tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207449672024-03-23T13:07:35.845-05:00Whatever is on my mind todayA peek inside my lifemamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.comBlogger381125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-76795394518625533812013-10-08T10:35:00.000-05:002013-10-08T10:35:17.675-05:00How I construct a collar with a collar standYeah, I know I've been MIA for a long time. I should show you the hobbit costume I made, it turned out awesome and I won best of show at the state fair for it (I did really well at the state fair in general this year). Anyway, I've been making some shirts, and I thought I would show you how I construct a collar with a collar stand:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlQuaIJLB3Hn_Xxuj3TxPvJzCZSUbZAs_ZajSvh-hFXxSIfYiCzVu43WVpnAbIzn7vfBLq5jXbEu_otVbAqLRJ-PH8hkITw9mhOVcx4mS6Qdxw65k1UOg-Ja3WSc0DzMd8CH3/s1600/DSC_1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlQuaIJLB3Hn_Xxuj3TxPvJzCZSUbZAs_ZajSvh-hFXxSIfYiCzVu43WVpnAbIzn7vfBLq5jXbEu_otVbAqLRJ-PH8hkITw9mhOVcx4mS6Qdxw65k1UOg-Ja3WSc0DzMd8CH3/s400/DSC_1997.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First, interface BOTH sides of the collar stand, and the top collar. I'm using Fashion Sewing Supply's <a href="https://www.fashionsewingsupply.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=86&osCsid=af471ff5bf3665a08c40cd20335dca12" target="_blank">Pro Woven Fusible Light Crisp</a> interfacing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGQPZMgcTrn1jPyIH513zEQwkAjP6c18jvxnhn39pB135vzUpxNVPjpnPd0uvQep4XBHd5yz3y7BOo3OLZLfOJz3F741zFhdEJ3vlfX0xbhBGehtwXpYaOE7Mqz1X3hSw1vbX/s1600/DSC_1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGQPZMgcTrn1jPyIH513zEQwkAjP6c18jvxnhn39pB135vzUpxNVPjpnPd0uvQep4XBHd5yz3y7BOo3OLZLfOJz3F741zFhdEJ3vlfX0xbhBGehtwXpYaOE7Mqz1X3hSw1vbX/s400/DSC_1999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next, you are going to stitch the collar stand to the shirt, right sides together, with the shirt sandwiched in between. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhA3KvzCw2tdOFtw5cjCoJb632Wg3rlYZurPMtjm0sWpioYU8LkaGL16YpF2JRb5NqSi1SOcELcylOq-9dLWTH5ssczAJRDijRAewBS4LzrDQKqtUS77P65z5Pp8FHFF2Jy4w/s1600/DSC_2001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhA3KvzCw2tdOFtw5cjCoJb632Wg3rlYZurPMtjm0sWpioYU8LkaGL16YpF2JRb5NqSi1SOcELcylOq-9dLWTH5ssczAJRDijRAewBS4LzrDQKqtUS77P65z5Pp8FHFF2Jy4w/s400/DSC_2001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When you get to the shirt fronts, you want to have your needle right next to the plackets. This is where you will pivot to stitch the curve.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-PzuFCy1DNWXYkv3eTp1-RnIN3bQZe8BfMoWICyjgWTbIvOS8Vu8m8C8NwfGcZ43pF8dgXxtDBu1wg5BTlCFrJikF6sdcnxvzbLWPhKzOxRYB1K2md0fNN7qJulSwHNifKdM/s1600/IMG_3196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-PzuFCy1DNWXYkv3eTp1-RnIN3bQZe8BfMoWICyjgWTbIvOS8Vu8m8C8NwfGcZ43pF8dgXxtDBu1wg5BTlCFrJikF6sdcnxvzbLWPhKzOxRYB1K2md0fNN7qJulSwHNifKdM/s400/IMG_3196.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Roll the shirt out of the way and stitch the curve up to where the collar will attach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-afzxBGsyxtRAwzBKJKx30oq6Y5JpRiijWRucHkx7qDGdWbtpET6BkKJeIpfu_PSlqunwXNt77h87aJXYlZgsGQcpDO-ivxEhyphenhyphenYRn5UT_OepXboRsUroD0JOTIOL_VIJvtrC/s1600/DSC_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-afzxBGsyxtRAwzBKJKx30oq6Y5JpRiijWRucHkx7qDGdWbtpET6BkKJeIpfu_PSlqunwXNt77h87aJXYlZgsGQcpDO-ivxEhyphenhyphenYRn5UT_OepXboRsUroD0JOTIOL_VIJvtrC/s400/DSC_2002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trim, clip, turn, and press. Your stand should look like this.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj0pDvOIHOrzmjFr0xe4WHQU_CDvAgDQXK1HyVJVAaf762mTa_34jxEVH0gUTV7ZK_fFJP63N-tUzwgkzn9RF64hCnMag92JdLjUROkVuv4mXahy1EP68kXm0Qmwi8lkTgqvR/s1600/DSC_2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj0pDvOIHOrzmjFr0xe4WHQU_CDvAgDQXK1HyVJVAaf762mTa_34jxEVH0gUTV7ZK_fFJP63N-tUzwgkzn9RF64hCnMag92JdLjUROkVuv4mXahy1EP68kXm0Qmwi8lkTgqvR/s400/DSC_2004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Construct your collar. If you trim a scant 1/8" from the collar edges (not the neck edge), you'll get a nice roll on the collar when it's worn.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8v9jMFutcN9aHv7lJ9AcbmjHyzcXIrsdRGIO7B1ItgNSuUExsd__wUmREv034tIQ0peFoJyg_coX_10uT-f3EIAQTKmvnTX7-5q9uWQh44gEcZBBXUt2IREU8tupdVDRFIX2/s1600/DSC_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8v9jMFutcN9aHv7lJ9AcbmjHyzcXIrsdRGIO7B1ItgNSuUExsd__wUmREv034tIQ0peFoJyg_coX_10uT-f3EIAQTKmvnTX7-5q9uWQh44gEcZBBXUt2IREU8tupdVDRFIX2/s400/DSC_2005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stitch the collar to the stand, putting the undercollar next to the outside stand.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTo7W2FtsKeE0-q8RC-sWG1kxKbqmFF9RCrdqYd2BfftJhpIXoAnAGmQoM4NsQKiHBTMD8bW82ox3Qta7bC3T3TagxU9zcZXqb1AbAu0wgjIeRYqHOTsY8K03SDYI6wOIjl_t6/s1600/DSC_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTo7W2FtsKeE0-q8RC-sWG1kxKbqmFF9RCrdqYd2BfftJhpIXoAnAGmQoM4NsQKiHBTMD8bW82ox3Qta7bC3T3TagxU9zcZXqb1AbAu0wgjIeRYqHOTsY8K03SDYI6wOIjl_t6/s400/DSC_2006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trim your seam allowance on the collar stand, turn it under, and cover the stitching from attaching the collar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgfQOFNZdrjsV04V50TKwUnsB9IsKNtt5xWDrObdkGfJ9LUVuPaMmWfAIS9hyphenhyphenYOqwD-Jl9MEtYCkznQo0l4Itl3GcgPxykRAcn4jQiOB5og_xN76NpbN9Aq-0PTlD0AUAiGDS/s1600/DSC_2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgfQOFNZdrjsV04V50TKwUnsB9IsKNtt5xWDrObdkGfJ9LUVuPaMmWfAIS9hyphenhyphenYOqwD-Jl9MEtYCkznQo0l4Itl3GcgPxykRAcn4jQiOB5og_xN76NpbN9Aq-0PTlD0AUAiGDS/s400/DSC_2008.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Edgestitch all the way around the collar stand. I usually start and stop at a shoulder seam.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aGaAD86sEkLP1bhhvKWfiwPpO3w6w7zsk8Iq6yg4f02XYiK-6UTFH4pSlu1I4j3fud2VDPORxJyO8M1o1qWO8oLcyCsReaNpbISoY158Ya-jp1cRGCIbtm7TePTsyG3Hp_Jf/s1600/DSC_2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aGaAD86sEkLP1bhhvKWfiwPpO3w6w7zsk8Iq6yg4f02XYiK-6UTFH4pSlu1I4j3fud2VDPORxJyO8M1o1qWO8oLcyCsReaNpbISoY158Ya-jp1cRGCIbtm7TePTsyG3Hp_Jf/s400/DSC_2009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The finished collar!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9yFxF8iryQK3AZzcS9tmbbR3RhZTdubCF0FYW1Q7StYxX61GDZiAi8n1t7QUIgK7LxkH9dB7WO3TwXnHhsUgIbT31fxkH8p59MHThmztkbU4lxnDiRyIq8iBsubJSiDdQURX/s1600/DSC_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9yFxF8iryQK3AZzcS9tmbbR3RhZTdubCF0FYW1Q7StYxX61GDZiAi8n1t7QUIgK7LxkH9dB7WO3TwXnHhsUgIbT31fxkH8p59MHThmztkbU4lxnDiRyIq8iBsubJSiDdQURX/s400/DSC_2010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Inside.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrp9WakWThy2iGSbw-8SPIzPKAkmoLBlDdiZOvhx6ByL-Mh9WszDn44NloRZAij5xisc9JCwhoUgcBQSOv7JlqXiBZQD753UaTUmxY0HirSRZ8RSQ6xUDSuHIR3H6lSlbme4z/s1600/DSC_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrp9WakWThy2iGSbw-8SPIzPKAkmoLBlDdiZOvhx6ByL-Mh9WszDn44NloRZAij5xisc9JCwhoUgcBQSOv7JlqXiBZQD753UaTUmxY0HirSRZ8RSQ6xUDSuHIR3H6lSlbme4z/s400/DSC_2011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Outside.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyaa_EMlKhnpV6vN0BLi-8ndqKlHXj42Zx8IB8QQ42UDh5iVy9udhVpx_SBYXXW6BGdeFABAgasgPq3UOYjR_WC8jiyoSqxxRdDRr4uMA7G5i9eicaEyMtDqw_0IJcTutAVC_/s1600/DSC_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyaa_EMlKhnpV6vN0BLi-8ndqKlHXj42Zx8IB8QQ42UDh5iVy9udhVpx_SBYXXW6BGdeFABAgasgPq3UOYjR_WC8jiyoSqxxRdDRr4uMA7G5i9eicaEyMtDqw_0IJcTutAVC_/s400/DSC_2012.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-42609977317318725892012-07-15T15:46:00.000-05:002012-07-15T15:49:44.059-05:00New Look 6136I made a birthday dress for my niece. She'll be 2 in August, but I wanted to get this entered into the fair (drop off is tomorrow). This was so fun to make!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sTArPDdLxwvyeu0cifY6nlY4m3EdKt0qcpY8DLWb3_xkFvxgjA5LMdGs2OC3yc3e0W7c1fJZa-EVNDV1vPFRvNb75ll1c9OBqtfSY_4l4SG56VSrjMgasEEH6wMRN1046XTl/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sTArPDdLxwvyeu0cifY6nlY4m3EdKt0qcpY8DLWb3_xkFvxgjA5LMdGs2OC3yc3e0W7c1fJZa-EVNDV1vPFRvNb75ll1c9OBqtfSY_4l4SG56VSrjMgasEEH6wMRN1046XTl/s400/DSC_0043.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>I fell in love with <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-7555-toddlers-dress.aspx#t-0">New Look 6136</a> when looking through the pattern books. I used an old Amy Butler print from the Ginger Bliss line, and found this great orange print at Joann Fabrics. The bow is removable for washing.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7SqiFK1f3_Va_UpUwH-uqDThhFJD8tRuWNxwQhe3irR5IV4UXVIglCi6fl2YUvyYfI9duBMzmns2fKyeSlX6t7dYeVYJ6cNenFj9UoI46D6R67m0sq9CSSNCc9BERY2j06yA/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7SqiFK1f3_Va_UpUwH-uqDThhFJD8tRuWNxwQhe3irR5IV4UXVIglCi6fl2YUvyYfI9duBMzmns2fKyeSlX6t7dYeVYJ6cNenFj9UoI46D6R67m0sq9CSSNCc9BERY2j06yA/s400/DSC_0050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I constructed it a bit differently than the directions. The bodice is lined, per the pattern, but I completely enclosed all the seams, instead of having a raw edge at the waist. I also trimmed the back lining so that I could sew it to the back piece and then have the back flat (I don't think I'm making sense). Per the pattern, they wanted you to cut the fabric and lining using the exact same pattern pieces, stitch them RST at the neckline and back, then fold over the back section for the buttonholes. I didn't like that, so I did it differently.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7oOih5eQMbz-FqZF9O9WBLEHF_hhA4R6u_WE7iLHQ7UVrjSU5MnCemaaZD_PtlkkubAlReGO3KFR2spSJv_ZQeBmyX9OGpy1O_AHfGEN6UZ3x7PpW7OfFyK6ur5GmgvlOapz/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7oOih5eQMbz-FqZF9O9WBLEHF_hhA4R6u_WE7iLHQ7UVrjSU5MnCemaaZD_PtlkkubAlReGO3KFR2spSJv_ZQeBmyX9OGpy1O_AHfGEN6UZ3x7PpW7OfFyK6ur5GmgvlOapz/s400/DSC_0042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The pattern calls for the bottom band to be interfaced, but I felt that would be too stiff, so I omitted it. To put the band on, I first did half the miters, like this. Then, once I knew those were stitched well, I did the rest of the band, with the other miters. If I tried to do the band all at once, I'm sure I would have messed up the miters that I would not be able to see. <p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTTiTTHURKtKkD2o6N8TJDuQpN1n9ePcRIzn5_cTzvcblFxNQDkObSlnGY0O6j7-El6zgscjCwOacpRCc1-c05uynwKPAtUx2McXg0k_Ou4gNXybMUASxSDuUF6Swjz5THwzv/s1600/49copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTTiTTHURKtKkD2o6N8TJDuQpN1n9ePcRIzn5_cTzvcblFxNQDkObSlnGY0O6j7-El6zgscjCwOacpRCc1-c05uynwKPAtUx2McXg0k_Ou4gNXybMUASxSDuUF6Swjz5THwzv/s320/49copy.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><i>(I don't know why this picture keeps uploading sideways.) </i>Since the side seams are the only exposed seams, I just did a clean finish, instead of using my serger. <p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPuRMsejGui9h7UcfmtSoPoKJnbreBrFBgfeYLkFmgbbX3VttdRFMrYoiUr7XMC9fJaGi5mzkiWeIGCIGxyCmZlDGdox94X_MkVhaz-qXd_q4DAPN0_9PJWQtCywEacQ9nGZ5/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPuRMsejGui9h7UcfmtSoPoKJnbreBrFBgfeYLkFmgbbX3VttdRFMrYoiUr7XMC9fJaGi5mzkiWeIGCIGxyCmZlDGdox94X_MkVhaz-qXd_q4DAPN0_9PJWQtCywEacQ9nGZ5/s400/DSC_0048.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>Three little buttons close up the back, and the cuteness just kills me!<p>
Judging is on Thursday, so we'll see how I do. For children 4 and under there are 2 categories: Play Outfit, and Any Other Garment not Listed. This particular dress is going in the latter, or what I call the "everything but the kitchen sink" category.mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-46879177957072121392012-06-02T11:41:00.000-05:002012-07-30T15:46:04.231-05:00Vogue 1027I made another dress:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sOZ57e4C12f_ipemPnSimXCt5z9i9BgfQsXqk4ZWkQgzsI7GzBqoo8VOdBMFpMBkCi__HHnaMGVgIdgNV_7H2vHSUFecSUz-7NwTGFinlzm3MFRmbndwE3LbNW7re5tS74JK/s1600/DSC_9697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sOZ57e4C12f_ipemPnSimXCt5z9i9BgfQsXqk4ZWkQgzsI7GzBqoo8VOdBMFpMBkCi__HHnaMGVgIdgNV_7H2vHSUFecSUz-7NwTGFinlzm3MFRmbndwE3LbNW7re5tS74JK/s400/DSC_9697.JPG" /></a></div>
This is <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1027-products-7881.php?page_id=854">Vogue 1027</a>, and it was very quick to make, cutting it out Wednesday night, and stitching it up Thursday afternoon. I made a size 12, with a 1" FBA and I lengthened the bodice 1" (to have the sash closer to my actual waist).<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhrr-PU37KbPqJaIFRRRtgSaO6UGEh0LMT3h0B4GFZweC3xhvHKV7s6PyvlGRuWKTEmwhrAOomn7F_Iz24UKAQ7_aImCT1DJJV8_CgPB-lGDzOiljHqmmDgfpv63p-J7yUA-z/s1600/DSC_9698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhrr-PU37KbPqJaIFRRRtgSaO6UGEh0LMT3h0B4GFZweC3xhvHKV7s6PyvlGRuWKTEmwhrAOomn7F_Iz24UKAQ7_aImCT1DJJV8_CgPB-lGDzOiljHqmmDgfpv63p-J7yUA-z/s400/DSC_9698.JPG" /></a></div>I'm really happy with how this turned out. There are pockets in the skirt too.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnyjaS0aQ7eKjk3arc35zGE3MzP3WD9acHMTTCEJtB-mRcDYtWAa2wSqnIpP_8Sz5wpxVO1cSjZceL2VKOb4-h2zqOVZ-rwvLAGZxTr625wCL2dHu3dp9q4io7KO1ZW3hKjdx/s1600/DSC_9700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnyjaS0aQ7eKjk3arc35zGE3MzP3WD9acHMTTCEJtB-mRcDYtWAa2wSqnIpP_8Sz5wpxVO1cSjZceL2VKOb4-h2zqOVZ-rwvLAGZxTr625wCL2dHu3dp9q4io7KO1ZW3hKjdx/s400/DSC_9700.JPG" /></a></div>
I rotated the resulting dart from the FBA into the two existing pleats. Now the armhole area lies nice and smooth. I used my coverstitch machine for the neckline, armholes, and hem. I am seriously in love with that machine!<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="275" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo-6.jpg" /></a></div>I wore it last night to Calvin's gymnastics banquet.mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-3835145287795611122012-05-22T10:51:00.000-05:002012-05-22T13:47:15.199-05:00Vogue 1282I made a top and skirt last week:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Calvin and I had to go to a bar mitzvah on Saturday, and of course I needed something nice to wear. I decided on <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1282-products-16413.php?page_id=174">Vogue 1282</a>, out of a grey knit I've had in my stash for, oh, 8ish years. It's some sort of synthetic, and is spongy. I made a size 12 (for reference, my measurements: chest 33.5", bust 39", waist 31", hips 40.5", I'm 5'2"ish and wear a 34E). Both pieces went together really quickly.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo-2.jpg" /></a></div>The top is only one pattern piece. I added about 1.75" to each side of the CB seam at the hip. I didn't need to add that much -- it fits fine but I think I'd like it a bit snugger so that it bunches up more. The pattern calls for the top to be cut on the bias, which is stupid, because it's out of a knit. I ended up cutting it cross grain, as my fabric was only 45" wide. Since it's a 4 way stretch, cross grain isn't a problem.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo-4.jpg" /></a></div>After stitching up the CB seam, I tried it on, and needed to take the neckline in. I took it in about .75". <p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo-3.jpg" /></a></div>See how nice it lays with that adjustment?<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/vogue1282side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="378" width="200" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/vogue1282side.jpg" /></a></div>The armholes are finished off with a straight grain strip of fabric. I used a .25" seam allowance, as they would have been a bit low with the standard 5/8" one. I'd heard the neckline was low, so after trying it on I stitched it up another inch. It's still low, but hey, when life gives you curves, flaunt them.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/photo.jpg" /></a></div>I put lingerie guards to keep the top sitting correctly all the time.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/1282back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="478" width="200" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/1282back.jpg" /></a></div>The skirt went together very quickly as well. It's only 2 pieces, 3 if you count the straight grain strip for the elastic waist casing. I shortened it 3" above the split, and I'm thinking I might take it up an inch or so more. There are 4 tucks in the front of the skirt along with multiple tucks in the side back seams.<p>
One more picture of Calvin photobombing me:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/vogue1282-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="374" width="200" src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/mamafitz/vogue1282-1.jpg" /></a></div>mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-34265459446651448222011-11-17T15:13:00.001-06:002011-11-18T16:38:57.370-06:00My Sewing Room: AfterWe worked solid for those four hours and check out my sewing room now!!!
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyGiCkaMUEqCiZ0sIaQD6fksOHMdX3LpHZB6VNsndEFCNOlN0DMehKUEEusJUOMGwDC8_bm7lf46yiMlhYeH4ATiAGFi7qYTQdlwmFlUwXw15dW8NJyak41-Hz78YYYCVwidU/s1600/sewingroom5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyGiCkaMUEqCiZ0sIaQD6fksOHMdX3LpHZB6VNsndEFCNOlN0DMehKUEEusJUOMGwDC8_bm7lf46yiMlhYeH4ATiAGFi7qYTQdlwmFlUwXw15dW8NJyak41-Hz78YYYCVwidU/s400/sewingroom5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We started in this corner, with the bookshelf. Right away, she made some boxes for me to put stuff in. We had Donate, Office/School supplies, To Go Through Later, Toys, and Half-Price books. At first it was hard to start, but once I got going, it was pretty easy. I decided that this room is a good place for the school/office supplies, so as I got areas cleared, she got that stuff put away. You can see, in the very corner, about 3 boxes that I need to go through. They have things like picture frames, music cds, and important papers I need to file. The grocery bags are either books that have already gone to Connor's classroom, or outgrown clothes that have been passed on to a friend's 4 year old son. The white box has school supplies, and is now next to the computer (which you will see below). The white basket tower thing now has 2 sections for projects, a section where I put things to put away later (and I'm not allowed to let it get full!), and some empty binders that I'll use when I file my patterns. I also plan to take another pass through the bookshelf and maybe weed out some more books. The drawers are completely clean and organized with office and school supplies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvDlQR8sb3tzeVfS5efUSqt9iR-me8VRAlFCwEX2zKSq0H8Jc0Km4yeKC6WCKmTnICTY1C9vhfSh1N22zt1ZwswRlxYpIFSZzA3FvNJg_ir8B_hEyNh8oOC86_ufSTqHJ4dKg/s1600/sewingroom9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvDlQR8sb3tzeVfS5efUSqt9iR-me8VRAlFCwEX2zKSq0H8Jc0Km4yeKC6WCKmTnICTY1C9vhfSh1N22zt1ZwswRlxYpIFSZzA3FvNJg_ir8B_hEyNh8oOC86_ufSTqHJ4dKg/s400/sewingroom9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Check out my clean floor under my ironing board! You can now also use that door. She gave me the idea of getting some bookshelves to put on either side of the bay window, and then using canvas totes (I'm thinking like <a href="http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/2010/07/more-sewing-room-progress.html">Debbie's</a>) or some sort of uniform containers to corral stuff. I see a trip to IKEA in the near future. I also have lots of ideas on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/mamafitz/sewing-room-ideas/">sewing room Pinterest board</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35TmNLNe-orUMu97Urd_XcIW1phiXGZcZYo0sUijI2vAIX1hK89PrMXw43VQaUew6BzUiWAr0r4M6wOnLTOVPIDDc6C58COs61EqImoDE_Zt7nkrm9eIuqMewmzpbnFPDRgOt/s1600/sewingroom8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35TmNLNe-orUMu97Urd_XcIW1phiXGZcZYo0sUijI2vAIX1hK89PrMXw43VQaUew6BzUiWAr0r4M6wOnLTOVPIDDc6C58COs61EqImoDE_Zt7nkrm9eIuqMewmzpbnFPDRgOt/s400/sewingroom8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
She also suggested painting the paneling a pale color. Other friends have suggested that also, as this room is pretty dark at night even with lights. Right now I'm leaning towards a warm grey or cool beige. I'll also be taking down that ugly curtain rod. I'm still not sure as to what type of window treatment to do. I want the window to stay open, because that looks right out onto Lake Michigan, and is beautiful. In the cabinets underneath is where all my fabric is stored.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZlyWhHWtp-tQ6ybg1hh1b3MYTCXFCKV5wVJK8Zmi882A8KwB321hiYl1P3108SIeCjnLRBNFG6ydOzGm28K4NAIefk0zQ1YmKzipNQ26JJw4MTzcUrLmA-LaEaQJhywOGb3H/s1600/sewingroom7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZlyWhHWtp-tQ6ybg1hh1b3MYTCXFCKV5wVJK8Zmi882A8KwB321hiYl1P3108SIeCjnLRBNFG6ydOzGm28K4NAIefk0zQ1YmKzipNQ26JJw4MTzcUrLmA-LaEaQJhywOGb3H/s400/sewingroom7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My sewing table is clean! It's clean underneath too! That large mirror is going to go, either to a friend or a consignment shop. It's large (about 3x5 feet), and I have another mirror in the basement that I'd rather use, which is maybe 2x6 feet. More appropriate for fittings, as I'll hang it vertically, probably over by the built in bookcase. Then I'll figure a better location to hang the thread racks and my drawer thingy that's sitting on the table right now. This is as far as the organizer and I got, before we ran out of time.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCuC6omSeBREJ1sNOgdam1OW1gWYGll2Sc9LkIUrhcC56MRhrSQ1TZ1oAJby3ZHkdbDYI4TF5juBDLzn_5F3jlOWbq2di3zxyUUkoWf1Hj0heY6hd82hlQNfGl7FJwT7V_w0W/s1600/sewingroom6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCuC6omSeBREJ1sNOgdam1OW1gWYGll2Sc9LkIUrhcC56MRhrSQ1TZ1oAJby3ZHkdbDYI4TF5juBDLzn_5F3jlOWbq2di3zxyUUkoWf1Hj0heY6hd82hlQNfGl7FJwT7V_w0W/s400/sewingroom6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So, my homework was to finish up my computer area....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhGTH1Q31PiPIUOrYEDoPGTO9yEYEYY4C8Itx8lKpITeyAs-vDiRPYAOPXgvb-FtUeZNMLFZRP3RwYDGS1YFSMV2uvB7tkwlpXZ563DrjoO4QMQAWtrViQzTXM-kOXxZNqGBN/s1600/sewingroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhGTH1Q31PiPIUOrYEDoPGTO9yEYEYY4C8Itx8lKpITeyAs-vDiRPYAOPXgvb-FtUeZNMLFZRP3RwYDGS1YFSMV2uvB7tkwlpXZ563DrjoO4QMQAWtrViQzTXM-kOXxZNqGBN/s400/sewingroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
....which I did on Monday night. I boxed up the old desktop, which wasn't functional, and put it in the basement. I'll get the data and pictures off of it after the holidays. I still need to clean off the clothes rack, though half of it will be gone tomorrow when some alterations get picked up.<br />
<br />
I've been sewing in here every day since! It is so nice. I've also been a good girl, and cleaned up my mess each time I finish, so that I can keep the room looking good. Next I plan to have a friend come over and help me go through my fabric stash. I'm pretty sure I like and want everything that I have, but I would like another set of eyes, and I don't want to keep anything I don't have a plan for. Right now I have a few things in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150453401253032.457874.791233031&type=1&l=d01af765c2">Facebook album</a> that I'm offering for sale or trade.<br />
<br />
<i>edited to add: Gwen asked if I learned anything new. No, I didn't. Basically, she said everything needs to have a place (and first I need to ask myself does whatever I have even belong in this room or would it be better suited somewhere else), and everything needs to be put in its place. If the boys want to bring some legos down here to play with, that's fine, but they need to bring them back up to their room when they are done. I asked her why was this so hard for me to do alone, but easy when she was there, and she said it was because I didn't know her very well, and so we didn't sit and reminisce about stuff that I found, and I didn't stop and play with things I found, and she kept me focused. She wouldn't let me delay a decision, and if I wasn't sure about something (do I donate it? do I keep it?), she'd ask me to justify keeping stuff. If I had good reasons, that was fine. I hope to paint over the school winter break, so hopefully I can show you some more pictures in the new year. </i>mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-34546818664561725852011-11-17T15:03:00.001-06:002011-11-17T15:06:55.426-06:00My Sewing Room: BeforeBack in May, I won a 4 hour session with an organizer at an auction. I knew I wanted her to help me get my sewing room in order, and last Saturday, we finally got together. I took some pictures of the disaster before we tackled it. It actually didn't look this bad when she got here, as I tried to do some stuff ahead of time. However, this room had become the "we don't know where to put it so we'll put it in here" room, and was really really out of control. Be warned, these pictures aren't pretty...
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9DtR902U1Br3lArAiZs75r4RjbRll2n3cpF5s8aIg2XzrFX6cQWChALSvRd2u6uUITerh7sQP3L7_wDNJyIn5S6CpteMakAAw6-_eV5aemOXg-W11znN_CgELRziwbY0ofvk/s1600/sewingroom4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9DtR902U1Br3lArAiZs75r4RjbRll2n3cpF5s8aIg2XzrFX6cQWChALSvRd2u6uUITerh7sQP3L7_wDNJyIn5S6CpteMakAAw6-_eV5aemOXg-W11znN_CgELRziwbY0ofvk/s400/sewingroom4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetHXkrZequVadB8q8ZlBBcs-mg92_E-VK9yZjAb9zOqYPXpG5iVOJ7nP8_8JDHc25h48x2-1M4PneqBst8h8p5g77lekHutZFKGI2Om5OD-LkqKo0mqF5TN3a4UU8ZP8yLmFy/s1600/sewingroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetHXkrZequVadB8q8ZlBBcs-mg92_E-VK9yZjAb9zOqYPXpG5iVOJ7nP8_8JDHc25h48x2-1M4PneqBst8h8p5g77lekHutZFKGI2Om5OD-LkqKo0mqF5TN3a4UU8ZP8yLmFy/s400/sewingroom1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHikylowfbtXHanfIEJCyJkjATSb2BkWNjLQdMmFGjmAFgHPU2GW-8eSEuZwtemJft0f-NfenWOS-MK91bWbhoUcotv3DsDUaTjxOHeAiovx-kuhPa2rnDW0WaFalMjcdKVNHP/s1600/sewingroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHikylowfbtXHanfIEJCyJkjATSb2BkWNjLQdMmFGjmAFgHPU2GW-8eSEuZwtemJft0f-NfenWOS-MK91bWbhoUcotv3DsDUaTjxOHeAiovx-kuhPa2rnDW0WaFalMjcdKVNHP/s400/sewingroom2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YQcQwGOzdidl8pKu0TCh9OrAuNrKHoH9_3G48JvFr0LaZL1iqGtk24iAFDVGc0ieHU3SJ1uLIGrffTwP8374RAU5Axb_nXqCEf-t9na5F-VEaFvTkRvAIpiO4j_-Rfj9mH19/s1600/sewingroom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YQcQwGOzdidl8pKu0TCh9OrAuNrKHoH9_3G48JvFr0LaZL1iqGtk24iAFDVGc0ieHU3SJ1uLIGrffTwP8374RAU5Axb_nXqCEf-t9na5F-VEaFvTkRvAIpiO4j_-Rfj9mH19/s400/sewingroom3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I know, right? Somehow, I still managed to work in here, though not very well, and the disaster here is probably why I haven't been sewing much. Next up, the after pictures!mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-81540087072336904362011-10-24T08:57:00.003-05:002011-10-24T08:59:58.154-05:00My friend Rowena <a href="http://www.romesticity.com/2011/10/youre-not-behind.html">has a post up</a> that I think my sewing/knitting/crafty friends might like. You might recognize one of the rooms (or at least recognize the alias).<br /><br />Remember that 4 hour session I won with an organizer? She's coming November 12. Hopefully I'll have some great pictures to share.mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-13385429671115745742011-08-24T19:07:00.008-05:002011-08-24T20:08:30.870-05:00It's A Girl!As of Friday, we finally have another girl in the family.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAaYFK46wCvuweVK4oaN2SJmiJq1DS9tTayGIwAlbGG-AO45TqycDTjVPh-7ix2NVQaKfoVKopWoXEs6KH4UyWbCWZUUYG5hql1sJ0vO2yy0DslJf_iI6nY_w26kQS12CaQ2h/s1600/puppy1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAaYFK46wCvuweVK4oaN2SJmiJq1DS9tTayGIwAlbGG-AO45TqycDTjVPh-7ix2NVQaKfoVKopWoXEs6KH4UyWbCWZUUYG5hql1sJ0vO2yy0DslJf_iI6nY_w26kQS12CaQ2h/s400/puppy1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644580454212846242" /></a>This is Esperanza. Sometimes I call her Chica for short. Maybe she'll be a bilingual dog, since I talk to her in Spanish half the time. She's almost 4 months old, and weighs 4 pounds. I think she'll eventually be about 6 or 7 pounds, like her mama. Best of all, she's already house-trained.
<br />
<br />My mom saw a flyer at the VA (where she works) stating "Pom Puppies for Sale, 10 weeks old, to a good home". She knew we've been looking for another dog (and having no luck with the WI Humane Society or the rescue groups), and took the number down. I phoned, drove out, and got a dog! :)
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL16sxvYHPNotHJFmn1KtmOG21SK5byRiZ4JBRmY8H_zTsYlQcP6st5LQevkOfcq3kEVY-7h0H8njdIzyA7NGRw3YV5ghQqqKSq2tTSoNhy6nTQWEqsQV-Q4QrbT9FmxSfOdrZ/s1600/esperanza.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL16sxvYHPNotHJFmn1KtmOG21SK5byRiZ4JBRmY8H_zTsYlQcP6st5LQevkOfcq3kEVY-7h0H8njdIzyA7NGRw3YV5ghQqqKSq2tTSoNhy6nTQWEqsQV-Q4QrbT9FmxSfOdrZ/s400/esperanza.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644580326034538834" /></a>She is so much fun! She stays near me most of the time, but on the beach she went exploring a bit. She isn't too sure about big dogs, and hides between my legs when they come by, but I am going to do my best to get her used to them. She also gets carsick, so I am hoping she outgrows that.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85Oz2DQbU9m01guHlTE23Vj9rbBMrSS2TaYAvER-G09K9cx8dgpKI99oLbHPuwblNZxpOWdwoDuyU4qu_No7WJGpt6_a72WyZvyQWB5Ktrk7RzxBVNTxB5_L-Do4FEf9WO_gz/s1600/dogsonthebeach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85Oz2DQbU9m01guHlTE23Vj9rbBMrSS2TaYAvER-G09K9cx8dgpKI99oLbHPuwblNZxpOWdwoDuyU4qu_No7WJGpt6_a72WyZvyQWB5Ktrk7RzxBVNTxB5_L-Do4FEf9WO_gz/s400/dogsonthebeach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644578718542550674" /></a>Right now, Randall tolerates her, but he's slowly warming up. She gets a bit rambunctious and tries to jump on him sometimes, and he's having none of that. Today, though, they ran around together on the beach, so I hope they'll eventually be good friends.
<br />mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-74132145349464140422011-07-28T21:43:00.004-05:002011-07-28T21:52:18.576-05:00State Fair Food EntriesMy food entries were due at the fair yesterday morning for judging. I entered 3 items: banana bread (no nuts), scones, and strawberry jam (didn't get that in the picture).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDKFsKCYW8U3V7EcxUtaB1IeI79b3XTkDpIMFGFBA0MJCq_CxLm7Wi2N3NwDjdIk6JJY-KwjEfpK9clZ-fraumFQf3lCtEnSl5DapBUEXVRDstGLj20ESf1FAnuhQ6Senyy3x/s1600/foodsday1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDKFsKCYW8U3V7EcxUtaB1IeI79b3XTkDpIMFGFBA0MJCq_CxLm7Wi2N3NwDjdIk6JJY-KwjEfpK9clZ-fraumFQf3lCtEnSl5DapBUEXVRDstGLj20ESf1FAnuhQ6Senyy3x/s400/foodsday1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634599722178854434" /></a>Everything looks good to me, I hope the judges thought so too! I got up at 5 to bake the banana bread, as I work out with some friends every Wednesday at 7 (Mondays too). The scones I made the night before, up to the point of baking, and baked them after I got home from my workout.<br /><br />It was fun to see and talk to the other entrants during drop-off. I usually don't enter food (except for jam, which I usually drop off when I bring my clothing entries), so that was new for me. More younger entrants than for the textile categories, and a lot more men. Judging was yesterday afternoon, but I didn't stay, so I won't be able to find out my results until I go to the fair (August 4-14 this year).mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-23636454100565668562011-07-26T12:52:00.005-05:002011-07-26T13:09:25.698-05:00More HotPatternsI made 2 more HotPatterns last week. These were for the WI State Fair, and I cranked them out pretty fast. I thought garments were due for judging last Friday (the 22nd), but after checking online, realized they were due last Monday (the 18th), with judging on the 21st. Without those extra 4 days, I didn't get all my entries finished. <br /><br />Anyway, I made the <a href="http://www.hotpatterns.com/products/HP-1121-Riviera-Cote-D%27-Azur-Knit-Dress%2C-Tunic-%26-Top.html">HP Riviera Cote D'Azur top</a>:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ToUWyrxsV4Y/Ti7_w6tGHuI/AAAAAAAABc8/a3HGEVXdxhY/s1http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif600/hprivieratop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYMrqMF0-anD9xDtl6hchyf01PmpLHZLQtwgB2wE7FzLfGrWAABTdjzV6DNBxUZJbZnPaWWVVoUfpqwwLx_4llNPlpzmQu7R8_Q_1J2LmnnfaTSgMmM_WG7zV4r_HOoXVgfSx/s400/hprivieratop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633721399744274146" /></a>which went together very fast. It's a great looking top. I want to try the dress also, though I'm pretty sure I'll stick with a solid for that, otherwise I fear it will look a lot like a caftan or muu-muu. Not really a look I'm going for right now at this point in my life. <br /><br />I also made the <a href="http://www.hotpatterns.com/products/HP-1120-Classix-Nouveau-Primavera-Dress.html">HP Primavera dress</a>:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV8I1L-DSdr_8pq2-1zMxWtHSX-yQM-O-NzPX0Nw9iYEInYz9BR_eYtk84pi1wsNDLtCLjcw-SQbQ4tnV_Txhn0zF48V9Si1Y56YacHHxVvFSJK1X02lRkC7NO9oJ63DWMDug/s1600/hpprimaveradress.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV8I1L-DSdr_8pq2-1zMxWtHSX-yQM-O-NzPX0Nw9iYEInYz9BR_eYtk84pi1wsNDLtCLjcw-SQbQ4tnV_Txhn0zF48V9Si1Y56YacHHxVvFSJK1X02lRkC7NO9oJ63DWMDug/s400/hpprimaveradress.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633721877654913346" /></a>which looks lovely, but in all honesty I don't know if it fits me. I'm pretty sure I should have at least done a FBA, but I was under a time constraint, so just made a straight 10. I figured if it didn't fit me, I'd be able to give it to someone, and sure enough, when I posted the picture on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=791233031">my Facebook page</a>, Stacy S piped up that she'd take it if it didn't fit. :) <br /><br />Both garments placed (4th and 3rd, respectively), as well as my <a href="http://mamafitz.blogspot.com/2011/04/hp-wong-singh-jones-kimono-wrap-dress.html">HP Kimono Wrap dress</a> (3rd) and <a href="http://mamafitz.blogspot.com/2010/06/vogue-7488.html">Caleb's waistcoat</a> (1st). <br /><br />My food entries are due for judging tomorrow morning. I won't stay for that, so I'll have to wait until I go the fair to see those results. I'll be entering banana bread, a plate of scones (I plan do to whole wheat cinnamon ones), and strawberry jam.mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-7161213274536900552011-07-05T09:51:00.008-05:002011-07-05T10:09:13.476-05:00StrawberriesIt's strawberry season here in Wisconsin, or at least it was last week. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiac7f48dle6fwgc0SncY8QsGTgIcVteMttdT_pS1o9Ni7Fx7vh2aPn7vpoutsW9Z4nDkI1uiuTD6BcBR96F4hH4YKw0YjsWpvjq22Y0cT45pPeYMhWbeR6c9tn-wBSmMXpHc8R/s1600/calvin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiac7f48dle6fwgc0SncY8QsGTgIcVteMttdT_pS1o9Ni7Fx7vh2aPn7vpoutsW9Z4nDkI1uiuTD6BcBR96F4hH4YKw0YjsWpvjq22Y0cT45pPeYMhWbeR6c9tn-wBSmMXpHc8R/s400/calvin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625882308927834738" /></a>We picked strawberries 3 separate times this year, and got a total of about 30 pounds. I might have gone a wee bit overboard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4F09sjvRjNchlk1AMunAHz7DY4SsIzdvmFwxtjp1MtztwzRGFOjcv4X1Glp2ZMZ2YwPcdMA4iHogV6b1a2A9x7fC3b8YNBSRbARCc-8TT_314SiMVIn0HvXiX18hCu6O4Bbu/s1600/mangostrawberry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4F09sjvRjNchlk1AMunAHz7DY4SsIzdvmFwxtjp1MtztwzRGFOjcv4X1Glp2ZMZ2YwPcdMA4iHogV6b1a2A9x7fC3b8YNBSRbARCc-8TT_314SiMVIn0HvXiX18hCu6O4Bbu/s400/mangostrawberry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625882220374941698" /></a>Here is the beginning of mango-strawberry jam. We ran out of jam about 3 months ago, and I am making sure that we do not run out this year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JUWBWLIIAL5lAe9OcmlyPPG7Z4pD_rAKTN33Jtzf68K2hHJPtUozCVnnlF32XnZjaf0d6FQ4X-WLFR0PnrIdpYxN7l05AxExmNZK_HUO771OVdAR9EppkZECa8ztYara8TIP/s1600/jars.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JUWBWLIIAL5lAe9OcmlyPPG7Z4pD_rAKTN33Jtzf68K2hHJPtUozCVnnlF32XnZjaf0d6FQ4X-WLFR0PnrIdpYxN7l05AxExmNZK_HUO771OVdAR9EppkZECa8ztYara8TIP/s400/jars.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625882136393026322" /></a>See? I went a bit overboard (and this isn't all of it). Over the past few days I made strawberry syrup, strawberry jam, strawberry-rhubarb jam, strawberry-raspberry jam, mango-strawberry jam, strawberry sorbet, vanilla yogurt, frijoles, refrigerator pickles, and pickled garlic scapes. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2dQKwsDaRGKheWOsI7PyB8JEVCwPD5A32BQB2bE8a5_om5YXfbWOfJOx_rztb_NcGVW6vl_CBGAvgv3Cgq93_Ec89Wn2Z5ZdrlQyFoNJj8AmKLl-uoJO_rRUvLduuw-S-ro5/s1600/clock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2dQKwsDaRGKheWOsI7PyB8JEVCwPD5A32BQB2bE8a5_om5YXfbWOfJOx_rztb_NcGVW6vl_CBGAvgv3Cgq93_Ec89Wn2Z5ZdrlQyFoNJj8AmKLl-uoJO_rRUvLduuw-S-ro5/s400/clock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625883840077271730" /></a>It got pretty hot in the kitchen some of those days. We don't have working a/c. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUaQOplmx2UHaAA94FwVzC-OOsZpxKE9e3AC-UxOhUca8uRgEXscxLMr8PPACTATxnYucEJ9sKB0OwHq6AN4l_2uyU96eKY_bbc4lj7UOdAdjDyeosqxApU39RAhfdPx8rSwb/s1600/sorbet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUaQOplmx2UHaAA94FwVzC-OOsZpxKE9e3AC-UxOhUca8uRgEXscxLMr8PPACTATxnYucEJ9sKB0OwHq6AN4l_2uyU96eKY_bbc4lj7UOdAdjDyeosqxApU39RAhfdPx8rSwb/s400/sorbet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625881968524973346" /></a>It was worth it though, as it all tastes SO good, and we'll especially appreciate it this winter when we get to have a taste of summer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEI5z26_A4GrBHz8M9VaYMEexbYGx1rxBL7N5CjTMXlAXLGZ1Qih1pWZmdt2Q80dTf846VBR0NM2qET0Q_1pHb_gcHXKGFDIzSm4LjAjVYyztrTSH6rCP2pXBafD6sd1mReSi/s1600/birthday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEI5z26_A4GrBHz8M9VaYMEexbYGx1rxBL7N5CjTMXlAXLGZ1Qih1pWZmdt2Q80dTf846VBR0NM2qET0Q_1pHb_gcHXKGFDIzSm4LjAjVYyztrTSH6rCP2pXBafD6sd1mReSi/s400/birthday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625881863375432898" /></a>I also celebrated my 41st birthday on Wednesday. Calvin planned a dinner of my favorite comfort food (homemade macaroni and cheese), and instead of cake (which I don't care for very much), my favorite dessert (creme brulee).mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-6011813249659424482011-05-20T08:47:00.004-05:002011-05-20T09:06:49.480-05:00Auction BagsI made some bags for a silent auction/raffle at school:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvd9N-zdZjUYR5u7PP9AOEycKqVA0LKlbynqpbqZ3uSjzh2ah7kOwlaKs-78X1o9cQlhgHMHEZ5JGZ0XoUDD0OYCjANKGK0YTYaGt5wWYoCqE5cioCjavRdU_6_VdImP7xyua/s1600/auctionbags.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvd9N-zdZjUYR5u7PP9AOEycKqVA0LKlbynqpbqZ3uSjzh2ah7kOwlaKs-78X1o9cQlhgHMHEZ5JGZ0XoUDD0OYCjANKGK0YTYaGt5wWYoCqE5cioCjavRdU_6_VdImP7xyua/s400/auctionbags.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608795978198847362" /></a>l-r: <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/productshttp://www.blogger.comhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif/img/blank.gif/patterns_display.php?id=1">Chelsea handbag</a>, <a http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhref="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=8">In Town bag</a>, and <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=18">Swing bag</a>, all from <a http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhref="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/mainmenu.php">Amy Butler</a>. Also, all from stash! :) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElNto97pp0eccOUCRNqMGVShl9tN3RnXMm0xJUk9LzNlvftC59GzO2I_-bdRJ_PT8dBjg3BG1jW0quqooCIFx_ylIkLm9XM_4TvAYFY2__4tUb85k69a8qEoRK3RagpfuIGFu/s1600/intownbag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElNto97pp0eccOUCRNqMGVShl9tN3RnXMm0xJUk9LzNlvftC59GzO2I_-bdRJ_PT8dBjg3BG1jW0quqooCIFx_ylIkLm9XM_4TvAYFY2__4tUb85k69a8qEoRK3RagpfuIGFu/s400/intownbag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608795725482043026" /></a>At the last minute I decided to add a button closure to the In Town bag. Hopefully all 3 bags will do well and raise some money. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DwEanCpXCDEu3DG-GrK-cCz6EsLiMxwxYu9jfNluHw9Bhqv4t-FKCDpQWwylMx9sC1IqyLMn4tKchESDtkPnPL08FZ-06K6_NFQDpBqsjPdJ4R7CMSy_x3LL5v2D2L1IHvHM/s1600/blackandblue.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DwEanCpXCDEu3DG-GrK-cCz6EsLiMxwxYu9jfNluHw9Bhqv4t-FKCDpQWwylMx9sC1IqyLMn4tKchESDtkPnPL08FZ-06K6_NFQDpBqsjPdJ4R7CMSy_x3LL5v2D2L1IHvHM/s400/blackandblue.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608798596180037922" /></a>In other news, my husband and I went to the <a href="http://milwaukeeblack-n-blueball.com/">MDA Black-N-Blue Ball</a> last Friday. I decided to go all badass and went with leather. It was pretty fun. I bid on a few things, but really really wanted one of them, and I won! Soon a personal organizer will be coming to my house and working on one area for 4 hours. That area will be my sewing room! Right now I'm working on de-cluttering and de-stashing, because I want all 4 hours focus on organizing.mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-90911716819832914372011-04-24T18:32:00.006-05:002011-04-24T18:48:57.732-05:00HP Wong-Singh-Jones Kimono Wrap DressDudes, I have a new dress, and I LOVE it:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUHtr612KF_rtm1JUgL9k3Xes98iCru-ruyfRpBPTipEViCFahVVXT9xEcyuTM_QWBW4roN4y6ZzvyXpK8klOZiLed3-VU7N4HIyS3fD3toXdiR03KGvt4XyYe1YposK_G9k-/s1600/kimonowrap1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUHtr612KF_rtm1JUgL9k3Xes98iCru-ruyfRpBPTipEViCFahVVXT9xEcyuTM_QWBW4roN4y6ZzvyXpK8klOZiLed3-VU7N4HIyS3fD3toXdiR03KGvt4XyYe1YposK_G9k-/s400/kimonowrap1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599297451433129154" /></a>I made this a few days ago. It didn't take long at all, and went together beautifully. This is a straight size 10, although I made some minor changes, such as lengthening the skirt 4 inches, and making full patterns of the contrast bands (instead of cutting them on folds as per the pattern). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSecyL51vDM6IdScXinBx3yfi_kxiPnX6paEBn5RGf9OU7p-JHXiMLMg1vxqUUfcSirX4qe47pTpJEMfKnm9s9x2IEiuuARWcvKQK3_F5vGavzx3xzbN43_MDTUwKqeXfMRx2/s1600/kimonowrap2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSecyL51vDM6IdScXinBx3yfi_kxiPnX6paEBn5RGf9OU7p-JHXiMLMg1vxqUUfcSirX4qe47pTpJEMfKnm9s9x2IEiuuARWcvKQK3_F5vGavzx3xzbN43_MDTUwKqeXfMRx2/s400/kimonowrap2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599298986087122242" /></a>The ties are VERY long, and I ended up shortening them 18 inches (they are already wrapped around my waist twice). My original plan was to make the dress green and the contrast bands in the print, but I did not have enough of the green. HP suggests about 2 yards of 60" knit for the dress for sizes 6-8-10, but I ended up using 2.625 yards of the print. HP also suggests about .75 yards for the contrast bands, and again, I don't think that is possible. I used about 1.75-2 yds and had to piece the ties. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmW4mlTBDN5zlbexDlgRtxyb6x_OsTB4X-GCw8SCcsmEv_CPIV8n7ZP1RJ3I8fB0mmKigt7tMICHuHoE_rfo8XF_LlhDj80qYaVIMavCuzH4sqqjXAeLP434FCp5Z8NlMh5WGy/s1600/kimonowrapneckband.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmW4mlTBDN5zlbexDlgRtxyb6x_OsTB4X-GCw8SCcsmEv_CPIV8n7ZP1RJ3I8fB0mmKigt7tMICHuHoE_rfo8XF_LlhDj80qYaVIMavCuzH4sqqjXAeLP434FCp5Z8NlMh5WGy/s400/kimonowrapneckband.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599301162139020962" /></a>To apply the bands, I trimmed 1/8" off of one side (seam allowances are 3/8"), so that the edge would overhang the seamline by 1/4". Basically the same way I finish off a waistband. This keeps the bands nice and flat.<br /><br />It's a great dress, I definitely need more of these in my closet. :) <br /><br />Full review is <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&ID=62413">here</a>.mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-37090552282760142162011-04-05T10:41:00.005-05:002011-04-05T11:41:35.480-05:00Regionals (plus 4 other meets)I don't know why I put off uploading Calvin's gymnastics videos, but I do. It's not like there is anything new in them, it's the same 5 (should be 6) routines each time. Anyway, there are a lot to catch up. I won't embed them all. <br /><br />In mid-February, we traveled to Iowa City for the Iowa Boys Invitational. Calvin's all around score was 61.8, the best for the season. His routines are here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW4-wSUD-sw">floor</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TwPnGl5KS0">pommel horse</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egUbByNXPhQ">rings</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFtkSfxoKSg">vault</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBuQO3xYR6U">parallel bars</a>.<br /><br />March started off with a meet at Salto, where he got an all around score of 57.1 (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW4-wSUD-sw">floor</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA7s67-ooAs">pommel</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7EMQSCDrcU">rings</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVvVtpwn-8M">vault</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV0RmDb9J-Q">p-bars</a>).<br /><br />The following week was our meet; his all around score was 57.3 (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJsMEK2KxOE">floor</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT8LLz7TKnE">pommel</a>[painful!] , <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKtGiGGcs0M">rings</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLidQD7N9eY">vault</a> [messed up his steps], <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Oqg3aR1es">p-bars</a>).<br /><br />The week after that was state, which Calvin qualified for, as they changed the qualification score. His all around score this time was 60.9 (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5I233s8_s">floor</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2pdd7FfsVQ">pommel</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1qd_nrwZh0">rings</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIVgJdXSUxM">vault</a> [messed up his steps again!], <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2IdeI6PyWk">p-bars</a>). <br /><br />Finally, this past Saturday was regionals. They were held here in Milwaukee, so we didn't have to travel anywhere. The boys started out on floor, where Calvin got a score of 13.85:<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="400" height="325" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JnEfUDD4GF0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Next was pommel horse, which was painful to watch. He got a score of 6.2:<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="400" height="325" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Oy4zPBxim-c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />On rings he got a 12.8:<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="400" height="325" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tyD4hBQHi1w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Then it was on to vault, where he got his steps right! His score was 14.45:<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="400" height="325" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZOxS7O956gc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Last, parallel bars, with a score of 11.75:<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="400" height="325" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D-2lbKEmmT0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />His all around score was 59.05. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDW4H6Ab1xCJzFQda9CYQcbGvir-G-2fvFn5d6g3HqAWY76T6DYhoPI741wGD077doEhQWjpp00M3cuPiz8yR95NVhKRbwz-gfVCGAYm48zQ3YQO7HuhwQRqExw525qol7Yjz/s1600/calvinwithmorganhamm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDW4H6Ab1xCJzFQda9CYQcbGvir-G-2fvFn5d6g3HqAWY76T6DYhoPI741wGD077doEhQWjpp00M3cuPiz8yR95NVhKRbwz-gfVCGAYm48zQ3YQO7HuhwQRqExw525qol7Yjz/s400/calvinwithmorganhamm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592136438606164178" /></a><br />He also got to meet Morgan Hamm. Paul (his twin brother) was there as well. Morgan will also be at <a href="http://portercamp.com/">Porter Camp</a> this summer, so they'll get to hang out again. :)<br /><br />Competition season is DONE!mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-88797114574971640842011-01-24T09:38:00.003-06:002011-01-24T10:13:00.523-06:00Swiss CupWe had another gymnastics meet Saturday night. The team started on high bar, and Calvin did not compete on that event. He really needs to work through whatever issue he is having on it, because he will not be able to qualify for state without a high bar score. <br /><br />After high bar they rotated to floor, where he got a score of 13.8:<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6LG-ODtkvk8" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe><br /><br />Next was pommel horse, where he got a score of 7.6, one tenth better than last week, plus I think he didn't fall off as much:<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TEqryect5Nw" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe><br /><br />After pommel comes rings, with a score of 11.2:<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0KlXxxspYAE" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe><br /><br />On vault he got a score of 14.2:<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bVSOn0yXIZU" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe><br /><br />The team ended on the parallel bars, where Calvin got a score of 11.9:<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ECadgwhOFbI" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe><br /><br />His all-around score was 58.7, improving by two tenths from last week. Next meet is in 3 weeks, so he has plenty of time to focus on getting that high bar routine ready for competition!<br /><br />By the way, this meet was especially fun to watch, as the session was for levels 7 through 10. Some of the skills the 10s do are just breathtaking, and sometimes it was hard to decide which event to watch.mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-71183351777820001622011-01-19T09:37:00.004-06:002011-01-19T09:56:06.167-06:00Windy City InviteCompetition season has started again for Calvin. This year he is in Level 7. My understanding is that this is a particularly difficult level, and he has really been struggling lately. His first meet was Sunday. He actually did much better than I was expecting, since earlier in the week the team had run through their events with a judge and all did pretty terrible. <br /><br />The boys started on rings, and Calvin scored a 13.2:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dLOSsliVI5c?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dLOSsliVI5c?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Next was vault, where he got a score of 14.2:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oNMPLp3CEP8?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oNMPLp3CEP8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />On the parallel bars he got an 11.1:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s5BgNyeQ-gk?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s5BgNyeQ-gk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />He did not compete on high bar (he needs to be able to do giants better)<br /><br />Next was floor, where he got a score of 12.5 (he shouldn't be landing on his butt for a front tuck, he almost never does that!). I especially like his first tumbling pass, with that beautiful layout:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OR81b4cuB8I?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OR81b4cuB8I?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />The boys ended on pommel horse, which was pretty rough for him. Calvin got a score of 7.5:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cXqAvDKxnso?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cXqAvDKxnso?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />His all-around score was 58.5. Not enough to qualify for state yet, but now he knows what he really needs to work on, and has a goal to reach for. Next meet is Saturday night!<br /><br />by the way, the team got new uniforms this year, they look pretty nice, no?mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-21577543959057354822010-09-17T18:47:00.010-05:002010-09-17T19:33:32.084-05:00Fun With FoodIf you are friends with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=791233031">me on Facebook</a>, you know that I've been having fun learning how to put up food. I've been making jam for years, but have always wanted to try other things, specifically tomatoes. When a friend asked if I was interested in taking a canning class in late August, I was there. At the class, we made jam with no added pectin, salsa, and canned whole tomatoes. Doing the tomatoes was just the boost I needed to start on my own. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6A6a-nsSUJ1PLrtvUx2d-8Hoy7x5gddqTRTAW0mcJeIATUvqMNZEDVxIqHPaCJhRAiGaQ1hHnea_LeeC7SOStciUjKOtlqex1BmmK9P4ARy4hUlebzdK4Lfrh-7V5PWNNBe-/s1600/pickles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6A6a-nsSUJ1PLrtvUx2d-8Hoy7x5gddqTRTAW0mcJeIATUvqMNZEDVxIqHPaCJhRAiGaQ1hHnea_LeeC7SOStciUjKOtlqex1BmmK9P4ARy4hUlebzdK4Lfrh-7V5PWNNBe-/s400/pickles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518034102526274946" /></a>I've belonged to a CSA (<a href="http://www.springdalefarmcsa.org/">Springdale Farm</a>) for about 5 years, and every year, we get lots of cucumbers. I don't really like cucumbers. This year, we also got dill once in a while, and in the weekly newsletter, they sent a recipe for refrigerator pickles. Both Calvin and David like pickles, so I gave it a try. They declared it a success! Next year I might try a cooked recipe that is canned.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMuqVZiLPQVMaT7AW7O7mB0AqIx6xw07fuScrzdM_kPGkXLKhv0HuSnE3U8OyiREF6kNqxPv1Co_0B5W9CX9ErSRWWVq940SQhmhzN8ZrnV48Ph94vx1SgyL3jbfk45b5jaas/s1600/tomatosauce.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMuqVZiLPQVMaT7AW7O7mB0AqIx6xw07fuScrzdM_kPGkXLKhv0HuSnE3U8OyiREF6kNqxPv1Co_0B5W9CX9ErSRWWVq940SQhmhzN8ZrnV48Ph94vx1SgyL3jbfk45b5jaas/s400/tomatosauce.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518033976079773266" /></a>I made basil-garlic tomato sauce (from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Blue-Book-Guide-Preserving/dp/0972753702">Ball Blue Book</a>) using tomatoes from my garden, CSA, and the farmer's market. I needed 20# of tomatoes, and when I told the farmer I was making sauce, she offered me a price break if I would take the 'ugly' brandywines. Yay! The sauce took forever to reduce, but it was worth it, and I now have 9 pints sitting on my shelves. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-98r-jwRb_WxcP_6KrNrMUI4lLvyLsTsjR4eZubMurQ1oi1Y5rOHLhQWCEmJQ_TVRYFGrDHYg3hHFlz-0C21PTpaLAbyEftAqo7hJ38sQbLQmLujtFw4xjewUO0JhYPEW8qw/s1600/tomatoes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-98r-jwRb_WxcP_6KrNrMUI4lLvyLsTsjR4eZubMurQ1oi1Y5rOHLhQWCEmJQ_TVRYFGrDHYg3hHFlz-0C21PTpaLAbyEftAqo7hJ38sQbLQmLujtFw4xjewUO0JhYPEW8qw/s400/tomatoes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518033867962758066" /></a>I also put up tomatoes for the first time. These are <a href="http://www.tomatofest.com/clint-eastwood-tomato-seeds.html">Clint Eastwood Rowdy Reds</a>, from my garden. I managed to keep the late blight mostly at bay this year. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUem4Domad_ATjAebb6AWVjyER1c6PAl5cqK1Lok78lggUIVSVGtskUp9WehF2lFd9N7azrb_4GlGL71WMyMSVUNRr9rIbleVZ8qAJBn18n_wKHcWG3_wtxqVBrywEfBfS5iB/s1600/peaches.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUem4Domad_ATjAebb6AWVjyER1c6PAl5cqK1Lok78lggUIVSVGtskUp9WehF2lFd9N7azrb_4GlGL71WMyMSVUNRr9rIbleVZ8qAJBn18n_wKHcWG3_wtxqVBrywEfBfS5iB/s400/peaches.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518033644378032242" /></a><a href="http://www.outpost.coop/">Outpost</a> had a truckload sale last Saturday, and one of the specials was an 18# box of organic peaches for $20. I bought one and put up 13.5 pints of sliced peaches in a light syrup. Unfortunately I dropped one pint on the floor. I learned that I should always wear shoes when canning (I was fine, but it was close!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNbDNbjkr1GEZiPdji6_mXHrtMRF7pveawq05JbTtL0fu2BV_8pgkpNxf82JXE5RROOPKP0dm_lb8XxMfJ8nYbHONPiIz30NYE4WcMF1u4-TlhMcfz6mYnxXUKMLEmM8Ep9O1/s1600/ingredients.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNbDNbjkr1GEZiPdji6_mXHrtMRF7pveawq05JbTtL0fu2BV_8pgkpNxf82JXE5RROOPKP0dm_lb8XxMfJ8nYbHONPiIz30NYE4WcMF1u4-TlhMcfz6mYnxXUKMLEmM8Ep9O1/s400/ingredients.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518034353280323538" /></a>I have to say, I love that I can take this...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdB_EgcXnSXvjmT4GVCWFRdE1HuY2TnxQq0HdfEfG2GVNKKqopJWc2Tajr0tQs6Q6E5I_zNCIiTeK8xE1nEPgzVSDaQtQT3D6RIEPhHO5VmPxTjUVm3lig7sv9IuuNig9Uw3L/s1600/ketchup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdB_EgcXnSXvjmT4GVCWFRdE1HuY2TnxQq0HdfEfG2GVNKKqopJWc2Tajr0tQs6Q6E5I_zNCIiTeK8xE1nEPgzVSDaQtQT3D6RIEPhHO5VmPxTjUVm3lig7sv9IuuNig9Uw3L/s400/ketchup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518033770300632658" /></a>...and end up with 7 quarter pints of <a href="http://hitchhikingtoheaven.blogspot.com/2010/08/roasted-red-pepper-ketchup-with-kudos.html">really really good ketchup</a>.mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-9378041518930402022010-09-03T13:17:00.006-05:002010-09-03T13:25:38.378-05:00SchoolI have been so bad in posting! We had a wonderful, busy summer, and, as all good things do, it has come to an end. School started on Wednesday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSls8IOlia1_W5ygqOFjgbXWsdKLSYQSCstUSNfJua2xL0XO-5cG4h4zU9FUlDc-tX0F71haJdzHee9iu80tiEtsJnqVgdxvTRhZas-hiJ2PEfbssrmfqbi_XVL4mTwND4Spbx/s1600/caleb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSls8IOlia1_W5ygqOFjgbXWsdKLSYQSCstUSNfJua2xL0XO-5cG4h4zU9FUlDc-tX0F71haJdzHee9iu80tiEtsJnqVgdxvTRhZas-hiJ2PEfbssrmfqbi_XVL4mTwND4Spbx/s400/caleb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512753387115164738" /></a>Caleb started high school. I can hardly believe he is a freshman!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpVGwLNfPSCXvHCtUUn2Qt5msT2qQPnLjn-VY1Zpv39wuVPHvDT7UQlVH37ZI52WqzkOuN2qQSJUlj3hVltfw181gqvmQjmdGPAkd07trNztPCNKLLTVf9LQsdR1rPDr7V8xX/s1600/calvin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpVGwLNfPSCXvHCtUUn2Qt5msT2qQPnLjn-VY1Zpv39wuVPHvDT7UQlVH37ZI52WqzkOuN2qQSJUlj3hVltfw181gqvmQjmdGPAkd07trNztPCNKLLTVf9LQsdR1rPDr7V8xX/s400/calvin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512753307188136338" /></a>Calvin is at the top of the totem pole this year, starting 5th grade. Middle school next year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_pS2lesQDuaZhyhJFSnsVKWw4h39dCQRFyLtbkjNgqGFi6DfPJsSIaUzl_-ebiRJmdrhJWS-B7hZr6qGiUkPnSkbG9jDObFA1VqrI-a8qUflI7IhfP0o4b9VbsJwOBHip5eL/s1600/connor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_pS2lesQDuaZhyhJFSnsVKWw4h39dCQRFyLtbkjNgqGFi6DfPJsSIaUzl_-ebiRJmdrhJWS-B7hZr6qGiUkPnSkbG9jDObFA1VqrI-a8qUflI7IhfP0o4b9VbsJwOBHip5eL/s400/connor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512753188546316930" /></a>Connor is in 1st grade, and will be having his first experience going to school all day. He's loving it so far, telling me it's fun to eat lunch at school, and that he LOVES recess. <br /><br />As for me, I am now home alone during the day for the first time in a long long time. I do go to the elementary school every day for noon hour recess supervision, but otherwise, I am on my own. I have grand plans for my time. Maybe I'll finally get those living and dining room curtains finished, the halls repainted, my sewing room cleaned, and some clothes made. :Dmamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-43417057570412056942010-07-02T09:49:00.005-05:002010-07-02T18:55:43.806-05:00Ankle SurgeryRemember when <a href="http://mamafitz.blogspot.com/2009/01/hats-and-bones.html">Caleb broke his ankle</a>? It healed well, but about 6-8 months ago, it started hurting again. He also twisted it pretty badly in a soccer game in May. We went to the doctor to have it looked at. The x-ray didn't show anything, so they sent us to get an MRI. After the MRI, we got referred to our doctor's partner, who specializes in ankles. On the MRI, the entire back of Caleb's ankle was swollen and inflammed. The culprit? A bone in the back that was pushing on either a tendon or a nerve, or both. The treatment? Surgery. So last week Friday, Caleb had a posterior talar exostectomy done on his right ankle. Basically they took some bone out. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FYvwXYrZrsGXUQ0GntvqgFqDbYz7U34CUtRFy45wVF7Etk0vlw70qQokUdIBB_grRA0ge0lvfJH7JsWBn6H-iBypYOP4Ioj-o_IpmZM1xTE0kOesCkqfZd66gSq8Z4TJrOS-/s1600/bone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FYvwXYrZrsGXUQ0GntvqgFqDbYz7U34CUtRFy45wVF7Etk0vlw70qQokUdIBB_grRA0ge0lvfJH7JsWBn6H-iBypYOP4Ioj-o_IpmZM1xTE0kOesCkqfZd66gSq8Z4TJrOS-/s400/bone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489321423652375922" /></a>It was bigger than we thought it would be. That's my pinky finger you see. No, they didn't let us keep the bone (we both asked).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjen0NvpG5HlExZrtKFbiMdcgkpYOg-7y6EVF_ONA4u8fCVPG3wV84O7sVMrc6lGHmjCSjf2bR9dZfkY54fCFU-5M3zCJrP1eb4qaBI2UHcMJVJWQH2GSlh4d9PL1WZxCgFny9Y/s1600/aftersurgery.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjen0NvpG5HlExZrtKFbiMdcgkpYOg-7y6EVF_ONA4u8fCVPG3wV84O7sVMrc6lGHmjCSjf2bR9dZfkY54fCFU-5M3zCJrP1eb4qaBI2UHcMJVJWQH2GSlh4d9PL1WZxCgFny9Y/s400/aftersurgery.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489321415917801746" /></a>Caleb woke up in time to catch the last minute or so of the Brasil/Portugal game. Portugal lost. :( (oops, I got confused. too much soccer lately. :) Brasil/Portugal had a draw, Portugal lost to Spain. When your opponent controls the ball 60% of the time, it doesn't matter how good your defense is, the odds are against you)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXmn5O8yiukSK1EKgyUy-4HdJckvnDEK7ig86bhehF7N5aHR4EgQsSMWNPIuI1dw-kl93vIsw9WdQ-l1zZ1vrYsN8fHUkgrmYzpvH6L8CTV-ITt5mRRI4qsPfLKfiu_eKsljn/s1600/ankle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXmn5O8yiukSK1EKgyUy-4HdJckvnDEK7ig86bhehF7N5aHR4EgQsSMWNPIuI1dw-kl93vIsw9WdQ-l1zZ1vrYsN8fHUkgrmYzpvH6L8CTV-ITt5mRRI4qsPfLKfiu_eKsljn/s400/ankle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489321408968514482" /></a>He had a boot on after surgery, and on Tuesday we went to the doctor to have the bandage removed. The steri strips fell off soon afterwards. Now he wears the boot only if he needs the extra support, and is to walk and flex his ankle as much as possible. He'll start PT at the end of next week.<br /><br />In other news, I also turned 40 on Tuesday, and had a great evening out with my girlfriends.mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-53874222098102469072010-06-10T09:33:00.003-05:002010-06-10T10:19:48.778-05:00Vogue 7488Caleb's 8th grade promotion ceremony was last night, and here is his waistcoat. He picked Vogue 7488; I made a size M. I was to make a suit as well, but we decided it would be too hot to wear, plus probably wouldn't fit him come winter anyway. So, I'm going to take that wool and either make a suit for him for fall/winter, or I might find a topcoat pattern, as he wants a formal coat. (sometimes I think aliens have taken my real son)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE8Uz0-3B-WB3-TkCKwO94KdWfZNfzzS29ZhlFjI8g_UC3JGF4cAk31PoNNJRF1bK-AO9hoRlhioOenxohiK4502DuqxzU51X1-AmP9XNqSgnfHEISqAhKduARkzziivX2R89/s1600/vogue7488.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE8Uz0-3B-WB3-TkCKwO94KdWfZNfzzS29ZhlFjI8g_UC3JGF4cAk31PoNNJRF1bK-AO9hoRlhioOenxohiK4502DuqxzU51X1-AmP9XNqSgnfHEISqAhKduARkzziivX2R89/s400/vogue7488.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481155953700336690" /></a>Modifications I made were to cut the back out of the fashion fabric (the pattern calls for the back to be made from lining), I eliminated the back belt, and all four pockets are functional (top two are faux according to the pattern. I do my pockets <a href="http://mamafitz.blogspot.com/2010/06/single-welt-pockets.html">like this</a>). He was very pleased with how this turned out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblVgb2O1it_4rkmpxiOyC3JxCEZjyxiI5lZ1Uz2I2MeI5GpYtl4_ByWAcDUH2bToGULYT8qrvf8tcZs6HvEcWPZXM9ObvtDcUyQZ89o2MfmrYwbN1sh5iB76WMuto_TItCc_O/s1600/shoulder.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblVgb2O1it_4rkmpxiOyC3JxCEZjyxiI5lZ1Uz2I2MeI5GpYtl4_ByWAcDUH2bToGULYT8qrvf8tcZs6HvEcWPZXM9ObvtDcUyQZ89o2MfmrYwbN1sh5iB76WMuto_TItCc_O/s400/shoulder.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481155923462695362" /></a>I don't really like finishing vests this way, preferring instead to stitch the shoulders and armholes completely by machine, turning through the lining side seam. However, there is no back collar on this (! I didn't like that part), so I had to do the armholes according to the directions, which meant hand stitching the back shoulder lining over the seam. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WfsZtj6Kf84y-DnuF2cSY2MQwC7fTTz_cnOGvK8DYvxkGoMkJj6ZqutFX6N7Zed0Cd3N0W5VisUbDNLiFTUnmQ7JshtqxLXoIDvSua3qYV6Ua_nCTa2MboybljEHXT3zOmLM/s1600/split.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WfsZtj6Kf84y-DnuF2cSY2MQwC7fTTz_cnOGvK8DYvxkGoMkJj6ZqutFX6N7Zed0Cd3N0W5VisUbDNLiFTUnmQ7JshtqxLXoIDvSua3qYV6Ua_nCTa2MboybljEHXT3zOmLM/s400/split.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481155905322761298" /></a>There is a nice split at the side seams.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wlZ6SsAipfmbH21UNBniUo2sicxdBlEdPnI7ercolKE7wW8EaW-3T41BLpe5WqDtFxqysF6vskHUKGcFPHPki2DPWTrr9_CZIhlgA-sJy07UwH8LQwJkNlsxXB-Pg4oTXG64/s1600/inside.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wlZ6SsAipfmbH21UNBniUo2sicxdBlEdPnI7ercolKE7wW8EaW-3T41BLpe5WqDtFxqysF6vskHUKGcFPHPki2DPWTrr9_CZIhlgA-sJy07UwH8LQwJkNlsxXB-Pg4oTXG64/s400/inside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481155897989407298" /></a>The front inside has a hem facing. There is also a small pleat where the lining meets the facing -- it's not really needed, IMO. I'd eliminate that next time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26nL4mz4DLZBYZwdxvhwJvxYs5P6V9BAUpiVjAIK0cMkhwNCpDhvOQZLymoiQ5d8_z33byi0ENCvJQyMuXTMJGHyktUznDX_8YHYFzKtY-OZZTNi3XhiK5UULhIya8G0UAwKf/s1600/promotion2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26nL4mz4DLZBYZwdxvhwJvxYs5P6V9BAUpiVjAIK0cMkhwNCpDhvOQZLymoiQ5d8_z33byi0ENCvJQyMuXTMJGHyktUznDX_8YHYFzKtY-OZZTNi3XhiK5UULhIya8G0UAwKf/s400/promotion2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481155890704202930" /></a>My boy is in high school now!<br /><br /><a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&ID=52327">Full review for this pattern is here</a>, at Pattern Review. I've entered it in the Sewing for Men contest.mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-15066561715202993922010-06-05T13:13:00.004-05:002010-06-05T13:30:35.562-05:00Single Welt PocketsFour months since my last post. Sorry!<br /><br />Caleb's 8th grade promotion ceremony is coming up, so I'm working on some clothes for him. While making the vest, I thought I'd show you how I do a single welt pocket.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyA5JOodXDoY197OlaGGAsBH0zuTkrdsveM2ABjr1yOgvjQmHf-Wr9SrIxIUnkZF9aLEHAteJbQxBvLbr0peLchUp66s8inVvoap32zNY2ORBEOUCYPVjqM6dw09KmYDa_nXE/s1600/welt1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyA5JOodXDoY197OlaGGAsBH0zuTkrdsveM2ABjr1yOgvjQmHf-Wr9SrIxIUnkZF9aLEHAteJbQxBvLbr0peLchUp66s8inVvoap32zNY2ORBEOUCYPVjqM6dw09KmYDa_nXE/s400/welt1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479354999911803522" /></a>First, I stitch around the opening, shortening my stitch length on the corners. You can see I bring the top part of the opening in about 1/4" on each side. This vest front is underlined with Texture Weft. If where your welt pocket is going isn't underlined, fuse a piece of interfacing on it to reinforce that area (I prefer knit fusible interfacing).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSmyUZZ7HXltmpbrUg8cG5wbNZJU_wSwomfgaf2cR0uMM6gTtnBpKOpMtX9KhTEKTfEsLD3FOcSr0hWcj-ToUyFK3jQrcoETrh__MFzVIaZAYBNEhnXjnzz_0TSXllW1eNcLJ/s1600/welt2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSmyUZZ7HXltmpbrUg8cG5wbNZJU_wSwomfgaf2cR0uMM6gTtnBpKOpMtX9KhTEKTfEsLD3FOcSr0hWcj-ToUyFK3jQrcoETrh__MFzVIaZAYBNEhnXjnzz_0TSXllW1eNcLJ/s400/welt2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479354833711706722" /></a>Make your welt, checking to be sure it is <span style="font-style:italic;">exactly</span> the correct length for your opening (I was a bit off on this one). Baste the seamline. Place the seamline on the bottom stitching of your opening. Baste the welt down and then trim the seam allowance. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PQhQuSHirgx6rwMiPoEQTi06h8qu20MJUJa8Np4Ea0cOyP4YGpo8maU_zuTa32oRFRwKg91rEu9fs_jm4RYZ3Kow1n5yll0-nXUHPhYcXlj-oXHXZASpIsTgtjl1-SK0ktgo/s1600/welt3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PQhQuSHirgx6rwMiPoEQTi06h8qu20MJUJa8Np4Ea0cOyP4YGpo8maU_zuTa32oRFRwKg91rEu9fs_jm4RYZ3Kow1n5yll0-nXUHPhYcXlj-oXHXZASpIsTgtjl1-SK0ktgo/s400/welt3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479354825431198002" /></a>Put your pocket lining over the welt and stitch just the long edges of the pocket opening. Do this from the wrong side of your garment, so you can see the stitching that you did in step one. Stitch right on top of your previous stitching, starting and stopping exactly as you did before. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DkyD0KkD2yeU4JKjOC6oXE8cjPZx6udpxw9mg97biiDMmxROGBd1rMW_NPTuyYI2zWadJqZCTMOYlk5o0Vdw8ueFBMQIuNNJ-9_jVTC5ZSGZJGYuxh_65IWEjWMnqdYUPq7L/s1600/welt4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DkyD0KkD2yeU4JKjOC6oXE8cjPZx6udpxw9mg97biiDMmxROGBd1rMW_NPTuyYI2zWadJqZCTMOYlk5o0Vdw8ueFBMQIuNNJ-9_jVTC5ZSGZJGYuxh_65IWEjWMnqdYUPq7L/s400/welt4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479354818295716002" /></a>Cut through the pocket lining and opening, clipping just the garment diagonally into the corners. See how I stopped and started exactly on my previous stitching? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hF1X0frmhyGM4zG3dhrgUWOffVDZsQjmZKzT2iT_JqCoQqORgGAoLtudjGH3XD2HwKgksbaFkLIhPOV2SdTJwy3QiIXrduyZG9u9s91QF3ZZKRkTzkKIEmAdDPnCF26Yner-/s1600/welt5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hF1X0frmhyGM4zG3dhrgUWOffVDZsQjmZKzT2iT_JqCoQqORgGAoLtudjGH3XD2HwKgksbaFkLIhPOV2SdTJwy3QiIXrduyZG9u9s91QF3ZZKRkTzkKIEmAdDPnCF26Yner-/s400/welt5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479354814946374130" /></a>Turn and press the pocket to the inside. I don't press the triangles to the wrong side. It makes a smoother pocket, they are bias and won't fray, and no one is going to see them anyway. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJv9od3GMNaAdOMD6rfwwrVroXSV72G2ucjhgdsVCFI4xUc9dYJ8HwGciKO2sWwXbZqoza7u4HFRNojP_cdfRdMEeGgaX9ddm1FhHZYRt4tnnj6bgt271Hi9hVgPQboIkxMYA/s1600/welt6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJv9od3GMNaAdOMD6rfwwrVroXSV72G2ucjhgdsVCFI4xUc9dYJ8HwGciKO2sWwXbZqoza7u4HFRNojP_cdfRdMEeGgaX9ddm1FhHZYRt4tnnj6bgt271Hi9hVgPQboIkxMYA/s400/welt6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479354807275494258" /></a>Edgestitch the welts down, and you have a finished welt pocket! For this pocket, I was a bit off on my welt length and if you look on the right side, you can see a bit of my original pocket opening stitching. The damask hides a lot, and yes I know, I am being very picky. :)mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-23107398099598453402010-02-06T11:23:00.004-06:002010-02-06T12:02:55.800-06:00KOTC - my bedroomKOTC = Kick Out The Clutter<br /><a href="http://www.romesticity.com/2010/02/today-is-the-first-day-of-the-rest-of-my-decluttered-life.html "><img src="http://rowena.typepad.com/kick%20out%20the%20clutter%20badge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This week I worked on my bedroom. I figured this was a good room to start with, as I could get it done fairly easily, plus it's my sanctuary at the end of the day. I usually sit and read in bed before going to sleep. <br /><br />Here's what I did this week:<br /><br />- did all the laundry, including folding and putting most of it away. I say most because my husband has a ridonkulous amount of clothes and so there are 2 stacks of folded sweatshirts and shirts on the blanket chest. Hopefully I can figure somewhere to put them.<br /><br />- cleaned and re-organized the bookshelf.<br /><br />- dusted everything, including the ceiling fan<br /><br />- cleaned and vacuumed the entire floor, including under the bed. there is NOTHING under the bed now, except for the box of gift wrap. :D<br /><br />- went through my clothes and filled a bag for Goodwill.<br /><br />- cleaned out my nightstand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbMRJFOg8K6NipQC5ONsA39K44PUE4GSR96MD2F5PYK40UafEEFmtygEGwPDqVRi9QfQaXFHP9ZPF6FXHwa7OeW0-rH8nZkGVDgCE4mQpkq5Z-Auy9u7W8QMVK9K_hR7OLw7l/s1600-h/bedroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbMRJFOg8K6NipQC5ONsA39K44PUE4GSR96MD2F5PYK40UafEEFmtygEGwPDqVRi9QfQaXFHP9ZPF6FXHwa7OeW0-rH8nZkGVDgCE4mQpkq5Z-Auy9u7W8QMVK9K_hR7OLw7l/s400/bedroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435184888771346626" /></a>see? I have a stack of books to take to Half Price Books, a bag of clothes for Goodwill (already gone), a bag of blankets/sheets for the Humane Society, and a bag of garbage (also gone).mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-47144913768121975222010-02-01T12:14:00.000-06:002010-02-01T12:15:57.292-06:00It's Waron clutter, that is:<br /><a href="http://www.romesticity.com/2010/02/today-is-the-first-day-of-the-rest-of-my-decluttered-life.html "><img src="http://rowena.typepad.com/kick%20out%20the%20clutter%20badge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I am IN. How about you?mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-36780366694866494342010-01-23T20:32:00.004-06:002010-01-23T21:12:53.359-06:00LaFleur MeetA few weeks ago, on January 3, Calvin had another meet (yeah, I'm behind in getting the videos up). He did pretty well, improving on his previous scores.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Para la familia del sur: Aqui estan los videos de la gimnasia de Calvin. Está era su segundo competición de este año. ¿Él es muy fuerte, no? Mi papá quisiera ver su nieto. Una trabajo perfecto sera diez y seis puntos. ¡Ganó su equipo primer lugar!</span><br /><br />Los videos! ;)<br /><br />First was floor. He scored a 13.4, and I think this was good for first place in his age group (I forgot to write down his placing on the events):<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GVu1KGNRNrI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GVu1KGNRNrI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Next was pommel horse, where he got a score of 12.0:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OvHp87ebl90&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OvHp87ebl90&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />On rings he got an 11.4:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/URlXj1TnxLY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/URlXj1TnxLY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />He got a 14.5 on vault:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0mFLEsBzu0c&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0mFLEsBzu0c&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />His p-bar routine got 12.5:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Mslx7zVpVs0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Mslx7zVpVs0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />On high bar he got 12.9:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F5nC32bGOjY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F5nC32bGOjY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />His all around score was 76.7, which was good for 5th place in his age group (10-11). Best of all, the team won first place! They were pretty thrilled:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5oQq_Jxpj_G2wki9sDT2jaf0kEuSab3ykIxIGLMhQkSF_BoI15x4QUshojQu9JjuLzxBcSH8iVPzjZKbL7wFfuKfufuevajlQqC90SS0FbCOTu5iFl_CZo3uJ4Kknumj9N7U/s1600-h/team.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5oQq_Jxpj_G2wki9sDT2jaf0kEuSab3ykIxIGLMhQkSF_BoI15x4QUshojQu9JjuLzxBcSH8iVPzjZKbL7wFfuKfufuevajlQqC90SS0FbCOTu5iFl_CZo3uJ4Kknumj9N7U/s400/team.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430138649877986578" /></a>mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20744967.post-75714860702752778112009-12-14T10:19:00.004-06:002009-12-14T12:45:42.318-06:00Racine MeetCalvin had a gymnastics meet yesterday, the first of this season. He has moved up to Level 6, so that has meant learning new routines. Each routine builds on the previous level, so while there are similar elements, there are new things to add. What has made this hard for Calvin is that in practice he'll be working on his new routine and then find he's automatically doing the old one. He was nervous about this meet because of this and because he's really been struggling with some of the events. This is a really nice meet to start the season because the judges will talk with the boys and/or coaches after each event about what they did well and why they got certain deductions. It's kind of like a practice meet. :)<br /><br />This year he started on high bar, one event he was quite nervous about. You can see he uses grips now, and he hates them. They take some getting used to, and even though he's been using them all summer, he still hates them. He was worried about his <a href="http://gymnastics.about.com/od/glossaryofgymterms/g/CastHandstand.htm">cast</a>. It's a scary skill to learn, but he did it! He got a 13.2:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3itmY4JA1Rk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3itmY4JA1Rk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Next was floor. On his last pass he forgot to do his scale, but he remembered in time to go back and do it. He got an 11.7:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fTgCfejzPvU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fTgCfejzPvU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Then it was on to pommel horse. Not his best event by a long shot. After he watched these videos last night, he told me he forgot to do 2 of the circles on the mushroom, which would partly account for the very low score (the mushroom counts for quite a bit of the score). He got an 8.8.:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aUxM2dW_fAU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aUxM2dW_fAU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(by the way, if you want to see some <span style="font-weight:bold;">amazing</span> pommel skills, check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYxOhhMDRzg">this routine</a> by Alexander Artemev)</span><br /><br />He uses grips now on rings as well (they are different than the high bar grips). He hates those too. He scored 11.3:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dKmPZt-HZC8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dKmPZt-HZC8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />He got a 13.4 on vault. He needs to run faster:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dQVDKyHNePA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dQVDKyHNePA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />He seems to really struggle with p-bars in practice also. He did pretty well, and managed to get up into some handstands (something he seems to be hesitant to do). I can't remember what the skill is called where he has to hold himself over the bar and then go into a press, but he did it much better here than I've seen in practice. He got a 12.7:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yQKPY4nyHpM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yQKPY4nyHpM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />His all around score was 71.1, which was good for 8th place in his age division (ages 10-11) and a little trophy. :)mamafitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00532203067920083845noreply@blogger.com7