You can't get to here from there...

This past April I was so sure I would have a new wardrobe by the end of June. WRONG! No excuses, I just became sidetracked by granddaughters wardrobe needs. I don't mind one bit. One nice result was coming across new-for me-fibers, bamboo and hemp. I had not used either, as I only saw articles promoting their use in diaper-making. At 68, I am well past the stage where diapers are top on my hit parade. I find both very nice to wear, no rash or hives from either. The hemp jersey is unbelievably soft and silk-like. Both wash very well by hand and machine. I dried them on damp dry, delicate. Still soft. I have gone back to wardrobe needs, and I'm finishing up a HotPatterns freebie at Fabric.com. It's the Cabriolet wrap skirt/dress. The sizing is generous. I have a 47" waistline and have regathered the skirt down twice before it was snug enough for comfort. Camera battery has gone walk-about or I would direct you to a photo. All of you keep well, and keep the sewing room tidy (snicker) Nehmah

Are they doilies or rags?...

When we first moved South, I was quite a bit heavier. Most of my wardrobe was from the elastic-waist and 3X tees department. Much of it was given to me by neighbors from clothing left after a relative of their's had passed away. I truly appreciated the generosity, as I was unable to sew any more than an opened seam or repair a hem which had come loose.
Time has passed and so has 40 lbs. What I had was now way too large and very shabby due to hard wear. There was a saying when I was little about a skirt being a doily for the holes. By the time it has been worn that much it is only fit for the ragbag.
I now find myself in unfamiliar territory of size 22 (in patterns). It is "Get busy with shears and machine or go nekkid" time. If I don't show up here, be assured that much of my time is being spent restocking the closet and dresser. Cordially, Nehmah

and not a bit wiser...

I am now "officially" in my late 60's. I don't feel or look any different than yesterday, but that's fine by me. Since I go through life with a somewhat skewed image of me, I never know how to answer those folks who ask, "What does 60-whatever feel like?" The best I can manage is, "If I ever start to feel that age, I'll let you know."
Gifts were a sewing machine (my back-up has it's back up) from Fred-along with a beautiful Italian Amaretto cake; gift card and hugs from Son, DGDs, and DIL who has the same birthdate, and best of all, many birthday wishes from friends around the planet. It's bedtime, so I will sign of, Nehmah62

We made it through another year...

Welcome and Happy 2012. We had a very quiet holiday season. The granddaughters went to Florida to celebrate Christmas with their abuelos. (We are the grandparents)
They are back home and preparing to return to classes.
A bit of sad quilting news; my favorite site, The Golden Thimble announced the closing of this most valuable site. As is so often the case with individually-owned sites, I gather that finances were becoming a problem. I don't understand, other than the grubbing for ever-more-cash, why a non-profit site has to pay the same rates as a virtual Big Box site. She shared and taught quilting from her heart. The area where photos of "quilt barns" were kept was a treat to me. I'm just old enough (snicker if you like) to recall seeing these as we drove from Chicago.
She generously shared links to other quilting sites, craft sites, archived needlework sites, and the list goes on, and on.
Becky, I shall miss you. I'll be over to the non-EBay site. May you enjoy your "free" time. Cordially, Nehmah62

A peaceful and prosperous 2012...

May all who read this have a peace-filled 2012. May you live without fear. May you treat others well. Nehmah

It's digital for Nehmah...

This past weekend we celebrated 45 years of marriage. It was a quiet day for us. He had his Saturday bible study group, while I sewed, frantic to get stuff done by the 25th. We went out to shop for a joint gift and a meal. The gift was a digital camera and extras. Our last camera purchase was in October of 1994 when we went to the UK for my 50th birthday (b-day was in February-I mean why rush things?) It saw yeoman's duty when grandchildren were born.
Due to tremors I can no longer use a film camera. Either I drop the film under the couch or the photos look like they were shot during the 1906 SF earthquake. Digital is the only way to go. The colors are terrific, I can't cut off heads as there is a wee box to center images. Colors adjusted automatically, however they have not quite perfected the software to clean up (virtually) the mess behind the shootee. Best of all, the picture is on a teeny monitor so I know if the shot is good or ICK! Since I probably won't be posting I'll wish the readers a Happy Holiday and peaceful 2012. Nehmah62

It's HOW many days till Christmas?...

I am deep into holiday sewing for two of the four grandchildren. I had from December 2, when the last of the taffeta fabrics arrived, until December 19, when we get the dresses ready for the Xmas tree. Due to sudden rearranging of schedules, I must have both dresses ready for a photo op with Santa this Saturday December 10 at 9 AM.
Dress one-red plaid taffeta is finished enough it can be worn for that specific appointment. Dress two-blue plaid taffeta is cut and prepped for a temporary finish by Friday night. After Saturday morning, both will be returned, the temporary closure of Velcro will be removed, skirts sewn to bodices, and zippers added. Then, should I have enough time, I will make the matching underskirts for the girls. While they are celebrating the holidays with the other grandparents elsewhere, I will be finishing the Barbie dresses and copies of their 2011 dress for the cloth dolls made from a Brown House Dolls pattern.
If you are looking for a really sound pattern for other than the red-headed kid (although she has that also) GOTO: link to doll site
May all of you who read have a peaceful holiday season. Take care, don't drink and drive. People would miss you were you to die. Cordially, Nehmah62