didja ever move and leave your sewing machine behind?

hello tiny pocket tank. you are wonderful to wear. 

i wanted to sew a few more seams on this darling tiny pocket tank take 2, so my sewing machine is still set up in my old place. with my thread, cutting implements, and no fabric or patterns. AAAH!! I have been lurking the blogs more than usual as my own projects are so stymied. hi guys!

back with (sheer!) lawn inset

but truly, it is a tragedy. i owe you pictures, lil blog, of my top and the boy's flannel robe. and, ok, i cried today (well sort of) about wanting to sew, i think the bf is tuning in. we'll set it up this weekend, if i have my way. fingers crossed!

so much piecing! i like it. 

this is my bootleg seam finishing technique. 

xoxoxoxo
r

reclusive period

hi ya'll. i'm in hiding. you've seen this before, and it's really only going to last about 24 hours, but i have let down at least 3 dear friends during that time and so the time isn't really the issue.

my belly hurts
i'm overwhelmed with chores
my parents are in town and while that's fun it's also draiiiinnning
mama needs some private time!

those all sound fine, right? but i Made Plans! this is where the therapy comes in. i'm going to spend most of this "me time" (that I bought by flaking out) by beating myself up about flaking out.

in algebra that looks like

(amount of free time available)- (time spent with friends) = me time

(amount of free time available)- (time spent with feeling terrible about blowing off friends) = 0 time for fun of any sort!

so really it's a waste of my friends' good nature if i don't hop on it and make something of this time. AND if i just got off my couch and go and play with them, it's likely i would be happier and more effective.

blerg.

the math makes it clear that the cause is not worth the effect. but while we're here, let's at least examine the factors

arthritis makes me tired
working and parenting makes me tired
i am seriously still carrying flu bits in my throat and belly

so don't beat yourself up, lady! but also don't make so many plans. flaking feels like ass.

love
bex

things to do

1) write press release about racism & inequality in the US. UGH
2) apply for financial aid oh wait that requires
3) do taxes UGH
4) get the damn mouse out of my house BLECH
5) replace upholstered furniture. RILLY?!?!? how?!?!?
6) do a huge pile of dishes
7) get more sleep (how????)
8) oh yeah, exercise
9) read that book! it's so good. it's also overdue. UGH (but omg getting that link led me to this yay!)
10) make a coat! that's so much more fun. And hence my current zombie state.

humpday!
xo bex

um, what?

i'm damn lucky there's a sewalong going on when i'm trying to make my dream raincoat, the Minoru jacket! I just read three pattern testers reviews and they all raved about how a really good beginner could ace this jacket- but i'm on my way to having a total meltdown about how to install the lining and the collar interfacing/lining. yes! i'm a beginner. I have been sewing for 20+ years, though, so while I don't know the terms as well, i know how to trick things together.

Dear Tasia-
1- I love this jacket- but where the heck is the part where the second piece of the collar gets inserted??
2- Using a mesh, like you thought you might in one of your many iterations, and I chose to do - means the waistband elastic will show. yich! (note to self- do not take on hard fabrics like mesh!!)
but most of all- 3 there need to be WAY MORE drawings of the lining-into-jacket section (boxes 17 and beyond?), and placing that final collar piece, which seems like the part that makes it all come together (is that supposed to be understood in "stitch in the ditch along neck seam"??)...but i'm just guessing, as I need to wait for the sewalong to catch up with me!

i should take photos, eh? my olive coat isn't participating in my dark house...maybe tomorrow!

Dear Tasia -I just reread it again. for the 15th time. this time i got it. i will sew the collar in tomorrow...i think it would have helped if directions in 17 were broken out to indicate what a large amount of sewing that is- the little hook gets more room! and thanks for rolling with me. :)

i do not always think i will be able to go on

sometimes this enlightenment process just takes too damn long.

stupid cell phone!

disposable electronics are ruining Africa and waterways and the whole darned earth.

and my stupid phone has a crap battery which, after 15 months, can't hold a charge for a full day.

what the heck am i supposed to do?

red headed stepchild

apparently my biomom has assumed this view of me as well. who knows if my stepdad will come out to meet the new baby, but mom can offer up to 10 days. unless it interrupts christmas. in which case, tough. good luck with all of that. call if you want me to mail you some shit.

oh and the month long golf vacation in palm springs? no, honey, don't guilt me into changing that. we might stop by for a week before or after. if we feel like it.

is this what "support you however we can" means? i would think otherwise. no wonder i have a complex about needing people.