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!

DINNER IN PARIS

Last Friday night we celebrated Valentine's Day at home. Grace was spending the night with us and since she is so interested in France I decided to have a French meal. I thought it would be fun and educational too. I made Julia Child's Coq au Vin which I haven't made in years - probably because it uses 1 stick of butter. I used maps of Paris and a photo of the Eiffel Tower to decorate the table. While I cooked we talked about French food, fashion and lifestyle. And of course we dressed for dinner. Grace wore pearls, I wore a beret and she picked out a coat and tie for Papa.

For dessert I made our favorite molten chocolate cake and we toasted the evening with sparkling grape juice. Sweet Jim gave us a card and box of candy. He also paid me a very nice compliment and said it was one of the best meals he had ever eaten! It was a very nice evening.

TEST TWO

was importing, organizing and posting photos. So far it seems like everything I do is just a little easier on the Mac. This is a photo of the navy fabric I ordered from Denver Fabrics and my inspiration jacket. Coach did the same jacket for spring in different colors. This enabled me to zoom in and really see the details on the jacket and add a couple of new details to my jacket. I am very excited about the way this project is going. Now I am just waiting on the lining and the buttons to arrive.