snatched.

Not much creativity going on here. It's been sucked forcefully from my brain by Mon-Thur. But I had to snag this cute graphic from LindsayT's blog anyway:


No, all that's going here is football, beautiful fall weather, and lots of sleep. I'm still trying to catch up. TGIF!!

Don't forget you have TWO MORE DAYS for the Apology Contest! View all the details in the post below, including the pretty cool prize. Shannon & I will choose our favorite Sunday evening & I'll post the winner Monday.

Listening to THIS

shenanigans...and a contest!

I had the absolutest best conversation today with my buddy Shannon! (mind you, if you're not familiar with my BFF Shannon, she's beautiful, sews rings around normal humans, and is a kind, true friend to boot)

Anywho. We were talking about WORDS and I asked a somewhat rhetorical question: If someone apologized in an incredibly wonderful surprising way...would that make the offense lesser somehow? (For me, I'm a word girl, so yeah. Prolly.)

To illustrate, I wrote the following apology. One that I must say, I would most assuredly accept and give XOXO for:

You know this already, but I'm a huge ass. I made an idiotic mistake. I'm sorry beyond all scope of sorrydom. No man has ever lived who comes close to being as sorry as me. I'd shave my head and move to Tibet, but I hear they don't have gmail, and I laughably still hold out hope that one day I'll find the words poetic enough to do justice to an apology just for you. For now, the best I can do is profess that you are undeniably the cream in my coffee, the leaves on my trees, and if I thought for one stale moment you might answer an email from this thrashing, big dope...my fingertips would be black with smoke from the burning speed of my typing.

And I can do even BETTER. No, really! But what was most fun was that the whole process made me giggle like a goon and I'm in the mood to pass the luff around. Soo...

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, write the gaudiest, boldest, sappiest, corniest, wordiest, smooshiest apology you dare. Post it here and I (along with Shannon who I nominate as a judge even though she's at work and can't have a say so but will agree just because she luffs me too) will pick our favorite.

Fabulousest apology giver wins this, a brand new book release from Alice Butcher and Ginny Farquhar.


This is such a cute book that features lots of little projects, both hand and machine sewn. Perfect for that upcoming gift-bonanza season! I've got a copy ready to mail out to the winner, which we'll pick on Sunday evening (extended a day!)

So go! Pull out your wordy brains & sharpen your wits! I wanna hear angst, soul, ridiculousness with purpose. You guys are such great writers, if I'm not cracking myself up chances are YOU are doing it for me.

Here's a hint...if you make it personal, not an apology FROM you but an apology you wish someone would make TO you, it's a lot easier (and more cathartic to boot. Giggles are funny that way.)

Comments are open and waiting!

Was Listening to this and Now listening to this

One Pattern, Multiple Looks

Click here for the New contest at PR!!

I'm entering this one. Maybe with more than one pattern! Basic rules are:
1. Choose 1 pattern to create several different looks.
2. If the pattern includes multiple types of garments (e.g. a wardrobe pattern), then just ONE of the garments can be used (e.g., the skirt, the top, the jacket or the pants).
3. You can change length, add a ruffle, add trim, change fabrics, etc. etc. etc. You just can't redraft the pattern to make a new look!

So you CAN leave off sleeves to make a sleeveless version of a top but you CAN'T draft a raglan sleeve from a set in sleeve pattern (like anyone would do that crazy stuff anyway!)

My pattern choice...Simplicity 5074. A TNT (tried-n-true) pattern for me, I'll be making (hopefully) several versions of the drawstring pants.


Here's the line drawing to give you a better visual of the pant...


Thankfully the pattern already comes with a couple of easy variations...drawstring bottoms, or NOT. Patch cargo-esque pockets, or NOT. I'm planning on a few more inventive changes though. Like...
1. Cargo shorts, with a little cuff or roll, and a buttoned tab on the side hem?
2. A straight leg (possibly slightly widened) flowing pair of rayon crinkle gauze dressy pants.
3. Linen capri length pants in a floral linen/cotton blend.
4. Black patch pocket, with drawstring capri's exactly like the pattern cover (my "original" interpretation of the pattern).
5. Lengthened to high-heel tipping evening pants in rayon velvet (great for winter...which is SO far away, but I'll be glad this winter I've got them!)
6. Comfy flannel pj pants...slightly tapering the leg.
7. Silky oriental print...slightly narrow the leg and lengthen to ankle-skimming length.
8. Bermuda length shorts...patch pockets, no cuff in a pink with navy seersucker stripe (I call it my "cape cod" fabric, LOL!)

And those are just my immediate thoughts for changing this pattern! It helps somewhat that I've made this pattern at least 1/2 a dozen times already in yet OTHER looks than these. Of course I can't use any of those...these garments have to be made between June 1 and July 31.

First pair up: The "original pattern" interpretation, black rayon capri lengthen with patch pocket & drawstring hem. They're cut out and partially seamed. I'll post a pick as I get each garment finished!

Stay tuned!

a.