Friday, April 12, 2013

Surfacing

Well, I have to say, I AM feeling better. Not 100 percent but a strong 88 and hopefully over the illness hump. The left eye is finally looking normal again. Gene too has been surfacing more and more for longer and longer periods. I had so many fun things planned for this week that went by the wayside. A Swig & Stitch in Medford Tuesday night, a meet-up with friend Mary on Wednesday and an antique show in Redding CA on Saturday. The last hurrah before I buckle down and get things in order for my upcoming trip. The best laid plans......you all know how that one goes.

I did some slow easy sewing, the last of the trip clothing. I did have a bugger matching this pattern. The repeat is deceptively large and as usual, I was pretty thrifty on amounts I purchased.



 This cute organic cotton print by Birch Fabrics  is in a color I adore. Not quite red, not pink but not true coral either. It's the color of a winter tomato. And it has a little fox mixed into the print.



 Someone obviously had me in mind when they went on their spring buying trip. But even without the fox, this print just sings spring and summer.  I couldn't resist adding this little detail to the back.



 It's matched with a second pair of faux FLAX pants in a lovely black and white yarn dye. It reads a beautiful shade of charcoal.  The fabric is a much favored Brussels Washer. I adore this blend. Linen and rayon. Washes and wears like iron, a great all season weight, breathes like linen but the rayon keeps it from excessive wrinkling, holds it color well, good drape and is a dream to sew with. The bonus? It's very modestly priced running between $10.00 and $12.00 per yard. The solids ( like the navy) are the less expensive of the range than the yarn dyes, but at 52" wide, two yards will yield a pair of pants for most. The green wrap top in the previous post is also Brussels Washer so it lends itself just as well to tunics, tops and lightweight jackets. and colors. Now all I have to do is pick the travel wardrobe. Easier said than done!

The week hasn't been without some challenges. The farrier arrived early in the week for spring trims. Needless to say, I didn't much feel like standing out in the chilly morning holding horses, but I did. My two boys came out of the paddock like teenage gangbusters and instead of getting to graze free hand found themselves waiting on the ties at the barn. I will say they were both gentleman when their turn came up. Sweetly lifting each foot for Steve as they started to doze in the sun.  Fox glimpses are consistent and I know the direction of their home base, but with kits likely in the den, I am not going to go looking. Let them do their thing in peace and feel safe with their family where ever it may be located. We have a lone turkey that visits every day or so. I have no idea what has happened to the rest of the little flock. We do hear gobbling up on the hill and down in the gully area front and side of the house. Time will tell if my lame hen made it through the winter.  Other animals are out and about. I heard some pretty serious crashing around one morning, certainly not the foxes who move silently as shadows. Maybe a raccoon pair, maybe an early doe?

Parting shot: Foxy & Omar. I'll get to see this handsome pair of felines soon!

9 comments:

LA said...

So sorry you got the spring crud...it seems to be going around! It looks like you have your wardrobe ready for your trip...now to get packed!

Anonymous said...

Love the fox print top, very cute! Glad you are on the mend and feeling better.

Michelle said...

Even on sick leave you get a lot done! Glad everyone is mending. I know it must be hard to leave your dogs and equines, but those lovely kitties have GOT to be some compensation on the other end. ;-)

gwensews said...

Welcome back to good health. Your top looks terrific. Very nice.

ladyoftheloom said...

So glad you are feeling better, have a good trip to the East!

Mary said...

Good news on your health...and Gene's! I love the jacket/top with the crafty foxes hidden in the print. Have fun choosing your travel wardrobe. What books are you setting aside for those long evenings?

R. Delight said...

Phew! Glad you and Gene are on the mend. I am quite fond of linen and rayon blend too. I spent today going through bins in our garage with my guy and discovered another bin of nice fabric. Alas, I have plenty to sew up!
I love the wildlife report. I didn't know there were foxes in the hills above Ashland. I have never seen a fox in real life.

prttynpnk said...

Wow- you even found pearl snaps to match the foxy fabness!

Judy said...

I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better. It always amazes me how patient you are with the nifty details that you add to the clothing that you create. Have you thought about starting your own pattern line for unique clothes? You'd be great at it.