Tuesday, June 17, 2014

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.

39 comments:

CJ said...

My sympathies to Lynda, it sounds as though you and she have lost a very special person. She sounds like a very amazing person herself, I do hope she is able to look after herself now and take some time to heal, she has had so much to deal with. Wishing you all the best for this sad trip. CJ xx

Pammy Sue said...

Wow...that is a gorgeous shawl you've weaved (woven?). All your skirts look perfect to wear in the hot summer weather. Maybe I will start wearing them too. Sorry about your friend's husband. You have had a rough go of it with deaths recently. Have a good trip and enjoy the break if you can. I'm sure Buddy will be fine.

Between Me and You said...

You really are an Angel of Mercy, Meredith. Your poor friend - she will be so glad to have you there to hold her hand through this very hard weekend. I wish her all the very best for the future. I think you should call her shawl 'Heather' because that what the colours remind me of! Have a safe trip and don't worry about what's going on at home - sounds like you've put everything in order before you go. Tons of hugs.xxx

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Safe travels my friend....and prayer for your friend, too. :) Love the shawl...it is truly beautiful. ((hugs))

linda said...

Deepest condolences to Lynda, how sad for her and she is having to fight her own battle too, she will be so comforted to have you with her and I know she's going to love the shawl. It has turned out beautifully Meredith and the edges look perfect to me. I love the skirt too, lovely bright cheerful Summer colours. Enjoy your trip. :)

Kris said...

Oh Mer, I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. And the struggles his wife is dealing with now. How kind of you to be there for her. She will appreciate it very much! I am sure the boys can hold down the fort for you.
Loving all of your summer skirts! Nmaybe I shall make one too!
Safe travels to you my friend!
XO Kris

Mrs. C said...

So sorry for the loss of your friend... Thanks for the pattern info! The new Number for it is #6129. I found it on-line and will be going to look for it this weekend! Have a safe trip... :)
Tery (Mrs."C")

Toni said...

Oh, poor Lynda! The shawl will be just perfect--a nice, thoughtful gift from a really good friend. Hugs to you both!

Joy said...

I am so sorry that you have lost another lovely soul who was close to you Meredith, and I'm so sad for Lynda and all she's going through. I pray peace and serenity on this very sad situation and on all the beautiful people involved in the situation! Travel safely on your journey, I know your presence and support will be such a blessing for her.
I have enjoyed reading about your skirts and of Caroline and I am pleased you have given her something for herself! And your weaving is just wonderful - that shawl is really gorgeous and of course I love the colour too!
Big warm hugs, Joy xo

Carla from The River said...

My prayers are with you.
We lost my grandma this January. It was not expected.

My prayers.
xx oo
Carla

Lori Lynn said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend's husband and all your friend is going through. I will pray as I'm thinking of you and her.

I love the blue/purple skirt. It looks like tie dye.

I also love the shawl. You did an excellent job. A friend once crocheted a prayer shawl for me and the warmth I felt when I wore it felt like it was extra special. I can't really explain it but it was like I could feel the prayer that went into it. I know your friend will feel that too.

Caffeine Girl said...

My heart goes out to your friend. How difficult to lose your husband and fight cancer at the same time. She is lucky to have you as a friends.

You're right about the shawl edges -- you don't notice them at all! It's really a gorgeous piece of work.

Suzan said...

A lovely shawl for a very special lady!! You're a good friend!! thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time in her life!! God Bless and God Speed!

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Meredith, Safe travels, your family will be fine, you have it all situated! I will say prayers for your friend and family, so many heart ships for all of you. You are such a good friend and your strengths and character are shining through, you are amazing. Sending love and blessing to you, xoRobin

Karen said...

Such a beautiful gift for your friend. My heart goes out to her. Safe travels to you, Meredith, I'm sure you will be a great comfort to Lynda. Your warmth and your beautiful spirit always come shining through on your blog. Hugs to you.

Judy S. said...

That lovely shawl will be a great comfort to your friend, Mere, as will having you there for the service. Safe travels! And thanks for the pattern info.

My Garden Diaries said...

Such beautiful pieces as usual friend...the shawl is stunning! I am so sad to hear about your friend's husband and I will be praying for her hard tonight. I can not imagine having to go through all of this and be sick on top of it....May God Bless her and keep her close during this trying hour. You take care as well friend...sending you hugs. Nicole xoxo

Cari said...

Love, love, love the skirts you have made. Maybe I should check out this pattern. I think skirts are so much fun to wear. Your shawl is BEAUTIFUL. The color of this yarn is amazing. You've done a great job. Have a safe trip and enjoy your friend. I'm sure she's really happy you are coming to see her.

Hugs

Teresa Kasner said...

Oh Meredith.. you are such a wonderful and generous person. Lynda is blessed to have you in her life. She is going to love that shawl, when she wraps it around her it will always be like she's getting a hug from you. I think you will enjoy your solitary drive - I hope you turn on some good music and enjoy your road trip. LB will be well taken care of but will miss you too.. he'll be happy to see you when you get home. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your friend. She has not had it easy at all! She is so strong! Lynda is going to love that shawl! She is lucky to have you in her life.

Betsy said...

Meredith-my heart goes out to your friend Lynda, and you too in the passing of Bruce. Please don't ever think we don't want to know these things. That's what friends are for,-even friends who have never met in "real life." We rejoice in the happy things and grieve with you in the sad. I will be praying for you in the next days as you drive to be with Lynda. I know she will love the shawl and the love you have woven into it.
Much love and many Blessings my dear friend,
Betsy

Lynne said...

My goodness Meredith, you have lost so many close to you, and you keep on giving. That shawl is just beautiful and your dear friend is going to be comforted by it (and your visit), I'm sure.
Thanks for the pattern info, love the new skirt too!

Amy at love made my home said...

So sorry to hear about your friend and all her troubles. I hope that when she wraps the shawl around her she will feel your love wrapped around her too. I hope that your journey to visit is a safe one.

Nothing wrong with the neighbours thinking you are odd, it gives them something to talk about, and at least it means that you are interesting! xx

Unknown said...

The skirt is beautiful...the shawl is beautiful and you are truly a good friend. I'll be thinking of you.
Eileen

kathy b said...

Your shawl is gorgeous. Im sorry about all the losses. Lil buddy will be in great hands.

Lulu said...

beautiful projects..loooooove the shawl..
praying for your friend Lynda and all of you who need them..
hugs to buddy..

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

The shawl is absolutely gorgeous. What a thoughtful gift.

elns said...

It's a beautiful shawl made for someone who could use a hug to wear. Yes, there has been much loss close to your home, but we come here to see/hear/read you. The grace in which you handle it all as well as create such wonderful things AND remain available and present for so many is just unbelievable. It's really reaffirming. I am not explaining it well. But anyhow, I appreciate your honesty and your sharing.

Joyful said...

You made me laugh with your sewing experiences and Caroline's responses, lol. I was then saddened to hear of your friend's passing and the fact that your good friend has to go through so much hardship. I'm sure she will appreciate your presence so much. The shawl you made her is stunning. I can't believe you wove it so quickly! God bless you and journey safely. Big hugs xx

Gracie Saylor said...

Many hugs to you, Meredith. I am so glad you are able to spend time with Lynda. Praying for strength for her and you as you miss Bruce's physical presence and praying that you will be comforted as you remember and celebrate your relationships with him. When you have time someday I posted a picture for you today :) [your Caroline story made me chuckle, and the scarf is perfect ] xx

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Oh Meredith, you are right. That is a lot to handle. I'm so sorry for your friend's loss and the fact that she herself is battling cancer. Really very sad indeed. The shawl is lovely and I know that it will be such a blessed gift as it will be able to cloak her with love even after you return home. So glad you are able to go for the service and to support her at this time. God bless you all, Tammy

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Meredith, wow you have been a very busy person this Summer. So many lovely skirts. I really like the batik purple one and the brown one with all your free hand embroidery flowers on it. But your Weaved shawl is awesome. I love it. I did have a giggle about the 2 day hair cut. Pretty funny. It reminded me of my younger days with my boys. Hugs Judy

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Meredith, wow you have been a very busy person this Summer. So many lovely skirts. I really like the batik purple one and the brown one with all your free hand embroidery flowers on it. But your Weaved shawl is awesome. I love it. I did have a giggle about the 2 day hair cut. Pretty funny. It reminded me of my younger days with my boys. Hugs Judy

Jay said...

So sorry to hear you've had so much to deal with, and your poor friend. Have a safe trip and, if you can, enjoy some time with your friend.

Linda said...

I love the way you banter back and forth with dear Caroline and I often feel conscious of other's wondering if I'm a loony as I take pictures of random things when out and about.
The shawl is fabulous, it looks perfect to me, clever you :-)
Best wishes to your dear Friend Lynda, what a lot she has to cope with; you are both lucky to have each other as supportive friends as you both need TLC this year.

I am home now, but very tired from the travelling, I think it must be my bedtime soon

Have a great week xx

Pooch said...

You have created a lovely warm weather wardrobe. Enjoy wearing your lovely new skirts!

:)

Susanne Tyree said...

I so need to dust off my sewing machine and get busy. The skirt pattern is an incentive to move ahead with that, but there is much to do to get to that point. For one, I am still working on organizing the craft/sewing room. Yard work has become number 1, the inside of the house has been put on a back burner. There are days I am actually glad when it rains so I can do things inside, but then the rain makes the grass and weeds grow...enough said. Oh, my heart goes out to your friend. It is a mystery to me why some people seem to have more than their share of misery and sorrow, while other people are left to deal out nothing but misery and sorrow to others and go on to be as healthy as a horse. I know it brings out the best and the worst in people. It shows us compassion for those that are hurting. I believe it is God's way of getting our attention to show us that we are to be loving to others who are less fortunate than ourselves. He will do many things to bring us to our knees, someplace we should gladly be daily to thank Him for our blessings. I am so glad your friend has you in her life. You are a blessing to her.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Rose Red said...

I'm so sorry for your friend Lynda. What a difficult and terrible thing for her to experience. I hope she s doing ok and I am so glad you are able to go and spend some time with her, and that ou have such a lovely gift for her, an everlasting hug from you.

I love your final skirt too - the fabric is great! So fun!

millefeuilles said...

Oh my goodness, I am so in awe of the COURAGE of your friend Lynda. I have just been staring at the computer screen and daring myself to imagine the harsh reality of her everyday life. Please know I am sending as many positive, healing thoughts her way as I can muster.

And the woven shawl? It is truly a work of art and will give her so much solace, I am certain.

Stephanie