I'm Done With Kwik Sew 2962

How many times have I sewed this pattern? Eight times? Nine? I've lost count, it's been so many. There was this black polka dot on pink number. Three different permutations of purple. That's four. Oh yes, another in fiery neon floral on a black background. Five. That brings me to the fraternal twins I labored to deliver these past few days. You've seen this, but not this one (see above). Oh, yes, there's still another that's lined, and ready for elastic. That is indeed eight, two fewer than the number of children in my family. Wow. To think that all but the latest three are the only ones still in existence is a shame. I'm just creating disposable suits. Perhaps that's why I'm not too keen on technique. I figure the bathing suit will be past its prime in a mere three months, so why worry if the zig-zag top-stitching looks like wayward railroad switching tracks on my bathing suit straps or matching stripes properly?

Even though I might feel like I'm a bit too carefree with my foot on the plastic pedal, I'm getting better making these suits. I still have to follow the instructions for inserting the crotch, but it's getting easier. I read the instructions a little more closely while I was stitching at Vogue Fabrics classroom yesterday afternoon ($5 for the day. What a steal!) and learned more about Kwik Sew 2962. Here were some things I noticed that might be helpful should you decide to try this pattern on for size.

• The Sewing Procedures are Helpful. Here it suggests using a size 12/80 ball-point sewing machine needle. What's Not in the Instructions: I just used one intended for stretch fabrics, but had it started skipping, I would have hustled my bustle to the cash register outside the classroom door and bought what I needed. (That's one of many reasons why it's great to use this classroom.)
  
• Top-stitching is a Science They Don't Teach You in School. Kwik Sew suggests using a medium zig-zag and a medium or slightly shorter stitch length. I dialed down both on the Viking 735, vastly improving the appearance of my stitching. You could top-stitch with twin needles, but can you believe I haven't done this before on any my bathing babies? I'm always, always afraid of breaking the needles. What's Not in the Instructions: Use matching thread if your stitching isn't always even.
  
• Seam Allowances are 1/4 -inch. Oops. I'm so used to 5/8-inch allowances, I just assume that Kwik Sew's are the same. No wonder my suits are a little bit snug, although the scant allowance might be helpful if you're using a serger and you make a mistake the first time down a seam. What's Not in the Instructions: If you're a little off, there's still plenty of ease; swimsuit jersey is a stretchy fabric after all.
  

I also noticed something else on the pattern too. Apparently lengthening the suit is a different ballgame from giving yourself what appears to be more room for the back-side. I cut for the latter, when I really need to add inches higher up on Front View A and Back View A for my long torso. Ah well. Next time. The suit still seems to fit ok. I don't get a wedgie, which has always been a problem with ready-to-wear. That alone makes sewing swimsuits so worthwhile.

Anyhow, I'm officially done with sewing swimwear. At least for a while. I was going to make some one-piece suits for my nieces with all my little bits of leftover fabric and elastic, but I'm tired of sewing what feels like miles of elastic; it's kind of long-distance driving on the same highway for hours and hours (Driving across on I-80 in Iowa comes to mind, circa 2006). Still it's nice knowing I've got a couple of options at the ready for my next water-aerobics adventure.

One final observation re assembly-line swimwear sewing. Don't worry about using not using elastic specifically made for swimming. This is actually hard to find in my neck of the Illinois woods. I'm usually too eager to get sewing to really care, so I just use the regular stuff. Your fabric is more likely to give out before your elastic will. How many of you sew your own swimsuits? What are your tricks to trade beyond not photographing yourself in the suit for all of the Internet to see (that would be my no. 1)?

Bathing Suit Finished...*

The bathing suit is finished, and with a little luck I might even wear it for today's deep-water aerobics at lunch-time. It's funny how even though I've finished what feels like my sixth or seventh suit, I feel like such a newbie. I still refer to the instructions, although I feel like I've got certain parts down pat, like sewing the crotch lining (which I love doing for some reason), other parts felt unfamiliar as the uncertain path I took to a party last night. I know Chicago's north side fairly well (like Kwik Sew 2962), but how just did I get lost when the city's streets are laid out on a grid (not unlike when I was cutting out View A's pattern pieces using the wrong lines)? I had to tape and recut to get the proper size.

Since View A is not a whole different from its sweet cousin B, I'm certain I'm ready for a new challenge. Lazy People's Swimwear Patterns (thank you, Melissa) looks tempting. What a great resource! The undies pattern has me thinking. Mac Berg, the resident sewing expert at Vogue Fabrics, loves to make silk panties. She just lays the pattern on the bias, cuts away. She says there's enough stretch to make it work. I just might have to try this for myself. If cotton is your friend during hot summer days, can you imagine what silk against your skin would feel like on those extra-humid days when nearly nothing feels comfortable? Silk, a completely natural fiber, would be your best best friend, the one you invite over to your house, time and time again.

Back to swimsuits, particularly View A. Here are some thoughts, in no particular order on this overcast Friday morning:

• Keep your hip size in mind when you pick a particular pattern since you need to be able to slip into your suit. You cannot pull this over your head, unless you plan on sewing snaps on. You can only imagine my delight at how easy it was to put on this suit. No wresting, tugging or funny little shimmies to get this one on! It makes me even more eager to get into the waters and exercise. If you have wide hips, you might want to rethink a racer-back style suit. It will be extremely difficult to get on. I still remember two years ago when I attempted to try on a Speedo at Dick's Sporting Goods. I abandoned it from the get-go in the dressing room even though I love this look. Sigh.

• The straps and arm scythes are extremely fitted. This isn't a good suit for someone who's serious about swimming. You will not be able to move your arms properly for to complete even half a butterfly stroke rotation. I also don't think this is the best pattern for someone who has muscular (or at least well-toned) arms. It will just feel too tight. I don't find it uncomfortable; it just feels constricting after wearing those racer-back suits that have straps closer to the collarbone. I'll wear this suit plenty since I'm just doing water aerobics, not laps in the six-lane pool.

• A regular-cut leg opening is not nearly flattering as a higher-cut one. I did the more modest cut, knowing full well it would draw more attention to my bottom half...and I sort of regret it. Next time, a higher cut, but not nearly as high as the ones you see on the "Baywatch" lifeguards.

• It's worth studying the pattern illustrations for a moment or two. I can see everything I've just written about if I study the sketch of the brunette in the fuchsia number on the Kwik Sew pattern envelope. There's the cleavage that had me concerned the other day, the close-fitted straps, even the different leg opening variations.

• Think about lining the entire suit. I know this has been covered here, but it's a topic well worth revisiting (at least for me) considering the fabric on my last suit fell apart so rapidly, I could have filmed the process and uploaded it to YouTube. Besides, I see lots of suits at the Y that look like they're of the birthday variety, if you know what I mean.

• Vary your routine even if it's ever so slightly. It's kind of like taking your favorite way from work all the time. It will get boring if you do it every day, five times a week. You might even fall asleep at the wheel. I've snoozed at the sewing machine, but I could see how doing the same pattern, stitching lines over and over just might make you blow your project. I'm contemplating testing out the Jalie suits or another Kwik Sew pattern next time, even though both are pricey at the check-out counter.

• Finally find fabric that's going to last. Kay (see the comments) suggested using 100 percent polyester if you want a suit that's going to last longer than summer. Which has me thinking that the box of what I firmly believed was nice swimsuit fabric is probably just junk. How can you tell what's lycra and what's sturdy poly? I'm thinking thickness counts for something, but I'm not sure. I don't want to do a burn test, yikes! But a quick way to say, "This will last more than four turns in the pool," would be nice, not to mention a time-saver. Any ideas?

* Ok, latest swimsuit fared well at the Y at lunch. See it drying above outside, before this afternoon's storms. I'll model it soon, but I feel a tad self-conscious doing so outside where the light's the best and all the neighbors will be watching and no doubt laughing.

Open-Source Bathing Suit Sewing?*

Now tell me this isn't a great idea. I just inspired after reading this post. I have bathing-suit sewing on my mind because I have a nearly finished project (which is significantly different from the unfinished, abandoned-for-months version) slumped on my daybed. Wouldn't it be great if you could just send all your measurements to Kwik Sew or some other company and they could send you customized pattern? You could tell them you want a tiny keyhole opening at the neckline, a ruffle here or extra straps up there. Of course, the whole shebang would be customized with your measurements. They could tell you based on the latter that version A is a lot more likely to fit you than version B. (Which is what I found out when I last took out the pieces for this pattern in March). While, technically, my newfound creation did fit in all the proper spots, I had the hardest time wiggling my hourglass figure into my work of art. I'll be darn if I didn't pop a few seams, but I did make it. I was motivated big-time - I was looking forward to a soothing hot shower, a few minutes in the whirlpool, and relaxing exercise at the four-lane pool at the McGaw YMCA. Now I have to perform this jiggle every time I want to go to my water aerobics class. Every time! Now thankfully no one has made any comments about my odd little pre-water aerobics locker room dance, but I'm just waiting. I don't have any sarcastic reply in waiting though. I should.

Actually, hopefully I won't have to wait. I'm making another bathing suit which should slide on like second skin. In fact, I'm mildly disappointed it's not ready for its baptism this morning. I threw out my two-tone bathing suit (lavender in the back, royal purple in the front) after Monday's ablutions. It felt painful to toss it out, knowing that my new suit might not be ready for today's routine. And it's not, but I simply could not wear the purply suit again. It had gotten so sheer in the back, it looked indecent. I was doing the towel cover-up constantly. I'd wear it over my backside backing into the pool, grabbing it again for coverage up the steps into the locker room. After Monday, I vowed no more such textile tactics! Instead, I'd finish the suit in double-time if I wanted to spend quality-time in the pool. So here it is Wednesday. I'm thinking more about going to the SnB at this restaurant, and less out about stitching on the elastic on my suit in the privacy of my own home with handy Hamlet on my side. That's all I need to do, the elastic! Then I'll be done. No fuss, muss or hemming! Yes, the lining is all locked in - the hardest part awaits - cutting the elastic into proper lengths, dividing into quarters, zig-zagging it into the place with thread, folding over the fashion fabric, doing another row of zagging and zigging. Then I'll be ready to stretch my legs in the water.

Now, of course, I've only made major progress on one suit. I really need to make at least two. The last time this pattern and I met...I made three suits, which is most excellent for the chlorine that loves to snack on my swimsuit polyester. After a month of three-times weekly water aerobics, my bathing suit looks like it's been through the 2012 Olympics and back. It's also good to have more than one suit, so when Monday's version is drying out, Wednesday's is raring to go.

If you're wondering just how much weight I've lost doing water aerobics, I have not. Not an ounce, if I can tell. Water aerobics are great for toning and helping you sleep deeply at night. That's about it. If you want a flat tummy, make like 90-something Jack LaLanne. Or pop in Chris Freytag's Ultimate Walking Workout DVD in your laptop. I have done neither, but I just ate an apple. I call that progress after eating at this show and snacking on the complimentary eats at this new venue. I'm munching on more of the same when I return to the latter at noon today. I figure if I cut out the breadsticks and French bread, I shouldn't have too much trouble getting into the suit when it's finally completed in time for Friday's turn in the waters. It's completely doable even though I'm attending another event tomorrow night.

If you're thinking about sewing a suit, I'd highly recommend picking a beautiful print. I've got enough solids to suit up a team of local triathletes. You're more likely to get excited about your suit if it's pretty, not so practical-looking. It will also help when you finally put it on (I hear a spray tan is advisable when testing ready-to-wear suits, but I haven't gone to such extremes yet). Yes, I'm taking my own advice. My newest creation looks like something Will Ferrell's sister might wear out on the ice rink in the sequel to "Blades of Glory." Yes, my fabric is wildly busy with orange, black and fuchsia splashes and dots (see above). My 70-something male classmates should get a kick out of it (naturally in the water, not on land). I'm just looking forward to having something that covers me up and gets me back into the four-lane pool pronto. Is that too much to ask? It's not like I need an outdoor pool in this wonderful weather or even a handsome lifeguard watching my every move I make (I wish. He's usually nearly falling asleep with the warm air circulating above at this particular pool.) No, this is not a slick suit you'd find in a Berkeley flick, Esther Williams movie or even on "Baywatch." Even so I'm proud. Just hear me bragging to the life guard, usually the females. They're so impressed, that usually keeps them awake for at least 30 minutes, the amount of time I spent jogging in place.
* I just did a test-run of the suit, minus the elastic. Man, there is cleavage on this thing. I'm not too pleased.

How-To: Wear a Fashion Hat*

Ok, as you can see from the title, this isn't about how to wear a baseball cap to a game or even a practical knit cap to keep you warm on a winter's day. No, this post is about how to wear a fashion hat. So, what's a fashion hat? In my book, it's any hat that isn't purely functional like the ones I mentioned above. It has style, and it's often often unique. That's the best way for me to describe a fashion hat. You know it when you see it. If you're compelled to say to a friend, "Did you see that....?" or to tell your husband when you get home, "You'll never believe what I saw...," then you've likely been exposed to the fashion hat.

I'm going to address how to wear a fashion hat since I often get asked this question particularly when I'm giving a presentation on the topic. Honestly, there's almost no wrong way to wear a fashionable chapeau. Really. If you want to wear it backwards, with the label smack on your forehead, go ahead! When I was five years old, I insisted on wearing my cardigan with buttons in the back. So I did....and I started a trend that would only filter to the East and West Coasts decades later. Wear your hat in a way that makes you feel comfortable. If you've got a cocktail hat that you're certain looks right only if you tilt way back on your noggin, go right ahead. If you feel silly with the veiling over your face, flip it up if you're so inclined. The beauty of wearing stylish hats now is there are almost no rules because hats are rare as robins flying about mid-winter. There are no milliners around to tell you, "By the way, honey, you've got your hat on all wrong" because there are only, like, about 13 full-time hatmakers in my town (Chicago) and they're busy working, not policing clients.

While they are no rules, I think it's only polite that if you're at an opera and your hat is blocking someone's view, please take it off. Otherwise, keep it on. Ladies are allowed to do that. Anyhow, a hat inside can keep you warm if the air-conditioning is out-of-control cold and aid with acoustics (at least it does for me with two hearing aids).

The bottom-line: wear your hat with confidence. That's all, really. It takes gumption to put on a hat and to keep it on. Sometimes it's tempting to take it of as soon as you notice you're the center of attention with passer-by practically pointing you to their friends, whistles and whispers. I think the first five minutes are the worst when it comes to wearing a hat, whether it's a wide-brimmed beauty or a little doll hat. It gets better once you forget you have it on.

Just one aside: For your safety, I'd take your lid off as I've done walking home alone after dusk. You don't want male motorists slowing down asking if you want a ride. Being safe takes precedence over fashion, ok?

But if it's day-time and you're surrounded with people who appear reasonably nice and normal, just put the hat on and carry on. This is especially important if you're feeling down, the economy's on your mind, or you're just plain mad as can be about escalating gas prices. The hat will help you forget your troubles even for a little. You'll look like you've got everything under control even if you really don't! Appearance is everything when it comes to hats. Wonderful things happen when you wear one. Maybe you won't be handed a thousand Euros, but other surprising events could occur. A man might open the door for you, you might get a complimentary refill on your Diet Coke without even asking...all these little surprising gifts of kindness can all add up to a truly wonderful day. At day's end, you won't even remember hassles at the office, the traffic jam on the ride home or an over-drawn checking account, but you will remember all the laughter and the smiles that came your way and that will put a smile on your face once you go to bed...and hopefully dream of hats. Isn't that the way it should be?
* the hat here is from Anthropologie, and it striking resembles the 1930s-style hat from Romantic Hand Knits, which I've reserved at the local library. I should have this book in my hands after June 21 or so. I can hardly wait. Now that I look at my Anthropologie find closer, I see lots of pulled yarn...I'm thinking I might return this hat even though it looks cute from afar.

Miscellaneous

1. A short-sleeve version of the Santa Monica Tee. If it looks like I'm being choked, I feel like I am. In fact, the top might be on backwards. That's one problem with this pattern - you can't easily tell after you're done sewing what's the front. Though from past experience, I could turn this top around and still feel like I've got a vice around my neck. Anyhow, isn't this lovely fabric? I got it at Vogue Fabrics. I wish I had more, it's just so dreamy looking. Speaking of Vogue Fabrics, there's a really big sale beginning tomorrow (however, if you go later today, you can start shopping early as soon as they change the sale signs). Silks, silks, silks (as it says in the store flyer) are $2.99 a yard, the Anne Klein collection, $4.99 a yard; lawn and voile, $1.99 a yard and leather pelts are 50 percent off. Get started on starting two seasons' worth of attire.

2. Interesting knitting poll results. It looks like 75 percent of you will continue your love affair with knitting needles through the summer, although one person will definitely not. I'm definitely with the sticks crowd. I'm working on a 100 percent cotton skirt. I've posted another poll on the side - check it out. It has something to do with Ravelry. One more thing regarding knitting: this year the World Wide Knit in Public Day is Sat., June 14th. The Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair organizers will be celebrating knitting in public at the Ogilvie (Metra) station downtown. They will gather at the Corner Bakery from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.. Look for the "Do It In
Public" signs. That's next weekend, folks. For those of you who live in Illinois, that means buy your $5 weekend Metra pass, get your act together needle-wise and head downtown. One drawback: if it's nice outside, you'll still be knitting inside. Rats, I know.

3. For Hat Lovers: Here's some more info about that fascinating millinery workshop straight from Eia's outbox:

FASH 602 001
Headwear Design: Straw Sculpture
August 17-August 23, 2008
1 credit hour
Instructor: Eia Radosavljevic
$100 Lab Fee

In this course students create headwear ranging from conventional to avant-garde using millinery straw in three different forms—flat yardage, braided, and traditional “hood” or “capeline.” Beginning with traditional techniques, students are encouraged to venture into non-traditional straw sculpting, inspired by the nature that surrounds them. Investigation and discussion of the historical, haute couture, functional, spiritual, or social roles of headwear will follow a visual presentation. No prior hand-sewing experience is necessary. The supply list will be provided in advance, and more difficult to find materials are provided by the instructor and included in the lab fee.

Registration info can be found here.

Ox-Bow requires full payment of all tuition, fees, and room and board at the time of registration unless you are applying for financial aid or if you are an SAIC degree student taking Ox-Bow courses for credit. Some classes require lab fees that also must be paid with registration.
Tuition Room & Board Full Rate Work Scholarship
One week
(non-credit) $520 $510 $1,030 -$330

One week
(1 credit)
UG rate: $1,025 $510 $1,535 -$510
GR rate: $1,140 $510 $1,650 -$510

Checks and money orders for credit courses should be made payable to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Credit card payments for credit tuition should be made through SAIC's payment partner, Tuition Management Systems (TMS), via their website, www.afford.com. Note that TMS charges a fee for processing payments.

All courses taken for non-credit must be paid for in full at the time of registration. Non-credit courses may be paid for by credit card, check, or money order. Ox-Bow accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. All checks and money orders should be made payable to Ox-Bow.

Refunds can only be granted if drop requests are made three weeks prior to the beginning of the class. A signature is required for refund; notification by phone of intent to drop must be followed immediately in writing by mail, or in person, before a refund will be processed. You will receive a refund minus the $50 drop fee. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for refunds to be processed. In the event that Ox-Bow must cancel a course due to low enrollment or for any other reason, full refunds will be given.

Additional Fees
A limited number of single rooms are available for an extra charge of $100 per week on a first-come, first-served basis. You will only be charged the fee after it is confirmed that you have actually received a single room; this may be well after you initially register.
Lab fees are listed with the course descriptions. Lab fees cover the cost of essential class materials supplied by Ox-Bow, fuel costs (if applicable), and costs of maintaining the studios. Lab fees are due at the time of registration.

Scholarships
While the deadline for scholarship applications has already passed, there may still be some work scholarships available. For any student taking an Ox-Bow course. Credit and non-credit courses. No deadline; apply at time of class registration; first-come, first-served.
Work scholarships are awarded by Ox-Bow on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are a limited number of scholarship positions available per course. Work scholarship students receive an award in exchange for working approximately 15 hours per week during their class session at Ox-Bow. Duties include housekeeping, building and grounds maintenance, and dishwashing. Award amounts are listed under Tuition and Fees. Interested students should apply at the time of registration for classes indicating interest on the Registration Form.

Ox-Bow's history
After almost a century in operation, Ox-Bow's mission has remained consistent--to serve as a haven for the creative process through instruction, example, and community. Founded by Frederick Fursman and Walter Marshall Clute, artists from the Art Institute of Chicago, Ox-Bow was to serve as a respite for artists from the industrialized havoc of Chicago. Today, Ox-Bow's longevity is due to the strength of this mission and the artists who have held true to it.

Fursman and Clute began this tradition after visiting the Saugatuck area one summer. They became enamored with the natural beauty of the area, as well as its rural isolation. They began teaching summer painting classes at the Bandle Farm on the east bank of the Kalamazoo River approximately one mile upstream from Ox-Bow's present location. In 1912 and 1913, classes were held at the Park House, down river and at the Riverside Hotel. In 1914, the School moved its entire operation to the Riverside Hotel - which soon became known as the Ox-Bow Inn.

The Riverside Hotel always supported the industrial and commercial trends that dominated the area. The proprietors of the Riverside Hotel, the Shriver family, originally built a small house in the 1860s on what was then the ox-bow shaped bend of the Kalamazoo River. After realizing the potential for trade traffic, they added onto their simple home in the 1890s, converting it into a 20-room hotel.

At the turn of the last century, Saugatuck's major industries began to decline. In 1907, the Kalamazoo River channel was straightened to flow directly into Lake Michigan, effectively cutting off the Riverside Hotel from its patrons. Due to a lack of guests, the Shrivers then leased the hotel to a group of artists for the entire summer. The industry of art and leisure was taking over as the area began to reinvent itself as a Midwestern resort community. The Riverside Hotel persisted as lodging for its clients even though the clientele had changed from traders to artists.

After Clute's death in 1915, with the support of a group of core shareholders including Isobel and Edgar Rupprecht, Fursman took over as director for the next 30 years. Also in 1915, Thomas Eddy Tallmadge, the renowned architect and architectural historian, came to Ox-Bow and quickly became its best patron, leaving 110 acres to the school upon his death.

Over the years, Ox-Bow has changed in many ways, but two things have remained constant -- Ox-Bow's mission to remain a haven for artists, and its fellowship with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1987, SAIC assumed responsibility for Ox-Bow's academic program and in 1995 Ox-Bow and SAIC formalized a sponsorship agreement that affirmed the synergy created in this unique relationship. Today, the relationship between Ox-Bow and SAIC, forged by Fursman and Clute, remains strong. This mutual commitment to preserving and nuturing the artistic process has benefited generations of professional, student, and amateur artists.

On that note, I'm out of here to go buy a hat. Stay tuned.

One Sewer's Best Friend*

Hamlet approaches famed cloud wall.
Hamlet poses with foster mother wearing sleeveless top she knitted.
Hamlet poses behind foster mother as she shows off her back.

Dear Hamlet,

You've been here what - three full days? Boy, what an adventure it's been already, from the moment your human mother collapsed outside my apartment and had to be shipped off to the emergency room post-haste on that incredibly hot Monday late afternoon. Thankfully, nothing was seriously wrong with your mama that a glass of water or two or three wouldn't cure. And then I had to abandon you almost right away to go to my last French class. I'm terribly sorry. And to think that I was afraid that you would chew on my BCBG Girls, Franco Sarto boots, Natural Comfort wedgies, and 1940s slingbacks while I was away, I do apologize. I also feared that you would dig your nose in the kitchen garbage basket, and for that too, I am contrite. You also probably noticed I hung a garbage bag on a shower curtain hook in the bathroom, and you didn't even bother to check that room out. Not once from what I can tell.

I hope you don't think I'm a bad parent if I go off for hours. I felt bad yesterday went I walked off to Dunkin Donuts before even thinking take you out for your first bathroom break. Yet you didn't take it personally. You didn't take revenge and do damage. For that, I'm utterly and completely grateful.

I hope you don't mind that I don't want you spending the entire day on my bedroom rug and nudge you out into the living room accordingly. I do wish you would spend more time on what appears to be an expensive orange and pink cushion from Target that your mommy left behind for you. It's nice and soft, much more so than my at least 10-years-old mattress that I dearly want to replace sometime soon.

I'm also a bit concerned that you're not eating much. Mom tells me you need to drink more water so your body functions properly. At your age, 11 years young, you need to think about that. Not that I ponder my own chronology. I'm not one to say, "Oh, I'm falling apart!" just becomes my right thumb is arthritic and my bunion hurts like hell after I traipse even a few blocks to the abovementioned coffee shop in my Mias. I mean, a touch of arthritis in one part of my body is perfectly normal, right?. Even a toddler can say, "Oh, my achy knee!" am I right? Besides, tween-ager ballet dancers get bumps on their feet too. Anyhow, I hope you're not feeling your age when you have to go up two flights of stairs just to get home. The first flight is hard enough. I can only imagine what you think you see that second flight. "I don't know how I'm going to make it up there!" but you do and I'm so very proud of you (which reminds me you deserve a treat, which is atop my refrigerator).

I also want you to know that I've been bragging about you. I tell my friends, "He doesn't bark! Well, only once at another dog outside." And to think you startled me the other day when you changed positions while you were napping behind me in the office. You're a perfect canine - you're easy-going, quiet and polite. Why would I ever want a child when I got you? I wish I could see you blush, but it's probably not possible with all that fur on your face.

You've probably noticed that big white plastic box on my desk. That's my sewing machine. I know I've hardly turned it on while you've been here. I haven't been as motivated these days since I've been spending too much time almost all by my lonesome. So if I turn it on, don't be afraid. It won't come after you. It's not a vacuum machine, which by the way, I don't turn on often enough as you can see by the growing groups of dust-mites in my place. I'd say become friends with the dust-mites, but they might make you sneeze. So you're probably better sleeping as much as you do and simply befriending your nocturnal, other-world friends (what do you dream about anyway?).

When you're awake, don't be afraid to look out the window, but I certainly would be freaked out if you barked at the birds. My late cat Freaky liked to stare out at the robins and the sparrows and do that odd "I want winged creature" half-purr. Now, she had accidents, which was a major reason why I won't babysit felines right now. I'm done with the "I need a cat sleeping on my leg" stage of my life, for now.

We will go on longer walks, I promise. It would probably help with your overall health to do so. I'm not sure how far we can walk given that going up and down the stairs is an issue. It would be nice to at least be able to walk here, where I can show you off to fellow canine owners. Now if you're up to the task, Hamlet (by the way, how did you get your name? I haven't had a chance to ask your mom), perhaps you could facilitate a meeting between a cute, nice single doggie owner (or walker) while we're out and about. I'm not sure if you're match-maker, but you're are, I'm giving you a major hint, ok?

I'm not sure what else to say. I'm not the best letter writer, but I hope you enjoy your stay in this doggie hotel, Hamlet, whether it's two weeks or two months. I do want you and your mommy to re-unite one day in the near future. I love happy, Hallmark endings, but I won't cry at commercials for that card company because I'm not an emotional pregnant woman, just as a cynical singleton, ok? But I might shed a few salt-water tears if you leave. Oh dear, why am I thinking about that now? Perish that thought!

Love and Kisses, Mary Beth
* Folks, the top is from the Knit.1 green issue, Summer 2007. If had to do it over again, I'd make it up in a stretchier, bouncier yarn than the 100 percent cotton fiber I used. Still adorable even if I do have to tug it up every five seconds or so.

What Do You Think of Sew-A-Longs, TNTs*

I took my inspiration from this knitting-related blog post. It got me ruminating. I've sometimes been tempted to join the sew-a-longs at Patternreview, but then I get caught up like a spider in a web in other things I need to do work-wise. Somehow, I feel like if I get snared in a Sew-A-Long, I'll just spend more time on the laptop, instead of being social. For me personally, I'm better off going to a Stitch N Bitch for some human contact since I'm often by myself all day long.

On the other hand, a sew-a-long might be the kick in the sailor pants to get going on some projects that I'm shying away from. How do you feel about sew-a-longs? I guess I'm really intrigued after 75 sewers signed up for a coat sew-a-long. What inspired all these people to sign up quicker than lickety-split for this collaboration? Was it the prodigious project? Somehow I don't think people would be as inspired if they were stitching up a pair of undies or an apron. Or does the organizer have a really charismatic personality? I'm sometimes wonder what would occur if I launched a sew-a-long blog. Of course, I'd have to promote it on a crafty web site with heavy traffic just for the project to get some attention. I'm not sure I'm currently known "well enough" in the sewing community to attract more than a handful of participants. Or does it really depend on how "established" you are? Do you need to feel like you "know" your fearless fun leader in order to jump in feet first into a shared, online project? My final thought: do sewers leap on board simply because so many others have crossed the pedestrian bridge? I'll admit the Great Coat Sew-A-Long appeared enticing only after I heard it was closed to new participants. But then again, I could have been one of the lame sewists who signed up and didn't pick up a pair of scissors or even pick out a pattern. It's kind of like how my ace fingers rapidly signed me up to become one of Ravelry's beta testers, but then when I finally did get the invite, it took me forever and a few days to upload pictures of my knitting masterpieces to the site.

Talk of Sew-A-Longs brings me to another related topic: TNTs. This abbrevation and its use online sewing communities cracks me up because the first thing that comes to my brain when I hear, "TNT" is the stuff that's used to make explosives, and not anything remotely to do with sewing, fabric and patterns. But as I understand it, TNT means "Tried and (N) True" as in any pattern that's worth using again and again until it falls apart or out of favor. At one time, I would have said this pattern was a TNT because I sewed it at least seven times, exactly the same way: lengthen the torso by two inches, and using a McCall sleeve. Over and over not quite in my sleep because I think that might be dangerous, I did it. Now I'm tired of it in the way I got quickly tired of "The Rules" which by the way, I actually burned on my porch. I don't think I'll torch my Kwik-Sew pattern. I'll just let it become pals with the dust-mites.

Now there is another pattern that's most certainly a TNT. It's this Kwik-Sew bathing suit pattern. Since the three purply bathing suits I made last year are already falling apart, I feel like it's time to make another trio soon. I was thinking I might try another view this time just to keep the task somewhat interesting. I'm also going to use different fabrics to keep it lively. I at least need to use a print for limbo's sake!

I think that's really the only "active" TNT pattern in my collection. Wait. I take that back. The Santa Monica T pattern falls in the "tried and true" category. I haven't sewn it lately, but I've been thinking about it since I have a scallop-edge stretch lace remnant that would be perfect. The thing I love about this pattern is how easy it is. The hardest part is using a twin-needle to stitch down the neckline. If I didn't do that, this pattern would be almost easy enough for a 8-year-old sewer to make, although I think the darts in the sleeve are a bit disconcerting for someone just starting out. The darts in the sleeves and not the bodice are bit unexpected, don't you think? What are your TNT patterns? I'm eager to hear. I suspect the Jalie patterns I bought in December will become "favs" once I get around to sewing them.

In other non-related sewing/knitting news, Hamlet appears to be adjusting to his new home if all the sleeping he's doing is any indication. He's older dog (11 to be exact), so maybe he needs all extra sleep. He also also has some trouble getting up the stairs, but there's no elevator so that's the way it's going to be found. Since he snoozes plenty, I've found more than a Mount Kilimanjaro's excuse not to take him out for walks. He hasn't been outside yet today, but I have to Dunkin Donuts for an iced coffee. Unless he's begging and whining, "Please, please, let's go outside" in dog-speak, I'm afraid I'm going to put it off for at least another hour.
* Here is my TNT in a pretty floral print that just happens to coordinate with my skirt. So what do you think of my photogenic canine companion?