Snow: It's Not Just For Winter

If I didn't have 12 outside critters all waiting on their breakfast, I would have turned around and slunk back to bed Thursday morning. As it was, my morning greeting committee was down to one (Buzz was staying snug in his barn kip), but Juno had enough enthusiasm on my morning arrival for both Buzz and I.

My kitty escort always brings a smile no matter the weather. I get the three nicker salute when I am halfway to the barn and many times a bleat or two from the peanut gallery. They may have their own selfish reasons to be glad to see me, but they are still glad to see me! The wind was wild, the ride on Bob into it, stinging you into a nearsighted and feral feeling blackness. The snow backed bodies, all nuzzling warmth and good cheer made the thought of being in bed and missing this, a quick and poorly planned thought.

It did make for a good day for sewing though. The second to last shirt is done.

I do love these bell sleeves and did a little linen ribbon trim on them.

The last shirt in process.

And what a process. I am calling it Franken-pattern because I am cobbling together two patterns to get what I want. It all started with this new Vogue pattern.

I loved the small ruffled detail going around the collar and down the sides of the button plackets. Nice full sleeves etc. Looked a little straight in the cut but was sure it would be doable. It says "loose fitting" on the envelope so it MUST have decent ease. Well, maybe if you're Twiggy! I am not and not by a long shot. The body of the pattern simply was too small even at the largest size. Ease my butt! What's a girl to do? Well, I could slash and adjust and add darts and finagle the whole dang thing, OR I could substitute a well fitting shirt body. One I know is cut for a fuller figure.( Note to self: Avoid patterns with no darts at all costs) With a little checking, a little measuring I came up with just such a pattern. A plain v necked blouse pattern out of my Petite Plus pattern book.

So, I'm using a PP body and the sleeves, collar and directions from the Vogue pattern. My main concern is fitting the nice Vogue sleeve into the PP pattern armhole and it's a pretty close match. Either pattern sleeve pieces requires some gathering and easing anyway, I should be okay and the rayon crepe looks to be quite forgiving. I did a beautiful placket on the first sleeve and then realized, I had put it on backwards. I had to take the whole thing off, one tiny black stitch at a time so as not to rip the fabric. Took me an hour. I called it a day at the sewing machine and threw the shuttle a bit on the scarf. I'll be back on that blouse to conquer the sleeve plackets today!

On a rather fun and surprising note, there is another weaver on the mountain! Her name is also Teresa and she has two looms that she is waiting to set up. How fun is that? Her husband is a new volunteer at the fire department. She is a retired elementary school teacher. And she lives right down the road less than mile.

Parting shot: Happiness is a warm friend to rest your head on.