Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Catching Up

I don't know about you but I'm glad Christmas is over. Even though I love the Holidays, let's face it. They are hectic and a lot of work. I love all the preparations ,the decorating, the sewing of gifts and the shopping (notice I didn't say the cooking because I'm one of those lucky women whose husband loves to cook) . But enough is enough! I'm ready to get back to normal.

I just wanted to announce a few things that are new in my life.

First of all, I have a new grand-daughter, born on Nov.21st.Here she is ,Riley Grace, with her handsome father,my youngest child Jeff!

!

I haven't seen her yet because she lives in Ottawa and I don't travel at this time of year.I'll be going in March. But many photos have found their way to my computer!

Next is that I decided to stop working at Fabricville. Ann, I'm so glad you came in the last day I was there. We had a great chat (and your son is very handsome too!)
My body has been protesting rather loudly about all the abuse I was putting it through at my beloved Fabricville.I enjoyed my six years there immensely and made many wonderful friends .I'll visit often for sure.

Also,I have a new sewing machine! I had to give up on my Kenmore 19606. It was a real lemon. In five years, it was away for repairs for a total of 42 weeks!! Finally, Sears offered me a "buy-out" so I decided to buy this beauty,



I haven't learned to use the embroidery component yet, but I'll be having lessons soon and am looking forward to at least creating my own sewing labels for a start.

Last but not least, just before Christmas, my husband was in an accident. He hit a piece of black ice on a sharp turn and lost control, He hit a culvert. The truck rolled over once and then landed on the passenger side. Because he was wearing a seat belt ,my sweet man came out without a scratch , just a slightly stiff neck. I was on my way home from work and came upon the scene. It was a real shock to see the truck being pulled out of the ditch by a tow-truck. Here is one photo of the wreck.



Needless to say, our whole family feels very grateful that our Bobby was spared. I can't help smiling every time I look at him. Life is SWEET!

Now on to sewing stuff. I'm just going to show you the jacket I made in November as part of my What Goes With Brown collection



The pattern is Vogue1100

I added about 4" to the length and an inch to the side seams to make it roomy enough for a winter jacket.

The fabric is a wool/rayon/polyester blend. I lined it with a printed "designer" polyester lining. I didn't add an under-lining as I had planned because I wanted to wear it in late fall and early spring. It's quite warm enough to wear now with a sweater under it.

I love the retro look of the 3/4 sleeves that is so popular at the moment. I added an inch to the sleeve length as well as the the cuff length. I can wear the sleeves with the cuff turned up or down with my long leather gloves I bought in Montreal.



I made bound buttonholes with a faux suede and used big buttons because I love big buttons.I also trimmed the welt pocket flap with the faux suede.





To complete the look ,I made a cool scarf with the animal print knit I showed in another post.

I'm loving this jacket and have worn it many times already.
Voila! What do you think?





For more pics, look here.

Have a great and Happy New Year each of you who so kindly visit my blog. It feels good to be back and I'm looking forward to another year of sewing and blogging now that I'm retired for the second time.

Hope you find time to sew!

13 comments:

Ann Made Studio said...

Oh my goodness Diana...I can imagine that would have been a shocking scene to encounter! I am so happy he is OK...I can understand why you can't stop smiling :) Life is sweet :)

Your new grand daughter looks adorable. Congratulations!

I knew it was your last day and really wanted to come in and see you. I'll miss you now when I stop in. It was always nice chatting with you.

A new toy :) How nice..I am sure you'll be using all the features in no time.

Your jacket is beautiful. I love the bound buttonholes and the buttons.

Happy New Year to you and your family!

Sharon said...

Oh how awful coming onto that scene, I'm so glad that he is okay. As Ann said life is sweet :)

Your jacket is lovely and will be so versatile in your wardrobe. I can't wait see what wonderful creations you come up with now that you have retired for the second time.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2010.

Linda T said...

What a handsome son and beautiful granddaughter! I'm so happy that DH was buckled in and kept safe. The jacket is lovely and looks so comfy! Enjoy your retirement. I love mine! More sewing time.....maybe!

Jenny said...

Your jacket is very fun. I love your accessorizing. Congratulations on your newest grandbaby!

Vicki said...

Love the jacket. Happy New Year to you and your family :)

Shannon said...

Congratulations on the new grandbaby!

I'm glad to hear hubby is okay. How terrifying for you both!

Love the new jacket - the fabric is TDF!

Happy New Year and best wishes to your whole family.

gwensews said...

First of all, so glad your husband is ok. My DH is in poor health, and has had many scares. It makes you appreciate life.

Your jacket is gorgeous. Nice sewing! Congratulations on the new addition to your family. I love being a grandmother.

I've worked in fabric shops, and know that hauling bolts of fabric can play havoc with your body. Enjoy your retirement. More time to sew!

julia said...

Thank God your husband is ok. I cannot imagine how you felt coming up on that scene!!
Your grand daughter is beautiful. I hope you get to see her sometime soon!
Your jacket is lovely just like all of your creations.

The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...

Diana, My goodness, you have had so much going on in your life! I am thankful your husband was not seriously injured in the accident. Your heart must have sank when you drove upon the accident scene.

Beautiful grand baby!

I love your jacket. I just bought that pattern as I liked the raglan sleeves and wing collar. I will lengthen it and may eliminte the back pleat.

The best to you in 2010.

Barb

Meg said...

A new grandchild! Happy New Year and looking forward to hearing more from you in 2010.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

First I'm glad that your DH escaped the accident without a scratch!

Second - congrats on the new grandbaby!

Third - I'm sooooo loving your version of the jacket. Of course I own that pattern and it is on my want to sew list...seriously is there any pattern that isn't?! *LOL*

I'm wishing you and yours a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Claire S. said...

OMG Diana, I'm glad your DH is ok ! Black ice is nasty ! In October, my sister hit black ice just around Grand Bay (closed the highway for about 4 hours and made the news). She walked away and only had minor injuries but her truck was totaled and after seeing it, I had an upset stomach for a week.

Your new grand daughter is just beautiful - I bet you can't wait til March :-)

Enjoy your new toy - aren't they fun ?!

Happy New Year !!!

Chris said...

Diana, so glad your husband is okay, what a scare!
Congratulations on the new grandbaby, she is adorable.
Love the jacket, it's gorgeous.

Happy New Year to you and yours!