Whew! This has been an interesting semester. I've finished my first year of Russian, and while I've made great progress, I realize there's SO much more I don't know. The 3 years of Spanish and year of French have been a hindrance, but we're working through it. Sign language, of course, doesn't help me study either! But, the good news is it's over. The bad news is.... I made an A... Again! Do you know what that would do to my poor gpa if I were taking this class for credit? ... oh well. Maybe next year I'll decide to do it for credit, I can see those little numbers skyrocketing if I do!
No word on the job front yet, but lots of sewing going on. 6 baptismal robes, a redecorated house, and a few smocked dresses with bows and socks to match. Several weeks ago, I was asked to make an emergency gift. She wanted something nice to give to a couple who had nothing, and didn't want much. I looked through the sewing room to see what I had available. I wanted something easy to finish, since I only had a few days to complete and deliver this gift- 4 of them, to be exact. As grace would have it, I found some edged eyelet ( the kind with the lace on the edge) and played with the pleater to see if I could prepare it for smocking. It worked! ( I had a backup plan, but I didn't want to use that if I didn't have to). I cut the sleeves, dresses and bonnet out, then the slip, and commenced the rapid fire creation. What a wonderful thing! I almost couldn't give it away! ... See for yourself!
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| I didn't get a good picture before delivering, so we took some photos in the classrooms. |
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| Soo Sweet! And it's my first bonnet! |
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| White rayon smocking with a white satin ribbon through the bottom. The sleeves also had satin ribbon around, instead of elastic. |
I know they're not great pictures; hopefully I can catch the recipient in them at some point. I know they loved the dress when they saw it. Oh, yes, the slip had the same satin ribbon trim. No way you could not know it was all a set!
After that, I was surprised to have several people ask me for Pascha Basket covers. I finished no fewer than 8 this season! I'll add photos as soon as I download them.
The re-decorated room is in teal and yellow.Yes, I cringed when I heard it for the first time too, but the decorator inside me found just the right shades to accent her already mediteranean feel. We put a green/teal chenielle swag across door knobs above the windows, added swing rods and bright white embroidered sheers. Then we took the same chenielle, and mixed it with yellow decorator fabrics to create pillows, recover upholstery and make tapestry artwork.
The owner decided she liked trim. We bought TONS of trim, and then looked at each other wondering " What are we going to do with all this trim!?" I knew exactly what we were going to do. Unfortunately we were too excited and having way too much fun to take before pictures, but, it's amazing what a little trim will do to a lamp shade, pillows, upholstered benches, and antique factory wooden spools. You may not find these ideas on any design website, but in her house, it looks fantastic. We agreed it was the " Subdued whimsey" she wanted. I have several pieces to finish for her, but in time, I'll post photos. We might just go into business!
Other than that, we're having a fun time with the pool, or we would if the weather would cooperate. Who ever heard of the deep south having 60 degree highs in the middle of May? Next thing I know, we'll have snow in June! Won't that just take the cake?!
I'm headed out of town first with my nephew to visit Ivy Green with my nephew. Due to the horrible weather the end of last month, this is the re-scheduled trip. I'm excited! My parents and grandparents loved to travel, and while I've seen a great many of the historic sites through the southeast, and even the US, I've not been there, and to experience it with my nephew- even better! Then I'm going with my mother, meeting my family for my cousin's wedding this weekend. That should prove to be an interesting trip. It's the second time in a year that I'll visit my grandmother's without her. It is bittersweet, as I love to walk through her yard and admire her flowers. I hope they're still in great shape.
