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Obsessed! (a bit…)

August 20, 2009 in ageing, clutter, Family, Home and Garden by Caitlin | Permalink

ARRGH!  I have LOST an issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine and I MUST FIND IT!! It’s soooooooooo frustrating – I have every .single. other. issue and there is stuff I HAVE to re-read RIGHT NOW in issue #15 and I have been looking for it for days. ALL WEEK, in fact.

CPS 15

I have looked through all my nests.  (This is what Mr Beloved calls the accumulations of STUFF that appear around me when I get interested in something… my armchair and my bedside table are permanent nests.)

I have shaken out every magazine on the bookshelves in case this issue somehow got tangled inside another one. I have pushed and pulled at books in case the magazine had slipped behind a larger volume.

I have looked in the sewing room, under the kitchen table, under the sofa, behind the tv.

I have found MANY MANY places where this magazine ISN’T.

I have found the instruction sheet for the washing machine (the powder is meant to go WHERE?), many old envelopes (pre-paid – I wonder if Australia post will still honour them?) and where the missing reams of printer paper have been hiding.

I have found several older journals with only a few pages used up.  (It’s hereditary – my grandfather was just the same, he’d use up three or four pages of a writing pad and then start a new one.  10 years after his death, my parents and I are still using up his writing pads. I particularly like the ones which have aged to  a yellow or brown, it’s a very nice patina to them.)

BUT I HAVE NOT FOUND CPS 15!!

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!

Cough Hack WHEEEZE

July 13, 2009 in Art, Family, Health, Inchies, Textile Art by Caitlin | Permalink

Ugh. Have pretty much lost my voice. Hurts to cough – the pain goes right down my sternum and also right down my back. Off to Doctor’s tomorrow arvo. Not my usual (wonderful!) doc, but another in the same primary health care centre, so that’s ok.

It started with a sore throat on Friday, got to hurting on Saturday night, and yesterday and today I’ve mostly spent trying not to cough and swearing when I do, and sleeping. Very boring to do and even more boring to read about. Even more boring for the puir wee poodle, who sees it as her DUTY to stay by my bed.  She won’t even eat until I’m up.

Tonight I’ve been catching up with a lot of blogs that I’d stopped reading – I’d kept them on my bloglines rss feeds, but just hadn’t had the energy to follow them. Very interesting to see the development of many of the Artful Quilters BlogRing. Some people who were just starting their adventures way back have become successful artists, some published authors.. and many have found other interests as well.
And I’ve been well looked after by Mr Beloved, Bringer of Cups Of Tea (also known as The Teabot 5000™) – ahhhh, so loved!
marthascott

Another good activity when confined to bed is flicking through back issues of Cloth Paper Scissors and Quilting Arts magazines … gotta do something with my time after admitting that I needed to suspend my gym membership for the fortnight, since even if I’m not infectious I’m not about to go and hurl myself about!  I’m getting inspired, starting to draw, and seriously considering some inchies as a way to get back to art quilting… and drawing and painting and collage too.  Anyone wanna swap some inchies with me sometime?

Good thoughts etc please

June 18, 2009 in Chips the Cat, Dad, Family by Caitlin | 3 comments

This is my Dad
dad and chips
with the cat that owns my parents, Chips.

Chips is a “retrofitted scottish fold” – see his poor little ears? He was rescued, but the nice vets couldn’t help all of the burns. The scumbuckets who hurt him as a kitten should die painfully.

ANYWAY, Dad is currently in hospital in Wagga Wagga, recovering from what he (rather graphically) described as “A pull-through with a live ferret” – otherwise known as prostate surgery. Apparently it’s a nasty one to recover from. So please send any prayers (if that’s your thang) good energy (ditto) best wishes and kind thoughts, eh?
Ta.

Nothing for WEEKS then they all come at once…

May 25, 2009 in bamboo, being good to myself, Family, Food, Health, Mr Beloved, Nigella, rice pudding by Caitlin | 4 comments

Yes, I know I have remarked previously that my posts tend to be like busses… (the public transport kind, not the kisses.  Although it would be sweet if you think of them as little kisses, too!)

Do please pop on over to Mr Beloved’s blog to see some bamboo. (and be sure to check his previous entries for some lovely water dragons).

And I’m thinking about food.

express

I made a brilliant (if I do say so myself!) quick Thai chicken curry (oooh, modifiers – it was the CURRY that was quick, not theTHAI or the  CHICKEN!) from one of my favourite Nigella recipes tonight.  (Her Green Curry in a Hurry recipe, on her website.) I was totally extravagant and used TWO chicken breast fillets.  Nearly $10 of meat, for just the one meal for the two of us. (Well, I couldn’t finish all my chicken, there’s actually enough for Mr Beloved to have that plus noodles for his lunch tomorrow).

Which set me thinking: I need to be kinder to myself about food.  Actually, I’ve been thinking this for a while, (and BFF has been prodding me about it, too!) but having lunch in Canberra with friend M (*mwah*, sweetie!) slapped me upside the head with the realisation.  M is going through a horrible breakup with a man who has been abusive for years – but she told me “I’m not scrimping on food.” So for lunch together we had a gorgeous duck ravioli with luscious sugo, followed by a green salad and then small cakes for dessert.

For YEARS I have treated myself as though having good food was something I need to do in secret: going out for coffee and cake.  Refusing to buy the “nice” biscuits.  Eating the cheapest possible meat.  I’M WORTH MORE THAN THAT!!  I’m not saying I’m going overboard – I am NEVER going to be over 100 kg again (and am looking forward to the “never” number heading ever downwards). Nor am I saying that it’s all foie gras and scotch fillet from here in – I simply can’t afford to eat like that, even if I wanted to! I don’t actually *like* meat all that much, so only having it once or twice a week is fine. And I don’t mind cheaper cuts of meat slow cooked – mmm, maybe I’ll make stew later in the week, yum!

But – I’m not going to feel guilty about using the whole tin of lite coconut milk in one meal. Or splurging on fruit and veges in season. Or even on decent tinned fruit (does ANYONE still eat tinned fruit in heavy syrup?), since I lack the patience, space, and skill to perserve fruit the way my Nana did…

rice-pudding

pudding-and-apricots

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to have rice pudding and apricots. Enjoyed my rice pudding with apricots – It was sooooooooo gooooooood!  Creamy and nutmeggy.  Proper arborio rice – what a joy!  (Although in my scrawly handwriting, Mr Beloved read the shopping list as “aboreal mice.” We truly do not need to buy tree-dwelling rodents. Especially since next door’s locat tree is full of ripe fruit and therefore many fruit bats….)

And now: some housework. Actually, now I check my list, I see I need to make cards (two, sympathy) TONIGHT.  Off I go.

Back from the trip…

May 18, 2009 in Canberra, Family, Friends by Caitlin | 3 comments

canberra-morning

So, that’s the view from my friend R’s 9th floor flat in Kingston, Canberra, this morning. (For any foreign readers, the big flagpole-y thing is the top of Parliament House.)

Nice place to visit, but I couldn’t live there again.  It’s funny how quickly one acclimatises to a new place! I lived in Canberra (brrr brrr brrrrr) from mid-1990 to the end of 2003.  It’s changed a LOT in the last five and a half years – much bigger, with more buildings everywhere, and even worse traffic.

I’m VERY glad to to be home in Toowoomba!  The funeral went well, and all the travel was ok.  I shall blog more later… meantime, I need to go SLEEP!

Sad News…

May 8, 2009 in Family by Caitlin | 4 comments

My Nana (Dad’s Mum) passed away on Thursday May 7th.  She had a stroke (they think) and went very quickly. She was 93. (I think. Oh, I feel awful not knowing, but I just can’t remember right now!)

I’ve been asked to give the eulogy. I feel really honoured – I’m looking forward to it, even though I know it will be hard… but there are so many good things about her life.  I have so many happy memories of her (and my Grandpa, who died in 1997).

She was funny and compassionate and strong.   She valued learning and having a go at things, from building bookshelves to learning to knit for her baby son while her husband was away for the War.  She taught me to make her prize winning scones.  She never had a teddy bear as a child (because she was born during the First World War) so at age 50 something she rescued a darling old nearly furless bear from the tip, sewed him new clothes, and that was her bear. She never had a paid job, but she worked hard all her life looking after other people – whether family or the charities she supported.  Her favourite colour was green (which we’ve been asked to wear for her funeral. I like that.)

nana-bikie-pic

(She wasn’t actually a bikie – LOL!! A local group of motorbike enthusiasts visited the retirement village where she lived in 2002, and she happily posed for this picture…  it was the photo on my wall calendar for all of 2003!)

Her funeral is next Thursday in Leeton, NSW.   I’ll be travelling down south on Tuesday; then heading over to Canberra to catch up with some friends over the weekend before flying home Monday.

I am a big fat WUSS.

April 17, 2009 in Family, Mental Health by Caitlin | 8 comments

I couldn’t do it.  I just couldn’t make myself go to the 18 year old’s funeral.

Excuses included: my bones ache; I’m too exhausted; it’s about to rain (and the church is never going to fit in all the people who will attend); and the ever popular tantrum cry of “I DON’T WANNA.”

The real reasons I didn’t go include: the last funeral I attended was my sister’s.  And somehow, I’m still not ready to see someone else’s siblings and parents grieving.

Also, I’m a wuss.  When his parents asked everyone to “Please wear bright colours to celebrate his life” I had to fight back tears and a ginormous lump in my throat.

I’ll send a card, but I just couldn’t do the funeral.  Does that make a selfish bitch?

Movie Happiness, birthday, and a fitness rant

April 2, 2009 in Family, Moooooofies, Pattern Reviews, Weight Loss by Caitlin | 4 comments

It’s my birthday tomorrow – in fact, it’s the 1st anniversary of my 40th birthday.  Look what Mr Beloved got for me!!

200px-enchantedposter200px-miss_pettigrew_lives_for_a_day

Both movies I’ve wanted to see for ages; both extremely chicky flicks; and, I just noticed – both starring Amy Adams, and I don’t think I’ve seen her in anything before – how odd!  I wanted “Miss Pettigrew” primarily for the ’40s fashions.  Which of course I adoooooore!

And “Enchanted” just looks like so much FUN!

In other news – my weight is DOWN this week (hooray!)  – I’m now 97 kg, and my blood pressure was 117/83.  Sometime in the next few visits I’ll get the dietician to take my measurements and do the Body Impedance Analysis thing that measures how much lean muscle mass and how much FAT there is now… I’m hoping, obviously, that the fat has decreased and the muscle has INCREASED!

It does annoy me though that the dietitians seem to be OBSESSED with “working at  65% of heart rate to lose fat”.  Uhhh – for a start, I don’t have a heart rate monitor, and there’s no way on earth I’m going to be able to stop and count my pulse while I’m exercising – it takes all my concentration to just keep going! And for another thing, surely ANY exercise will help? Yes, I might be “burning carbs instead of fat” but given that this time last year I hadn’t been inside a gym in 20 years – well, I think I’m doing ok getting there regularly.

And yesterday I did Bodystep – remember the disastrous first attempt at that, back in January? Well, this time, I DID NOT FALL OVER… and I managed the whole class  – although I did it at a much lower intensity than people like Sue, who have been doing it for a lot longer.  I’ll get there!

No matter what the scales read, I’m happier that I’m fitter than I used to be. SO THERE, scales! (No really, it’s hardly bothering me at all, WHY DO YOU EVEN ASK?!)

Meanwhile, do have a read of what I think of the latest Vogue patterns over on Sewing Queens…

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

March 4, 2009 in Aspergers, Family, Memes rants and silliness, Mental Health, Vanity by Caitlin | 6 comments

(hands up who now has a David Bowie earworm? You’re welcome!)

I have made a lot of changes in the last year.  Losing weight, starting exercise;  the TAHBSO (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Bilateral Salpingo-Oopherectomy and ensuing surgical menopause; taking better care of my skin, wearing make-up more; and getting more interested in clothing and fashion again after years of hiding in shapeless oversized clothes.

Not to mention actually getting real help with my mental illness(es?!), being in a stable and loving relationship (*mwah!* to the Teabot5000) and working towards not only getting out of debt but STAYING out of debt.

Most of these changes have been difficult, and especially so for the poor old Teabot5000 – He. Does. Not. Like. Change.

I mean, it would be hard enough for most men – but throw in the Asperger’s and you could have a disaster.

So far, we’ve managed to keep sailing. Mostly.  We’ve had a few instances where we’ve both had to bail water out of the bottom of the boat, so to speak…

boat

But then today I was soooooo ANGRY!!!

Not really at himself. Just at  – well, EVERYTHING!  I’m tired of being broke.  I’m REALLY tired of that.  I’m tired of having to watch every single cent as it briefly transits through our bank account into someone else’s pocket.

I’m tired of being TIRED.  Still.  (although some of that may be due to not getting enough iron – see “watching every bloody cent” above…)

I’m tired of feeling like my life has no meaning.

Yes, I know we’re well off compared to many – we have the house, we have the car, we have each other, we’re not starving, we have clean water etc etc.  I know I should be grateful for all that and I am – but I am feeling whiney and miserable and I just want to know WHY IS IT ALL SO HARD?!?!

There are some luxuries in my life, after all – the gym membership is expensive (but nowhere near as expensive as staying fat and inactive); and I generally get help to see the medical professionals I need to see.  We have the internet, for gawd’s sake.

And I am fully aware that my former spending habits (and a few episodes of uncontrolled mania) are largely to blame for our current situation.

Maybe if I sell a kidney, I could afford some fripperies?

Maybe if I sell a kidney, I could afford some fripperies?

(you know I’m joking about the kidney, right?  But if you’re interested in second hand sewing machines, let’s make a DEAL!)

BUT – I would like to be well enough to work.  At something meaningful.  Is that too much to ask?  (Probably, given the economy – with so many able bodied/non-mentally-ill/more recently employed potential employees out there, who on earth is going to “spare a shekel for an old ex leper?”, to slightly misquote The Pythons.)

They all want the one advertised job...

They all want the one advertised job...

Congrats if you’ve managed to read this far without my whine turning into the noise Charlie Brown’s teachers make:

Wah Wah Wah

Wah Wah Wah

Because there has been a serious lack of POODLE posts…

March 3, 2009 in Family, Home and Garden, Poodle, Vanity by Caitlin | 2 comments

Who's a cutie, then?!

Who's a cutie, then?!

She’s just adorable, yes?

You might also notice from this photo that our lawnmower still isn’t back from repair.  This is what 3 weeks of no mowing and intermittent summer rain does to our yard!

Oh yeah – And I went blonde a few weeks back!

*sobs* His beautiful HAIR!

January 20, 2009 in Family, Vanity by Caitlin | 6 comments

Waving goodbye to his beautiful ringlets

Waving goodbye to his beautiful ringlets

OBAMA!!!

OBAMA!!!

Things I learned on my holiday (featuring CHOOKS!)

January 7, 2009 in Chooks, Family, Home and Garden by Caitlin | 1 comment

So! Here I am home again.  I am still In Trouble with Her Poodleness for going away – she is quite determinedly “Daddy’s Dog” at the moment.  Flight was ok (and greatly enhanced by my earlier reading of The Cloudspotters Guide) and the trip home from Brisbane Airport to Toowoomba was better than usual (owing mostly to Mr Beloved’s familiarity with the back streets of Brisbane that kept us well away from the Milton Road traffic).

On to the Things I Now Know:

I need a MINIMUM of 12 hours sleep.  Any less than that and I am running a sleep deficit which eventually leads to my falling into bed and losing a day.

Despite all good intentions, I didn’t sew.  After Mum carted her machines all the way to Adelaide! But I did get Ju’s measurements, did the alteration, and Mum started the dress. I slept a LOT while Mum sewed!

Bantam Langshans don’t go cluck cluck, they almost purr. Bantam Australorps are also very pretty.

top: Berys; middle: Mrs Bantam-Langshan; bottom: Mrs Bantam-Australorp

top: Berys; middle: Mrs Bantam-Langshan; bottom: Mrs Bantam-Australorp


White Leghorns and Isabrowns act just like cliquey teenage girls. They like to do everything the “in” crowd is doing, but they are terrible gossips, and can spend hours chatting.

Mrs Isabrown: A good layer but a terrible gossip

Mrs Isabrown: A good layer but a terrible gossip

For some reason (possibly based in his troubled childhood ducklinghood), Adam (seen here sporting his trademark D.A.coiffure) Does Not Like the dominant white chook, Mrs Leghorn.  Who is now called Berys – for reasons which may be obvious in the photo of the three girls – if you thought “something’s not quite right with the bare bum of that white chook” you’d be right.  Adam “Drake” Khaki-Campbell was held in Duck Gaol for assault, and is currently on parole with a good behaviour bond.

Adam and Eve Khaki-Campbell

Adam and Eve Khaki-Campbell

(and watching Chook TV is a very pleasant way to spend time.)

I have also found The Hen of My Dreams: well, not found her yet, but I know what she is:

Silver Laced Wyandotte Bantam Hen

Silver Laced Wyandotte Bantam Hen

pretty, yes? Wyandottes are a very hen-shaped hen, I reckon.  And If I’m going to enjoy them, I want them to be really pretty! They’re not brilliant layers, but we don’t eat heaps of eggs anyway – we mainly want them for their help in the garden and our watching pleasure.

After watching the chooks at my brother and sister-in-law’s place, I’m somewhat in awe of the digging capability of the bigger chooks, and like the amenability of the bantams.

Gordon: Not a Morning Person either

Gordon: Not a Morning Person either

My brother, Gordon, works as a fruiterer.  And has to start Very Early a lot.  Despite the fact that Not Being A Morning Person seems to run in the family…

(I didn’t get a single photo of Dad!  Arrgh! Or one of Mum and Dad together!)

We didn’t see much of my nephew, Hunneal, either.  He was either at work (extra shifts to earn money since this will be his final year at school, and he’s studying hard for the big UMAT exams in July) or like this:

My Nephew, Hunneal - too tired to move!

My Nephew, Hunneal - too tired to move!

3 pairs of shoes ( 1 flats, 1 heels, 1 walking sneakers) was just right.  Yay! Also – my white walking sneakers are Not Suitable for jogging. I need more bounce than they provide. Hmmm.

It is impossible to tire out a Border Collie, no matter how long the walk or how many sticks you throw in the river.

Bidgee The Indefatigable

Bidgee The Indefatigable

Some people DON’T EVEN OWN IRONING BOARDS, let alone good irons, and a sewist should take this into account! Packing one simple dress that needs ironing is not too bad.  Packing a dress that needs complicated ironing – not so good.  Lesson: Never assume your obsessions will be the same as your host’s!

IKEA =totally amazing. For just about EVERYTHING.

Shellfish and my tummy DO NOT GET ALONG. Ahem.  Ooops.

My great-great-great ( is that enough greats?) Grandfather built a heap of buildings in Glenelg.  I have stood at what was Miller’s  corner, where his timberyard business once stood. I have seen the grand building in the middle of Adelaide where he had his office. Gordon reckons that makes us practically locals!

Bay Discovery Centre at Glenelg - built by David Miller

Bay Discovery Centre at Glenelg - built by David Miller

If the suitcase is full on the way TO the holiday, it’s going to be touch and go whether it bursts a zip on the way home… Thankfully it didn’t.

I miss Mr Beloved a LOT when I am away! Our phone bills will be huge, but it was worth it.  We had to talk to each other a couple of times a day, and 20 days was really stretching the limit of time away from each other.  I’m very glad I went, and I loved spending time with my family, but gee it’s good to be home!

Swoon – we found the local fabric heaven!

December 29, 2008 in Family, Other Sewing Projects by Caitlin | 3 comments

Eunju and Mum outside Glynburn Fabrics, Firle, Adelaide

Eunju and Mum outside Glynburn Fabrics, Firle, Adelaide

Had a lovely time this morning playing in the local fabric heaven – Glynburn Fabrics.  Their store is just a TREASURE cave!  We found fabric to make Eunju her “Audrey” dress (she loves Audrey Hepburn’s style, and this dress pattern will look gorgeous on her)

New Look 6723

New Look 6723

as worn by the Divine Audrey in “Sabrina”

hepburn_sabrina

And because I couldn’t resist: this wonderful heavy cotton in cream, red, orange and brown (I KNOW, not supposed to be my colours, but it’s just so FUN!)

Very Caity Fabric!

Very Caity Fabric!

Also shown = some cream pre-made satin bias binding, because that makes the neckline and armhole finishing so quick…

So – just an final check of the tissue fit for Ju’s pattern (we did the FBA last night, and shortened the waist length) and a quick iron and we’re off!

The Utter Awfulness Of Mirrors

December 24, 2008 in Family, Health, Memes rants and silliness, Mental Health, Vanity, Weight Loss by Caitlin | 4 comments

… so back at my house, we have only acquired full length mirrors quite recently.  And I generally manage to avoid them by keeping them strategically filthy, so I can’t REALLY see myself in them, just a quick passing glance.

But here in my brother and sister-in-law’s house, the room I am staying  in has MIRRORS.

The ubiquitous "shot in the mirror" picture

The ubiquitous "shot in the mirror" picture

BIG mirrors. The kind you CANNOT AVOID.

Uggggh.

Naked Caity is NOT something even *I* want to witness first thing in the morning, let me tell you!

And I just got out the scales. NOT GOOD. *sigh* I didn’t think I had been over-eating, but obviously I was wrong.   Thing is, I FEEL better.  I can walk more – in fact, as soon as it’s a little bit cooler, Bidgee is taking me for a rousing game of Stick in River.  I’m still tired all the time, but feeling a little bit stronger, y’know?

But the weight loss stuff needs to get back on track.  SERIOUSLY.  (Not that I’m going to be all prissy tomorrow – you should SEE the feast my lovely sister-in-law and Mum have been working on!)

My lovely sister-in-law, Eunju, peeling prawns for the feast

My lovely sister-in-law, Eunju, peeling prawns for the feast

*sigh*

Well, time to stop moaning about it and go out and do some interval training with the dog.  (In my interpretation, we walk for a bit, then run for a bit, then both stop and pant for a bit, then run for a bit….)

Later,

Caity the waddler

Adelaide!

December 23, 2008 in Family, Other Sewing Projects by Caitlin | 1 comment

No pics yet – I keep forgetting to take my camera!  So far a lovely time with family,  it’s embarrassing how much sleep I need :-(

Went to Ikea today – oh, I LOVE Ikea!!  Saw a bed that would be perfect – but mostly I’m in deep desperate LOVE with a their clever storage solutions.  And this table and chairs set: Oh, to not have to eat dinner on my lap – really, that’s not too much to want from civilisation, is it?

fusion-table-and-chairs

Haven’t found the good fabric shops yet… but I did buy some cheap 100% cotton at Ikea for another version of the trapeze dress – $3.99 metre!

My brother and his family live in the inner east of Adelaide, which is very beautiful.  lots of old stone houses, leafy trees, and the river just a short walk away.  Bidgee the Border Collie takes me for a walk every day to play “Stick in river” – not a complex game, here are the rules:

Tell dog to find a stick! FIND A STICK!

Throw stick in river.

Dog dives fearlessly into river, retrieves, and races past you with the stick, dropping it anywhere from 20 to 50 metres away (this is the human exercising feature of the game)

Repeat until either a) too dark to see river, dog, or stick or

b) your arm falls off.

bidgee

I miss Mr Beloved A LOT, and have to speak on the phone to Constance J. Woodle each day, but I’m having a lovely time.

New Look 6735: Short sleeved T shirt

October 13, 2008 in Family, Flattering T- shirts, Other Sewing Projects, Pattern Reviews by Caitlin | 9 comments

New Look 3735: Short sleeved T Shirt

New Look 3735: Short sleeved T Shirt

Please excuse the awful photo – Mr Beloved is having a nana nap after getting quite stressed out by noise.  This was done with the camera self timer!

Pattern Description: Lovely wearable collection for knit fabrics – a 3/4 sleeve top, and cap sleeved top, cardigan with belt, skirt, and pants.

New Look 6735

New Look 6735

Pattern Sizing: 10-22 in the one envelope.  I made a straight 22 with no alterations at all – not even my usual D/DD Full Bust Alterations!

New Look 6735

New Look 6735

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

YES! Other reviewers have liked the fit and those curves in the illustration on the envelope are really there – WOOHOOO!! (I’ve been caught before by over-optimistic illustrators, so I was pleasantly surprised that the promised shaping was delivered.)  And I bought this pattern for $5 when it was on sale, so I reckon I’ve already got my moneys worth our of this one!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, but… for my first run through I followed them exactly – and I sure won’t next time. I do not understand why pattern companies insist on inserting only-very-slightly-eased sleeves in the round, when sewing them in flat is so much easier.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Quick, fits me straight out of the envelope! The scoop neckline shaping is super flattering, the sleeves look like they’ll be too short but they really work, and the centre back seam really improves the fit. Best of all is the gentle gathering of the front sides at the bustline – not enough to look like gathers, just enough to make a beautiful fit.

Fabric Used:
ARRGGGH! The cheapest, awfullest knit you ever did see – only $1 per metre at a Spodshite clearance and now I know why! It stretched out of shape and didn’t bounce back; it was super-soft and so was tricky to sew, and I don’t expect it to last more than two washes! This was only a wearable(?) muslin though, so I’m not worried.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

None this time BUT: next time I will:

  • stabilise the neckline before binding it
  • stabilise the hem and sleeve hems with fusible tape before I hem them
  • use the overlocker (serger) for most of the construction
  • shape the bottom seam into a gentle curve at front and back, so I can wear the shirt out over my waistband.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I’ve got fabric in the washing machine right now to sew into two more tonight… I LOVE this top! I’d certainly recommend it to others, especially beginners or those (like me!) lacking confidence in sewing
knits. Just remember to put the sleeves in flat (before you sew the side seams) and I reckon you can make this in no time.

Conclusion:

A beautifully fitted quick and easy t-shirt that will become a TNT (Tried and True) pattern for me.

*************************

And in other news today: went back to the gastroenterologist  -  keep taking the drugs for reflux, lose more weight, yada yada.

Next in the sewing pile – a pirate shirt for the TeaBot 5000™.  Years and years ago – maybe SEVENTEEN years ago, in fact ! – he asked me to make him a shirt. Better late than never – the fabric is almost dry on the washing line: black with a print of grey pirate skull and crossbones (sideways in this image):

Complete with late afternoon silhouette

Complete with late afternoon silhouette

About to become this shirt (Butterick 4486)

Ahoy there mateys, it's a PIRATE SHIRT!

Ahoy there mateys, it's a PIRATE SHIRT!

unless, of course, I decide to cut out those other two new t-shirts first….

Arrgh! And YAY!

September 19, 2008 in Family, Vanity, Weight Loss by Caitlin | 5 comments

First off: Happy INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY, everybody!

Arrgh – my #&)@(*$&#@(&* mobile phone has died!  It started a week ago when it wouldn’t charge from the powerpoint – and now it won’t charge through USB, either.  Grrr.  Only got it ..hmmm…. January?  NOT HAPPY!  I think we have an el-cheapo emergency phone but it’s not my pretty purple one that I KNOW, and the keys are teeny weeny and I have fat fingers.  arrgh!

On the other hand – popped into town today and had lunch with Sue.  We were walking towards the fabric shop when I saw CUTE SHOES… that weren’t expensive!

Aren't they adorable?!

Aren't they ADORABLE?!

Which, Cinderella-like, happened to fit…. I love the 40′s styling of this shoe, can’t wait to get into sewing some appropriately glam clothes.  This makes  *gasp* TWO pairs of shoes this year – Imelda I am not! I never find shoes I like, so to land this pair was MAGICAL!

Like DebR, I reckon you just can’t beat a good red shoe.  (Although maybe this bloke really shoulda…)

Red Shoes for ALL!

Red Shoes for ALL!

In other news: Went to the dietician today – I now weigh 102.7 kg!  YAY!!  Was 106 when I went into hospital… not sure how much of the loss is down to removing all the bad bits, and how much is due to having my chocolate addiction disappear!  Teabot5000™ really should get all the credit – he has tirelessly cooked and made sure I eat my vegetables every single day.

And now I’m off to watch TV and probably fall asleep.  Too much excitement in one day for this girl.  Especially when Constance got home with her super-short haircut:

Who's got a pink tummy then?

Who's got a pink tummy then?Who's got a PINK TUMMY?!

Mail and more…

June 3, 2008 in Family, Health, Other Sewing Projects, Pattern Reviews by Caitlin | 5 comments

Thanks all for your good wishes – the pain is almost back under control – HATE getting a bad flare-up like that!

So Saturday – was FANTABULOUS! Sue, Chriss, and I went to Brisbane and had a lovely time. Sckafs fabrics was amazing – a real Aladdin’s cave of fabrics, trims, hats, and fascinators – swooon!

Here’s what I got: (obligatory fabric haul on bed shot, for the PR girls!)

From Fabric Barn in Sumner Park: beautiful polyester jersey, cream/grey/black dots – 2.1 metres.

From Sckafs in Indooroopilly Shopping Town: the yummalicious polyester jersey in cream/chocolate different scale dots – reminds me of dominoes a bit! Also 2.1 metres – I was being optimistic about the size I was going to cut out, I think. Might have to be some creative piecing now to get this to work!

And the black with red squiggles fabric – from Sckafs bargain bin, $5 per metre: it’s only 1 metre wide, and I got just over 2.5 metres. It’s permanently pleated, (so behaves almost like a knit – lots of stretch), dries in a nano-second, and would be perfect for a reversible top of some sort: I can’t decide if I like the black or the cream with black side better. In any case, the mark which we were hoping would wash out didn’t – so I’m going to have to plan and cut this one carefully. ( I did get a further discount – only paid for 2 metres, and that was the end of the roll, or I would have bought more!)

Also – a couple of pieces of tailors chalk (chipped due to my carelessness, bugger!) to replace the pieces Constance J. Woodle ate (ewww!) and some new pins – nothing worse than trying to sew knits with big old blunt pins.

And today in the mail: Jalie patterns! I’ve been reading everyone’s reviews of them for ages and not been brave enough to order, but Sue and I took the plunge. First up – the twin set, I think. The pattern paper is HUUUUGE, since there are 27 sizes printed on the one sheet, but once I trace off the right size I think it will almost take longer to cut than to sew! I also got Pattern #2804, the Empire Crossover Top; Pattern 2215 (which I ordered for the little skirt with the attached undies, but now I really like the pants and shirt as well), and Pattern #2682, the V neck top.

There’s nothing on TV tonight after Time Team, so if my back holds out I might actually get something made.

Also in the mail today – something I won off ebay. Which I probably didn’t NEED but I really really WANTED – since I have such fond memories of looking at Mum’s copy all those years ago:

I know, I know – totally frivolous! I don’t have kids, I barely even KNOW anyone with little kids – but – *sigh* I am going to daydream about these patterns! Mum was incredibly creative and took the bloomers from one design, the bolero top from another, and the little hat from a third to design my fondly remembered bee costume (hey Mum, any photos?!?)  All the patterns were given as diagrams – it was up to the dressmaker to draft out the patterns in the correct size.

Right, now we’ve had dinner I can go try and clear enough floor space to actually CUT something out!

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 11, 2008 in Family by Caitlin | Permalink

And a very happy mothers day to everyone!

Most especially to my Mum, who let me sew on her brand new Elna SU sewing machine when I was only young (Under 10 – what trust!).  And who made the BEST clothes for me (she reckons I was not grateful at the time… Looking back, they were really AWESOME clothes, Thanks, Mum!)

Here’s the only recent photo I have of Mum – Chips (the retrofitted Scottish fold cat – it’s a long story) is assessing Mum’s work on the cushion she made  – “it looked so fast and easy until I counted the pattern pieces for the applique!”