was in heaven. When her not so gentle mouth broke the noise maker - well she was done and she ripped it apart to get the offending broken part out.

The good news is she will still play with it a little bit. But now it will become one of Beau's treasured babies. He picks one every morning, takes them around the house and yard, carries it everywhere until he had breaky - then he's done with it until next time.

Until next time - have a safe and happy Thursday. Remember the little things in life that make your life worthwhile. Hug your pups and humans and tell them all that you love them.

More Napkins

2011-11-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

As much as I love the tree napkins - I adore these.

I cut the fabric 13" square, rights sides together, sewed, pressed, trimmed, turned, pressed

and then I did a little zig zag around the edges to close the turning opening.

I adore the subdued print on the front - but the polka dots on the back - love.

I had more of this fabric available than the plaid - so this is a set of 12.

Personally - I love a set of napkins that has at least 4 more napkins

than you would normally ever use.

That's so you can rotate them all in usage

but you have extras if one gets stained or torn.

I really need to make some more napkins for me.

Knitting

2011-11-15T05:41:00.000-08:00

Sometime last year, I friend of mine mentioned that she needed a little something to throw over her shoulders and wear to a fancy schmancy party.

At that point I had just invested in knit stitch dictionaries and had some very pretty black sock yarn. So, with ideas, yarn and needles in had - I set to work. I will tell you the first several times I tried it - it did not work.

Then finally it clicked. I've now written a pattern and have it out for test knitting. I've knit it twice and hope to have a pattern available around the end of the year.

This feels pretty cool.

Sewing

2011-11-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

My sewing lately has consisted of the crafty variety. Much, much earlier this year, I signed up to Pay It Forward and I'm just now getting around to actually doing so.

Somewhere last year - it all runs together these days and I can't remember anything - I saw these very cute tree napkins.

With just slightly over a yard of each fabric, I made 8 reversible half circle napkins. Of course there are no photos of them not folded like trees. They are all exactly alike - I just folded them differently.

I think they will match the dishes of the recipient well and I hope she likes them.

I love using cloth napkins and really should make some more for myself some day. They are super easy to make and don't take any time at all. AND when they are done you feel like you accomplished something - while napkins should "fit" with your dishes, they are still flat!

Visit - Part 2

2011-11-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

In photos.

Brief description: Sunday we had brunch at the Space Needle restaurant.

Then we took monorail downtown, walked around Pike Place Market.

And just generally had fun. Enjoy our day.

Catch Up

2011-11-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned that The Princess came to visit last month, right? It was 4 crazy, see everything possible in Seattle days.

First stop on the tour? Dick's Drive In and the Ballard Locks. Seattle is full of public art - and the *kids* decided this was art to be played on. You can see only one of my kids was acting like a monkey and hanging from the sculpture. Kids! You can't take them anywhere. From left to right: The Musical One, The Boy, and The Princess.

We also went to Freemont and saw the Troll this day.

The above was a plaque I saw at the junk market we went to on my birthday - love it!

Have a fabulous week everyone - I hope to have some sewing and crafting to share soon.

Model Dogs

2011-11-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

And by ~Model~ I don't mean perfect!

The Musical One was asked to knit four Steelers themed hats.

It just about killed JB to put one on his head.

But she consistentely used him as her fit model - which was good.

The stripes on each hat are all just slightly different.

While Beau & Lucy didn't like wearing them at all

I hear they were well received by the persons who ordered them.

Ruffles

2011-11-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

In the middle of September Lori interviewed Lynne for National Sewing Month as a podcast through Sew Forth Now. The theme was returning to sewing and one of the links Lori included was to Ruffle Fabric and a tutorial for making a ruffle skirt. I immediately ordered both the silvery grey and a rich brown ruffle fabric.

I thought the ruffles would run parallel to the selvedge, so I ordered 2 yards (needing enough to round my hips). However, the ruffles run perpedicular to the selvedge so my 2 yards of each color was enough to make 4 knee length skirts - for adult women! Of course it helps that one of the friends I made a ruffle skirt for is short - seriously - her skirt is 18" long verses mine at 26".

These are super easy to make, althought I'm not sure how to wear it. (and honestly - posture?) I'm not positive the sweater was the best choice, I think a belted button down might have been better.

While JB said it was just "Meh" it was fun to wear and I felt girly all day long. So - do you have any styling tips? How would you wear a ruffly skirt?

Toil or Trouble

2011-10-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

What is with my face whenever I have photos taken? Anyway - yesterday I did nothing but putter and play in the studio and I had a great day indeed!

I plugged my sewing machine for the first time since the retreat - the first weekend in October!

I bought this cute Halloween print at a local quilt shop this past summer - it was on clearance and I think I paid about $10 for 3 yards. How could I pass it up? It hung out all summer - but really the window for wearing a skirt that says "bubble, bubble, toil & trouble" is pretty limited. So, After cleaning up the studio and putting away the summer fabrics - I found the Carolyn skirt pattern and got to work.

I added 4" of length to the pattern pieces and it's just about perfect. The entire skirt was sewn with black thread, and because it's a quirky I didn't put a lot of effort into finishing the inside. I did fold the seams under and topstitch them to keep the fabric from fraying.

Here's a close up of the print? Isn't is cute? I can honestly say that most people I work with didn't notice it was Halloween themed. You can also see in the close up - the seam topstitched with the black thread. Which is really a seam finishing technique.

The one most thrilled with the skirt? The neighbors 3 year old son. While I was putting candy in his bowl, he was pointing out witches, cats and bats. But he couldn't find any ghosts!

Why Yes, I Did Fall Off the Face of the Earth

2011-10-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Those two (The Princess and The Boy) came to visit, there were birthdays, day trips and lots of running.

Will catch up as soon as I recover.

Whatever Lola Wants

2011-10-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

Lola gets.

Because, really, who could refuse this face?

Lola is my coworkers 7 month old mastiff puppy.

She comes to work 2-3 times a week.

She's very laid back and with the exception of camping out right in fron of the copier

she's never in the way or stops you from doing your work.

I think at 7 months - she weighs in at just under 70 pounds.

Look at the size of those feet!

Today's Dog on Thursday is brought to you in Memory of Thor.

Have a fabulous day everyone.

Winner, Winner!

2011-10-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

So - I'm way late drawing a winner for the My Memories give away. I think the coupons and codes are still good.

Anyway - tonight JB and The Musical One are both sitting on the couch and say: Pick a number between 0 and 8. Without missing a beat - they both said AT THE SAME TIME Seven!

So that means Bubblesknits is the winner! Contact me and I'll put you in touch to get your software! Congrats.

And because no post is complete without a photo, here's a sneak peak of one of my completed sewing retreat outfits.

Who Knew?

2011-10-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

According to Sue it's a very special day for yarnies. It's I Love Yarn Day!

I have no idea who sponsors this or even that it exists.

But how fun!

I thought I'd share a pic of my bowl of sock yarn leftovers and the basket that holds circs.

They living in my sitting room.

The sock yarn left overs are enough to make baby socks.

There are no babies in my future but I should get busy using them.

Happy Yarny Day - what special "day" surprises you?

Digging Deep

2011-10-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have been tired and cranky this week, so I'm digging deep to find things to be thankful for - you know, to remind myself that my life really is good in the grand sceme of things. So - here goes:

~ 3 healthy dogs sleeping in a row. This means they are aren't barking at the kids walking to school and that is something to be very thankful for.

~ the pond in our backyard. JB put a new pump in and it sounds like rushing water our there now. I also love the fall colors happening and how they look against the fence I found against having installed - but I really do like it. I'll try to get out and get a good picture this weekend.

~ the moon hanging in the sky. Can you see it there? Just behind a tree? Love it!

So - what little things are reminding you that you have a good life - come on, share your list with me.

Quick, Simple Sewing

2011-10-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

I saw the ruffled fabric on Lori's podcast blog - Sew Forth Now. More specifically, the Episode 71 where she interviews Lynne.

In the links from that episode, Lori lists a link for ruffled fabric from - get this - Ruffle Fabric dot com. As well as a tutorial for making your own ruffle skirt. Of course I was smitten - and it didn't hurt that Carolyn made a ruffle skirt (scroll down).

Ruffle Fabric was lovely to deal with and a joy. I will order from them again.

The one thing I didn't know when I ordered the fabric was that the ruffles run perpendicular to the selvedge edge - I thought they would run parrallel - so I ordered 2 yards of each color - but really only needed one yard of each to reach my knees.

I bought a fun polka dot ruffle for the brown ruffle fabric and I bought a lovely lavendar for the grey. But as I still had far more fabric than I needed but only bought enough elastic for 2 skirts - I bought wider black elastic at J's for more skirts.

The two skirts shown here will be boxed up this weekend and shipped off to non-sewing friends who need a little ruffle in their life.

Dressing for Flattery

2011-10-10T22:27:00.000-07:00

Carolyn posted a very interesting conversation the other day. Of course, being who I am - I immediately started thinking about how it applies to my life and sewing.

I just spent the last 3 days at a sewing retreat sponsored by my local ASG chapter. It's big fun - but I over the course of 3 days I made 2 dresses, 2 t-shirts, and 2 skirts for me. Everything was precut and kept in ziplock baggies with all the appropriate notions. Skirts are hemmed, tops are finished and ready to wear - the dresses still need hems.

McCalls 5974

The one thing I heard over and over - Wow! That dress looks great on you - in relation to McCalls 5974. I made the scoop neck view without the waist tie and it was suggest that I make the mock wrap view as well.

But often I feel like I'm the person Sewist #1 in Carolyn's dialog is referring to. The last dress I made - not very flattering at all - fun print, comfortable to wear - but it was a very shapeless sack. How come nobody says anything? Well - with the exception of Marjie who always says it with love and tenderness.

Several of the other woman at the retreat spent the entire weekend (9 am Friday to 4 pm Sunday) working on one garment. One woman made a lovely, lightweight cotton skirt. It was pleated and she put in a handpicked zipper - it's lovely, but honestly I could never spend an entire 3 days making one garment.

Even working in a law office my life is very, very casual. Yes, I dress up my weekends a bit with mostly skirts and tees but why do I walk away from a wonderful weekend feeling like I can't sew my way out of a paper bag or dress myself. I've done the exercises, ripped pages from magazines, studied colors, shapes, etc. How do you do it? How do you figure out how to dress an ever changing body in a flattering, but comfortable manner and not always throw on yoga pants or a shapeless dress?

The Last Thing to Come Out of the Studio

2011-10-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I made Vogue 1179. Once again, I took my inspiration from Carolyn.

This pink knit was a heavy and it really is too heavy for this dress. But I made it anyway.

Without the cardigan it has a maternity look, but with it - I think it's okay - not that you call tell from the only photo that JB was willing to take.

Due to yardage limitations - the dress is just a smidge on the short side - and I put just the tiniest, narrow hem I could into it.

I cut the dress essencially with no alternation to the pattern - with the exception of the usual - I cut a 14 though the shoulders and chest, used my french curve to grade the lines to a 16 at the waist and then out to a 20+ at the hips. Honestly - that was too much. Given the ease in this dress, I could have stayed at either a 16 all the way from the underarms down or possibly an 18.

I wore the dress all day with grey tights and boots and my grey alpaca cardigan. I was comfortable all day long.

The rest of the weekend I sat on the couch alternating reading and knitting. I didn't feel well and ended up staying home on Monday and unfortunately, I'm still playing catch up at work and Friday morning it's time for the Fall Sewing Retreat again.

Starting Tuesday evening, i've been cutting and preping patterns to sew up. I'm looking forward to a weekend away with like minded people, sewing, laughing, relaxing and generally having a good time. How about you?

Creating with My Memories

2011-09-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

I was contacted out of the blue by My Memories digital software. I will say I'm not a very "popular" blog so this shocked me. But I agreed to play with it because I love the idea of scrapbooking, but do not want another expensive hobby and also - I am not very creative when it comes to photos and scrapbooking. Also - I must say I'm not very good at "techy" stuff. I bought JB photoshop, but neither of us has really played with it. It's a bit over my head.

I was able to easily download the software onto my laptop, open it, add free pages, trims, and other elements and make a small photo album of our New York trip. For my album, I started with an album layout which included the backgrounds, spots and sizes for photos and where to place text.

It was easy to use and I felt like a creative genius. For my second project - I started with a completely blank page. I then loaded a Christmas background page, added a photo, text, and embellishments (the dark grey snowflake and the light border on the left side). Then I moved everything, saved it, saved it to a JPEG so I could load it to the blog and am sharing it with you. I'm amazed at how easy it was.

I truly believe the reason this was so easy for me is because of all the great (and lots of free) products available at the My Memories website as well as on their blog which is filled with tutorials. The best part of this whole thing is a lovely offer to my readers as well as a give away (and since I don't have many readers - your chances are better than most!) My Memories Suite has offered a $10 discount off the purchase of My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software and a $10 coupon for their store - that's a $20 value! Just use this code: MMS4Blog.

Now for the give away of the My Memories Suite Software: do me a favor, hop on over to the My Memories site and look around. Come back and tell me what your favorite layout or paper pack is and what you imagine your first project to be. I know for my next project - I'm planning to make some gift tags and then maybe a calendar. I will leave the give away open until October 14th. Good Luck.

Thankful Dogs

2011-09-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for the following:

~~ Friends who send lovely, thoughtful trinkets as reminders and remembrances.
~~ Crafty Friends who can take a piece and make it something you will love.
~~ Being able to take a piece that I love from Lapdog Creations to Orange Box Jewelry (see links above) and have Krissy make something that holds Dudley and the rest of my pack in my heart each and every time I wear it.
~~ Having a job - regardless of how stressful - I create some of the stress myself, but it's hard to let it go.
~~ Four day work weeks - giving me Fridays home with just the dogs allowing me to sew, clean or just veg.
~~ The ability to plan a great vacation to meet velveteen friends and visit with The Princess and treat JB to something he's always wanted to do but never done.
~~ Of course the obvious, but for now - I'm gonna get ready for work. If you are in the market for some interesting jewelry - please go check out Orange Box Jewelry and don't forget to stop by Lapdog Creations. LDC has a review of some dog treats and a give away!

Happy Thursday everyone - what little things are making you smile today?

Bridgewater - Part 2

2011-09-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

Just a teaser.

I threw the shawl over the bar stool to get it out of the way - and loved the way it looked there.

To be gifted soon.

Small Sewing

2011-09-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I finally made it back down to the studio and re-traced Vogue 1250 without the full bust adjustment - but with the added room through the hips. I had 3 yards of a slippery knit that I picked up at Joanns to trial the changes.

3 yards is enough to cut out the blouse with it's very funny pattern pieces and just enough to cut the free Fringe Festival Knit Top from Fabric dot com. But only because both the front and back have seams.

I cut a 14 through the shoulders and bust, graded out to a 18 at the waist and bigger through the hips. I put in an inch and half hem and the length is just perfect.

The print is brown with orange, pink, yellow and white butterflies all over it. If I make this again - I would do something different with the sleeves - they end at a funky length and make the tie longer and possibly wider so it could be doubled. However - it was comfortable and easy to wear. I wore it with my denim pencil skirt and a white cardigan, tights and brown pumps. Unfortunately - I was home before JB - guess I need to learn to take mirror shots - or figure out the tripod, eh?

Not Much Sewing

2011-09-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

There hasn't been much sewing lately.

After having a bang up Labor Day weekend in the studio - I lost my mojo. I did alter a dress for a friend, but that's about it.

I have been shopping - however. I've bought 6 new pieces of knit fabrics. The past 2 issues of My Image and the Dickens Bag from ShoeDazzle.

I loved this bag when I got the email and had purchasd it within about 30 minutes of getting the email on Sunday. The bag shipped on Monday and was on my porch by Friday.

While it's a bit deeper than I would like - I like it and will use it for awhile.

What have you been up to?

Too Much For Work?

2011-09-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

This is actually my first version of Vogue 1250. It's a lovely heathered brown that I picked up at Hancocks Fabrics. It has a ton of extra fabric across the back width - you notice I haven't show you a photo of my backside in this dress.

Because I have seen so many of you belt this dress, I decided to try that to help suck in some of the excess fabric across the back.

I actually started out the door this morning without the cardigan. Which, if I had known I was going to end up wearing a cardigan all day I would have grabbed blue since I wore blue pumps and blue earings and there is a little bit of blue in the cream belt I added.

Let me ask the garment people - see all the wrinkles above the belt and how much drape there is in the top? Did I add too much with my full bust adjustment? From the waist down the fit is perfect - seriously. It skims my lumps, bumps and curves and while this fabric is a bit too revealing - well I didn't mind too much. But both versions I have made so far (and yes, I think there will be more) have tons of fabric in the top and I'm wondering if I should readjust the top to take some of the extra I added out. I added an 1" full bust adjustment.

As for the post title - when I first put this dress on, I thought it was just too much for work but I ended up wearing it to work anyway.

You've Heard it Existed

2011-09-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

My white pencil skirt that is. Now you can see proof.

Almost immediately after getting the Simplicity skirt to fit one of the first variations I made was to make it a button front skirt. It took nearly the entire month of July to make this skirt and it was honestly months in the planning. I found the blue buttons at Sew Expo at the end of February, then bought the white denim in Portland when I meet Mary.

I cut the skirt out on July 4th, but then realized the fabric has more stretch then I anticipated and it was a bit sheer. So - I prewashed some white muslin I had in the cupboards and slowly starting hand stitching each denim piece to the muslin and then used the denim as the pattern piece.

I had also made a red and white knit tee to wear with this, but the neckline stretched out too much while I was sewing it - even though I stabilized it. When it didn't recover in the wash it immediately went into the round file.

Instead I wore a black, white and red tee that I made a couple years ago from a Vogue pattern.

Bridgewater

2011-09-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

I am busy working on a large square shawl. I had originally picked this pattern to be a new baby gift but once I had picked the lovely green malibrigo wool I knew it would be completely inappropriate for a baby. I mean the pattern itself would be fine, but the yarn is very thin and it's handwash only.

I have to say this is the first time in my knitting career that I have knit something knowing it was a gift and through the process have decided that I really, really don't want to give it away. I promise it will look like something more than a wrinkled blob once it's blocked - which should be soon now.

Anyway someone wanted to know about the last lace border that also finishes this beast.

Let me go back to the beginning - this shawl starts with 1 stitch and you increase every row until you have the desired number of stitches and then you decrease back down to 1. That took a fair amount of time. Once you have a garter stitch square, then you pick up around the four sides and knit 40 rows of a border.

At that point you pick up some waste yarn and do a provisional cast on (one that can be ripped out leaving live stitches) 13 stitches on a double pointed needle.

The final border is worked perpendicular to the shawl over those 13 stitches. On every right side row you knit the last 2 stitches together. Those last 2 stitches, one from the border stitches and one live stitch from the shawl. So for every 8 row repeat of the final border, you are binding off 4 stitches! A row counter is very important for keeping track of where you are.

I have now been working on the final border for more than 2 weeks and I'm just ready to turn the 3rd corner. I'm ready to be done with this and have it blocked.

United We Stand

2011-09-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Being the dog lover that I am - as I think about the events of 9-11-01 and remember all who responded, I also think about the dogs and their handlers who responded. Some have already perished, sadly.

Moxie, 13, from Winthrop, Massachusetts, arrived with her handler, Mark Aliberti, at the World Trade Center on the evening of September 11 and searched the site for eight days. Picture taken from an email - credits to Charlotte Dumas/Bancroft USA.

Charlotte Dumas, a photographer has travelled the country to take photographs of the remaining dogs. Her book is titled Retrieved.

I am so very grateful to all the police and fire personal who responded from around the country. Who are still dealing with the remembrances of that day.

I am also so very grateful to the people who serve our country and continue to give sacrifices for a war that seems to be never ending. If you share your spouse with the military - thank you.

Go read Carolyn's account of her days surrounding September 11 - it's quite moving from someone who lives in NJ and works in NY. And go check out Chan and Angie's posts.

Combining 2 Things I Love

2011-09-08T04:27:00.000-07:00

Dresses and Dogs

This is my second version of Vogue 1250.

It feels almost "too sexy to wear to work"

but wear it to work I did.

and I was comfortable all day and only a little self conscious.

the dogs are Beau and Lucy.

I was holding a squeaker that Lucy liberated

and teasing her with it.

You can't see it - but the back has a bit too much extra fabric.

I think I've figure out how to eliminate that - with the next version.

I spent about 2.5 hours last Friday altering the pattern.

I used Debbie's technique for a full bust adjustment and added another 3" to the skirt.

I used The Sewing Lawyer's info to add to the cowl

and now I'm busy looking for more knits to make into this dress.

Last of the Summer Dresses?

2011-09-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Taking a page from Carolyn's book - I've been on a dress kick. I've also seen this particular pattern on Snug Bug's Blog a couple of different times.

After making a couple of Vogue 1250s this weekend, I cut out Kwik Sew 3758. I made no alterations to this pattern, other than to compare the bodice to my favorite KS tee shirt pattern. I used some white double knit from the cupboard and a very old, but lightweight quilting cotton. I had some sparkly lavender cotton that I used for the belt.

There is a piece of clear elastic sewn to the seam that joins the skirt to the bodice.

I wore the dress Monday night to go out to dinner and then to see The Help. It was cool and comfortable and I could maybe see a few 'grown up' versions for the Fall, but the problem is - the fabrics I see for the skirt for Fall versions (wool, plaids, velvet) are too heavy to gather gracefully into that full skirt.

Pictures before the end of the week of the second V1250 - Promise - I'm wearing it to work today.

Perfect End to a Long Weekend

2011-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

After a lovely long weekend (I don't work Fridays!) - JB and I capped the weekend off by going out to dinner and going to see The Help.

Oh my. First let me just say, I am shocked and appaled. I have a very hard time understanding that people really believed the things that happened in that movie. Believing that people who are a different color have different diseases? Really? And if you believe that - then please tell me why it's okay for them to fix your food, raise and love your babies, and clean your house. And then - did any of those women think for themselves? Seriously. Anyway, I mean I know that it happened, but it was never, ever reality in my world. It just baffles me.

Second - loved it! I absolutely loved it. This is a movie worth buying and watching over and over and over again. The story is magical, the actors are fabulous. I really started to love and care about these characters. I'm sure the fact that I read the book first didn't hurt any.

I will say that I often want a continuance - even after finishing the book I wanted to know if Aibileen was okay. What happened to her?

And the clothes were incredible - lots of inspiration there.

Wedding #2

2011-09-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

The lovely couple during their first dance.

It was very easy to see how happy and in love they are.

This is what I wore to the second wedding.

This was a big party to celebrate. Good times - indeed.

Wedding #1

2011-09-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

On August 27, 2011 not one, but two of our friends got married.

Above is the bride. I've known her since we were 10 or 11.

She's known her groom as long as I've known my husband.

The day was lovely and the Bride was beautiful.

Here I am with her grown son (he was the ring bearer at my wedding 16+ years ago).

Thorsday

2011-09-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Monday was a very sad day in blogland, I got an email from Marjie telling me that dear, sweet Thor had passed. You can head over to her blog and send your condolences. Regardless of how long the dog's life was - it's just never long enough. The give us so much and only ask to be treated gently, loved and given food. The house of MDO&H did just that and I know they have a large gaping hole in their family right now.

Thor as a baby. Wasn't he adorable?

Thor at his 4th Birthday.

Both Chan and Sue have also posted lovely tributes to this beautiful boy.

Rest in Peace Dear Thor, I'm so sad I never got to meet you and scratch your head.

Go To Gift

2011-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

We have been invited to 4 different weddings this Summer! In the spirit of 'going green' and giving something just slightly more personalized - my go to gift has been monogramed napkins. I generally head to the store where the couple is registered, find their dishes and then go find napkins that match.

last Friday I was busy putting an very tailored W on a plaid napkin. This particular couple's dishes are cobalt blue with a medium brown stripe in the pattern. The brown was hardly noticable until you put a brown napkin next to it. (the card was because the groom proposed on the beach when we were in Mexico).

I love how JB laid them out on the table in the B&B to take their glamour shot. I did iron them before giving them to JB to wrap - not that you can tell now.

So what do you think? Is this a good gift or should i just buy off the registry?

Wasted Afternoon?

2011-08-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

So finally - I got a chance to sew something again. I have had this Sew Serendipity pattern on my cutting table, cut out for a couple weeks now. I got the bodice put together and then got sidetracked by ring pillows, wedding presents, and various other sewing projects of the crafty variety.

I wanted to try this pattern before cutting into some of my prettier quilting cottons I bought for summer dressed. The main fabric is a swiss dot that I picked up at hancock last month. Not that you can see it, but the midriff band is a pink spotted quilting cotton. I wasn't going to put the bottom band on the dress, but it was short without it!
I traced the pattern with no alternations other than grading between sizes. I put the bodice together - it's completely lined with white batiste because the swiss dots are very sheer. Once I had the bodice together, I freaked out a bit, this dress has not opening other than the cross over v neck. I figured I wouldn't be able to get into it.

The midriff band is a bit high and it's not level round my body, so I need to alter that before cutting it again.

The bottom band is a quilting cotton that was in the cupboard, not sure what it was bought for, but I know it wasn't a summer dress.

The dress was cool and comfortable to wear and I think with some minor alterations I'll make a few more. Although I really want to jump on the Vogue 1250 bandwagon, I even have the pattern and fabric ready to go.

Thankfully

2011-08-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Today I'm reminding myself of the all the really simple things in life there are to be thankful for, here's some of mine. Wanna share yours?

::charity dog washes::

::being able to keep these houndies in kibble::

::beautiful weather and health to be able to walk the dogs to get their bath::

::side benefit is that the car doesn't still smell like wet dogs!::

:: affording the perfect finish to our yard::

::safe kids::

::knowing that buying fabric because I'm not sewing isn't going to bankrupt us::

::JB asking "what is Webs" while reviewing the credit card statement, and then saying - cool::

::webs is a yarn store - I bought another cardigan's worth of yarn::

::having knitting plans::

So - what are you thankful for today?

Pillow

2011-08-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

The other thing my friend asked me to do was make the ring pillow for her wedding. So of course I had to do this before altering my dress this weekend.

I started by embroidering their names in two colors. They are having a lavendar, mauve as accent colors, so I used that just in the shadow. With white on white. Once their names were embroidered, I figured out the placement of the hand then then added their wedding date under it.

The last thing to do was to embroider the hand adding the ribbons to tie the rings on and then make it into a pillow. It's a 12" pillow form which is the smallest I could find. I overlapped the back pieces by 3" and added no closures of any type.

I can see this living on their bed after the wedding. I hope they like it.

Why?

2011-08-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Do brides do this to their friends? My gradeschool friend is getting married next Saturday and has asked me to be in the wedding. First, let me just say - I think there should be an age limit on being a bridesmaid - and when you're pushing 50 you're too old!

Second - I don't care how thin you are - this dress is not flattering on anyone. Well it's not horrible on the model, but that's not how it looks in real life. This dress was originally $100 at JCPenney, and color we're waiting is a strange mauvy violet.

There is no waist defination that that model has in the photo. And can I just say? a 16 was too big for me but a 14 wouldn't zip over my bust! My friends have all had a good laugh at that one. My rib cage is wide, but my actual bust is small. Today, I took it apart and let the bodice out as much as I could - about an inch and there is no room for anything but me under the dress. Braless at a church wedding - aren't there rules about that?

Goober Momma

2011-08-18T05:07:00.000-07:00

This picture is from last Christmas of the 3 dogs.

They want me to tell you that even though I call Beau the "goober boy" all the time

I'm the goober and he's not.

See - I've been telling people who ask all summer that they dogs were 8

well - yea, they are now!

They turned 8 last Thursday the 11th.

Not 9 - doh!!

Who's the goober now?

Happy Dogs on Thursday.

Remember - don't wish yourself (or your dogs) older than you are.

Slow Sewing

2011-08-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

I know this is not what people mean when they refer to slowing down and enjoying the process.

I just tend to be a really slow sewer these days. I feel like nothing gets completed. There is still a stack of cottons on the cutting table wanting to be summer dresses - um, maybe summer 2012.

Last weekend I had 4 days off - between running errands, cleaning house and all the stuff that had to be done - I managed to make 3 pillow cases. Yep - that's all.

Why yes - they are rather juvenile - but that's okay. I'll be sending them to a servicemember in Afganastan who loves John Deere tractors. It's the least I can do.

The fabric was really horribly printed - but what can you expect from the big box craft store that poses as a fabric shop? They were quick and easy to make and they will make someone's day - what more can you ask of a sewing project?

9!!

2011-08-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

Lucy.

Beauregard James.

I'm feeling a bit bittersweet about this. "They" say the average lifespan is 8-10.

However - my boy had a full checkup this year and he's healthy as an ox.

I'm not going to worry - just give lots of love, hugs and treats.

Happy Dogs on Thursdays.

Toys on Tour

2011-08-04T04:49:00.000-07:00

Beau likes toys as big as his head.

He's not suppose to take his toys outside.

Because when he leaves them out, he won't play with them anymore.

His new favorite 'game' is to take his toy for a tour around the yard.

Bringing it back in.

First they go outside and he shows "big bear" where he sleeps during the day.

Then, they walk the path back to the house.

And come flying back up the stairs to lay down on an inside bed.

It's a tough life.

Happy Dogs on Thursday.

Artsy Fartsy?

2011-08-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

There is a beautiful weathered fence that I drive past every morning on my way to work. The homeowners put the 'good neighbor' side of the fence on the road side and then they planted flowers at the bottom.

At least twice a week, I see that and think I should bring my camera. Friday - I headed out with my camera.

And the inspired by Kate Shawl.

When I walked back to my car, some people on the other side asked if it was a 'travelling shawl?'

Slippery Slope

2011-07-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

I blame Carolyn. I have never shopped at Fabric Mart. No matter how many times she has linked to them or shown her beautiful treasures.

I try to buy most of my fabric locally just to support and keep my local brick and mortars in business. And - regular readers know that just about all natural fibers, with the exception of cotton - sc

are me. I'm not sure how to handle them or what to do.

So yesterday when Carolyn started talking about the Rayon Challis on sale for $2.50 a yard, well I clicked over and I looked at the lovely prints and I added some to a cart and then I clicked away. I mean really - what would I do with them? I asked as much in Carolyn's comments and being the lovely lady that she is, she replied that I would make a dress.

So today with the frustration of having spent the entire month of July working on a single, simple button front skirt - that's still not finished! - I clicked through again and bought 2 of the challis. Both in a large enough quantity to make a dress. I mean at that price - if I ruin it, well who cares, right?

I also added a lovely midnight blue windowpane checked cotton - this is right in my comfort zone and I see it being a dress. I can't decide if it wants to be a slim dress or a dress with a full skirt but I hope it decides before it gets here.

Finally I added another cotton print. It too wants to be a dress. This one really wants to be a button front shirt dress.

I'm happy that in Western Washington I can get 3 seasons of wear from lightweight cottons. They will easily go from Spring right into the Fall. And since it's never excessively hot here, they are fine in the summer too. The midnight blue might go better from Fall through Spring being dark it might like tights and a cardi and be a winter dress.

But the title of this post? Well I got enough fabric today, plus shipping, for 6 dresses for under $60. That doesn't include any notions that I might need like buttons, zippers, thread, interfacing, but those are things I have on hand and they don't really count. If I actually start making sewing progress - I can see this being a bad, bad place to be buying from. I know first hand that Carolyn knows of what she speaks when she talks about fabric quality. And I really don't need a fabulous source of quality fabric to add to my stash. My friend Miss D. threatened to stage an intervention when she saw my fabric on the cutting table when we were doing the floors.

Doodle Bug

2011-07-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

This is Abigail Jane

One of her nicknames is Doodle Bug

Don't ask me - I don't know either

Doodle has a chair

She loves it

JB put her chair in the dog house

Yesterday before leaving for work I looked out and saw this

I was late for work because I had to take the picture

to share with you

Enjoy

Happy Dogs on Thursday

Why I Don't Do Singles

2011-07-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

Early in July I was contacted to test knit another sock pattern. It's a lovely pattern and I said yes. The designer needed one sock in 2 days time.

So - I grabbed some yarn, caked it up, and divided it into two. Then I grabbed some double pointed needles - I have quite the collection that rarely gets used - and started knitting away.

I finished the first sock in record time and then finally started the second this past week. As I was knitting along, I noticed that the yarn wasn't patterning in the same way on the second sock - but I just kept knitting along - sometimes I'd

rather be knitting something I know I'll rip - just to have busy hands.

Maybe you can see it better in the second photo? The bottom sock is the first one and it's easily a quarter of an inch bigger than the second. Quarter of an inch! You say - but really that's half an inch because it's doubled and it will make a difference.

So now it's caked back up and I might start them again this week at knitting but I'm currently working on a shawl and a cardigan and I'm in no hurry to get back to them - regardless of how pretty they are.

Fabric Stack

2011-07-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

This is the stack of fabrics currently on my cutting table. All cottons, all destined to be fun summer dresses.

So am I not sewing? I need to muslin a new pattern - I finally got the Claire Cami pattern after seeing the Snug Bug's cute versions.

The green from the Oliver & S collection is for a button front shirt dress but the rest are combos for Sew Seredipity patterns.

Maybe with my new companion I'll get more sewing done?

Knitting

2011-07-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

A friend decided to knit a copy of the ever famous shawl that Kate wore for some reason. I don't follow royal fashion, but this was cute and doable and was a way to support a friend as she slogged on through the ruffles that never end. My friend is doing the ruffle all the way around, but I only did it on the triangle point sides.

I started this on July 4th and it was small and manageable to have at the BBQ and kept my hands busy so they weren't shoving food into my face. I finished it on the 16th and it's currently blocking - just a soft blocking this time, no stretching, no pins. I will try and get modeled shots this coming weekend.

My New Sewing Companion

2011-07-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

Nope - not a new animal!

A new tv. A giant one. The one that was in the studio was small - it came out of our bedroom

because we never watched tv there.

So - do you watch tv while you sew? Or Spin? Or Knit?

What do you do for background noise? I can stand the silence when I'm cutting or tracing.

I do find some things are easier to have on in the back ground that anothers.

What is your favorite background while you're crafting?

Dress #2

2011-07-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I managed to finish not 1, but 2 dresses. It honestly takes me for-freakin-ever to get anything finished. The last dress took me almost the entire month of June. This one took 2 weekends. I don't sew during the week - I work, cook dinner, walk dogs and knit.

This is the second version of the Monique Dress. This version is fully lined and made from a much, much softer cotton than the first version.

I lengthened the front bodice this time so the waist band is level all around. The lining has an a-line skirt rather than the full, gathered skirt.

Again - I used just one fabric but I do have several 2 fabric versions all ready to go on the cutting table. However, to "spice" it up a bit I added rick rack to the waist band seams.

I can see from the photos that this still isn't perfect. There are some strange wrinkles above the bust, but you know what? It's good enough. Does that make me a horrible garment maker? I don't think so. It's much, much better than anything I could buy in ready to wear. The waistband fits snugly and the skirt floats and skims my belly and hips. It doesn't catch on my rear.

Even lined - it was light and comfortable to wear on one of the first hot days we've had in Seattle. Next up: I have the white denim button front skirt cut - but that's as far as I managed to get this weekend. I was completely unmotivated to do anything. Actually, I think I was fighting off a Summer cold. Now it's back to the work week.

Dress #1

2011-07-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

I have been sewing - honest!

Last September I made a muslin of this dress, but labeled it as the wrong pattern and then set it aside waiting to get help from my ASG group.

In June, I drug the un-ironed muslin to the meeting and slipped it on. For the life of me, I couldn't remember what I thought the issues were - the muslin fit great! So I came home and cut it out of a bright crazy cotton print.

The pattern is Simplicity 3744 - it's a slimmer silhouette than I usually wear, but it was comfortable. It's not perfect, but it's very, very good and wearable.

Again, I moved the zipper from the center back to the side seam - that was pretty tricky to put in with the curves along my side.

Looking at the side view here - I can see I really need to get back to super hoola hoop on the Wii! I wore the dress out to dinner on Friday night and it was comfortable. I was very aware of standing and sitting straight and keeping my tummy in. The dress isn't perfect, the neckline is a bit too wide - and I'll think about how to fix that in the next version.

Happy July everyone!

New Dogs

2011-06-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't get any new puppies - sillies!

I just finally took some new pictures of the ones I have.

Beauregard James - he was quite upset with me. He wanted to get up and I wanted him to stay.

He loves this bed that's in the bay window and will often stare Lucy down until she moves.

Lucy's favorite bed is the tiny little fleece crate pad that I made. It's half her size.

But she curls up on it. She was waggling her eyebrows at me - waiting for me to be done taking pics.

And finally - Abigail Jane. I joked that this year when I brushed her - I brushed all the red right out of her.

Doesn't she look like a fat baby seal? Poor old girl.

Happy Dogs on Thursday!

Let's Go Back

2011-06-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Last month - we took a mini - vacation to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands.

On Friday, our first day in town, we stopped by the Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm. The weather was beautiful and the animals were all out running and playing.

Even though I had already purchased some locally dyed yarn in town. I bought two lovely hanks of undyed alpaca that's just a wee bit heavier than fingering weight. This yarn was donated by the very nice Sweet Alyssum and her picture hangs from the yarn. JB has requested socks.

On Saturday we went past a lovely farm with a sign saying they had sheep. However, on Saturday we were on a mission and I didn't want to stop.

When we happened upon the same farm on Sunday - I told JB to pull in. First the grounds are lovely. Second - he had two border collies who brought me soccer balls - so I was very happy just playing with the dogs.

Finally - the gentleman who owns the farm heard us (he was quite elderly) and came out, opening up the small retail operation. They do some dying on site, sell some handmade goods, have the rare sheepskin rug - and undyed yarn as well as fiber. I went for a small hank of fingering weight undyed fiber. Although both JB and the owner tryed to talk me into buying an entire sheep's worth of unspin fleece. Ever since seeing this post by the Yarn Harlot I have been toying with the idea of spinning. But I still maintain that two expensive hobbies (knitting and sewing) is enough and I don't need to add another.

In other news - there has been sewing - a fair bit of it. I just haven't had photos taken. Soon, I promise.

utilitarian sewing

2011-06-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

Do you do it? I hate it. Hate!

I'm happy to make something from new flat fabric.

But - need a dress altered? Pants hemmed?

Take them to the dry cleaners, please.

JB had 3 relatively new pairs of jeans.

They were too long. Enough too long that he was folding them up.

So - since I was Father's Day I finally hemmed them.

I really wanted to finish the dress I've been working on.

I don't even have proper Jeans thread.

He won't care, he's just happy to have pants that aren't too long.

So - do you do utilitarian sewing?

Monique

2011-06-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

Once again I was suckered in by a pretty picture on the pattern envelope. I also saw a fabulous sample of this dress in Fabric Depot when I was there in March. I had to have it! I had to make it!

The dress is Monique from Sew Serendipity. I adore the way Kay Whitt combines fabrics into a single garment. I love the silhouettes she uses.

I will say - this dress is just a smidge too large for me through the bodice and the fabric I used is too heavy for the style. I used an Amy Butler print that was in the cupboard. I didn't have a coordinating print to break it up - but it was a muslin. I am hoping it will soften up with washing.

I am thrilled with the pattern alterations I made to this - I lowered the bust dart by an inch. I also moved the dart from the waist to the bust toward the side by about half an inch. With the exception of being just a smidge too large - the fit of the bodice is perfect.

Rather than using the facings - I used bias tape on the neckline and armholes. I turned the bias tape to the inside leaving it to just peak out at the edges - like piping.

Verdict - I will make it once more in a thinner, more drapy cotton before I decide.

Same Ol' Same Ol'

2011-06-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

What is that old Orville Reddenbacher saying? Something about finding something you're good at and doing it over and over?

Don't know what I was doing with my face or my hair, but these were taken late last night. I had worn the outfit all day and am looking wrinkled. But that's okay.

The skirt fabric is a printed linen blend. The pattern is Simplicity 2475 which I have made several times since working through the fitting.

This version has absolutely nothing interesting about it - except the fabric. I did use bias tape to finish the lower edge of the facing and the hem. And I stitched them down with a decorative stitch from my machine. But - since I was wearing it you don't get pictures.

There is no kick pleats, vents, or anything else to add walking ease, but you know what? I don't really need it.

My shoes? Adorable dr. scholl's. I now want a handbag this color. There are a little bit tight around my right litte toe, but the more I wear them the more comfortable they get.

And in the interest of full disclosure - I'll share the back view JB decided was necessary as I went back in the house. UGH. Just when I start feel like I'm looking good.....

Parting Shot: Poppies. JB took this photo while we were on Friday Harbor.

Wee Tiny Shawl

2011-06-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have a love / hate relationship with mystery projects. There are certain designers that I love and trust to produce a prodect that I know I will enjoy. Wendy Knits is one of them. So when I came across her mystery shawl (and honestly I don't even remember where I first saw it - maybe on her tweets?) I immediately cast on and started.

Even with a vacation in the middle of all that - I kept up on the clues. The knitting was easy, the charts are fabulous, there are also line - by - line instructions in case you get lost.

If I were to knit this again (and I just might) I would increase the charts and use just a slightly thinner sock weight yarn. And make it pink. I wanted pink this time, but I couldn't find the yarn I knew I had - maybe it already became socks? Anyway - this time?

Yarn: Forever from Miss Babs, this is the "payment" hank from test knitting Maryanne for IrishGirlieKnits.

Needles: Addi Lace US 5s, circular.

Dogs?

2011-06-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

Nope - Alpacas!

From our trip to the Alpaca Farm in Friday Harbor.

I don't have any new photos of the dogs.

Plus - these guys are just taller dogs.

Yarn Tour Continued

2011-06-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

So between Wild Fibers and Beach Basket Yarns we went to more yarn shops - imagine, on a tour of local yarn shops, where else would you go?

So - First stop on today's recap - Knot Just Yarn. This was a tiny little shop in Burlington with some of the best customer service ever. The Musical One found yarn to knit a skirt. They had no quite enough of the same dye lot. So, first they called the distributor to see if they still had the same dye lot, while she was waiting for them to call back, the owner called the next 2 shops we were going to checking with them for the remainder of the dye lot she needed. Yarn was found and purchased and they even threw in a free pattern that I had admired that another girl in the shop was knitting. Sad that great customer service like that is so hard to find.

I bought a tank pattern and a hank of some pink and cream Dream in Color Classy that destined to become a Christmas present.

After leaving Knot Just Yarn, we drove up the road to NW Handspun Yarns. This was another amazing shop. They had tons of fabulous roving, wheels and drop spindles. (More and more I'm thinking of spinning - sssshhhh - don't say a word.) When I go on these road trips - I'm looking for 2 things, first a great time with the girls, second yarns and fibers that I can't get at my home LYS. Like this pretty little hank of Vashon sock made by Rain City Fiber Arts which is merino and silk. It might not become socks.

I also bought a 170 gram ball of Kauni yarn in shades of purple and grey. This would bought specifically with a shawl pattern in mind. When we last visited KAM, she took me to her LYS and I bought a beautiful pattern for a similar shawl (to the link). However, the women there were so rude I refused to buy yarn from them and I've been on the lookout ever since. This sang to me - told me what it wanted to be and begged to come home with me - seriously. How could I refuse?

Next - we stopped by Boundary Bay where we had a fabulous lunch. Seriously good food and local beer.

Our last stop on the tour was still in Bellingham - which really is a charming city - at Apple Yarns. Miss D bought me this beautiful hank of Huckleberry Knits - McIntosh which was a special color way specifically for Apple yarns.

I love it. This will definately become a pair of socks - possibly another pair of cottys.

Hope you all enjoyed coming along on the tour. If you ever want to come for a visit - I've kept the map, we can go to some of the shops we missed.

Catching Up

2011-05-31T04:15:00.000-07:00

Almost 2 weeks ago now, a group of girls ("The Knitting Girls") loaded into my car and we went on a trip. I am very lucky to be a knitter living in Western Washington. There are more independent yarn stores up and down the I-5 corridore than there are in some states. If you don't believe me - check out the Local Yarn Store Tour Website.

<---- That's everything I got. Seriously. And I have plans for most of it - either specific or vague - like socks.

The one thing I was on the look out for was the Valentine Cardigan by Spud and Chloe which I was so happy to find at the first shop we stopped in that I squeeled and scared the poor gal who was working. I have some lovely yellow yarn that Mary sent me that is destined to be this sweater and soon.

The last photo today is a hank of Noro laceweight in pink, cream and brown. I'm not a fan or noro but I love this colorway. This yarn came from the last shop of the day - Beach Basket Yarns. We only made it to 5 shops this year, but it was lots of fun. The sun was shining, we laughed, shopped, had a fabulous lunch - what more could a girl want?

Oh - if you have any pattern ideas for the Noro - please share. I have no idea what I'm going to do with it. Seriously.

Tomorrow I'll share the goodies from the middle 3 shops.

Incredible

2011-05-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

No, not my pictures - never that.

I have stuff to blog - we were on a vacation.

But somehow watching the news and seeing tornados, flooding, etc.

Makes my vacation seem so very, very trivial right now.

The flip side is - I'm sure we're all looking for a distraction.

So - how about I share some unedited photos

because honestly I'm too lazy to figure out photoshop and layers
I'd rather knit, or sew, or cook.

I'd like to introduce Mona. Yes, she is a camel.

She lives in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

JB had just called her across the field and given her an apple.

Mona was very gentle and wanted her head scratched.

Inspired by Bugs? Snug Bugs that is.

2011-05-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Subtitle: Fashion blogger I am not.

A few weeks back, I saw this fabulous outfit that Patty had made.

I adore it - the full print skirt. The striped tee - heaven.

So - I went out and bought the pattern - it's KS 3637.
I pulled an old cotton out of the cupboard that I had used in the makeover of The Musical One's bedroom

(when she was in 6th grade).

Sample - wearable = bonus.

Then I tried it on. Ugh! I hated it. I feel like it accentuates how wide I am.

I ask JB what he thought - and having learned to be a smart man

he said - wear it and ask your knitting girls.

So, I wore it yesterday and I'm asking you. What do you think?

Win or Lose?

It definately is fun.

Cardi Number 2

2011-05-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

So this is my second cardigan of the year (well third over layer if you count the cape).

This was an easy knit once I figure out the right size to knit. With the exception of making long sleeves, I followed the pattern. It's soft and warm and even in very pea green - it was easy to wear and there are loads of things in my closet that go with it.

I do think - looking at the photos - that I need a different neckline under the cardi - maybe a turtleneck? But the collar mostly stayed flat, and even though I blocked it even, one front is slightly longer than the other.

I also think I need to add a large snap under the collar to hold the cardi shut when need be. The problem with that is that the back of the snap would show when worn open.

Even open and floppy - this cardi was easy to wear. And yes - I wore tall boots yesterday and they were totally weather appropriate.

ETA: Pattern is Lilas Cardigan and I used 10 balls of Knit Picks Stroll. Total cost of the sweater was right around $30. Time - about a month.

All I Can Say Is - It's Done

2011-05-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

I spent weeks - probably months in reality working on this outfit. and the best I can say about it right now is that it's done.

The turtleneck is sleeveless and is a KwikSew pattern - no I don't know the number and frankly I'm too lazy right now to go look it up. Any turtleneck that you love will work.

The cardigan is from Ottobre Woman February 2007. The cardigan was finished at the sewing retreat back in March, and then it laid on the back of the couch for weeks waiting on snaps and thread loops for the ribbon. I like the ribbon with the fabric, but not with the skirt fabric.

Once I had the top(s) done, I needed a skirt to wear with it and the skirt that I had originally made to test the pattern is already on it's way to the good will - so....

After digging around in the stash, I cam up with this length of bottom weight mystery fabric. It really matched the green in the knit. So, I got down to business. I've been using Simplicity Amazing Fit 2475 and then adding details to the hemline from an old (OOP) pattern pencil skirt pattern - it's where I got the flounce pattern, as well as the idea for this pleated panel.

The original pattern only had the pleated panels going over the side panels. However, my version goes all the way around - switching directions at the center pack with a deep box pleat. It's lined and I love it. But it's just slightly too snug - different fabrics and all that. I will say - this is a new problem for me - usually once finished my skirts are too big. So for now Lu is wearing the outfit. Hopefully by next Fall it will fit.

Fastest Ever

2011-05-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

Irish Girlie contacted me early in March to see if I was interested in doing some more test knitting for her. We have embarked on a new relationship - one where she sends me the yarn (maybe 2 hanks) and I knit the project and mail it back to her. I like this.

This time the knitting had a deadline. It needed to be ready for it's public debut on Mother's Day.

The yarn came - but the mailman wouldn't deliver it. So I had to race to the post office on Saturday, April 28 - the day before Easter. after running my normal weekend errands, I was able to wind the yarn, divide it and cast on the pair around 3.

By the time I went to bed, I had most of the legs done, but I was nowhere near close. But by the time I went to bed on Easter they were finished! I knit the medium and didn't add a smidge of length. The pattern is Maryann and it's fabulous - true Carrie all the way.

For the record - it rained all day on Easter here, but I did still cook 2 meals, do laundry and other stuff.

Sweet!

2011-05-05T04:58:00.000-07:00

And she'll tell you she doesn't like him.

I don't believe her.

you?

Another Version - Another Variation

2011-05-04T04:42:00.000-07:00

Still playing with Simplicity 2475. This is the straight skirt from their amazing fit collection and I'm thrilled with it.

I used this fabric before when I made a wearable (allegedly) beignet. I didn't really care for the way the beignet fit. So, I took those buttons off that skirt and tossed the fabric. But I had plenty left over from when the girls were wee and i never made them overalls or ruffled denim dresses. Hey - it worked to see how the idea worked.

This time - I took S2475 and instead of cutting the center front on the fold, I cut it as 2 pieces and added an inch to the right (overlap - buttonhole) side and an inch and a half to the left (underlap - button) side.

I had to futz for a bit with the waist bands, but it fits and I like it and now I can more on with real grown up fabric. So - thanks go to Carolyn for getting me to continue working with something that fits and plugging away.

Obviously I was playing on the deck when JB took these photos. And yes - I did wear the skirt to work.

I am so ready for warm weather and to quit wearing layers all the freaking time. Yesterday was May 3rd and while I didn't wear this outfit yesterday - I did wear tights and boots and they were weather appropriate.

So - what do you think? Do this skirt work?

More Finds

2011-05-03T05:10:00.000-07:00

Several smaller, upscale cities in Western Washington have 'yard sale' days.

Honestly - it the one day during the year when everyone puts they stuff in the yards and tries to sell it.

Since we were in one such city on Saturday looking for more dishes.

We decided to just look around.

We didn't come home with lots of other people's junk.

We got the dogs some new toys (kids stuffed toys are great).

and I found one house that had a bunch of old spools of thread - wooden spools!

They are hard to find - granted the thread is no good - but the colors are bright.

I bought 25 small wooden spools, most with thread, the strange plastic sewing box with

a pair of scissors and a strange tool for a whopping $3.

They will be a pretty addition to the studio.

I Did It Again

2011-05-02T05:03:00.000-07:00

We went to an estate sale on Saturday. They had china.

This was an almost complete service for 10 - with serving pieces.

Look how pretty that covered serving dish is.

Inside the coffee cup -a cute little design from the outside.

One saucer was chipped. That's all.

dinner plate, salad / bread plate, soup bowl, small fingertip / fruit bowl.

And now - it's mine! All for a song.

Now to find a place to store it.

Finished!

2011-04-29T05:24:00.000-07:00

Inspiration photo. I found this skirt at chadwicks earlier this year. It really finally pushed me to finish my pencil skirt pattern. I posted the photo and talked about personal style here.

I still haven't done anything about contacting Sal and doing a self-guided makeover. Not sure whether I will or not - honestly, I probably will not. But I do think it's a fabulous idea.

I do wish I had a nice long hall that was uncluttered. Someplace to put the tripod up and take photos in the morning - when I feel fresh and thin and cute, rather than at the end of the day when I feel tired.

So - the skirt is made from some mystery suiting fabric that came from Joanns years ago. I bought when I thought I might actually make pants and took a class with Peggy Sagers - but I'm never going to make pants. So - skirt it is. When I found the inspiration skirt above, I decided to add trim to one of the princess seams. I thought I was adding it to the right side, but somehow it ended up on the left and it's all good.

I spent almost 2 days of the retreat last month working on this skirt. And honestly - I'm a bit frustrated with it. Those sewing gals fitted this sucker to a tee. At retreat it felt very sexy and fitted and ....

Now - it just felt a wee bit too big and sloppy. I mean I don't want it to fit like a second skin, but - hmmm, how do I explain this. And is this why I've fallen off working out with the silly Wii? Probably. How frustrating to fit something and then not have it fit a month later without having your weight change an ounce.

Anyway - the cardigan and shoes are too light - I need to find some taupe shoes and honestly I would love to find a cardigan that is the burnt orange in the top. The bow doesn't stay tied - and how do you tie them? Little loops and long tails, or big floppy loops?

I was however comfortable wearing it all day - and yes the trim does curve up the front a wee bit - but that's because I do too.

Dogs!

2011-04-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

Just a good photo of Lucy. She has the most beautiful eyes.

She has to be in every outfit photo I try to have taken.

Apparently - it's all about her.

Another Prize

2011-04-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

Last month - IrishGirlieKnits started a group over on Ravelry (enough links in that sentence?). Anyway - I posted a photo of my heavily modified socks I was working on from her pattern. She picked 2 winners and I won! I got a lovely hank of Socks that Rocks in some green colorway which is lovely. A paw shaped needle gauge and a beautiful single dog themed stitch marker. This yarn might make it to the top of the sock pile - although maybe not - I'm quite behind on my brown bag club socks.

Thankful Thursday

2011-04-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

I need a little attitude adjustment these days.

so - must be time for a Thankful Thursday - as most weeks I'm always thankful for my spouse who loves me and healthy kids, but this crazy week has also brought others things to the forefront:

*healthy dogs

*my creativity and it's ability to sooth my soul

*learning to dress myself (finally)

*my job - as hectic, crazy and stressful as it is, I'm a valued employee and they work with me and the craziness my life sometimes contains

*taking dogs to work.

Photo from All Saints Clothing in downtown Seattle - I love all the sewing machines in the window.

Quilting?

2011-04-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Remember when I shared the quilt top I had made for the Princess? I started this project when she was in middle school - gathering the fabrics, planning a layout, etc.

About the time we had all the fabrics together and were happy - she had about grown out of sunflowers. Well then I needed something to sew and didn't want to make clothes (the horror!) so I put this together anyway. When she was a senior in high school . You can see the finished top here.

Last Summer I was talking to a friend of mine who has a long arm - because honestly I was going to farm it out for quilting and pay someone. This woman is a fantastic quilter - loves playing with her machine and learning new things. The layout on this quilt gave her the perfect place to play - and honestly, I did not care what was done to the quilt - I just wanted it done.

When she offered to quilt it - I jumped at the chance. Like I said she does beautiful work. She asked some very important questions - like how will she use it - apparently if you are going to wrap up in the quilt, then you want less quilting so the quilt is not stiff and hard.

This quilt is fabulous and flexible and cushy and warm. Now The Princess is waiting on me to find a box big enough so I can mail it to her. She might have a minute to wait since I just mailed these on Friday!

edited to add lightened photos.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

2011-04-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

Completely Frivolous

2011-04-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

Every now and again, I find a fabric that is so completely fun that I just can't pass it up. This is one of those fabrics. It's absolutely perfect for a Seattle Spring Day. Honestly! It's covered in rainboots.

The tee is made from a Hunter Safety Orange cotton knit. It really doesn't have wrinkles across the shoulders - it's simply stuck on Lu's undershirt. The orange tee perfectly matches the orange rainboots in the skirt fabric.

I always wonder what people honestly think when they see me in outfits like this. Is it as bad as the woman at the grocery store in her flannel jam pants and slippers? Honestly? I do wonder if I shouldn't be upping the anty and dressing like I'm quickly approaching 50 - and then I see this adorable fabric and I can't help myself it - it was bought and sewn on Saturday.

Sneak Preview

2011-04-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

It's getting closer.

Need to add tie, buttons, buttonholes.

and yes - there will be a rose on my boob.

Bonehead Move

2011-04-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday, I was downstairs sewing and went upstairs to see what the rest of the family was doing.

For some reason I left the iron face down on the ironing board. I never do that! I was putzing around upstairs for about 20 minutes or so.

It's a good thing I headed back down when I did, isn't it?

Ugh! Lesson learned - always, always put the iron back on the base.

Thanks Go To Carolyn

2011-04-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

And Helen and Elizabeth. Helen and Elizabeth helped with the fitting at the sewing retreat last month.

This dress kicked my arse. I'm embarassed to say that I might have thrown a temper tantrum when I had the muslin pin fit and I wasn't sure how to transfter it to my paper pattern. I was so frustrated (and over tired) that I might have teared up. But I won!

As I said - this is more fitted than anything I generally wear. Actually - that's not totally true. I do wear skirts and fitted tops, but for a dress - this seemed really fitted and I felt like I couldn't breath.

Friday I threw it in the washer and dryer and realized the fabric had never been prewashed before. Honestly - I wasn't positive it was going to still fit after washing and drying. I did wear the dress all day. with the cardigan and the really high brown wedge sandals.
Wow! Do I have some ugly boy legs going on - full of scratches, scrapes and scars. Self-tanner here I come!

Last week when I showed you the almost finished dress on Lu, Carolyn emailed me and suggested I add some fold-over braid around the collar to just make it pop. Well - we have JoAnn's, Hancocks, and Pacific Fabrics in my neck of the woods. I stopped at Pacific Fabrics on my way home Thursday thinking it would be my best bet. I could not find any fold-over braid, so I bought this tiny blue ribbon that is almost an exact match to my buttons. I added to the collar and the front of the dress that folds back on itself.

The ASG gals were very complimentary of the dress - although it appears that the fabric did in fact shrink when I washed it. Luckily it appears to have only shrunk in length. The only comment I got from the ASG gals was that the bust dart was too high and that I want to make a muslin of the just the bodice before making it again.

However - I know the women who fit this pattern and there is no way they would have left a bust dart that needed adjusting. I wore the dress all day - and except for the fact that it's cotton and wrinkles like nobody's business, I wasn't nearly as uncomfortable or self-conscious as I thought I would be.

Verdict? I like it and will make it again.

Hey Look - Dog on Thursday!

2011-04-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

Opps! That's Dog on Couch!

Happy Thursday Everyone.

Shirt Dress

2011-04-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

Sneak peak of my shirt dress. It still needs to be washed to get the markings out and pressed again.

I just bought a fabulous little white cardigan which looks great with this dress.

It does not flare out at the center front on me, but those drag lines from the bust to the hip do exist. I'm not going to worry about it - because the dress fits.

I was under the impression that Lou was now smaller than me. I have learned fitting this dress and putting it on her - that this isn't completely true. My hips are bigger but her bust is bigger than mine. Not fair.

I lucked out and found perfect buttons for this dress. However - they could be a bit closer to the center front of the dress. Again - not going to worry about it.