It's Hard to Say Goodbye

This past Thursday I had to say goodbye to my first Equine love. I didn't own him all his life, but I knew him all his life. He belonged to dear friends of ours, and she showed him in Western and English Pleasure. And he was a winner. In his early teens he had some leg problems which required surgery, but his show performance declined. She asked me to "adopt" him because she knew he would have a "cushy" life with me.



We had moved to our place "in the country" about a year before he arrived. My "free" horse required a barn, a horse trailer, and riding lessons for me (yes, he could still be ridden for pleasure). I had to take lessons to be able to communicate to him what he already knew how to do! I was so happy, and I think he was too once he got used to the fact that 24 acres belonged to him! He had horse neighbors on one adjoining property, and it wasn't long before a buddy came to join him, yes another free horse, a miniature. Over the years, 2 more horses would join his herd.




Did I mention he was a character? I call this his "Mr. Ed immitation."



He loved to rest while "guarding" his barn.



He was always the "King" of his pasture. Three other horses shared that pasture with him and he was always the General of his herd. Over his years, one by one, they went on to the Rainbow Bridge. He outlived all of them even though he was the oldest. He now rests in peace with his other brothers in HIS pasture.


El Visto Nino (aka fondly known to me as Neener)
April 25, 1977 - August 26, 2010
33 yrs, 4 mo., 1 day

Sewing Magazines

I don't often get a chance to pick up this magazine (and I'm not accustomed to the name change from Australian Stitches--and WHAT is it about magazines changing names--it will always be BWOF to me). The only place I have found it in the metroplex is the big Joann store in Dallas. In the past I have ordered some issues from Erica's. I was in Dallas at a doctor appointment this morning so I took the opportunity to visit the store on my way home. This is Volume 18 #5.

I find the articles in this magazine very thorough, the photos and diagrams very helpful, and the magazine overall to be very well done. It was interesting to me to read in the Editors' Letter that a few of the articles have been revised from very, very old issues because they felt if they could not better the information, 'why fix it if it isn't broke.' They noted that since they have many new readers, it made sense to share this type of information even if it wasn't completely "new." Even though this was recycled information, I found the articles well done.

Of particular interest to me was their detailed article on "Having Good Jeans."

I let my sub to "Threads" expire back in the fall. I had found that many of their articles were not meeting my "wants." I now purchase the issues I want individually with my J's 40% off coupon. It's not that the magazine is "bad," perhaps I just needed a break from it. I got my renewal notice for BWOF--still trying to decide what to do.

This has been a busy week for me, and I've haven't been able to spend any real time in the sewing room. I think I'll have some time tomorrow, but I have no idea what I will work on.

Oh, and the weather folks tell us a cool front is coming next week, and the high will only be 98. Not as cool as I'd like, but better than 105-107 that we've been having here. (wiping sweat from brow...........)

One Top - winner, 2nd Top - eh.....

I really ordered The Sewing Workshop Liberty Shirt pattern to make a knit top. I did, however, make a muslin of the "jacket" which I blogged about in an earlier post.

Seeing Sham's versions really got my attention. As she did, I did a "muslin" from cotton interlock knit. Gee, how I don't like the feel of interlock knit since I have gotten so used to knits with a bit of lycra. But I have to say, I'm very happy with the result--so much that I may even wear it until it stretches out.

I used the size I had used in my original (woven) version. I shortened the sleeves and did take bigger seam allowances, but I like the loose fit. For my "real" version (whenever that may be) I will likely either go down a size or somehow cut a bit smaller. See what you think...........







My next knit top mulsin was Vogue 8636, one of Marcy Tilton's tops. I have most of her knit top patterns, but I'm just now getting around to making one up. As in my previous endeavor, I used cotton interlock (because I had some and it's time to get rid of it). As you can see, I changed the sleeve by making it 3/4 and using a contrast band to finish the sleeve hem. When I first tried it on, I thought it felt too tight, but after I let in sit for a day, it feels ok. I have yet to hem it.

I'm not crazy about the sleeves. They seem uncomfortable at the underarm, and the fabric seems to bunch up funny there. I'll probably give this one away without wearing it. I do like the neck treatment and will probably use it on another top with regular set in sleeves.

As you can see, I've gotten a bit "artsy" with these last two tops--trying to channel Marcy, I suppose.




I like sewing knits, and I LOVE wearing knit tops. I will find some rayon lyca in the stash to make another Liberty.

Easy, Ageless, Cool

Louise Cutting's new pattern is a keeper for me.




The first pair (green, long version) is from a rayon blend that's been in the stash for a while. I had picked up a full bolt a couple of years ago. It was either $1 or $1.50/yd. It's a loose woven fabric, but worked just fine for a "wearable muslin." I cut a straight XS in the first version. They worked fine, a smidge tighter in the hips than I prefer, but they are definitely wearable. I paired them in the photo with Louise's "Pure and Simple" shell. A nice, cool, comfy outfit.

I wanted to get right on to pair #2, making them more of a capri. I removed 6" in the length by folding out a 3" "hunk" at the shorten/lengthen line. This is fabric I picked up just recently at Pursley's Fabrics in Duncanville. It's a rayon blend lightweight pant fabric. With the mark downs and discount that day, I paid just over $1.00/yd for the fabric. It's more of a gray than it indicates in the photo.

This pair a bit more relaxed. I sewed 3/8" seams rather than the 5/8" of the size XS. I like them better. I think I will really wear this pair lots in this heat. The pockets are a nice feature and a fun look, IMO.

The last couple of days I have been working on a couple of knit "wearable muslins." Hopefully, I'll have enough "umph" to get some photos soon and share with you. One of them seems to be a real keeper; the other...........we'll see.

And speaking of heat, welcome August, in north central Texas. And this little darling is in the shade.