Tried on all my jeans. Failed to try on the grey dress in question. All jeans are a 'go' for all different reasons. Now, I just have to make a point to wear them all! Except the two I already knew I was going to part with. One too big :( and one too embellished ;) Good news, going to Schaumburg Saturday, badish news, need to be there @ 9:30 a.m. Will shop --
Special Events
Every special event in my life always has some sort of sewing project in an emergency state preceeding it. Usually, a hem.
Pins
I just tried this dress on - the red one. Lots of pins still in it. Sorry to Jane and Maggie, I remember you being so angry about me making you try on dresses with pins in them. It hurts. Sometimes it can't be helped.
Vogue 8241, the blouson sheath! I took it up another 3/4" or so to remove the green bar from around the hem. Looks much better. That bar was weighing down the bottom half - on grain - of the dress. This is a great pattern! I would like to make it again. I believe the whole thing would be nice cut on the bias. Depending on the fabric, of course, but, yes, I would definitely try that next time. With something lightweight. Challis, silk, that's it, wool challis or silk. Faille....................Congratulations......it's a.....
Dress!
Worked on a red tartan blouson shift - yes. Blouson shift. It went from a piece of folded yardage politely waiting for me for almost a year to a heap of red plaid pieces all tangled up in my machine and then, magically, voila! I turned it out and it was a DRESS! Can't wait to wear it come fall!
Worked on a red tartan blouson shift - yes. Blouson shift. It went from a piece of folded yardage politely waiting for me for almost a year to a heap of red plaid pieces all tangled up in my machine and then, magically, voila! I turned it out and it was a DRESS! Can't wait to wear it come fall!
c-c-c-c-c-c-co-ca-coo.............
Cacophony, Catastrophe, Calphalon, Concoction, Conundrum.....what's the word I'm thinking of? Oh, carillon, that's it! Oh, how lovely it is to walk from my car in the morning taking in the smell of freshly cut grass and silence cushioning the happily melancholy sound of the carillon playing earnestly for the campus.
Dress #1
Dress #1 arrived today. It's gorgeous and fits like a dream. It will be a fun one to style with shoes and accessories. It will look great with the wedding colors and I'll be able to get Joe something stunning to wear that will compliment it very beautifully. It's just so pretty. Pretty. The neckline is soft and sweet. It does need about 3 inches taken off the hem. But what dress doesn't need that alteration? Dress #1: check
"yes"
Believe it. People who find out I sew ask me to rude excess if I will 'teach them to sew', 'make them a dress', hem their pants'. NO, no. No. But, on one occasion, to one such request, the biggie in fact: 'will you make me a dress?', I answered 'yes.'
This was also a dress I had to pay for. Construct. Deliver. And, there was even a DEADLINE. What? This dress is precisely why I say no, and the experience had to be turned around in my reality, pronto. Stat. This couldn't have happened to me! Well, the gratitude and satisfaction of a job well done, a pleased young girl, a thankful, inspired, and humble young girl would make it all worth it, right? The money, in excess of $100, the time, no less than 20 hours, the fact that the time was carved out of my schedule according to her deadline, priceless. I was preparing for my own wardrobe needs and wishing to make a frock for Miss Jane, my dear, thankful, humble, polite, joyful companion and friend, Janie-the-great.
No gratitude. No proper thanks. (a quick thank you so much upon delivery was all that was offered). No photo. NOt an email, text, twitter, FB message. NOTHING.
I did it for me. To share, to give, to please myself. For the love of creating. In total.
This was also a dress I had to pay for. Construct. Deliver. And, there was even a DEADLINE. What? This dress is precisely why I say no, and the experience had to be turned around in my reality, pronto. Stat. This couldn't have happened to me! Well, the gratitude and satisfaction of a job well done, a pleased young girl, a thankful, inspired, and humble young girl would make it all worth it, right? The money, in excess of $100, the time, no less than 20 hours, the fact that the time was carved out of my schedule according to her deadline, priceless. I was preparing for my own wardrobe needs and wishing to make a frock for Miss Jane, my dear, thankful, humble, polite, joyful companion and friend, Janie-the-great.
No gratitude. No proper thanks. (a quick thank you so much upon delivery was all that was offered). No photo. NOt an email, text, twitter, FB message. NOTHING.
I did it for me. To share, to give, to please myself. For the love of creating. In total.
Watch [that] Plaid
My newest dress project is looking a little Amish. That's all I see. Amish-ness. I'm still confident that all it needs is a belt, some boobs, and to be shortenend within an inch of its life. Can't wait to accomplish those things! I hope to yet this week and when I do, I think the picture I post will be a significant improvement over this:
Shorts
Metallic muted gold and dark carnation pink brocade ............. shorts! I love shorts. Dress up shorts are my specialty. LOVE them. I hope these don't have just a wee bit too small waist. I thought they would sit a little lower....need to make them again. I won't bring the top in so much and instead let it sit on the hips a little more. The crotch is short enough so as to accommodate such an adjustment. I believe I'll wear these with my pearl colored silk camisole or they might just look funky cool with my navy schoolboy blazer and a scarf. With flats. Heels if i wear the cami.
Frock
Frock Frock FrockI'm captivated, no, fixated, no, consumed by dresses lately. Looking at photographs of them, trying them on, designing them, wanting them, wearing them, making them, even looking at the goods with which to make them. Frock Frock Frock
Be they pretty, provacative, playful, practical, proper, prudent, pretentious, or preposterous, I'm passionate for them all.
This dress is one I own. Mine is brown and I have the perfect pair of metallic brown patent pumps to wear with it. I had it hemmed three inches, it's a size 2 and it fits me like a glove. It looks better on me than the model. I had a nice time in it on the non symphony date Joe took me on in February 2010. We had a lovely dinner at Duck City Bistro and made the discovery that I love red wine and chocolate for dessert. Joe was dashing in a sweater and sport coat. I felt special -- because I was special to Joe. That dress is ready to go out again.
I wrote this over a year ago. I like it.
When I got home I cleaned in preparation for Thanksgiving at my house and did laundry. I had originally set the day aside for lunch and some shopping with Mom and Margie -- they wanted to celebrate my birthday but it was too hectic for Margie and it was cancelled on Friday. That's how I ended up with a whole Saturday free. I got dressed up anyway and had fun on my own. I inadvertently grabbed a pretty melancholy mix cd from my ipod collection to listen to in the car but, hey, it wasn't the radio at least. It was pretty grey and windy. I wore a grey sweater dress, tights and boots. I left my coat in the car. I wasn't in the mood to Christmas shop, so I didn't.
When I got home I cleaned in preparation for Thanksgiving at my house and did laundry. I had originally set the day aside for lunch and some shopping with Mom and Margie -- they wanted to celebrate my birthday but it was too hectic for Margie and it was cancelled on Friday. That's how I ended up with a whole Saturday free. I got dressed up anyway and had fun on my own. I inadvertently grabbed a pretty melancholy mix cd from my ipod collection to listen to in the car but, hey, it wasn't the radio at least. It was pretty grey and windy. I wore a grey sweater dress, tights and boots. I left my coat in the car. I wasn't in the mood to Christmas shop, so I didn't.
I blog now
I raced a storm on my way back to Moline early this evening. Victory is mine~! (sayeth me) I do not bring this to light to brag but to seque into a description of the inspiring sights along the journey. In my rear view mirror, only black, save the construction worker in his monster truck still wearing his neon green tee; in front of me, only blue sky with billowy white clouds just barely aware of impending domination. The wind was kicking up its heels, swirling its skirt and calling out a do-si-do to the leaves and they did their best to spiral, dip, and dive for my amusement. Deep, vivid greens and blues were the backdrop for the leaf dance -- even the browns and greys were captivating and deserved to be noted. So noted.
I never lack for inspiration, always notice and consider the baubles nature provides for my pleasure.
Never lack for inspiration, instead always seek and consider the baubles nature provides for our pleasure. Quotable, I am.
I never lack for inspiration, always notice and consider the baubles nature provides for my pleasure.
Never lack for inspiration, instead always seek and consider the baubles nature provides for our pleasure. Quotable, I am.
Surface Design
I am extremely motivated and inspired toward exploring some of my recent surface design ideas. Lightweight, or not, wool or wool blend tweed with sequins - clear - strewn about. Bright tartans either covered in translucent sequins or pattern specific designs. Application of silk ribbon in random squiggly patterns across silk faille or wool dressweights.
Need
Care. Child Care. Extended Care. Careful. Caregiver. Skincare. Healthcare. Tender, Loving Care.
Big Decision
Shoes. I am preparing to search for leopard pumps, pointy toes, highish heels, calf hair uppers, leather sole. The shoe that will go with everything by virtue of matching nothing. The red tartan dress. Go. Jeans, a graphic tee topped with a cashmere cardi and pearls. Match. Pencil skirt and Brooks Brothers oxford shirt - any color. Perfection. Work. Yes. Play. Of course. Air Travel. Oh, heavens! Summer in Arizona? Screech! Perhaps not. But, do think of them with a white mini and a navy sleeveless shell and a new Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 in damier canvas. Holy Crap.
what to wear
While I am in AZ next week. Can I possibly wear separates to Mastro's Ocean Club? OR, do I need a new dress?
Progress I Made Tuesday
I looked at vintage patterns online, I looked online for fabric, to no avail. Have you ever noticed that most everyone uses the words 'available' and 'availability', but no one really says 'avail'? Curious. I've made the decision to abandon, no, set aside, my summer sewing projects and sally forth on my fall/winter pieces. If I don't, I fear I'll be doing the 'set-aside' on those instead come February or March and then will have spent two seasons, a whole year, not wearing what I've designed for myself. The notions and fabrics are chosen, and I believe that the patterns are close enough to fitting so that no muslins will need to be made for these next three projects.
Of course, one needs no muslin -- it just still needs to fit! My abandoned watch plaid frock featuring a full skirt, long sleeves and an interesting modified boat neck with a slit in the front. This neckline was a dog to match plaid on and it remains to be seen how I did on the skirt with my cavalier casual approach to plaid matching there compared to my insane treatement of the bodice.
Next, a deep navy sueded twill tunic with 3/4 length fullish sleeves caught with an elastic cuff -- I want to replace that with a tie, I think. Perhaps a leather .... thong ..... if you will. The neckline is once again simple and collarless and slit at the center front. This time trimmed by an applied and topstitched overlay which seems to be cut in a western style. Regardless of description, the whole thing lends itself to the accompaniment of my Frye boots, which is exactly what is expected of this garment. High Five deep navy sueded twill tunic! With deep navy tights. And a [new] LV speedy, a 30 in damier canvas, I believe. Set to become my newest child in 9 short days!
Red tartan sleeveless shift with a twist -- a red ribbon belt securing a slightly blousoned bodice. I know 'blouson' and 'shift' don't necessarily describe the same dress but, really, here it fits. Of course, to be worn with either bare legs and peep-toe pumps (red ones are yet to be mine), or tights and standard pumps.......but that seems heavy. The search for the proper red shoe is ON. I think an edgy twist with regard to jacket, accessories and jewelry is in order. Still considering. Girly sandals, diamond earrings and sorority girl pearls just seems too de rigueur, too predictable, too 'I'm 50 and I do what's expected of me'. Just saying.
There you have it. For now.
Of course, one needs no muslin -- it just still needs to fit! My abandoned watch plaid frock featuring a full skirt, long sleeves and an interesting modified boat neck with a slit in the front. This neckline was a dog to match plaid on and it remains to be seen how I did on the skirt with my cavalier casual approach to plaid matching there compared to my insane treatement of the bodice.
Next, a deep navy sueded twill tunic with 3/4 length fullish sleeves caught with an elastic cuff -- I want to replace that with a tie, I think. Perhaps a leather .... thong ..... if you will. The neckline is once again simple and collarless and slit at the center front. This time trimmed by an applied and topstitched overlay which seems to be cut in a western style. Regardless of description, the whole thing lends itself to the accompaniment of my Frye boots, which is exactly what is expected of this garment. High Five deep navy sueded twill tunic! With deep navy tights. And a [new] LV speedy, a 30 in damier canvas, I believe. Set to become my newest child in 9 short days!
Red tartan sleeveless shift with a twist -- a red ribbon belt securing a slightly blousoned bodice. I know 'blouson' and 'shift' don't necessarily describe the same dress but, really, here it fits. Of course, to be worn with either bare legs and peep-toe pumps (red ones are yet to be mine), or tights and standard pumps.......but that seems heavy. The search for the proper red shoe is ON. I think an edgy twist with regard to jacket, accessories and jewelry is in order. Still considering. Girly sandals, diamond earrings and sorority girl pearls just seems too de rigueur, too predictable, too 'I'm 50 and I do what's expected of me'. Just saying.
There you have it. For now.
Picture or Photograph
I always prefer 'photograph' to 'picture'. I don't prefer this photograph, necessarily, but I do want to remember to discuss the day depicted here very soon. Seeing this photo will remind me!
Guilt
Why do I feel like I have to feel guilty if it's 10:17 am on a Saturday and I'm sitting in my jammies surfing the internet and drinking coffee. There's no laundry in, no tub cleaner activating, no dishwasher doing it's part to help while I blog and surf....nothing to asuage my guilt even a tiny bit. :( I feel bad. I have quite the todo list.......my steno pad runneth over. Perhaps I should write 'learn to let go of guilt' on my list and see what happens when I pursue and acheive that.
Seriously,
what is it? My skin looks great again today! I hope it's not the cleanser I'm almost out of from the company I swore off due to poor customer service. Could it be the water I've been drinking? I've been drinking it. Could it be my more intentional, and thus increased intake of protien? Avacado? Cherries? Citrus? That I've NOT been taking Vitamin C (ran out)?
Mystery
Is it sleep? Is it a winning combination of cosmetics? Is it weather related? Is it a relaxed, happy mood vs. stress? Was it the sweating out of salt and impurities from running on the hot days over the past weekend? Nutrition, seasonal, determination? Whatever the reason, I like it and I want it repeated. Repeatedly. My skin looked fantastic yesterday! I'm hoping for another good skin day today.........remains to be seen but all indicators are positive.
Style
I resemble a camp counselor who needs to look decent for the Sunday Morning Ecumenical Worship Service today. I have a half-assed updo which I have decorated with a silk scarf / headband. Sunday service with pool hair.
That being said.......
I'm ready to love this day. Yesterday was an A day. So far, this day needs to be graded on a curve to compete but, I'm hoping that I'lll ace the rest of the tests and bring it up. I put on a navy skirt by mistake with my black shoes and accessories. It could be worse. I could have forgotten fragrance, deodorant, my lunch, my phone, or my gym shoes. I could have worn something that would absolutely ruin my day. Last week, I made a bad choice. Consequently, that calamity also involved navy colored pieces. Hmmm, I wasn't aware that it was time to renew my license to wear navy. And, it looks like I'll have to take the road test if I get one more citation.
Announcements
Teachers: Stop announcing the fact that you have your 'summers off' on Facebook and enjoy summer. We all know you're off.
Rearranging
I hopped out of bed today eager to rearrange my furniture. Living/Dining room/Extra What the heck is that Space for space. Not the bedroom -- it's great....just need a lamp in a different place -- to add an additional one or move one hasn't been determined yet. Only that I can't see into my jewelry box. The balcony is great, no need to rearrange that! Except for that huge cardboard box in the corner. Sorry about that.
Looks like it could be gloomy today. That's o.k. I will cross 'wash car' off my to-do list. That leaves, gas station, change sheets, laundry (delicates -- so visit mom), contact Chris, contact Dad, think for 5-10 minutes about what I want to wear to work this week, food prep for the week, bake?, come up with a strategy for my hair appointments that will jive with my travel schedule for the balance of 2010 (seriously), and say 'yes' to something that will preclude the completion of most of these tasks. I will also be loving and missing Joe. Of course.
Tomorrow, I've got to call my doctor. I'm out of sorts.
Looks like it could be gloomy today. That's o.k. I will cross 'wash car' off my to-do list. That leaves, gas station, change sheets, laundry (delicates -- so visit mom), contact Chris, contact Dad, think for 5-10 minutes about what I want to wear to work this week, food prep for the week, bake?, come up with a strategy for my hair appointments that will jive with my travel schedule for the balance of 2010 (seriously), and say 'yes' to something that will preclude the completion of most of these tasks. I will also be loving and missing Joe. Of course.
Tomorrow, I've got to call my doctor. I'm out of sorts.
What I Noticed Today
The glass bottles I use to make my tea in are one year old. I think about candy an inordinate amount of time each day. I get warm every day around 3pm. What? It grew dark around me tonight. The nest! My ipod is broken. I think. My phone and my DVR will be replaced in the coming week. JCrew's fall preview......Oh, Happiness! Edie Beale goes to summer camp, indeed! Thank you Carrie, Maria, Jane, Dani, Courtney, and GuyWhoHonkedandWavedatmeonBenButterworthParkwayThisMorning.
Decidedly
Today, I'm all for:
Using up errant face products on my hands and feet
Getting to the pool ASAP even if my DVR doesn't get swapped out until ... another time
Turkey burgers, servings of protien prepared Tuesday night to use throughout the week
Coffee
Text Messaging
Sharp pencils
My pencil sharpener
Hope
My balcony, and that the the wicker loveseat on it is beyond comfortable
Using up errant face products on my hands and feet
Getting to the pool ASAP even if my DVR doesn't get swapped out until ... another time
Turkey burgers, servings of protien prepared Tuesday night to use throughout the week
Coffee
Text Messaging
Sharp pencils
My pencil sharpener
Hope
My balcony, and that the the wicker loveseat on it is beyond comfortable
Ok, so, the cure?
For my melancholy mood this morning, the cure was cartwheels, weightlifting, iced water, sharing candy, and discussing hair, clothes and boys with my girlfriends. The cure was fun.
three things at once
I'm watching Julie and Julia; technically, it could be said that it's watching me. But its one of those movies that you're able to call on to keep you company, nice, interesting, educational company, while you do other things. Things like blogging and cooking. I'm also making turkey burgers and boiling potatos for the days ahead.
40 hours
40 hours is quite a great portion of each week to spend sharing a bathroom and having to powder your nose, sip on some coffee, blow your nose, or eat a cookie with constant onlookers. Privacy = Dignity. I have NONE.
B-R-E-A-T-H-E
The weekend I breathed. Deeply. Methodically. Joyfully.
I camped out on the white wicker love seat on my sun dappled balcony. When I fell asleep reading, I slept until I woke up and began that paragraph again. I went to bed early one night, got up early, ran on the river parkway instead of through the neighborhood, got coffee at Starbucks, went to a new grocery store, bought produce, produce, and more produce.
I took flowers the color of face powder to my mom. I forgot all about buying candy. I laid in the sunshine. I enjoyed iced water, iced tea, iced Diet Coke, and a glass of pinot grigio.
I made two fruit smoothies, did two chores, ran two errands, read two books, took two bubble baths, went two days without wearing makeup, and made two decisions. One was to act on each of the two revelations I had.
I laughed, cried, smiled, wondered, cared, and relaxed. It felt good to breathe.
I camped out on the white wicker love seat on my sun dappled balcony. When I fell asleep reading, I slept until I woke up and began that paragraph again. I went to bed early one night, got up early, ran on the river parkway instead of through the neighborhood, got coffee at Starbucks, went to a new grocery store, bought produce, produce, and more produce.
I took flowers the color of face powder to my mom. I forgot all about buying candy. I laid in the sunshine. I enjoyed iced water, iced tea, iced Diet Coke, and a glass of pinot grigio.
I made two fruit smoothies, did two chores, ran two errands, read two books, took two bubble baths, went two days without wearing makeup, and made two decisions. One was to act on each of the two revelations I had.
I laughed, cried, smiled, wondered, cared, and relaxed. It felt good to breathe.
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