mended apron

My daughters puppy jumped on me and tore my favorite apron.  So I decided to mend it instead of remaking it into something else.

I found some lovely lace to use.  I also decided that I wanted to do a bit of embroidery.

I have been feeling of the need of all the protection I can get every time I step out of the house so I decided to go with a Native American style bear.  I seem to be drawn to them and I have been gotten told that I am protective as a mother bear.

I decided to make a six inch muslin square.  I was thinking about making it brown linen but decided not to.

After lots of stitches, I know have a mended bear apron.  It is beautiful.  Yes, I know it will get dirty but I that is okay.  Using a lovely thing is pretty fabulous.

new dresses

Before we went on vacation, I had that marathon cutting out session that I posted about.  During that, I cut out two dresses.

I started with the 1911 Sense and Sensibility pattern.  The first thing Russell asked was if I had really used it.  I cringed and told him I used it a a guideline, which was true.  I lowered the bodice by eight inches, widened the skirt to a ninety inch radius, changed the neckline, shortened the sleeves, and lengthened the skirt so I can barely see my toes.

It is really comfortable and actually fits better then it looks here.  I am moving in circles in red shoes.

See!  Red Shoes!  

I also made the dress in brown corduroy.  So I have on in brown and red.  They are so soft that I am afraid I will be too rough on them.  But, I can always make more if I shed them.  I do have that tendency.

Trying to find balance

I know I have only been back in Texas for two days but it has been difficult.  I was enjoying the autumn weather of home.  I was able to wear a sweater and a shawl at the same time.  It was one of my favorite combinations:  a ratty cashmere cardigan and a quivit shawl.  I know it does not sound like it should be enough but quivit is WARM!

Work has been good as far as being work.  But it is not working at home.  Someday, yes?

I started the day this way.  I lit the oil lamps I had made and got to stitching.

I finished another 1911 top and two nine squares.  I am trying to make a nine square a day and put it in a quilt.   Somehow, I do not think this will happen.

Did you know that a circle with a radius of 7.97 feet will give you a circle of approximately 200 square feet?  I am playing with ideas for homes and out buildings even though I am trying not to hope too hard.  No word yet.

new top

I have been feeling like crud.  Having allergies feels like having the flu at times!

Before the allergies hit, I cut all the fabric from yesterday.  One of the things that I cut out was a new top.  Blouses and tops was one of the reasons for my purchase of all the Sense and Sensibility patterns.  I have been having problems finding tops I like and patterns of tops I like.  They are either too big, too short in the sleeves, too frilly, too tailored, too unstructured.  I could go on but you get the picture.  Yes, I am picky and it is one of the reasons I sew.

I took the bodice from the 1911 kimono dress from Sense and Sensibility.  Changed the neckline, shortened the sleeve, flared the waist, and made it shirt length.  This is me following a pattern.  Russell laughed at me and said I just use patterns as guides.

This is the muslin I made up.  It does not look like much but I really recommend a muslin when you modify as much as I do.

Then I put it on.  Would you be surprised if I said I do not like t-shirts?  And this was so comfortable and soft that it may definitely become the "t-shirt" in my wardrobe?  I have already cut out two more.  If I have time, I may add some embroidery or ribbon trim or wait until the next batch but I can say:

I finally found that top that works for me!

What a relief!

my fabulous worktable!

I pulled out fabric on Saturday.

And started cutting.

Finding more fabric

And cutting.

I ended up cutting out:  three tops for me, two shirts for Russell, two half bags, two dresses, and an apron.  If I tried to have done all this on the floor, which was my previous cutting surface, I would not be walking today!  

I (heart) my new worktable!

Thank you Russell!