Well, this is embarrassing. "Summer Wrap Up" is my last post and I put it up on September 15.
I guess I could say that I needed a break but in reality, life took a bit of a turn this fall. Work became extremely busy this fall, between a reorganization of our department in May, summer vacations, and the work partner for one of my clients leaving the company unexpectedly. Lots of overtime and stress to deal with, so that affected my sewing time--actually my personal time in general.
On a lighter note, my workplace switched to a jeans everyday dress code, and that's had an impact on my wardrobe and my sewing. That seems like a good thing, right? However, my wardrobe needs changed quite a bit and it's taken a while to come to terms with that. I'm starting to move forward with sewing again and have decided to focus on shirts, jackets, sweaters, and tops. I can buy jeans that fit and don't have much desire to make them. I've only made a couple of projects since September but I'm looking forward to coming up with some new projects now that I've identified my wardrobe needs.
I'll be working on self-care this year since that's taken a back seat for the last several months. I need to take time for myself and things that are important to me because I'm feeling a bit frayed around the edges, if you know what I mean.
I'm happy that I bought an Instant Pot during Amazon Prime Week! (Thanks, shams!) I've been experimenting with it quite a bit and having creative fun converting recipes and making new ones. I'm even taking lunches to work instead of eating at the cafeteria, definitely a good thing! We bought a new stove too, but I confess that I haven't used it a bit since it was delivered.
DH and I will be starting back with morning walks now that the holidays are over, and I'll also be signing up at the neighborhood gym. I tried going to the gym at the office. It worked for a while, but I think something closer to home would be better. Plus weekends!
Like many of you, I'm glad 2016 is over, and I'm looking forward to a better 2017 in spite of the uncertain times we're in! I'm hoping that some personal re-tooling will go a long way toward that goal!
Showing posts with label New Mexican Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Mexican Life. Show all posts
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Monday, May 25, 2015
A Few Small Projects
It's been a cool and rainy month here in Albuquerque, so I haven't had much of an opportunity to take pictures of my most recent projects. Still, "happy for the rain," as you will hear almost every New Mexican say. Warmer and sunnier weather is inevitable, so hopefully I will be modeling some garments soon.
They're made from scraps left over from some other projects, not particularly childlike prints, but I figured that they might appeal for that reason. Sure enough, none were left by the time I went to the Fiesta on Saturday. I'll be making some more of these for baby gifts in the future.
You may have seen these on Facebook or Instagram already, but I also made some more rolled-edge napkins for the house. These were made of leftovers from some of the pillow case projects I made in the past. What's different about this set is that they are double layers of fabric. DH likes them better than the original ones because they have more heft. We've had time to run them through the washer and dryer and they're holding their shape pretty well!
This weekend I made another nightgown from Simplicity 9505. You've seen these before (here and here). I needed another one and it's a fast sew that I was able to make in a couple of hours. The fabric is from Santa Fe Fabrics.
Yes, it's a dress form print!
I'll have another project to show you once the intended recipient has gotten it. But that's a post for another day.
And it's raining. Again.
In the meantime, I thought I'd share a few smaller projects that I've been making. This weekend was the biannual Fiber Arts Fiesta, at which I volunteered, bought a few things from the vendors, and also made some items to sell to benefit the Fiesta's charitable cause. Enlace Communitario was this year's beneficiary. Its mission is to work to eliminate domestic violence in the Latino immigrant communities of Central New Mexico and promote healthy families through comprehensive domestic violence intervention services, preventative community education, policy advocacy and leadership development. I made some bibs that the booth could sell for this fundraiser.
They're made from scraps left over from some other projects, not particularly childlike prints, but I figured that they might appeal for that reason. Sure enough, none were left by the time I went to the Fiesta on Saturday. I'll be making some more of these for baby gifts in the future.
You may have seen these on Facebook or Instagram already, but I also made some more rolled-edge napkins for the house. These were made of leftovers from some of the pillow case projects I made in the past. What's different about this set is that they are double layers of fabric. DH likes them better than the original ones because they have more heft. We've had time to run them through the washer and dryer and they're holding their shape pretty well!
This weekend I made another nightgown from Simplicity 9505. You've seen these before (here and here). I needed another one and it's a fast sew that I was able to make in a couple of hours. The fabric is from Santa Fe Fabrics.
Yes, it's a dress form print!
I'll have another project to show you once the intended recipient has gotten it. But that's a post for another day.
And it's raining. Again.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
An Active February So Far
February has been busy, and sewing has had to take a back seat.
First, I was away for a week on a work-related trip to New England. And experienced a healthy portion of this:
Since we left on Friday, more snow has fallen, so I'd say we left at just the right time.
This week I had a minor surgery to remove my gallbladder. This is me in the recovery room, still out of it. Cute!
I'm home recuperating. I'm not having much pain or discomfort, but I'm trying to take it easy. I have a couple of minor projects that I want to work on while I'm home. We shall see how successful that's going to be.
First, I was away for a week on a work-related trip to New England. And experienced a healthy portion of this:
Since we left on Friday, more snow has fallen, so I'd say we left at just the right time.
This week I had a minor surgery to remove my gallbladder. This is me in the recovery room, still out of it. Cute!
I'm home recuperating. I'm not having much pain or discomfort, but I'm trying to take it easy. I have a couple of minor projects that I want to work on while I'm home. We shall see how successful that's going to be.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
2014 First Day of School Project, Part 2
I'm well underway with the making of the matching capris for the peasant tops I showed you in the last post. So far, I've completed a blue linen blend pair. This fabric is from stash and came from TSW.
and two gray cotton pairs. I bought this fabric from JoAnn's last year for boys' pants but the gray looks perfect with the fuchsia, yellow, and gray print tops. Since they're both the same, I'm just showing one:
They are View E of the same pattern I used for the tops (Butterick 5776). I stopped by JoAnn's on Friday and got a green linen look fabric to match the two remaining tops. The final two pairs are all cut out and ready to be sewn.
A good thing too, this project comes to a close on July the 10th when the outfits have to be turned in. It does not appear there will be any little boys' outfits this year but that will be my priority for next year, assuming that we'll be doing this project again.
This weekend, my sister in law Dorothy came to visit from New Jersey for a little getaway.
Instead of doing a lot of touristy things, we mostly stayed around the house, logging a lot of time on the back patio. We did go out for a couple of nice dinners and a lunch, since she has become addicted to chile. She and I also went shopping on Friday at ABQ Uptown--Coldwater Creek, the Loft, Lululemon, Ann Taylor and Alfred Angelo. I'm not much of a RTW shopper but did find a few items. Of course, Coldwater Creek is liquidating and the pickings are really getting slim, but I did find a couple of t-shirts that are wearable for work and some baubles.
(Note to self: find something to clean the permanent marker stains off the cutting mat.)
I also found a cute t-shirt at the Loft, which was a total surprise. It's eyelet on the front and sleeves, and the back is knit. Sorry for the odd angle but this was the best of the lot for showing the eyelet.
It's wearable as is, but I may make a couple of minor tweaks to improve the fit. The darts are too high for me and of course, that bugs me as a sewist. So I'll be adjusting them.
Lululemon is a new store for Albuquerque. However I'm dubious that $100+ yoga pants will go over with the local citizenry. Or maybe they'll be wildly successful, who's to say?
We stopped into Alfred Angelo, because Dorothy is MOB for an upcoming wedding and is trying to get some ideas for a dress. She doesn't sew and will be buying a gown. I do sew and will be needing dresses for the wedding and rehearsal dinner. October will be here fast, so I'll have some work ahead of me.
and two gray cotton pairs. I bought this fabric from JoAnn's last year for boys' pants but the gray looks perfect with the fuchsia, yellow, and gray print tops. Since they're both the same, I'm just showing one:
They are View E of the same pattern I used for the tops (Butterick 5776). I stopped by JoAnn's on Friday and got a green linen look fabric to match the two remaining tops. The final two pairs are all cut out and ready to be sewn.
A good thing too, this project comes to a close on July the 10th when the outfits have to be turned in. It does not appear there will be any little boys' outfits this year but that will be my priority for next year, assuming that we'll be doing this project again.
This weekend, my sister in law Dorothy came to visit from New Jersey for a little getaway.
Instead of doing a lot of touristy things, we mostly stayed around the house, logging a lot of time on the back patio. We did go out for a couple of nice dinners and a lunch, since she has become addicted to chile. She and I also went shopping on Friday at ABQ Uptown--Coldwater Creek, the Loft, Lululemon, Ann Taylor and Alfred Angelo. I'm not much of a RTW shopper but did find a few items. Of course, Coldwater Creek is liquidating and the pickings are really getting slim, but I did find a couple of t-shirts that are wearable for work and some baubles.
(Note to self: find something to clean the permanent marker stains off the cutting mat.)
I also found a cute t-shirt at the Loft, which was a total surprise. It's eyelet on the front and sleeves, and the back is knit. Sorry for the odd angle but this was the best of the lot for showing the eyelet.
It's wearable as is, but I may make a couple of minor tweaks to improve the fit. The darts are too high for me and of course, that bugs me as a sewist. So I'll be adjusting them.
Lululemon is a new store for Albuquerque. However I'm dubious that $100+ yoga pants will go over with the local citizenry. Or maybe they'll be wildly successful, who's to say?
We stopped into Alfred Angelo, because Dorothy is MOB for an upcoming wedding and is trying to get some ideas for a dress. She doesn't sew and will be buying a gown. I do sew and will be needing dresses for the wedding and rehearsal dinner. October will be here fast, so I'll have some work ahead of me.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Fiberly Train to Santa Fe, Morning Walks
I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with all the women on the getaway, but some of the most special times on my trip were my morning walks in town. When I'm home, I walk every morning before work so I decided to continue the practice. I'm so glad I did! The Plaza gets pretty crowded with tourists during the day, so it's interesting so see the sights when hardly anyone is around.
Technically, these pictures aren't the best quality but I hope they give you an idea of what I saw in the early morning quiet. I looked at lots of store windows...
And also saw lots of restaurants that I'd like to try sometime, as well as ideas of where we could go...
Statues and architectural salvage:
I will definitely keep up this habit on future visits. I did so much looking that I'm not sure if I got very much exercise, but it was a great way to explore.
Technically, these pictures aren't the best quality but I hope they give you an idea of what I saw in the early morning quiet. I looked at lots of store windows...
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| Uli |
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| Uli |
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| Parts Unknown |
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| Ortega's |
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| Ortega's |
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| I remember the store but not the name |
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| Don't remember this one either |
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| Maverick's of Santa Fe |
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| Maverick's of Santa Fe |
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| Cicada |
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| Lucchese |
And also saw lots of restaurants that I'd like to try sometime, as well as ideas of where we could go...
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| Taberna |
 |
| El Meson |
 |
| Osteria D'Assisi |
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| The Palace |
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| Ore House |
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| Blue Corn Cafe |
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| San Francisco Street Bar & Grill |
Statues and architectural salvage:
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| The Burro Alley burro |
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| On the Portal by Cicada |
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| Seret and Sons |
I will definitely keep up this habit on future visits. I did so much looking that I'm not sure if I got very much exercise, but it was a great way to explore.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Fiberly Train to Santa Fe, Part Two
There is more in Santa Fe than shopping, eating and drinking. Unfortunately, Ann had to leave Sunday morning, but the rest of us pressed forward with sightseeing.
The Cathedral is right next to La Fonda, and many of us stopped by during the weekend:
The Cathedral was built in the 1900s under Archbishop Lamy, whose life was the basis of the novel Death Comes for the Archbishop. It's quite ornate inside and still an active place of worship and a parish, unlike many of the other historic church buildings in Santa Fe.
This statue of St. Francis (patron saint of Santa Fe) is on the less public side of the Cathedral, on the right:
This statue of La Conquistadora is nearby:
Santa Fe is an art center, and you can find many galleries and sculptures throughout the city. I found this one near the Cathedral. Look at that dragon! It wraps around the building.
The museum of the Institute of American Indian Arts is also located nearby. This is a view of the sculpture garden from the street:
This beautiful lady was found in a nearby courtyard of the museum:
Patti and I visited the New Mexico Museum of Art and found Liana and Jan there:
Several people went to Canyon Road with its concentration of art galleries. Here are Margy and Sharon as they explored.
Before our last dinner together at the Blue Corn Cafe, we met at Sharon and Margy's room for show and tell.
All too soon, we departed on Monday to our homes. It was a wonderful weekend with old and new friends. I'm so glad all of you had a chance to visit my state and share such a special time together.
The Cathedral is right next to La Fonda, and many of us stopped by during the weekend:
The Cathedral was built in the 1900s under Archbishop Lamy, whose life was the basis of the novel Death Comes for the Archbishop. It's quite ornate inside and still an active place of worship and a parish, unlike many of the other historic church buildings in Santa Fe.
This statue of St. Francis (patron saint of Santa Fe) is on the less public side of the Cathedral, on the right:
This statue of La Conquistadora is nearby:
Santa Fe is an art center, and you can find many galleries and sculptures throughout the city. I found this one near the Cathedral. Look at that dragon! It wraps around the building.
The museum of the Institute of American Indian Arts is also located nearby. This is a view of the sculpture garden from the street:
This beautiful lady was found in a nearby courtyard of the museum:
Patti and I visited the New Mexico Museum of Art and found Liana and Jan there:
 |
| Jan |
 |
| Liana |
The entrance to the galleries goes through a courtyard with frescoes of Native American life.
Afterward, we visited the New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors. We were fortunate to have an excellent docent on our guided tour of the Palace, which dates back to early Spanish colonial times. She was an excellent presenter and really made the history come alive as she walked us through the exhibits.
Several people went to Canyon Road with its concentration of art galleries. Here are Margy and Sharon as they explored.
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| Margy |
 |
| Sharon |
Before our last dinner together at the Blue Corn Cafe, we met at Sharon and Margy's room for show and tell.
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| Margy and me enjoying the fireplace. Nice! |
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| Jan, Liana, Patti (partially hidden), and Margy comparing purchases |
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| Admiring Margy's new jacket from Babette |
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| Been there, bought the T-shirts! |
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| Jan, Liana, and Sharon admiring some new earrings |
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| Jan sharing her purchases |
All too soon, we departed on Monday to our homes. It was a wonderful weekend with old and new friends. I'm so glad all of you had a chance to visit my state and share such a special time together.
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