Easter Skirt

Did I mention I sewed a piece of clothing for myself? I haven't sewn clothing in... since the summer of 1998. Yep. It's been a while. But reading blogs about people who sew makes me think "I could do that. Maybe." And sometimes I try. I'm terrible at following all but the simplest of patterns. I'm just not wired that way anymore I guess. But, Sew Mama, Sew posted a tutorial about creating a pattern and making your own reversible wrap skirt and it sounded doable. I've been hankering after such a nifty thing since my friend Liberty started making and selling them. And gaining a bit of a following because they are pretty awesome. But they're out of my price range (I'm a cheapskate, remember?).

So once upon a time long, long ago I spied this fabric. It was cheap and I apparently Needed some because I ended up buying about three yards worth. I was thinking it would be great for an I Spy quit (very small pieces have been used for this purpose). And then I saw this skirt tutorial and decided that I needed a skirt with this fabric. So I got myself a few more yards. I tried to create the pattern but I didn't have yardstick at home and the pattern drafting wasn't going well. So I put that project aside. Until the Thursday before Easter. I brought home the yardstick that's been sitting in my office courtesy of the previous tenant and worked up a pattern. Modified quite a bit from the original but based on the same sort of ideas. I used six pieces and increased the wrap part some - too much quite frankly because it's pretty big on me. For the other side I used a vintage sheet I had bought thinking it was pretty and would make a great quilt back or some such thing. Instead it makes an awesome skirt. I wore that side on Easter.I'm pretty pleased with it. I think I will modify the pattern some before I make another one (I already have some fabric picked out). It's really heavy. It also looks much better with a shirt tucked in and I don't have many tuck-in-able shirts. Today I screwed up the courage to wear the pink side to work. Because I work with adults and, let's face it, it's a kid's print. At Easter the seven year-old requested that I turn it to the pink side because it's "more kiddish".

But that's my adventure in clothes sewing.

Quilty stuff

I've been working on my full-size quilt a lot lately. I should be working on one last paper. But I am nothing if not a procrastinator. Anyways, I took a few quick, ugly pictures of a few of the stacks that I have going. I'm not following a pattern for this thing. Which may not be wise. I just have a rough time following patterns - whatever I'm doing. So I'm aiming for a bunch of squarish blocks and then I'll sew them all together somehow. We'll see how that part goes...

Stack of mostly finished blocks:
Stack of unfinished blocks. The ones on the right needed to pressed. The ones on the left need more fabric added to make them more or less square. Anyways, it is what it is. I really love most of the fabric I've got in there but I need to add more white. It's getting darker than I wanted. That'll be my goal for the next few rounds of fabric adding - more white.

Friday night I went to a concert with some friends. Modern Bluegrass-type music and it was fabulous. Sara Watkins who was part of Nickel Creek, a grammy-winning modern bluegrass group. Her brother Sean played with her most of time. They are incredibly talented (not that you would have guessed with a grammy and all) and if you have a chance to see her or get her solo album you totally should.

Well, hello there!

I'm reveling in post-Easter happy. Mainly that chocolate and caffeine are on the menu again during the week. Spring is trying to arrive here in Chicago. The daffodils are blooming on campus - that's something. I should try to visit them more though. I can't wait for the trees to start blooming in earnest, fluffy, frilly structures of white and pink.

Easter was, beyond the ending of the dietary restrictions, quite lovely. I skipped Good Friday services. I made myself a reversible wrap skirt from a pattern I drafted myself. Which is pretty damn awesome, I have to say. The pattern could be adjusted slightly smaller but I am thrilled with how it turned out and plan to wear it often. I wore it on Easter to church and lunch and it seemed to work just fine. Someday I'll get pictures of it and share. I used an old sheet I had thrifted for one side which was perfect and made me really happy to be both economical and recycling.

Saturday night I went to an Easter vigil with my friend P. at her church. All the scripture and candle lighting and bell ringing and tradition made me happy. Sunday morning I opted for the Episcopal church down the street (in my new skirt) and it was nice as well but I was really distracted by the surrounding kiddos so I think the homily was nice but I couldn't be sure. Must make a mental note to not sit in that area anymore. In the afternoon I ventured out to the 'burbs to have Easter dinner with friends. It was good.

I know I've mentioned his work before, but here's more of it. I love the red one. I'm going to have to pinch my pennies and see if I can afford it.

The economy is not my friend these days. I've lost plenty of money in my 401(k) and it's hard to read the statements. I decided to stick with my apartment just because it's cheap and I hate moving. The mold was painted over and the ceilings have been repaired. We'll see how long it lasts. But I think it's the right decision for me right now.

Today I needed some flowers. Yes, needed. So I stopped off at the grocery store before I headed into work. I have some orange goodness sitting on my desk now and it is happy making. Alstromeria, tulips, and spray roses. (Did you know I once worked in a flower store?)

Happy Easter!

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing ; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead ? "He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Luke 24:1-10

May you be filled with joy this Easter day remembering the wonder of the day.