Not-So-Haute Couture

Unique re-issued my pants pattern after I made them up and found the fit less than nearly perfect. They adjusted for my high hip, and that helped, but the main problems of veering side seams and baggy back legs remain. I sent them this picure, along with a couple of others even less flattering. They responded right away with an apology, and let me know that they'd speak with the drafter and contact me if they need more information. I hope that the next re-draft fits the way it should.

Sonia Rose has left the building. She and her mommy have headed slightly south to visit yet more adoring fans. We had a great week. Mostly we sat and talked (we're very good at that) and watched the baby be cute. We also picniced at Luther Burbank Home and Gardens , celebrated Kidz Day at church, had Sunday dinner with friends 'n family and posed with Charlie Brown. Oh! And she rocked back and forth on all fours for the first time. I have video, but it's a honkin' huge file and will have to posted later. I'm gonna miss you, Seestor and Sonni-bunny! See you at Christmastime! Sonni and preggers cousin Amanda (cousin Malachi will be here when you visit next time!) Getting toes tickled We're a clean people

Every day I check my neice's picture of the day because I just can't seem to get enough. My sister understands and is faithful to update it regularly from Minnesota we out of town relatives can get our Sonia Rose fix. But! They are here! In California! At my house! Yay! They arrived late Monday night for a week's visit. I keep wanting to click on my pic of the day link and then I remember--I got the real thing at home, at least for a few more days.

Pics of the fabu BABES gathering at Jennifer's in San Francisco on Sunday, August 21. Thanks so much for hosting, Jen! Here are the pictures. I apologize in advance for any misspelling of names and will happily fix them if you let me know! Georgene offers fitting advice to Lori while Neefer and our hostess look on. Jen, Lori, Dena, Gloria and Veronica (Verosews) swapping fabric, magazines and patterns. Joan (Grannygeek) and Georgene say their goodbyes. Tamtay, Neefer, Jen and Lori get ready to shop! Shopping in the Haight. Lisa M. , Cheryl, Dena and Gloria get inspired at Discount Fabrics

To look at later: A Socialite's Life

It was a beautiful day for a baby shower. I did get the blanket and onesies done: Binding detail: Of course, there are pictures! Just mosey on over to the Gallery .

Whip out sewing projects is what I cannot do. The baby shower's tomorrow. The gifts I'm making aren't finished. The patterns are traced and the fabric's washed. My daughter understands, though, bless her heart. I'll get it all done before she has the baby. While waiting for the fgift abric to wash 'n dry I cut out a sleeper and a onesie shirt out of stashed fabric so I could practice making smaller stuff. I really thought it would go faster. The practice sleeper (yes, those are straight pins, and yes, I will take those out and replace them with snaps) Shower gifts-to-be: This pile of stuff will be turned into decorated onesies, gowns and a blanket.

Shout out to dh's brother Scott and his lovely wife Lynn, whose 16th anniversary it is today.

Until 2 days ago, I would have had to answer, "Nope, never been there." But now I can proudly say, "I have been to Yosemite. I have seen the highest waterfall in the United States, El Capitan, and Half Dome." We joined my brother Bobby and sister-in-law Dee Dee, along with nephew Jeremy, neice Sierra and her hubby Josiah and their little girls Havilah and Gigi for a whirlwind of a weekend that managed to be both exciting and relaxing. On Saturday Bobby & Dee Dee took us on a one-day tour of Yosemite (more pics in the Gallery ). The scenery was tremendous. If there's this much natural beauty just 4 hours from where I live, what wonders must heaven hold? I really enjoyed seeing the families from all over the world. Saturday night Darren & I saw the Eagles at Calaveras County fairgrounds. Great concert. Sunday we kicked back. We did not get enough of Yosemite though and may return this winter.

This one's for Kim and Ray, who dashed around town one evening late last week to snap some poses with Charlie Brown: More photos, including Scuba Charlie, Train Conductor Charlie and Classic Bronze with Snoopy in the Gallery . More about Santa Rosa's Peanuts on Parade right here .

We are off tomorrow to Yosemite for a visit with db and dsil, and the Eagles concert at the Calaveras County fairgrounds. Every night this week has been busy busy. Monday night: I forgot what we did Monday night, but we were busy. Tuesday night: Dinner and a massage at dd's (who recently graduated from Sebastopol Massage Center . She needs practicum hours. 'Practicum' means 'free massage'. Lucky us! I managed to get that 3rd princess seam blouse fitting in, and it's lookin' good (but not there yet). Wednesday night: Breastfeeding class w/other dd, where I was very, but pleasantly, surprised to find former Planning Commissioner Vinny D. on the Positive Images of Breastfeeding calendar . He's gazing adoringly at his baby's mama as she nurses their wee babe . It's a sweet picture; I was surprised, that's all. Before and after the class I traced off newborn baby clothes patterns form Kwik-Sew's Sewing for Baby . I really wanna get a blanket a...

More style/image information: Body Beautiful: Image Consulting and Training

McCall's 4780 (the pattern that is to be my standard for woven blouses) is on its 3rd basted fitting. Each basted fitting was preceded by at least 2 pinned paper fittings. I actually started this princess-seamed blouse odessy with a different (Plus size) pattern; it took me 2 basted fittings of that one to realize I should start with a Misses size. Naturally the first pattern didn't come small enough. So, although I'm on the 3rd basted fitting of M4780, I've actually been slogging along this muddy and rutted princess-seam road for about 5 fittings. Still nothing wearable and my $1/yd Wally World stash is about gone. But progress is being made on M4780: Basted fitting No. 1 (from Misses size 14 w/full bust alteration): Too small. Just plain too small. I got excited to work on an actual Misses size and overdid it. Decided to re-trace a size 18. Basted fitting No. 2 (from Misses size 18 w/full bust alteration): Better. But there are some fba oddities. The size 18 is for a...

Got this from the PR message board: Google Earth - Home

Sock Monkey Plans . Thanks, Lori !

Some more cute pooh images

I ordered some snap tape and photo effects paper from Home Sew . In the event I can't find a winnie the pooh applique that is small, cute and classic pooh, I'll use the paper to transfer an image to material and use that. Here's a page of pooh images: Jamie's Pooh Page