A HANDPICKED ZIPPER AND A PETERSHAM WAIST!

What am I talking about? Well, if you sew you know. One of the pieces of fabric that I bought in Paris was this Pierre Cardin animal print/plaid wool. I loved the fabric when I first saw it and then when I discovered that on the reverse side of the animal print was plaid it was a MUST HAVE! I knew exactly how I wanted to make it to showcase both sides. Whenever I wear it people stop me and tell me how great it. It is so nice to have a garment that I have made and put time and thought into to be appreciated.

The handpicked zipper and petersham waist are techniques that I learned in Susan's couture sewing class. The zipper is put in by hand and the petersham waist uses petersham ribbon instead of a facing or a waistband. I love both techniques and the petersham waist works especially well for my bodytype.

In the selvedge of the fabric was the designer's name so I made myself a little lable to sew onto the ribbon. I have enough of the fabric left to make a hat.

FIRST SEWING PROJECT OF 2009

I have been planning to make a Tooth Fairy pillow for Grace for quite awhile now. And since she has 4 loose teeth I decided I'd better get with it. Instead of a pillow I made a little quilted wallhanging that she can hang on the door. what is the going rate for a tooth these days?

Grace's Dollhouse

Many thanks to my cousin Jane who gave me this dollhouse and all the furniture! A little paint, some new wallpaper, flooring and curtains and it was new again. Jane and Paul you will be glad to know that we keep the Razorback wall hanging! Some things are never outdated.

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR 2008

Last year my theme was to Edit, Simplify and Enjoy my life and as I reviewed the goals I set I am inclined to think I did a rather good job. My main objective was to reduce the excess in my life and get down to what is really important. Although the year passed incredibly fast there was a slower pace for us and a greater sense of calm. I believe the biggest factor in this change was that I quit shopping as a hobby! There was so much more time for more meaningful activities. This one change also reduced the stuff and simplified the daily. Getting dressed is easier, putting things way is easier, I feel easier and it was easier on my bank account! I will definitely continue on this new path in 2009.

As a result of spending less time shopping I had more time to read. Two of my favorites this year were biographies on Elizabeth I. I also read a couple of books just for entertainment-- something I haven't done in years.

I didn't exactly sew and finish one item a month but the french jacket qualifies for several months of sewing.However I did make two skirts which I love, both from Paris fabric. The first is a basic black wool with a flounce. The second, my favorite one is made in wool animal print in browns and green but what makes it special is that the other side of the fabric is a plaid. This design with the back pleats allows me to showcase both fabrics. I loved wearing it and was stopped more than once and asked about it. I also made Grace a few things.

As for my french, well I totally dropped the ball on that one. But I have enrolled in a Russian for Travelers class this spring. And since I am going to Russia in May this makes more sense. I do want to learn French but if I am not going to use it, it doesn't seem like a good use of my most precious resource- TIME.

Grace's dollhouse did get finished but not as I had intended. It just wasn't happening and I didn't have the skills or tools to do it like I wanted. So when my cousin, Jane, offered for the second time to give me the house she made several years ago and all the furniture, I gladly said yes. We did a remodel job, new floors, wallpaper and a fresh coat of paint and Grace now has her dollhouse! This change of plans showed me another area where I have grown. I accepted the fact that there was a better way to do something than my first plan.

And I'll just admit that I didn't have a daily devotional time everyday but never the less I did grow spritually. I believe one of the main reasons was our new pastor, Ben Pilgren. His lessons have been on the very things I have been struggling with the last couple of years. And I also think that because I have more time my mind has been able to focus on more spiritual matters.


Overall I count the year a success and hope that 2009 will be equally as fulfilling.

A New Generation of Hunters

On the last day of the season we went to the farm, rode the 4 wheelers and climbed the deer stands. On the way home we stopped by the processing center to pick up Jim's deer. Someone had just come in with the deer they had shot and it was in the back of their pickup. Grace was very curious and wanted to get a closer look. She said it was, "disgusting" but that it would not stop her from eating deer! Later she announced that she was going hunting next year. While we are at the farm we shot a pumpkin a couple of times so we could show her the power of a gun and what happens when something is shot. We want her to have a healthy respect and understanding of guns in hopes that she would never pick up a gun without supervision.

A Successful Hunt

For two years Jim did not get a deer but this year he got a 9 point buck within 10 minutes of getting in his stand. We always enjoy our vinison and this year I am determined to make some new recipes with cuts that we generally give away. It will be in keeping with our goal of eating foods that are organic and natural.

Upon Seeing Her Dollhouse