We are nearly ready to scoot out of here for our trip. Couldn't be soon enough for me. It has been a really hot summer with only a slight reprieve the past couple of weeks. Heard from DH's folks today that it got down to the mid 40's last night. That's winter for us here in the valley of the sun! I have been trying to conceive of what that may be like ... no easy task when it is 116 outside. Its only in the 90's now so it will not be quite the stretch.

Since I have put on the weight and haven't been able to exercise much my wardrobe is in serious straits. We made a body double with duck tape a year+ ago. Finished it off with the lovely purple colored version of the tape. Ended up with the "Great Grape"! Such fun! Just make sure you have a bottle of wine handy. We incorporated a heavy wooden hanger into the neck area and I have a heavy brass chain hanging in my studio, secured directly to a support in the ceiling. The whole thing is on the heavy side, but does fit nicely in the closet when not being used. This takes care of fitting the top part.

But the bottom half still needs help. Called in the troops for pattern assistance!! Figan to the rescue. We labored laboriously to make a stylish, mostly well fitted (OK..try wrapping something around a beach ball) pair of slacks. This wraps up most of the necessary sewing.

So of course, I have to try to squeeze in a larger bag (purse) for traveling. It's a Butterick pattern and has a couple that would do. It means I have to scoot to the store for a couple of zippers.. oh geeee.

Better get busy....will post as soon as I can... love the new camera!

Jewelry Sample

For the past several weeks I have been working on getting ready for a trip back east. Think its called a vacation. This will be a catch up trip to see family and friends for both of us. We will be encountering a big variety of events, some which are rather fancy (by my laid back standards).



One of the events will be a wedding for Ron's niece, so we have had to do all this shopping and sewing and planning. Of course, besides the outfits is the need for accessories. That's where some of the jewelry making (that I mentioned previously) comes in .

For my outfit I chose to make a crystal drop necklace inspired by one in the latest "Stringing" bead magazine. I also had to incorporate a pair of earrings, of course. I am pleased with the results.

There was a need for a little evening bag as well and you can see that on my wearables page as well a another necklace or two that has snuck in with the creative process. Enjoy!

Delivery day !

Getting ready to deliver "Bisbee" to the Art Quilts XII show this week. Glad it is in the area so I don't have to ship it. The idea of shipping and all the hazards involved makes me nervous. Of course, driving clear across the valley at 5 pm isn't so swift either! LOL

We are anticipating a vacation shortly so I have been busy with making newer stuff, shopping - which I don't like doing - and even making some jewelry pieces. It has kept me from starting anything new, but in the meantime I am doing some design work on a couple of previously started quilts.

DH and I were at friends for dinner last week and their 12 yr old granddaughter was sharing some projects she has been doing in the past months. One drawing will make a delightful wall hanging...so I am going to see if she and her grandma would like to tackle a fusible project possibly for use as a donation to a pet shelter I like to help from time to time. It won't happen though until the end of Oct.