stitching

This has been a week of a lot of time at my sewing machine and my spinning wheel.  I have been trying to finish projects.  I am out of yarn for the shawl I am making and I wish to start more for a sweater.  I have three family quilts I am working on plus nine squares and bag for the shop.  I am enjoying it so much!

Next week, I am off to Reno.  We are looking for a place for me to live.  There are options but we do not know what will be the best choice.  It is why we will be exploring.

Today is full of computer work.  I rearranged the shop due to helpful suggestions from a friend.  I do hope to end up back on my sewing machine before the day is out.  But . . .   There are errands to run for such things as thread!  It is hard to sew when there is no thread.  It all takes me away from my wheel and machine.  

But life is full of joy and laughter because this is what my work is currently.  I am enjoying it immensely.

I will not be posting next week.  I might get a few updates in the shop this weekend.  I am waiting to see what the next curve ball is because they have been very interesting so far.

influenced by Raw Craft

I got to watching Anthony Bourdain's Raw Craft series on youtube.  They are short videos about people who make things.  Make things with a vision and well.  Other people in their chosen field might not say they are the best at what they do, like Anthony Bourdain says about a few, but that does not mean what they do is not impressive.  There were a few that truly spoke to me.

One was Frank Shattuck.  He makes bespoke suits.  This means he makes the suit for a person by hand to their measurements.  There are usually multiple fittings and 60 hours or more of work, much by hand.  He says he in the video, which really speaks to me.  I always feel like I am still learning.

I am not up to a suit.  But my Beloved loved Frank's vest that he wore in the video.  I can do this.  Because the pattern I had was not quite right, I have started with a muslin.  I wanted to make sure that it fit and that change in neckline worked.  It does.  Now that I have this and I have a few more supplies, I can start working on the garment.  I am hoping for a few hours this weekend were I can get started.

Why are there not more hours in the day for me to learn new things?

The shop is open.

So, with a deep gulp, you will notice there is a new option at the top of my blog.

Shop.

Yes.  I did it.  Quilts for sale.  Bags for sale once I get more done.  Who know what else.  I will also being opening an etsy site as well.  I will have to see which works better for me but I am willing to try right now.

Excited is a good description.  A bit of trepidation is being felt as well.  But then that comes from trying something new and going forward.  Change.  There seems to be a lot of that lately.  Let me just throw more into the mix.

the new path

Last weekend, I made myself a new black linen dress while I was working on quilts and making gifts.  I just felt the need.  And I wanted something more washable then wool.  The thing that is most different about it is the colour of the tag I put into it.  My clothes have to have tags after too many experience trying to get dressed in a tent.  Yes.  A dress in a tent.

It is nothing fancy.  Just a black linen sheath dress.  I wore it my last day to work.  I got given a bad time about wearing black.  Nope.  I just like wearing solids and dark colours.  Black fits that.

I walked out of the building unemployed.  I found out Friday I start with Patagonia on the 7th of November.  Nothing I have ever done before in a place I have never lived.  Reno.  Closer to the small bear.  Hopefully a much happier situation because I will be doing more what I wish to do.  I will be working in their repair shop.  I am also going to start my own business but now it does not feel quite so important that it suceeds immediately. 

It will be interesting in working in that type of situation again.  It has been over 25 years.  Hourly.  Benefits.  What strange things these are.  It will be very interesting so see where life leads me next.

done.

Yesterday was my last day at work.  I can sigh with relief.  A group of people from work with my Beloved and I went out to celebrate.  Nibble, beverages, conversation, and laughter.  I could not ask for more.  I know they cut my contract but I feel like a favour was done.  The company I worked for is already talking about contracting me again when oil prices go back up.  I am going to have to see where I am at and where life takes me.  I have ideas!

Friday, we had been invited to a friend of mine's casual birthday party.  I made her a shopping bag.  I tweaked my pattern just a bit more and I really like the changes.  The square bottom works well.  I need a few more for myself as well so this is a good tweak.  Nothing last forever!  

I had a nightgown destroyed last night because I sat down.  Rrrriiipppp!  It is is being washed for quilt squares.  Again, nothing lasts forever but I do not need to make one immediately.  I would need a few more to destroy themselves.  Which they will.  

I feel lighter!