HO HO HO

I've been on the hunt for a new Christmas tree skirt for years. First I had one my mother didn't like. Then a friend was selling some a friend of hers made, and I bought one and always hated the blue childish aprony looking thing. So a few years ago we sent my son to buy a new one and he got another blue one but with ugly winter scenes appliqued on it. I looked here and there right after Christmas a few times but really just didn't care much on January 3, if you know what I mean. But this year, inspired by the Santa hat as the tree topper and, oddly, a cheap dishtowel, I set out to correct this sad state of affairs. So, without further ado, I give you the Santa suit tree skirt: Up closer you can appreciate the fine detailing that went into this creation. The base is red felt, I thought about fleece but realized I didn't want the drapeyness. Fur trim is a trim on a roll from JA's and the belt is a homedec pleather. Buttons and belt buckle are also from JA's, the buckle from the jewelry section (apparently somehow matched with feather boas. Who knew?). It took a bit longer to put together than I'd anticipated, primarily due to not being able to find a hole punch for the belt and having to wait for Staples to open. Can you see my eyes rolling? This was actually a blast to make, the felt and pleather were so easy to sew. I used my walking foot for most of the project - it did wonderfully. The fur trim came attached to a bias edge so it went on smoothly, I used the walking foot and a double needle. Buttonholes are just cut into the fur, no real buttonholing required as this stuff doesn't fray and they'll only be used a couple of times a year. Oh, and I got to use some circle math. How cool was all that?

In other news, we've lived here about a year and half and in that time we've spent a number of weekend mornings being chased around the room by morning sunbeams. It's really blinding in our den most of the day, there are windows facing 3 directions so it gets sun pretty much all day long. I finally did something about this and contacted a local blind company. Late Friday evening they came and installed 8 sets of plantation blinds in my den and stair landings. The reason for this long harangue? Just to show you a gratuitous picture of Christmas Village. That is all.

New year, New Project

I've been a bit absent lately. My husband was home for the holiday and, of course, there were the holidays. But, I'm baa-ack.

I've made no, well very little, progress on my skirt. I just kind of ran out of skirt steam. It's still hanging out about 2/3 done. I'll get back to it, maybe later this weekend. We'll see.

But first I want to show you my new project. When my husband was home we mentioned he wanted to take one of my quilts back with him to hang on his apartment wall. I gave him a choice of the blue floral or the "snake" quilt - and he declined both. So he then requested I make him a new one. I think he feels a little bad about the yard sale comment. Today was my Friday off, so after doing some work from home, doing some laundry, cleaning out the entire office files and going to the grocery store, I made it to JoAnn's for fabric. I want to make the Oh, Fransson! wonky 9 patch lattice. So I needed 9 "scrap" fabrics and a solid neutral. So, without further ado, here are my fabrics. They are laying on the brown neutral. I hope to get them cut and pieced tomorrow. I should have time since I did most of my busy stuff today.

One of the things we did while the husband unit was home, was go back to Ikea. I wanted another table for my sewing area. It was just too cramped and I didn't like shoving the serger and sewing machine around to use them. I have the room, so why not use it, right? Much better, don't you think? If you look closely you'll see that I took this picture while embroidering. This: Cute, isn't it. It was on a flour sack towel and in the end I turned it into an apron. Why not?

We also took a drive back down to Alexandria for dinner. It was cold! And windy. But I pause long enough for a couple of pictures of the wharf. Yes, that's ice in the foreground. And see the lights on the sailboat mast?

I hope you all had a nice holiday season and haven't broken your New Year's resolutions, yet.

You're a mean one, Mr Grinch

While doing some Christmas shopping the other day I ran across this awesome Grinch tee shirt: Now I'm a Grinch lover from way back and so just had to have it. And it was only $6. But seriously, look at it. It's a men's large and quite fugly. But I had a plan. I added a little Jalie pattern, some Grinch Green thread (who knew they even MADE Grinch green thread?) A little snipping and a bit of serging and sewing. And you get this: Much betterer, don't you think, Max? I kept the original hem on both the bottom and sleeves and removed and reused the neck binding. That was the hardest part - unpicking the binding stitching to use. Ah, yes, it's as cuddly as a cactus and as charming as eel. I so so love me a Grinch.

Novi Expo

Short post this morning. I'm up at 6, drinking a cup of coffee before heading out to Novi. It's about an hour (probably less on Saturday morning, unless MDOT has closed major roads - and they often do). The ASG Sewing Expo 2009 is finally here. It's actually been ramping up since Wednesday, but I'm only attending today. I have an 8:30 class on knits (better not be all serger stuff. I don't have a serger and the description didn't indicate that it was), some free time, a class with Sandra Betzina (looove BS. she has the best techniques. I live for her front fly tutorial), some free time, and a class with THE KING (again, remember that's Kenneth, Elvis is long gone), then free time or come home if I'm pooped. I'll be there with my PR button, my "I made the button, and my SG heart on.
I have my camera and plan on photo's galore, but I forgot to grab the data cable, so I can't post any shots until I get back to DC. Sorry, but just think it's like Christmas - remember the anticipation? Yeah, just like that.
And I apologize for any misspelling or other odd typings. It's 6;30 on Saturday morning. I'm barely coherent. Woo-hoo!

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a nice New Year's Eve, whatever you did. We went out to dinner at a very nice French restaurant in Old Town, then hung out at a Spanish restaurant/bar until after the ball dropped. So I'm moving slowly today and already took a nap. Otherwise, it's football, hot wings and chili for the day.

And a day to (finally) catch up on my blogging. A little.

First up is the wadder that was to become my next pair of "Marlene" pants. I really loved this fabric, it's soft and warm. But I just couldn't get the zipper in right. I told you I was stupid stuck. Well, now I'm stupid done: This was the 3rd complete install and had at least 4 corrections. And it's still wrong. I didn't realize it was still wrong until I'd taken out all the basting and finished the waist band - again. **sigh** And I cannot CANNOT get buttonholes in this. I've taken out 3 and that's not fun. I used 2 different machines, both did okay on samples but not on the real thing. ARRRGGGGHHHH! I really wanted these.

Also disappointing is my Burda skirt from the Vogue fabric. I just missed the match. I thought I got it, but didn't. Obviously. I'm going to hem and wear it anyway. I've bought RTW that's worse, but I'm not pleased.

More fun is the stuff I found at my MIL's. The best are these scissors: My BFF scored a pair of these from her aunt, who would have been a contemporary of MIL, so these must have fairly common in the 50's-ish. If you don't know, they are buttonhole scissors. You can set the screw to limit the length of the cut, start the cut toward the handle and you get a clean button hole. I was hoping to use them on the grey pants. **sigh** I think these are just way the heck cool all over.

I also scored a box of buttons from the dark ages. I really like the purple ones and the red ones on the far right. And a pathetic stash of patterns, but I do like the apron and will make the one top right without the ruffles. Not pictured is a box of Griest hemming feet and tucker. Also pretty cool and I will use with my Singer 201.

My grandniece has been very wary of my son. I think she doesn't understand the chair, but she seemed to get over her fear of the chair over Christmas. Who needs Disney World? We had dinner for 16 on Christmas night. It was pretty much chaos and I'm really glad to be home and more than happy to spend New Year's vegging in front of the TV.
Sometime in mid December my re-admittance into sewing occurred. I guess I could dig out my sewing machine receipt for the actual date, but it doesn't really matter. I have progressed reasonably, I think. Though I really stalled out in November and December. But I started the year with the hounds tooth skirt: and finished the wadder pants. Come to think of it, that doesn't sound much like progress..... I participated and finished the June Capsule, made a couple of Burda patterns, thumbed my nose at my mother's "No Vogue" rule, went to NYC to shop, wore items I made, and organized a friend's sewing space. It's been fun, and I'm glad I started this blog to track my trials, tribulations and successes.

For 2009 some plans are to go back to NYC, likely with a stop in the Baltimore area to meet up with some sewing friends from SG. Make more Burda, thinking about a subscription. Not take out every seam I sew. Make a blouse - collar, cuffs, buttons, that kind. Finish up my dad's estate. Move. Again. Maybe Paris in the fall. Brush up on my French.

So thanks for reading, and hoping 2009 is happy, prosperous and healthy.

A little of this....

It's been a while since I last clued you in on what I'm not sewing. And I have no photo's since my camera is packed and ready for the next trip. So far in December, I've spent 3 nights in Maryland, 4 nights and Detroit and 2 nights in Denver with the days spent either working or getting from one exciting location to the other. I did get to visit Denver when it was -20 degrees. Can you say BRRRRRR!?!?!?! - but at least all the planes stayed on the runwasy. And it snowed in Detroit. We're off to Tennessee tomorrow (12 hour drive) for 4 nights followed by another 12 hour drive to get home. That's if traffic cooperatees. Kev will meet us there on Wednesday. Let's see, that's 13 nights away in this month. I'm tired.

Very little sewing. I'm still stupid stuck on my Marlene pants. Stupid because: (1) I took the basting out of the front too soon so the zipper was off, so I had to take the whole front apart, including the zipper and waist band. (2) I reinserted the zipper backwards. Not a problem if you don't need to actually USE the zipper (3) I top stitched the zipper closed. Again, OK if you don't need a functioning zipper. They are nicely folded awaiting my return from Christmas. I just don't get the fly front. I can't visualize it well enough to get it together right. I've struggled on every one, but this is the WORST!!! But I really want these, so they haven't hit the trash chute yet. I hate sewing stupid. But if anyone knows where there's a tutorial on fly fronts, I would appreciate the link.

I still need to hem my BWOF skirt I made from the Vogue fabric. That's all. Just hem. And it's layed there for weeks. I got less enthused when I realized how poorly I'd matched the fabric. I don't know why I'm so concerned. I've purchased much worse, but I'm still disappointed. I should have created better match points when I traced the pattern, but too late now. HEM IT!

A Canadian friend sent me 2 TWO Deux issues of BWOF. November and December. Decembre is en francais. She was going to send me November, from Quebec, but warned me it would be in French. She surprised me with the added bonus of December. November turned out English and December is French. Shouldn't be a problem because I can read some French, I own a dictionary, and there isn't much to BWOF directions to start with. I'm taking both issues with me to TN and will share with MIL. I'm sure she's never seen how the rest of the world gets their patterns. I'm sure she won't sew with them, but I think she'll enjoy seeing them. There's a number of items in both issues that I want to work on. If I can stay home long enough to do it.

I am officially giving up beading. I gave it a good shot, but just didn't get into it. Notice you've seen only one item and (confession time) it wasn't really finished, nor did I really like it. I'm taking all my supplies - not really all that much - to my niece. She's much better at it. It's all packed up in a baggie and ready to go.

All my Christmas shopping is done and wrapped, I have to make a run to the post office for some late deliveries soon. Then finish work today, pack up tonight and hit the road bright and early. It's unlikely that I'll post again before the holiday, so MERRY CHRISTMAS and travel safely if you have to do it.

Wednesday Night

Well, Christmas is over. Whew. I was right and wrong about gift arrival. One gift didn't make it, but it wasn't the one I thought. A book from Amazon shipped early in December, but never made it. I send an email to Amazon on Christmas afternoon and within 10 minutes I had a response that it would be re-shipped and overnighted. I'll let you know how it turns out, but so far I am majorly impressed. I do a lot of Amazon shopping and really hated to have a bad experience.

I got my purple iPod shuffle, and added my workout music to it. I'm rapidly running out of reasons to not to work out. And a 60 dg wedge, ready for golf season, now. But how the heck am I going to get it to DC? And, best of all (LOL), a new vacuum. My old one ripped up my kitchen floor on Saturday, so it has to go NOW, before it damages the hardwood.

MIL is still here, will leave on Friday morning. We went Soaring Eagle Casino today. Long drive, Kevin came out $100 ahead, I was $13 ahead, Warren $25 ahead and Mom was down $10. Not too bad and better than sitting around the house all day. Maybe go see a movie tomorrow? I'm having dinner with friends tomorrow night at PF Chang's. Looking forward to that. AND, I won't have to cook a freakin' meal.

No sewing, I dug out a few tools, etc., but I think most of my stuff is in a box in the basement. Probably just need to replace as needed, it's all old and there's better stuff out there. Can you sharpen Pinking scissors? I'm going to dig my old machine out of the closet and take a couple of pics. I'll post them here, along with quilt pics (MIL gave a new one to Kevin for Xmas, very pretty, combines quilting and x-stitch). I found the book for my Singer, so I can look up some other machines. Karen may post some pics of sewing stuff she got from her aunt on SG to see if MIL can ID the items. They would have been contemporaries and both are/were sewists. I hope she gets a chance to get them on line while she's here.

We had a repeat looker at our house on Saturday, Mary called today and said its between ours and one other. We'll see, been down this road before. Kacy's a problem, size and breed, but whatever. I'd sure like to get out from under this house. I don't want to live in Detroit anymore.

Well, that's about it for now. Looking forward to getting back to DC, but also will miss Kevin and Kacy. We need to get settled, its been too long. Merry Christmas!

Starting to drift....

It's been a couple of days, knew it wouldn't last. Let's see what's going on:
Spent 2 days in the Defense Leadership meetings. Yep, I feel all warm and fuzzy now. Everything's going to be great, opportunities abound and the horizon is bright. I need a new job. My half boss is coming back to be my full boss, I'm still invisible, and my one fallback quit. The ERC shot down all our future work, nothing going forward.
And my plant looks worse than ever. It may go in the trash tonight.
On a brighter side:
(sortof), my first sewing project may be a wadder. The PJ's are awful. Most of it's the pattern, the legs are just HUGE. Can we say elephantitus? I took them in about 6 inches and they're STILL gynormous. WTF? Also, I hate the fabric. Bleck.
BUT I started my skirt last night, I got it cut out, the darts made and the back stitched together. But it's huge, too! The waist is ok, but the hips look like a discard from "Biggest Loser". I basted the front to back and tried it on, the waist band isn't on yet, and it's terrible. I'm going to lay it out on a skirt that fits and cut it down before I put on the waist band. I really like the style and fabric, so I want this one to work. I think I can get it there, but maybe not until after the holidays, don't know if I'll have any more time to work on it. I need a trip to Hancock for tracing paper and some black trim. There's a fabric flaw (I knew it when I bought it) that I will cover with braid or lace, etc. It was in the plan, and fabric was only $3/yard. Also think I'll double the waist band, I want it wider than the pattern. Trying to get it to my BR RTW, but in houndstooth.
It doesn't look like all my Xmas presents are going to get there in time. One still hasn't even shipped. They didn't tell me it wasn't in stock when I purchased, but I looked today and it still hasn't shipped, not good. I have all the N/N's ready to mail today. I'll do that at lunch - make a run (okay, walk) to the postoffice.
My flight home is EARLY Friday morning, but I got upgraded, so that's a good thing. 6:30 sux, but I'll be home by 8 and can finish shopping. MIL will be with us most of the time we're home. I thought she'd come for a couple of days, but NOOOOOOO, we're talking M-F. Whatever. It would have been nice to spend some family time, for a change.
Thieving cousins haven't come through on their debt. That really bites. I really didn't want to have to go back to courts on this, I just wanted it done. And I know my sister will freak, as well. Can you SEE my eyes rolling?????
Ok, now that I've cheered up everyone, back to work!

Well the Columbia party was a real snoozer. Traffic was bad, I had to drive an hour back so I didn't drink, everyone was out of there by 6: soccer practice, Christmas programs, etc. Thursday nights just aren't great for parties. Tomorrow night is the big one in DC. Bound to be better than last night. But the weather's going to be bad, Warren may be stuck and not get here in time, and he'll be in a foul mood. Who-hoo!
I went sewing maching shopping today and ended up with a Pfaff Smart 200C. Been playing with it, tons of fun, so far. Decorated the hell out of an old pair of shorts. LOL. Bought a couple of patterns, etc. at G Street Fabrics, I'll make a pair of jamie bottoms tomorrow. I forgot elastic for the waist, need to run up to Hancock. I got some knit fabric to try, as well. Never sewn knits before, so I'm looking forward to a new challenge. I'll have to post some pics as I go.
Think I'll post this puppy and call Pizza Hut, now. I'm tired, busy day, lots of traffic and tough decisions.

The Columbia office Christmas party is this afternoon. Walter and Tom Z. are driving up with me. Should be a barrel of monkeys. Unfortunately, I'll have to drive back thru DC, so easy on the alcohol. At least I won't be the one that's remembered for years to come. LOL.

Hubby's off to the Center of the Universe and won't be back until Saturday, hopefully in time for the office party downtown. This leaves me free tomorrow to do some shopping (Christmas & Sewing Machine). NOW, I'm leaning towards Kenmore. Still overthinking????

A nice Friday alone sounds pretty good. Order a pizza & open a bottle of wine for dinner, not too shabby. Got a couple of things on the DVR that I want to see. Then the party Saturday night. Then home next week.

Dying plant's still here. Can't let it go until it totally croaks, I think. I've gone down that road before. Finished Acct Recs, but I need Ron's & Jenn's. Will get mine off my desk. Listening to an AFCAP telecon right now. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Made it to Margarita Wednesday, LOL. It's something to do.

Real Estate agent apparently took pics of the house yesterday. Messed with everything in the house. Unplugged the coffee pot and iron, didn't put it back. Put family photo's under the bed and left them. How rude. I'm never comfortable with people running around my home when I'm not there, but this just really bugs me.

My First Entry on my First Blog

The first step is always the hardest. Where to start, what to say, what font to use.

So: what I've been doing lately?

I want to get back into sewing, so I've been researching machines and websites. I'm about ready to buy. I suspect I've overthought this whole thing, and need to "JUST DO IT" (Swoosh). Looking at the Singer 7470 and I may just "DO IT" on Friday. I have that day off and it sounds like a plan. I'm anxious to get started now that I've decided I want to do it.

I've been following the progress of a friend of mine, from Canada. She has a SCI and went septic this summer following a flap surgery on her ankle. She's finally doing MUCH better, it was very touch and go for a while, she spent about 3 months in a coma and is just now rallying. Really miss her posts on CareCure. I really didn't think she'd make it, but she's stronger than she looks.

I'm so far behind in Christmas Shopping that I'm starting to panic. I have NO IDEA!!! what to get my son. He wants PS3 or XBox360, but that's not going to happen until after he graduates. Seriously, the dude's 21! Get on with it!

I've gone back to the gym after a long absence. And trust me, it shows. Okay, I had a damn good excuse for about 6 months. Not sure about the next 2 years, though. Hmmmm.

My dad died in May, and I am the executor of the estate. It's getting better, over the big hump, now. But there's a biggie coming up on Monday. If that doesn't happen, things could get really ugly. Speaking of ugly, my sister stole $22k from the estate.

And then there's the day job.... That really prevents me from doing all the above.