I always like to make my Christmas gifts to my Granddaughter Lucy and my Great Niece Annie. So, this year I started out with Annie's, because I needed to mail it and Lucy's came next. I was going to post when the present arrived. But life being what it is and Christmas mail always hazardous, Annie's present didn't arrive until yesterday. I was truly a nervous wreck. But when I think about it, I must make better choices about what I listen to when I sew. With Annie's robe. I listened to Rebel Buddha by Dzogchen Ponlop. And when I think about it then it makes a lot of sense that life has it own time stream and it would get there when it was to get there. When I made Lucy's robe, I listened to Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. And of course, it was ready and wrapped for Christmas. Annie's robe is this wonderful Spandex Satin. A friend gave me about 7 yards of it. It is only 40 inches wide but the color captures the whole world. The robe will hit the bottom of her calf. She won't trip but will still have the long robe style. Lucy's is a lovely shade of Periwinkle Lavender. I wanted to try applique and since Lucy is such a lovely bud of a girl, that is the theme of the robe.
Actually, it wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't make something for my loved ones and these two girls are very dear!!
I made this bag to take with me on a trip to see my niece in Alameda. I needed a new fresh look. Plus I needed a bag large enough to carry all the different things that I like to travel with, especially a book. I found a "felted" Afghan (it is all wool) last year and knew immediately that I would be using this find for my own purse. I loved the electric feeling and the zig zag end of the Afghan and knew that I would integrate it into the purse. I washed it again in hot water and dried it in a hot dryer and the blanket shank once again. I then began the purse. I made a channel at the top of the purse. I put a double layer of elastic in the channel and attached leather to the elastic. I used my favorite strap to carry the purse. The lining is a bright Satin and I put two pockets to hold keys and pens and glasses. The purse was a successful traveler, holding all the needed papers and my book!
I look at all the animal blogs I can find. I look at animals because it brings down my blood pressure and makes me happy. Sometimes I embarrass myself by admitting I am a simple person. But that said....this photo did tickle my fancy! Maybe I could do a tutorial on "Fancy Hats for Baby Chicks".
There is a song by Jim Croce that is titled Time in a
Bottle. That is what I have experienced while I was sewing this purse.
I have no idea when I started this but as of yesterday, it is
finished. What a relief to complete it. Each row of ruffles had to be
made. Then it had to sewed onto GrosGrain ribbon. I
changed ideas a number of time. Each time I did that, I had to rip out
or re-create. This purse was a test of my creativity and fortitude. I
fell in love with the color. I felt that I could dive into the color
and reach another universe. I had to incorporate it into a purse. The
idea for the purse came whole into my mind. In order to bring it into
the "real" world seemed to take forever. The inside has two pockets
on one side and one pocket on the other. I finished each pocket with a
trim of ruffles. Now my brain has to unwind before I can start another project. I keep the faith that I will finish in a respectable time.
I went to a Halloween Party at my grandchildren's school yesterday. Lovely frightening fun. My son and friends' made a Haunted House. Children ran out screaming (I guess that means it was a success). My sweet Lucy is the "Dead Zombie Schoolgirl". Hollis, who did not want his picture taken is a Ninja. I had the fun of going out with them to find the costumes. It was really fun. I listened to them discuss and then decide. I really had fun!
Time seems to be full and going very fast for me. Last Saturday, I was at a play that was the final part of Children's Summer Playhouse in Los Angeles. My grandchildren were occupied by wonderful classes. Classes that I would like to attend! But I am no longer a child, oh well! My Lucy (the one with red hair) is here in center stage, helping to tell an Aztec tale.
Here is Lucy again with a sign over her head saying "Que Linda", which is certainly true. Que Linda translates to How Pretty! I laughed to myself when I saw that. . . . . .
Here is Hollis. I had my camera to the last close up focus but it is still fuzzy. Third from the right. Don't you love his hair? It is now cut for school. All the lovely waves and messyness that was so charming, all gone.
I have been so completely busy that I have not had time to post. So many situations that took all my time. I hope that now I have time to reflect and enjoy the coming season.
I am making an apron (big deal, huh?) but what I didn't think about is that aprons do come in all sizes and this one is much to small! I also have a tapestry purse that is have way finished. This one will be mine! I have some lovely beads that were dug up from a Roman town in Syria. I can hardly wait to get to that part of the project.
I've been a Daughter, Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Granddaughter and friend. I've been the student, an employee, a designer, a caregiver and for the last thirty years, the owner and operator of a business.
