"FANCY" DINNER and the THEATRE

                                           Setting the table.

                                           Creating the perfect centerpiece.  Yes, that is a scarf
                                           wrapped around the vase of flowers.   And the stem
                                           of the water glass  is wrapped with sparkly garland.

                                           Handmade place cards always add a nice touch.

                                           And let's not forget a bit of seasonal decoration.

                                           Everything is ready but Papa.  He needs a manicure.
                                      

                                            And his hair needs a little attention too.

                                           We will later discuss the specifics of serving.
                                  
                                           We make a toast to our evening with sparkling
                                            grape juice in Waterford toasting flutes.

  

Our time with our sweet granddaughter Grace is limited so when we are together

we make the most of every moment.   We plan the time around  her and do pretty 

much what she wants to do.  One of her favorite things to do is to have a "fancy"

 dinner.  She enjoys setting and decorating the table and I encourage her be creative

and impose no rules on what she chooses for her tablescape. However, she  does

 know the proper placement for silverware and napkins!  It is sad that much of the 

art of entertaining is a thing of the past so I throughly enjoy sharing this with her.

Perhaps one evening, years from now she will set the table in her own home for a

"fancy" dinner and will think of all the times that she had dinner with her Papa and Mammy!

After a quick photo we went to the theatre to see Treasure Island.

SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST

The last stop on our two month trip out west was Moab, Utah.  I was exhausted from traveling and sightseeing  and could not wait to get home. Even though our motor coach is fully equipped with all the comforts of home- a dishwasher, washer and dryer and a king-sized bed, it's not home. I tried to talk Jim into bypassing Moab and heading home but we already had reservations and he really wanted to go so I reluctantly agreed.   I am so glad my powers of persuasion are limited!  We loved Arches National Park and did two awesome hikes in one day - we slept well that night!  Our second hike was a Ranger led 3 hour hike in the Fiery Furnace,  a permit only area.  Put this on your to-do list if you are in the area.  One of the things I loved the most was the contrast of color- deep  red-orange rock against a vivid, clear blue sky.  Our next day was a back country tour in a Hummer riding over  steep and  narrow rock cliffs!  Can you believe that there were also lots of folks riding their bikes up these rocks!  I am glad my transportation had a motor.

GIRLS AT THE FARM

When "the girls " are at the farm they endorse wearing helmets, sleeping in and riding 4 wheelers.

LETTING GO

Without reservation I can say, "I am a collector." Over the years I've had many collections; carousels, dishes, crystal. bells, pottery, purses and compacts, just to name a few.  And of course there is a collection of fabric and sewing items.  I have also managed to accumulate a rather nice collection of vintage clothing. Recently it hit me that I've got to start making plans for all this stuff because it just doesn't seem fair to put that responsibility on someone else.  I started by taking photos of my home and it's contents, making a list of everything and then began the process of deciding who would enjoy what.  I even called a few people and asked them what they would like to have when I'm gone!  My close friends were not surprised by what might seem a strange question.  It is a well known fact that I am borderline eccentric.  But as I was going through some things, especially the vintage clothes and family heirlooms I decided that the time was now.  Why wait until I'm dead and gone?

So my first item, a 1950's mouton jacket,  that was boxed and shipped went to my niece, Tuesday, a 23 year old college student at the University of Arkansas. She loves vintage clothing and I know she will love this jacket and I hope she will think of her Aunt Lizzie every time she wears it.

Now Tuesday you need to send me a photo of you wearing the jacket.

COPY CAT JACKET

is finished.  I saw this Coach jacket and loved the pocket treatment, lining and the cuffs.  I had to have it and couldn't find it anywhere.  So what's a girl to do? Well, if she sews- she makes it.  I used Simplicity 2810, which I definitely will use again.  The instructions were fairly good and it was well drafted.  I think it ran a little bigger than other Simplicity patterns I have used recently.  I cut a size 10 and tapered to a 12 in the hip area, whereas I usually need a 14.  I purchases all fabrics from Denver Fabrics and was very pleased with my purchase.  Although the jacket will be dry cleaned I hand washed the fabrics prior to construction to pretreat.  The cuffs are detachable so that I can just wash them separately without cleaning the jacket.  I used Petersham to trim the pockets and the jacket cuff.

Regrets, I have a few.  I shortened the jacket by about 1" and I  wish instead I had lengthened it about an inch.  I also shortened the sleeves- I always do and the sleeves are a bit short but thanks to the cuff you really don't notice.  Because the jacket is shorter than the inspiration jacket and since I am only 5'3" I had to forget the upper pockets.  That made me sad- I really like that detail.  I may experiment later with additional pockets but I just don't think there is enough of me to pull it off.   I also wish I had used more traditional tailoring techniques, like taping the the front edge.

Now, it is on to finishing up my Chanel jacket.

PERFECT TIMING

for Gwen's tutorial on making shoulder pads.  I have always struggled with making or purchasing just the right shoulder pad.  For that reason I have enjoyed the last few years of jackets without pads.  But everything changes and once again I found myself in the shoulder pad dilemma.  Enter Gwen, of All My Seams with instructions for making pads.  I made a set this morning and I have to say I think they are perfect.  I did eliminate the second 4"piece for a slightly smaller pad.  Thank you Gwen!

OH SO CLOSE

to completing my copy cat jacket. Yesterday I received the black and white silk charmeuse lining and the white silk for the pocket and cuff trim. This was another purchase from Denver fabrics with which I was very pleased. Today I cut out and sewed the lining and made the pockets. I have also decided that I am going to make the white cuffs removable so I can wash it when necessary and not have to take the jacket to the cleaner every time the cuff is dirty. About 2:30 I took a break and went to the mailbox and discovered that my buttons from Britex had arrived. Perfect timing! I was at the point that I needed the buttons before I could go to the next step. I would like to think that i can finish this project up tomorrow. i am starting to run out of time before our trip next month. And of course I must finish this jacket to take with me because I don't have a thing to wear!