Sunday, August 23, 2015

dresser rearranging


Ok so here are a couple of the finds from last weekend's visit to Chico.  First up is this dresser.  Mom and I had drive up to Paradise and were on our way  to lunch when we both spotted this at a yard sale.  I quickly stopped and ran over.  I hesitated because I really don't have anywhere to put it but it's in great shape and was a good deal.  So, home with me it came.

I set it up first in the kitchen without the mirror.  I've seen some really cute coffee stations around online so thought I'd give it a try.  

I added a little organizer shelf and set out my teas.


This next set of pictures is the next bargain I found.  It was a set of Vera napkins.  The edges are horribly tattered but the design is still vibrant and stain free.  I think there are 6 (?) that were marked $4 I think.  Instantly I thought I could cut them up and make zipper pouches since I really don't use linen napkins anyway but I love me some Vera!!!  

Saturday I had a little time so I chopped one napkin up and sewed this little notions pouch.  I've been thinking for-ever that I need an itty bitty pouch for stitch markers and my tiny snips.  Et voila!  It turned out really well, and I saved her signature there at the bottom edge :)



Yesterday was a full day.  I had the annual company picnic in the afternoon and then live music and dinner with friends at Lake of the Woods which is about a 40 minute drive.  

So today I was pretty pooped but also determined to get stuff done around the house.  I put a soup together in the crock pot.  Laundry started.  Talked to Mom :) and then tackled the spare oom.  I kind of just shuffled things around a little bit.  I scooched over one of the bookshelves and put the desk in between in front of the window.




















Then I moved the dresser into the room where the desk was and put the mirror back on it.  I rather like it!  I'm thinking now I'd like to make more table runners that sort of match the feel in this room now - maybe vintage sheets?  yes!

You can sort of see the headboard in the mirror.  I'd like to find a frame and get a bed to set that up and have a functional spare oom!  Then I can have proper visitors!  

In other, non furniture news, I am so close to finishing the Thunderstorm MKAL!  I am on the final 2 clues which look shorter than the last clue so I think I'm almost done.  Also, I did sew up another Dottie Angel frock.  Buuuuut, it's kind of huge around the neck/shoulder area so I'm not calling it a win just yet.  I'm going to have to think up some way to cinch it a little without causing too many puckers or excess gathering.





Sunday, August 9, 2015

sewing and knitting and cleaning

This has been the first weekend in a few that I didn't have to be anywhere, work, travel or see anyone, really.  I have to say I got a lot done!  Yesterday I cleaned a ton.  When I'm busy or not home I tend to make little piles of clutter all over, which makes my anxiety level rise.  So, I dealt with a lot of that and laundry!  Remember the rummage sale that we did a couple weekends ago?  Well, I scored this bookshelf from that!  It had been sitting in my living room since the rummage sale!  

So, I lugged it out to the craft house and started putting all my yarn on it.  I've decided that I need a rectangular baskets to put some of the yarn in and one to put my project bags in.  The next shelf may be books.  Honestly I haven't decided if I want to break up my crafting books yet or keep them on the bookshelf they currently live on.

While in Chico last weekend for the reunion, Mom and I made time to pop into the fabric store.  And, it did not disappoint!  This time going in there I knew what they had and delighted by their new stuff.  So, I picked up a few cuts that I wished I had last time including getting more of a couple that I did.
Also!  Not sure you can make out the little scissors on top there.  But, I've seen those style scissors in a few yarn and quilt shops and never bought any.  But tiny scissors are so handy in project bags!  But seriously, those llamas are killing me! killing.  


Aaaaand this little gem.  Alllll over Instagram these dresses with the pockets started popping up.  I figured it was some trendy indie pattern that you had to download and pay beaucoup dollars for.  I was wrong!  I think possibly it started as an indie pattern but the designer sold it or collaborated with Simplicity to make it retail!  Yes!  Finally!  I knew once I saw it was an accessible pattern that I had to have it.  Drove right over to Joann's and it was the very last one!  
Now, usually I'll wait until one of their sales when patterns are $1 - 1.50each but no!  I bought it right then and there.  Still, it was 40% off so like $10!  I was happy as a clam.

Here's the worst picture in the world to show you the finished object:
So.  I didn't add the pockets cuz let's face it I'm a big girl and don't need more attention at my hips! ha.  The top solid fabric is actually an eyelet fabric I've had in my stash for years.  So I just will wear a black slip dress underneath.  The bottom is black with teeny white polka dots and daisies.  I added the white lace which originally I was on the fence about but I think it's gonna stay.

Let's talk about construction.  I had read a few people's comments about it being time consuming because of the binding covered seams and whatnot.  Here's the thing: I've been sewing a looooong time so I don't follow directions.  I use the pattern to get the shape and then I do what I need to do.  So, I only put in one dart in the front to secure the tie and I eyeballed it to where it would be flattering under my girls.  I just hemmed along the neckline and armholes instead of making binding.  Perhaps if I were using a more fray-able fabric I would do that.  But I didn't.  And it's fine.

I think this will be a staple pattern for me just like an A-line skirt and the Esme top.  I have plans to make the tunic version and a solid fabric version.  Maybe with elastic casing in the center front and back for shaping?  endless possibilities.

And, here's my knitty update: The thunderstorm MKAL.  I'm currently on clue 5 which is "downpour" and I'm about 1/2way through that clue.  I really really love this yarn!  It's actually two skeins that I am alternating.  One has the green and one is just pink and plum but they blend really well.  love!





Tuesday, August 4, 2015

lotsa thoughtsa

I have so many thoughts tumbling around my head right now.  This past Saturday was my 20 year class reunion.  My sister in law left the same day.  Visited with my Mom.  A friend (?) asked horribly personal hurtful questions.  New computer system started yesterday at the office.  Bible study ended.  My house is a giant, cluttery, messy, mess.

I feel like a sponge that can't absorb any more.

So.  Reunion: holy crazy cow.  I guess I just live in my world that is quiet and naive.  I don't drink.  I don't smoke.  I definitely don't do drugs.  The reunion was a cacophony of all those things mixed with music, food, nerves and friends.  Just a lot.  I was happily surprised that I had a good time.  I only cried once.  Only tried to escape a couple times, hahahaha.  Missing Scott is always in my head, in my heart.  I wanted him by my side so badly!  I wished if he wasn't that I could say he was working or couldn't make it for some reasonable excuse - anything other than having to say that my husband died a little over 2 years ago.

Here's a couple pics of two friends I hadn't seen for years!
Top photo is my friend Michalyn (Mikie) and me.  We were super close all through Junior high and high school.

Next photo is my friend Matt and me.  I have known Matt since elementary school!  This picture cracks me up because for some reason I didn't put my water glass down?! hahaha 

So one of my 3 sisters in law was visiting for a bit and it was so, so nice.  We had a fun time together.  Scott was the oldest so I've known her since she was 8 or 9 and she is 27 now.  So many shared memories, experiences and comfort.  We could talk about our lives with no explanations, no judgement.  We really packed a lot into the weeks she was here and it was perfect. She is one of Scott's sisters so being able to talk about him was a relief.  Someone who not just knew him but loves him. Also!  We both love the Anne of Green Gables movies.  So cool.

In the midst of processing all these things going on I had a conversation with a friend that I wish had gone so differently.  One thing I've learned in this widowed journey I'm on is that people don't think before they talk.  They ask horridly inappropriate questions with no thought to my feelings.  Like, how was our marriage, what was going on when he died, did he ever cheat on me, why didn't we have kids, why don't I have kids on my own since we had wanted them.  I felt like I had been attacked.  I did not have the wherewithal to say what I should have which is none of those things is anyone's business and if I want to tell anyone anything then I will be the one to say it.  I tried to deflect and keep it light because for crap's sake I was still trying to be NICE!

So.  That's how my weekend went.  And the office is a little chaotic with the new computer system but it's not as bad as it could be.  I am very much looking forward to the weekend where I have nothing planned!  ha!  I am looking forward to putting my house back together and sewing, knitting, stitching.

Oh!  Something cool!  To end on a good note :) My bible study and I organized a rummage sale that raised almost $2000 that we donated to Teen Parent Life which is an organization through Youth for Christ.  It was hard work but so worth it.