Monday, December 17, 2012

Life just keeps on getting more interesting

My 100th post.  I was going to do something special.  I always have phenomenal plans ... and then ...  Two months have zipped by and all I have to say is - life got a whole lot more interesting.  My mother moved in.  My daughter and I were just settling into life together, when my mother sold her house and moved in with us.  This had been talked about theoretically.  When it happened, it happened all too quickly.  My daughter moved in with a suitcase and a few boxes - a fairly easy matter of sorting things out.  My mother moved with almost the entire contents of her house.  Thank goodness for large garages!  I emptied, cleaned and painted one bedroom.  Sewed new curtains.  All of this happening at rather breakneck speed.  Then the stuff started descending.  I don't do well in chaos.  Not well at all.  To add insult to injury - my sewing room was the only place to stash my stuff that had to be cleared.  More mess to deal with.  My game plan is to deal with only one area at a time.  Priorities had to be set.  When I finally couldn't live without sewing at least something - I cleared the cutting table (large flat clear surface where it is so easy to set down a box or two or...) and enough space at the sewing machine to at least be able to some rather mundane stitching.  I'll just keep on sorting and tossing and organizing a little at a time.  I've now come to realize that this is not going to come to an end any time soon.  My diplomatic skills are being stretched to their limits.  There is finally a glimmer of hope that I will be able to get my car into the garage soon.  Thank goodness that we haven't had any major snow as yet - I hate having to clean off my car in the mornings!
Ah, yes, sewing.  That's what this blog is supposed to about - not about the trials and tribulations of everyday life.  In September I made a skirt, cut two tops to go with.  So far - the tops are somewhere... in pieces...  I'll find them and sew them up eventually.  The doublefaced wool coat that I started in the spring... also somewhere... need to clear some more space to be able to deal with it.  Finished projects - yes, some things did get done start to finish before the "avalanche".   A quick skirt for my daughter...
Made this from the free Hot Patterns download that I used for my kooky skirt.  I used a "suiting" fabric and I lined this.  (DD is not a big fan of wearing slips.)  A plain and simple addition to a wardrobe that is going to need some serious revamping.
I even managed something for me - modeled by Taya, here.
A cape/poncho - don't know what to call it.  This is from Kwik Sew 3543 that I used previously for my class samples.  The pattern calls for polar fleece, which requires cutting out and no sewing.  I had this cozy wool/mohair piece, which needed a little more work to bring it to a finished state.  I added 1 inch on both sides to allow for hems.  I fringed the hanging edges.  (That really does make a mess!)  And I fashioned a facing to finish off the cut-out in the middle.  Now that the weather is really too cold for such attire out of doors, my plaid creation has moved to the computer desk, where it keeps me nice and toasty while I work.
In retrospect, it was not so brilliant a move to clear out my wardrobe as brutally as I did, given that sewing hasn't been happening at quite the anticipated rate.  Guess I'll just keep on plugging along, doing the best I can under the circumstances.  Moral of the story - never make serious plans!
Now that I've written this post, I feel that I can once again try to get back on track with reading blogs and commenting and being inspired by all the lovely things that everyone else makes.

11 comments:

  1. Oh my. Life sends us life changing twists and turns. Hopefully, you will find sewing time among your chaos. Love your poncho. Serape. Ruana. Cape. Stole. Whatever it is called, it is lovely.

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  2. Glad you have something to keep you cozy during a time of change and disruption. I so understand about a desire to sew but the dilemma of a clear space....in your house and in your head. Best wishes!

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  3. Good luck getting your sewing room in order! Three generations of women in the same house could be fun. A very nice poncho.

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  4. Well you'll never be lonely again! *smile* You will get everything all settled and will really treasure your sewing room when you get it in order.

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  5. Ohh dear, I am not a fan of living in chaos either.
    Life doesn't always go to our plan, good luck with sorting everything out.

    The wrap is rather lovely.

    Happy Christmas!

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  6. Oh boy! I hope you all reach equilibrium soon! I'm sure it will be great in the end and a time you look back and treasure with both your mom and daughter. Meanwhile, a sewing room to retreat to is a top priority! :-)

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  7. Oh dear, it sounds like there is lots of adjusting for everyone to do. I hope you can get your sewing room sorted out soon, particularly if it is your happy place; away from it all!

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  8. Oh, Irene, I don't care much for chaos either, and particularly not when it nudges my sewing aside. It sounds like you are taking one step at a time and making good progress. Love your daughter's skirt and your wrap!

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  9. Ahh Life and The Best Laid Plans!!! Seems like the year for upheavals of many types! May you and yours find your balance in the new year!!! And in the meantime I love that wrap! I just may have to add that to my ever growing list of things I want to make! And though I shouldn't say this and give your daughter any ideas but it does look great with the skirt!

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  10. I sure hope you are able to make steady progress and bring order to the house! Good for you to make time to sew- love that cape! Elegant and warm, too, I bet.

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  11. Dear Irene. I know that feeling, some time ago my mother came to live in my home and the whole family was in chaos .... In any case I wish you Merry Christmas!

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