well, i thought it was the last one

I thought this was going to be the last pillowcase I made for a gift.  But, I was wrong.  I feel like Elephant and Piggie when I say that.  I saw my Mother and she asked for another silk one.  A tad bit longer because I somehow got the measurements wrong.  My Dad's response was that two was a good number because then you could change them out.

We got back safely this last weekend but the last place we ate did me in.  Food poisoning put me down.  I made it to work today but I am tired.  My stomach is still not settled but fluids and food stay in.  I am getting better everyday.

Getting back to work is interesting.  The layoffs have started.  So far it has been people that have had problems.  The next will be those who have been waiting for early retirement packages.  We are going to lose some important intellectual capital with the next pass.  I am not looking forward to some of those who are going to chose to leave.  It will be a loss.

started late

I started the pajamas of Christmas late.  I still have three pairs to make and every time I think I may be getting ahead, there is a new twist.  Life is just very twisty.

But these pajamas are done and just need to be mailed.  I am going to be honest and say it will be at least a week.  Part of the twist is that we are going to the mountain next week.  Not for the main reason that we were going but there may be much done.  I am hoping for at least some sleep.  My throat suddenly get sore again and that was before I got caught in a cold rain on my bicycle.  Even bundled, it was probably not a good thing.

It will all get done and I will get some sleep.  I know that this wil happen at some point.

because it has been an interesting evening

It has been an interesting evening.  Small Mister has been bouncing off the walls and has made doing anything with concentration interesting.  I was thinking about writing down a new recipe but I cannot concentrate! 

It is the first day with the majority of people back to work.  They are stressed due to the price of oil going down (means layoffs) and just whatever were their holidays.  I know some of the people I work with spent much too much money.  They do not close their doors when they talk on the phone.  It all leads to stress which makes me tired.

One of the things I do when I make flannel gifts is to buy enough fabric to make pillowcases.  I bought a new pillow this year for my feet.  I find when my feet and knees are raised, the arthritis in my hips seems to be less painful in the morning.  I can be very stiff but less pain.  I will take it.

So I have a new pillow and pillow case.  I find it gets stolen by boyos and kids.  When I can use it, I do find that I move better during the day.  Which is very cool.

something new this year

I have been making woven tees to go into presents this year.  This one is flannel.  I am working on a linen one and I am thinking about working on a cotton one.   The tee's pattern name is Scout.  It is easy easy but does that mean I leave the pattern alone?  Of course not.  Patterns are like recipes.  A go by that I just have to tweak.  If I say I followed a recipe I get asked how much is different and always get teased about how much I have changed.  Patterns are that way too.

I am liking the look of this tee.  I am thinking that cotton one will be for me.  White, which is wholly impractical in my life.  I will probably stain it within hours.  Three quarter sleeves.  Again, tweak!

Crud is still slowing me down.  The walk yesterday may not have been the wisest thing but it made me very happy!

the color of a strawberry milkshake

I have not gotten much chance to sew this week.  Between Small Mister and the amount of Christmas baking I do, I have not had time to sit at my sewing machine.  My crocheting goes with me everywhere.  The scarf from yesterday is less then one ball of yarn from being done.  But my sewing machine is lonely.

I had an interesting conversation through email with my Mother last Friday.  I asked if she would use an apron if I made her one.  She asked if I would make her a silk pillow case.  And then, also asked if I would make my Grandmother one too!

Getting a decision on colors for both of them was not the easiest.  But I finally got some guidance.  The only problem was that two of the bolts of fabric I picked out were damaged.  The only thing close to mint for my Grandmother was a damaged roll of silk satin and that would just not do.

But there was this one bolt that was the color of a strawberry milkshake.  I do not like pink that well and this color and fabric spoke to me.  I spent too much on my Grandmother but you only get to 103 once.  I also plan to use every extra bit of fabric on making myself at least one slip, if not a slip and something else. 

It is not mint but it is beautiful.  And now my Grandmother has a silk satin pillowcase.  The color of a strawberry milkshake and strawberries are some of her most favorite things.  Pillowcases are not hard to make.  They take pressing, measuring, and a small bit of sewing to make something that is both beautiful and functional. 

Not mint but I hope she likes it.