Ottobre Christmas Sewing

I made three dresses, two tops, and a pair of leggings for my younger DGD for Christmas.  Due to some lost days just before Christmas, I finished the sewing yesterday!  I am finally feeling pretty good and enjoyed some time in the sewing studio.  First is a dress, top, and leggings from Ottobre design magazine.  All items are from stash--some well aged, some more recent!  I wanted her to model at least one outfit so I could be sure of the sizing and fit.  This is a size 140 but shortened about 6 inches.  A turtle neck top also made to match the leggings.  Her dad did not put out the top, so of course she only put on what she was given!

 The next two dresses are from Ottobre as well--Issue 5/2006. All items made are size 140 with a few alterations for length.  I made the dresses but purchased the leggings.  She will need to wear the black top with either of the dresses.  Fun projects--both are fully lined and should be comfortable for her to wear.  The turtle neck is from the same Ottobre issue as the dress above--of course I can't find it!  The top has a split collar turtle neck in the magazine, but for this one I just made a regular fold over collar.  I think she will get a lot of wear from the pieces. 

I made myself a long sleeved perfect tee--Loes Hinse--from the remaining black fabric. Easy sewing and a great addition to the wardrobe.  I think this is some JCrew fabric purchased from a coop.  Love the look and feel!  Now on to some more sewing for me--a couple of Style Arc projects are waiting in the wings!

Merry Christmas!

Best wishes to all--sending positive greetings to my family and friends on this special holiday of the year.  A new beginning, a world of hope, and so much sadness in our lives.  Hug your loved ones and send messages to those you miss.  The gift giving has not yet begun in our home and I know some of the true spirit of the season may seem lost in that mayhem.  For me, it is just a way to show those I love that they mean the world to me, that the gifts in some way represent that.

My sewing came to a grinding halt with the arrival of the "itises" last week--sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and the yuckiest of all, conjunctivitis!  Ugh.Took meds, got lots of rest, and feed much better.  I will give the little dresses to Samantha next week in time for her to wear to school after the winter break.  We do what we can!

I did make her one outfit complete with leggings to match, so maybe a photo will be taken today as it is unwrapped.  I also cut out a couple of fleece hats for older DGD--those will sew up in a snap.

Trying to document what did and did not get sewn this week.

Happy Holidays to all!

Holiday Sewing and Wishes

Happy Holidays!  I have been doing a little sewing and just decided on a couple more simple projects!  I made 10 yr old DGD 3dresses from Ottobre Design patterns. Very pleased with the drafting and construction of them. I may even get a few photos later this week.

I did some routine sewing for me--3 long sleeve LH Perfect T shirts from J Crew fabric purchased from a coop.  2pair of leggings for me too, made from C Jonson Basewear pattern. All good to wear with currently owned pieces.  Fabric from Anne at Needlenook Fabrics.  Can't beat her service or prices.  What a lovely lady!

I also worked the entire month of November which slowed down my sewing but restored my sense of being a contributor to my community.  Being back in a middle school admin position was so much fun.  I will start 2013 as an elementary principal for 2-3 weeks. I've worked at this school before and look forward to helping out a friend.

I'm going to make a few simple hats from a Vogue pattern I recently purchased. Hope they turn out!

I'll be back with photos in the New Year!

Second Burda Jacket

This is the "real" jacket I wanted to make. The fabric was purchased from Loes Hinse  at the Oct 2011 seminar. The buttons were purchased in Sept 2012 from a delightful store in Lucca, Italy. Fun project. The directions were clear and jacket number two went together quite easily!

Burda Classic Jacket

I have been working on the cover jacket from the 2012 Classic edition of the Burda Style magazine.  I made a muslin as pictued below and am almost finished with the "real" version of the jacket.  All but buttons!  I will post more soon, but wanted to at least get one photo up to document the completion of the first jacket.  I love the fact that Burda patterns are so well drafted.  These went together like a dream--everything matched and fit together with no nudging or messing around.  This is a size 40 with no changes.  Sorry about the goofy facial expression...The pants are really a dark brown although they appear black in the photo.  Some LH Euros made from a dark brown ponte knit.  I'm pretty sure I blogged about them before as I made them in 2011 from some Michael Levine fabric.

Even my dog is wondering what the big deal is...

Catching Up--seminar roundup

I started this blog to have a journal of my sewing and I have kind of slogged along, not really expecting others to read my adventures.  I am always pleased to see that I have had visitors, but I know that most would move along since I do not do tutorials or even show many photos.

This will just be a recap of what I made during my days at Loes Hinse's late October seminar.  I ordered a couple of fabrics from Sharon at Casual Elegance prior to leaving home--a black microfiber and a black and onion (?) sweater knit.  During the seminar the microfiber became some narrow Bilbao pants without pockets and the knit is now a warm perfect tee.  A great outfit for cooler days in the desert.

My big project was to make a duster coat from some olive drab twill.  I love it and will post a picture as soon as I put in the buttonhole.  I need to decide on a button first!  It is a seminar pattern with a long  collar on a very deep v neckline.  Perfect for mild winters with a warm scarf.

I also fell in love with the long cardigan similar to one in an earlier version of The Look.  I made one from a soft black sweater knit and have already worn it several times.  I made a second one from a tan/grey sweater knit remnant.  I have worn it also. I really was not drawn to this style of garment until Loes asked me to try one on at the boutique.  Instant change of heart!

I always take a few precut shirts to work on between big projects or when waiting for my turn to have Loes help or direct me.  I made 3 perfect tees to finish up my summer purchases at Michael Levine's in LA.

I bought a remnant of grey/teal tencel twill and made a second pair of Bilbao pants as well.

Not as productive as some years, but I am so pleased with the garments I did make.  Maybe I should add that I smashed a finger under my serger's needle bar when I accidentally stepped on the foot pedal while attempting to thread a needle.  Ouch.

I'm working for a few weeks so my sewing will be limited until Thanksgiving.  I just got a packet of Style Arc patterns so I may redirect for a while...

Catching Up--seminar roundup

I started this blog to have a journal of my sewing and I have kind of slogged along, not really expecting others to read my adventures.  I am always pleased to see that I have had visitors, but I know that most would move along since I do not do tutorials or even show many photos.

This will just be a recap of what I made during my days at Loes Hinse's late October seminar.  I ordered a couple of fabrics from Sharon at Casual Elegance prior to leaving home--a black microfiber and a black and onion (?) sweater knit.  During the seminar the microfiber became some narrow Bilbao pants without pockets and the knit is now a warm perfect tee.  A great outfit for cooler days in the desert.

My big project was to make a duster coat from some olive drab twill.  I love it and will post a picture as soon as I put in the buttonhole.  I need to decide on a button first!  It is a seminar pattern with a long  collar on a very deep v neckline.  Perfect for mild winters with a warm scarf.

I also fell in love with the long cardigan similar to one in an earlier version of The Look.  I made one from a soft black sweater knit and have already worn it several times.  I made a second one from a tan/grey sweater knit remnant.  I have worn it also. I really was not drawn to this style of garment until Loes asked me to try one on at the boutique.  Instant change of heart!

I always take a few precut shirts to work on between big projects or when waiting for my turn to have Loes help or direct me.  I made 3 perfect tees to finish up my summer purchases at Michael Levine's in LA.

I bought a remnant of grey/teal tencel twill and made a second pair of Bilbao pants as well.

Not as productive as some years, but I am so pleased with the garments I did make.  Maybe I should add that I smashed a finger under my serger's needle bar when I accidentally stepped on the foot pedal while attempting to thread a needle.  Ouch.

I'm working for a few weeks so my sewing will be limited until Thanksgiving.  I just got a packet of Style Arc patterns so I may redirect for a while...

Seminar Time

Back in Carmel for a wonderful four days of sewing at a Loes Hinse seminar. I'm excited to try new patterns and to be inspired by the goodies at Loes's boutique.  The weather and scenery are delightful as well...be back after the fun is over!

Broken Scissors

Just posting a photo so I can request warranty coverage on my broken favorite scissors.

Style Arc Willow Pants

Just a quick post to show the Style Arc Willow pants I made today.  I love this pattern--I made a couple of simple tweaks (shortened length about 2 inches where indicated on pattern and lengthened the crotch curve about 1/2 inch) to the pattern before I cut out the first pair and I have not had to make any other alterations!  The fabric is bengaline suiting from local JoAnns Fabric.  I bought several colors and plan to make at least one more pair of this same pattern!  I am going to go examine other SA patterns to see which will fit my lifestyle and my style choices.  The top is a Loes Hinse Perfect Tee I made a couple of years ago.  It has been worn to death, but I really love this pattern too!

Travel Photos

These photos are for documentation--certainly not for style!  LOL!  We walked an average of 12-15 miles per day, so you can see the results in the photos!  It was a wonderful trip and we had the very best time. Most days were quite warm so short sleeves and crop pants were worn more days than I had planned!

 These are Style Arc Tory crop pants--made from a JA stretch woven in a size 12--used 5/8" seam allowances and they fit great.  Location is the balcony of our hotel in Montone, Italy. 

 Style Arc Willow pants after a long day!!!  Made from stretch twill and worn with an Ann Taylor RTW tee.  I know the jacket-around-the-waist accessory may not be the most flattering, but it was practical! These pants grow during a busy day, but they were comfortable and warm on a cool day.  The lovely boar is on the side of a restaurant in Orivieto letting diners know that entres using this specialty are available within.

 Style Arc Tory pants from same fabric as Willow pants above.  These were worn and washed several times during the trip.  Lovely site is Porto Venere, Italy.  We took a boat from this delightful city up the Cinque Terre coast to Montorosa. 

Worst photo--cooking school on an agroturismo in Tuscany.  Under the stylish apron is a Christine Jonson cross over tee.  Nice pattern.  Lovely hat, eh?  We made and ate a delicious feast here!

Loes Hinse Bilbao pants and C Jonson Vee Neck Tee

I finally got a photo--not of travel clothing, but of some pants I made this morning and a shirt I made last week or the week before! 

Pants are the Bilbao pattern--the wide leg version modified to be narrow.  I could not put my hands on the pattern so could not trace the narrow leg view.  Sometimes I hate having two separate homes!  But, a friend helped me out by measuring the lower leg of the narrow version on her master pattern.  I used a ruler and my eyeball to narrow the pants down to the indicated measurements (10" front and 10.75" back, includes seam allowances).  I used a piece of fabric from the stash.  I did put in the zipper per instructions but left the pockets off this pair.

The top is my first try at the V neck top from CJ.  I really like it!  Fabric from Michael Levine Loft in the LA garment/fabric district.  We finally have a day that is cool enough for long pants and long sleeves.  Note, October 12!  This top is a medium with no alterations.  I also made her cowl neck top, an epattern.  I made a medium in that as well, but I think I am going to try a small just to compare.

Enjoy your creative crafts!

Souvenirs from Travels

DH and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Italy--specifically to Umbria, Tuscany, and the Ligurian Riviera regions.  We had a relaxing and replenishing trip.  When we travel, we always take lots of photos--rather DH does as he has the eye, the talent, and the camera equipment necessary.  We also look for European sewing magazines and other sewing related gems that I can bring home but not be overburdened by the mass of my purchases.

I found a wonderful little shop in Lucca, Italy where I purchased the buttons.  It is called Casa del Buttone and is located on Via Michele Rossi.  The shop has a floor to ceiling supply of buttons, stored in boxes with the buttons shown on the end. The friendly clerk who assisted me brought out samples of black and/or silver buttons for me to peruse.  LOTS to choose from.  I bought 5 each of the three shown in the photo.  I am planning to make a couple of jackets in the near future and can hardly wait to put these on a garment!  DH even helped me to select these from the large selection I was shown.

My other quest is always to find local sewing magazines.  I bought the top one in Padua--the September Burda in Italian.  What a wonderful surprise to find that the patterns are NOT the cramped version I get in the US, rather the type we used to get.  I will enjoy tracing from these less crowded sheets.  I have already selected a couple of garment to get in the queue.

The second is a La Mia Boutique, an Italian sewing magazine.  It isn't inspiring me yet, but I often return to these magazines for inspiration or ideas after some time has passed.  I bought this in Orvieto where we spent a couple of fabulous days enjoying the Umbrian hill towns.

The final two are Patrones magazines I picked up in the news shop at the Madrid airport while waiting for a connecting flight.  Score!

I am sewing--I have begun my Willow pants in a Theory wool/rayon/lycra.  Only the zipper and hems left to do!  I will share some photos--maybe a few of me on vacation wearing garments I made prior to departure.  It is great to be home!

Sewing--not blogging...

I got a camera for my birthday, but I haven't mastered it and I am having more fun sewing than trying to learn to use the camera.

So--hopefully time will balance out these things and I will sew and share.  I do want to post at least a list of what I have done as a personal record for me to remember how I spent this summer:

Style Arc Tori crops--tan/white stripe and black solid
Christine Jonson crossover top--turquoise/white/grey print
Cutting designs Hearts A Flutter shell--brown and white stripe
LH crops--brown linen

Cut out to sew
Style Arc Willow pewter pants
LH Perfect T--teal rayon jersey

Be back soon!  Almost time to leave the beach and return to the desert!

Sewer's Block?

ETA -- here is an excellent tutorial on making hem vents!  http://buzzybeesworld.blogspot.com/



Have you even gotten stuck on the most simple element of a garment?  I could NOT figure out how to make the hem vent on a Style Arc Willow pant pattern--directions just say to "make the vee" and hem.  So, pants sat on the cutting table finished save the hem for a week or more.  Today I was looking through old Burda magazines searching for pants with a hem vent and hoping for some directions.  Eureka!  Not rocket science, but I needed the visual image and the construction marks on the Burda pattern.  I made two pairs of the Willow pants and love the fit.  I was unsure of what size to order since my measurements were not exactly one size and the SA patterns are single size.  I ordered a size 10 and added 3/4 inch to the side seams for added security.  I stitched up 3/4 inch seams rather than the 3/8 inch called for in the pattern.  Great fit!  The grey pair were my muslin--wearable bit no hem vent as I had to trim off an extra inch from the bottom.  Too long! The second pair in stretch twill from Michael Levines have the hem vents and they also fit well!  My camera is still missing so my phone photos are horrible, but they do document that sewing has been done here!

Other sewing projects have been sewn as well, but nothing that has not been seen before.  These are my TNT Loes Hinse Perfect Tee tops and Euro and Bilbao pants.  Love the ease and fit of these garments. 

Another Birthday!

I can't figure out how to edit and add this info t the end, so this is a picture of Cassidy at her 16th birthday party!Cassidy and her dad--our son



Today I'm wishing my granddaugher, Cassidy, a very happy 16 th birthday!  She is about the best!  Smart, beautiful, kind, and fierce.  She passed her driving test today too.  Whooppee!  Congrats to her awesome Mom and Dad too!

I'll be back to document the sewing... ETA Cassidy is sixteen today!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my younger son's birthday--as his brother told him, "milk the last year of your 30's for all you've got!"  Happy Birthday!

The sewing studio at the condo is all put away, at least the pieces I can put away.  Tomorrow morning said son and his 3 kidlets will arrive for a week or so and they will take over our "spare" room for dorm space.  We will be busy and I won't miss my sewing space.  Disney, zoo, beach, pool, etc are in our future.  See you in July!

Loes Hinse Tank Dress Maxi

This was a very quick project--kind of a trial that I really like!  I added two inches at the lower L/S line of the longer version--did not use the side slit and it fits well!  My version is rayon challis from the stash.  Easy way to create a simple summer dress!  This took about an hour to make ;-)

Vogue 7579 Finished!

Here is the jacket I've finally finished!  Now off to other projects--first some Loes Hinse crop pants!  This jacket is lined in silk organza--no facings or interfacing.  Nothing but the pattern made twice--one in fashion fabric and one in silk and then joined at all edges.  I sewed the neckline and hem by machine and then hand sewed the front edges and the sleeve hems.  I will make a more complicated construction version of this in the future, now that I know it fits me!

Vogue 7975 wearable muslin

Here is a work in progress--iphone photo--with one sleeve set in. For once I took someone's advice and pinned the sleeve without any ease stitching.  What a joy!  It would have been even better if I hadn't put the sleeve in the wrong armhole.  I patiently unpicked it and resewed it in its proper place.  Whew.   I am going to use the silk organza lining a la Nancy Erickson's directions.  Basically two identical jackets sewn together at the neck and front edges.  There will not be a facing in this one, though I guess that is an option.  I was snoop shopping at Zara the other day and looked at some of their spring/summer jackets.  Even DH commented on the quality (?) of the construction, but they were cute!  Theirs are not really sewn together...rather the lining is placed inside the jacket and both pieces of the garment are zigzagged at the edges, leaving a small raw edge hanging off.  One jacket had grosgrain ribbon on the underside of the front edges for stability.  I may try this technique.

I had not made this pattern before and was leary of using the good fabric I have saved for doing a more labor intensive version of the jacket--I want to use Claire Schaeffer's instructions for finishing a Chanel like jacket.  First I needed a pattern that fit.  I am not a fan of Vogue patterns because I find the fit to be so hit or miss for me.  Using my measurements, I recently made a V 8819 cardigan.  Huge.  So, this is a size 12 and could be taken in a bit.  I will make notes for when I cut the "real" fabric.  I hope to finish this tomorrow, but my DGKs are coming to swim, have dinner, and spend the night.  They have not slept in this house and it may be a long night with them waking up in unfamiliar surroundings.  Let's hope not!

I am proud to say that ALL boxes are unpacked after our move.  That is a first!  We have moved many times during our almost 44 years of marriage and I usually just wear out with the final boxes.  I have been on the hunt for my camera.  No luck.  DH has a jillion cameras, but I want a simple one that does not require a PhD in photography (or the equivalent) to operate.  Hopefully I will be able to find one soon so I can get back to documenting my little projects.

Next project is cleaning up the mess I have made in this room.  I'm trying to keep up with the scraps in the new studio ;-)

Missing camera...

Well, I have unpacked (or at least inspected) all of the sewing room boxes and my camera is not among the remains.  Hmmmm.  I am not the family photographer, but I like having a simple point and shoot camera to document my sewing.  Looks like I may have to find a special or sale to replace the missing item.  That's the sure way to have it show up...

I have been doing some sewing.  Here's my list:

1.  Textile Studio Soho Pants--yellow twill for summer.  LOVE this pattern and have already done a little morphing to make it a TNT.  I used the LH Euro pant front to modify the upper front of this pattern to accommodate a front fly zip.  I am planning to make a new pair tomorrow.  I've worn the yellow ones to several casual events and have been comfortable and sort of on trend with a bright color slimmer leg pant.

2.  LH tank top--white.  Just a staple to wear under sheer summer tops.

3.  2 Perfect tees--one in brown knit and one in teal lace knit.  The brown knit was a remnant purchased at the LH seminar.  It is a different knit--really two layers lightly fused.  I did not hem any of the raw edges--just top stitched about 1/4 inch from edge to allow the two layers to separate and roll.  I like the look!  The teal lace top is also raw edges for sleeve and hem--I did turn and stitch the neck edge.

ETA  Item #4--crop pants in tangerine linen from a modified LH pattern.  Love the fit and how easy they were to sew!!  Bought a coordinating top at H and M and have a cute outfit for hot weather!

I need to keep this list to verify that I am still spending a little time at my hobby!

I am going to meet a fellow sewist for coffee next week--haven't met IRL before, so I'm looking forward to chatting with a new friend.

Happy Mothers Day to everyone!  Another good opportunity to remember my dear Mom and thank her for all she did for us.  Never a day without thinking of you and missing you...

Quick Ottobre Top and Chez Ami Pants

Here is a little tee shirt I made to go with some purchased pants from Chez Ami. The tee is an Ottobre pattern I had traced but did not label--so I know it is Otto but not sure of the issue.  I did purchase the pants online, but they were too long for my peanut DGD.  She will be 10 in September, but these size 8 pants were too big when I bought them for birthday #8.  Still too long, so I finally cut them off.  The tee is a coordinating fabric from the same source.  I love the ability to purchase fabrics that were designed to coordinate by a ready to wear designer.  I don't duplicate the same style of garment, but I know the colors will match and/or compliment one another.  Easy project, but a sense of accomplishment as I am almost done with the sewing studio!

Fabric Donation

Whew!  As I was moving fabric and folding fabric, I quickly realized that there were many pieces of fabric that no longer needed to live at my house ;-).  Earlier this year I subbed as the principal of a K-12 school and had mentioned to the home ec teacher that I might have some fabric to donate if she was interested.  Today I finally got around to delivering the said fabric!  She was tickled pink and so was I.  I hated knowing it would go to the rag merchant if I donated the fabric to GW.  Win-win.  Here is the delivery!

Sewing Room Progress!

We are moved in--our home is very comfortable and the sewing room/fabric cave is coming along as well.  I have a large bedroom dedicated to my vices.  LOL.  The large closet has been outfitted with a closet system for storing sewing things, especially fabric.  I have been going through my large stash of fabric and folding much of it for the storage system.  Many pieces will be donated as they are no longer of use to me.  I bought different things when I was working, when my sons were young, etc.  Now I sew for fun, not for economy.  I sew for personal fulfillment and for the challenge.  I also sew for my 5 grandchildren.  So, I have a lot of stuff.  I will share some photos of the stuff still in the process of being stowed.  I like my new closet because I can see the fabric.  I can find things even if my "system" is not one any other person would use or understand.

Lucky for me, DH has been a trooper and helped fold most of what you can see in the photo.  Thanks to Carolyn (sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com/) and Shannon (hungryzombiecouture.blogspot.com/) for their inspiration and example!  I am more than halfway done and hope to actually sew soon!  I found a CJ funnel neck tee and some LH Euro pants all cut and waiting to be made as I unpacked.


Happy Easter and happy sewing everyone.  I have enjoyed reading blogs while I have been on hiatus.  Lots of lovely examples and inspiration out there!

Sewaholic Renfrew Top

Greetings from the missing person--we have been (and continue to be) so busy with the selling/packing/rehabbing/moving between two homes that I have not done any sewing.  I have one project done and will post a photo.  I love the pattern and the design--not the fabric I chose.  I got it CHEAP at FDIM (is that right?) in LA last time we were in CA.  It has a great hand, but it is pretty soft and doesn't fit the way I had hoped.  Anyway, I will make it again when I have machines to use and a room to sew in.  I will have a wonderful sewing studio in new house and will have plenty of room to play.  The painters come tomorrow and the closet people have been scheduled.  Need to clean carpet, pack, organize, etc, etc, etc before I can sew ;-).

So, here is the Renfrew.  I made a size 10 right from the envelope.  I think I might go with a size 8 next try...we will see!  I rotated this photo--so it would be vertical.  When I see it in the blog post, it is horizontal.  Yikes.  Here is the top from an altered direction!

Sold House, Bought House, Etc...

Not much sewing going on here! But now the real work begins. In a few months im sure we will be thrilled, but the interim seems a bit daunting. No more constant worry that some realtor might just drop by. They have...some call first, but not all!

I did make a Sewaholic Renfro top. Love the pattern!!!

I'm also going through a three week regimen with Carac so no photos! today is day 8 and my face is not lovely. The purpose is to get all precancerous areas to stuff off before becoming full blown problems. Not fun, but needed to be done. Too many years at the beach and then living I the desert. Onward!

I'll be back with a sewing photo soon...

Nancy Erickson 1945C Finished!

There isn't much else to say about this jacket.  It is lined, buttons sewn, buttonholes made, hems finished, and it has been worn to work.  Passed the test!  I got several compliments and it is a comfortable garment to wear with either pants or a skirt.  Here is the finished garment and the buttons in a closeup. ETA the wrinkles on the shoulder/chest area are due to the dress form/my body differences.  On me, no wrinkles ;-)

Projects in progress nancy Erickson 1945C jacket ***ETA photo

I am slowly working on my Nancy Erickson jacket. I made a couple years ago, but they are too big and I am trying a new size. This is a size 10 with 5/8 inch seam allowances except the side seams which I made one inch. Fit is OK--with some feedback from a friend, I did trim 1/2inch from the shoulder seam before setting in the sleeves. The lining is sewn together and my next step will be to join the lining to the shell. Fabric is a suiting of unknown content that has been aging in the stash for years. I also cutout the sewing lesson pants from Burda 1/2012 from this fabric. I do not plan to wear them together!

Here is my jacket in progress:

Hmmm...guess I don't know how to add photo from iPad. I'll edit later! (done!)


I'm still subbing but gave Feb 3 As my last day! Great school and staff--I just want to be retired again! I'm hoping that he district will finally fly the position and hire a full time assistant principal. Economic times are tough but one can hope!


ETA:  photo

Welcome 2012

No resolutions here! But I do have some goals:

Finish my Nancy Erickson 1945C jacket in progress
Work a little--makes mr feel like a contributor
Don't work too much--need to enjoy life too!
Keep up the exercise daily--helps both mentally and physically. Can't change some of the medical issues, but I can keep going!
Sew when you/I want to. Make things ilike, don't have to be trendy!
Prepare for the move--not far,but everything has to be packed, trucked, unpacked. It will be worth it when it is DONE
Look for decorating advice. We are using current furniture but I'd like help with paint colors, accent pieces, etc. no idea where to find this...
Go to the beach often. It is restorative
Find peace, joy, and health in 2012