tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26803975923711275012023-11-16T20:52:15.077+13:00keelysews... sometimesRamblings on my sewing hobby and other topicsKeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-90319966590820676012019-02-09T15:44:00.000+13:002019-02-09T15:44:09.685+13:00I'm baaaaaccckkk!Wow, it has been a looooong time since I blogged! Where has that time gone?!<br />
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If
anyone is still out there - hellloooo! *waves madly* I haven't
disappeared, just been busy with life. A few years ago I heard someone
describe life as steamrolling over them and I think that's a perfect
analogy for the last decade of my life! I might write in more detail
eventually, but briefly, since last posting I have started and been working on a
PhD, as well as teaching and researching, gained quite a bit of weight, started losing
weight again, got a much better haircut, had some family health scares, and had some personal challenges,
all of which has made life a bit hectic to say the least.<br />
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Consequently,
apart from the odd bit of mending, I haven't really got near the sewing
desk - in fact for a while there it was buried under PhD papers and
marking! But just lately I have started doing a bit of sewing again,
mainly as a stress relief as I come into the final stretch of my PhD. It
probably seems a bit backwards to take up a 'hobby' again when I should be at my
busiest, but over Christmas I rediscovered some of my sew-jo and the joy of wearing
a me-made project. I even finished 2 simple garments over the break!
Admittedly, my New Year's resolution of sewing for 15
minutes per day has already failed, but frankly 15 minutes a week is 15 minutes more than I have been doing, so it's still a win :)<br />
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I also joined
Instagram over Christmas, which has led to some classic overthinking about how I'd post there. The result is that I'm now running two accounts. One for my sewing side [@keelysews] and one to continue the pics of flora, fauna, scenery and sunsets [@keelyb_1]. <br />
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In
progress currently with my few minutes a week is a floral version of the <a href="https://helenscloset.ca/2018/05/25/introducing-the-york-pinafore/" target="_blank">Helen's Closet York Pinafore.</a><br />
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This will be my second version of a pinafore - the first was one of my
finished garments and I love it which is saying a lot for a someone who
usually lives in trousers. My trial run of this pattern was in a red mystery polyester fabric that was cheap at Lincraft. I figured if it was wearable, at least it would be bright. That held up until I read a comment online where someone commented they were worried they'd look like they had a teletubby butt. At that point, I looked at my red fabric and realised it was decidedly Po coloured. Ooops. Or should that be uh-oh. Nonetheless, the pinafore was cut out, so I went ahead with my trial.<br />
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That neckline is an example of why you should not cut corners - in this case, why you should not forget to understitch the bias to the seam allowance - as with wear the binding has rolled to the outside slightly. But I'll still wear it, so lesson learned.The pockets are wonderfully big and it's perfect for when I have to be a bit tidier at work than jeans, but want to be comfortable. About the only issue I have is that my waist obviously expands when I sit and I found that the fabric bunches a bit more around the tummy area. It's not uncomfortable, and I think adding more ease at the waist will solve that, or perhaps lengthening the bodice pieces so that the armhole scoop sits a bit lower and gives more ease? I'd already cut out the floral version before I'd worn the trial version for a full day so haven't changed the fit, but the fabric has a slight stretch which should help. I might, just maybe might, have to play with a third version :)<br />
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<br />Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-34346996251240573702013-04-29T23:21:00.002+12:002013-04-29T23:21:31.639+12:00A touch of summer I finally got some sewing done. Just an Ottobre tee to get my hand back in. I laughingly call this my Hawaiian tee. I'm meh about it, especially going into winter. That's what I get for letting it sit cut out for so long before sewing it up. It's one of those fabrics I now look at and wonder what I was thinking when I bought it. I presume it was the colour that got me.<br />
However, come summer I think this could look better over my white 3/4 pants with my purple slip-ons.<br />
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A blurry photo from the cellphone, crooked necklace and all.<br />Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-32166555295682346892013-03-31T17:33:00.001+13:002013-03-31T17:33:21.800+13:00 Almost forgotten what free time isMuch excitement this last week as my thesis is finally finished and off to the examiners. I submitted on Monday and every day since has seen me out and about catching up with people and having celebratory coffees. Luckily the BFF's see me occasionally at crafty nights so I didn't quite need a nametag. Now I'm enjoying a thesis-free Easter - boy does it feel strange not to be thinking that I should be in at work! Next up is an article by end of April. 5000 words after the 'book' that is my thesis? - no problem, lol.<br />
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I have all these lists of 'Things to do once I finish my thesis', including of course some sewing if my machines haven't drowned under the dust of neglect. - Painting the lounge, bedroom and bathroom; cleaning the oven (groan); cleaning the fridge (groan again); finding the garden under the weeds; sew myself some new tops; consider making the dress from the new Ottobre; destash some fabric to empty the cupboards, etc. You get the idea. I don't know if the three months I have off over winter is going to be long enough.<br />
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In other exciting news, I found a post on how to wrestle underwires into submission, meaning I can now wear my new fancy schmancy underwire b ras for more than ten minutes without sustaining bruises on my arms, or having to buy new smaller wires which was suggested by the lingerie fitter. Ok, so maybe most people won't find that exciting.....<br />
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Right I'm off to find that dining table so I can trace out a pattern. I know it's there somewhere underneath all that crap......<br />
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<br />Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-50583980357998949362013-01-07T22:34:00.000+13:002013-01-07T22:39:19.331+13:00A new year, still alive...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hope you're all sitting down, because I actually did something sewing-related! I know! I could barely believe it too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The warm temps have encouraged me to pull out fabrics and patterns and debate sewing summer tops. Of course, I didn't go down without a fight. I dragged myself off to the nice cheaper outlets to get some instant satisfaction without scaring the wallet too much - and was promptly reminded why I sew my own tops! Since when does '<i>Now with better fit</i>' mean '<i>we added several inches to the center front seam so this top won't look good on anyone</i>'?! Honestly, yes I'm a plus size in tops, but my shoulders are not as wide as a door frame! Sadly, even pricier stores are not immune from this strangely shaped 'model'. The only way I can think to make tops like these fit is to buy some little shoulder pads. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like these ones:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Or perhaps these ones: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A little skimming in the side seams and I could have a waist!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I did buy a couple of tops, but they're both sleeveless and, because the same patternmaker has been at them, determined to show my undergarments to the world.Nevermind, I just bought a few tees in the more-clingy-than-I'd-ever-be-seen-in category to wear underneath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Still, this hasn't fully solved the clothing issue. So I took a day away from the thesis, pulled out my Ottobres, traced a new copy of my favourite tee and a copy of a A-line tanktop, pulled out fabric and cut away. Two tops at once. (So that's two more UFOs for the pile....) My poor lonely sewing machine even had a terrible shock when I coaxed it from its hiding place under the dust and stitched the shoulder seams and applied the neckband on the A-line sleeveless top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And that's as far as the tops have got. Instead of finishing my clothes, I've been finishing a chapter for my thesis. The end is in sight, all going well, and then I shall have to sew to distract myself from worrying about examiners.</span></div>
Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-82065027951507120922012-06-25T22:04:00.001+12:002012-06-25T22:06:24.641+12:00Helllooo? Is there anyone out there still?I wouldn't be surprised if everyone has packed up and gone home, figuratively.<br />
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Crafting (or is that crafty-ness?) is in short supply at my house. There's no sewing to report. All I've managed is to hem some jeans and sew some buttons on. The crocheting of granny squares is proceeding slowly- around 200 more black squares to do. I've done about a third of all the squares (colour and black) that I need for this afghan, and in typical fashion I already have the yarn for the next project sorted out. Despite not getting any sewing etc done myself I am still reading blogs, but not really commenting. I'm living vicariously through everyone else out there. :)<br />
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Work, on the other hand, is ongoing as always. The thesis is slowly being chipped away which is a relief. <br />
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In the meantime I've diverted my 'creative' urges into another blog called <a href="http://thoughtstopia.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">thoughtstopia</a> where I'm dumping all my thoughts, or the 'thinky' stuff as one friend called it. Sometimes it's just hard to switch the brain off at night and thoughtstopia is where I'm doing all my rambling, thinking-out-loud so to speak. So if you're interested, pop on over and see what you think and maybe leave a comment or two.<br />
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Don't worry - I'll keep this blog up too cos I've gotta get time to sew again one day don't I?<br />
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<br />Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-88604759342580804182012-04-19T22:25:00.000+12:002012-04-19T22:25:02.311+12:00Thursday Random ramblings<ol style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<li>Nothing like a dedicated sewing and study room to stir the mojo.</li>
<li>I feel like I should make something. </li>
<li>Although I have a large pile of alterations and repairs sitting on my new desk.</li>
<li>Glad today is over.</li>
<li>I must remember to speak more slowly when presenting. </li>
<li>Hopefully I won't have to worry for a while though.</li>
<li>Crocheting black at night is tricky.</li>
<li>Actually crocheting black in anything but direct sunlight is tricky.</li>
<li>I have about 240 more black granny squares to go.</li>
<li>I better hope for some sunny days.</li>
<li>I might wear a skirt next week to work.</li>
<li>I only said might.</li>
<li>Thoroughly enjoying the Game of Thrones books.</li>
<li>Reading on the ereader is much easier than heavy books in bed.</li>
<li>And easier than crocheting the black granny squares.</li>
<li>Haven't mentioned that hubby has a job back home.</li>
<li>He's in the same building as me.</li>
<li>Which is nice :)</li>
<li>I've become quite fond of cider.</li>
<li>I found Feijoa cider</li>
<li>Yummm.</li>
<li>Whittaker's now make Peanut Butter Chocolate blocks.</li>
<li>Also yummmm!</li>
<li>As is their Hokey Pokey block. </li>
<li>No I don't work for Whittakers.</li>
<li>I'd be happy to be their taste tester if they needed one. </li>
<li>DD1 cooked tea tonight.</li>
<li>And then baked dessert.</li>
<li>Gotta love school holidays and bored children.</li>
<li>It's easier to love school holidays when you still go to work.</li>
<li>I really do love my children.</li>
<li>Especially when they make brownies for dessert.</li>
<li>And even when they don't.</li>
<li>The brownies don't hurt.</li>
<li>hmmmm, that's a lot of posts about food.</li>
<li>maybe I should go crochet?</li>
<li>Or I could unpick the sleeves of the top I bought</li>
<li>because the armscye is very low</li>
<li>I'm going to take a tuck in the shoulders</li>
<li>perhaps pleat the top of the sleeves?</li>
<li>or recut them completely?</li>
<li>decisions decisions</li>
<li>I could do with a new top soon</li>
<li>I've got that bright fabric downstairs calling to me.</li>
<li>All of my fabric is still downstairs.</li>
<li>Although my new sewing area is upstairs.</li>
<li> I still have a lot of fabric.</li>
<li>Perhaps I could make an A-line tunic</li>
<li>I really do need some new tops </li>
<li>I actually mentioned sewing! </li>
</ol>Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-2500812527559004962012-01-18T22:40:00.000+13:002012-01-18T22:41:21.416+13:00EReader CoverLast weekend I got <strike>a new toy</strike> a new gadget for work - a Sony ereader.<br />
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I have to say this is a very <strike>cool toy</strike> helpful device for work. Unfortunately, for the $229 you pay, you do not get a cover. There is also a stylus included, but no way of attaching it to the device. I umm-ed and aah-ed over the cases available, before deciding that I might be able to do something at home to keep my reader safe in the depths of my handbag. <br />
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So, cos I have to have something to blog, I took photos of the way I made my ereader cover.<br />
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Step 1: Find an old book that is bigger than your ereader. I started with an old diary I'd found the day before in my decluttering. I have no idea why we had an unused 2004 diary on the bookshelf.<br />
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2. Carefully cut out the pages by slicing through the inner cover paper with a craft knife -</div>
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3. Lay the book cover on your chosen fabric (or decorative paper) and cut around, leaving enough to fold over. My allowances were 5cm on each side and 2.5cm on top and bottom edges because I was working with a remnant. Make small marks to make it easier to line your cover up on later.<br />
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4. Spread glue over the front cover and line up on fabric. Flatten the fabric out carefully - because my fabric was a heavy woven, it didn't need much smoothing.<br />
Then I used a double-sided tape on the spine, rolled the book over to make sure there was enough ease in the fabric, and glued the back cover on the same way as the front. <br />
My cover flattened out well, so I moved onto the inside. Otherwise I would have moved to the weighting down stage until the glue dried on the cover. <br />
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5. Glue the overlaps up to the inside (the same way you have to cover all those schoolbooks every year). As you can see, I was still considering leaving the ribbon bookmark as a quirky feature, but I later changed my mind.<br />
I used a bit of fraystop on the corners.<br />
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Then I left my cover to flatten overnight under some heavy books. I offer no excuses for the fact that the closest books to hand were mainly chocolate cookbooks. :) These were removed the next morning to let it dry better.<br />
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6. Once the cover had dried, I taped the spine for reinforcement. Then I cut a strip of fabric to cover the inside of the spine and glued this strip into place. <br />
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7. Before I glued the strip in, I used one of the cut pages and folded up edges until I'd decided on the size to cut the foam for the inside padding.<br />
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I cut out 2 pieces of craft foam and a piece of backing cardboard for the inside back cover. My thinking was that the cardboard would provide just a little extra strength to the piece supporting the reader with the elastic.<br />
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8. I covered one piece of foam with fabric for the inside front cover<br />
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and glued into place inside the front cover<br />
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<i>Sorry, in my excitement to finish I forgot to take any photos for the next bit, but it's fairly self-explanatory.</i><br />
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9. I glued the card and foam together and covered it with fabric for the inside back cover block. Then I played around with elastic placement to hold the reader in place. When I was happy with it, I glued the elastic to the back of the 'block'. I added some stitching (yes, Judy, some sewing!!) to stop the reader sliding down too far.<br />
My elastic placement is actually a bit lopsided because I wanted to have some room to one side for the stylus to be held. I stitched the elastic on the side to make it tighter for the stylus. <br />
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Then I glued the block into the inside back cover and weighted it down for an hour. <br />
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And ta-dah - my ereader cover<br />
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Unlike my friend J, who is the Glue Queen, my technique lacked a bit of finesse, but it worked and I saved myself quite a bit of money.<br />
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Word of warning though if you decide to try to make one too - let the glue dry on the back block for a day before you try the reader out or the glue pulls up a bit.<br />
You can guess how I found that one out. :)<br />
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So, I made something and it even involved a teeny bit of sewing, lol. <br />
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Now to get back to those granny squares...<br />
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</div>Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-62856901739822049952012-01-08T12:05:00.001+13:002012-01-08T12:05:29.195+13:00A random thought...Wouldn't it be great if Murphy's Law kicked in as soon as you throw out all those clothes that are a bit tight? <br />
<br />Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-25350933123272099732012-01-07T11:02:00.002+13:002012-01-07T15:57:28.803+13:00My latest crochet projectI've mentioned that I've rediscovered crochet and it's become my new craft - to be honest it's about the only craft I'm getting time for lately. It can be quite addictive, not to mention it's a heck of a lot easier to pick up a crochet project to take to craft night, than a sewing project. <br />
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My latest project is going to take me a while - the 'Granny's colour palette throw'<br />
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I was impatient and used Spotlight for my yarn source so any hope of getting 11 shades of any colour went right out the window immediately. So my throw will be more 'vibrant' i.e I went for bright colours cos that's all SL had, and that was enough of a struggle.<br />
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There are a lot of squares in this throw - yes they're only 2 round granny squares, but I'm not going to win any awards for speed crochet especially on granny squares which I only just learned to do. So I'm looking at 374 squares total, 248 of which will be black.<br />
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So far I have this huge pile of yellow squares - <br />
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Also pictured are my first granny square I completed in blue, and the 'daisy' granny square I tried out. <br />
I calculate that if I do 2 squares per day I might have this finished
by the middle of winter. That doesn't sound a lot really does it?<br />
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Before I found this project to <strike>throw more money at</strike> brighten my winter, I had been playing around crocheting easy scarves.<br />
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A cream angora wool scarf which is lovely and soft. <br />
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Plus a much longer variegated scarf from a lovely soft acrylic for my daughter. I have enough yarn left for arm warmers or a beret, or possibly both.<br />
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And in the UFO pile is this scarf which has been undone so many times I'm sure I've crocheted at least a metre or so which is no longer there. I like the effect of the yarn/ribbon combo (which looks much prettier in real life), but it's not a nice yarn to crochet. At the moment this has been put to one side to think about whether it wants to behave for me or not. <br />
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Right - off to declutter some more!<br />
<br />Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-52168011197573934812012-01-07T00:04:00.000+13:002012-01-07T00:04:04.233+13:00DeclutteringAnother blogiversary missed. You would think that New Year was easy enough to remember wouldn't you? And it wasn't because I was celebrating all out. <br />
In fact the whole Christmas/New Year period has seemed delightfully quiet. I say delightfully because this past year has simply flashed by with DH working in Christchurch, thesis work ongoing, transporting and <strike>wrangling </strike>organising kids, my Mother's death and the long, long job of sorting out the estate of a hoarder. Everytime I come home, I want to throw things out of my house, but usually by then I'm too tired.<br />
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So, this last week, DH and I have been tackling all the jobs that have been neglected around our house - the weeds have been brought under control, for now, after a mammoth effort involving my sister and her husband as well as us. Why is it that the plants I grow the best are the ones I don't want?<br />
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We've been decluttering and reorganising for the last few days. A trailerload has gone to the tip, 2 carloads have gone out to charity stores or friends, and there are 7 large bags of rubbish waiting to go out this week (usually we only put out one) - yeah, our house was that bad! - and we're still going!<br />
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I've only gone through a small portion of my fabric and managed to get rid of 3 boxes worth so far. Then there was the liberating feeling of throwing out a load of 'mending' that had been sitting in the pile, some for years. I sat down and fixed the items that were still of use and no job took longer than ten minutes. Obviously the lesson is to stay on top of it all regularly. Hmmm, maybe I should rethink my New Year resolution not to make resolutions. <br />
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<br />Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-38974338539589107622011-10-27T20:33:00.000+13:002011-10-27T20:33:39.580+13:00Long time, no seeI can't believe it's been 5 months since I last posted!<br />
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Well, ok I can because it's been hectic. Warning: Pity party bleat to follow - My Mother fell ill and died in August; the work/study thing has been busy, busy, busy; DH is still commuting to long-distance work which adds stress and makes life lonely at times; and I have 2 teens and a tween who's desperately trying to prove she too can exhibit teen behaviour. Phew!!! My hairdresser is certainly proving her worth keeping the grey at bay. Anyway, pity party over.<br />
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Still no coat - which is my fault for not chasing up the proper interfacing for a while. Between Spotlight's lack of stock and the rude lack of service I received at Anne's Fabrics when I asked, it was ages before I got around to getting some. By the time I did SL had it back in stock. Plus I found a totally much more beautiful lining at the same time so obviously I was supposed to <strike>be slack</strike> take my time. It's all at Judy's house just waiting for me to go visit and have a fitting so Judy knows where to start. But no hurry - it's summer now. <br />
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Despite everything else I did get away for a weekend in July for the first time in 18 years with my husband and without children. Yep, no children and no guilt about it either. We went to a beautiful wedding in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanmer_Springs">Hanmer Springs</a> and have decided we really need to go back for a family holiday. The weather was beautiful and the Southern Alps had snow on them so it was all very picturesque. <br />
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I actually managed to sit at my "sewing" desk last weekend. I was a bit worried that with all the neglect the machines would have turned feral, but after a dust off (yes, my optimism knows no bounds and I'd left them uncovered so I could sew easily, bwah hahha) they consented to work enough for me to fix a few hems. So not 'real' sewing, but baby steps. After all, I wouldn't want to put my machines into shock by asking them to actually convert flat fabric into something wearable straight away.<br />
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Life hasn't been all craft-free however. After the scarf which took 23 years to finish last year, I have taken up crocheting scarfs galore, lol. I even have a beret and arm warmers planned for DD2. <br />
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Plus I discovered <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest.</a> And <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/">StumbleUpon.</a> Need I say more. So enjoyable, but I swear time speeds up the minute I login. I can't possibly spend <em>that</em> much time on the internet....<br />
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And cos no blog should be without a picture...<br />
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<br />Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-55106902244414991012011-05-22T17:52:00.006+12:002011-05-22T18:38:45.074+12:00A coat, a coat, some chocolate for a coat...(Apologies to Shakespeare)<br /><br />It's rapidly becoming winterish here and after shivering away with the knowledge that my schedule was not going to be allowing any coat sewing I came up with a brilliant plan - buy the biggest bag of Reese's Pieces I could find and bribe <a href="http://everythingjustsew.blogspot.com/">Judy</a> to <strike>make it for me </strike>help me make it at her place (tho' who are we really trying to kid here - my 'help' will consist of opening packets and nodding wisely as Judy explains techniques).<br /><br />So, pattern - <a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/vogue/8626/8626.jpg">Vogue 8626 </a> which has a nice pleated back detail, the collared version.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Add_4_Full/V8626.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 475px;" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Add_4_Full/V8626.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One visit down and there's progress. A muslin has been examined, Judy has approved it and was very tactful about the modifications she will be making to fit my broad back, full bust and the hollow chest that occurs above the ample aforesaid bust. And perhaps stitching the pleats down for the first few inches.<br /><br />Then came the big decision. Sensible navy cashmere for which I do have a really beautiful satin lining already picked? OR the purple melton I picked up a while ago (yikes - in 2009!) and for which I do have some purple skulls satin set aside for lining, tho I'm still in two minds about that? Judy made the point that purple is cheerful for winter, so I ignored my inner mumsy voice telling me the navy was more practical and purple it will be! Now I've just got to summon the funds to get interfacing and maybe a different lining.<br /><br />While I was hunting out the various fabrics and patterns to show Judy, I was reacquainted with fabrics which I also have plans for and I was reminded that I'm missing having sewing time. Somehow, my planned month off was filled with marking assignments and running around after kids.<br />Must. Sew. More.Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-35205268678474460642011-03-28T19:53:00.004+13:002011-03-28T20:07:24.973+13:00I got nothin'No sewing, no hobbies, nada.<br /><br />Except for a looming deadline this week,<br /><br />a growing collection of empty coke bottles,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cioGR0VLuaw/TZAyXQidqFI/AAAAAAAACDI/nu53BLrrNcM/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cioGR0VLuaw/TZAyXQidqFI/AAAAAAAACDI/nu53BLrrNcM/s200/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589022512724682834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and one furry helper who seems to feel ignored.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgR73Oi2S6vehl0e4Gh9MpUEDZYF9fqG6Qo-xEyr4X7LS5qLXk1Hg2NOd29FJUmAjW17x_68HykxYh89_MkYlkB-Mrr2GBo1e-6we5XMFzhrFj2cEJ9XOZK1nxSmflWiOASnxLOa8QjEl/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgR73Oi2S6vehl0e4Gh9MpUEDZYF9fqG6Qo-xEyr4X7LS5qLXk1Hg2NOd29FJUmAjW17x_68HykxYh89_MkYlkB-Mrr2GBo1e-6we5XMFzhrFj2cEJ9XOZK1nxSmflWiOASnxLOa8QjEl/s200/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589022521012497682" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'll know I've been a bad mom when the the ten year old tries this.<br /><br />But Friday, Friday.... I'm free for a week!<br /><br />(anyone else got that irritating song in their head now?)Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-52399692223904940432011-02-23T11:23:00.006+13:002011-02-23T11:42:04.292+13:00Christchurch EarthquakeIt feels surreal today to be sitting down to work as normal when the TV is showing such terrible pictures of devastation from Christchurch. I cannot imagine the day my DH is having up there. There will be no 'normal' for some time I'm sure. I admit that, selfishly, I wish he could quit and come back home.<br /><br />When I felt the quake yesterday I wasn't too worried about DH. Must be over in Fiordland I thought, because our house seems to be sheltered from the northern quakes to an extent. However, the realisation that it was from Christchurch and that we had felt it strongly here underscored how big a quake it was. Luckily I was able to ring DH and get a 30 second call so I knew he was ok. However, the ongoing uncertainty and concern over his safety and well-being is wearing. I can only imagine what it is like for those who have not yet heard from family and friends and are having to face the possibility of bad news. The death toll is inevitably going to rise, and the lives of all those affected have been torn apart.<br /><br /><br />My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Christchurch today.Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-45012095605176994322011-01-20T22:50:00.002+13:002011-01-20T23:02:06.204+13:00Vintage Sewing Book<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;">My plans to do a bit of sewing may have fallen by the wayside</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, but I have been reading about sewing. My mother had a clear-out of her sewing books and I liberated this one:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TTf5HPhDlII/AAAAAAAACCI/r16TdrBhmr8/s1600/Jan%2B2011%2B008.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TTf5HPhDlII/AAAAAAAACCI/r16TdrBhmr8/s320/Jan%2B2011%2B008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564189767459116162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TTf5HS0QqhI/AAAAAAAACCQ/iW4xfnfVXmM/s1600/Jan%2B2011%2B009.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TTf5HS0QqhI/AAAAAAAACCQ/iW4xfnfVXmM/s320/Jan%2B2011%2B009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564189768344971794" border="0" /></a><br /></span>I can't find any indication of the age apart from the illustrations, which I think indicate 1950's (one google result did suggest 1940). The book is in 3 parts dealing with patternmaking, sewing processes and techniques, and garment making. I've been leafing through this enough to know I want to sit down and read it fully. There seem to be copies available secondhand, but with the power of Google I did find it's also available as an <a href="http://www.fynehats.com/successful_dressmaking_pitch.htm"> e-book. </a><br /><br />Adding to the interest was this pattern tucked inside the cover.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TTgGE0csA0I/AAAAAAAACCg/sPyFmqgFJuo/s1600/Jan%2B2011%2B019.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TTgGE0csA0I/AAAAAAAACCg/sPyFmqgFJuo/s320/Jan%2B2011%2B019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564204019484459842" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">It's a supplement pattern from the May 2, 1962 Australian Women's Weekly magazine. I can usually take or leave vintage patterns, but it's quite interesting to try to imagine the woman who once pulled this pattern out to make. I wonder if she ever did? Or did she decide that adding 1/2 an inch at the side seams was too basic and use her book to draft a better-fitting dress? [ Insert your own flashback dream sequence here ;) ]<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Back in the modern world, the decluttering continues slowly. Among the kids dress-up clothes being donated to my niece and nephew, I found the "Winnie the Pooh" outfit (complete with padded tummy) that I made for DS's role in the school musical 6 years ago.<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpw1aiYMY_pXoNoDZk3otWA5IRTZz56t_DJWYBTUj4a76nKj_eu3x3wnRT81PtVBysTXjEXpnmv0AO4fozBwiPbBBBOv-o0C0kzO_-cSh-dNbQHkUTHxdpy5h5sSe37iAbaDIQQvZ1ujO/s1600/img010.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpw1aiYMY_pXoNoDZk3otWA5IRTZz56t_DJWYBTUj4a76nKj_eu3x3wnRT81PtVBysTXjEXpnmv0AO4fozBwiPbBBBOv-o0C0kzO_-cSh-dNbQHkUTHxdpy5h5sSe37iAbaDIQQvZ1ujO/s320/img010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564200755307898418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Sigh. How quickly they grow up.<br /><br /><br /></span></span></div>Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-58919127551476614792011-01-15T12:55:00.000+13:002011-01-15T12:56:08.127+13:00'Handy-womanning' and a cat bedMy DSis recently gave me a large desk which had been left behind in the house they bought. I love the size - perfect for studying with everything spread out and, if I cleared it off, a good size and height for pattern tracing and cutting. <br /><br />However, the height was uncomfortable when studying, even with my office chair as high as it could go and my feet dangling in the air. After ending up with sore shoulders after just one evening something had to be done. The desk was flipped over and I realised that at some point somebody had added extra to the base. They'd attached it well too with what seemed the longest screws ever invented which had of course, rusted and stuck themselves in there forever. Annoyingly, my drill couldn't reach because the screws had been sunk so far into the wood. What to do? Fetch the hammer and saw of course. :) I cut my way down to those accursed screws, disposed of the wood and got those screws out. Well apart from the one that refused to budge which I, ahem, snapped off in my frustration. <br /><br />Once that was done I was left with the need to put a (much lower) trim on the base. So off to Bunnings I went with a diagram and measurements, where a very helpful employee offered advice and suggestions which could all be done easily with a saw and a hammer.<br /><br />The result is a lower (8.5cm lower) smoother base. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E33PBW2xaeiaHCogDR2REtbzmJymoLyXbgFPjVJuL0GGcpgHzOw6SbUIYIsObuwYoIEOFTFsnqKHwXfqMqT1Shm6jDyeGBlOHceSAK-xREqoemX2hsQMhvB543r7IEoed1LYfFs-lYqu/s1600/Jan+2011+014-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E33PBW2xaeiaHCogDR2REtbzmJymoLyXbgFPjVJuL0GGcpgHzOw6SbUIYIsObuwYoIEOFTFsnqKHwXfqMqT1Shm6jDyeGBlOHceSAK-xREqoemX2hsQMhvB543r7IEoed1LYfFs-lYqu/s200/Jan+2011+014-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562189116694697890" /></a><br />And a perfect height for studying. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk66gsN-ljL5Eae54dMMvT0gx8I5XrlXvFaOmLmdDi9FfcH4MGEe20HJ6IPrNHgPUNm8CiD4ljJFYQZzxsNyQBXuPhTajI-OswllU4yG118c-BhAHYES-_Of1W8SOhwaB4l2iswsq5nHdr/s1600/Jan+2011+025.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk66gsN-ljL5Eae54dMMvT0gx8I5XrlXvFaOmLmdDi9FfcH4MGEe20HJ6IPrNHgPUNm8CiD4ljJFYQZzxsNyQBXuPhTajI-OswllU4yG118c-BhAHYES-_Of1W8SOhwaB4l2iswsq5nHdr/s200/Jan+2011+025.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562191444611981810" /></a><br /><br />As well as wreaking havoc on furniture, I also upset one of our cats by moving the beanbag he liked to sleep on. To make it up to him I made a beanbag cat bed. This was essentially a 'free' project, using all stashed fabrics, zip and beanbag fill. I've made the microfleece cover removable for easy washing. As I'm throwing the scraps, that's another 1.8 metres from stash. :)<br /><br />Sprite on his new bed: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxo4b_MzPvQE_ur4icEqHuQlBQuwhEzU7rE3RQsoO852VFRYKnGXFq42h3JpmboHaDI9-zCwckhY3z2CFhq6qLFjCrtfPbqqDkfvaYNU6o00VcvWe3syuO9Qi-ufyQwnw9OSGQAP839FQ/s1600/Jan+2011+022.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxo4b_MzPvQE_ur4icEqHuQlBQuwhEzU7rE3RQsoO852VFRYKnGXFq42h3JpmboHaDI9-zCwckhY3z2CFhq6qLFjCrtfPbqqDkfvaYNU6o00VcvWe3syuO9Qi-ufyQwnw9OSGQAP839FQ/s320/Jan+2011+022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562193870866053522" /></a>Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-60779808187938655082011-01-11T15:57:00.006+13:002011-01-12T11:26:48.742+13:00De-stashing PatternsWith a move in our future later this year, I have started removing the <strike> junk</strike> clutter in the house.<br /><br /><a href="http://everythingjustsew.blogspot.com/">Judy</a> kindly volunteered to give me a hand with the patterns, so armed with chocolates, coffee and cola, we sat down Monday night and went though the lot. We ended up culling half of my pattern stash!<br /><br />299 patterns soon to be gone (minus those Judy removed to her house...)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TSzRJ5sORsI/AAAAAAAACBA/CUgi766cIHU/s1600/Jan%2B2011%2B010.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TSzRJ5sORsI/AAAAAAAACBA/CUgi766cIHU/s320/Jan%2B2011%2B010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561049607931053762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Leaving me with the majority of my remaining 268 patterns in the drawers (the Jalies are on a shelf with the Ottobres) and another 28 'probables' in the blue box you can see in the bottom corner. At the moment these have just been shoved in the drawers and still need to be organised properly. Maybe some others will join the culled pile when that happens. :) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TSzRJ3A-xYI/AAAAAAAACBI/E88O7Ij3xcg/s1600/Jan%2B2011%2B011.jpg" target="_blank" ><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TSzRJ3A-xYI/AAAAAAAACBI/E88O7Ij3xcg/s320/Jan%2B2011%2B011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561049607212811650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There are also 2 Hotpatterns (my first) winging their way to me after I was inspired by both <a href="http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/search/label/HotPatterns">Debbie's</a> and <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?reviewnum=58200&readreview=1">Michelle's</a> results. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hotpatterns.com/files/images/HP1031final.large.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 334px;" src="http://www.hotpatterns.com/files/images/HP1031final.large.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hotpatterns.com/files/images/HP1071WEWNDERSUNSHINEenvf_0.xl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 368px;" src="http://www.hotpatterns.com/files/images/HP1071WEWNDERSUNSHINEenvf_0.xl.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I still have to go through my mother's even larger stash of patterns. Somehow I ended up with all of them to sort out after I mentioned that old/vintage patterns can be sold. Judy and I had a quick flick through a couple of boxes and spotted about a dozen pre-1970 patterns, but by this stage it was getting on for midnight so have left them for another night (or two).Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-62749197406937150712011-01-08T18:34:00.008+13:002011-01-08T19:15:46.727+13:00Another UFO doneJust for Judy, some 'real' sewing at last. :)<br /><br />While I was tidying up the chaos of sewing bits and bobs, I came across a UFO. This was supposed to be a dress for DD1 last summer. I winged the pattern back then using the Ottobre 02/2007 tanktop and an existing dress for the skirt measurements. However, when DD1 tried it on, the top part was a bit short (oops) as well as, apparently, too high a neckline. (You may remember that DD1 and I have had <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> conversation <a href="http://keelysews.blogspot.com/2010/04/jalie-965-tanktop-wadder.html">before.</a>) The dress-to-be was therefore put to one side <strike> to be forgotten about </strike> while I contemplated what to do and whether I could be bothered digging out more of the purple cotton lycra to make another top. I think it's fairly obvious I couldn't.<br /><br />So yesterday, whilst scratching for inspiration, my eyes lit upon this in the pile and I decided to take another look at it. DD1 announced that she no longer liked the fabric that much, but DD2 did. I used a size P from <a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/jalie/965/965.jpg">Jalie 965</a> to recut the bodice and was able to use the existing neckline (and therefore binding). Unfortunately, I did have to unpick the armhole binding to reuse on the newly shaped armhole openings. From then on, it was just put it all together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31r2UlV4FRP6ThHXGK9Y31nBAbJtT8q5Ug1MgKRGbPV0xHjhg9H6K4zOE1nbPpqb8d11Wg6gg1h5tX5XNFol1rdv-WEPeWhickm0w-jTwFCyboeH7E-qy3UhtRyawIkgPTxBbCfsMNxQ3/s1600/Jan+2011+005.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31r2UlV4FRP6ThHXGK9Y31nBAbJtT8q5Ug1MgKRGbPV0xHjhg9H6K4zOE1nbPpqb8d11Wg6gg1h5tX5XNFol1rdv-WEPeWhickm0w-jTwFCyboeH7E-qy3UhtRyawIkgPTxBbCfsMNxQ3/s320/Jan+2011+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559692019500334610" border="0" /></a><br />Just perfect if the weather gets back to summer again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLM4MQmgjnMtzkOvy53IjbFUtE1RLVHXsIkMyPN-9JtC7ZHMsnXm-UrfHhanBVMIo0zLY0Pm05kl2SJN11u2ROYiNM2qCKUPPDVDdHKaJQOQ4VnRraLzSqyeoNtt3GOkTcDjdKY1AdBfw/s1600/Jan+2011.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLM4MQmgjnMtzkOvy53IjbFUtE1RLVHXsIkMyPN-9JtC7ZHMsnXm-UrfHhanBVMIo0zLY0Pm05kl2SJN11u2ROYiNM2qCKUPPDVDdHKaJQOQ4VnRraLzSqyeoNtt3GOkTcDjdKY1AdBfw/s320/Jan+2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559692023715823922" border="0" /></a>The back of the tank goes lower, but is covered by the waist ties. DD2 likes this so much that I didn't even get a chance to iron it before I took photos. :)Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-4787419506746258602011-01-07T20:30:00.004+13:002011-01-07T20:47:34.143+13:00More ch-ch-changesFor some reason I've had that Bowie song going round in my head lately.<br /><br />You may have noticed I'm trialling a new look for the blog. What do you think? It might take me a while to get used to it. Still, at least my blog is tidy(ish) even if my house isn't.<br /><br />Today's weather was not summer-like at all so I actually attempted a bit of sewing accompanied by an episode or two of Mad About You.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KM12XV2XL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KM12XV2XL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It was the perfect program to take my mind off the fact I was unpicking armhole binding. I'm resizing a dress for DD2 after DD1 'went off' the fabric. Fortuitous perhaps because it was a bit short in the bodice length for her anyway. ;) Hopefully that means some more sewing to show soon.Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-33709347956553176612011-01-05T21:17:00.001+13:002011-01-05T22:00:25.555+13:00Still hereHappy New Year everyone! Hope you all had a good Christmas.<br /><br />Although you'd be forgiven for wondering given the lack of blogging this year, I haven't fallen off the face of the planet. 2010 was such a busy year it simply flew past. To top it off, we found out on Christmas Eve that 2011 is bringing big changes for our family, including a shift to another city. DH will be moving early in the year to take up his new job. However, after I found out I'd been given a scholarship by the university we've decided the kids and I will hang out here until the end of the year to clear up school years, the house etc with DH popping home for visits. There's a lot of clearing out to do over the year. It is amazing how much 'stuff' can accumulate when you've lived in one house for 17 years.<br /><br />I started this week by <strike> dumping</strike> gifting an enormous pile of craft magazines to my friends at our regular 'girly night' and didn't come home with any. :) At some point I will have to tackle the stash. Gulp. I'll have to try and sew a bit up this year around everything else. Yeah right.<br /><br />There has been the odd spark of creativity around the place though. First up was a nightie for me from <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/1765">Kwik Sew 2822</a> which appears to be Out of Print now. It was the first time I'd made this and it worked well.<br /><br />I also unearthed and finally completed a 23 year old UFO - a crocheted scarf. Noticeably the tensions are a bit different at the ends, but I'm going with the "it's a design feature" line. ;) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi643XXlwfZa5F9qcKO1SjttnoKqRAAzleYSjcL8me4NEmCkMTS-oBeBn_E458_tixwDvoyKSv_PMjnE8X2EJy2O1Jnc-ZL2yyZmNPHi8BOjgzthOnMlMSosVmT_Et8LTP8QVGuwxaGyBN3/s1600/December2010+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi643XXlwfZa5F9qcKO1SjttnoKqRAAzleYSjcL8me4NEmCkMTS-oBeBn_E458_tixwDvoyKSv_PMjnE8X2EJy2O1Jnc-ZL2yyZmNPHi8BOjgzthOnMlMSosVmT_Et8LTP8QVGuwxaGyBN3/s320/December2010+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558623007786891154" border="0" /></a><br />Obviously overcome with the euphoria of a rare completed project I proceeded to relieve the Spotlight sale table of more wool/yarn. I now have a new crochet project - surprise, surprise, a scarf for DD2 who chose the wool and had the cheek to ask if it will be done by winter. She neglected to specify which year...<br /><br />Finally, yesterday I completed my DSis' housewarming/Christmas present (only two weeks late). She requested <span style="font-weight: bold;">bright</span> placemats for their dark brown dining table in their new dark and dreary dining room. Knowing DSis I knew these had to be easycare and washable (and not floral or too cutesy or...). My youngest daughter was let loose in Spotlight to choose fabrics and after DSis had given approval, this is what we ended up with:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8W8dAlVZmwEmyf67xYPUuicVOVP6MPamtqifx66wn5p4zK4XTRboJfBtR7rdsNWDOD95jcJ4ZLkbFabJyRFiaY2hm3el_uacB5mXHsAQQ5YvpHymL3BE1LTIX8nLbNqIUWDkijRrFZor/s1600/December2010+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8W8dAlVZmwEmyf67xYPUuicVOVP6MPamtqifx66wn5p4zK4XTRboJfBtR7rdsNWDOD95jcJ4ZLkbFabJyRFiaY2hm3el_uacB5mXHsAQQ5YvpHymL3BE1LTIX8nLbNqIUWDkijRrFZor/s320/December2010+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558623000660607058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A longer centrepiece mat to protect surfaces from keys etc being dumped on it, and 2 sets of placemats which are reversible. I used AnneM's review <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=18047">here</a> as a guide. We dropped them off today and DSis seems very happy with them. Of course, I then opened my big mouth and offered to make the scraps into coasters - D'oh!<br /><br />Today I began attempting to create order from the chaos that has resulted from moving my sewing desk downstairs. I can't find anything! DH tried to tell me it would be a good time to clear out the desk drawers as well, but he is obviously not thinking straight, lol.Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-90663155820193887182010-09-30T16:26:00.007+13:002010-10-01T10:44:54.391+13:00The invisible bloggerWow, so it's been 5 months since I posted! This is also an indication that it's been 5 months since I did any real sewing, cos hemming trousers and repairs don't count IMO!<br /><br />Life has pretty much run me over with a steamroller this year. Who'd have thought that a fuller than fulltime post-grad study year, and a family of kids requiring a taxi-driver would be a lot to handle? Well, ok, everyone but me obviously. I seem to have an entirely unfounded sense of optimism of what I can achieve at times. Still, reality always has a way of making itself known. I'm pretty sure I've managed to become acquainted every flu and cold virus circulating this year! <br /><br />I've discovered this year that stress can make people do funny things - like wearing skirts regularly when they've always been a jeans-type; wearing make-up and even painting my nails!!! Athough that one has a reasonable explanation in that it stops me chewing my nails. Oh, and then there's the crying on my supervisor's shoulder, tho I'm assured that's quite standard. <br /><br />Sooo, even with my new attempts to regain some balance in my life by attending the fortnightly girly days with friends, I'll hopefully be finished writing by the end of November, which will mean I can start tackling the long list of sewing I've been planning. There may even be a few skirts on there... Tho I think a bit of excavating of the sewing desk may be in order first. :(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI1egEdK0dFdAiRgHBGpzKflIt4WXBfL68hX8mL0djruLjM40PoW-2Uh9EMAQuBKc-LswJc2t79aDWXDUngAuE8Ql9sRZVlmroZK0ERwMulvnKjLlz49atwJtkH6z9Z1Qfhhxyj8KlGgp/s1600/assorted+102.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI1egEdK0dFdAiRgHBGpzKflIt4WXBfL68hX8mL0djruLjM40PoW-2Uh9EMAQuBKc-LswJc2t79aDWXDUngAuE8Ql9sRZVlmroZK0ERwMulvnKjLlz49atwJtkH6z9Z1Qfhhxyj8KlGgp/s200/assorted+102.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522824269039977986" /></a><br /><br />And a blurry shot of my new nail colour...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TKUDaAc4eII/AAAAAAAAB-4/fJP_nJK6HJw/s1600/assorted+098.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nx4Eyh6RjIo/TKUDaAc4eII/AAAAAAAAB-4/fJP_nJK6HJw/s200/assorted+098.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522824263372404866" /></a>Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-1472119006683599122010-05-26T12:20:00.000+12:002010-05-29T00:25:56.307+12:00More patterns...."Sale" - It has to be one of the most dangerous words in use. Especially when it involves fabric or patterns. <br /><br />No prizes for guessing where this post is going... :) Yep, I succumbed to the <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/">Patternreview</a> 25% off sale. Joining the other patterns unlikely to be sewn in a hurry are 3 Jalies - <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/jalie/2910/2910.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 405px;" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/jalie/2910/2910.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/jalie/2911/2911.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 405px;" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/jalie/2911/2911.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/jalie/2448/2448.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 397px;" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/jalie/2448/2448.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />and 2 Kwik Sews. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/kwiksew/3740/3740.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 480px;" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/kwiksew/3740/3740.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/kwiksew/3758/3758.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 525px;" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/kwiksew/3758/3758.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The last one is for DD1 - Yes, I gave in and just bought the darned pattern at her request. I don't have time to fuffle around getting the girl to stand still for pattern adjusting. I don't know about you guys, but personally I'd be pretty polite to the person holding the pins and fitting me... <br /><br />As for me...<br /><br />Getting behind on the writing, but not quite at panic stage yet. Which is good, cos panic probably wouldn't be the best cure for the case of writer's block I seem to have. <br /><br />And I desperately need some tidier clothes (what's new), especially if I'm going to be seen around the department more. Having said that, really the most likely pattern to be sewn will be the Jalie polar fleece socks. They've got to be relatively quick don't you think? I can't remember where I saw it, but 'someone' had used rubber shelf liner as a non-slip sole on slippers and I'm thinking I might add some to these for wearing around the house, especially if it stops me breaking my neck on the wooden stairs. <br /><br />Sigh, if only I could get away with a wardrobe of tatty clothes, but snazzy fleece socks....Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-31285894122352108562010-04-21T17:30:00.000+12:002010-04-21T17:24:23.305+12:00Jalie 965 Tanktop - wadder?I sewed something. I actually sewed something!<br /><br />Yesterday I just couldn't concentrate on work and felt lousy. Rather than just lie on the couch and veg out, I thought I could probably handle tracing out. I briefly contemplated tracing the Ottobre coat, but the thought of all those lines on the paper and big pattern pieces... I couldn't face it. So I dragged out two Jalie patterns because DD1 has been claiming "nothing" to wear.Even though we're going into winter she's wanting camisoles and tanktops. Go figure. (rolling eyes) Then I faced the problem of trying to work out what size to trace, without current measurements and with a <strike> fussy </strike> teen with definite ideas on what she wants. It was difficult, involved measuring tees she liked and a long conversation with Judy on the phone. Admittedly, the phone call wasn't necessary for the sewing/tracing, but it was good to remind myself what Judy's voice sounds like. :)<br /><br />Eventually I guessed a size (which luckily was confirmed after school by her measurements) and pulled out a few fabrics that were easy to reach. She vetoed the teeshirt from Jalie 2605 and chose the tanktop/camisole from Jalie 965.<br /><br />It's a simple top, but I still took longer to make it than I would normally - with the brain operating at half speed, I'm lucky it's even wearable. I think it's a size or two too big, but she wanted a loose fit. I also think it's too long in the upper chest, so maybe a smaller size with an FBA (cos she's a C-cup). Still, it's another 0.80m from the stash. I'd say that next time I'd bind the armholes and neck with a wrap over binding which will narrow the straps, but at the moment I'm refusing to waste any sewing time on DD1 after the argument about how low the neckline could go. Sigh. She grew into women's sizes a few years ago and got used to having necklines lower than I like. While I accept that the straps could go in a fraction and the neckline could go down a smidgeon, there's a limit as to how much underwear I'll let her show! If only I could persuade her to sew for herself instead of complaining because she doesn't have an unlimited clothing budget. :(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOoNhTAsLl0bZ-FGYtGKM97K72j9in2yPkCC6M9HQnv3xja-RpYpvHCBsb8D81ZkPlbuQSMxvNHQRy6f8zYoDiQoPgLNtADD8kkeeTH92xHaLfXFnUIJsmXa30-MqamhW3F5f6w5IAmjP/s1600/Jalie+965.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOoNhTAsLl0bZ-FGYtGKM97K72j9in2yPkCC6M9HQnv3xja-RpYpvHCBsb8D81ZkPlbuQSMxvNHQRy6f8zYoDiQoPgLNtADD8kkeeTH92xHaLfXFnUIJsmXa30-MqamhW3F5f6w5IAmjP/s320/Jalie+965.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462447878399412738" border="0" /></a>Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-62559439739959414162010-04-19T23:13:00.000+12:002010-04-20T00:12:56.208+12:00Hi to anyone who's still reading.... yep, I'm still here!<br /><br />Where does the time go? And with no sewing for me. :( Although I have spent some time at the sewing machine. Wow, those things can really gather dust when you don't use them.<br /><br />First up, I scared the machines one evening when, in a fit of enthusiasm, I finally pulled the living room curtains down and replaced the rufflette tape. Is that what you call it? You know, the stuff you put the hooks in that stretches all out if the ready-mades have cheap tape on them and then the curtains hang droopily and ugly. Well, my curtains now hang all prettily again, and it has only taken 3 years to get them done.<br /><br />Then on Sunday my sister turned up with 4 pairs of jeans for me to hem. Sigh. Not exactly inspiring stuff.<br /><br />And I want to sew! Which is not unexpected when I'm busy, lol. My kids have learnt to procrastinate from a master. My mojo positively ran amok the other day trying to tempt me and I had to walk away. I did however sketch down a few ideas and notes. :)<br /><br />A friend asked me the other day why I was studying when I do have other things I want to do (like some sewing). It's simple really. I'm really enjoying it. True it's long hours - about 50 hours a week - but I've spent the last two weeks immersed in reading literature on my research topic and I've loved it. I guess that's the joy of finding something you're excited about doing. I'm honest enough to know that, much as I enjoy sewing, most of the time it doesn't give me the same thrill. That's why I'm in awe of those who tackle detailed and complicated projects or teach themselves to draft their own. Let alone those who sew regularly! Plus, lets be honest, my mojo tends to pack a sad if I actually get time to pay attention to it.<br /><br />So, I guess I'm saying don't expect a lot of sewing from me for a while. I have several big deadlines over the next few weeks. I'm hoping to squeeze in a bit of time to trace the purple <a href="http://keelysews.blogspot.com/2009/09/tempted-by-ottobre-coats.html" target="_blank">Ottobre coat.</a> I guess I really should do a quick and dirty muslin.... And one of my deadlines did get pushed out a week, so maybe I could take another night off...Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680397592371127501.post-72682631247619614182010-03-01T17:35:00.008+13:002010-03-01T20:05:02.639+13:00More Ottobre TeesWhy is it that the day before uni starts back the mojo also comes back?<br /><br />Today I was thrown back into the insanity that is full-time study (<span style="font-style: italic;">this time post-grad. Gosh I love saying that. Post-grad, , post-grad, post-grad....</span>) so, of course, Saturday I had a "<span>what am I going to wear</span>" attack, which of course led to emptying out the wardrobe.... That took care of Saturday. Along the way my linen cupboard also got reorganised which had nothing to do with my wardrobe, but did desperately need doing. And I wonder why I have nothing to wear. Sheesh.<br /><br />Anyway, yesterday I felt I really should do some sewing. I fell back on the trusty Ottobre gathered neck tee (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ottobre 02-2007-04</span>) which seems to be the backbone of my wardrobe. Well, the stuff that gets worn. Because we've had hot weather lately, I made short-sleeved tees, thus guaranteeing the rain and cool temperatures today. Both came from <a href="http://keelysews.blogspot.com/2008/03/no-sewing-but-some-buying.html" target="_blank">stash</a> and snuck in at being sewn before the fabric reached the 2 year mark.<br /><br />The first tee I like and it conveniently looks good with my<a href="http://keelysews.blogspot.com/2009/09/first-up-big-thank-you-for-kind.html" target="_blank"> purple Burda cardigan</a>. I'd like to claim that this was all part of some great wardrobe plan, but I can't.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6Fr-DclwCvkdC53ZCjrrkQy7LPpsa_H6HUe1Syl6MwKgG0m7qlMjXKdOGasTIvkMNPwtO_a1xC40XiQSmYTQnrVjK3oCB4y-RFIY6G9Tats_7kTN4ak8iNux3z7Lp1tzqeDj5FA1lFbB/s1600-h/Feb10+002.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6Fr-DclwCvkdC53ZCjrrkQy7LPpsa_H6HUe1Syl6MwKgG0m7qlMjXKdOGasTIvkMNPwtO_a1xC40XiQSmYTQnrVjK3oCB4y-RFIY6G9Tats_7kTN4ak8iNux3z7Lp1tzqeDj5FA1lFbB/s200/Feb10+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443554408950203410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The second tee I'm not so keen on. The fabric is a lot clingier and unless I'm standing up completely straight without breathing, it tends to find a bit of fluffiness to cling to. (<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Note I'm blaming the fabric, not my lack of will power, Christmas and an addiction to all things chocolate.</span> ;) ) As I'm rather keen on breathing and completely incapable of standing up straight every minute of the day, I'm thinking I now need to sort out a cardigan to wear over the top.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoZCCxGSc25zY3dj81ovyLUEaK40gcIV5f9kI_xCHBYpNzyi41KhLahPQns9GryR3nmNAKQ-z7_gAUvqExCzRvHKX85bTaOWKU7N_Ir1q-tDsnp8d8eJWTGJTRnuj-aWRFXcBizCwISQI/s1600-h/Feb10+003.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoZCCxGSc25zY3dj81ovyLUEaK40gcIV5f9kI_xCHBYpNzyi41KhLahPQns9GryR3nmNAKQ-z7_gAUvqExCzRvHKX85bTaOWKU7N_Ir1q-tDsnp8d8eJWTGJTRnuj-aWRFXcBizCwISQI/s200/Feb10+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443554414009846482" border="0" /></a><br />At least they boosted my wardrobe a bit.Keelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870315283612487604noreply@blogger.com5