Friday, May 13, 2011

Fabric De-Stashing

My husband's away on business, so I'm sewing into the wee hours every night -- something I don't do when he's home. After going through my fabric stash, I have to wonder what I was thinking when I bought this:The blue fabric is a lovely sheer, with distressed coppery foil dots which look a bit like random thumbprints:

And I suppose that explains why, on the same day, I bought the copper-colored silky fabric:But whatever should I make with this? Possibly a loose tunic-length, caftan-like top with the blue sheer, to be worm with a spaghetti-strap chemise made from the copper silky? Let me know what you think -- Honestly, these aren't even my colors. I was seduced by the copper foil dots, I think.

While sifting through my stash, I came upon a remnant of ivory silk which I bought at High Fashion Fabric in Houston. If you are a fabric-loving Texan, you must visit this store -- stores, actually: One building houses a mind-boggling array of fashion fabric, and the building across the street holds four floors of home decorating fabric! (Sorry, I digress; just thinking of High Fashion Fabrics makes me want to head for Houston.) Anyway, I had just enough for a floaty tank top:It's cool and light as angel wings. But the sheerness of the fabric allows the facings to show, so I'm going to stitch this trim around the neckline:
I think it will look lovely when finished, and may even go with this great Carole Little linen jacket which I bought at a vintage clothing store:This jacket is in pristine condition, and I absolutely love the details:When I bought the jacket, I didn't know that the original Carole Little designs are getting increasingly harder to find. That makes the $14 price tag even better! I'm thinking the tank and jacket might look good with a pair of slightly distressed jeans, and some strappy sandals.

Here's hoping you have a wonderful weekend, friends! My sewing machine will be whirring!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Truly Present

"[T]o be truly present. . . . involves letting go of our constant preoccupations, immersing ourselves in the here and now, and giving ourselves wholeheartedly to whatever is at hand. . . . It’s about becoming more aware, alert, awake to the fullness of the immediate moment. If we are with another person, it means engaging with him or her with all of our heart, our mind, our soul, and our strength. . . . [I]t is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to those around us." -- Trevor Hudson, A Mile in My Shoes

My daughter's hands wrapped her baby girl and buckled her into a stroller last Christmas Eve for our walk in the park. Then, her gloved hands tied her baby's hat securely under her chubby chin, to protect tiny ears from the chill. Look -- really look -- at my granddaughter's eyes. Her focus is so intent on her mother. Her face is relaxed, content, peaceful. Even at this young age, she knows her mother loves her and will care for her . . . and encourage her to stretch her wings . . . and embrace this beautiful world with wide-eyed wonder.
Being truly present in my daughter's life is the greatest gift God gave to me. And now I see the gift given to my child, with her child, and my heart soars. Happy Mother's Day, my own precious girl. Be truly present in all those moments to come.