Playing Catch-up

Whew! It has been a while......I am still trying to figure out how Divas juggle their family, their craft, themselves and a blog site. Any and all feedback welcomed on this one. That Kelly Ripka commercial makes it look so easy! :^)

What has happened in the last 8 months........

June 2008---Okay---this was summertime. It's either on-line posting or fun in the sun----you know where that left my blogsite, right? Anyway, we treated my hubby to golf and dinner at his favorite spot---Ruth Chris for Fathers' Day. We celebrated 13 years of marriage with a 'kiss'---wink, wink. We had a blast with the boys on our family beach vacation in Ocean City!

July 2008---We celebrated my Mom turning 29 again!! :^) I completed a home decor project (draperies, window seat cushions, roman shades, dining room chair covers, cornice boxes) and a custom garment project (sundresses for a Mommy-to-be).

August 2008---Completed another home decor project----dining room chairs covers and coordinating cornice box with linen shades. Pics to come......... On a personal note, we began our homeschooling adventure----Yay! Another personal note, my god-son started at Bucknell University----Go Christian! Yeah!!!

September 2008----1st Homeschool Field trip to the Balimore Acquarium and the Dolphin Show. The guys had a blast. Completed some alteration projects: bridal gown (removed lace straps & adjusted waist in for better fit) and cuffed hems/waist adjustments on some items from my hubby's closet. (Side note: His tailor passed away about a year ago......so, I'm picking up where he left off. ) After receiving the 'grunt & grimace' approval on the adjustments; I moved forward on a custom vest and pants set. Pics to come. I sew for my little guys all the time and am looking forward to adding to my big guy's wardrobe! This month, we celebrated my Sister turning '21' again? (Ha-ha---remember Mom won't move off of 29). To round out this month-- Vegas Baby- Our Own Girlfriends' Getaway. I have been told several times that What Happens in Vegas.....STAYS IN VEGAS. So, all I can say is that the Hoodie Awards show was so much better than I had expected, the spa at Mandalay Bay was fabulous and B-52s are a wonderful thing!

October 2008---We re-acquainted ourselves to the world of Duckpin Bowling for our youngest son's 3rd birthday---what a knee-slapper! His ball delivery was so slow it got down the bowling lane and started rolling back. Check out the bowling pin backpack party bags (quilted batting, woven straps & belt adjuster) I made for the guests. Interested in having these for your next bowling party? Send me an email.

Model: The Birthday Boy

velcro opening--easy access for the kids and

adjustable belt clip for smaller guests. Also, this month, I turned 23 again...Happy Birthday to me---Yahoo! I began the sewing room organization project---group thread, refold and sort fabric, pull together supplies, clear off cutting board, organize patterns. The one item that I don't have an answer for-----what to do with scraps?? Do you recycle scraps? If so, or have any scrap use ideas, let me know!!

November 2008---Barack the Vote '08! Celebrated Thanksgiving---pulled out the China; prepared a fabulous meal; thanked God for all of His blessings bestowed upon us; prayed for all in need.

December 2008---Celebrated my son's 6th birthday with a family trip to Bumper Cars on Ice. This is the one that had to have an outfit like his Dad's for my mother-in-law's funeral (see earlier post with pics). We had a ball! Also, did the family trip to the Winter Festival of Lights.

Sewing project---and my first pattern review, Butterick #5295.

• Pattern Rating: Easy
• My Rating: Easy
• Skills Required: Pattern measure, sizing, selection, cutout---tracing pattern markings onto fabric--- stitching straight seams, darts, buttonholes & “in the ditch”
• Instructions: Clear with detailed visual aides
• Lining Options: Pattern comes with lining pieces (which I prefer for a better drape on the body). Uses what I call an “envelope” approach---put fabric pieces together, then lining pieces, stitch fabric coat to lining coat @ right sides, flip inside-out, hand-finish hem.
• Oops Moment: Since I altered the collar for a dramatic effect, I altered the side that joins to the back versus the side that is the outer edge. It worked…no puckers.
• Do Again? Absolutely! See next post--- Inaugural Viewing Party ensemble.
• Recommend? Absolutely! It’s a classic look with the waist-defining darts, resulting in a fashion-forward finish. Loved it!

The Choir Director requested a new outfit for the Church Holiday Program that could be worn again for semi-formal occasions. We went with black wool crepe, bridal satin detailing. The jacket/overcoat (Butterick #5295 above) design utilized darts as the 'WOW' factor defining the waistline area. The pencil styled skirt contained black bridal satin detailing at the waist and rear kick-pleat opening (see pics below).

Aarrrgh!! this 2nd pic is determined not to appear right-side up. So, if you tilt your left ear to your left shoulder, you should see the satin trim on the skirt waist band below the olive print fabric.

Lastly, we celebrated Christmas at home. Check out my reversible tree skirt----I used velour fabric and fringe trim pieces (from 3 years ago) for that cozy look.