The skirt pattern is retired, and off the loom

The New Look Skirt pattern is officially retired...........well at least for now anyway.  I had not intended to make the brown linen skirt or this one but once the idea presented itself I gave it a whirl.  This fabric was given to me by Little Buddy's Speech Therapist, Renee.  She is a big time sewer and loved the skirts I was wearing so she went out and bought the pattern.  She presented me with this extra fabric she had used to make one, so I could make one too.  I swear the fabric is not what I would choose, but that is what makes it more fun.  I actually used the inside of the fabric as it was a bit more toned down then the right side, see?

I believe I purchased this pattern was $3.99 last year.  Making eight skirts from it made it a huge bargain.

 

This is a picture of the front of the pattern, Renee told me that New Look has changed the number from when I purchased it last year, it still has the same photo on the front.  So for those of you who asked what pattern I am using this is the best info I can give you, and believe me when I say I am totally flattered that you have asked!

 

I believe Caroline the Dress Form feels a bit ticked off as I am making many things for myself and nothing for her. I hear her snickering and complaining under her breath that it is all about, "Me!"  Well I hate to break it to her, but it is actually about me!!!  I tried to wrestle this last skirt off of her and she simply put her foot (three pronged leg) down, she had had enough.  So we had a conversation and I promised to make her something so she would feel like she always had clothes on, yet she could show off something beautiful to the best of her ability.  I believe my Caroline has always dreamed of being a high fashion dress form, pity she got stuck with me.

I made her turn around and face the wall so she would not see what I was doing.  I cut up a man's XL t-shirt, added some extra elastic I had on hand to make a waistband and there you go, she now has her very own skirt.  My neighbor's pulled up in their driveway as we were doing the new white t-shirt/skirt photo shoot.  You can only imagine the confusion on their faces when they saw me outside with Caroline and my camera.  I do believe I have now solidified my, "odd neighbor next door status."  Oh well who cares, Caroline is happy, so I am, too.

My goal this past weekend was to get this shawl off my loom.  I finished it just before bed on Sunday night.  This shawl is made from Berroco Boboli Lace  and I love the way it turned out.

 I was going for 18 inches across and 60 inches long, I ended up with 17 inches across and 58 inches long so at least my calculations are getting better.

I gave it a good soaking in wool wash and put it out to dry before I hopped into bed.  This morning I retrieved it and I'd say it looks and feels so nice.  While weaving this I was obsessed with my edges, they still need work but I have decided you really don't look at the edges when it is complete, you look at the whole shawl.

I made this for my friend Lynda.  She lost her husband Bruce on May 29.  He died from complications from lung cancer.  Lynda was his sole caregiver for the last two years.  She also has cancer, actually having a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery just a few months ago.  She is moving, about to take her third round of chemo and has been planning Bruce's funeral all at the same time.  Bless her heart, she started to lose her hair while holding his hand as he drifted away from her at the hospital.  I am heading up to Franklin, North Carolina on Thursday to be with her for the service on Saturday.  Lynda has been a rock for me throughout most of my adult life, and Bruce has been right there with her.  He was sort of like a Father to me, a Father with no strings attached if you know what I mean.  I miss his voice and his wisdom.  He will be missed by me and so many others.  

I did not mention this before as really how much death can all of you handle on this blog?  We have had four major deaths in four months, that is way too many very special people who have left us.

I have a marathon work day tomorrow and then I pack up my car so I can head out as early as possible Thursday morning. 

Little Buddy will be safe at home with his Dad, his older brother and our fabulous baby sitter.  He calls her Bubble Terri because she blows bubbles with him.  He will be well taken care of, I mean what could possibly go wrong in the five days I will be gone? 

I will miss you all and will check back in after I return.  Have a great week and weekend.