Shannon's Blog

I've been reading Shannon's blog (http://hungryzombiecouture.blogspot.com/) and musing over nail polish. I've always been fortunate enough to have "good" hair and "good" nails--I know this from moans from friends not similarly blessed. But, ironically, I've never taken advantage of these blessings. I keep my hair short, wash and walk away. No blow drying, curlers, hot irons, etc. I keep my nails filed and walk away. But Shannon's nails are so pretty she is inspiring me to try a little color. Now if she would again inspire me to get down to my sewing room...I should be at my line dancing class right now, but for the last two days have been hanging around the house and reading. I can't decide if I'm harbouring some kind of germ or I'm just being lazy...but I'm taking no chances, lol. I am making an online committment right here, though, to get to the sewing room and do something about fixing whatever's not right about that machine. So, I've decided that reading other people's blogs is not only entertaining and motivating, but it's keeping me current with the younger generation.

Michael Jackson

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Vogue 8495

This is my latest creation since I finally got back into sewing mode. It's a wearable muslin that I forgot to take a picture of before I went out to dinner with my girlfriends, so it is pretty wrinkled. I wanted to post it now because I will never do it later. I really don't like the blouse so I'm glad I made it out of cheap JoAnne's fabric. I am looking for a quick and easy fitting summer blouse pattern but this looks like a maternity top to me. My girlfriends assured me it's all the rage for styling, but meh. In good news, though, it's occured to me that 8 months after Harold's death I'm finally settling into a good lifestyle for me. It may be just the summer but I'm going to the indoor pool two-three times a week, taking a line dance class, eating out with a girlfriend or two once a week, and playing cards on Fridays. This fills up my days pretty productively, I think. Nancy S. and I also have joined a new real estate company. I don't plan to do much more than keep up with my local market, but it's an enduring interest. Oh, and of course, I'm renovating the house to put in on the market next year. No wonder I haven't gotten to my taxes yet....

Disney

I really haven't died here, but I have been busy with things other than sewing, as can be seen in the picture. Yes, I took my grandkids to Disney World, in late June no less. Temps hovering in the high 90s. But our condo was well airconditioned and right next to the pool. We spent about 3 hours a day at the various parks and then retired to swimming, a/c, and TV. Very relaxing. After a frustrating return (cell phone died, garage door opener died, email account died, bank account messed up) I am back in sewing mode and working on a Vogue blouse which I shall post if it turns out well--right now it's looking pretty good.

Valentino, the Last Emperor

Nina and I went to see this movie yesterday, joining a few girls from my local ASG. It was soooooo good, if you are into fashion. I'm hoping it will get my mojo back. In fact, I sewed for a couple of hours this afternoon. I'm making a pair of shorts for the upcoming DisneyWorld trip. I was going to make a pair of pants, but the fabric was too narrow. Note to self: watch the width of the fabric more in the future! Oh, well, maybe my legs won't be too bad in shorts, at least at Disney, where I've seen worse.

Before and After

I'm excited about the new, spacious look of the master bedroom. Once the heavy old furniture was removed and the walls painted ice blue, I've almost finished painting the new dresser (the mirror is yet to be hung, it weighs a ton). New lamps and floating shelves instead of the heavy end tables will complete the look. I leave day after tomorrow for a Texas visit, so the bedroom must remain unfinished for now. Once I complete the room I have sewing plans. My wrist is recovered enough for that, and when I went to my ASG meeting Monday evening I was inspired to get going again. My sister will probably send me home with clothes from her store and I still haven't made the coordinating items to go with the jackets she sent last time I visited! I have been very good about not adding to my stash while not sewing. The next time I really plan to splurge is a trip I'm planning for the fall to Baltimore (Michael's Fabrics) or, if I really want excitement, New York!!

More Home Dec Accomplishments

Although I haven't really done a lot recently I am pretty pleased with what I have managed to accomplish only two months after I fractured my wrist. The new curtains are up in the family room and the bureau is almost finished; imagine my chagrin when I realized the bottom drawers have longer pulls than the top drawers. So that's on the shopping list. I've also purchased new lamps for the bedroom, and a new dining room table and chairs. Harold's son and his wife are coming today or tomorrow to take out the set that Harold owned and left to them, and I can hardly wait to see the new set. It's the first I've ever purchased entirely on my own so I feel like a college grad just setting out in her first new apartment (although I'm not sure any college grad is anxious to get a new dining room set.) Those chairs in the top picture also belong to Junior, they just can't find space right now. Something else to look forward to choosing for my own taste! Painting the bedroom is next on my list. I have unfinished projects in every room of the house, so garment sewing is way on the bottom of my "to do" list.