tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86134114650301914772024-02-25T13:13:24.680-08:00Wonderfully MadeKnit together, Sown in tears, Clothed in Grace.Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.comBlogger316125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-82832465930372063602015-05-15T10:59:00.001-07:002015-05-15T11:17:54.725-07:00It's a Cottage Collection<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There's no doubt that when I'm arranging stuff and dreaming about new rooms, I think collections. What looks good together? What kind of theme is going </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">on? What do I already have that would work back to an inspiration piece?</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This week, it all started with a queen sized headboard. It's not that old, but it's charming . The creamy yellow, the faded floral finish . It's my inspiration piece. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaKN_-M-43tJXc91qQ3vfyszRqggARIk6WFfkGkVICjL-7tF0OORQtIrUKXEkRsrqkVBDU4Uv_LUqzyfy1Q6PkxliwSatVA3uO_topFi3j7M4K3oZfKBYCVN7Bn2vrpD0MK1AuIV_-24/s640/blogger-image-1124661919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaKN_-M-43tJXc91qQ3vfyszRqggARIk6WFfkGkVICjL-7tF0OORQtIrUKXEkRsrqkVBDU4Uv_LUqzyfy1Q6PkxliwSatVA3uO_topFi3j7M4K3oZfKBYCVN7Bn2vrpD0MK1AuIV_-24/s640/blogger-image-1124661919.jpg"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTncub9VxeVBo4hUJqYMmCW9vNb7ULl5OPVTgbJxG05otK1XZJIqCfu9P9eytJLdetaUdhFB-hF3009XmD-Xi13y1uMhZje7Nyy_SQf1wkasMXKJrcwuehsRjaZ9kjgqMAK97mnLyVtPc/s640/blogger-image--1194759480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTncub9VxeVBo4hUJqYMmCW9vNb7ULl5OPVTgbJxG05otK1XZJIqCfu9P9eytJLdetaUdhFB-hF3009XmD-Xi13y1uMhZje7Nyy_SQf1wkasMXKJrcwuehsRjaZ9kjgqMAK97mnLyVtPc/s640/blogger-image--1194759480.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Can I pull together a decor style by supplementing with pieces from around the shop? Yes! And you can pull it together too! I immediately thought of a pretty buttery cream and white dresser that's in our shop. Perfect!</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ce3Vl1D0V0xEqvaceo22PO2Df7qURBhvvEDARtt3ojOWvQvSNaJDfmfFx7kLfgnN9FzhiaFf4o9p3u-BYf0cyiIGGhCtrXDzQEZzzImCiub6kPlgKHtEvhuffj6eNZWmyhnhyphenhyphenhO3NlY/s640/blogger-image--827883470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ce3Vl1D0V0xEqvaceo22PO2Df7qURBhvvEDARtt3ojOWvQvSNaJDfmfFx7kLfgnN9FzhiaFf4o9p3u-BYf0cyiIGGhCtrXDzQEZzzImCiub6kPlgKHtEvhuffj6eNZWmyhnhyphenhyphenhO3NlY/s640/blogger-image--827883470.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Then the fun really starts! Imagine chenille bedspreads, a funky chalkwear lamp and a vintage luggage rack for your robe or an extra pillow...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3qRN-BXluJMf7YKJO7dO0RKstw4mUnmueNc2HC5a7vi6wIUHRtMKbXIPXR1J0k9R3-R2rcG5g4nRkP31hpsDwTXAsjyB4hhpUOjmX6HG2cncglGvFduwVu8IkK7XCHv3Hht3iR3DnYs/s640/blogger-image--310726290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3qRN-BXluJMf7YKJO7dO0RKstw4mUnmueNc2HC5a7vi6wIUHRtMKbXIPXR1J0k9R3-R2rcG5g4nRkP31hpsDwTXAsjyB4hhpUOjmX6HG2cncglGvFduwVu8IkK7XCHv3Hht3iR3DnYs/s640/blogger-image--310726290.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Or a sweet little white outdoor chair to pop in the corner? And a white hobnail candle from Sweetwick Candles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXQogiTua6ZhaYWsQ-Sca7EwKzm_v2rtk21xXfKwJX6g2vCnpdZklkwR-JL4r9JGkF602RdyWfkzmOfsjJjhFd1xruo7CuZG74NKhPKl3pWtpJuATFX3JPLmNVt7LVlh3CG0Cm2rqpnU/s640/blogger-image--893493188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXQogiTua6ZhaYWsQ-Sca7EwKzm_v2rtk21xXfKwJX6g2vCnpdZklkwR-JL4r9JGkF602RdyWfkzmOfsjJjhFd1xruo7CuZG74NKhPKl3pWtpJuATFX3JPLmNVt7LVlh3CG0Cm2rqpnU/s640/blogger-image--893493188.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another adorable option for this collection is this chest with decoupage floral on the door panels ! I painted it with this queen sized headboard in mind. It's a warm golden yellow and the florals relate to one another without being matchy-matchy. No matchy-matchy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUS_UVn5l6IJ7S_8bLwcul7VAHcuXge1owKT9d5i59SLg8uEuDYXotpkZgSUVKpsN_hoifBD0p8LIfslt8MdN3tzbeeGQCgGe9q-1d7XZSjMx7I0Wn2mRSfUeVDAXe5bXIlIe14V7EcE/s640/blogger-image-1997256713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUS_UVn5l6IJ7S_8bLwcul7VAHcuXge1owKT9d5i59SLg8uEuDYXotpkZgSUVKpsN_hoifBD0p8LIfslt8MdN3tzbeeGQCgGe9q-1d7XZSjMx7I0Wn2mRSfUeVDAXe5bXIlIe14V7EcE/s640/blogger-image-1997256713.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I can't imagine a sweeter room for a girl, or for a cottage. And just as I was able to start with an inspiration piece and then accessorize by pulling from things on hand, you can, too! Or, we can help you! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's a Cottage Collection! (All pieces are available for sale at ellen j goods.)</div></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-35100000093453473452014-01-27T12:48:00.001-08:002014-01-27T12:48:27.876-08:00Want to see some of what we've been doing?Today, I realized that it's been a month since I've blogged. Or sewn anything. Or done much of anything other than work on the store. So here's the lowdown on the last month's major news.<br />
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We were sharing a space with someone to get our feet wet with the whole retail shop thing. Which was probably about the best thing that I could have done, but the worst thing I could have done! Worst because, it didn't take long at all to realize that I wanted our own space and that I had far too many ideas and limitations to stay where we were. Which turned out to be good thing and a best thing! For someone who is not much of a risk taker, it was really evident to me that if we weren't going to try to make a go of our own retail vintage shop NOW, we were never going to. My husband was totally on board. Another opportunity came up and before you know it, we had two weeks to move, and six weeks to start renovations. <br />
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On Saturday, we open for our first day of business here:</div>
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This little cobblestone front 150 year old building on Main Street in a little historic village where we raised our families.</div>
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What JR and I had <i>really </i>hoped for was that we could acquire the space next door ( the yellow building) which had been in his family for three generations. But that didn't work out. And that's okay. But now I'm in love with 433 Main Street and can't WAIT to get up and running! Want to see some of what we've been doing?</div>
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In a nutshell, demolition, re-building a window display and vestibule, restoring counters and shelves, stripping wall paper, plaster, and carpets, along with painting. Re-wiring and marketing . Just to name a few things! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjTRhnBLB9Nk0KwKyqeJ3bydXrefRpS6CuCly8rr_koAskLR45010OHf7P0sJ2lFOrKz3yOfGp1T918xTP8xqbUSljGmj0E8k5RmKjBFNSzl3tjJlWFzNPL6X1X1Ed3AvJJd5BuH-4ds/s1600/IMG_4216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjTRhnBLB9Nk0KwKyqeJ3bydXrefRpS6CuCly8rr_koAskLR45010OHf7P0sJ2lFOrKz3yOfGp1T918xTP8xqbUSljGmj0E8k5RmKjBFNSzl3tjJlWFzNPL6X1X1Ed3AvJJd5BuH-4ds/s1600/IMG_4216.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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So, here we are. A million ideas, and even more butterflies. I've never felt more sure and unsure about anything in my life! Home and nesting and decorating and re-purposing are my passion. Helping others to see beauty and comfort in the things that are discarded has always been what makes my heart swell. Creating a comfortable home from unique and interesting things is what we have always done. And I'm a little thrilled to have this opportunity to share it with another generation.</div>
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On Saturday, we'll be open for Wine About Winter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPHtygXGMuuB7gp6uI-K21NqB218Kv2Uh94ksJgru3M3J3HfukcesNBiiuJkDKkXFPTCh8UTKrKSAO2wanbQveRsZ3v_smMmQBXUmTcdIZ3LH26GHbsIwKIDMIFQeq1WpWHqLx74h4eQ/s1600/IMG_4197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPHtygXGMuuB7gp6uI-K21NqB218Kv2Uh94ksJgru3M3J3HfukcesNBiiuJkDKkXFPTCh8UTKrKSAO2wanbQveRsZ3v_smMmQBXUmTcdIZ3LH26GHbsIwKIDMIFQeq1WpWHqLx74h4eQ/s1600/IMG_4197.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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On Sunday, it's my prayer that we will continue to have guests come through the door.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2luEgv-fW1xpOQkBRZfiTEU1g3ivt_T7Xf19Y60taawnvWEKf-qRhM5Tsc5_H8PGzaTVVpdwP1vLK4UvzIdp-mLgyAFOaXp_ELM25Mq_kjXe2vEqZETbuSP4w9LklaazYqlYFsPZYIOA/s1600/IMG_4203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2luEgv-fW1xpOQkBRZfiTEU1g3ivt_T7Xf19Y60taawnvWEKf-qRhM5Tsc5_H8PGzaTVVpdwP1vLK4UvzIdp-mLgyAFOaXp_ELM25Mq_kjXe2vEqZETbuSP4w9LklaazYqlYFsPZYIOA/s1600/IMG_4203.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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For inspiration, for treasure hunting, for classes and workshops. </div>
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And the other best part? I'll have my own sewing space right there on site...so you know what I'll be doing !</div>
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Thanks for hanging in there with me during this transition. I'll let you know how it goes! </div>
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Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-70141595222812367932013-12-26T13:17:00.002-08:002013-12-26T13:17:58.598-08:00what? a plaid flannel skirt???I sewed! I sewed! With a few extra days off of work, I did buckle down and get a few skirts made. I would suggest that if you have changed sizes, and are a bit tentative about all the fitting of patterns thing again, try a simple skirt first. I wanted a full skirt. I also wanted a pencil skirt. In my stash? Two fabrics with "skirt" written all over them. But do I make a plaid pencil skirt and floral full skirt? Or do I make a floral pencil skirt and a plaid full skirt? <br />
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My decision? Go with the more modern and unexpected choice. For me, that meant a full skirt made from plaid flannel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9Rrwe7-_OUIMJrYfJAuhdOShyX2ANYBrhwedIuEXNAXpN8BBSVP5E6zp2x6kW2D3UJtIdClbII2LhGTXcQXLeW-AcMImeGIZoUKeb-HG2KJYNCKLKbC3mZi-jXTIyq19ExUM6cCtuuM/s1600/plaid+skirt+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9Rrwe7-_OUIMJrYfJAuhdOShyX2ANYBrhwedIuEXNAXpN8BBSVP5E6zp2x6kW2D3UJtIdClbII2LhGTXcQXLeW-AcMImeGIZoUKeb-HG2KJYNCKLKbC3mZi-jXTIyq19ExUM6cCtuuM/s640/plaid+skirt+004.jpg" width="376" /></a></div>
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Using <a href="http://kwiksew.mccall.com/k3794-products-20327.php?page_id=3039" target="_blank">Kwik Sew 379</a>4. I know, I know. It really IS a basic pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqH0BQ4cJzO0LREG2iFjS23gBYS9fJEGmTQ2BEljDqUb0mRTLdHqdRAHs4JGvML23Na5H-qN_Wr-vKN3-OPYxOCY59TupDcKRM3VW_SeE4N2fI0zglBftlTDK9CGMINYaYXfwQvG-VtrA/s1600/K3794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqH0BQ4cJzO0LREG2iFjS23gBYS9fJEGmTQ2BEljDqUb0mRTLdHqdRAHs4JGvML23Na5H-qN_Wr-vKN3-OPYxOCY59TupDcKRM3VW_SeE4N2fI0zglBftlTDK9CGMINYaYXfwQvG-VtrA/s400/K3794.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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Made even easier to fit because it has elastic in the back waist. I'm okay with that since I knew I'd wear this in the cold weather with a layer over it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1jLoLmu8GiVL_1iJzRvPZoqhcmn2n_dV3noEVw6YpLt0owC1_kA1LPOQ0S0y5xnn-2cC-ej82ysF-ZZ6XbX1s-tMb_zUQrJroEW9cfenmVWANBCpwUG_HcrZBwTKmtmDJngDMeUqMMo/s1600/plaid+skirt+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1jLoLmu8GiVL_1iJzRvPZoqhcmn2n_dV3noEVw6YpLt0owC1_kA1LPOQ0S0y5xnn-2cC-ej82ysF-ZZ6XbX1s-tMb_zUQrJroEW9cfenmVWANBCpwUG_HcrZBwTKmtmDJngDMeUqMMo/s400/plaid+skirt+012.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
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But here is what I discovered.<br />
Because I was trying re-size and re-fit in a pattern, the elastic back gave me a sense of <i>general </i>fit and what size I <i>should </i>be. It allowed me to feel my body in a new way without having to fiddle with a multi-piece fitted pattern.<br />
I measured my waist and cut that size per the pattern chart.<br />
Turned out it was too big. Which meant it was an easy fix.<br />
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And here's another tip: the thicker your fabric, the more fullness you'll need to remove. I probably had to take out a good 6 inches of fullness for this plaid flannel to work. Now, if I make this same skirt from a vintage bed sheet or a silky Charmeuse or Georgette with soft drape, I would probably leave the fullness in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrHssnC5qdXJLDUXzTEDoY-m3BV8qALwo8ji6onorAd9uW0lq6sIh4vAZhMM-EKL_BXPAUqoTBwRkNbqNDWXumFqCBByqPcNL3_YxlyAq6_u4ROORyTdzTRxJmSKmM42r4WxW_uH6Qf4/s1600/plaid+skirt+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrHssnC5qdXJLDUXzTEDoY-m3BV8qALwo8ji6onorAd9uW0lq6sIh4vAZhMM-EKL_BXPAUqoTBwRkNbqNDWXumFqCBByqPcNL3_YxlyAq6_u4ROORyTdzTRxJmSKmM42r4WxW_uH6Qf4/s400/plaid+skirt+005.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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a little more unexpected-ness...polka dot pockets. I added these, since the pattern didn't have them. And because I love a skirt with pockets.Especially polka dot pockets.</div>
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It's cute, and comfy and warm. And I got to wear it belted with polka dots. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRd7HGeLWJqvfN26CV3YtTmxK-HyWA-Kd-Reue7u7ijfilmV2x468fhHUiLqR8mtjzc4NfKlf-mBU2uG1FgaFFnf-FlGuV25fUkuG8eiXpfcLtWDz4-6SAipl01GBdiT8NjbmxnJxGsc/s1600/plaid+skirt+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRd7HGeLWJqvfN26CV3YtTmxK-HyWA-Kd-Reue7u7ijfilmV2x468fhHUiLqR8mtjzc4NfKlf-mBU2uG1FgaFFnf-FlGuV25fUkuG8eiXpfcLtWDz4-6SAipl01GBdiT8NjbmxnJxGsc/s400/plaid+skirt+001.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Happy Happy!</div>
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<br />Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-58033555117507447642013-12-11T04:43:00.000-08:002013-12-11T07:43:32.855-08:00I need a little ChristmasHi! Happy Wednesday! <br />
It's two weeks til Christmas. Do you know that I don't have a Christmas tree yet? My daughter basically called me a looser this morning! So, that means I better deck some halls pretty quickly or I'll be on the naughty list. <br />
There's something to be said about being so busy that we forget the important things. Like making home festive. And inviting people in to share a warm fire and a cozy drink. Or a cozy fire and a warm drink! Starting a business is exhausting...and time consuming. And while I'm super excited about what's happening in our lives in that respect, good grief....we don't have a Christmas tree!<br />
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Shopping is done, and that's a huge relief.<br />
Contract sewing is done, and that's a huge relief. I just finished the last of the American Girl dress sets and shipped them away! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj83v62MhKW4kGVyFKsNzwWSbtACkXqlkpSxiqVEh6wQQNPT4Xn_wFKrSl3nW82EXYX9w4M6cPAyIs98zeeqTKyZfqag0aGS5uNmCGm1Gwisn9FwAU-F2RhhZkrPPiN5tr734LzCoHs4c/s1600/before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj83v62MhKW4kGVyFKsNzwWSbtACkXqlkpSxiqVEh6wQQNPT4Xn_wFKrSl3nW82EXYX9w4M6cPAyIs98zeeqTKyZfqag0aGS5uNmCGm1Gwisn9FwAU-F2RhhZkrPPiN5tr734LzCoHs4c/s640/before+and+after.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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How nice it was to attack my alterations pile! Two jackets down and three to go! I swore I would do the alterations before making anything new from scratch and I'm sticking to it!<br />
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Maybe.<br />
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Because a cute co-worker walked in this week wearing a duffle coat. And I was instantly in love. Such a classic, timeless coat! And I remembered that <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/albion" target="_blank">Collette</a> has a new duffle coat pattern..<a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/albion" target="_blank">The Albion.</a> and now I want it. And I want it in this color:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwpNMOWG-zyLROr73VfeJRDczce_l02JEHRWHffVhV7X1rJTVb2LBl8zwmlPPlLZ1irWucBXFPpRfaGpwxD4Z70rpBOH8B3O_RaMFDtc_HpRAt6VXFi1sNzz2b3PV3Qh4YY1UcVrK7rk/s1600/Amanda-peet-white-duffle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwpNMOWG-zyLROr73VfeJRDczce_l02JEHRWHffVhV7X1rJTVb2LBl8zwmlPPlLZ1irWucBXFPpRfaGpwxD4Z70rpBOH8B3O_RaMFDtc_HpRAt6VXFi1sNzz2b3PV3Qh4YY1UcVrK7rk/s400/Amanda-peet-white-duffle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Isn't this sharp? </div>
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Or how about this?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNOF4mroooNbTsEdAqrEIK6itygblwP5wiystzJcFINJN6SYCCQmDmeXViQZcONxA-dyGB1Xf3aRrlki8fND4O7FtZjgqluE2_SLz6CSY_gLHqwkSYYemXclmCEwpqXtCni2D18DsvOw/s1600/c8bc371b00eba40d12077b3283a3a2b077e776d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNOF4mroooNbTsEdAqrEIK6itygblwP5wiystzJcFINJN6SYCCQmDmeXViQZcONxA-dyGB1Xf3aRrlki8fND4O7FtZjgqluE2_SLz6CSY_gLHqwkSYYemXclmCEwpqXtCni2D18DsvOw/s640/c8bc371b00eba40d12077b3283a3a2b077e776d5.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">burberry</td></tr>
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I do need a new coat.... but first, I'm going to make some Christmas tonight.</div>
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<br />Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-29700614582555531152013-12-04T08:46:00.000-08:002013-12-04T11:59:21.456-08:00lessons on style from Ella<div class="MsoNormal">
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Karl Lagerfeld said, <i>“Reinvent new combinations of what you already own.
Improvise. Become more creative. Not because you have to, but because you want
to. Evolution is the secret for the next step.” </i></div>
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<a href="http://www.karl.com/" target="_blank">Karl Lagerfeld</a> is a pretty smart dude. He has influenced the style of countless millions of women over the years. <a href="http://startclosein.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ella at Start Close In</a> is a smart dude, too. And <i>she</i> has influenced <i>my</i> style.<br />
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<b>Some lessons on style that I learned from Ella.</b></div>
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I think the best thing for me about this whole experience was learning that it is:<br />
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A. Okay to wear lots of different styles on different days depending on my mood and my creativity.<br />
B. That by doing that, it makes it my style!<br />
C. A layered, collected look demonstrates exactly the person that I am and how I live. It’s interesting and individual and reflects my love for textures and vintage elements.<br />
D. I can do a layered and collected look that’s age appropriate and doesn’t look like I’m an actual Pre-Raphaelite Bohemian Gypsy <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/BohoTheFashionHistoryofBohemianClothes">http://hubpages.com/hub/BohoTheFashionHistoryofBohemianClothes</a><br />
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Some other things Ella taught me:<br />
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As I prepared for our session, I started to think about what I was going to wear for my very first virtual introduction. Then I thought, well, let's give it to her straight. I just wore what I wore to work that day... my basic uniform of skirt and jacket. Let's just see what she has to say about that.<br />
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Well, this is what Ella had to say...<br />
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<b>Make a waist, even when you don’t have one</b>. Belt or button at the smallest part of your rib cage. TUCK in!!!! What a difference! This creates an hourglass, especially for people like me that have a very straight torso/hip/butt region. I was never a tucker. I think I'm becoming one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq926lSYa84aFDXGkK7Ve1KjkfLsn25mfopZdUYvsX8SUYf5qW1UqNG1ir46imaDrRkO3rUanDXaBA3kslEcFmbWzI1LxjtJi2k7hs150x5cujs6QkyCKgX0INHaOzaJnJxm-k3gXoTXo/s1600/before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq926lSYa84aFDXGkK7Ve1KjkfLsn25mfopZdUYvsX8SUYf5qW1UqNG1ir46imaDrRkO3rUanDXaBA3kslEcFmbWzI1LxjtJi2k7hs150x5cujs6QkyCKgX0INHaOzaJnJxm-k3gXoTXo/s640/before+and+after.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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we also played around with the necklace placement and the other MUST: Push up those sleeves!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpdtLk-nYePgfQWZAe7_0RpUc9BKHZTg12d8rCHj9I_u3tFyAdQyA5ZwPX4GV-AEd2HvLtfJW5NAFkF9jPVQ_6Uim8oXwQxUvOUqrzd5VtumRLDo6t2AP776lRaR5Jp9Rz5cY5_p4SEQ/s1600/dress+and+lace+jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpdtLk-nYePgfQWZAe7_0RpUc9BKHZTg12d8rCHj9I_u3tFyAdQyA5ZwPX4GV-AEd2HvLtfJW5NAFkF9jPVQ_6Uim8oXwQxUvOUqrzd5VtumRLDo6t2AP776lRaR5Jp9Rz5cY5_p4SEQ/s640/dress+and+lace+jacket.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FGXowEiWYDU3ZANGnxqUwKk1QzeX-MatlgxNz0dmeUZ7HzpfMb16c7Zr7IV3RZznl4PQRw_Ji26o2DB9DKQ3XjY52EinzNc7zapw4hclVQz0vbi6aufCoxxbToKFJQT08Mf6golQeBA/s1600/red+jacket+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FGXowEiWYDU3ZANGnxqUwKk1QzeX-MatlgxNz0dmeUZ7HzpfMb16c7Zr7IV3RZznl4PQRw_Ji26o2DB9DKQ3XjY52EinzNc7zapw4hclVQz0vbi6aufCoxxbToKFJQT08Mf6golQeBA/s640/red+jacket+closeup.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsbZ11dq9R-pthzxv_jT793tDNdqytNu7yMzkE87jit2Aw180XcibFwqwhLyFz59orquQ7npfAWpvT-pTD4tAw0xh4IzENy56-g_pgOHO2_1LrIxx7C4VjX2NOF8MKnFPqescmxkV1A0/s1600/red+sweater+houndstooth+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsbZ11dq9R-pthzxv_jT793tDNdqytNu7yMzkE87jit2Aw180XcibFwqwhLyFz59orquQ7npfAWpvT-pTD4tAw0xh4IzENy56-g_pgOHO2_1LrIxx7C4VjX2NOF8MKnFPqescmxkV1A0/s640/red+sweater+houndstooth+skirt.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
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<b>Repeat patterns and shapes in your outfit.</b> Blogger <a href="http://sewtawdry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Audrey </a>asked "What was the rational behind using a scarf in the same sort of print as the dress but in a different scale?"<br />
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Well, Audrey, I think it brings interest to an outfit and the ability to mix prints with some cohesion...without it being too busy. At least that's what I think. By the way, be sure to check out all of Audrey's entries in the <a href="http://blog.fabricmartfabrics.com/2013/09/fashion-challenge-contestants-announced.html" target="_blank"> Fabricista Challenge</a>..this is a woman who knows how to mix prints with style!<br />
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See those polka dots? See that bubble necklace?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzarA6kl5F85icqy1u32lR-3FCmfwv4XCfj3F6xu2oddzbfyMLlPrfhSbehPqk6KgtjddvnXrixLDxsAGmFv9LtzOCTIUhpZMExrYWJr1FMeUDJMy1QAGg3d24NrmQslVPQuR_ZwX7sw/s1600/before+and+after+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzarA6kl5F85icqy1u32lR-3FCmfwv4XCfj3F6xu2oddzbfyMLlPrfhSbehPqk6KgtjddvnXrixLDxsAGmFv9LtzOCTIUhpZMExrYWJr1FMeUDJMy1QAGg3d24NrmQslVPQuR_ZwX7sw/s640/before+and+after+026.jpg" width="626" /></a></div>
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See those geometric pointy shapes in the dress? See the same pointy angles in the necklace?</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndpMGzaaIgNX8SWZh8ehjK1NMElJdoXFZPF_0JAKnbpUuxFRG8Y1PJPRfNwDSZdJ4nG_f4DUzvcoELlll0jPUCI2lUTmxuIhqJDhzDTSpJRJIcIY3YdKKlHWZBw64iTHETQKcQhZKGz8/s1600/closeup+of+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndpMGzaaIgNX8SWZh8ehjK1NMElJdoXFZPF_0JAKnbpUuxFRG8Y1PJPRfNwDSZdJ4nG_f4DUzvcoELlll0jPUCI2lUTmxuIhqJDhzDTSpJRJIcIY3YdKKlHWZBw64iTHETQKcQhZKGz8/s640/closeup+of+dress.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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Ella seriously changed my thinking in three hours flat. She simplified my life, too. One of the things that stressed me out the most was spending time in the morning selecting something to wear, and then changing it. Repeatedly. Select, dress, change, repeat. As we talked, she revealed to me that one of the reasons why I do this is because:<br />
<br />
a. Many of my clothes didn’t fit properly. I was wearing them too big. I can see that now.<br />
b. I wasn’t wearing them in a way that was fun <i>or </i>flattering.<br />
c. I didn’t have a plan for the week.<br />
<br />
So, on Sunday afternoon, I selected all of my outfits for work for the week. And the accessories.
And I hung them all in little bundled groups so they were ready for me for the
week ahead. Today is Wednesday. I have not
stressed about getting dressed in the morning. That’s a really, really good
thing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_Ye0Dg9DqfTzVB_uHtierTjoqX4FojnUd0G0N-ED9MkfgHM2EmAE0FMUuCor_OqD3dPR2Xl-Y7p7XDJanQz_VCP3vnoc1ATVJQsq305URD4EsEXy6Y93rXRSVOEHK8qVIsMNyFZHSjY/s1600/weekly+clothes+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_Ye0Dg9DqfTzVB_uHtierTjoqX4FojnUd0G0N-ED9MkfgHM2EmAE0FMUuCor_OqD3dPR2Xl-Y7p7XDJanQz_VCP3vnoc1ATVJQsq305URD4EsEXy6Y93rXRSVOEHK8qVIsMNyFZHSjY/s640/weekly+clothes+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And you know what I love? Each of these outfits includes something I made! </div>
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I have loved this whole process. And I have a sewing/shopping plan to fill in the blanks:</div>
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A floral skirt</div>
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Belts</div>
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Scarves</div>
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Some stripes and polka dot tops in colors other than black
and white to play with some pattern mixing.</div>
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<strike>A polka dot skirt </strike> <i>okay, mission accomplished as of yesterday...a polka dot dress that will double as a skirt when layered under other things.</i></div>
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A crisp white shirt that fits</div>
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A red skirt.</div>
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Jeans that fit.</div>
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And the one of the other bests parts is, we have that shared Pinterest board as
a reminder that I can take with me on my phone wherever go so that I don’t
forget what I learned. My husband is happy, and proud that I am not hiding in
my clothes. Life is simpler and at the same time, much, much more interesting! </div>
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So, for the logistics of the whole session…</div>
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Ella and I emailed quite a bit to share some ideas and to
get to know each other before our session.
And on the day of, I set up a portable clothes rack from the basement
into my bedroom and hung a variety of colors and shapes of garments from my
closet. I set up the iPad so that she
could see me and the clothes on the rack.
It was a blast! It totally works! And then the next day, Ella shared her notes
from our evening together, with reminders of favorite outfits and our plan for
what I needed.</div>
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I would encourage you
to contact <a href="http://startclosein.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ella at Start Close In Styling </a> if you find that you are in a rut, need a fresh
perspective, have had a weight change or need some ideas about how to dress for
your body. I AM A FAN!!!!!!<br />
<br />
We are teaming up for a bag giveaway on her blog ...so keep checking her out to get the details!</div>
</div>
Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-87010679281468974362013-11-27T09:09:00.002-08:002013-11-27T09:09:50.636-08:00I am not a rectangle. I am a woman.<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://startclosein.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> The aftermath of Hurricane Ella: </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEg9x3ugaVOR1Z1HH77-3X4OwLmYIk53yxe1Ttel-_XYsExPISe7hGcjRgcZWfF4ufLwNilOnHVfIeLTUz_Aq7qhNlEHgPdFc-LIiGiJTa3EwRQXdnX1t2dh8-QAGhF3-7PA0NouYKNQ/s1600/blog+photos+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEg9x3ugaVOR1Z1HH77-3X4OwLmYIk53yxe1Ttel-_XYsExPISe7hGcjRgcZWfF4ufLwNilOnHVfIeLTUz_Aq7qhNlEHgPdFc-LIiGiJTa3EwRQXdnX1t2dh8-QAGhF3-7PA0NouYKNQ/s400/blog+photos+038.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFCEqTAcFcfEwPDCFETHmIWdhXTI3tW5P7rWe5dSGtKKcIxpLHiGt2YugG1S87W3Cl1aAtRLlDcF12XmDB4c4Reh49V6MH4-pwLJyHGpGvq9WZEdhon9Giu8Z7lXfNgtu29qGANbFt1c/s1600/blog+photos+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFCEqTAcFcfEwPDCFETHmIWdhXTI3tW5P7rWe5dSGtKKcIxpLHiGt2YugG1S87W3Cl1aAtRLlDcF12XmDB4c4Reh49V6MH4-pwLJyHGpGvq9WZEdhon9Giu8Z7lXfNgtu29qGANbFt1c/s400/blog+photos+039.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps0-l4QavjE7u4is6QM2fcMxgRffPljiIrVXtA2ONXiiJQq2GRohulhyOVHLsHM1TFAICzA8mDorMEjcLmnSNHlkC7LQhmI7ETS9PXA0L1q7lfGd7WULdx1KOwag7347Sfjpc4grY6tc/s1600/blog+photos+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps0-l4QavjE7u4is6QM2fcMxgRffPljiIrVXtA2ONXiiJQq2GRohulhyOVHLsHM1TFAICzA8mDorMEjcLmnSNHlkC7LQhmI7ETS9PXA0L1q7lfGd7WULdx1KOwag7347Sfjpc4grY6tc/s400/blog+photos+044.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I've got to confess, I was excited and nervous for my <a href="http://startclosein.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Start Close In</a> video styling session. Monday night was a little emotional for me. I began to fully realize how very differently I see myself vs. how I really look. As we explored shapes and styles and fit that were best suited to me, it was like little flashes of truth and inspiration bubbles started happening in my head! I think I’m starting to connect the disconnect that I have with my body.</div>
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At the end of our three hours, I wasn't at all nervous. In fact, I was stripping down to my foundation garments with glee! Ella helped me to see my clothes in a whole new way. Truth be told, she helped me to see <i>myself</i> in a whole new way. I already have great clothes and a good eye, I just needed to see the truth of my body. No matter how many basic black pencil skirts I own, if I’m not wearing them correctly, they are just a basic black skirt…blah, ho hum, boring, sad.</div>
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Until I create a waist, and...</div>
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I am not a rectangle. I am a woman.<br />
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As the evening went on, I was feeling like that moment when Stacy and Clinton give their client the $5000 credit card for shopping…except I didn't have to leave my house! The pile of donations grew larger…like peeling off baggy layers and as we explored my closet, she helped me to see the pieces that should be altered...not only for smaller size, but shorter length. And so the alterations pile grew larger too!</div>
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Remember when I fell in love with <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/laurel" target="_blank">Collette Laurel? In my Laurel,</a> Version Two post, I <i>actually</i> said "<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Now, is this the most flattering style for me? Probably not, but I have to admit I am crazy about the ease of this dress for summer. I can't imagine it getting any breezier for work or weekends" </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7VsbbQsv2Q-hbDs3Pk8oY3ocXqU2NE_GbgZ6jA2qLNi1h-U04UWBOopHJMUQnnB9Vl5yLm8XP-iMu5_dqNoaDqsbevCzL8alrcK0cD1dLWXL-t7qKOKFmb5KKxzJjX4rjppDHVh_LFs/s1600/blog+photos+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7VsbbQsv2Q-hbDs3Pk8oY3ocXqU2NE_GbgZ6jA2qLNi1h-U04UWBOopHJMUQnnB9Vl5yLm8XP-iMu5_dqNoaDqsbevCzL8alrcK0cD1dLWXL-t7qKOKFmb5KKxzJjX4rjppDHVh_LFs/s400/blog+photos+043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ella would disagree. Before:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vv8kdI5I8sD0Sp7mjhJm6RVp7zORp5fYRh-ELSXjEMOfclN7n9vWSXV-ibbPMt5jaX6KD2fGZZBqFbw7qDdM9pSwmidutfJbpNXfxSzlzdDE3yXInug4Ac6jjJUF3vu9Y_vVyINh0DM/s1600/blog+photos+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vv8kdI5I8sD0Sp7mjhJm6RVp7zORp5fYRh-ELSXjEMOfclN7n9vWSXV-ibbPMt5jaX6KD2fGZZBqFbw7qDdM9pSwmidutfJbpNXfxSzlzdDE3yXInug4Ac6jjJUF3vu9Y_vVyINh0DM/s640/blog+photos+045.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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After:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyqygD6m6rT5guw8dYxU9iGQbTt0DGjWEfiG1xXxZF5eMlt7zzbFLqYtqjNMc_TkuH7U7sN_xSoVylr0A7KfpWEaA0HxpTcD0KLzYOJS_bY47M1IxpHYwO1MmEZvGbA8davB6Xph_MH8/s1600/blog+photos+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyqygD6m6rT5guw8dYxU9iGQbTt0DGjWEfiG1xXxZF5eMlt7zzbFLqYtqjNMc_TkuH7U7sN_xSoVylr0A7KfpWEaA0HxpTcD0KLzYOJS_bY47M1IxpHYwO1MmEZvGbA8davB6Xph_MH8/s640/blog+photos+040.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfUaqawmLnrAu6Tv4FUQtPG-TGa5s_bebcVjZryarINiQNl0RMo2S7_8gW078lAjrSI8YvoTpbV0Xm_minync6aBZsARG2-ePFC7Ecyt6TR9_YxT0cRG9PRXiB5GHCUKL5v6QN0fF_jI/s1600/blog+photos+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfUaqawmLnrAu6Tv4FUQtPG-TGa5s_bebcVjZryarINiQNl0RMo2S7_8gW078lAjrSI8YvoTpbV0Xm_minync6aBZsARG2-ePFC7Ecyt6TR9_YxT0cRG9PRXiB5GHCUKL5v6QN0fF_jI/s640/blog+photos+041.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
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Before Monday, I would have disagreed with Ella. I had already taken in the side seams of this shift dress. And I need to take them in more. Add a belt and it becomes an even different way to wear the same dress.</div>
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So, I'm going to share more of our outfit transformations, because I am a total believer in wearing smaller clothes now! And, because so many of us sew and have lost weight, I plan to explore and post about altering our own stuff and what a difference it makes. Expect to see some crazy before and afters!</div>
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Until then, I'm not going to buy another black pencil skirt. I'm going to make a floral pencil skirt. And I am going to go hog wild crazy buying belts and scarves! </div>
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Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-26187169394766679452013-11-25T04:41:00.000-08:002013-11-25T11:41:38.285-08:00I may never be a schlumpadink again!<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, tonight I have my <a href="http://startclosein.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">virtual styling session with Ella</a>. Am I
excited? Yes. I've told her about a hundred times!<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I’m a little nervous too. I know that part of this whole
process will be the inevitable fact that I won’t be able to wear some of the
things that I've been comfortable wearing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And I know that also means I will have to face my brand new
all over again fear of the pattern fitting process! It seems like a rather daunting task, but I’m
up for the challenge. I’d rather be up for the challenge than give up and where
leggings and a big tunic! Not that
there’s anything wrong with leggings and a big tunic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Friday night, I did a major closet clean out, pulling all the stuff that doesn't fit me any longer and that I don't have the enthusiasm or inclination to alter. And we'll go from there. </div>
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So tonight’s the night. Closet is ready, iPad is ready and I'm ready... and of course, I’ll keep you posted
on this whole event. You can check out
the Pinterest board that she created for us to bounce ideas around <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/StartCloseIn/lynne-b-style-board/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Please, please check out <a href="http://startclosein.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ella’s</a> page. She’s a real cutie
with a great sense of style and a big heart for helping women change their look.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And after we've completed this fun, she and are a sharing in a give-away of one of my bags on <a href="http://startclosein.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">her blog</a>.</div>
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I did make some stuff this weekend...</div>
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Yup. I've been obsessed with pom poms lately and thinking of all the fun ways to use them.</div>
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We also decorated the tree at the shop, using some DIY pom pom garlands. </div>
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Okay girls, that's it for now! Let's get this week off to a great start...feeling thankful, feeling blessed, feeling loved.</div>
Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-44327835538710920512013-11-18T04:25:00.000-08:002013-11-18T06:35:24.481-08:00seriously, how many black pencil skirts does a woman need?TGIM! Happy Monday! Woke up this morning to see that I am the featured<a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/" target="_blank"> Pattern Review Member</a>! How nice! <br />
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I have something to tell you that is very exciting. Recently, I've been in touch with a sweet lady named Ella, who has a fashion consulting and styling business. And well, to be honest with you, I've been a little obsessed with <a href="http://startclosein.blogspot.com/2013/11/in-person-styling-and-personal-shopping.html#comment-form" target="_blank">Ella and Start Close In Styling</a> since I read about <a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2013/11/outward-expression/" target="_blank">Miss Mustard Seed's</a> wardrobe transformation.<br />
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I've read every blog post, drooling over her fresh eye and loving every transformation. In one of her posts Ella mentioned she was interested in styling for women over 50, I immediately contacted her about getting together...virtually. So we've been emailing a little, and set up a date to get together and talk about my wardrobe...all via video. I AM SO EXCITED!<br />
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See, since my weight loss, I feel like I've lost a little style, too. Part of that is that so many of my clothes don't fit, true. But once again, I'm finding a closet full of black, black-gray, gray, and white and black. Well, let me re-phrase that. I find that even though I have some color in my closet, I end up wearing the same stuff all the time...black, black-gray, gray, white and black.<br />
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I've started to wonder if I have too many clothes..does that make sense?<br />
That maybe I need to simplify.<br />
AND fill in the missing pieces. Because seriously, how many black pencil skirts does a girl need?<br />
I'm spending far too much time in the morning deciding what to wear and becoming frustrated.<br />
I'm bored. and busy.<br />
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So we're getting together on November 25th and I plan to share every detail with you...because let's face it, it's fun to talk about clothes and styling. And I really want to see Ella grow her dream and her business.<br />
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I'm ready for something new...I'm ready to mix things up a little and get a plan for my sewing and shopping!<br />
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<br />Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-61901863689272398202013-11-12T12:39:00.001-08:002013-11-12T12:39:25.939-08:00I need a crockpot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well here it is Tuesday. And I’m going to make dinner two nights in a row.</div>
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Somewhere drifting in the back of my jam-packed mind are memories of baking and cooking for my husband. I think I used to do that. I’m sure I’ve shared the recipes here, along with tempting photographs of my best attempts at buttermilk biscuits and homemade soup and grilled veggies and apple crostada and pot de crème. In fact, it wasn't that long ago that I made a loaf of bread every week!</div>
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I think I used to have a life!</div>
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At least more of a balanced life. But these past months, with hours at the shop on weekends, and preparing all week for the weekends, I have seriously put my home life on the back burner.</div>
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Bad wife…baaaaaddddd wife.</div>
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And do you know that I happened to be married to a guy that doesn’t complain? That’s how awesome he is.</div>
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So, while I<i> haven’t</i> been sewing much for myself, and I <i>haven’</i>t been fussing with my own decorating, and I’m <i>woefully behind</i> in blog reading and I let too many weeks go between haircuts, I am most sorry about the fact that I haven’t been making dinner for us.</div>
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I think I need a new crockpot. And some ideas for easy quick dinners.</div>
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Can you help a girl come back to some important balance in her life?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwsT18kp6KQe7-g-e7hZQtK-C9M0ASTDIQbrFGrEYPmLmOi9ZS-FNNOtgVLJ6OYYzgA7cc0ypPLeVsMmsEgWyNcxhXHsg_n3BbwURbIEjgENuBDKU0kNI6a26AI3rK2jQ8mF0AoXo3OI/s1600/anne-taintor-this-is-what-happens+when+you+fire+all+the+servants+funny+quotes+housekeeping+clean+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwsT18kp6KQe7-g-e7hZQtK-C9M0ASTDIQbrFGrEYPmLmOi9ZS-FNNOtgVLJ6OYYzgA7cc0ypPLeVsMmsEgWyNcxhXHsg_n3BbwURbIEjgENuBDKU0kNI6a26AI3rK2jQ8mF0AoXo3OI/s400/anne-taintor-this-is-what-happens+when+you+fire+all+the+servants+funny+quotes+housekeeping+clean+house.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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(image: Anne Taintor)</div>
Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-57177706736515287572013-11-01T04:09:00.000-07:002013-11-01T13:10:47.413-07:00because i have the most interesting girlsI've been obsessed with bag making lately. And I'm a little obsessed with my girls. Each one of them is unique and interesting. They are brilliant, energetic, practical and lovely women. So I started thinking that I wanted to make a bag to represent each of them. The first style I came up with?<br />
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<b>The Meghan Bag: </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7sXljf0CUWrMyxxF3FieqGQ4JYV7aDkfgn-2XNzglvTcWCJXhy7yZz_AkMyxOPn6eryPC2DKkobTsKaKCFDK1CxLjx1PYr9mWJv8oLQlRZxuvBFIP0HypxdgoQK8nQuyRk-bWi1DBsA/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7sXljf0CUWrMyxxF3FieqGQ4JYV7aDkfgn-2XNzglvTcWCJXhy7yZz_AkMyxOPn6eryPC2DKkobTsKaKCFDK1CxLjx1PYr9mWJv8oLQlRZxuvBFIP0HypxdgoQK8nQuyRk-bWi1DBsA/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The description?<br />
<i>A perfect eclectic mix of textiles and patterns. She's a classic sling bag with a lot of personality that just dares to be worn inside out! Two roomy pockets,k one inside, one out, with a vintage button closure. Surprise! This bag just might have pompom trim!</i><div>
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SO happy that all but one of the bags that I've made has sold at the shop and at a recent show. I love these bags and being able to play around with lots of different fabrics.<br /><br />
A few weeks ago, for Amelia's birthday, we sent her<br />
<b>The Amelia Bag:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFb9dSwZkJV2IU3b6_TtW4d96h_xaCChznkCceEanZfB8ArzZMumy1BPfEZxn1cMFjL1i8sFM25LkcsPaA_ZRt3qzQTAe9DCEch8MwMT8PYZDO6nAqyWUMauhWFJiM0sLklv78C4b6xo/s1600/IMG_6657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFb9dSwZkJV2IU3b6_TtW4d96h_xaCChznkCceEanZfB8ArzZMumy1BPfEZxn1cMFjL1i8sFM25LkcsPaA_ZRt3qzQTAe9DCEch8MwMT8PYZDO6nAqyWUMauhWFJiM0sLklv78C4b6xo/s640/IMG_6657.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The description?<br />
<i>Cotton and linen, sleek lines, classic style and full of practicality. She can go to the market, a game or family outing and hold special finds and necessary stuff. Don't let the simple style fool you....inside, this bag is loaded with functional pockets to keep things neat. But the best part? An up-cycled leather belt as an adjustable strap</i>!<br />
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I loved that JR got to be a part of this bag construction. I have more on the cutting counter right now, ready to be made up in navy and smokey teal fabric. LOVE this bag!<br />
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Coming next? The Katie Bag and The Rebecca Bag. I just can't wait to put them together! Making bags is so much fun...a nice departure from fitting muslins and making buttonholes!<br />
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Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-5333810910081587592013-10-31T07:49:00.004-07:002013-10-31T07:49:39.212-07:00happy halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNNOXvCj0pV9DUHkNWK-JVX9xdnTzw_6KP_oeZydUAPw66RoE92-ZyR_jftjvOxUUU6ZM4LGpgpxiP0SicE5WRO4uJ-qYzr1e7_ftik7RGpsvORUPhvkenGVqe-rRJUVHFdgVD32PgKs/s1600/IMG_2805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNNOXvCj0pV9DUHkNWK-JVX9xdnTzw_6KP_oeZydUAPw66RoE92-ZyR_jftjvOxUUU6ZM4LGpgpxiP0SicE5WRO4uJ-qYzr1e7_ftik7RGpsvORUPhvkenGVqe-rRJUVHFdgVD32PgKs/s640/IMG_2805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-78423779147775978242013-10-25T04:15:00.000-07:002013-10-25T19:21:24.376-07:00this and thatTo sum up the week? This and that. Painting continues...creating cool stuff for ellen j goods. By the way, I finally started the ellen j goods blog. In it's infancy, but will be more home and vintage lifestyle related posts. Please take a look and let me know what you think!<a href="http://ellenjgoods.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> ellenjgoods@blogspot.com</a><br />
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Yesterday morning, on my way to work, I actually stopped on a bridge, much to my fellow commuters’ dismay, I’m sure. I just had to capture this glorious “Good Morning World!" moment.<br />
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Last night, I had a bag full of alterations to do. I really, really don’t like doing them, even for someone <i>else </i>who is<i> paying</i> me. I've found that no matter how careful I am, it just looks like an alteration to me. Removing a waistband, taking in seams, re-finishing seams, re-attaching the waistband, top-stitching. Ugh. I’m sure with more practice and certainly with more passion, my skill would improve, but I’m really not into making this a career.<br />
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I have to remember too that most of these customers are not looking at the alteration with a critical seamstress eye.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMZG_lIgyvkvgdfuoFl0-zzsiy-xeazIITzxU1qFnijK0yuBW-NHyAYc4P4LV45p8q8_tG5DniUtXJHvs4vEtgNPCWq5ldNrwFnVL93CQthvCyVBoDTAXfqzUN5gJFI3tCNvO-ie9-60/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMZG_lIgyvkvgdfuoFl0-zzsiy-xeazIITzxU1qFnijK0yuBW-NHyAYc4P4LV45p8q8_tG5DniUtXJHvs4vEtgNPCWq5ldNrwFnVL93CQthvCyVBoDTAXfqzUN5gJFI3tCNvO-ie9-60/s320/untitled.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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Speaking of stitches, is this not the MOST adorable Halloween necklace ever??? It's made by Kerri, at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WeirdlyCute">Weirdly Cute and Unique Jewelry</a>. Not surprisingly, she's closed up shop to fill her orders right now. I really think Augie needs one. He wants to be a zombie for Halloween this year.<br />
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Are you making any Halloween costumes this year? I have one request… Augie wants to be a cute zombie..who carries a cute zombie, which I am knitting. By the way, when did zombies get to be cute?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyYHPxNTjvT6IR8Qvy3vv6KqGdsY7dxXorTgpXEESC8PjyDZfYIAqYh4MBVGJVMzGtsSA5FEC2fk5K5LaFTMXhbuzFU7nn2d3nc1pPqcdn1MibzK1L9Lyl5yTcY7tenDn-OsShyG5czo/s1600/zombie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyYHPxNTjvT6IR8Qvy3vv6KqGdsY7dxXorTgpXEESC8PjyDZfYIAqYh4MBVGJVMzGtsSA5FEC2fk5K5LaFTMXhbuzFU7nn2d3nc1pPqcdn1MibzK1L9Lyl5yTcY7tenDn-OsShyG5czo/s400/zombie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I made another in the hobo bag series, inspired by my girls... The Amelia Bag. Here's a peek:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ978cqwfSeFw8o-RmfECnuS_xwJz5FhE4w_eZXLtMYfPogy1gK4b1gM7W4MZq_HkaWTJ3_gSrIHcsKyK2gMspi2KQWk2uXtRuh5XxUG0UCw5-vqm6Yhq-hwH2zjjQ0N-g22jPAWBIw5c/s1600/amelia+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ978cqwfSeFw8o-RmfECnuS_xwJz5FhE4w_eZXLtMYfPogy1gK4b1gM7W4MZq_HkaWTJ3_gSrIHcsKyK2gMspi2KQWk2uXtRuh5XxUG0UCw5-vqm6Yhq-hwH2zjjQ0N-g22jPAWBIw5c/s640/amelia+bag.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's to an inspiring, productive and relaxing weekend ahead! I hope you find special moments in your day!</div>
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Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-28457116027738466332013-10-22T04:00:00.000-07:002013-10-22T05:29:34.291-07:00it's a cardi, it's a jacket...It's that time of year, and layering is a necessity. Yeah, there's a chill in the air. Finally. But pretty much, I always wear a layering piece. I jacket, a sweater, a shirt...over something. So this week I got busy with some wardrobe builders. I've been imagining a cardigan, which is also a jacket. Which has faux leather. It's got a drapey front, it's comfy knit, and can be worn in a variety of ways.<br />
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The mixed textile trend is still hot. And who doesn't love a little mixed textile trend in a jacket? Like a mad chemist, I gathered my materials.<br />
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I had some faux leather...which is drapey.<br />
I had some soft, lightweight ponte knit. Which is drapey.<br />
I had a few patterns. But none of them really worked on their own. So I tied combining them, and it wasn't coming together. So finally, I ditched the patterns altogether Trying it on, adjusting here and there. It's a good thing I started with something very over-sized! I just did my own thing.<br />
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With these happy results:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBSKFs2FX3f-695qViqmkXy3fAcjqumPKPvRd59u8S6k6LrkNcU8Rj7owvXFpqKfXJzY0ep43uzcZF5BQfuAw300AwuLpSAVyXVCbpqHymp4ClAC2lDesqzzZ9VLliWU0R0Sf2bep1s4/s1600/jacket+and+jeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBSKFs2FX3f-695qViqmkXy3fAcjqumPKPvRd59u8S6k6LrkNcU8Rj7owvXFpqKfXJzY0ep43uzcZF5BQfuAw300AwuLpSAVyXVCbpqHymp4ClAC2lDesqzzZ9VLliWU0R0Sf2bep1s4/s640/jacket+and+jeans.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I can wear it open...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjeW2w0AbrKympnNEcYktEQWmIAWgkdB_gvVpStPaYR0FUldtl-u3wYTJcNUE1o3zBwz35TMC5PLv0AeGc_CWU8n8ek0N2x-IAk4UJmWJyewtaWNMacjSQf_C1Stinfchx7fXmotSVbk/s1600/IMG_8796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjeW2w0AbrKympnNEcYktEQWmIAWgkdB_gvVpStPaYR0FUldtl-u3wYTJcNUE1o3zBwz35TMC5PLv0AeGc_CWU8n8ek0N2x-IAk4UJmWJyewtaWNMacjSQf_C1Stinfchx7fXmotSVbk/s400/IMG_8796.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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or with the help of a hidden hook and eye,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismIG_L3gNDvBrjCppFTfa0RVgPQq2Z6LLdNEFNnVYBQL142xecuUEzJhipMq1Io-pozFcH0SilHX6oL56RnH_2dgWYuxgeWnZfp5OkWSEtf9HH7pA5iCqN-MXoTm5arWl6v2QxPm4yIE/s1600/jacket+closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismIG_L3gNDvBrjCppFTfa0RVgPQq2Z6LLdNEFNnVYBQL142xecuUEzJhipMq1Io-pozFcH0SilHX6oL56RnH_2dgWYuxgeWnZfp5OkWSEtf9HH7pA5iCqN-MXoTm5arWl6v2QxPm4yIE/s400/jacket+closed.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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closed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLKRvE5wIYrm1_Q6HtD7eYj8XzOJi2acNdFs7bRHczJYOaiVSZ1LJycFoBFWe8U5luTdByQScxjaqkXzXd_YbhLEzd0FpmMFZJ8KWtIP9oLM2UgsmGoX3NkcPoOTR1mOL2PFg1kd8VMs/s1600/image+(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLKRvE5wIYrm1_Q6HtD7eYj8XzOJi2acNdFs7bRHczJYOaiVSZ1LJycFoBFWe8U5luTdByQScxjaqkXzXd_YbhLEzd0FpmMFZJ8KWtIP9oLM2UgsmGoX3NkcPoOTR1mOL2PFg1kd8VMs/s640/image+(9).jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
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So, now I think I'm ready to tackle some actual fitted patterns. A sheath, a jacket, a shift... here I go!</div>
<br />Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-2783832960523212002013-10-18T04:00:00.000-07:002013-10-18T11:07:10.618-07:00i wore track pants and a sweatshirt to a dinner event!!!Well, I started out thinking this would be a great weekend look.<br />
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Which it is.<br />
But then I had a dinner function to attend, which, while not at a church, requested a "Sunday attire" dress code. So, I thought, why not? (At my church, pretty much anything goes as long you are respectably covered in the important places)<br />
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I am about crazy for these luxe sweatshirts... how they can be dressed up or down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fd11mWZ8tMqeZ86p-DJOu4RxPgPrvmM_bLHGb3A1swyFi3tEZ5CIYts2rP9_Dn8dStcPNzuWubMWtiAXLcqiCYIOg-6vgDxmhMtiStrMeM-yWNlGH24U16kJwZiUXyEZsaJHXcgAC0E/s1600/image+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fd11mWZ8tMqeZ86p-DJOu4RxPgPrvmM_bLHGb3A1swyFi3tEZ5CIYts2rP9_Dn8dStcPNzuWubMWtiAXLcqiCYIOg-6vgDxmhMtiStrMeM-yWNlGH24U16kJwZiUXyEZsaJHXcgAC0E/s640/image+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this time, I paired the sweatshirt with some track pants made from <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8909-products-46650.php?page_id=264">Vogue 8909</a>. With modifications, of course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3qB3M8UY5046vQNwAOPc8AIXGrg5NHeJEWXVeyMZ1tkVp0RbC6ncDIaz8XZ1BJTGgfgwioq8AWv7IOiLV0TV9tq-DgdS23GUJKHuezHEEtlmpQwYTFRwBV_VI7Ol2ILXq3yEubDq8wE/s1600/image+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3qB3M8UY5046vQNwAOPc8AIXGrg5NHeJEWXVeyMZ1tkVp0RbC6ncDIaz8XZ1BJTGgfgwioq8AWv7IOiLV0TV9tq-DgdS23GUJKHuezHEEtlmpQwYTFRwBV_VI7Ol2ILXq3yEubDq8wE/s640/image+(2).jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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I cut the size small, using gray ponte knit. I eliminated the pockets and the front fly. So what we end up with is a pretty simple pair of pull on pants with no fuss no muss. </div>
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With some jewels and crazy fun heels, it makes a pretty decent fundraising dinner outfit! I wore the pants at a more appropriate ankle length instead of jushing them up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CSUkBLnGRZ0Ne89CeETszqVl68msglF30hSoUN_ZQmOGLe8KABCBzD9Ye7buvpd2-rvgDQPRaGI06V7HNQkSEVjEazkVNeTL4vGGBA4Hw0avzVbO13FNQoVkb8yraP6cvhqS4jpESs0/s1600/image+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CSUkBLnGRZ0Ne89CeETszqVl68msglF30hSoUN_ZQmOGLe8KABCBzD9Ye7buvpd2-rvgDQPRaGI06V7HNQkSEVjEazkVNeTL4vGGBA4Hw0avzVbO13FNQoVkb8yraP6cvhqS4jpESs0/s640/image+(3).jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
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No one rolled their eyes at me, so I think it was okay.</div>
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Must. Make. More.</div>
Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-8004672481882469642013-10-10T04:00:00.000-07:002013-10-10T08:07:53.856-07:00the luxe life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was watching a program the other night, sort of like the old "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" but a more modern, and even more decadent version.<br />
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It was slightly uncomfortable watching the abandon at which millions of dollars are spent on the luxuries of life. And while I do dream of the big lottery win ( and I <i>never</i> play the lottery) I do have to wonder what it would be like to have a closet that's as big as my house.<br />
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And then I wonder if these women, who can have anything they want any time they want somehow miss out on the anticipation of saving for a special item, or the thrill of finding an amazing skirt at a thrift store. Or the joy in creating a thousand dollar look for under fifty bucks.<br />
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I recognize that it's all relative...depending on your budget, your desires and your abilities, but geesh...when I see the price of some of the designer luxe sweatshirts out there, it's almost perplexing! <br />
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They are a hot trend and a very cool look. They are everywhere from designer to budget store prices.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wkVo9m6GsGCJBw4fPWgu-2nH6l5OQW-3_jNzcJ2ibPGfwwRpZvQnMTu_RzTRyASQqW3CfcYKJz_6vw7jZSqp28ytnoACesvPRT2QlwIR00xJPBLWqyHeV0tbrCR6TvZAE36Ahq_jwlM/s1600/hbz-fashion-week-091112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wkVo9m6GsGCJBw4fPWgu-2nH6l5OQW-3_jNzcJ2ibPGfwwRpZvQnMTu_RzTRyASQqW3CfcYKJz_6vw7jZSqp28ytnoACesvPRT2QlwIR00xJPBLWqyHeV0tbrCR6TvZAE36Ahq_jwlM/s640/hbz-fashion-week-091112.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/bazaar-blog/three-is-a-trend-sweatshirts-091212">from harper's bazaar</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uQTsJch5enxCPQkbJVhy2qQNWnUPO4MpDLyiKaxiMerqM5TXEAN9voXDBhEpd1VYIY7lNI03tH0KfM0ygInVW7DmXo1O8wDGW7X84Prxcign8jpQJbA_DyLrjwzL702pdETo0Rl7jVM/s1600/AA+-+Sweatshirt+Dressing+-+Luxe+Sport.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uQTsJch5enxCPQkbJVhy2qQNWnUPO4MpDLyiKaxiMerqM5TXEAN9voXDBhEpd1VYIY7lNI03tH0KfM0ygInVW7DmXo1O8wDGW7X84Prxcign8jpQJbA_DyLrjwzL702pdETo0Rl7jVM/s640/AA+-+Sweatshirt+Dressing+-+Luxe+Sport.webp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://contributors.luckymag.com/post/sweatshirt-dressing-luxe-sport-saks-fifth-avenue">from lucky magazine</a><br />
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I was All Over this one...how much fun to make a sweatshirt that you can wear to work?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AvQf7wxiGyxFk_EIeIuFypBtpE8q9TU7bH2FuYqgR_S6Q0aBDAV222HqMCKCbNlBJFCKrRp_FwVj7r9zDi9tqbGwEExI1nw1V0pPW04PYLRlnusaMnJMyEdww0BUDJBwtNYrPdhs_qA/s1600/IMG_2472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AvQf7wxiGyxFk_EIeIuFypBtpE8q9TU7bH2FuYqgR_S6Q0aBDAV222HqMCKCbNlBJFCKrRp_FwVj7r9zDi9tqbGwEExI1nw1V0pPW04PYLRlnusaMnJMyEdww0BUDJBwtNYrPdhs_qA/s640/IMG_2472.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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I used a combination of about three different patterns, and ultimately ended up with something self-drafted! I couldn't even tell you which patterns were used.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bTfBv7j1l5-RuSYrdCzd6ZAOc0HCXm0o1_m3TamjxzCUgN7Qxb5OujQEm3zjDnG3kCIjQ0RaifjXTxdd_SD0zL4eU5V2CPL2Zlc2hNWKGleDvfWs9l_MOTsBcBxGltopyMUbO_IPliA/s1600/IMG_4330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bTfBv7j1l5-RuSYrdCzd6ZAOc0HCXm0o1_m3TamjxzCUgN7Qxb5OujQEm3zjDnG3kCIjQ0RaifjXTxdd_SD0zL4eU5V2CPL2Zlc2hNWKGleDvfWs9l_MOTsBcBxGltopyMUbO_IPliA/s400/IMG_4330.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
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The sleeves are a cotton interlock, and the front and back are cut from a polyester silky print from Joann's. The necklace is a vintage piece from my mother-in-laws jewelry chest. </div>
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I can think of about a hundred different ideas for making this trend... for work, for weekend. And I love it. I'm digging through my fabric stash to see just what I can use to make a few more!</div>
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<br />Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-16655488742070873512013-10-08T04:00:00.000-07:002013-10-08T05:42:25.217-07:00thrifting for current trendsIf you think that you can't find current trends at the local thrift store, I say...nonsense! I know thrifting can sometimes land you a big fat zero, but then there are other weeks where it's a jackpot.<br />
What do I do?<br />
I frequent my favorite spots several times a week...usually during my lunch break. When you walk into a thrift store, all of those racks and racks of stuff can be a little overwhelming...Where do you start? What do you look for?<br />
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I always keep in mind color or textile that I want. Usually based on what's trending in fashion. I don't mind dropping a twenty dollar bill for the latest runway mania, which I know will last only a season or two at most. It enables me to have some fun with the trend without a major impact on my clothing budget. Or sewing time.<br />
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For example, the last few weeks, I walked into the thrift store thinking COLOR and TEXTURE and PATTERN:<br />
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Gray, oxblood, leather, lace, menswear (plaid, jacquard)<br />
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This helps me to tune out all the other stuff. And it really does keep me focused. When I'm scanning through racks of crap, lace and oxblood really stand out if that's what I'm looking for.<br />
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So, some of my favorite recent finds…<br />
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These menswear slim plaid pants with a slouchy gray/beige sweater<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB221-QEQ9RQ6mPGORVQqPjnpYbfSW-cqzcihL_pi_cAEGH584FMnUV4Dka67YVuiS75fMtBvRqOJHOWtuCcnXMMwRDLQR1bHPLGCW5dCXaxioln9OC9TUGQLKZPecVtROcH1WWCjiNzk/s1600/IMG_6270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB221-QEQ9RQ6mPGORVQqPjnpYbfSW-cqzcihL_pi_cAEGH584FMnUV4Dka67YVuiS75fMtBvRqOJHOWtuCcnXMMwRDLQR1bHPLGCW5dCXaxioln9OC9TUGQLKZPecVtROcH1WWCjiNzk/s640/IMG_6270.JPG" width="284" /></a></div>
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This gray cardigan which I embellished with a wide sequin trim that I purchased at the fabric store (<a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/379768?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-QFGLnEolOWg-_-Custom-_-LinkBuilder&siteID=QFGLnEolOWg-cEcJqkiSfR3.HNgordBCJg">a la marc Jacobs</a>).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwa78B4bbIhTApKhk4yWT0ggJhi9nl_EMvHO6H9pAyMpyKDyKN2eLvi2bQ5_pX9WBddwQxWlB9UfUrCpjOYdUilcHv9GtgQe2M_CIukAh66P527iBTj8rTLIeSYudywgqPomgDbTE9lU/s1600/IMG_6288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwa78B4bbIhTApKhk4yWT0ggJhi9nl_EMvHO6H9pAyMpyKDyKN2eLvi2bQ5_pX9WBddwQxWlB9UfUrCpjOYdUilcHv9GtgQe2M_CIukAh66P527iBTj8rTLIeSYudywgqPomgDbTE9lU/s640/IMG_6288.JPG" width="355" /></a></div>
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A menswear print midi skirt<br />
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a fabulous burgundy lace skirt and moto jacket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd19M2dmnDVmF-51-8dB4-vDWw3pEgSOj7SZF3Ux31Ggyak-TmHZi56Z-nx6qTPdlXdmYLWQxZBtvZWaaBYCCRjJWvr1sFdFbQfxPXNbb38bLpQObnZzU41m8ZZljLTlkjh3KhjmIvPN4/s1600/IMG_6291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd19M2dmnDVmF-51-8dB4-vDWw3pEgSOj7SZF3Ux31Ggyak-TmHZi56Z-nx6qTPdlXdmYLWQxZBtvZWaaBYCCRjJWvr1sFdFbQfxPXNbb38bLpQObnZzU41m8ZZljLTlkjh3KhjmIvPN4/s640/IMG_6291.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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I also found a great vintage big coat . But I was loosing my light, so I'll have to share that later.<br />
Thrifting is such a blast...and you may be very, very surprised at what you will find.Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-51456328700977954292013-10-03T05:04:00.000-07:002013-10-03T07:04:52.325-07:00a hint of things to comeWell, here it is...another week later!<br />
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Something about the change of seasons gets me totally motivated to start sewing again. I have to confess, I've been in a sewing hole for nearly the entire summer, prompted by knee surgery, weight loss and the shop opening. But mostly the weight loss.<br />
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Now that I have that under control, I feel like I can start to look at new sizes and get with the program! A pile of projects awaits. But I have to confess, part of the delay in me getting on with them is a little bit of anxiety over the new size...and delving into fitting, new muslins, etc. I sort of feel like I'm starting over.<br />
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After a slew of hobo bags I designed and made to sell at a show,<br />
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And some major thrifting for interpreting the current trends:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM172QB1rDuOe37qPbBVEic3q2W89fWaQXhQ-l9XrBh2s7Vk2VcaL9o8oOvo1EEM6mo397pQM4sDPQHxdBiTMYhjRPUeiJWMiclcw7MT53I0_vlpiVJcCgtCuchxxNCOviamC-FPmd_0E/s1600/IMG_1009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM172QB1rDuOe37qPbBVEic3q2W89fWaQXhQ-l9XrBh2s7Vk2VcaL9o8oOvo1EEM6mo397pQM4sDPQHxdBiTMYhjRPUeiJWMiclcw7MT53I0_vlpiVJcCgtCuchxxNCOviamC-FPmd_0E/s640/IMG_1009.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I <i>finally </i>worked up a luxe sweatshirt for myself.<br />
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Lots of details to come!<br />
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Until then, we're off for a weekend in the mountains to sleep in a tent and have some chipmunk and raccoon encounters!Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-67552247045665772342013-09-25T04:59:00.000-07:002013-09-25T12:04:32.601-07:00bad blogger, baaaaaadddd bad blogger<span style="font-size: large;">But let me entice you back to reading with some adorable cuteness .</span><br />
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I have had a list a mile long of sewing for other people...and it's mostly for little girls.<br />
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Sofia had her fourth birthday and she requested purple for a fall jacket. And so purple it was.<br />
The jacket is purple twill bottomweight and I fully lined it with a pretty purple plaid flannel. I used a few different parts of a few different patterns, and then added a few more custom touches like that button tab at the back. Sof went on a date with Papa and I to a football game so she wore it for the first time that night. It's adorable<br />
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And so is Sof. She is everyone's favorite girl in our family...we love her to pieces and find her to be the most charming, intelligent, sassy, stylish and interesting young lady. She's proud as can be to be four and has just started ballet lessons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3X0IlQaHvaKKDQeyZgXIhg95ntcedDKNXYRe9FkuecwKMcpMkTBD_9s0eWsxsz_PJ8-1cBkcjcci6QYS_bcww5LEJ6fbLsiSLQ6C574hOYbJlcFu0RlSBNvXKh2Xd3CQpgKa58AKsYqg/s1600/sofia+coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3X0IlQaHvaKKDQeyZgXIhg95ntcedDKNXYRe9FkuecwKMcpMkTBD_9s0eWsxsz_PJ8-1cBkcjcci6QYS_bcww5LEJ6fbLsiSLQ6C574hOYbJlcFu0RlSBNvXKh2Xd3CQpgKa58AKsYqg/s640/sofia+coat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I remember when her mom was four and started her first dance classes. Being Kate, of course she chose tap classes. When we got home after buying her tap shoes, she promptly put them on, pulled a dining room chair into the kitchen and climbed up to tap, tap, tap those shoes. One of those moments I'll never forget. I think she was more excited about the noise they made than actually going to the classes!<br />
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Next in line was an oldest daughter birthday dress. Meghan requested a vintage sheet dress, and so she got it. We have a few more alterations to make, but I'm sure it's going to be beautiful on her.<br />
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And then came two commissioned dresses for some other girls I know. You are not going to believe this, but <i>those</i> little girls requested purple, too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MzTdDZy2RKmnR4gGRtvBUCdKzw-_5ck0KKjjLUQb623qsGz1JpNHFwMffznEqwCt9ZvqaMEZD8VFUzvWLbM27RbLoiFllPiCSzpgMGNjv_v1qC-CHNqU29UDIxNwT9WmqmnHDRJmji4/s1600/maddie+and+doll+%232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MzTdDZy2RKmnR4gGRtvBUCdKzw-_5ck0KKjjLUQb623qsGz1JpNHFwMffznEqwCt9ZvqaMEZD8VFUzvWLbM27RbLoiFllPiCSzpgMGNjv_v1qC-CHNqU29UDIxNwT9WmqmnHDRJmji4/s640/maddie+and+doll+%232.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is Maddie and her brand new American Girl doll. I got to meet her when she was in our area visiting her grandmother. Maddie had Very Specific instructions for the type of dress that she wanted. So I took notes, and made sketches with her, and to my delight, when she got her dresses in the mail, she was speechless...so says her grandma. She immediately put those dresses on for a photo shoot, and then, requested to wear her dress for school pictures, and well, as I hear, Maddie wants to wear that dress All The Time!</div>
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My friend Jenna had a special request. Her daughter was asked to be in a wedding and they couldn't find a dress in the right color and style that Kyndal wanted. So again, we did some measuring and sketching and web searching to find the dress that Kyndal wanted to wear. </div>
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I actually made a pattern, made a muslin, did some fittings and this is the result:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1kTD7XJwCA7vTvpAepn7_Qt-ck7jMJI0dUiR6b0Z4JXiHW92ytflbUpjNNSy1gk8UVS2u72xK_mYHM5Bd7HG90MZ8z-fs-Lf6yzLZWwemNvWk1zBw89a5P53QnrLJZfRWc-HiVfjGMo/s1600/kendyl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1kTD7XJwCA7vTvpAepn7_Qt-ck7jMJI0dUiR6b0Z4JXiHW92ytflbUpjNNSy1gk8UVS2u72xK_mYHM5Bd7HG90MZ8z-fs-Lf6yzLZWwemNvWk1zBw89a5P53QnrLJZfRWc-HiVfjGMo/s640/kendyl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She's pretty cute, and excited about the wedding. And she tells me that her dress will also be worn by her at the Dove Awards in a few weeks....</div>
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I just told her that if anyone approaches her on the red carpet and wants to know who she's wearing, she better tell them it's a one of a kind custom dress by Lynne. And pass out my business cards, please.</div>
<br />Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-50089566312348957562013-09-06T04:00:00.000-07:002013-09-06T12:38:06.990-07:00why I haven't been sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because I've been watching a dream unfold!</div>
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I have always dreamed of a life that involved allowing my creativity to go wild.<br />
To sew and decorate and knit and paint and create to my heart’s content.<br />
To offer the fruit of my labor and creativity to others who "get it."<br />
To inspire others to do the same.<br />
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This little dream of mine became a reality in July. With an equally excited business person, we drafted a collaboration of our aesthetic and passion for re-style and re-purpose. She believed in the same things, as is evident by her vintage clothing store and her salon. Everything began to fall into place when I let go and took the risk. JR has been self-employed his whole life, so to him, believing in a business is not as much a dream as it is an expectation. For me, that risk involves putting my heart and soul and thoughts and dreams out there and hoping people with like it….and then not taking it personally when they don’t.<br />
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A phone-call came from our partner Yvonne that she was offered a store front space on main street in a small town where we raised our families…a small town that is on the cusp of revival…breaking out of the “mall” lifestyle and embracing local businesses. We had to prepare the store and make it work in six weeks.<br />
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We started with this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzfvhq2e1wCi56uz45jZ9jFKadZkmx8jcEw4rvwy0KcSqAXhTcg_3nOg6TX56zFlhKqOSU5jCLwIC1Ke-O3MacBTnFyby1Y5fvwHQ6KULPAOymzBxFrfhomZvb1-YP5k4BcS8Odi5xdU/s1600/IMG_9871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzfvhq2e1wCi56uz45jZ9jFKadZkmx8jcEw4rvwy0KcSqAXhTcg_3nOg6TX56zFlhKqOSU5jCLwIC1Ke-O3MacBTnFyby1Y5fvwHQ6KULPAOymzBxFrfhomZvb1-YP5k4BcS8Odi5xdU/s320/IMG_9871.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUNNk1ye33dWnJrlNnxxJLAL6GUEfwB2d4bEqEzXA0ZR0TtYp7GWSWklTKVZYTqa57eaAdKSmsFHM_K9qMIWyEvWTUNDwZEbV11ioR72XNCjgWNnddF80lRXw4igHtJJQPPN9cwYjkZ4/s1600/IMG_5775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUNNk1ye33dWnJrlNnxxJLAL6GUEfwB2d4bEqEzXA0ZR0TtYp7GWSWklTKVZYTqa57eaAdKSmsFHM_K9qMIWyEvWTUNDwZEbV11ioR72XNCjgWNnddF80lRXw4igHtJJQPPN9cwYjkZ4/s320/IMG_5775.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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With the encouragement and support of our kids, Yvonne, her husband Jason, JR and I set about to make the space fit for our dream. Somehow, in six weeks’ time, even though we all worked other jobs, we were ready for business. I don’t know how it happened, but that’s the way a dream goes sometimes. You just wake up and realize that an entire scenario unfolded while you were asleep. Sort of like Christmas morning…you know you've worked your butt off, but somehow, it still seems like it really was Santa Claus that prepared and placed all those gifts under the tree!<br />
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I’m excited. I can’t turn it off. Every moment brings new inspiration and ideas. It’s not a bad place to be!
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I heart ellen j goods! </div>
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Find us on Facebook, and watch for an Etsy store coming soon!</div>
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Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-46982517550310610722013-09-04T04:22:00.000-07:002013-09-04T07:22:28.954-07:00back from the wilderness!Thanks for your response to the Special Sewing Swap! I'm going to get in touch with each of you very soon to get this thing rolling. Promise, it will be fun if everyone wants to play according to some guidelines!<br />
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Well, we just got back from another little get away...in a tent, in the woods, in the mountains.<br />
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And, yes, it was great. We didn't kill each other setting up, and despite the rain one day, we had some beautiful nights and some good hiking. <br />
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And some good cooking.</div>
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JR and I don't need much....just some time to hang out together. We've found that camping is one way to just BE ..to be somewhat disconnected from our normal life, to be together, to be relaxed.<br />
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I know there are a hundred and one ways to achieve the same result, but for us, there is something about getting remote and having only each other that keeps us grounded in our relationship and thankful for all that we have together.<br />
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<br />Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-36974809673815800512013-08-26T04:50:00.000-07:002013-08-26T08:51:24.227-07:00Being Bossed Around got me thinking of a Special Sewing Swap... I've always loved surprises in the mail, and I've always loved to give surprises. Back before "Wonderfully Made" was this blog, it was, for many years, another blog, called <a href="http://iwasknittogetherinmymotherswomb.typepad.com/">"iwasknittogetherinmymother'swomb.typepad.com</a>." It's still living, and you can check out those blog posts, too. Anyway, with a passion for blogging and surprises, while I was writing that blog, I also hosted some pretty awesome swaps. They were more selective in their membership with people that had a true passion for quality swapping and a willingness to commit to that endeavor. A few of my favorite swaps? The Halloween Sock Swap. And The Special Swap, which really was a special swap in which I called a theme every other month and we put together a package around that theme (it involved knitting, of course). I paired up the participants and let them run with it. They were great swaps and we always had a group of people that did indeed make them special.<br />
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<a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com/p/the-sew-bossy-initiative.html">The Sew Bossy Initiativ</a>e is a swap, of sorts. And I was sucked right in. My first Boss Around was from <a href="http://www.luxperdiem.com/lifestyle/2013/8/16/sew-bossy-part-two">Paige at Lux per Diem</a>. I sent her a vintage style pattern and Hawaiin print and some other goodies, and she sent me this pretty floral and an OOP Laura Ashley pattern, and all the notions to go with.<br />
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I haven't gotten to that project yet, but it's on the top of my pile after a junior bridesmaid's dress is completed. I am already thinking of ways to make that dress my own, and want to get it made so I can enjoy it during the late summer/early fall.<br />
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Well, then my buddy <a href="http://girlsinthegarden.blogspot.com/">Lori</a> expressed an interest, and she and I agreed to a Sew Bossy Swap. I got her package last week, and it included a fabulous graphic silky print and a pattern that I probably would have never even given a second look. But that's the idea...she gets to boss me around! So, this tunic is under Paige's dress in my project pile. I keep thinking of it with leggings and boots for fall.<br />
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Anyway, back to the swap thing...I've really been thinking about seeing if there is any interest out there to do a Special Sewing Swap? I would call a theme, we'd have a budget and I promise, it would be a blast. If you love getting surprises in the mail and love to gift others, and you love to sew and are interested in playing along, I'd like to know what you think.<br />
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Leave a comment expressing your interest, if you are a blogger, and let's see what happens!Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-74489329435197676412013-08-22T04:24:00.000-07:002013-08-22T07:25:01.678-07:00fall inspirationOh no! How did it get to be almost September???? I was browsing around the fabric store yesterday during lunch and yes, I have the fall fashion bug. Yes I do. All I have to do is see the new Cabi fall line and see all that fabric, and see some of my favorite runway looks and fall trend articles and see all that fabric, and I'm ready to roll.<br />
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So what is inspiring me these days?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cabionline.com/blog/">cabi owens jacket</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nIJA6xe-FWr8lQUHXfkTYaMbkacblpbL4vtCOhaBJ-03gTpm7ZKA0eYdHHRuDfdP4Ig-h0CLGPVPjlvhyG4F3zVHUEWnAvScEqrBE-BqmRBYVb-27oG6JW4a_kOBfJcHtNdr-kEBzg4/s1600/ttCA6KS7UX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nIJA6xe-FWr8lQUHXfkTYaMbkacblpbL4vtCOhaBJ-03gTpm7ZKA0eYdHHRuDfdP4Ig-h0CLGPVPjlvhyG4F3zVHUEWnAvScEqrBE-BqmRBYVb-27oG6JW4a_kOBfJcHtNdr-kEBzg4/s400/ttCA6KS7UX.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cabionline.com/blog/">cabi grid vest</a></td></tr>
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plaid. and faux leather</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4lKbHqOHWQlHfvtPHwcYu5-Zr3-5HM71jd_41YGGQ1frdU2y-OAGeDZydA7JiySYpWhs2M7FECW1tUcWBdJ7mlcD9Hld1MQlBwlTrpBgmht_U9Ay3usra1kE7UOvXQHZU_2zBHp5aEA/s1600/xprd12524799_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4lKbHqOHWQlHfvtPHwcYu5-Zr3-5HM71jd_41YGGQ1frdU2y-OAGeDZydA7JiySYpWhs2M7FECW1tUcWBdJ7mlcD9Hld1MQlBwlTrpBgmht_U9Ay3usra1kE7UOvXQHZU_2zBHp5aEA/s1600/xprd12524799_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.joann.com/eclectic-voyager-fabric-animal-wine-gold-foil-alova/zprd_12524799a/">eclectic voyager at joann's</a></td></tr>
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oxblood and faux animal</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsF2jMcJjbP9f-8JpyGUgaK6YRGxzfSK0lS7EgGN5KNLgmsizZJwjlfr59aIitUCOFcOXf_IThw_TN6VjJ7QlDm6QAC2DFeNzzKFGjMH32_O_OATgynL9kSoT8NNygk0OP5jSBE13U18/s1600/Watanabe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsF2jMcJjbP9f-8JpyGUgaK6YRGxzfSK0lS7EgGN5KNLgmsizZJwjlfr59aIitUCOFcOXf_IThw_TN6VjJ7QlDm6QAC2DFeNzzKFGjMH32_O_OATgynL9kSoT8NNygk0OP5jSBE13U18/s400/Watanabe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Designers/Junya_Watanabe/All?level3Filter=&pn=1&viewall=off&image_view=product&dScroll=0">junya watanabe</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy8dddaX9L_cvxeGKfS_RsFNYwLqhcoVISUZDoL8hKhTQMGsu7jWXZcgkGvAmuTV75YToM_4gubRG3jV4Q0SM48jQamckg9_43hSON7notQbvduaK4-pumVi9GEsAn6kuWlV3nQX9V3A/s1600/Pink-Tartan-Fall-2013-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy8dddaX9L_cvxeGKfS_RsFNYwLqhcoVISUZDoL8hKhTQMGsu7jWXZcgkGvAmuTV75YToM_4gubRG3jV4Q0SM48jQamckg9_43hSON7notQbvduaK4-pumVi9GEsAn6kuWlV3nQX9V3A/s640/Pink-Tartan-Fall-2013-01.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinktartan.com/">pink tartan</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBYs9JHNXfh1fVFvNQ85lcrgoomNXZsA9fY_aIa1-XUfGi_12c3gu86nCWQb487uUDwAYsR5hRH511wMt8LdceFRiMJmX0KXqWWUH82nY8IWNQr_5Tc-4Tr5ZKzZgrZfkCHgPKIgHO-o/s1600/rbk-fashion-week-fall-trends-print-mixing-tracy-reese-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBYs9JHNXfh1fVFvNQ85lcrgoomNXZsA9fY_aIa1-XUfGi_12c3gu86nCWQb487uUDwAYsR5hRH511wMt8LdceFRiMJmX0KXqWWUH82nY8IWNQr_5Tc-4Tr5ZKzZgrZfkCHgPKIgHO-o/s640/rbk-fashion-week-fall-trends-print-mixing-tracy-reese-lgn.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tracyreese.com/new-arrivals/dresses?limit=all">tracy reese</a></td></tr>
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moto and print mixing and film noir and the whole opposites attracts thing is just getting me excited!</div>
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what's getting you excited about fall fashion?</div>
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Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-5083128447936707522013-08-14T07:14:00.000-07:002013-08-14T12:15:27.312-07:00a coat that is stuck in my brain, and thrifting during weight loss I am in love with this<a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/long-military-coat-082013?utm_source=burdastyle&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=bsawnl081313-militarycoatpic"> coat.</a><br />
And, of course, it's Burda, and it's a pdf pattern. AND I have to make it. So, now that I'm obsessed, I'm wondering if there is a big 4 pattern out that that can be modified.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1JIRWtdfiWVaupliQQoT90ESQAPROuPdtPqCnSPHydsRSmjcmHDUyV4Z7zpif4WAG8zzE-L8SZtx_TGFJBGSpbUrnasVC4m9ELKOjxtdgR17Y1EpNOHNE1UdOcqTFGE9jx6IyFHL0d0/s1600/102_0813_B_2_military_coat_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1JIRWtdfiWVaupliQQoT90ESQAPROuPdtPqCnSPHydsRSmjcmHDUyV4Z7zpif4WAG8zzE-L8SZtx_TGFJBGSpbUrnasVC4m9ELKOjxtdgR17Y1EpNOHNE1UdOcqTFGE9jx6IyFHL0d0/s400/102_0813_B_2_military_coat_large.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Any ideas? Let's make this coat from pre-printed patterns!!!!!<br />
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I still haven't been doing any sewing for myself. With three commission jobs and a few birthday projects, I've pretty much been keeping busy when we're not setting up our shop. And working full time! So, to get me through the weight loss transition, I've been thrifting again....which I TOTALLY love to do. One of my favorite spots has been <a href="http://www.clothesmentor.com/">Clothes Mentor</a>. I'm able to find something every time I go there, and can get some nice brand names that I otherwise wouldn't buy. It's clean, organized and has more current styles from the last year or so.</div>
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This dress is a <a href="http://www.bananarepublic.com/products/wrap-dress.jsp">Banana Republic</a> knit wrap dress. Their wrap dresses are available online from the sale price of $79 up to $130.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDK4LBxNQmnEtLAYsbWlYf0-3yP0QLjtaXbwQZF4NaX-J2SudBFzF8GdwiR9MRoAIGQpwdfiQ4OR_QcwTHRLM38_x9vChDUQY4H5GjNw2-xjkq_6zZyqy8vhqnuk-GQtGnJviHO12tvc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDK4LBxNQmnEtLAYsbWlYf0-3yP0QLjtaXbwQZF4NaX-J2SudBFzF8GdwiR9MRoAIGQpwdfiQ4OR_QcwTHRLM38_x9vChDUQY4H5GjNw2-xjkq_6zZyqy8vhqnuk-GQtGnJviHO12tvc/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now this is just me, but I would never walk into a Banana Republic store and buy this dress. I wouldn't buy it online, either. But I <i>would pay </i>$18 for this dress and give it more life. How do I decide what to purchase at re-sale? It has to be a classic style that can transition a few seasons. This dress is a classic style that can transition a few seasons, and also fits with my desire to buy less fast fashion off the rack. </div>
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Can't you just see this with some boots and a cardigan, too?</div>
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Actually, thrifting/re-sale makes such good sense when you are in a weight transition.I often think it would also be fun to have a co-op of sorts where women that are going through the same thing can all swap and share clothes.</div>
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Promise, I'll share some shop photos soon...so you can see what's been keeping me from my sewing machine these days!</div>
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Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-62550205964194135282013-08-06T06:14:00.000-07:002013-08-06T13:13:25.979-07:00Back from vacation and a sporting a new Scout!Fresh back from the beautiful sandy, rainy, cold, cloudy rough shores of Lake Michigan, where we went for our annual getaway. We've been going for 17 years, and well, I guess a bad weather year from time to time is tolerable. I still love it there, and it's one of my favorite trips of all.<br />
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We spent most of the time just resting and relaxing, browsing our favorite shops and exploring a few new-to-us places along the way. Not much to report other than I feel refreshed and ready to dig into preparation for our shop opening August 15th. Which means lots of work still, but I'm pretty excited.<br />
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No, I'm <i>really</i> excited. My daughter and I had a talk about that yesterday, after she sensed that I was holding back a little on the excitement end of things. True, I said, and later, after lots of thinking about it, I discovered the pathology involved...The less I'm excited, the less I'll be disappointed. It's that old fear thing ...afraid of failure, risk and rejection. So. I'm making a conscious effort to face that crap straight in the face and allow myself to be vulnerable in this new venture. There.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv9rOV3x_-n3akbhvlm0zKqCY_xEuqJDS3bPo-9zFGctW15vH4aJl0XLc1kTghu6yhx3Zat_7NuUIzF3AV6biYQlB-LXZ1RcDiSxa0oCJwey1yHdutYMSrm2LGdJpP4kUEhoT1bAuvIk/s1600/Scout+Tee+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv9rOV3x_-n3akbhvlm0zKqCY_xEuqJDS3bPo-9zFGctW15vH4aJl0XLc1kTghu6yhx3Zat_7NuUIzF3AV6biYQlB-LXZ1RcDiSxa0oCJwey1yHdutYMSrm2LGdJpP4kUEhoT1bAuvIk/s640/Scout+Tee+014.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
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Just before I left for Michigan, I had time to squeeze in a little sewing time. And yup, I downloaded a pdf pattern file. I sure did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsKgyu8xRXpxd8DBvPG-rWido8C563I0MtEvw7_EfuRbjxZRonQ6kFoEeds6NUHShyphenhyphenMOeBYlZq1cukgGYkN-jk7j7Guq2YhsgAPAtWno00KCGgEIFb2b443tJYQCIo_DKNDFm0u5O6UA/s1600/IMG_1505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsKgyu8xRXpxd8DBvPG-rWido8C563I0MtEvw7_EfuRbjxZRonQ6kFoEeds6NUHShyphenhyphenMOeBYlZq1cukgGYkN-jk7j7Guq2YhsgAPAtWno00KCGgEIFb2b443tJYQCIo_DKNDFm0u5O6UA/s640/IMG_1505.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/product/scout-woven-tee">Grainline Studio Scout Woven Tee.</a> I printed and taped and measured and made. Which wasn't that much of an undertaking, really..I think it was only 19 pages! But an <i>easy</i> 19 pages to lay out and tape.<br />
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I cut the 16, only to realize I needed to go down a size. So I cut my top smaller, and then even took it in at the side seams a bit more. Scout has some generous ease....of course, my fabric choice may have contributed to the ease as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtPdsKCcPownrmKsFdlsMi55JNlXMnb3nmOrlYte-pi0-21OoeAENf4PL33rtEjiGdF36dWIHGsbNQTqtby70ydYewwyDEWsc-NLkqfDMFOKh0ZTGzzSdrqf4EJT7UIwimakOslol6sM/s1600/IMG_1507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtPdsKCcPownrmKsFdlsMi55JNlXMnb3nmOrlYte-pi0-21OoeAENf4PL33rtEjiGdF36dWIHGsbNQTqtby70ydYewwyDEWsc-NLkqfDMFOKh0ZTGzzSdrqf4EJT7UIwimakOslol6sM/s640/IMG_1507.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
I decided to do the front and sleeves in a poly silky fabric, which really feels like a silk scarf. The back is made from white cotton knit, which doesn't have much substance to it either (while having a knit on the back means I didn't have to fiddle with sizing <i>too</i> much, it means that it also contributed to the generous ease I mentioned above). The overall effect is that it feels like I'm not wearing Scout at all...as if it has floated right off me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAF_D_dM2BHaGdPTR4KGrIFhPpNVaOhqWM76MQHVRGFQ3p-uCCBmgbN0A4LijHO8j43D4giwDSy6-6zF5ZoQKqgw_Kh5eexCo4ctd9VEwOq0H83boNMR0h4nmbrIHPB9qHSv8fRIcnnA/s1600/Scout+Tee+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAF_D_dM2BHaGdPTR4KGrIFhPpNVaOhqWM76MQHVRGFQ3p-uCCBmgbN0A4LijHO8j43D4giwDSy6-6zF5ZoQKqgw_Kh5eexCo4ctd9VEwOq0H83boNMR0h4nmbrIHPB9qHSv8fRIcnnA/s640/Scout+Tee+013.jpg" width="620" /></a></div>
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This is a delightful little pattern. I am looking forward to making another one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexyoBeNSOx32624mA6iYaPoljg-UZEhi5vRUfas87tzHsh2hZHt-oeVBMgWhVJhYTl00yZz4MK2Zu8nTkp_MyEoqGFEMWeWihRzp_U_tzCu-V_sXfMYu2EopPXyvFB0IfC0wOEMEp6_0/s1600/Scout+Tee+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexyoBeNSOx32624mA6iYaPoljg-UZEhi5vRUfas87tzHsh2hZHt-oeVBMgWhVJhYTl00yZz4MK2Zu8nTkp_MyEoqGFEMWeWihRzp_U_tzCu-V_sXfMYu2EopPXyvFB0IfC0wOEMEp6_0/s1600/Scout+Tee+007.jpg" /></a></div>
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What a surprise to see that when I returned from vacation, my total weight loss was 22 pounds since the beginning of the year! Happy, Happy, Happy!!!!</div>
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<br />Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613411465030191477.post-81514985518155055292013-07-23T03:30:00.000-07:002013-07-23T12:53:51.974-07:00New Look 6025...a transitional top while I reach my New LookIn January, I had the good fortune to become a part of a fitness program through my insurance company. It was just the opportunity I was looking for...working with a personal trainer, and learning (re-learning) ways to adapt to a healthier lifestyle. I was motivated, ready to work and determined to be smart about my approach to fitness this time. More on that in a minute.<br />
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I've spent my life up and down the same twenty or more pounds. I feel great when I'm at a reasonable weight. I never know how to keep that great feeling. I've done it all...a three time lifetime member of Weight Watchers, and everything else under the sun.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgTldoQ5nusB9S0KjUuZDpZUGrQnqa-t_hUMpgdLnkjyvI4VY-ce-CCoFH-THKmNzUJRj2KscldiYACz1kcDPGPdrk0H2KXpaI7SYx09OOhmZSpk6hkslrTxxkiFAT_DMjpYXWjqhvZY/s1600/IMG_5861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><em><img bba="true" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgTldoQ5nusB9S0KjUuZDpZUGrQnqa-t_hUMpgdLnkjyvI4VY-ce-CCoFH-THKmNzUJRj2KscldiYACz1kcDPGPdrk0H2KXpaI7SYx09OOhmZSpk6hkslrTxxkiFAT_DMjpYXWjqhvZY/s400/IMG_5861.jpg" width="300" /></em></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://kwiksew.mccall.com/k0137-products-45765.php?page_id=3369">Kwik Sew 0137 Ellie Mae Design</a>....a round and chubby work in progress!</em></td></tr>
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<br />I was starting to feel defeated, thinking that turning 50 meant that my metabolism would forever be a roadblock to a healthy lifestyle. Turns out, my metabolism had nothing to do with me living a healthier lifestyle. Me sitting on the sofa, me eating whatever I wanted to eat whenever I wanted to eat it and me not exercising? That was my roadblock. It was ME. I was in my own way. And in January, I weighed more than I have in many, many years and I felt lousy, and I didn't like it.<br />
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Two weeks in to my training program, I injured my knee. For two months, I <em>continued </em>to go to that fitness program. For two months, I was limited in what I could do, but determined not to give up. I was given the use of a recumbent elliptical and a recumbent bike. While everyone else from my class was laughing it up while doing Zumba or group boot camp, I was on the recumbent elliptical. I went to the gym two other days a week, and while I couldn't do high impact, I could lift weights. And gently peddle that dang bike. Then my knee really gave up. The pain was pretty intense for a few days.<br />
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I had surgery within two weeks of diagnosis. And I could have very easily felt defeated again, but I went to therapy, followed directions, and slowly and wisely started to strengthen my legs and knee. Even though I was very limited physically, I did what I was told to do and my pt showed me ways that I could really get a good workout without having to run, jog or walk hard. And I was told my recovery was in the top five of over 300 knee surgeries they had re-habbed. Because I refused to give up.<br />
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I think the key this time around was being smart about setting goals. Far too many times, I've been gung ho with diet and exercise only to realize I set myself up for failure with unrealistic expectations to maintain a certain (too low) calorie count or too extreme workout schedule. It's easy to give up when you can't keep up.<br />
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So, I figured I could reasonably make time for three workouts a week. And I could substitute the things I love to eat with better for me food that I love to eat. Not having a cheeseburger and fries twice a week, but maybe once every two weeks. Dessert on weekends instead of twice a day! I've discovered that grain products really give me a hard time, so I've tried to be wise in eliminating them. Not completely, but very limited amounts.<br />
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I haven't been perfect at this and I don't expect to be. But I do feel my body changing, becoming stronger and feeling better physically and emotionally. No more acid reflux. No more heartburn. I stop and think. It's a slow and realistic approach. I don't weigh myself every day. Since January, even with a knee injury and eight weeks of PT, I've managed to loose almost 15 pounds! I have five more pounds to loose. And who knows if down the road, I will be in this very same position that I've been in countless times before? I'm hoping not, but I also know myself and what a struggle it can be.<br />
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So, this <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-5863-misses-tunic-or-tops.aspx">New Look</a> pattern has satisfied my sewing itch while I transition to my New Look. I cut view A, without the elastic casing at the waist. I shortened the sleeves, too. This top is made from a poly semi-sheer fabric from Joann's. It works for now. <br />
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My body is changing and I'm doing more altering of my clothes than sewing new things! For the first time in a looooonnnnngggg time, I've cut a smaller size!<br />
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I guess I tell this story to remind myself and to encourage others too, that even when you think you can't possibly do enough to overcome your weight struggle, you can do a little...a little at a time. And pretty soon, it becomes easier, and you realise that you can make a commitment to change one thing.Lynnebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09574595306598710412noreply@blogger.com22