Stylish?

Michelle at Boulderneigh nominated me for this lovely award. I suspect we have similar styles: muck boots, hay bits and hardworking barn clothes. ;) I'm in good stylish company. Thank you!

Here is what comes with the award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who sent you this award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

I can never decide if the light and fluffy things or the more serious things are better to share, so I'll mix them up.

1. I always thought that floors where made for finger painting and I still believe that.

2. I don't believe in organized religion.

3. I've had a chance to check out 42 of our great states so far.

Vermont is my favorite state, but Maine comes in a close second. Oregon is third.

4. I love politics

5. My favorite flavor in anything is lemon.

6. Even after 50 plus years I can still be appalled by the things people do to themselves and others (of any species) and know I will never find a good "why?"answer.

7. Two qualities I admire most are humor and kindness.

Now, I have to pass this on to 15 others of which I won't come anywhere near that number, new or old friends but I'll give it a go!

Boise Barefoot Weaver, Judy is stylish in her creations and well dressed on those ski slopes too!

Long Ridge Farm: Nancy I know shares all the barn accouterments of style that Michelle and I do, plus some lovely natural dying goes on in her studio!

In Stitches: Sharon won't admit it, but she has style to spare. Her spinning, knitting and weaving are all just fantastic, and I'll bet she has a nice pair of muck boots too!

Eweniquely Ewe: Cindie simply does lovely fiber work. Anyone wearing one of her creations would feel VERY stylish, and she is too!

Miss Maddie's: Even Stella thinks Miss Maddie is stylish as are her cohorts. A beautiful blog.

That's it, 1/3 of the 15 but there you have it.

Parting Shot: Don't be eyeing my bone either....

Meet Rhonda

Bet you thought I was going to show you a new critter! Heck no, but I will show you my newest helpful assistant. Rhonda, the dress form.

You can hum strains to Help, Help Me Rhonda for the rest of the day like I've been doing. Let me tell you she created QUITE the stir last night when the crew got a look at her. Had I not been calming everyone down I would have taken a pic or two.

Once I got her set up and adjusted (which was quite easy), she was ready to go to work assisting. Her first job was to help me overcome my fear of fitting knits and jersey and we did quite well I think. This is a nice heavy cotton jersey with lycra, just perfect for this Marcy Tilton Vogue pattern. It was a dream to have a 3 D figure to pin and drape onto checking for fit.No muslin was done for this pattern, I just jumped right in. The pattern itself has sewn up quite nicely and I'm looking forward to finishing the neck,hemming, tossing it in the washer to clean up the chalk marks and wearing it.

My little handwoven scarf certainly looks happy against the deep chocolate brown.

Her second job was to be a model for the shirt I finished up yesterday.

It is the same Favorite Things Classic Shirt pattern but this time done up in oh so bright companion fabrics. Occasionally, you just have to go with a something a little different than usual!

So, the sewing machines will take a bit of a rest and I'll get back on the looms tomorrow. I'm almost done with the work space(s) reorganization, no looms have left, I'm happy with all of them, but I did finally make the decision to sell the Timbertops wheel. I loved the idea of it more than I enjoyed using it. I've found my little Schacht Ladybug to be just right and very versatile for the small amount of time I actually spend spinning. The Timbertops made it's way to her new home in the Carolinas last week. The sale allowed me to complete my sewing area, place an order for some weaving yarns, add some fabrics to my stash and banish my guilt for not using and enjoying such a special wheel.

A small note of congratulations go out to Hickory, the Scottish Deerhound and winner at Westminster Kennel Club show. My folks had deerhounds for years and they are lovely dogs! Glad to see them in the spotlight once in a while. But wasn't that terrier group something! ;)

Parting Shot: Beauty Sleep (Dreaming of next year's Westminster...)

Whatever DID I Do?

Well, I got that dang table together, with a little help from DH Gene. They include a little wrench and I use that term loosely. That wrench caused a lot of frustration but Gene came to the rescue with a bit more patience and better tools. Note to self, add a good adjustable wrench to the tool bag. All in all it was a funny scene. Gene and I on the floor with table parts and bags of screws, nuts, washers and bolts scattered around and all the dogs on the bed watching intently. Stella learned that she was not welcome when stuff like this is going on and joined the rest of the crew in the (peanut?) gallery.

For the money spent on this it's a great table. It is fairly sturdy, folds well and with the addition of a cover I can iron on it too. Rolls easily over my hard floors and the height is just perfect.

I'm a happy camper. I wish I had had it when I was making quilts. It would have made everything so much easier. I give 4 out of 5 stars. The top could be a little thicker and it probably could be made a bit more beefy and it is made in China. It is available at Joann's Fabric only, as far as I can tell, list price is $129.00USD but they always have coupons and sales. I used a 40% off coupon I had received for it.

The towel warp comes off today and the overshot warp hopefully will get measured out and put on by the weekend. That's the plan at least. And we know all about plans don't we! I also have a post that needs finishing due to a lovely award from Michelle at Boulderneigh and of course I'm still working on the common cold cure....;)

Yesterday both DH and I slowed down for just a few moments to enjoy St. Valentines Day. It's not one of our favorite holidays, but neither one of us needs much of an excuse to give a fun card, have some chocolates and a meal topped off with a nice bottle of wine. I actually got two cards, one via the computer. I hope everyone enjoyed and kept the day in their own special way.

Parting shot: He's been at it again...

Whatever Shall I Do?

There must be others that find themselves at odds about what to do with their Sundays

now that the football season is over. It's not that I don't have anything to do, but one day a week I could beg off all the little things, plop myself in the comfy chair wrapped in a blanket and critters and have the guilty pleasure of being a lazy, armchair quarterback. For some strange reason every time I think about the end of the football season, the strains of Don't Cry for Me Argentina start playing in my head...pitiful, I know.

But I have been somewhat productive. Here is a picture of what is likely the last towel.

I bought this all cotton yarn ages ago for a knitting project. Well, we know how fast I knit and there it was, just begging to be used in something that would be seen on a regular basis.

And of course, some sewing. I finished up a test garment from Favorite Things Classic Shirt Pattern. I'm so happy I bought cotton on sale instead of plain muslin.

Quite often the sale bin at Fabric of Vision contains something a little nicer than true muslin and runs around .50 more per yard. Since I usually buy 3 yards, this means I spent 1.50 extra for a wearable shirt assuming the pattern came out well the first time. It did and I did and here is the picture complete with Mr. Jack who just has to be near always.

It's been a shopping week. I did pick up a second ball of yarn for the overshot planned and while I was there I spied this little pin. Remind you of someone?

It was just too cute not to splurge on. For those that have never been to the Web-sters, along with a huge selection of fabulous yarns. they carry beautiful art clothes, amazing garments done by fiber artists country wide, handbags, hats and some incredible jewelry. This little pin is by a new artist to the store and there was a charming selection of cats too. I might have to scarf another up for a Mother's Day present.

Yesterday Cindie and I met up for a little morning shopping marathon. I needed a few things at Joann's Fabrics, most importantly a cutting table. The floor or my low sewing table, while both roomy, weren't suiting as far as my back was concerned.

JA had one that folds and is a nice 35" height and pretty inexpensive especially when coupled with a 40% off coupon.

Guess I know one thing I'll be doing today for sure..assembly! Buttons, thread and some pant fabrics rounded out my adventure. I dropped off my Bernina for a cleaning and service (Cindie dropped hers off too so they are keeping each other company) and after lunch, Cindie was off to a meeting and I was off to finish up errands. A wonderful way to while away a Saturday.

I also want to show you the lovely little coin purse Cindie made and gifted me with.

How cute is this!!?? Gosh even the little card is adorable. Thank you Cindie, so much!

Parting shot: Don't be lookin' at MY bone!

One For the Dogs

Just in case you're unsure, I am a dog lover. I am a horse, goat and cat lover too. In fact, you could probably substitute just about any animal in those sentences and it would be true. But it is in the interest of dogs everywhere I write THIS particular post. The catalyst was a link that came to my in box which couldn't be ignored. For those of us with pets, we know that at times human medications are prescribed and this addition by the drug companies to drugs can't be ignored. For everyone who has had a dog injured or lame and been advised to give half a baby aspirin, or an over the counter tab of benadryl for a bee sting, this might be a life saver for your dog. Before any pet approved emergency OTC drugs ( and prescription ones too!), come home with me it will be checked and double checked with the pharmacists and the vet.

Here is the article. Read and remember to ask that important question about Xylitol possibly being used as a sweetener in medications.

And since this post is short, sweet, off the cuff and has no parting shot, I'll leave you with this wonderful link sent to me by a good friend. Some of the footage you might have seen, but most of it was new to me and I just loved it. Dogs are Amazing!

The End of the Line

Well, not quite but the end of the long (for me) towel warp is in sight.

Looks like I am going to get one more full towel out of it (maybe two), and then I'll weave off what I can for samples, or wash/dish cloths or maybe to keep aside for creative sewing projects. I varied the treadle pattern on some. This white on white is more textural.

Most of these towels will be set aside towards the gift bank at the Davies household. But never fear, the next project is already more than just a glimmer. I have yarn, I have a draft, and I'll have an open loom. Hannah Hollandia is being dedicated this year to white or mostly while projects. Next one up is an eight shaft overshot

using a natural cotton warp and this lovely yarn doubled for weft.

This is Kauni from Denmark, 400m of a light fingering weight wool.

There are long natural colored repeats and it should be quite interesting to weave with to see what they do. I think I should probably buy a second skein so that I can wind two strands together and have the color sequences similar. We'll see.

The silk scarf warp is done and ready to be put on the loom in a more orderly manner.

It won't be quite as wide as I like as the multi colored silk yarn is now discontinued and what I have is all I have. But it should be enough. Plan B is, if I run short, this will morph into some fab embellishment on a sewn garment. Think collar, pocket or cuffs.

I spent a little time sewing up a test run through on a t shirt type pattern for knits. I have a hard time with knits. I just do. I bought cheap fabric and it wasn't a nice interlock but a tissue paper thin jersey and was just hard to deal with. The shirt came out well as far as technique and construction. Too big, WAY too big, but there is just enough test fabric to eek out a cute little pair of boxers and call it PJ's. When I cut into the good fabric I'll have a handle on the size and construction from this test garment. I also wanted to show you a photo of the new pants on, but this is what I got instead.

Sigh, I even got to take some of Jack along with me on my new pants. Short haired dogs shed as bad, if not worse, than those with long hair.

And speaking of short haired dogs, parting shots: Contraband, the series. The Chase is On!

Please note, Stella flips her ears back when running, making her much more aerodynamic and earning the names Shooting Star or ##&%! Greased Pig depending on the mood of the chaser or the contraband.

Friday Already?!

As the Car Talk guys say, you've wasted another perfectly good week. Not waste really but depending on how you measure these things it might have been more productive. I did not find an answer to world peace, global warming or a cure for the common cold.

I did make a top and pants, do a little weaving, play with dogs. cats, horses and goats, enjoy my Dad's weaving and finished organizing my uber small sewing area.

Let's work down that fun list of what went on.

A test top was sewn and boy, talk about the difference in fit. I am glad this was 100% testing, it fit, but not anything well enough to bother finishing. This was a Burda pattern and the adjustments are so many and short sleeve top patterns so plentiful, we'll just go on and try another pattern. The fabric old and ugly left over from a garage sale find. A third pair of my much loved Sewing Workshop pants was made and I am super happy.

The fit is perfect, no surprises and it is such an easy and comfortable pair of pants you can't lose with this one. The little pocket detail is linen ribbon and matches the warp fibers of this fabric perfectly. Since it is a stretch denim it serves to stabilize the pocket

too. I could have done interfacing but this was much more fun.

I really need to find a good fly front trouser pattern for a more tailored look, and the search is on.

My Dad made another beautiful rug on his beast of a Harrisville/Collingwood loom.

He does a great job at the Damascus edge too and I know this takes a long tedious time, but the results, priceless.

I can hardly wait to get my hands on it for a close up. The offer has been thrown out there to give the loom a try when I head out for my visit.

Sewing room organization really ended up being pattern organizing.

I don't have many, although I did have some older ones and I parted with them for different reasons, mostly style and size. (The horrible vest pattern is sitting BY the trash, so if someone wants to give it a go, speak up or forever hold your peace.) I decided that putting my pattern envelopes in binders, along with directions

and putting the pattern pieces in plastic zip locks and filing them by number would work best for me. I can peruse my patterns organized by type (top, pants, coat etc.) easily and then pull it numerically if I want to use it.

It beats constantly flipping through envelopes, some of different sizes etc looking for just one thing. Plus it's fun to go through the binders and more portable. I can pull the yardage right off the pattern back . If I find a pattern online and I'm not sure I have it, I only need to check the patterns themselves filed by number. Should I get that tight on room, the box of patterns can go into another closet since it's the pattern envelopes that we all start with when choosing the next project.

Parting Shot: In My Own Little Corner, On my Own Little Chair

Onward Ho!

The weekend seemed to slip on by at warp speed. You start to work on something, concentration takes hold and all of sudden, five hours (or more) has ticked away. The same thing happens with a good book and that too added to the speedy demise of my weekend with all of its grand plans!

First up, credit is due for the beautiful images in the previous inspiration post.

A: The Dressmaker's Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques by Lynda Maynard.

This books has so much wow factor I don't know where to start. Actually I do. She has me all excited about binding! Very approachable, very doable and all in layman's terms. I would list this book easily in my top 100 ever. I like it that much.

B: Selvedge is a magazine new to me from the UK. It has fiber arts in many many forms. I couldn't pick a favorite from the issue, they were all fantastic. Painted sacred cows, dogs in lovely sweater gear, a beautiful layout of a blanket designer/ weaver, quilts and on it goes. To boot this was an early birthday gift from a very generous lady. I never would have known about it.

So Saturday was spent not so much being inspired as ignited. I finished my second Yoked Blouse run through and am so very pleased with the results.

It was worth going back for another try. This is easily a top "go to pattern" for a tailored blouse. Changes for edition 2: Smaller rounded collar, band cuffs instead of turn back cuffs.

This version has better sleeve set and the yoke technique for having it nicely finished inside and out worked liked a charm.

Kathleen Cheetham did indeed e-mail back and provided some much needed clarification. That's impressive.

Sharon commented on the color I was using. It wouldn't have been my first choice either but I had scads of this beautiful shirting in my stash and it was a dream to work with.

Sunday I kind of got lost in France reading Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia

Fraser. An excellent read. Of course I was simultaneously watching the Pro Bowl football game and wondering why I bother with it. They are always just awful. The gem in that was hearing Bill Belichick speak three or four sentences. Football fans you likely know what I mean.

I managed to count out what I had measured on the silk warp so far, put a counting string on there and promptly forgot what the count was. Should have written it down, or maybe I did and forgot where....

Parting Shot: Say Cheese!