Meeting Huckabee

What a night! Met Gov. Mike Huckabee in person - photo proves it! Handsome buy on the right is my dear Hubby, Charley.
He was here in Champaign, IL to raise money for a home for unwed mothers. This man is so wise, so humble, so 'Lincoln'ess'.
He is the first one in his family to even graduate from HIGH SCHOOL!
I told him I pray daily for clear guidance from God regarding if he should run for president. I pray he will! I think he will!
His message was that in the Declaration of Independence it was so novel of an idea that we were all created equal because at that time - that really didn't seem to be the case - it was more how much land you owned, or your family name....... but THAT idea, that we were created EQUAL, and endowed with unalienable rights by OUR CREATOR - gives each one of us value. And that means ANY human being - whether in the womb, or in a nursing home.
Once we determine a human's worth based upon finances or social 'interruption' - and when you get down to it, those are the 2 determining factors used to argue in favor of abortion - we have set the bar (very , very dangerously) LOW. My mother is in a nursing home with Alzheimer's. Yes, it is a monetary drain. Yes, she is not 'contributing' the way some 'see' it. But she is my Mom, and God has her here for a purpose. Until HE calls her home to heaven to be with him, there is something for me to learn from her. She has rights, she is worthy of our love and our support.
THAT's the kind of president I WANT and PRAY for!
Join me in praying that Mick Huckabee run, and WIN! And reclaim our dear land for God, as it began.

Use for sweatshirt neck band!

A creative student proved me wrong....I always say I've never found a use for the neck ribbing of the sweatshirts as I create my Creative Sweatshirt Jackets. Well...while presenting a seminar/workshop at Fabrics Etc. 2 in Bensenville, IL last weekend, a clever student came to me with this rose!
1. Cut off the neck band from the sweatshirt.
2. Rotary cut off the seam allowance.
3. OPen it up so you have double the width.
4. Set a serger for a wide balanced stitch with decorative threads in upper and lower loopers. This was done with the WAVE STITCH on a BABYLOCK serger - which is a new wrinkle to me since my days of selling machines/sergers ended almost 8 years ago now!
5. Gather remaining end and twirl and stitch into a rosette.
WALA....... WAY TO GO!
Sorry I forget the name of the student who did it - Cindy perhaps?

Had lots of fun at this candy store of a quilt/machine shop! What a nice owner - Mary Forte, and her helpers/associates. If you're ever in Chicagoland - don't miss Fabrics Etc. 2 in Bensenville!

Royal Wedding Commentary - Ceremony

I'm moved! because of a business engagement, I was on the road this morning - and just now, this evening, have had a chance to watch a recording of the ceremony.
HOW MOVING - HOW Beautiful! WHAT a TRIBUTE to God's sacrament of marriage between a man and a woman! YES!!!!!

I am grateful for the message of this marriage - the pomp, the ritual, the quiet beauty of not only the bride, but the ceremony and the excitement, the loyalty, the pride of the British people. Oh - for this level of respect for marriage as God ordained it in OUR land.

I know some think it is silly, but I think the attention the world has given this marriage is a testament to the God-given yearning we all have to meet the challenges of life with another: man with woman, woman with man.

I pray sincerely for the success, the blessing of children, God's guidance of this couple as they face the challenge of their roles in their country.

Onto the dress ....
Well, my guess of last post was pretty close. I wasn't surprised at all by the long lace sleeves either. Beautiful.

Equally beautiful is the dress for Pippa, her sister. I'd LOVE to see that one up close. Beautiful silhouette - absolutely beautiful.

I'd love to know the history behind the choir robes, ruffled collars on those adorable little boys, the lace ascots over top of the red soldier-looking choir members standing out front.

And the HAT! Can't help but observe that on all the one-sided ones that the 'hat', the 'fluff' is ALWAYS on the left as you look at the lady...their right side. This aligns with what I've been taught - and teach, that focal points belong on one's right - which is the left as they are seen. Because - we read left to right.

Can NOT figure out though why Queen wears a pin so high and in addition to pearls!

Quite the pleated skirt thing going on on Camilla's ensemble! She looks so austere and sad. So much of Kate and William seems so much better, more mature than the whole Charles/Diana marriage.

Wonder why the preacher guy took of that pointed hat for part of the ceremony...

Westminster Abbey! Wow!!! I don't know how old it is, but that man figured out how to build such a beautiful, arched, tall, symmetrical cathedral - only testifies to the intelligence God planted in us, His image.

I can't but think...if this is what we can accomplish here on earth - what glory it will be ours to see in heaven. My mind is all into heaven these days reading Randy Alcorn's HEAVEN, and just read last night and this evening, 'Heaven is Real' about the little 4 year old boy who obviously died and came back during surgery with many details proving he was, indeed, in heaven. What a gift - this glimpse. I highly recommend it!

And now - back to the challenges of this day - which, in our country, is coming to the aid - monetarily, in person, and in prayer for all those families so devastated with the tornadoes. May God be glorified in how we respond...

Royal Wedding Commentary-Day Before the Wedding

Day BEFORE:
DID YOU SEE THE right side hem on Kate's white ruffle front jacket hanging down on TV tonight - coverage as she arrived at the hotel?



Tell-tale quick construction in my book - depending on the lining to hold up the hem! IN my construction thinking, a hem should ALWAYS be hand stitched to the garment, and the lining hand-stitched to the hem. But hey - what do I know?

THat hanging hem just screamed to me in this 'event' where everyone is holding their breath wondering what Kate's dress will be like...

My guess?

Slim through the waist - full with gores. Probably all a beautiful lace - and with at least little cap sleeves.

If she shows up in that monster of a dress with the HUGE flower-textured skirt they just showed on Inside Edition - I'll scream!

The spot on the hats looks amazing. I'd love to go to one of those hat-makers and see the entire process!!!

Back to reality - the devastation in the south here in the USA has me in prayer for the many people and towns effected. I'm confident that God's people will be the ones to show up first and stay the longest. Telling already to hear the survivors say they are 'blessed' to have survived even though they've lost anything. Yes, all that matters is your life. The rest is just 'stuff'.

Preview on the Royal Wedding

You just have to take a minute to watch this 'preview'...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kav0FEhtLug

I'll be traveling during the big event - boo hoo, but I'm sure I'll get to see a replay of the REAL thing...

Did hear on a Christian radio station yesterday from a British commentator that Kate Middleton is a Christian...and that the church has issued a request for prayer for the couple. Even issued was a prayer for children to pray - and it starts "Dear Jesus" !! Oh - for our country to be so bold for Christ!

To hear this enlightening discussion, go to:
http://asxarchive.moodyradio.org/IntheMarketwithJanetParshall/2011-04-26_In_The_Market__hour_02.asx

DKNY Vogue 1250 in 2.5 hours

This is just too much fun!
I've been working too darned hard - and decided to sneak in a new dress for myself this morning...as my Vogue patterns (see last post) arrived yesterday!

I am so fortunate to be able to not only have been taught to sew - but to have the $ TO sew, and to have work that I LOVE to do - in teaching others and sharing how I do it! For all that - I give God the glory. On top of that, I have the health to do it. I have a dear friend with fibromyalgia who hurts too much to do lots of things - so for health as well, I give God the glory!

That being stated, in just 2.5 hours TOPS, I cut out and stitched up Vogue 1250 of this teal slinky jacquard fabric this morning - and will proudly wear it tonight at the neighborhood ballroom dancin hall!

I've been so 'into' taking photos of every step as I work on my Creative Sweatshirt Jacket Talking Patterns™ , that I just couldn't convince myself to NOT do that for this garment either...so all the photos AND my commentary below each are available at my Picasa Album created for it as found HERE.

Therefore, I'll add just a few progress photos at this post.
Sheesh - do I have thread?? It's a knit - so I don't need to serge - and it's a simple dress, so it won't take much thread. However, I DO want to twin needle stitch. Here's what I found...these 3. The RULE ALWAYS IS: select a DARKER thread than your fabric. THAT is why the middle and the right ones worked the best. AND it had to be 100% polyester thread in order to stretch with the fabric.


For needle, I selected my favorite size 75/11 STRETCH needle - meaning it has a slightly rounded tip - to separate the fibers of the fabric, rather than to pierce them as a sharp needle would do. A Denim/Sharp or Microtex needle is sharp pointed for woven fabrics. A UNIVERSAL needle is just a hybrid of Stretch and Sharp -and imho, NOT the best for ANYTHING. My advice - take it or leave it.

REad at the Picasa Blog - but after determining and measuring the back finished neckline, allowing that that is supposed to be 1" below my back neck bone, and checking waist length, I determined that I needed to add 5/8" to the pattern. That's what I've done here. Made use of my favorite pattern tissue paper, Medical Pattern Paper - available at my website, www.londas-sewing.com. ALWAYS have magic scotch tape in a desk dispenser too!




I decided to try to add a godet up the center back seam (there are NO side seams!). Here is my figuring and cutting that long triangle from leftover fabric.

Speaking of fabric, I'm glad I bought extra, as this fabric was 50" wide instead of 60" wide. 60" wide fabric requires only 1.25 yards! Even that was hard for me to believe - so I bought 3 I believe...and hope to get a little T-Shirt out of the leftovers.



I have a really slick way of marking with pins...find it COMPLETELY explained at the Picasa Web Album via photos and my comments under each photo. To be able to read all the comments, you have to click on EACH photo.

This technique ONLY works when the fabric is cut out RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. You just stab pins in where you want it marked, carefully tear away the pattern, stick pins in on the opposite side, then pull apart - THEN pin together to mark where to stitch.


This dress is SO EASY!
1. I added the center back godet.
2. I threw away the silly back neck facing pattern and used Clear Elastic instead to finish the back neckline.
3. Stitch front tucks and shoulder seams.
4. Stitch back seam.
5. Stitch upper back to back skirt.
6. Hem lower and sleeve edges.
DONE!



VERY important is hemming - and STABILIZING the hem - which I did using Knit/Stretch Fusible Stay Tape. It goes on the HEM allowance, and it is SO important to 'balance the bulk' in hem areas! Do this by clipping the seam allowance and pressing the seams opposite directions.

Personal Sewing Plans...FUN!

OK - since I've designed and stitched 14 jackets since mid December (2 to go)...a Secret Project... I'm gearing up to do some PERSONAL sewing!

From the Teal jacquard knit - 2nd from left, purchased from Emma Seabrooke at Schaumburg...

Vogue 1250 - a classic DKNY I imagine will be in my wardrobe for a LONG time - AND serve as impetus to NOT gain weight! Would you believe this takes only 1.25 yards? I hardly could - so bought 3 just in case - and then to make a T as well...

The paisley knit - also from Emma - is a brushed almost polyester I think. It will be a top - of some sort - and I think I'll get some pink chiffon to play at the neck - ala this great idea on a gal who came into my booth - and was kind enough to let me take photos of this great sweater she purchased. Evidence of all the BIAS raw edges on sheers out there!
I saw another great little finish at Chico's the other day - I will return - perhaps tomorrow - and snap a photo to add.... just a touch of bias finishing the neckline - TOO CUTE!
This finish would be better on a jacket as shown...but then I might have enough of this pink paisley for a Jacket AND a T... that's an idea! Stay tuned......

Vogue 1208 - Platt design - just another classic I HAD to have for $3.99 - why not? It might be a strong option for the hand-dyed aqua/blue silk charmeuse at the right of the fabric photo... But, for SURE with the matte, NOT SHINEY side out! Perhaps I'd bind the neckline with a bias of the shiney side, but no sheen on MY hips!


That 3rd fabric from the right was a Vogue Fabrics 'steal' - a poly georgette - on tap might be:
This flippy little number featuring flounces... Vogue 1104

OR... Vogue 1158 caught my eye - perhaps out of the silk charmeuse...



This Kay Unger classic just HAD to join my 'collection'..... for any wedding upcoming, I think it would be PERFECT! - especially out of silk dupioni. Now - who is gonna get married? NOt a problem - with a super hubby who I get to dance with every Friday night (at least when I'm home..) I have the perfect excuse for pretty dresses!




Vogue 1160 - Polka Dot dress above... I'm adding this for several reasons - I think it is an adorable dress - but I also KNOW it is pathetic color/print for the blonde model!!! I mean really - do you see HER in the dress, or just the DRESS? 3 guesses, and the first 2 don't count! Take in my 'Frumpy to WOW' class at a show - or at my upcoming Creative Sewing Get-Away Weekend May 12-15 and you'll understand WHY this is SO Bad!





















This one just simply intrigues me - gotta see how it is made. Another option for the silk charmeuse on the right -

Seems to really need a belt though...could be a sash of the shiny side of the fabric...

Vogue 1223 from Anne Klein.




Vogue 1232 - now this one has a 'split personality' in my book. I don't get that tailored bodice with this flippy, unique flounce skirt. I bought it to create a SKIRT only!



Sew...there you have it - some plans anyway - and that's half the fun of sewing!!! Comment away - chime in with what YOU are planning to sew for spring/summer 2011!~

BIRTHED: Creative Sweatshirt Jackets...Londa's Way Book TWO

Creative Sweatshirt Jackets - Book 2

WOW! I feel as if I've given birth to 9 more 'children'! Adding to the 5 jackets in my first book, find

• Complete TALKING™ directions for every Basic Direction task and EVERY jacket
• BOTH of my Fitting Techniques included
• NEW embellishment 'wrapping' edges techniques perfected!
• COLOR photography throughout the book!
  
• LOTS of additional photos at the associated online website (as given INSIDE the book)
  

I squeezed this task into my very active creative and traveling schedule late last year and the first months of this year, working VERY diligently to 'give birth' to this new product. It seemed a logical step as the stock of my first book was about depleted.

To purchase the book AND one each of the VERY IMPORTANT Stay Tapes that you NEED in order to create jackets that look like mine (regularly $7.50 each - and NOT available in chain styores!), go here: http://www.londas-sewing.com/Creative-Sweatshirt-JacketsLondas-Way-Book-2-PLUS-1-each-Fusible-Stay-Tape-p25157.html

Many thanks to the confident customers and students who pre-ordered this book at both the Puyallup Creative Sewing Stitchery Expo in early March and the Lakeland, FL Original Sewing & Quilting Expo mid March. Your copies are mailing first class USPS Mail today and tomorrow (April 4 & 5).

Once again, I couldn't have accomplished this without the able and creative assistance of my wonderfully talented and artistic son, Jeff. As you listen to the audio and see all the photos, it is HIS skills that make this possible! Way to go, Jeff! Dear Husband Charley encourages me along the way - and diligently stuffs the envelope of patterns into the back of each book, and manages all the BOXES!

Also thanks to Shelley at my friendly local printer, Upclose Printing here in Champaign, IL. She hung with me through countless revisions and corrections!

Down to the 'order fulfillment center'.... ala the basement.... I go!


SAVE Since you read about it on my BLOG -
click HERE for the Book ONLY and save!
click HERE for the Book and 2 Fusible Stay Tape  Deal.   
   

Challenges of Travelling and Shows!!!!!!!

Get a kleenex, cause if this saga doesn't make you cry - you'll be laughing your heads off!
IF you think traveling, vending, teaching it shows is 'glamorous' - take heed! While I still consider myself to be VERY fortunate and blessed to be doing all this..... it DOES have its challenges!

I truly believe the Lord has something for us to learn through EVERY situation, and honestly, what I think he's telling me is that I'm stronger than I think I am, and that ONLY with the great helper/friends He has brought my way could I every possibly be handling days like today.....

Puyallup show was early March. Had my 7 boxes of jackets, booth fixtures, lighting, cash register, stock, brochures, credit card machine, etc. shipped by my great helper Kathy and her hubby on Mon, March 8 directly to Tampa area - my helper here, Elaine and her hubby - in Clearwater actually. That allowed plenty of time. I sent an extra box of stock..... had some jackets with me for intense work on my NEW BOOK!

So got home from Puyallup March 8. Monday. That Thursday I flew off to Cleveland from Indianapolis (that is a 2 our drive from my home - dear son drove me)...to go tape an episode for the new PBS sewing show, It's Sew Easy. More on that later...exciting, I met and worked a bit with SUEDE - designer from season 5 of Project Runway..... It snowed there 7" or so overnight. Taped Friday morning - after which my head cold took hold of me with a vengeance. Had gotten that because I slept with the humidifier on me to make noise to balance the CPAP mask my husband has been told he has to sleep with - which keeps ME awake. That's another whole story - had a huge scare with his health in Jan and early Feb causing me to cancel the Feb. Denver Show..... So as soon as I got done taping that morning, I really start blowing my nose constantly. So - got home Saturday morning.

Made more Jacket Kits like crazy, proofed NEW BOOK, and then left again for Indi arriving on Tuesday. Also - that Monday, my helper here called to let me know that THREE of the SEVEN boxes had arrived. Not worried - figured they'd arrive on Tuesday - no sweat!

THANKS BE TO GOD ABOVE, at least those 3 boxes contained ALL my jackets, and kits from Puyallup. If those get lost, I may as well just give up an entire year of travels!!!!!!!! God is GOOD!

So - start to track the other 4 boxes, they're lost. Then appear perhaps in the area and change with UPS the delivery to be here to my hotel. Praying they arrive on set-up the booth day, Wednesday. See the UPS truck roll up - raise arms in praise - assuming they are on the truck - NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sew - nothing to do but to start to re-buy what necesssary to pull off a booth:
New cash register, print out forms for credit card purchases, new clipboards, black fabric to cover tables, screen and hooks, pvc pipe, ..... you get the idea. Go home to motel last night. Think ahead and realize my projector for Power Point programs for classes is also lost. Knew I could use the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo one - but would need a connecter to go to my Apple computer - go buy the one dear son tells me to buy - at Best Buy. Grateful thought of before class started...feeling quite smart.
Program the NEW cash register. Went well - felt very smug and smart I did it so easily - was the same type of cash register as my old one. Read that batteries needed to hold journal info for $, but no alert it held everything else also only with batteries...well found THAT out this morning.

THEN... backing out of the parking place about 9 pm finally having done everything in booth possible, CRUNCH!!! A fender bender in the parking lot, - but really not even a scratch on either car - and Elaine had NEVER had any type of mishap driving! I'm feeling so responsible and terrible... and so indebted to all their great help - I'm sure you can imagine!

Then went to eat and sat in the bar area instead of waiting and got lousy service. I mean... it took 10' at least to get a glass of nerve-calming wine I figured I needed/deserved...........

What an end to a day that started with the only thing on my list of real concern was stopping at a drugstore to get eyeliner so I had 'eyes' cause it didn't get or keep packed! At this point - I could care less if I have proper eye makeup!!!
Could I sleep? After programming the cash register - thinking it was done perfectly - then NO, I couldn't sleep!

OK - so I go to teach my class at 9. WOULD YOU BELIEVE - that the connector sold to me by Best Buy was NOT the correct one?!? No such port on my apple that fit that thingie! Thankfully I had my cell phone on me - and called Mark the superboy of this group - and he arrived about 10' into my class - getting power point up and running. Meanwhile - was 'winging' it..... Such Fun!

Get back to booth - to take over cash register I leave dear Eileen with (hasn't run cash register in about 50 years) - she'd been playing and it wasn't programmed, nothing working!!!!!!!
Long and short of it: that brand new cash register would NOT hold the tax rate in it - and most of the time - not ALL the time, mind you - it did not add the proper 7% tax. Which meant we had to hand figure/check everything. Ahhh - but what wonderful customers sewers are! Everyone so understanding, patient, etc, etc. Meanwhile, Elaine and hubby Dave and also helper Sandy who had volunteered to help out - learning as they go and picking up pieces of me everywhere it seems!

Running out of brochures, stock, already. But always excited when reception of my stylish sweatshirt jackets is positive and exciting...which it seemed to be. Keep Smiling, Londa.... Keep Smiling.............
Meanwhile blowing my running nose constantly... EAT? fat chance! Mouth dry as cotton - nasal drainage...
Keep Smiling, Londa,,,,,,

4:00 - Sandy and I leave having taken down most of the 39 jackets, to the Free Stage to do my one woman fashion show of jackets - THAT's a Sweatshirt??!!?? Half way through - the lavalier microphone stops working! Sew... OK - we'll use the hand-held mic - a bit taxing with constantly putting on and taking off jackets. I think there must have been 250 to 300 in the crowd. Great audience - I shared a bit of my 'experience' thus far - I NEEDED EMPATHY - and they were SO kind!
While I'm giving the show - my cell phone (in my bra) - starts buzzing like crazy - like yea, I'm gonna whip it out of my bra and answer!!!!!!!

Well - guess what? The dear lady in Puyallup UPS office has news that the 4 boxes have been located - and are being delivered to Elaine's house - in Clearwater! NOT what I had changed it to - so now this evening, her dear hubby Dave drove the 1.5 hours each way to go fetch the boxes. Is that a dear, wonderful, generous man or WHAT?!?

At this point - leaving it all in the Lord's most capable hands - that the cash register WORKS. That the Credit card Machine WORKS, etc......... Because you can be SURE that I marched the faulty cash register right back to Staples and got a refund.

Now my fingers are tired as well - but I feel better already and do bet I'll sleep tonight!

That's All Folks.... Stay Tuned! I'm just gonna write a list of my blessings and call myself fortunate. I mean come on - if all the people in the world (how about Japan right now!) could have 2 rolls of toilet paper, a clean bed, an air conditioned room, a computer - internet connection - how amazing would THAT be? So - please don't get me wrong, though I know I'm complaining, I DO realize and appreciate the many blessings.

Say - the events in Japan will be affecting sewers in a significant way. While I"m almost hesitant to share this - as those people's lives are SO much more important.... but already my
scissors man friend says he's gotten notification of 22% increases in prices of scissors coming from Japan (KAI among others!) and that is only the beginning! And, so much fabric is printed in Japan as well! Costs were rising before, but now - just hold on.........

I truly believe God is trying to get EVERYONE's ATTENTION! HE is in control, and when you think anything else, He'll put you and me in our proper places. That is where I pray my heart and head are tonight - in the proper place in relationship to Him!

Thanking and praising my helper friends, customers, but most of all Jesus my Lord.. and our Father above............
Good Night!



'sinifical

Exciting Mail today!!!

Got the most exciting mail I've received in a long time today - my autographed copy of Mike Huckabee's newest book, A Simple Government!!!!!
This man of wisdom, character and experience is a blessing to our country and I intend to do everything my schedule allows to help him get elected to be our next President. It's hard, but I'm not going to start the book til I land in the airport and on the plane to the Sewing & Stitchery Expo - for the expressed purpose of using it to share with others about him.
Here's a recent email if you'd care to read it. Simple. Honest. Humble. That's the kind of leadership I pray for for my country!

"Tomorrow, I kick-off my book tour for A Simple Government. I wrote this book because I am sick and tired of watching the Obama administration and the career politicians in Washington stumble over decision after decision.

A Simple Government is about the twelve things I believe we really need from Washington to get the country back on the right track.

It’s my hope these twelve essential truths will have you nodding in agreement, whether you're a Republican, an Independent, or even an open-minded Democrat. I believe they can help us put aside our differences, tone down the partisanship, and return to the simple principles of the Founding Fathers: liberty, justice, personal freedom, and civic virtue. And they can help us tackle even the most seemingly complicated of today's problems.

These are just some of the things I discuss:

* You can't spend what you don't have; you can't borrow what you can't pay back. Families, businesses, towns, cities, and states all have to balance their budgets or face dire consequences. Why shouldn't the federal government be held to the same standard? And if that means making some hard choices now, it's a far better alternative than saddling our kids and grandkids.

* The further you drift from shore, the more likely you are to be lost at sea. The Founders expected the federal government to be subordinate to state and local governments. How can politicians in DC know the best way to help farmers in Iowa, autoworkers in Michigan, or teachers in California? They can't. So every problem should be solved at the most local level capable of solving it.

* Bullies in the playground only understand one thing. There's a time and place for diplomacy, but we can't protect the country just by negotiating with our enemies. We need a strong national defense and a counterterrorism policy that focuses on effectiveness, not political correctness.

* The most important form of government is the family. In the long run, the only way to ensure prosperity, safety, and equal opportunity is to make sure we raise our children to be ethical and productive citizens. No bureaucracy can replace parents in that essential role, so we have to do everything possible to help parents do their job.

As I said, I have laid out twelve foundational ideas for the reclaiming of our government by “We the People.” I hope, you will take a moment and learn about my new book because I truly believe you’ll agree with and enjoy much of what I’ve written. You can learn more about A Simple Government by visiting my website here.

You can also learn more about the book tour, RSVP for one of its stops and find useful links to help you purchase the book.

Please keep an eye on your email inbox for another message from me early next week about the book and how the tour is going. Enjoy the remainder of your weekend!

With gratitude,

Mike Huckabee

P.S. Learn more about my new book A Simple Government by visiting my website here."

Puppet Theatre Creation

Recently, I got to escape to play and create with #1 Grandson! DD had torn out a page from a magazine on a 'hang in the door' puppet theater, so that was our project. Here we are having a great time sewing it...which he LOVED being artsy-craftsy as he is. The machine is one I gave my daughter at the end of my shop days - a Brother - which is a GREAT machine. I got it 'out of the closet' and gave it a good run - since it never sees the light of day otherwise...
Maybe SOME day!

Anyway..... he had a great time deciding on the ribbons to create 'stripes' on the theatre. And he was just pretty durned right one when it came to 'if that color matchded the other ones' or not! That's my Boy!!!! He actually wanted to paint on the stripes - but I convinced him that then it would have to dry and we wouldn't be able to finish.

The heavy denim was a great background. On the magazine version, the curtain was gathered along the top - ughhhh - it would have to stay tied back for the 'show'. So I engineered this so the curtains could easily be opened and closed...
It is heavy piping cord knotted and stitched onto the outside stage 'frame', and then plastic cafe rings stitched to the top of the curtain. For that I used that 'button-sewing-on' stitch that is on so many machines. You can also see here how it is hung 'taut' inside the laundry room to the family room/kitchen area so that he has a ready 'audience' . Ahhh - and see those kitchen cabinets in the background...I claim transforming those from mediterranean dark wood to current light colors. After that painting/antiquing, I decided NOT to do my own cabinets! They do look good though...

Sew.... here's the end result. Lamb Chops there on the right - a gift to daughter from my very creative and clever Sister-in-Law retired Kindergarten teacher who does great things with puppets and plays...and on the left - a puppet 'creature' that Grandson created from the goodies his great Aunt had provided - starting with a green sock.

Back to hopefully the last day on re-working and adding to my own book on Creative Sweatshirt Jackets, as current inventory is about depleted. Tuesday next finds me on a plane to Puyallup, WA for the Sewing & Stitchery Expo... and the beginning of a VERY busy month of travels around the country.

Venting....

OK - I'm venting. I'm a political beast at heart. My hubby has said many times he's relieved I'm 'occupied' with my creative sewing career! Taking a break from writing that will become the 2nd edition of my book on Creative Sweatshirt Jackets.....

1. Just toured the school where my DD is doing her student teaching. That one - along with every other one I've been in built any time in the last 10 years would make what I went to school in (and learned quite well in, thank you very much!) look like the dires of poverty! Carpet - everywhere! I mean - even in rooms where they EAT!
There is NO reason on this earth why our schools today need to be Taj Mahals!!! In fact, with all the 'stuff' everywhere in the room - it's no surprise to me that children are 'distracted' ala ADHD!
2. Politicians and federal employees across the board must learn to live by the SAME RULES as the rest of us!
Sharing from a source I trust...
"

No one has been able to explain to me why young men and women serve in the U.S. Military for 20 years, risking their lives protecting freedom, and only get 50% of their pay. While politicians hold their political positions in the safe confines of the capital, protected by these same men and women, and receive full pay retirement after serving one term. It just does not make any sense.

Checked snopes - read here: http://www.snopes.com/politics/socialsecurity/pensions.asp
I just feel they really are just like us - and if they were properly motivated, they would serve humbly instead of acting like aristocracy! They deserve the same as you and I. No better, no worse. Yes - I'm a conservative, Christian - and most of the time Republican.

35 States file lawsuit against the Federal Government

Governors of 35 states have filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon them. It only takes 38 (of the 50) States to convene a Constitutional Convention.

This will take less than thirty seconds to read. If you agree, please pass it on."

For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform... in all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop.

If each person that receives this will forward it on to 20 people, in three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message.. This is one proposal that really should be passed around.

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."

Now - back to what I CAN control - my directions on creative sewing!

Life Happens ...What's been Keeping me Busy

Life happens - and always has lessons for us. Last 2 weeks we feared a very serious illness for my husband based on Dr. tests, etc. More tests and many prayers later - we are giving thanks it is not the case at all. Doctors become either so general or SO specialized, they all have tunnel vision in my book! Also found that regarding medical issues the internet can be both a curse and a blessing. Sew...cancelled out of the Denver show last week - but the Blizzard here in central U.S. wouldn't have let me get there anyway!
Lessons God taught me:

• He is more interested in my trust than my understanding!
• How many dear, supportive friends I have!
  

Been busy sewing...for a project that won't culminate until mid 2012. Exciting, fun, challenging. Now back to the regular grind of preparing for Spring Shows that start hugely with the big Sewing & Stitchery Puyallup, WA show early March.

Along with that - trying to make the transition from PC to MAC - ughhhhh!

BIG excitement is that I was invited to do a spot for the new It's Sew Easy sewing show on PBS that will start this June! The machine I'm to use for that should arrive today - so I can make my samples. My topic is bias, bias fur trim, etc. That is squeezed into March as well - along with THREE shows.

Tools I've fallen in love with EVEN MORE during recent designing and sewing ...
Japanese Snips
Even with the price increase due to steel prices, they are worth every penny of $25!


Roll the Gold Rotary Cutting Blade
Nice - just REAL nice - cut with ease through the sweatshirting and silk I stitch with so much!

Back to a quick newsletter - and SEWING!

The Bachelor

The Bachelor.....
OK - WHY do I watch this nonsense???? I certainly don't agree with the premise - much less the morals, or the process!
Nonethelesss...I'm watching. (So is hubby!)
I know - I watch because of the CLOTHES! I love to see what these bimbos are all wearing - and decide if I think they look good in it...

BUT -
I hate, hate, hate how pathetic our English language has become...
I think I'm gonna scream if I hear one more time:

• 'like' used over and over

and

• 'you guys' ................... they are gals, for one thing

or

• take our relationship to the next level...
  

Just venting....

PS - are those fangs on this blonde real????