Hiatus for a Hysterectomy

 

Well this year sure has been full of firsts & surprises.  I’ve been dealing with some “female” issues for the past year and my Gynecologist thinks a hysterectomy is my best option to take care of 99% of the problems. Too bad it won’t take away my menopause symptoms! 

I’m hoping to have robotic surgery and that recovery will be quick. Unfortunately I’ve read many stories of how rough recovery is. I’m a little worried but know that it will take time to heal too. 

I’m hoping this will be the start of a great “NEW” year for me health wise and this will solve a lot of issues. I wanted to loose a few more pounds before the end of the year but donating a major organ was not in my plans!

I think I’m most sad to put sewing on hold once more. Surgery was scheduled so quickly I didn’t have time to sew up a hospital outfit or a post surgery wardrobe. I guess I’ll just wear something “old”!

Be forewarned any fabric purchases made while on pain medication is forgivable! Lol!

Here's to a Happy, Healthy NEW YEAR!

Until next time..............

Bonnie

Merry Christmas

 Merry Christmas

and

A New Year FULL of Blessngs!

I Sewed!

 I am so happy I finally got to sew! The holidays make me feel so overwhelmed. I feel like I can’t keep up and I try to set aside “me” time everyday to keep me grounded. 

I purchased this beautiful Christmas plaid shirting fabric from Fabric Mart back in October with hopes to getting to sew something wonderful.  The fabric has a beautiful weight to it but cool enough for Florida winter.

I thought the Love Notion’s Rhapsody top would be a perfect sew to get my sewing mojo started again.  

I’m working on growing out my hair! Girl M said I’ve had the same hairstyle for over 14 years. Change is hard!

I hope to sew more soon.

Dear Hubby is loving his ranch hand job. His stress level has dropped & he said he feels 100lbs lighter. He says it’s a whole new “relaxed” world out there when you don’t have a badge on. 

Happy Sewing!

Bonnie

Camo & Safety Orange

 We’ve been hunting for 10 days straight! Is there any other color than camo & safety orange?

Dear Hubby’s official retirement date was December 1st. We were home, slept in “late” until 7am then our neighbor called and wanted to stop by to talk to Dear Hubby. At noon Dear Hubby had a new job as a ranch hand. He went to work at 2pm! Is that not the shortest retirement ever!

My working man!

I hope to get back to my sewing room soon.

Happy sewing 

Bonnie 

Current Situation

 Well.......Retirement is going good.......for Dear Hubby!  We’ve been hunting........no sewing.........except some Velcro & elastic.......for a seat cushion.!   Oh how I miss sewing! 

Current Situation

Georgia Cotton Field 

Selfie with Bobo

I want to wear something besides camo!

Until next time!

Bonnie

RETIRED!

 I'm NOT going to cry..........I'm NOT going to cry.........I'm NOT going to cry!

Today is Dear Hubby's last day at work.  He's been with she Sheriff's Office for 31.5 years.  Starting out as a Corrections officer, then Corporal.  He continued his training and became a Deputy then Sergeant.  He worked as a Environmental Deputy, Investigator/Detective then worked undercover in the Drug Unit. Dear Hubby went to College while working full time and graduated on the Dean's List with both an AA and Bachelor's degree.  He was promoted to Lieutenant then Captain.   

Last Official Picture

He's passing his legacy onto our oldest son.  Boy T. is following in his Dad's footsteps.  

Boy T & his Dad on a SWAT call

 I'm NOT going to cry..........I'm NOT going to cry.........I'm NOT going to cry!

Sewing has slowed down.  Hunting season has started.  Retirement has begun.  

 I'm NOT going to cry..........I'm NOT going to cry.........I'm NOT going to cry!

Ok, I'm crying!

Until next time..................

Bonnie

Pattern Emporium True Romance Red Jersey Top with Animal Print Skirt

 I sewed another Pattern Emporium True Romance Top from a red jersey fabric from my stash.  I don't have a solid red top in my closet and this filled that spot.  I think I can dress it up for the holidays or dress it down for a more casual look.

I also made a quick half circle skirt with a yoga waistband from a piece of animal print ITY knit that has been in my stash for a while.  Both fabrics were purchased at Fabric Mart Fabrics online.

Pattern Emporium True Romance Red Jersey Top with Animal Print Skirt

I love the sleeves!

Pattern Emporium True Romance Red Jersey Top with Animal Print Skirt

The weather here in Florida has still been hot so I'm not sure when I'll be able to wear this outfit.  Maybe to an ice rink?  We would love to have Fall weather soon.

Until next time.............

Bonnie

Itch to Stitch Celeste Dress v6 Chiffon Floral

 Ok, I had to make one more Itch to Stitch Celest Dress!  This one almost got the best of me.  I had a beautiful piece of floral print chiffon fabric in my stash that was calling my name.  But chiffon usually needs lined and a lined dress is twice as much work. 

Itch to Stitch Celeste Dress v6 Chiffon Floral

Lined

Back view

Elastic sleeve

I love the outcome of this dress even though it was a lot of work.  I love the colors and print of the chiffon and the fit is great too.  

A little photo Sunday before Church with my main squeeze!  He's on the countdown to retirement!  Only 4 more working days!  The time has flown by so fast!  His official retirement date is December 1st but he has to take some time off prior.  Sewing will be slowing down since we'll be spending more time in Georgia.  

Sunday Photo

Happy Sewing!

Until next time..............

Bonnie

Sonia Estep Design Mandy Dress

 I tried another Indy Pattern designer, this time it was Sonia Estep Designs Mandy Dress.  A knit dress with a waist side tie, grown on sleeves and above the knee length. 

I was all over the board with my sizes.  I measured a size 12 top/bust, 18 waist & hips.  That's a BIG difference in sizes.  I cut a straight size 18 for my muslin and the hips fit great, the waist needed an additional 1/2" taken in and everything above the waist was HUGE! The neckline was very open and low.   I had to make my usual sway back adjustment and lengthened the skirt of the dress 3".  That's why we make muslins right?

The muslin fabric was a matte jersey knit in eggplant that felt like I was wearing sandpaper.

I basted a size 12 top and could not get my arms into the armholes!  Those thick biceps I have!

A hot Mess of a dress!

Sway back adjustment needed

Neckline too wide & low

Just huge above the waist

A little better

Getting closer

Almost there!

Raised neckline

My second version is from a plum ITY knit with more drape than the sandpaper jersey.  I wish I had enough fabric to try out making two back pieces but I just could not eek it out.  

So Pretty on my dressform!

I raised the tie that is sewn into the side waist area by 1".  It helps to make the tie look lifted and the front drape a little better across my belly area.

I raised the neckline 2" and added 1" to the shoulders at the inner neckline to give a little more fabric in my chest area.  Modesty!

I cut the back piece on the fold eliminating the center back seam.  

Adding the 3" to the length made the dress hit me at my knee.  Perfect!

Satisfied enough

Need Spanx!

No overly thrilled but happy with from what I started with

Overall I like this dress and think that a print fabric may be a better choice.  I am not a fan of solid colors.  I think prints hide lumps & bumps a little better.

I'm not sure that this dress will get worn, but if I make it in a print I might just wear it.

You can't win them all, right?

Until next time..............

Bonnie

Itch to Stitch Celeste Red & White Floral Cotton Dress v5

 When I’m on a roll with a great pattern, why make only one?  #5 is a great version too!  White & Red cotton fabric from my stash.  I’m sure I bought the fabric at FabricMartFabrics.com as usual.  I was afraid I would have to line this version but it didn’t need a lining after all.  Lucky me!

Itch to Stitch Celeste Red & White Floral Cotton Dress v5

Cotton Dress

Pockets!

Back view

Itch to Stitch Celeste Red & White Floral Cotton Dress

Another quick and easy sew for a cool & comfortable Florida heat Fall dress.  Well, I should really sew something else soon.

Until next time...............

Bonnie

Pattern Emporium True Romance Top

 I was drawn to the Pattern Emporium True Romance top because of the beautiful bishop sleeves.  The pattern did not disappoint!  I made this wearable muslin from an ITY knit from my stash.  The wave print turned out way better Han I thought it would.  

The only downsize of the pattern is the width of the neckline.  I had to sit “just right” in Church to make sure no bra strap peeked out.  The top is very comfortable & classy looking and I think with a little work on the neckline I will probably have to make another version.  Maybe a solid color!

Sleeve love!

Back View

I wan’t sure of the band at the hips but ended up liking it very much.

Sassy View

I made a wine colored half circle skirt to wear with this top but I have lost it!  How can you loose a skirt you wore two days prior?  Maybe I have a skirt thief?!?

With black Palazzo pants

I’m off to sew something new..........!

Until next time...........

Bonnie