tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72931250202306670082024-03-05T05:54:31.689+00:00Pieces and Loveas long as you are alive, you have another chance to be happyCarolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.comBlogger561125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-91011916784058159792024-02-21T16:23:00.001+00:002024-02-21T16:23:00.128+00:00New Year, New Undies - Part 2<p>On January 1st, after feeling 'weird' while paddle-boarding, feeling cold and hot, feeling super tired, I finally decided to test and well after almost 4 years of dodging it, Covid finally caught up with me... I guess I am not that special...</p><p>For a few days, I had not energy, no creative brain. This last part was really troubling, so I went back to some basics and made some bras. I know some people might say it is not the first activities that would come to mind, but making bra was my safe space during the lockdown, at the beginning of the pandemic. Since then, I've made so many that every steps are engraved in my brain and body.</p><p>So with my Covid brain on, I first made this black number. This inspiration came from AdoreMe. I like the sophistication of this bra: lace, black and a little bit of gold to make it sexy. Here come my T&T <a href="https://orange-lingerie.com/collections/all/products/marlborough-bra-pattern" target="_blank">Marlborough bra from the Orange Lingerie</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZAWacA482xH-bKZ_XgHjkFpvxS1k8txgPxTl57b5MVvxSvDAZUTLJUiVUK-dsDBF36rfzEludYrL3bq16Hhan3zx6f8TWvakLgKjcNVl4xYDFCHiUAvxX5Ih7kziRQP13AC6_7Hn_sfpjx9NEb_TFJBTNU2o-SmBOQ-Tpeka9CTrAzTRfkhC5O9f1u0/s5120/New%20bras3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="5120" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZAWacA482xH-bKZ_XgHjkFpvxS1k8txgPxTl57b5MVvxSvDAZUTLJUiVUK-dsDBF36rfzEludYrL3bq16Hhan3zx6f8TWvakLgKjcNVl4xYDFCHiUAvxX5Ih7kziRQP13AC6_7Hn_sfpjx9NEb_TFJBTNU2o-SmBOQ-Tpeka9CTrAzTRfkhC5O9f1u0/w640-h480/New%20bras3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Just love how quickly and easily it went. I have narrowed the uppercut to make more space for the chain to shine. The chain is detachable, but how cut it is to have it just show under my dress? Just I, and now you, know what's going on under my dress. The lace is a friend's squirt which is now getting a new life.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1-4WoaymhhNXru2nFzACL8ZQdNQ4lq3CV4XButQQO8uIzdIe0rcUqGiQ5GDtXWaWhdCqXf_JQXULmHPhFcflMGxRxYMNLVaypg_Z2Hr8vq_4T14EApbuWV2jBihCZkQHymQbCkFoxKdcQSMhJ-BCUQKQ8SoQccSSa2rqPrV4bxJ-FW4tF2gtk0AOXrs/s5120/New%20bras3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3657" data-original-width="5120" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1-4WoaymhhNXru2nFzACL8ZQdNQ4lq3CV4XButQQO8uIzdIe0rcUqGiQ5GDtXWaWhdCqXf_JQXULmHPhFcflMGxRxYMNLVaypg_Z2Hr8vq_4T14EApbuWV2jBihCZkQHymQbCkFoxKdcQSMhJ-BCUQKQ8SoQccSSa2rqPrV4bxJ-FW4tF2gtk0AOXrs/w640-h458/New%20bras3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Also fair warning to anyone who might want to come around while I'm sewing, I do (not) dress to impress.</p><p>While the pattern pieces were out, I made a second Marlborough. This time very simple every-day bra in light pink. I added a tiny little detail that I had seen in one of Emerald Erin's creation and made the shoulder straps out of duoplex tiny spaghetti straps; very cute.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzv3dl2Jko9Hrh8-Lg4t_PKPOckRO7tgP7HEnYnRpIrwmdzNXdHTzTQsrI-bloExGVQ7SsQico5KVVicLI-UExyRg21cL1ByevEFWC6ZCRe1Wn98ppbYDyV8RRK2NdqoZGEpoyrv0rlyw9sUyUceRGeWg0zVDaDQ0jAZUcbEv80vcbwy6kqpjONm5nQc/s5120/New%20bras5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="5120" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzv3dl2Jko9Hrh8-Lg4t_PKPOckRO7tgP7HEnYnRpIrwmdzNXdHTzTQsrI-bloExGVQ7SsQico5KVVicLI-UExyRg21cL1ByevEFWC6ZCRe1Wn98ppbYDyV8RRK2NdqoZGEpoyrv0rlyw9sUyUceRGeWg0zVDaDQ0jAZUcbEv80vcbwy6kqpjONm5nQc/w640-h512/New%20bras5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Now that I had a chance to compare this bra to one of my first ever made, I realised that at first I used heavier power-net to line the upper cups. I think I do that again as it provides me with better support.</p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-87307581871005430412024-02-12T22:02:00.001+00:002024-02-12T22:02:35.995+00:00New year - New me?!<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Actually no… let’s rename this post New year, new undies!</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This first bra is not really a New Year’s make, I have worn it once before, and I want to speak about it. The finding kits and duoplex are from Bra Builders. The lace has been in my stash for a long time.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The pattern is <a href="https://www.lilypadesigns.com/digital-patterns/lusamine-bra-pattern-curvy-plus" target="_blank">Lusamine Underwired bra by LilypaDesigns</a>. At the beginning of my bra making journey, I had attempted to make the <a href="https://shop.clothhabit.com/products/harriet-bra-pattern" target="_blank">Harriet bra</a> by Cloth Habit. I really like the shape of the cups, but when I made it, with my limited knowledge, it ended up very small. Then LilipaDesigns launch the Lusamine which has a very similar shape. From what I've seen, LilypaDesigns patterns are drafted for larger chests, so I was really hopeful.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The sizing process got me confused at first. In order to chose the cup size, you have to get the Bottom Cup Depth (BCD) and Horizontal Hemisphere (HH). According to the chart I am BCD 5", and HH 12.5", band 38/39". I sew a size 12.5/4.9 with a 40 band.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Constrction-wise, as I was using duoplex, I decided not to line the cup. The pattern instructions are extremely detailed with a lot of options such as lining the cups, adding boning, sandwiching the seam, adding an internal sling…. Having sewed more that 25 bras by now, I didn’t follow the instructions except for the internal sling.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg058s05QjLceqLBZyxO36CIL4bQEAKm6cWDPHME0WXrYLpAb0PED0cmiV97uVo1F8izc3SDH-XcceMWRQwd8e6g6XLO7jMYo7eeHruMQE5GH4dURESrpRb1Kh06xlY5lX2_O54G7TgT4LIbNhCRrvXPawOAMPnNcLhplrVbY-zPwwpTYA-uTYJoMhCj7E/s5120/New%20bras.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="3657" data-original-width="5120" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg058s05QjLceqLBZyxO36CIL4bQEAKm6cWDPHME0WXrYLpAb0PED0cmiV97uVo1F8izc3SDH-XcceMWRQwd8e6g6XLO7jMYo7eeHruMQE5GH4dURESrpRb1Kh06xlY5lX2_O54G7TgT4LIbNhCRrvXPawOAMPnNcLhplrVbY-zPwwpTYA-uTYJoMhCj7E/w640-h458/New%20bras.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I am not sure how to address the fit question. This pattern has a lot of projection, with the added sling, I felt that my breasts were ‘3 feet ahead of me’ (just a slight exaggeration). I did remove the sling.</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6cCfzvvSM7HYIEwHBZVxRtMP5cjaWhxpB007uTRJ4QZ0dHuKkYFOvOCCqm1PB3kzCOA0xg_zY3PWf6mn1js7obJu-b5su-mKwVvJ-79nbYUmfqzNQ4WpqhHcIE7YD78MNpu8xd1JQ6I2TgdISY_BWejfyx8pClVyp2D2kclyR9R8zpxwt6XpTst2hTw/s5120/New%20bras1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3956" data-original-width="5120" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6cCfzvvSM7HYIEwHBZVxRtMP5cjaWhxpB007uTRJ4QZ0dHuKkYFOvOCCqm1PB3kzCOA0xg_zY3PWf6mn1js7obJu-b5su-mKwVvJ-79nbYUmfqzNQ4WpqhHcIE7YD78MNpu8xd1JQ6I2TgdISY_BWejfyx8pClVyp2D2kclyR9R8zpxwt6XpTst2hTw/w640-h494/New%20bras1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRiViCYM7fc9aR5N-x4-PIcJxUq4j17LdIoH86-vX9ucneK-M7ONE_WvZYxX7-oT-1IzvCEQRdMMUeiB2KXlmTEJESfyFoj-iDzInDgR5xKtSlCSD463sPD41UljbdCO6RUIqA-whyPIp9pZO98YsjJbrwW0X393iLvEAao9R4RJPlDaEV9S8qVsrGy4/s5120/New%20bras4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="5120" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRiViCYM7fc9aR5N-x4-PIcJxUq4j17LdIoH86-vX9ucneK-M7ONE_WvZYxX7-oT-1IzvCEQRdMMUeiB2KXlmTEJESfyFoj-iDzInDgR5xKtSlCSD463sPD41UljbdCO6RUIqA-whyPIp9pZO98YsjJbrwW0X393iLvEAao9R4RJPlDaEV9S8qVsrGy4/w640-h480/New%20bras4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Initially, I thought the fit was reasonably good, but looking at the pictures again, I do have several remarks.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I need to do a band test. Yes, I know it is the basic of testing a new pattern! The band sit well on my torso, however I feel that the seam between the front side and the back band would benefit to be slightly backward.</li><li>I used some a <a href="https://porcelynne.com/products/short-vertical-underwire-heavy-gauge-wires1" target="_blank">Porcelynne short vertical wire size 48</a> and they feel a bit short under the armpits. I normally prefer the <a href="https://shop.emeralderin.com/products/orange-underwire?variant=12904631533612" target="_blank">Orange 46</a> as they rise higher on my breast tissues under the arm.</li><li>I also think I need to narrow the bridge, just a little bit.</li><li>The under-cup looks good to me, but for some reason I feel that the bra 'drag' my breast down or that they are lower that I like them to be. I don't know how to address that. Now that I am re-reading the instructions, I think I should have made a different size and grade down the BCD.</li><li>I add some elastic under the lace of the upper cup, and I think it is too tight, giving me a slight indent.</li></ul><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;">If you have any advice, please, please share. I really want to love this one, but I am not there yet.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;">Also, on the last photo collage, you'll notice that the red dye has bled onto my white fabric. I have sent an email to <a href="https://www.brabuilders.com" target="_blank">Bra Builders</a>, and I am very happy on how they addressed and remedied the issue. Good customer service ALL THE WAY! I might try and dye the bra in red now.</p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-61787538081064568572024-01-21T14:00:00.004+00:002024-01-21T14:00:00.244+00:00is 2024 going to be the year of goals?!<p>A few days ago I watched my friend René from <a href="https://www.crafttableorlando.com/cart" target="_blank">the Craft Table</a> speaking about her <a href="https://youtu.be/XmHjNUM-BsM?si=7XPmRrPMB09Po649" target="_blank">List of projects for 2024</a>. First of all, take the time to watch it, she has so many lovely projects on her design wall, so calming.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCVZRmvKLmv39bQmBH1AzMPWBx9jGOumfH8a03nYvxbSxRozNziQ-OvN9baBqUvjJClKMC1Bm0CYnvDlNibi2X9-SyX8b5TsyEnZnXgh7OiuH1W6Rc7szBU72OlCAQUxILrT3Uj0iEl2GAKGa217KuN8-IC17SCoOihyphenhyphenpi4ZRpF2e73uLc5St2JDGvpw/s5120/Downloads3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Collage picture; top left corner - grey hair women holding her chin; bottom left - pile of books, center - knitting piece" border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="5120" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCVZRmvKLmv39bQmBH1AzMPWBx9jGOumfH8a03nYvxbSxRozNziQ-OvN9baBqUvjJClKMC1Bm0CYnvDlNibi2X9-SyX8b5TsyEnZnXgh7OiuH1W6Rc7szBU72OlCAQUxILrT3Uj0iEl2GAKGa217KuN8-IC17SCoOihyphenhyphenpi4ZRpF2e73uLc5St2JDGvpw/w640-h382/Downloads3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>It made me think about what I want to do with my craft, my creative life. I am not a new-year-resolutions type of person, I am not really good at making goals and following through. But someone recently told me that if you don't define goals how would you know where you're going, how would you know what path to take. So I sat down for a couple of hours, coffee in hand, and put a few things on paper.</p><p>First, inspired by <a href="http://www.cherylarkison.com/diningroomempire/">Cheryl Arkinson</a> I made my Big list of Quilts. So far I have 14 quilts on the list, in various state of completion: from a few blocks, to ready to quilt. Some are pretty old - 15 years or more, to a few month in constructions. Modern and traditional.</p><p>Side note on Cheryl Arkinson, her dedication to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/morningmake/">#morningmake</a> is a real inspiration; in 2020, I made <a href="http://piecesandlove.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-birthday-quilt-turning-20-in-2020.html" target="_blank">this quilt </a> while on lock-down, and those <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckv-Lpxv0gz/?img_index=1" target="_blank">watercolour cards</a>. If you have a minute, you might want to listen to her interview on the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hzxiyj8pU1GZmYIzX4M4u?si=2b35aab0124e4fa6" target="_blank">Quilting Stories Podcast</a>.</p><p>Well, well back to the subject, so 2 hours of taking notes, here where I stand. I made a list of crafts, area of life and identified some areas I'd like to explore.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Quilting</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sewing </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Knitting</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Other craft/art adventures</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ready</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Health</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Home</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Work</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Quilting</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope to concentrate on 4 projects, 2 of them need to be quilted (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo2F-5whESP/" target="_blank">Around the World</a>, and the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ-UqqcJVvj/?img_index=1">AnnaMaria Horner big flowers quilt</a>) , 2 will need more involved work: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLo7afGnNFm/?img_index=1" target="_blank">Tiny 9-patch</a> (probably need another 300 blocks), and the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1u4_3oxXca/?img_index=1" target="_blank">Notabeebee</a>. Having said that, I reserve the right to change direction at any time, who knows what exciting project might come to me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Sewing</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Is it going to be the year I am going to dive deep in bra making and be able to make bras for other boobs than mine?</div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, I want to use more of my stash and not get distracted by new shiny fabric... Wish me luck!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Knitting</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">No goals, just go with the flow and enjoy it.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well maybe, not to add too much to the wooly stash would be appropriate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Other Crafts</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I do have a couple of watercolour and sketching online classes to watch. I really want to pursue this. It is the ultimate slow down activity for me. If I go back to what I have done so far, I can see some interesting progression.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I also decide to put ceramics on the back burner for the moment, it has been hard too on my wrists.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Reading</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">My list of books I want to read is ridiculously long, I don't want, don't like audio-books (except non fiction, but I still have to have the physical book to take notes). Over the last couple of years, I had problems to concentrate, so hopefully with the help of good books I'll be able to recenter my attention.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Voila! I do realise that it is quite a primitive plan, it is an extremely loose plan and as much as I admire people that get organised with spreadsheet, tracking, measuring... I'm not ready for that yet. Still if you want inspiration on the subject, I would suggest Jeni Baker from <a href="https://www.incolororder.com" target="_blank">In Color Order</a>, I think she is the Queen of tracking, reporting. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-22670431640233979832023-09-05T15:41:00.001+01:002023-09-05T15:41:00.154+01:00The battle of the wrap dresses - Part 3: The Millicent wrap dress<p>After sewing those previous dresses (Part 1 and Part 2), the only conclusion I can draw is that I am a wrap dress kind of person and I need more of them in my life. So which one should I sew next? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sUMd_LEl5zsDe_tIAQIikW5wN8xS6I76lO4FZiu8ixZVEKlg7WxNwhobpy0OntPlERCZgq7G_Dtlqi7Scq6OEB80k7jG5a8CxmwgHShiQIq7rryrixId69YBo7ors1gnhqF9UaCCy3EX_2NLSme0gnwLb_qrUnGHn6jKGG7h4TK4Afxh1n3fKKa3/s5120/Temp5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="5120" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sUMd_LEl5zsDe_tIAQIikW5wN8xS6I76lO4FZiu8ixZVEKlg7WxNwhobpy0OntPlERCZgq7G_Dtlqi7Scq6OEB80k7jG5a8CxmwgHShiQIq7rryrixId69YBo7ors1gnhqF9UaCCy3EX_2NLSme0gnwLb_qrUnGHn6jKGG7h4TK4Afxh1n3fKKa3/w640-h480/Temp5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>From left to right, top to bottom: </i><i>Helena wrap dress, Hannah dress, </i><i>Wildwood wrap dress, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Millicent wrap dress, Trina dress.</i></div><p></p><ul><li><a href="https://byhandlondon.com/collections/dresses/products/hannah-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Hannah dress</a> by By Hand London - I love that there are several sleeves options, and many sewist have made it - check the IG <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/hannahdress/">#hannahdress</a>. Could it be too similar to my Roseclairs?</li><li><a href="https://victorypatterns.com/collections/pdf-patterns/products/trina-pdf?epik=dj0yJnU9NkJuWXpmb0t3dUhaR0M4bW5JOG1ndk03dkRNZXJRNlAmcD0wJm49ejE2YThhaHFZNFhLNTZxMnZoQ1JCQSZ0PUFBQUFBR0tPV2VZ&utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social" target="_blank">Trina Dress and Blouse</a> by Victory Pattern - this one has been on my radar for a very long time, I really like the dramatic sleeves. However it only goes to size 16, which would work for me. The question is 'Do I want to support a designer who does not support larger people?' From their website, it feels like they are extending their size range, so maybe I should give it a chance? Here is the IG <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/trinadress/" target="_blank">#trinadress</a></li><li><a href="https://www.stylearc.com/shop/pdf-sewing-patterns/millicent-wrap-dress-multi-size-pdf/?utm_campaign=later-linkinbio-stylearc&utm_content=later-26692937&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkin.bio" target="_blank">Millicent wrap dress</a> by Style Arc - this might be at the top of my list. I love the back details, the French darts and interesting sleeve shape. It is a new pattern so the IG <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/samillicentwrapdress/" target="_blank">#SAMillicentwrapdress</a> is empty.</li><li><a href="https://sewhouse7.com/collections/pdf-sewing-patterns/products/wildwood-wrap-dress" target="_blank">Wildwood Wrap Dress</a> by Seven House - interesting shawl collar, interesting pockets, interesting wide waistband, but I am not convinced by the fit of the larger size block. And actually the IG <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/wildwoodwrapdress/">#wildwoodwrapdress</a> does not have many large sewists represented.</li><li><a href="https://just-patterns.com/shop/helena-wrap-dress" target="_blank">Helena Wrap Dress</a> by Just Patterns - the look is similar to the Wildwood dress. The shape of the waistband is lovely. However I can't help but think that wide waistband combined with gathered skirt might not be what works best for me. From what I see on the IG <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/helenawrapdress/" target="_blank">#helenawrapdress</a>, large chest and high waist make it feels a bit matronly, and the neckline might be a bit too modest for my taste.</li></ul>Well, full disclosure, I started writing this post so so long ago, and since then I cut and sewed another wrap dress : the Millicent wrap dress by Style Arc. I sewed size 20, with no alterations. The fabric is from my local fabric store, always. This cotton might be a bit stiff for this project, I might want to do it again in linen just for the flowy factor. I will also omit the pockets... It might be an unpopular opinion, but I do not think all dresses need pockets.<div><br /></div><div>I do like the sleeves detail : the bottom of the sleeves is lined, giving it some structure. I do like where the V-nick line hits. I might rework it slightly if I sew it again as there's a bit of a gap. Compare to the 2 other patterns, the Millicent fits closer around the bust. Length is great. Another winner!<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-pWJokYmuOiBWSkfMggoYiYJzPlLsFeS6Ipx9oZBeyt9pK8TjUcxhodTWbWwGXBomXkW9VDZYJzMtD2Iyc5lJNcWgkQzBDVk0BomyDtzWTXOqVTqQa2Ap-WhSkpgf6le9-_-YuxcYySszYYoQyDEh7EkfacTxmh9zBzxpwO6Kor1Fezz-5Zp05IN/s5120/Millicent%20dress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-pWJokYmuOiBWSkfMggoYiYJzPlLsFeS6Ipx9oZBeyt9pK8TjUcxhodTWbWwGXBomXkW9VDZYJzMtD2Iyc5lJNcWgkQzBDVk0BomyDtzWTXOqVTqQa2Ap-WhSkpgf6le9-_-YuxcYySszYYoQyDEh7EkfacTxmh9zBzxpwO6Kor1Fezz-5Zp05IN/w640-h400/Millicent%20dress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>And of course I made another Roseclair... This time I did a 2 tiers skirt, just for a bit of change.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cUYadDxto3kOuUNInb2YniKdlzsaJK0lKXZ33-ZFPF1VtcnrS6Eu8jByi6RB_VeQr3VntIZjZEDxWSahg_tdiG74f4Q6rvBodZxriw1P4W1hpPOQWMV1XgwtkyJxAUpQZvdxcVM0J72Pbo1-_SnAPrGBQGRxEaeBU65qCt9CUFRKkA9-HCpss4uJ_LM/s5120/Roseclaire%20%233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3657" data-original-width="5120" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cUYadDxto3kOuUNInb2YniKdlzsaJK0lKXZ33-ZFPF1VtcnrS6Eu8jByi6RB_VeQr3VntIZjZEDxWSahg_tdiG74f4Q6rvBodZxriw1P4W1hpPOQWMV1XgwtkyJxAUpQZvdxcVM0J72Pbo1-_SnAPrGBQGRxEaeBU65qCt9CUFRKkA9-HCpss4uJ_LM/w640-h458/Roseclaire%20%233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-15282906351854703012023-09-04T15:29:00.001+01:002023-09-04T15:29:00.147+01:00The battle of the wrap dresses - Part 2: The Elodie Wrap dress<p>The Elodie Wrap dress by <a href="https://closetcorepatterns.com" target="_blank">Closet Core Patterns</a></p><p>This one, like a lot of my patterns, has been in my stash for a while. What can I say, I do like the CCT's aesthetic, I do like their pattern envelopes and I really appreciate the fact that their patterns are for more advanced sewists.</p><p>Elodie #1 has been sewn in some weird fabric from Joann - spongy, shifty, the kind you think you're cutting straight and then it's all wavy... not a fun fabric to work with, but I like the colour and it is light and flowy. I made view A in size 18 from the 0-20 range, with 'no modifications' (well I'll come back to this in a bit), just omitted the pockets. I really like the fact that it has a waistband with a super long waist tie. I would normally prefer a slightly deeper V-neck, the length just bellow the knee is perfect.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFmEM6q6bk_09xwz4Tss7dEaioAjOe3fB9TQYGLVSwXYRiWUUaxCxjJ5Hxp5U4Ob6zCle7eUDEIMiwI9WB0G0m154XYAxtPyISCPuWrdniGX3EqWp14DFQokjiFSHlo3_5zUmTsR1c65tdTEwlAFZ8ZHb69ojTSuo723wHbpGbuJSgxO1GyW4KtpY/s5120/Elodie%20%231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFmEM6q6bk_09xwz4Tss7dEaioAjOe3fB9TQYGLVSwXYRiWUUaxCxjJ5Hxp5U4Ob6zCle7eUDEIMiwI9WB0G0m154XYAxtPyISCPuWrdniGX3EqWp14DFQokjiFSHlo3_5zUmTsR1c65tdTEwlAFZ8ZHb69ojTSuo723wHbpGbuJSgxO1GyW4KtpY/w640-h400/Elodie%20%231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Elodie #2 came by accident - I was getting some threads, and found this beautiful, red-ish with a hint of terracotta, linen blend and had no other option but to take it home. I cut my pieces as per Elodie #1 (I'm on #teamtrace...), so why the top fronts and backs did not match at all? Well it's what happen when you mix and match pieces from view A and B. It also gives you an idea of how shifty was the green fabric. Lucky for me, I had extra fabric to recut to fronts. I also added some inseam pockets because any dress deserves pockets.<p></p><p>Same as the previous one, I love everything about this dress. The fabric is heavier which gives a nice body to the top, the skirt is perfect.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYaw0JqRg7eWTdonExRJOYXsNIMyjMcOhf_LzO48lptXkn3c0p7lVxseDGPYUzxIL7J6kFM7cgNoyQqfbNInmAV-laNPpBFnM1IERC5qNCPBeT5e8Rf0-zjLYQApgwg0k0-eNULsBtYo75r55uiKodXbROu9u_8MWaqQ5wSnohfs2azG869hMS5qY5XE/s5120/Elodie%20%232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3956" data-original-width="5120" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYaw0JqRg7eWTdonExRJOYXsNIMyjMcOhf_LzO48lptXkn3c0p7lVxseDGPYUzxIL7J6kFM7cgNoyQqfbNInmAV-laNPpBFnM1IERC5qNCPBeT5e8Rf0-zjLYQApgwg0k0-eNULsBtYo75r55uiKodXbROu9u_8MWaqQ5wSnohfs2azG869hMS5qY5XE/w640-h494/Elodie%20%232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In the (friendly) battle between Roseclair and Elodie, they are both winners. Each time I put one of them on me, I think it's my favourite one until I get to the next one. I love both patterns equally. I also feel that in both cases, the instructions are very well detailed and there's loads of extra resources on both companies website.</p><p>But the story doesn't end here. Come back tomorrow for part 3</p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-28798965107274440082023-09-03T15:26:00.000+01:002023-09-03T15:26:03.282+01:00The battle of the wrap dresses Part 1 The Roseclair<p>I love a V-neck line and a wrap dress is even better. Additional bonus, a wrap dress is forgiving when it comes to measurements fluctuations. So let me introduce you to some of my latest wrap dresses.</p><p>First the <a href="https://www.cashmerette.com/collections/collection-for-july-sale/products/roseclair-dress-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Roseclair</a> by Cashmerette</p><p>Roseclair #1 - I needed (wanted) a new cute outfit for a friend's birthday party. Started cutting the fabric a 8:30 in the morning, went party a 6:30 with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUkTJS2gyB8/" target="_blank">my new dress</a>.</p><p>As usual with Cashmerette pattern, I cut a size 16 E/F, no adjustments and it fit like a glove. It falls exactly the way I imaging it would. The neckline is just low enough, without revealing or gapping. The shape of the skirt, easy on the hips, swirly enough but not too much, hemmed just at the knee. The sleeves are cute too: my first version has short sleeves, the second has just below the elbow bishop shape. For the record, my measurements are High Bust 41, Full Bust 45, Waist 38, Hips 44.</p><p>The fabric was bought at my local fabric store. The first version is a lovely, drapy rayon, from the Gardenia collection, by <a href="https://www.rachelparkerdesigns.co.uk/about" target="_blank">Rachel Parker</a> for <a href="https://david-sweet-7gbc.squarespace.com/gardenia" target="_blank">Dashwood studio</a>. And it is so soft too. My second version is a very light denim colour rayon. It is as good as the first one.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJNSvh518YpedEtYZDaGyDTMNCnZ-H_tDj51fCRErfpZfTg9cnvV6bNuxrdv7qtFgxRUM12nBrq4lDJtOSiTCk-YqnwwXdNdjxO5nTe_0CNpyBs_9YTK5zjpCfJdSituvQsWmphAioOC1qcLo5e1lAkHOEURiJ9HfrSZ0IruYVYetq8kdRPBnxk7g/s5120/Roseclaire%20%231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJNSvh518YpedEtYZDaGyDTMNCnZ-H_tDj51fCRErfpZfTg9cnvV6bNuxrdv7qtFgxRUM12nBrq4lDJtOSiTCk-YqnwwXdNdjxO5nTe_0CNpyBs_9YTK5zjpCfJdSituvQsWmphAioOC1qcLo5e1lAkHOEURiJ9HfrSZ0IruYVYetq8kdRPBnxk7g/w640-h397/Roseclaire%20%231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Roseclair #2 - same process as before, get the fabric from my local store, cut, sew, enjoy.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQYvnaino-AmG12sHdsT-NEuZXXeWJwV2pyH9Htqk2U8pncs2rFy3YcItyKTx8fFesR6fsMrCLqi-Gddyj-gUmDd0TwmNsX-Lwx7WGhrbCWHrP2QH6KSEeREVHioROqX7-1tLf63oTe8BZNuG-osbeth3tloQSVO466oNFnW85LbN0QN2PXggRG-9q7I/s5120/Roseclaire%20%232.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3657" data-original-width="5120" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQYvnaino-AmG12sHdsT-NEuZXXeWJwV2pyH9Htqk2U8pncs2rFy3YcItyKTx8fFesR6fsMrCLqi-Gddyj-gUmDd0TwmNsX-Lwx7WGhrbCWHrP2QH6KSEeREVHioROqX7-1tLf63oTe8BZNuG-osbeth3tloQSVO466oNFnW85LbN0QN2PXggRG-9q7I/w640-h458/Roseclaire%20%232.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Did I mention how much I love the length, the skirt shape, the V-neck, the sleeves (both versions). Actually, I don't think there's anything I don't like about these dresses.</div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><p><br /></p></div>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-76058070539463142522023-07-04T04:06:00.001+01:002023-07-04T04:06:00.140+01:00Inspired (bis) - Gilmore skirt and Carlyle T<p>A while ago, I was on a photoshoot for Anne Tailor, somewhere in the South, on a magnificent property (so many feelings about walking on the grounds of this former plantation). </p><p>Amongst the looks, I noticed this blue and white one: very fresh, very preppy, clean lines, it made me think of a beautiful Sunday morning, going to the Farmers' market somewhere in the French Riviera. Was it me? not really, but why not giving it a go.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKcMl0RXktLFWGYi_LFqocCN-e8ECwAzLCXirlfBnPwe5x8oXeFagHSiCUIE-xNSBNnpJtoPTmZtMOvVZeCx6K47PIY0MUEQKZAvxMF5s_VpbQuNDzZNlQ4fEzVy3mhlvunovVDe1X1H4wbTxwGWOUZL8MNdeddV1ME2XQvMFCYlWfd-FJ0x6hULcdLU/s5120/Gilmore%20skirt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3413" data-original-width="5120" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKcMl0RXktLFWGYi_LFqocCN-e8ECwAzLCXirlfBnPwe5x8oXeFagHSiCUIE-xNSBNnpJtoPTmZtMOvVZeCx6K47PIY0MUEQKZAvxMF5s_VpbQuNDzZNlQ4fEzVy3mhlvunovVDe1X1H4wbTxwGWOUZL8MNdeddV1ME2XQvMFCYlWfd-FJ0x6hULcdLU/w640-h424/Gilmore%20skirt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>A while ago (again), Cashmerette had asked me to collaborate on some patterns testing1 for the launch of the Cashmerette Club. The <a href="https://www.cashmerette.com/collections/club-member-patterns/products/gilmore-skirt" target="_blank">Gilmore skirt</a> is an almost full circle skirt which can be paired with the Upton dress bodice. My first idea was to make the full dress. However, have you notice how left to their own devices, ideas have a tendency to evolve and morph in something different. And this is how this outfit came to life: I got some light blue, large checks pattern fabric from Moods, some off-white Ponte and in less than an afternoon I sewn my version of the "preppy lady going to the French Farmers' market".</p><div>I made a size 18 for the skirt, not a single modification. Now I wish I had done a size smaller as the waistband has slightly stretch after a couple of hours of wear. I have plenty of fabric left, so I might be tempted to make a matching top, with vintage vibe, with potentially a knot in the front.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpI3nZwJGgKRAcK9wkCXkccQrKenMw262O9uPWh9J6uOKFlclMPkQgR4He7pjrxWJv_88mtAVa2YAywITszjWyD74131IjTQ_yCVhNptfkWbzrl5fSmCUI7oGLntIDEwpgXjokxvgqO7SIwAQlNrpK6IW9DkZwN9fhcNypHZ3-xxpSNA--fVPZbVANsA/s5120/Gilmore%20skirt2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3657" data-original-width="5120" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpI3nZwJGgKRAcK9wkCXkccQrKenMw262O9uPWh9J6uOKFlclMPkQgR4He7pjrxWJv_88mtAVa2YAywITszjWyD74131IjTQ_yCVhNptfkWbzrl5fSmCUI7oGLntIDEwpgXjokxvgqO7SIwAQlNrpK6IW9DkZwN9fhcNypHZ3-xxpSNA--fVPZbVANsA/w640-h458/Gilmore%20skirt2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The T-shirt is the <a href="https://www.cashmerette.com/collections/club-member-patterns/products/carlyle-t-shirt" target="_blank">Carlyle top</a> in size 16EF, with no alterations (I am repeating myself a lot) because it worked so well with the previous iteration.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>For the record, Cashmerette patterns run from Size 0 to 32, cup C-H, so all boobs' sizes are covered.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OrY04y_KkGFUaTFweDWbVbvUt4zHVaBgUSqM0d23NI5wU_rh2A9IyAdPrv71xmb539YopQ92uN-ZqmYf9tDwynyNSmVeogCQ1CVMzmWqIGHk3Nax_4khUnrJTdqSsGD8RmiD-l1IwXNozSQf3XyoOrvNFX-_wrtAaRkktQ2UaFDuIUCehrSUIAZGs3s/s5120/Roseclaire%20%2321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="5120" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OrY04y_KkGFUaTFweDWbVbvUt4zHVaBgUSqM0d23NI5wU_rh2A9IyAdPrv71xmb539YopQ92uN-ZqmYf9tDwynyNSmVeogCQ1CVMzmWqIGHk3Nax_4khUnrJTdqSsGD8RmiD-l1IwXNozSQf3XyoOrvNFX-_wrtAaRkktQ2UaFDuIUCehrSUIAZGs3s/w640-h512/Roseclaire%20%2321.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>And here is the skirt with a RTW shirt and a not in the front. I like it!</div>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-77797817657849806952023-06-28T18:18:00.001+01:002023-06-28T18:18:00.138+01:00Shelwyn top by Cashmerette<p>Sometimes I am conflicted and not sure about my style. I love love a wrap dress (wait for one or 2 blog posts about this very soon), I like to dress smart, but I am not trendy or stylish (whatever this means). When it comes to sewing I hardly do impulse sewing, but then something lands on your laps and there's no other option but sewing it right away. And that's what happened with the <a href="https://www.cashmerette.com/collections/club-member-patterns/products/selwyn-top" target="_blank">Selwyn top</a> from <a href="https://www.cashmerette.com/pages/club" target="_blank">Cashmerette Club</a>. As a collaborator, I received the pattern a week before the release, and sew it immediately with some woven quilting cotton I had in my stash for many many years.</p><p>What can I say about this pattern that I haven't said many times before about any Cashmerette patterns? I cut a 16 E/F, my usual size (my measurements HB: 41, FB:45/46, W:38/39, H:44). I did not sew a muslin or carried any kind of fit check (I know it goes against everything I teach...), but again I'm pretty sure Jenny draft for me ;).</p><p>The top is designed for light weight fabric, but I decided to go on with the quilting cotton (still listen to me when I say quilting cotton is not the best choice for garment sewing...), I wanted the full wing effect from the shoulder's ruffles, and the stiff-ish fabric delivered.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5B3EZrz_R-pNI-LwkIvh87oxMZYS8y7DwxNBB3EfnabkoTHtDnYVcXKuE76ZJRpcO_qzd10eNXqZ7fV3HRIHI6zAmi4G0UQDA3GLxjbogexoXzjDtBhPkCXneTicziFBvqaS12ehEqgS32ls1YWDwYox2SDxVf8c63diYBjlaE7wJOubyDo8X1JMFH4/s5120/Selwyn%20top.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="5120" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5B3EZrz_R-pNI-LwkIvh87oxMZYS8y7DwxNBB3EfnabkoTHtDnYVcXKuE76ZJRpcO_qzd10eNXqZ7fV3HRIHI6zAmi4G0UQDA3GLxjbogexoXzjDtBhPkCXneTicziFBvqaS12ehEqgS32ls1YWDwYox2SDxVf8c63diYBjlaE7wJOubyDo8X1JMFH4/w640-h360/Selwyn%20top.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Isn't it cute? and silly? and playful?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a choice paralysis moment when it came to select the best buttons. I've asked <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cshw3-TsS0O/" target="_blank">The Internet and my IG friends</a>, and did not follow any of the opinions shared and got different buttons. Oh well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of buttons, there's one step I did not follow - buttons' placement. I always decide for myself where I put them and how many I want. I have this magic <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Expanding-Multiple-Adjustable-Multifunctional/dp/B09NP9SY1Q/ref=asc_df_B09NP9SY1Q/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=652427711908&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4336219654931604110&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012420&hvtargid=pla-2063751451370&psc=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7uSkBhDGARIsAMCZNJvqkDcRDv_eIisTppkZVqy_s-LyJ9DFrdACJiiscvqWvcjdyzXUjgsaAveNEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Expanding Sewing Gauge/Button spacer</a> that I love: first I place a pin on the button placket at my largest chest point, then from this point I expand the gauge until I am satisfied with the number of buttons and their placement. And just like that, no gapping and showing my bra (not that I would have a problem with that). </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzKdrPFyv4_DQ7j_PLk47HCYSUMcUqN30F93cKmutYWL7A43GXolo6oxBlvj1jC2DivsPPrE0_DK1PMNhAPmqdvPFL1vBDXST5PunSoCkUuBoupaUMaJMVIlKI8bESHT7pIRQnyVrMnyqdioqP0tC0H9XlYgwrAYxPYEEK9UCrY5lmVtvlSO-Kdxhdho/s5120/Selwyn%20top1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzKdrPFyv4_DQ7j_PLk47HCYSUMcUqN30F93cKmutYWL7A43GXolo6oxBlvj1jC2DivsPPrE0_DK1PMNhAPmqdvPFL1vBDXST5PunSoCkUuBoupaUMaJMVIlKI8bESHT7pIRQnyVrMnyqdioqP0tC0H9XlYgwrAYxPYEEK9UCrY5lmVtvlSO-Kdxhdho/w640-h400/Selwyn%20top1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As far as the construction is concerned, the instructions are detailed, easy to follow, and of course there's the <a href="https://blog.cashmerette.com/2023/06/selwyn-top-sewalong.html" target="_blank">sew along</a> with all the details you need. Also, I do love that you can use the sleeves from other <a href="https://www.cashmerette.com/products/vernon-shirt-pdf-pattern?_pos=1&_sid=e286ee6c5&_ss=r" target="_blank">Cashmerette pattern</a> and turn this top in a long sleeve number.<div><br /></div><div>By the way, this pattern is only available to members of the Cashmerette Club. Just go and join the club!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-83137002851598387962023-06-25T16:03:00.001+01:002023-06-25T16:03:00.137+01:00[SF 21] on my play list recently<p>My reading practice and my podcast listening habits have changed a lot those last few months. I can identify a few reasons for these changes. First, it took me 10 months (on and off) to read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22822858-a-little-life?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=eBmjMTNiW9&rank=1" target="_blank">A Little Life.</a> This book is very well written, but gosh it is heavy, almost 900 pages heavy but also emotionally heavy, so many triggers. After this, it took me a long time to find my rythme again, and the rest of the year has been very bare in term of reading.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTkbUQ6xWfnUOyn1uX7nOXlf6jm0aJzgEtODimD6Qj6qxjMRLnPsyhreThxx9uDx7Er9AkXxtLZTKXJNlq8YawGwm4sKAQp4yRdAsNgUFKtge2Mo_5u1_w9UFiVX8ph0sfsqflIDCTF3meVaK76MgU1EmJzcRMMd1ettCg0pzh6nn_qYwzgayQDCZJnc/s5120/Downloads1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Picture collage of books: top left-the light we carry, bottom left-why you will marry.., center-The Power, top right-Embodied, bottom left The color purple" border="0" data-original-height="3657" data-original-width="5120" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTkbUQ6xWfnUOyn1uX7nOXlf6jm0aJzgEtODimD6Qj6qxjMRLnPsyhreThxx9uDx7Er9AkXxtLZTKXJNlq8YawGwm4sKAQp4yRdAsNgUFKtge2Mo_5u1_w9UFiVX8ph0sfsqflIDCTF3meVaK76MgU1EmJzcRMMd1ettCg0pzh6nn_qYwzgayQDCZJnc/w640-h457/Downloads1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>2023 does seem to be any better, still I have a couple of books I loved so far:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Michelle Obama - <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61355265-the-light-we-carry" target="_blank">The light we carry</a>; I loved this book so so much that I have gifted around many times. Actually, I've listened to it. I only listen to non-fiction books and I do prefer when they are read by the author themselves. Oh my! Michelle is so good; her voice is so warm and her life experiences are so interesting, her life/family philosophy is so close to our (P&me) own values. Listening to this book felt like a long conversation with a very good friend. Since then I got the paper version, so I can 're-read' it and annotate it.<br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35006962-why-you-will-marry-the-wrong-person?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=myAN9D5WXW&rank=1" target="_blank">Why you'll marry the wrong person</a>; a few week ago I was in Miami and this super tiny book was in my room, I opened it randomly to a couple of pages and it hit just the right spot each time. A couple of years ago, P&I hit a marital snafu, we managed our way out. Now after having read this 70-something pages essay, I feel that it should be a 'must read' for everyone in couple. OK it is not very romantic, might sound cynical and pessimistic at time, but so on point on many aspects of couple life.</li></ul><div>I don't know whether it is going to be a permanent thing or just a subtract of my new working life, but my podcast consumption has decreased a lot those past few months. Of course, I still listen to <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/" target="_blank">Up First</a> (13 minutes of news is all I can deal with nowadays), <a href="https://www.npr.org/lifekit" target="_blank">Life Kit</a> (Tools to help you to get it together... not sure I get it together, will take everything that can help), but some time ago, I've discovered a new gem:</div><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.wunc.org/podcast/embodied-podcast" target="_blank">Embodied podcast</a>: <br /><i>"Sex and relationships are intimate — and sometimes intimidating to talk about. In this award-winning podcast, Host Anita Rao guides us on an exploration of our brains and our bodies that touches down in taboo territory."</i><br />Well do you need any other incentive to listen to it. The subjects are so varied, they might shock you, they will certainly stretch your believes, open your mind. Every episode explores taboo subjects with kindness. I am very thankful to <a href="https://preview.www.huffpost.com/entry/sex-porn-embodied-npr-station_n_5f91c5dbc5b66d4a0dbd38c5/preview?preview=ca395135-74e3-488d-a6fa-fc8985a3c02b" target="_blank">Anita Rao</a> for this.</li></ul><p></p><p>Could it be a case of how blasée I have become, or just ageing, but I haven't found many series I enjoyed recently (of course <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5788792/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_q_the%2520mar" target="_blank">The Marvelous Mrs Maise</a>l was indeed marvellous), but recently I stumbled upon</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10369484/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_8_nm_0_q_the%2520pow" target="_blank">The Power</a>: imagine girls 'infected' by an unknown illness that gave them the ability to shoot electricity through their fingers. With this power in their hands they can change the fake equilibrium of the world dominated by male. Just imagine...<br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088939/?ref_=tt_sims_tt_i_1" target="_blank">The color purple</a>; don't roll your eyes at me, until last week I never had watched this movie... and then I watched it and I cried and cried (still crying inside). The story of Ms Celie's hardship, lost, oppressed life is more than crushing. Trying to get an understanding of how the movie was received at the time is crushing too, I need some time to reflect on it.</li></ul><p></p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-82924572890241971062023-06-05T17:14:00.001+01:002023-06-05T17:14:00.143+01:00Little pretty thing(s)<p> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKgpObMHrUDAZ-HgrrehHbeNL24tk9g2-8jI1EVolm8Prvv8YdNEFt0D59C1jMOYGd4_VLmrwA0bAg8Q0IiWgqFz460wkWYkMJDIe9Z4FJ6tZ5plw6sroXn13lzptX9vskQjCS-magikM8l_Ij6g2UVRxWSfmL_hQfMy31PBQVx3rymUuIVBN9qhp/s5120/TheOneThatIWantCrop2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="3413" data-original-width="5120" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKgpObMHrUDAZ-HgrrehHbeNL24tk9g2-8jI1EVolm8Prvv8YdNEFt0D59C1jMOYGd4_VLmrwA0bAg8Q0IiWgqFz460wkWYkMJDIe9Z4FJ6tZ5plw6sroXn13lzptX9vskQjCS-magikM8l_Ij6g2UVRxWSfmL_hQfMy31PBQVx3rymUuIVBN9qhp/w640-h424/TheOneThatIWantCrop2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This is <a href="https://www.jolihouse.com/the-one-that-i-want-crop-knitting-pattern/" target="_blank">'TheonethatIwantcrop"</a> by <a href="https://www.jolihouse.com" target="_blank">Lylie Kate</a>. It is very simple, clean shape and easy to knit. The instructions are so detailed, it is almost as if someone is whispering in your ears each stitch you have to knit, row by row. The size range is pretty impressive too (full bust up to 62" with 2 different cup options).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS2wWrZrhNQaEi0p-QAINHJ7s0MX3paI8HDrjHPRjCLlrdoz0lUbQA8GJldPgEOyC9BTOxfJlmRh2RsRj0ZRsOWa-j6EPZlfY_2KI8N__yJzeUtITLEBifzQh5FZAvw2mI-nqdx4nh5sOxVchdYOnc3GBuwKAaSLcjC8iAtrokbB2Bk6G_MtBTJGs/s5120/TheOneThatIWantCrop3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3620" data-original-width="5120" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS2wWrZrhNQaEi0p-QAINHJ7s0MX3paI8HDrjHPRjCLlrdoz0lUbQA8GJldPgEOyC9BTOxfJlmRh2RsRj0ZRsOWa-j6EPZlfY_2KI8N__yJzeUtITLEBifzQh5FZAvw2mI-nqdx4nh5sOxVchdYOnc3GBuwKAaSLcjC8iAtrokbB2Bk6G_MtBTJGs/w640-h450/TheOneThatIWantCrop3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I've use some <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/berroco-pima-100" target="_blank">Berroco Pima Cotton</a> in sage green (such a Juliette's colour). I made it in size 2 with no change and I would like to have tons to say about this project, but when everything goes that smoothly, there's nothing to add.</p><p>What I'd love to say though is go and follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lilykatemakes/" target="_blank">LilyKate</a>, she is a young woman who has been in the knitting world since she was a pre-teen, she is a traveler, model, scientist, entrepreneur, photograph... she is just incredibly talented. Look at this <a href="https://www.jolihouse.com/textiles-project-gcse/" target="_blank">pencil skirt</a> or this <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck8lnj-IqRh/" target="_blank">vest</a>... </p><p>Speaking of other talented young woman, while looking for tutorial, I stumbled upon one of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBI4PcXPN-w" target="_blank">Juliette's video on YouTube</a>, and I think I should start a petition asking for her to do more videos, she's is so cute, entertaining, funny...</p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-85078911121272524342023-05-31T23:34:00.001+01:002023-05-31T23:50:55.737+01:00To blog or not to blog?<p> ... that is the question!</p><div>The other day, as I was 'cleaning' my files, I came across all the picture collages I had done for my blog over the years... and all the memories came back:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the feeling of despair and quietness during the pandemic lockdown</div><div style="text-align: center;">the sweet memories of meals cooked for my loved ones</div><div style="text-align: center;">the flashback to road-trips</div><div style="text-align: center;">the feeling of accomplishment when a garment got finished</div><div style="text-align: center;">the failed projects</div><div style="text-align: center;">the inspirations</div><div style="text-align: center;">the pleasure of working with my hands</div><div style="text-align: center;">the books I read and loved</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the kids - their smiles, their bond... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">and just like that my heart felt so big, swollen with love, I could feel tears dropping and I asked myself why did I stop collecting all those memories, why did I stop blogging?</div><div><br /></div><div>There are many reasons why I stopped: it takes times to write, to take pictures, to edit; I got absorbed the constant scrolling on social media; I got 'busy' with life; I stopped reading other people's blogs... </div><div><br /></div><div>After many years of enjoying IG, I now feel that I am not posting there much, I scroll, watch meaningless reels, and loose time not getting inspired. In addition, I lost touch with many blogs I used to follow on <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> - this interface is no longer working well, and it feels like many bloggers have stopped too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I remember that this blog was created mostly for me; even if I showcase my makes, each piece of craft is entangled with a piece of life and I want the memories to keep flowing. So, here I am trying to blog again.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you have a 'system' to follow blogs, please please let me know. Also, I had some posts ready, so you might see things that have been done and finished since a very long time... still hoping you'll enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40PtfZ6U1fDkpbedwQptljmO6dW2nJaR0pb1z5Z4TNj2BxEzQvv74Zj3j74K0QFJzWQYmISod-I9AUwjlC0lRuytcRHhCZLU9XJFi3Cs9rV7v319IGI0bnulJ2hAyn9Q3KB1VTmuDbU2Lba7MYZKfQcfarZSypLkf5Bxu7ZqByGh6UFs16gb_GGiR/s5120/on%20set%20tailoring.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Picture collage of the kids (Alice, Victor, Juliette, and A's BF Tom) and us (Philippe and I) at Thanksgiving 2022" border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40PtfZ6U1fDkpbedwQptljmO6dW2nJaR0pb1z5Z4TNj2BxEzQvv74Zj3j74K0QFJzWQYmISod-I9AUwjlC0lRuytcRHhCZLU9XJFi3Cs9rV7v319IGI0bnulJ2hAyn9Q3KB1VTmuDbU2Lba7MYZKfQcfarZSypLkf5Bxu7ZqByGh6UFs16gb_GGiR/w640-h400/on%20set%20tailoring.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-7913543743120985832022-11-22T14:52:00.001+00:002022-11-22T14:52:48.372+00:00One year already - Giving thanks<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO47wJzh4-H6cTEHKOEZfISg35MZiJT-fkYWW2fhd9N2CRE9fySgRN7xpuuFXfZQWRO85g5-BDgvKlSuT-2sieWjwUz3jzHrchZfoSvwWfEOet_UNsYCxHEbOnjV8m-BRNLt-qa6dntfeNqxIGly4KY494WtVBep--04vmFAAFFuwWUSJCOf8RAJU/s5120/Temp6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="5120" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO47wJzh4-H6cTEHKOEZfISg35MZiJT-fkYWW2fhd9N2CRE9fySgRN7xpuuFXfZQWRO85g5-BDgvKlSuT-2sieWjwUz3jzHrchZfoSvwWfEOet_UNsYCxHEbOnjV8m-BRNLt-qa6dntfeNqxIGly4KY494WtVBep--04vmFAAFFuwWUSJCOf8RAJU/w640-h360/Temp6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>What words should I use in these circumstances? How do I recognise the 'feeling of missing' someone? Where does it sit in my body? There's no sadness, no feeling of longing for the person, just the flickering feeling that my grandmother is here, with and within us, her children, her grand-children and her great-grand-kids, and that we carry her cheekiness and we should do it with joy.</p><p>Today, as I'm working in the kitchen, preparing the Thanksgiving meal, waiting for the kids to arrive, I am thankful for my grand-mother, from what I inherited from her- cherishing my family, feeding them good meals, my love of anything fiber...</p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-81451669980950652452022-07-10T22:26:00.001+01:002022-07-10T22:26:35.356+01:00Sunday thoughts<p>Not a Sunday Finds post, more Sunday thoughts...</p><p>Since we came back from Alaska last Monday, I have felt unsettled. First the jet lag - 4 hours is not a big deal but add to this daylight and temperature differences, and my brain is all over the place... from happy, to moody, to sleepy, to overexcited...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cMPE7uqTIR5IVs0Pke6J3nHcqMPEk03S26pMnLGJUkuOG4Pv3OZ8jV8NQGyD5huJvtqFZgZwnt3CsFZXuL-oWaSCXG0r41I4_u2B-rPgPFFiv843nm-5bKs2SOs5GdStV9vEkv8KKGdQmcWA3jSNUgtmMXqZT1GWVnYTPDs4tkrQE15INfRyvRSQ/s5120/Downloads8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cMPE7uqTIR5IVs0Pke6J3nHcqMPEk03S26pMnLGJUkuOG4Pv3OZ8jV8NQGyD5huJvtqFZgZwnt3CsFZXuL-oWaSCXG0r41I4_u2B-rPgPFFiv843nm-5bKs2SOs5GdStV9vEkv8KKGdQmcWA3jSNUgtmMXqZT1GWVnYTPDs4tkrQE15INfRyvRSQ/w640-h400/Downloads8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It's Sunday pm and I have the feeling that I've done nothing, gone nowhere so I decided to reassess this last week. Here is what I have been doing:</p><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>spending far too much time on social networks</li><li>making time to meditate every single day (700 days streak today)</li><li>catching up with the kids and parents - everyone is fine</li><li>enjoying my crops - tiny weeny little cherry tomatoes grown from seeds 2 years ago and still going strong; big mangoes saved from the squirrels</li><li>appreciating my crazy little plant congregation : Hoyas giving me its first flower; volunteer which I though dead gracing me with new leaves.</li><li>arranging spices in the cabinet- not by alphabetical order though... not going to push it</li><li>trying some new textile things: first time tie-die dying</li><li>dressing cute - more than once but not documented</li><li>having friends over for dinner and managing to cook dinner in no time</li><li>finishing projects: one quilt off the frame, 2 bras, 1 hat, 1 pair of socks, 1 floofy pink thing</li><li>contemplating my summer reading list</li><li>embarking on new projects with exciting people</li><li>watching 'MY' bears eating salmons : <a href="https://explore.org/livecams/brown-bears/brown-bear-salmon-cam-brooks-falls" target="_blank">Brooks Falls live camera</a> - to think we were there last week.</li></ul>How are you doing, my friends?<br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-25308261630230296772022-04-24T12:00:00.001+01:002022-04-24T12:00:00.184+01:00[SF 20] Femmes<p>It feels that I always start my post with 'it's been a long time...' since I haven't done a Sunday Find entry... so let's do it. I am calling this one 'Femmes' (women) because it might appeal more to my feminine audience (Do I even have a male audience beyond my husband and son?).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9bK4CrJeiOjT1JwvaqxbRprEH567rQY_fRL-UVdyij6Zjgorct5fmK1yyZCKORDm7TOV6aoFNaMvTef5522tQgBQCMrFbvsSQN3z8uz9RXwOfiinhzwXnHaD-mdOaYTEtdWUg9P8cO-z2qMU5KWJ0J27Upy0jdws3vTVGt5w8YUxd_c90nE7cEc1/s5120/Temp4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9bK4CrJeiOjT1JwvaqxbRprEH567rQY_fRL-UVdyij6Zjgorct5fmK1yyZCKORDm7TOV6aoFNaMvTef5522tQgBQCMrFbvsSQN3z8uz9RXwOfiinhzwXnHaD-mdOaYTEtdWUg9P8cO-z2qMU5KWJ0J27Upy0jdws3vTVGt5w8YUxd_c90nE7cEc1/w640-h400/Temp4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here are my first entries :</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>T<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13315324/" target="_blank">he Women in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window</a> - I confess this one has a 'chick-lit' feel... but well from time to time there's nothing wrong with a bit a light entertainment. It reminded me of the Gone Girl meet Desperate Housewives... I live in one of those very polished communities, clean cut yards, smiley neighbours... but what is happening behind closed doors?<br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><br /></i></span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times;">Those 2 women made the news highlights for similar reasons, and as much as I have no sympathy for con artists, I can't help wondering how 2 young women managed to get away liying to people, getting them to finance their lifestyle/business for so long with little questioning of their credentials.<br /><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8740976/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">Inventing Anna</a> - a socialite wannabe, living the high Instagram life, pretending to be someone else. The strangest thing is that in the end, we wonder whether she realises she is lying to everyone around, herself included.<br /><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10166622/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">The Dropout</a> - this mini series about the Theranos founder is good, but for a better understanding of the full story I would recommend <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7lrJqILWfMuQhqDHJEFUK6" target="_blank">the podcast</a> of the same name. Again, how can someone manage to get away with so much for so long? makes me wonder how the financial and pharmaceutical industries are run. <br /><br /></span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35533431-the-broken-girls" target="_blank">Broken Girls</a> - background story: I have a free Little Library in my front yard: there's a section for kids with children books and toys, and a grown up section. I love having this library because I see families stopping by for a bit, reading books, playing with dolls... and I get an interesting selection of books for myself. So Broken Girls is a mystery story about a boarding school/institution for 'troubled' girls in Vermont, murdered girls in 1950 and the 1990s, a journalist, friendship, overcoming life challenges.<br /><br />As I was reading this book, I was also listening to the <a href="https://features.apmreports.org/sent-away/" target="_blank">Sent Away podcast</a> about teen treatment centres in Utah today. The parallels are very troubling, but what is even more troubling is to realise that our teens, adults in the making are still abused by institutions.<br /><br /></span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times;">And finally, probably my </span></span><span style="font-family: times;">preferred entry <a href="https://www.imdb.com/video/vi3243361049?playlistId=tt18299058&ref_=tt_ov_vi" target="_blank">The Principles of Pleasure</a> : well, well, well... this might not be to everyone's taste, so be aware. It is very explicit about feminine pleasure, but also so so informative. It's a bit like Sex Ed for grown up women. It is short, only 3 episodes, and it's light and very joyful.</span></li></ul><p></p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-26317900121217624022022-04-16T20:06:00.001+01:002022-04-16T20:06:00.192+01:00Jazzy Sweater<p>How do you write about a project for which you have very mixed feelings? Shall I start with what I did not like, and finish on a positive note or the other way round?</p><div>Well let's start with what did not work so well for me. Ju wants <a href="https://www.woolandthegang.com/en/products/jazzy-sweater-kit" target="_blank">this sweater</a> and I was more than happy to knit it for her. The yarn is <a href="https://www.woolandthegang.com/en/products/crazy-sexy-wool" target="_blank">Crazy Sexy Wool</a> from Wool and the Gang. The kit arrived in a large paper bag with all that is necessary to start: yarn, instructions, in-the-round knitting needles, label... Sounds all very good, but the knitting needles are very are very big (size US13 & 15) but way too short - only holding a couple of stitches and the connections between wood and plastic is not very smooth, so a lot of fighting trying to move the stitches along. The yarn is not plied, the fibers are very loose - it is nice as it gives the project a very fluffy feeling, however it sheds a lot too, I am curious to see how it will behave on the long term.</div><div><br /></div><div>My bigger beef is with the instructions. The instructions booklet comes in several different languages - nice... but they are not super user friendly. First of all an illustration of the sweater would have been good, giving the knitter the possibility to place the colors where they want. Then each color section is explained row by row, so the instructions are very lengthy. The pattern is for intermediate knitters and most will have no problem with the way the instructions are written, but is it really a valid excuse?</div><div>And the last part that I did not really like, and this has nothing to do with the quality of the product - the sweater is getting very heavy as you make progress, it is almost like a weighted blanket, especially when you attach the second sleeve.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, the good bits. It is a good looking sweater, very jazzy (hahaha!) with a fantastic impact. The colors are in your face, in a good way, it is a very very happy knitted thing. Ju loves it, and I think my mum too (she had an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CauQIPzuvQC/" target="_blank">Instagram moment</a> with it). I'm not going to ask who's wearing it best, because they both look stunning.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMDlVKXkqfBNZEqh1sbkYRUn0TFdtkm2D_NWizY6y4UaTjN-lRIiLikNZQk0ivrWKXYPo5zUwwOYaPt3e-2YGvecg-QvS1SZgIFG9611_zeOADZ5-pOmCnl8WWn8U5fW3-WeBr2lOGYc0Ve3JYrU1XzzvsesyDJ9eO2lL0RbQNGUGmhRGQCVUVRVc/s5120/Jazzy%20Sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMDlVKXkqfBNZEqh1sbkYRUn0TFdtkm2D_NWizY6y4UaTjN-lRIiLikNZQk0ivrWKXYPo5zUwwOYaPt3e-2YGvecg-QvS1SZgIFG9611_zeOADZ5-pOmCnl8WWn8U5fW3-WeBr2lOGYc0Ve3JYrU1XzzvsesyDJ9eO2lL0RbQNGUGmhRGQCVUVRVc/w640-h400/Jazzy%20Sweater.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrdUw7TdLFyFwM_tl-AQ6V1XQU2ex6b9hv2w3nIn-cz7vHmX7ghp1c8EpATHs1l9AHutVXZlHYzXN0moqd1NQTXt45Rm2rE8p8Lbj481LVe89kCGmxPoY7jN9NHInf7GLOxBXK8jTNa9iogPG9DaXV_Cb84g7ANvlid8VL1bWVfpxG43OxqHLfmHd/s5120/Jazzy%20Sweater1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrdUw7TdLFyFwM_tl-AQ6V1XQU2ex6b9hv2w3nIn-cz7vHmX7ghp1c8EpATHs1l9AHutVXZlHYzXN0moqd1NQTXt45Rm2rE8p8Lbj481LVe89kCGmxPoY7jN9NHInf7GLOxBXK8jTNa9iogPG9DaXV_Cb84g7ANvlid8VL1bWVfpxG43OxqHLfmHd/w640-h400/Jazzy%20Sweater1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-3710821726146884082022-04-11T08:30:00.001+01:002022-04-11T20:13:12.298+01:00Inspired<p>Last week, we were in NYC. While the guys were busy with their day jobs, Ju and I went to the <a href="https://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/index.php" target="_blank">Museum at FIT</a>. I am neither a journalist nor an art/fashion expert so I’m not going to write a critical piece on the exhibition. Just that I really enjoyed it, it was “my era”, I wore many of the styles : the destroyed pair of jeans that my grandmother always wanted to repair; the zipper dress - I had made myself a skirt with zippers that would be closed or opened to change the length of the skirt; the wide legged pants - mine were turquoise and I wore them with red derbies. I enjoyed it even more because Juliette was enjoying it, was making notes on some of “my” outfits. Additional layer of pleasure was the reference to the 'super models' of the time and I was back to my youth... Check my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbkXHReFZBG/" target="_blank">Reels</a> for more.</p><div>Well, so many outfits caught my eyes, but I felt something special when I saw the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussein_Chalayan#Professional_career" target="_blank">Hussein Chalayan</a>'s Dress and Jacket, in dark blue denim. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lWcWxDCDKAAZJJ1cW37AiYjiy8zH4d6B_zcB9ZPwxa-_tIsK4x2uaa_u171zDIQM6QejcnabLfg3kXtqZ9HpyXqxYN3ZSnCCZi1_P70VZaxGpbD90qOdpgCeYR-whqEDngHhx0sjZ20W3SRzkfX3UT0Q-SUVUrRiF6D0SyT_TV58HcMmLQ-cfPP6/s5120/Hussein%20Chalayan%20inspired%20dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="5120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lWcWxDCDKAAZJJ1cW37AiYjiy8zH4d6B_zcB9ZPwxa-_tIsK4x2uaa_u171zDIQM6QejcnabLfg3kXtqZ9HpyXqxYN3ZSnCCZi1_P70VZaxGpbD90qOdpgCeYR-whqEDngHhx0sjZ20W3SRzkfX3UT0Q-SUVUrRiF6D0SyT_TV58HcMmLQ-cfPP6/w640-h320/Hussein%20Chalayan%20inspired%20dress.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div>Now, reading the caption under those garments, it makes sense:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Memory was a preoccupation within Hussein Chalayan's work. In his "Echoform" collection, each of the denim garments was missing a section of its completed design. As fashion historian Caroline Evans recounted, it was as though they were "only part remembered, like a ghostly dress destroyed by its double, so that each dress bore traces of an earlier one."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div>Could it be a metaphor of what I was 30 years ago, and what I see in Juliette now - parts of me on her, parts re-invented... I knew I had to sew my version of this dress.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've used pattern <a href="https://www.burdastyle.com/v-neck-dress-06-2011.html" rev="en_rl_none">Modell 107 06/2011</a> from Burda Style. It's a very straightforward sew, after the usual modifications. According to the company size chart, I am out of their size range for this pattern : the pattern goes up to size 44/US 18 which is 39.5" at the bust (my measurements are 45" at the bust). I went for the larger size. Last time I sewed this, I did a 1.5" FBA, but because I am using a medium weight denim, I decided that 2" will give me more room to breathe. I've lengthened the darts because they fell very off my apex. I added 1.5" at the back. What else? I changed the shape of the neckline. I did not want a partial collar as the inspiration dress, but still wanted to add some top-stitching details. And I lowered the arm-hole... That's it... After wearing it for a bit, I think the FBA is a bit too much.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiyqZhVkjko-M3gPa53FfBvxBC7uc9Edg4oh4cxRE2DEOEekVLfBkI1AHNaLFJyT4NKKbJy_WuTPs5Z5aNlvSK5O3DBg3GrxM3tYZrsK2mUFAxARbhu4zR3QArFwt198dS55c0CeNMJi0Xo_DnWeXwetbk57WPn6HcQ53dtii509aGPLgne6q_1AH/s5120/Hussein%20Chalayan%20inspired%20dress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3413" data-original-width="5120" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiyqZhVkjko-M3gPa53FfBvxBC7uc9Edg4oh4cxRE2DEOEekVLfBkI1AHNaLFJyT4NKKbJy_WuTPs5Z5aNlvSK5O3DBg3GrxM3tYZrsK2mUFAxARbhu4zR3QArFwt198dS55c0CeNMJi0Xo_DnWeXwetbk57WPn6HcQ53dtii509aGPLgne6q_1AH/w640-h424/Hussein%20Chalayan%20inspired%20dress1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The shape of this dress is very simple, could almost be considered as boring, but the details make all the difference: the neckline and center front are top stitched, there is a fake pocket on the right breast and left back cheek, the top stitch doesn't run around the full skirt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CKKKpdL0LegjtFyARn6JQglQhQ-1pFjIMC14mX57gI_7uBM-7eu9kapYxfQl5VoHEdRTqHZ1qX_5QHYJLE-6RRkdY74ALiGwzq-5a2m8KQ5txY2SEX5u4zvqus2AvsSc4KctWtpVwFeZIkxqKgXvBqINnA7qaaLQNhqMAndxe42fenN3tY8-ByQM/s5120/Hussein%20Chalayan%20inspired%20dress3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CKKKpdL0LegjtFyARn6JQglQhQ-1pFjIMC14mX57gI_7uBM-7eu9kapYxfQl5VoHEdRTqHZ1qX_5QHYJLE-6RRkdY74ALiGwzq-5a2m8KQ5txY2SEX5u4zvqus2AvsSc4KctWtpVwFeZIkxqKgXvBqINnA7qaaLQNhqMAndxe42fenN3tY8-ByQM/w640-h400/Hussein%20Chalayan%20inspired%20dress3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div> I don't know whether Hussein Chalayan would appreciate this homage, but I'm very pleased with how this dress turned out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDwBIMb71TygJm49NWSni-DVg37Qv4ay87rlM8IsN067eH9R6GoVV8kdZZ8ZKhLA3EH0XjAWSHSYx_GC0aD9dShJWNyLCF7_Au_dcFhyg3Qex1hQ4mQreKxidfIOS0CqmWWyMKJ7gTCFX56WZQBpnCF9oHyjQbGcI0n4nGZe4vq2Hn4VTTzgQQi7f/s5120/Hussein%20Chalayan%20inspired%20dress2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3413" data-original-width="5120" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDwBIMb71TygJm49NWSni-DVg37Qv4ay87rlM8IsN067eH9R6GoVV8kdZZ8ZKhLA3EH0XjAWSHSYx_GC0aD9dShJWNyLCF7_Au_dcFhyg3Qex1hQ4mQreKxidfIOS0CqmWWyMKJ7gTCFX56WZQBpnCF9oHyjQbGcI0n4nGZe4vq2Hn4VTTzgQQi7f/w640-h424/Hussein%20Chalayan%20inspired%20dress2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now I am considering working on another garment from the American Asian exhibit: elevated cargo pants, with a black shirt and a beautiful vest. We will see how this one works.</div>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-86488895172057615902022-03-01T16:47:00.001+00:002022-03-01T16:47:07.734+00:00Hack square - the Carlyle T-shirt<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Cashmerette has launched something special - the <a href="https://blog.cashmerette.com/2022/02/introducing-cashmerette-club-new-patterns-and-more-every-month.html" target="_blank">Cashmerette Club</a> : new patterns, extension hacks, master classes... all you need to sew a stunning </span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">wardrobe that FITS.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This month pattern hack is the <a href="https://www.cashmerette.com/products/concord-tshirt-pdf-pattern?_pos=2&_sid=be8e17ae0&_ss=r" target="_blank">Concord T-shirt</a> with square neckline and/or puffy sleeves. I don’t think I’m a puffy sleeve kind of girl, but I DO love a square neckline.</span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">When I saw this month's Cashmerette Club project, my initial thought was I did not really need a new T-shirt - I’ve been more into wearing dresses recently. But then I remembered my beloved stripy dress - I had this one for almost 25 years. I remember exactly when and where I bought it, Victor was just a baby (he turned 24 last month). It doesn’t fit right anymore, the fabric is tired and only holds its shape for a few hours, but I can’t let it go. So that was it, I was making myself a long striped dress with a square neckline. </div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I used some fabric from my stash... This <a href="https://needle-sharp.com/products/ivory-brown-stripe-bamboo-cotton-jersey?_pos=60&_sid=12b825062&_ss=r" target="_blank">bamboo cotton jersey</a> (sold out) came from <a href="https://needle-sharp.com" target="_blank">Needle Sharp</a>. I can’t recall which project I initially bought it for, or whether it has been waiting in my stash for the appropriate project. It is light and quite drapy.</div></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">My <i>current</i> measurements are:</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">High bust 41”</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Full bust 45”</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Waist 38”</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Hips 44”</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">which put in a size 16 E/F for the upper body, 18 at the waist and 14 at the hips. With Cashmerette patterns, I normally cut a straight 16 E/F, sometimes grading to 18 at the waist (some other times resolving on sucking my tummy in). I went for the 16 E/F, lengthened the shirt by 2 sheets of letter paper (lengthwise) which is roughly 20-22" - I was away from home and that was the best I could do; with no grading between sizes. </div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFFLVONB2aJgjqXI0TV2jiYAymvg2Tk57lZ7ZofiS8H3gqckEwfPxzb32imIQYmgMMyVxDLo7t0G-CZyOO9d9MDQlvqIgUPwCmmC9T9zJ-gJNby49wbwxjN1Z6UhbDudd1HQd12SNIC-cgJdAzjtD54VsSU-I6VRPLCoizJ2hcGXd6lL1_-Us-z-h9=s5120"><img alt="Picture collage - C sitting on the floor with fabric ready to cut; cramped hotel room transformed into a sewing studio; zoom on T square neckline; sewing machine and tool" border="0" data-original-height="3956" data-original-width="5120" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFFLVONB2aJgjqXI0TV2jiYAymvg2Tk57lZ7ZofiS8H3gqckEwfPxzb32imIQYmgMMyVxDLo7t0G-CZyOO9d9MDQlvqIgUPwCmmC9T9zJ-gJNby49wbwxjN1Z6UhbDudd1HQd12SNIC-cgJdAzjtD54VsSU-I6VRPLCoizJ2hcGXd6lL1_-Us-z-h9=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I sewed this while working on a photoshoot, I did not have my serger and did everything on my sewing machine (when on set, I use the cheapest machine there’s on the market - no point on bringing the good one and risking having it damaged - some day I will write about my experiences as an on-set tailor). I cut the fabric on the floor of my hotel room, and the sleeves on a TV box that was lying on the bed of our on-set “studio”.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2_I19bpoZM4ftM9S0kNZI3PKKE0VH5kZeEQ9igg_KtXkk8p1HsSq9F8ZcFgi8jilmm5Ow7tJ2c-2xuba24HYgH2ERPN60rWKwNR1aEhNhIJKWEmoQevAxgduQ0szhmMMKRx7Fc-5tb_IOLjiRxP_AID-hi2tvjscVyQy1g8YvTvxt5hQW6eYiN3Qo=s5120" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="picture collage of C wearing the striped concord T - zoom on the square neckline; C sitting on a bench, in the sun. Accessorised with turquoise necklace" border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2_I19bpoZM4ftM9S0kNZI3PKKE0VH5kZeEQ9igg_KtXkk8p1HsSq9F8ZcFgi8jilmm5Ow7tJ2c-2xuba24HYgH2ERPN60rWKwNR1aEhNhIJKWEmoQevAxgduQ0szhmMMKRx7Fc-5tb_IOLjiRxP_AID-hi2tvjscVyQy1g8YvTvxt5hQW6eYiN3Qo=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div>Now when it comes to sewing the pattern, the only “difficulty” was probably setting and sewing the neckband in order to obtain a clean square neck. The pivoting at the V and snipping the corners are crucial for a neat finish. I would recommend to baste the lower neckband before sewing; I feel that hand-basting can be a time saver on many occasions, the long stitches are fast to sew and easy to remove. I use a bright colour, cotton thread for my basting - very visible on the fabric and easy to tear out.</div><br /><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgecc2BHsb_uX1RctlJeEIjjnRh-eiQCwd0hk9lZAi1e09JgzLGUOU2Yyx6lYgolV5seFpzV_vxbld17juZELo7ramJGglJVGgdhfPz2FIXWjNsKG7Lp3EVizFz1j7rNa1-ogsp6WkQBRBrg9mlLXB463W4cwi8Rua9657kEfDAjvuFdxieQgw6RWo3=s5120" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="picture collage of C wearing the striped concord dress - full body length in front of a grey door" border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgecc2BHsb_uX1RctlJeEIjjnRh-eiQCwd0hk9lZAi1e09JgzLGUOU2Yyx6lYgolV5seFpzV_vxbld17juZELo7ramJGglJVGgdhfPz2FIXWjNsKG7Lp3EVizFz1j7rNa1-ogsp6WkQBRBrg9mlLXB463W4cwi8Rua9657kEfDAjvuFdxieQgw6RWo3=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">From there, it was easy sailing (haha, do you see what I did? Nautical theme for this dress). I went for short sleeves, left a split up to the knee on both sides. It was the fastest sew, except for pinning the stripes one by one, I made it in a few hours and I am now ready to wear it for the next 20 years. </div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJjxDSuNb58_x6HH1shiCU-TuAAJ-Jc_ji5NGHWoVQzCecXPT2cRC9cHBCMwGrTtiuNtcQyTZnFIerj1TcSlMEteDwyGOE8DRyvC4MZuhGxAOWiOF_zjzKrd9hg8o8j3-5PfUVCN-4PjxAkIX8zRqrO2dGugOw5c8vzxHNX6jlTRpAdIRPELw6SXlg=s5120" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="picture collage of C wearing the concord dress - view from the back, view sitting, view from the side" border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJjxDSuNb58_x6HH1shiCU-TuAAJ-Jc_ji5NGHWoVQzCecXPT2cRC9cHBCMwGrTtiuNtcQyTZnFIerj1TcSlMEteDwyGOE8DRyvC4MZuhGxAOWiOF_zjzKrd9hg8o8j3-5PfUVCN-4PjxAkIX8zRqrO2dGugOw5c8vzxHNX6jlTRpAdIRPELw6SXlg=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">... also, have you noticed what I did with the title? Hack square = hack (neckline) x hack (length) ;)</div><br />Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-76609200567893798222022-02-09T18:21:00.004+00:002022-02-13T14:45:05.835+00:003 1/2 projects from 2021<div>I've started drafting this post so long ago that it could almost be not relevant anymore, still I want to share those finished projects. My 2022 attitude is do whatever you want as long as it feels good. So before I share some cute exciting things I recently sewn, let me share some cute exciting things that have been in my wardrobe for quite a while.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">+ + + + + + + + + + + +</div><div><br /></div>When I travelled to France, way back in April, I knew that 1) I will have to quarantine myself for part of my stay (7 days out of a 2-week stay) and 2) the country was mostly on lockdown, all of which means very little chance to go around. Therefore I went prepared and lined up a few projects that I wanted to work on.<div><br /></div><div>So the first project was the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/riley-10" target="_blank">Riley top</a> from <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/pom-pom-quarterly-issue-25-summer-2018">Pompom - Issue 25 </a>(I think I love almost every single projects from this issue). I had ordered some yarn from <a href="https://fonty.fr" target="_blank">Fonty</a> and had it delivered at my parents'. I would have preferred to picked it up directly from the factory as the Fonty mill is just a few miles from where my parents live. I have been wanting to go and visit the factory for some times now, but the visits were suspended. Well back to my order: I think I placed it on a Thursday and it arrived the next Monday, nicely wrap in paper tissue. Next the yarn: <a href="https://fonty.fr/produit/boheme" target="_blank">Bohème</a> is 65% cotton/35% linen, machine washable. It comes in 47 different colours, I picked some natural and some raspberry red. The yarn is not too rough, not too dry to knit with, and it has not lost its shape even after a couple of wears.</div><div><br /></div><div>As far as the pattern is concerned, it is very cleverly done: it is all in garter stitches, alternating the 2 colours. First the bottom piece is knitted on a small number of stitches, then on the edge of the bottom part, stitches are picked up for knit the front, then the back. Finally once back and front are joined at the shoulder, stitches are picked up on the side to create the sleeves. The change of direction of the stripe is very impactful. However it is knit, knit, knit for ever and a bit on the boring side.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUWW66HErnqyXgqRP5btODYxlJj05b2M2qrwEDaD1_n8Z3S3eAvduURJLnRqfv8UT5sJww6oXmtu94qIUKIeAtIprix6xJPgTyjSg-8pS2JAanUMMqyIu1Rf4PjLK8s-4kDl_1L2GPlLi2NbraxqfdqUpNKttQyqfSqhUxjfM7bWpqGZ1BIrDuQqUE=s5120" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUWW66HErnqyXgqRP5btODYxlJj05b2M2qrwEDaD1_n8Z3S3eAvduURJLnRqfv8UT5sJww6oXmtu94qIUKIeAtIprix6xJPgTyjSg-8pS2JAanUMMqyIu1Rf4PjLK8s-4kDl_1L2GPlLi2NbraxqfdqUpNKttQyqfSqhUxjfM7bWpqGZ1BIrDuQqUE=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Project number two: the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/kalleshirt/" target="_blank">Kalle shirt</a> from <a href="https://closetcorepatterns.com" target="_blank">Closet Core Patterns</a></div><div>This pattern has been in my stash for such a long time. Actually, I think I own almost all of CCP's patterns, but sewn very few. I love the aesthetic of those patterns and their modern take, however I am just on the end of the size range of many of them.</div><div>For this one, I cut a straight size 20, just adding 1" in length. Actually I debated whether or not go one size down and make a FBA. Now looking at the pictures of the finish shirt I know that I won't cut corners and next time I will take the time to do a FBA. </div><div>As construction instructions are very well detailed and I really enjoyed taking my time on all the cute details of the shirt.</div><div>The fabric is a cotton lawn from my local fabric store. The print reminded me of a watercolour sample and it links perfectly with my 'ambition' of developing my watercolour skills.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqO62Idl4aN-y_VjLKd4tW_wZe8JmVGcyRGo63zZb_YMSBAIbLz9ewdG8wdTreF5Gmg7oTdCsBrnX__PnPogREY0JfcMemaHyGRH3jHQiymnDKT2xyPOsDlRUotgIISAXuHbkqQDeIvfFe7QzjaeV5gJUCADZQ9YEwpqofzNI1O-ibmoJ_BLPsHI50=s5120" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqO62Idl4aN-y_VjLKd4tW_wZe8JmVGcyRGo63zZb_YMSBAIbLz9ewdG8wdTreF5Gmg7oTdCsBrnX__PnPogREY0JfcMemaHyGRH3jHQiymnDKT2xyPOsDlRUotgIISAXuHbkqQDeIvfFe7QzjaeV5gJUCADZQ9YEwpqofzNI1O-ibmoJ_BLPsHI50=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally project 3 and 3 1/2</div><div>I've seen this pattern around on the internet and as much as I am not a big fan of tent-like garments, but I felt it would work well for those hot Sunday morning when I just want to hang by the pool with my cup of coffee (very specific, I know). So let's be clear, I did not sew my size because not a fan of 🎪 garment. I went for a size M (<i>bust 34-36</i>) and still it is large enough. I choose to do view B. I like the V-neck feature, </div><div>Contrary to the previous make, the instructions are not the most elaborate. I am sure there's better way to construct it, specially at the yoke which involve some hand sewing but I did not have the brainwave to consider the burrito method.</div><div>Overall, it is a nice pool dress, too short to go in public. Also the fabric is very light and slightly see through. Still I liked it enough to consider sewing another version straightaway. This time I made View A, same size but shorten it to a shirt length. I only had time to cut the pieces before leaving my parents' and finished it back home. It has become one of my favourite. It is so breezy. Love to wear it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8TIQYeU3Y9VEujE09gIjFowchkft5epr_IdskKWNBE3TVgeyRMlHTHS3e59VO0E3O76qcvzkgXCUTuWOvKXLdotp-w220QLa9_syVdDjOMMwaCDkulyFl9haCSdXn1HHyp5yrbKRqhlI59PkcnrQxuYgvS87IOsZb3hfg9dLFJWbsn3iSA0mAeJuL=s5120" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8TIQYeU3Y9VEujE09gIjFowchkft5epr_IdskKWNBE3TVgeyRMlHTHS3e59VO0E3O76qcvzkgXCUTuWOvKXLdotp-w220QLa9_syVdDjOMMwaCDkulyFl9haCSdXn1HHyp5yrbKRqhlI59PkcnrQxuYgvS87IOsZb3hfg9dLFJWbsn3iSA0mAeJuL=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjl8wONzv_7ASuTp8mThOWJeslM8ql-4S7DDFL2H_nNYIj8iMJaBUacnIVWFjK2ltv3T9313gc1BryEPOkvrNn-ntN1OKlf6Q_LvSKlEj8XChU8H9YXrTeHj1xw5NQ9AFt0ux6lM44YSBSqMGzimueDQ2p_JN8LFCycwe0iEUeUQym26aCdUxUUTpFf=s5120" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="5120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjl8wONzv_7ASuTp8mThOWJeslM8ql-4S7DDFL2H_nNYIj8iMJaBUacnIVWFjK2ltv3T9313gc1BryEPOkvrNn-ntN1OKlf6Q_LvSKlEj8XChU8H9YXrTeHj1xw5NQ9AFt0ux6lM44YSBSqMGzimueDQ2p_JN8LFCycwe0iEUeUQym26aCdUxUUTpFf=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-11565792440017129502022-01-02T08:40:00.004+00:002022-01-02T09:09:19.505+00:002021 - not a review<p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrxbQE8E0oVKFsSng2EM2IBVKn5Z8j2hkLTz7ajg90OTbEJ9fXHD2ImG_aU3FGDKg9GIbWM5TlrmTn7ALPJ0EoORheE2f8EHgL-e0rTK2Tav-XEXjcsk63SntuWo9l8LyElspA3s4Ib8FwNsn2GiohUWanrvETX3tazfxSqvSWG3kKS_jmNJY52zT1=s1800" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrxbQE8E0oVKFsSng2EM2IBVKn5Z8j2hkLTz7ajg90OTbEJ9fXHD2ImG_aU3FGDKg9GIbWM5TlrmTn7ALPJ0EoORheE2f8EHgL-e0rTK2Tav-XEXjcsk63SntuWo9l8LyElspA3s4Ib8FwNsn2GiohUWanrvETX3tazfxSqvSWG3kKS_jmNJY52zT1=w640-h424" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Would a 'bilan de fin d'année' (end of year introspection) be appropriate? Well that was a very special year. I was recently reading my gratitude journal. It was interesting to notice that this year: at first, I was only writing in when things were terrible (and I was trying to have a different perspective on life) or when life was good (and I was really grateful for it). Then, the year's mood shifted for the best at the end of June and I am so so grateful for it.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv_WCNurEK0BO8Pu6Ctv05tysttq-i1Aolhlo_oA4mtF7iUNaF5uGhE4ti8Umyy3tbX3ic0moRnlHVJMke_2ypp8aE4q5u-nAPkDLX0YSvTzWkQeekDkswcxMjyimByVvjHs1BTK_dX7vHd-wpOjnM6JDYP2-G9NBPIMTKDVAGHQTXaPR_IPMaeugo=s1800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv_WCNurEK0BO8Pu6Ctv05tysttq-i1Aolhlo_oA4mtF7iUNaF5uGhE4ti8Umyy3tbX3ic0moRnlHVJMke_2ypp8aE4q5u-nAPkDLX0YSvTzWkQeekDkswcxMjyimByVvjHs1BTK_dX7vHd-wpOjnM6JDYP2-G9NBPIMTKDVAGHQTXaPR_IPMaeugo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">made more lingerie <br />sewn jeans<br />got to work on 2 Ralph Lauren photoshoots<br />tailored for the American team at the Ryder cup<br />began my long-arm journey<br />got to play with clay and made my first ceramic objects<br />worked on more photoshoots and started as a lead tailor<br />travelled the States, 44 States under my belt as of our visit to Vermont in October<br />travelled abroad twice, to France, to visit my family<br />got to spend several long weekends with all the kids together <br />knitted - don't quite remember how much: socks, shawl, a T-shirt, kids tops<br />played with watercolour and sketching<br />retreated with friends</div><div style="text-align: center;">taught sewing classes<br />got vaccinated and boosted<br />sewn a few more dresses<br />developed funky garments with a young designer<br />pattern tested and got my name on the back cover of a book<br />paddle-boarded with P, with manatees, with alligators<br />meditated daily</div><div style="text-align: center;">developed a slight obsession with Suzie Zuzeck and her suns<br />'graduated' from therapy<br />paid for Spotify<br />kept my Netflix game strong<br />got slightly better at pickle ball</div><div style="text-align: center;">read a few books, not that many</div><div style="text-align: center;">gathered with friends</div><div style="text-align: center;">got a tattoo</div><div><br /></div><div>And now for 2022, whatever this year brings, I'm there, ready with no expectation, with a full heart, with an open mind.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing you all to be healthier, to be at ease, to find you path to joy.</div>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-48507139281152221142021-12-05T12:00:00.002+00:002021-12-05T12:00:00.201+00:00[SF19] On being young<p> Just 3 series I really, really enjoyed. Sometimes, I would love to be young again but I am also so happy not to be young and searching for my identity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziKc_GmFxZ_VQeG-RmvsmGONZUgDLYOZaU9rxS9PATDULY5ZdWUKPpnuOtPwP2fdM51dR7TxMGmtCQEcCLQ6Xf2pf3ECmwWPl6_GCcIeWZ7JqMxSWINzKsgE3XBrRctvIca4AQqkKBtg/s2048/Desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziKc_GmFxZ_VQeG-RmvsmGONZUgDLYOZaU9rxS9PATDULY5ZdWUKPpnuOtPwP2fdM51dR7TxMGmtCQEcCLQ6Xf2pf3ECmwWPl6_GCcIeWZ7JqMxSWINzKsgE3XBrRctvIca4AQqkKBtg/w640-h494/Desktop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8772296/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">Euphoria</a> : this is the darkest of my recommendations. A group of teens are coming of age, going through lots of trauma (be aware, drug, assault, sexual content are in all the episodes). Honestly, I am shocked that 'kids' might go through this in high school.<br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9059760/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0">Normal People</a> : young love, it starts in high school, it is awkward to be a teen, to fall in love. Then Uni(versity), looking for their identities, falling in love, falling out of love and back together. This young couple journey out of teenage to adulthood touched me a lot. I wanted to tell them to take it easy, drop the attitude, don't force things. <br />I loved that it is a BBC production, it the guarantee of a well though series. It is sometimes slow, annoying but it is also what make it so good, nothing is rushed. Alice told me that the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41057294-normal-people?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=hvRwI035pB&rank=2">book</a> from which this has been adapted is equally good.<br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7767422/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0">Sex Education</a> : this is another British production, it is very funny, light and educative. Set in a British high school, the main protagonist, Otis, sarts a 'sex clinic' to help his pairs navigate their burgeoning sex life. Not questions is taboo and honestly, I learnt a thing or two. Apart from the sex education tidbits, I also really enjoy getting to know all those teens, their lives, their aspirations, their difficulties. The adult characters are funny and complex and not necessary the best 'role model' for those growing teens.</li></ul><p></p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-61948835959865721252021-11-24T12:00:00.023+00:002021-11-30T00:35:42.550+00:00Who is getting her lingerie?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Xr2z5dUNYMx8FuF6ap7vzGmpkWDDzMliFM_lA443bQfAmhVyDTZpfFUmM6qJuwdDiY2nBiIBvsaLisYAcsfzKsooIkgPdqeum-yRLbr6Wx0xjprBZga289fomY3NFoY659gUdviJClk/s2048/000+Temp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Xr2z5dUNYMx8FuF6ap7vzGmpkWDDzMliFM_lA443bQfAmhVyDTZpfFUmM6qJuwdDiY2nBiIBvsaLisYAcsfzKsooIkgPdqeum-yRLbr6Wx0xjprBZga289fomY3NFoY659gUdviJClk/w640-h360/000+Temp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOehvt7kFWrzvWfDclWyHmcA91U_NWgMvu6OFSKcV8w_-nx55Aumm2aDaUig5s816r-bztWOjStgo1M62QFMHzImnwByi8XENEw4yWGNXr8S1bGP1lOfMzmUg3PbRPIyFnXiBVlLcx7A0/s2048/Temp1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOehvt7kFWrzvWfDclWyHmcA91U_NWgMvu6OFSKcV8w_-nx55Aumm2aDaUig5s816r-bztWOjStgo1M62QFMHzImnwByi8XENEw4yWGNXr8S1bGP1lOfMzmUg3PbRPIyFnXiBVlLcx7A0/w640-h360/Temp1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yRVEfz9ExzlYeMzwBhhdlImhL2TPNgMZaV1UYJsZG7s1lrTL5JBvQqlbNaf232Ybq4oKdqTtkINxLVv6kuTWZRvRn3fNZFZ6k8ryntOJtkCz2XxhiSGbXMdqzmZnmIho9cmAHTVqLbQ/s2048/Temp2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yRVEfz9ExzlYeMzwBhhdlImhL2TPNgMZaV1UYJsZG7s1lrTL5JBvQqlbNaf232Ybq4oKdqTtkINxLVv6kuTWZRvRn3fNZFZ6k8ryntOJtkCz2XxhiSGbXMdqzmZnmIho9cmAHTVqLbQ/w640-h382/Temp2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJd3jZgvYF5LGMCQnLTLGFOsu8tnh7seaKO-3D5_XrZaQ_xuOnAdMhhBeZAANQavAerHZijqlPh7RJKpDMRFImbi6VprkXLR1hJCyypbrCA5kJn2nPmQnU8uw7FU5OAs8Eudrf03N_ZxE/s2048/Temp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJd3jZgvYF5LGMCQnLTLGFOsu8tnh7seaKO-3D5_XrZaQ_xuOnAdMhhBeZAANQavAerHZijqlPh7RJKpDMRFImbi6VprkXLR1hJCyypbrCA5kJn2nPmQnU8uw7FU5OAs8Eudrf03N_ZxE/w640-h480/Temp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhYbVKsOWkAAQzRUWy5o5_mpRkC63Lbuju4FosSgD7HAIDfTTnYr1K-3cB9uX0oYK6Jlzf2lXLreGHKoHdjoYV9VkIdSq-idHxLh0zgGUFl1UVwJtK85dUu0iMUSxOrq-Olu6NX3pm_w/s2048/Temp3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhYbVKsOWkAAQzRUWy5o5_mpRkC63Lbuju4FosSgD7HAIDfTTnYr1K-3cB9uX0oYK6Jlzf2lXLreGHKoHdjoYV9VkIdSq-idHxLh0zgGUFl1UVwJtK85dUu0iMUSxOrq-Olu6NX3pm_w/w640-h400/Temp3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br />My 100-yo grandmother passed last Thursday. And I feel in a limbo state : I am sad, I am grateful, I am lost for words, I am overflowed with emotions. I don't quite know how to go through this loss. When I shared the news with my kids, her great-grand kids, Juliette had the best answer "Who is getting her lingerie?" And now it is just how I want to remember my Mamie Suzie, Suzanne Collinet, daughter and grand-daughter of strong, independent women, thankful for the heritage she passed on to me without any of us knowing it.<p></p><p>Part of what I know of Suzanne is reality, other parts might be family myth:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Born in 1921, Number 8 of 10, one of 8 daughters, she was not the most happy kid.</li><li>She went to school until she was 12 and got her <i>Certificat d'Etudes</i> (end of middle school diploma) at a time when farm kids would be withdrawn from school earlier to help with agriculture work.</li><li>She almost eloped with a Swiss boyfriend.</li><li>She married my grandfather during World War Two.</li><li>Now one story I am not 100% sure about: as she was about to give birth, my granddad went to get the midwife, on his bicycle, they both had to jump in the road ditch because German patrols were looking for guerrilla fighters... later on, it was revealed that the mid-wife was hiding resistance fighters.</li><li>My granddad had a chair made for my grandmother while she was pregnant with my mother, and it is in my family room after going around the world with us.</li><li>When she realised that farm work would not sustain her family, she decided to go the the 'big city' and started a grocery store - I have some memories of helping her in the store.</li><li>When big stores started to make her business precarious, she decided to close it and work as a cleaning lady, a helper going from one job to the other on her moped which she gave me later on, and which I painted hot pink because it was old and not trendy enough for my teen-self.</li><li>I can't remember her sewing, but she helped me with my first projects - I would go and visit her on Wednesday afternoons, my off-day from school. I do have her treadle sewing machine in my studio.</li><li>She had her clothes made, at a time when the retail was not mainstream, and she would have dresses made for me with the fabric leftovers - I do remember a red and blue Ponte dress. How old was I?</li><li>She had fantastic platform shoes in the 70s & 80s.</li><li>She was not always easy, especially if caught in a situation of weakness, but as my MIL once said, she and my grand-father were like good wines, bonifying with age.</li><li>She was strong, or at least, she showed strength for her family - I never mentioned this on my blog, but when my brother died at 14, she was the anchor for us. I spent so much time at her place at the time... I can see myself climbing the stairs to her home, heavy with pain, cold from the November/December weather. There were always clementines and biscuits waiting for us, coffee being drunk in the mazagrans decorated with little violets. I have not doubt that she was devastated, but I don't remember her showing it.</li><li>She always dreamed of a life different from the norm - I feel that leaving the farm was part of it, and I know that me and my god-daughter living our international lives gave her a bit of that too.</li><li>She was my mom's best friend and I wish I could lighten my mother's sorrow.</li><li>She baked a mean quince pie, with so much <i>crème fraîche.</i></li><li>She had a fierce spirit - she would ask my kids whether they had partners, and then would advise them not to settle too soon and to live their lives on their own terms.</li><li>She would always have a clean/new set of lingerie and a night gown, set aside in her wardrobe, in case something unexpected happened.</li><li>She would change her outfits at least twice or three time a day - once for the house chores, once when everything was done, once if she were to go out.</li><li>She hated lamb.</li><li>She was proud, strong willed, no-nonsense kind of person.</li><li>She only drove a car a couple of times in her life.</li><li>She was very good friends with my other grand-mother, my dad's mom - they knew each other since she was pregnant with my mother. My dad who was a toddler at the time, would sit on her lap, while my other grand-mother, a hairdresser, would do her <i>mise en plis</i>. I love this story, because it means that my parents were meant to be together before they even knew each other.</li></ul><div>I think most of us feel like we should have spent more time, asked more questions to our loved ones, but I don't want to dwell on that, I want to carry her energy and her spirit (we do believe that she had set her mind to live until 100 and left us with her task accomplished).</div><div><br /></div><div>I am so grateful that my kids have had so much time with her (and my grandfather too) and that she will be in their memories as the cheeky funny person she was. </div><div><br /></div><div>For me, she is the link to a lineage of strong women, those women who are the core of any society, the ones who worked relentlessly to raise their families and support their community.</div><div><br /></div><div>If I live to my hundreds I really hope that my great-grand kids will say the same about me:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Who is getting her lingerie?"</span></i></b></div><p></p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-37555632392177830972021-11-07T14:00:00.002+00:002021-11-07T14:00:00.193+00:00Carolyn pajama for my girl<p> 2021 is almost gone, and I still have 2020 projects I really really want to share.</p><p>Introducing <a href="https://www.closetcorepatterns.com/introducing-the-carolyn-pajama-pattern/" target="_blank">Carolyn pyjama</a>. I made a first pair as a Christmas gift for Alice last year.</p><p>First, the fabric - it has been gifted to me by my dear friend. It was some kind of silky rayon, with some shine, dusty pink with little rabbits, and it was very very slippery. I had just enough for the short sleeves/short pants version. I added some white satin for the piping.</p><p>Now the pattern - it is the Carolyn pjs from <a href="https://www.closetcorepatterns.com" target="_blank">Closet Core Patterns</a>. I had it in my stash since its launch (2015!). CCP is one of the companies from which I buy (almost) every new pattern (Cashmerette being the other one). I really enjoy the CCP patterns because they go beyond the simple beginner patterns, they are more challenging and a great opportunity to learn new skills.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4szC84BDAecbjFfatGvUVpGFeXjxDobndxZYy8GdfbYP31EzOM1QQ4DYRCxGybHXh0TLnX8NXhOnr3tqt6jW9ifh9-r6OAgxBA-naKSDnyeqjU9EFw5GZO-wSFhB9uJHoMWPCk9Q1aio/s2048/Carolyn+PJs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4szC84BDAecbjFfatGvUVpGFeXjxDobndxZYy8GdfbYP31EzOM1QQ4DYRCxGybHXh0TLnX8NXhOnr3tqt6jW9ifh9-r6OAgxBA-naKSDnyeqjU9EFw5GZO-wSFhB9uJHoMWPCk9Q1aio/w640-h426/Carolyn+PJs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It is full of lovely details - piping, 'mock' zipper fly, good pockets... well all the nice details you would find in luxury loungewear. I cut a straight 8, no modifications. I took me quite some time to complete this project, pouring my full attention to every stitched seam. It is quite an involved project, it took some time, but the result was very pleasing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKuLKH4VM_BxaJ5HIc3VYkOqGCal-vIiP52EQkIPv4MjDDLVduZk0o1r4dMoxpe30xnGYDrV1EKBEEwNhpRTbQjEkeuah3Y1pL0LYP5Xo9tAu5t9Q04Nd09nBCxnCLKRZ8iDEJ0bAQL4/s2048/Carolyn+PJs1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKuLKH4VM_BxaJ5HIc3VYkOqGCal-vIiP52EQkIPv4MjDDLVduZk0o1r4dMoxpe30xnGYDrV1EKBEEwNhpRTbQjEkeuah3Y1pL0LYP5Xo9tAu5t9Q04Nd09nBCxnCLKRZ8iDEJ0bAQL4/w640-h426/Carolyn+PJs1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7p3s6XmMp6TCL4Xms-bywGE06n5TdFJkwdO8VpP-aYn3E9Sn8_q9LvU7RZS6-1bWMIMJtpFivDojM7Cq5_ZGS8qCOl13GpX9eF1mpHCLSjeBNsiHlrkvaOMFToSoKjQ38O268eQeS1c/s2048/Carolyn+PJs2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7p3s6XmMp6TCL4Xms-bywGE06n5TdFJkwdO8VpP-aYn3E9Sn8_q9LvU7RZS6-1bWMIMJtpFivDojM7Cq5_ZGS8qCOl13GpX9eF1mpHCLSjeBNsiHlrkvaOMFToSoKjQ38O268eQeS1c/w640-h458/Carolyn+PJs2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I made a second pair for a commission work, with some Rifle Paper quilting fabrics, and they were equally lovely.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dqUIbvuMlqLGY_VNcAoLMs6NHAdQpj3vTHmiKpFeDzhgiM0-JjesrNs7ZVajT8apTxnpMnAAugGBhKge68S2KGDgG7e0phFJ3YqBh2HCzwEx-CtHM-5djnmgA2b6VNFgm-o7T81W1gY/s2048/Carolyn+PJs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dqUIbvuMlqLGY_VNcAoLMs6NHAdQpj3vTHmiKpFeDzhgiM0-JjesrNs7ZVajT8apTxnpMnAAugGBhKge68S2KGDgG7e0phFJ3YqBh2HCzwEx-CtHM-5djnmgA2b6VNFgm-o7T81W1gY/w640-h384/Carolyn+PJs3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I have been on a job for the last couple of weeks and my co-workers and I got to speak about Killing Eve and all the wonderful costumes which made me think of Villanelle pyjamas, and now I just want to reproduce them. But where can I find some chartreuse satin with lobster print?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbptwvHgRJdthdGhZOAcVzsYQRKbVLqMoORpjyv75H4Han_euqWxIW66RQfXeWxVQqrKzwEsw932pEFiH9l6_bEOs21S07DZcvBojhH41fhX3DagTuHisU8dV51iT9SjM-PnX2IrwUigU/s2048/Downloads6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbptwvHgRJdthdGhZOAcVzsYQRKbVLqMoORpjyv75H4Han_euqWxIW66RQfXeWxVQqrKzwEsw932pEFiH9l6_bEOs21S07DZcvBojhH41fhX3DagTuHisU8dV51iT9SjM-PnX2IrwUigU/w640-h384/Downloads6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Images from BBC and Modesens</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-46874399570219711482021-10-17T13:23:00.001+01:002021-10-17T13:23:00.169+01:00[SF 19] For the love of podcasts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J1hwW11pgenwCRr7r1pbXroPluTnf-DpDyjvftHFSUb0dhAeRnzAGzfhvw6l9j2-6SthDmAc2CdT_4CPrxi9oiM8IXRzpsb3Mt90zxJJk47dDCNxYUdZjRna5-lcszt5rmrilirPS2s/s2048/Sunday+Finds7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J1hwW11pgenwCRr7r1pbXroPluTnf-DpDyjvftHFSUb0dhAeRnzAGzfhvw6l9j2-6SthDmAc2CdT_4CPrxi9oiM8IXRzpsb3Mt90zxJJk47dDCNxYUdZjRna5-lcszt5rmrilirPS2s/w640-h400/Sunday+Finds7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I have a few podcasts for you, some all time favourites and some more recent discoveries:<div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Unlocking Us by <a href="https://brenebrown.com/about/" target="_blank">Brené Brown</a>: a few years ago, I have been introduced to Brené Brown's work on vulnerability via her books- <i>Daring Greatly</i> and <i>Rising Strong</i>. Her message on acceptance of oneself is very powerful. Recently, she did interview another favourite of mine Esther Perel, and honestly this episode is GOLD. I can only recommend that you download it, take notes, listen and re-listen. Added bonus, those 2 ladies have great warm voices.<br /><br /><a href="https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-esther-perel-on-partnerships-patterns-and-paradoxical-relationships/" target="_blank">Brene with Ester Perel on partnerships patterns...</a><br /><br /></li><li>So naturally, my next recommendation is <a href="https://www.estherperel.com/about" target="_blank">Esther Perel</a> podcasts - yes she has 2 and they are equally interesting.<br /><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3fKOTwtnX5oZLaiNntKWAV">Where shall we begin ?</a> - where she explores couples relationship and intimacy during an one-and-unique therapy session. <br /><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0P13JasQfVZ1RiDCMZMYNU?si=3maqv09SQyqCRosy8jTYsw&nd=1" target="_blank">How's work</a> - from the same concept of one session, exploring the relationships in the work place.<br /><br /><i>"The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives." </i> Oh how right she is! Maybe one day I will dig further on this matter.<br /><br /></li><li>This next recommendation might be a bit more controversial, but again since I discovered <a href="https://joekort.com" target="_blank">Dr Joe Kort</a>, my view on deep personal matters has changed drastically. Dr Joe Kort is a psychotherapist, specialised in marital matters. I started by listening to some of the episodes that felt relevant to me, then I ventured into listening to episodes that were out of my comfort zone, and I am so grateful to Dr Kort to speak about sensitive subjects in such a playful and informative way. Give it a try, accept to be challenged and surprised.<br /><a href="https://joekort.com/erasing-the-stigma-surrounding-transgender-identities-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy/" target="_blank">His interview</a> with <a href="https://kateanthony.com" target="_blank">Kate Anthony</a> on marriage might be a good starting point.<br /><br /></li><li>Finally, <a href="https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast" target="_blank">Ten Percent Happier</a>. I've read the book some time ago and I have been meditating regularly for a while now, but I just recently discovered <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Harris_(journalist)" target="_blank">Dan Harris</a>' podcast. The first episode I listened to is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/75GEsiVTf6ppl4jkzkP67k" target="_blank">#369 How to end the war with our body</a> with <a href="https://www.sonyareneetaylor.com" target="_blank">Sonya Renee Taylor</a> about 'radical self love' - hold on, I see you rolling your eyes... self love might sound indulging but we are quite OK with self-loathing and feeling never enough... rethink self love as self respect.</li></ul></div>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-61234722458767147462021-10-15T02:30:00.000+01:002021-10-15T02:30:33.529+01:00New Mexico - Our first kid-less summer road trip<p><i>This little blog of mine has been suffering from abandon... still I have written so many post... in my mind... So let's rewind backward to a few months ago...</i></p><p>... when Mr G and I went on a road trip. </p><p>Going away together is not a new thing, the novelty came from the fact that it was our first summer holiday with no kids. Before we left, I was feeling a bit apprehensive - it felt like such a big transition and I did not want to admit that our life with dependant children was over - how were we going to do long conversations with no one interrupting us?... Do we still have stuff to discuss?... Well I could dwell on it longer, but let me tell you how WRONG I was. Apart from discovering a new part of the States, I think that we discover new possibilities for our couple.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwywhfkYhRu3TwzY1NxdgOQP6sJpHuDB1uTdJQgKW15usAMBLxBSpSFfSRfFAFSyuiNJxENtY2SPON9lk5QlakJ3WySUgSp-qGbzeyfsox9sTHRhDaUuNJyeoT4i2IduE2kH7xSpiApQ/s2048/New+Mexico10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwywhfkYhRu3TwzY1NxdgOQP6sJpHuDB1uTdJQgKW15usAMBLxBSpSFfSRfFAFSyuiNJxENtY2SPON9lk5QlakJ3WySUgSp-qGbzeyfsox9sTHRhDaUuNJyeoT4i2IduE2kH7xSpiApQ/w640-h384/New+Mexico10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our quest of visiting all the States of the United States took us New Mexico. We couldn't get there last year because of the pandemic. Our itinerary got us to Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Ojo Caliente, with some day-trips for hiking by the Rio Grande and in the Taos area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZBq5hoOfQjpCwYbx_ItyAcKkL1hiNxt9VJnwDiEFOJwAjmOtgDhH17s6UiURN7ItkSYQpb2FnuJkHfX6Kzy1JVjRtaCZKJAdHUZNFXpVELsCSKic0PM8iv2DMAD26EvySBcvsOVCv-0/s2048/New+Mexico.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZBq5hoOfQjpCwYbx_ItyAcKkL1hiNxt9VJnwDiEFOJwAjmOtgDhH17s6UiURN7ItkSYQpb2FnuJkHfX6Kzy1JVjRtaCZKJAdHUZNFXpVELsCSKic0PM8iv2DMAD26EvySBcvsOVCv-0/w640-h480/New+Mexico.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For our first outing, we went to <a href="https://sandiapeak.com" target="_blank">Sandia Peak</a>. This is probably a dum statement, but we are still amazed how the landscape can change from one minute to the other, from dry and desert like to green and luxurious. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalKKZQOPdc-2uc0wdq5Ka-RgDyG4OcVU41vYBwUW2foRmbwwUPA-O24QX1zOiZY4SxP19ZO5M0aC2VYxS4YPBBqigJiEWdzY2GuH-vOnx0EcUKw9U_xoaEd2u54Gp3PQ_w_YL41fDZjc/s2048/New+Mexico2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalKKZQOPdc-2uc0wdq5Ka-RgDyG4OcVU41vYBwUW2foRmbwwUPA-O24QX1zOiZY4SxP19ZO5M0aC2VYxS4YPBBqigJiEWdzY2GuH-vOnx0EcUKw9U_xoaEd2u54Gp3PQ_w_YL41fDZjc/w640-h360/New+Mexico2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From Albuquerque to Santa Fe, we took the side roads - those colours are what I expected from New Mexico. I think this was in Madrid, we did not stop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrWBs_EpVouBM4IO8cYQkyroMzCVflfy2OhT2T2PoPFZBdz5VRadBBidmKHIqfBJ6QtYLNmayYwy5ljynS_VlVOJAGkYwkVSuqNmRckSFRjdcTOX1w7_qROpd5vBu11ctvGIoTrcvnqA/s2048/New+Mexico3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrWBs_EpVouBM4IO8cYQkyroMzCVflfy2OhT2T2PoPFZBdz5VRadBBidmKHIqfBJ6QtYLNmayYwy5ljynS_VlVOJAGkYwkVSuqNmRckSFRjdcTOX1w7_qROpd5vBu11ctvGIoTrcvnqA/w640-h458/New+Mexico3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJS302tEQh70FwyrvQQoGCow70CkuWtOMPQF5qnPwQlTjM48vLghBnk9TVFvbdKaksdTeejF8EzBf1fCKPkDh1yW5WFkIO5Wm06tO0eDw6grJGniWAdfXncKMz8419gtsBx9h6Z8espo/s2048/New+Mexico4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJS302tEQh70FwyrvQQoGCow70CkuWtOMPQF5qnPwQlTjM48vLghBnk9TVFvbdKaksdTeejF8EzBf1fCKPkDh1yW5WFkIO5Wm06tO0eDw6grJGniWAdfXncKMz8419gtsBx9h6Z8espo/w640-h494/New+Mexico4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://nmartmuseum.org" target="_blank">New Mexico Museum of Art</a> in Santa Fe is in a beautiful adobe building, the courtyard was so quiet and peaceful.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7e-987Iw28EqI1iNy3_7xCKdeIuT1LYtXPzla7DGiHZmqKBTcBq1nrzv3wwCCHqdFjA-2Jdp4nFzjb-ZGyB_xpCFdlhyphenhyphen4Y8maf1bHTDVQIi23N4wm6FqUo9cM2xjmikbNxLSyDCIE0A/s2048/New+Mexico6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7e-987Iw28EqI1iNy3_7xCKdeIuT1LYtXPzla7DGiHZmqKBTcBq1nrzv3wwCCHqdFjA-2Jdp4nFzjb-ZGyB_xpCFdlhyphenhyphen4Y8maf1bHTDVQIi23N4wm6FqUo9cM2xjmikbNxLSyDCIE0A/w640-h400/New+Mexico6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm" target="_blank">Bandelier National Park</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMtBTwa5o3mNdYTV3T_jM85A6ONRVAjr_F-Nd9WXmJ7LGjpilwht7JBkh4A6woHIlqFqPUmsiDw_8sR2tBCo4aRPlt0E7bk43LpW4shWOGAb4r0oeMW0Oy6vlpl5eR2R6FhD0P1Praiw/s2048/New+Mexico7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMtBTwa5o3mNdYTV3T_jM85A6ONRVAjr_F-Nd9WXmJ7LGjpilwht7JBkh4A6woHIlqFqPUmsiDw_8sR2tBCo4aRPlt0E7bk43LpW4shWOGAb4r0oeMW0Oy6vlpl5eR2R6FhD0P1Praiw/w640-h426/New+Mexico7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We hiked the <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-mexico/klauer-and-the-slide-trail-loop" target="_blank">Klauer and The Slide Trail Loop</a> - we started early, and so glad we did, it was hot! The first part of the trail was not easy, steep rocky path. Once at the top it was flat and an easy walk.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyO8_CZPdUA7-_NYYnOx1S715R3zHYclfEes9lvJ83OUcBmHdjl_SNXMvfd0OJvUmpIwv5AMy2eAQWQOoSwX_-kGPpfllbsZmtQNMRICxFvsIx8Rjt0jxjlWo1IclVLu2RfPGzY0irwGw/s2048/New+Mexico5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyO8_CZPdUA7-_NYYnOx1S715R3zHYclfEes9lvJ83OUcBmHdjl_SNXMvfd0OJvUmpIwv5AMy2eAQWQOoSwX_-kGPpfllbsZmtQNMRICxFvsIx8Rjt0jxjlWo1IclVLu2RfPGzY0irwGw/w640-h426/New+Mexico5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6faGjQXoiXql0VTF_a_PrOyOHJGogZXtDYL_70PYesp8Ngr-qMrzwmH4JjiEs9xmhyphenhyphensDrEGU_LZpZKXYsw8uOdnvv_k8DE_dAMFKR_ziM3flutGDhza9ztxNjjQrgXhz45203JY1SK6g/s2048/New+Mexico8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6faGjQXoiXql0VTF_a_PrOyOHJGogZXtDYL_70PYesp8Ngr-qMrzwmH4JjiEs9xmhyphenhyphensDrEGU_LZpZKXYsw8uOdnvv_k8DE_dAMFKR_ziM3flutGDhza9ztxNjjQrgXhz45203JY1SK6g/w640-h400/New+Mexico8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcu49nTFArug7Elj39RwM2Bek539WHTzyjuWgRku_KxDLCD6n-Kv_hCuzeoJFnJR6c_nYdD3RCVNkeYas8d-_G62mrUJFsN2uAvQD5pDFNz5znBzfLxf6xTqWRFGf_8cjDeArcO-_6O8/s2048/New+Mexico11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcu49nTFArug7Elj39RwM2Bek539WHTzyjuWgRku_KxDLCD6n-Kv_hCuzeoJFnJR6c_nYdD3RCVNkeYas8d-_G62mrUJFsN2uAvQD5pDFNz5znBzfLxf6xTqWRFGf_8cjDeArcO-_6O8/w640-h384/New+Mexico11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I could swamp you with more pictures, but they might not speak to you in the same manner they speak to me, bringing the good memories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So now, are you curious to know what we discussed, how we made this vacation work? Well, thanks to the time zone, we woke up early, hit the road to our hiking destination, and head up straight into all the things we did not discuss all those years of parenting - deep feelings, personal aspirations, satisfactions/dissatisfactions... I think that the best conversations are held after moment of silence. Before we went away, we had a difficult, unhappy discussions which could have lead to disaster, then we had a few days on our own, by ourselves and although the silent moment did not fix things, it has helped (for me at least) the dust (or the upset) to set down. Another key element for me was discussing side by side, with no direct eye contact - I feel that removing the body language from the equation is important (if you know me, you know that I will never be able to win at poker). What else helped? Holding hands... Brutal but kind honesty... Open non-judgemental mind... Being in nature without the 'noise' of life... Having nothing to do at nigh but enjoy the sun set... Hold the discussion and have some more silent time... Allow yourself to feel grief/pain and cry... And in the end, feeling a new fresh hope, feeling confident about our life choices, feeling lighter, livelier...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3QlsraIqe7qF-8YKpxY6XgDTjfCuw3R3tx14gBHQQZ31n2pPqohzRR6e2b5N7xsKo7cbqIzWYqPEU-dm-LIWX7Btpqi-WQnSWBTDp1Vl4Tl7lqG-meSuX_e57Qb4ZRLVxFBwkyxlh-U/s2048/New+Mexico9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3QlsraIqe7qF-8YKpxY6XgDTjfCuw3R3tx14gBHQQZ31n2pPqohzRR6e2b5N7xsKo7cbqIzWYqPEU-dm-LIWX7Btpqi-WQnSWBTDp1Vl4Tl7lqG-meSuX_e57Qb4ZRLVxFBwkyxlh-U/w640-h400/New+Mexico9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293125020230667008.post-81096841383383032432021-07-17T19:58:00.000+01:002021-07-17T19:58:16.365+01:00Quill - a Brooklyn Tweed project<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JEVu-KcSz-tqZHREohFaAfF7rFHTnvAswE9KCvxejstnZ4r7RYIFsRC4kI-XgO93pKoMGejZzy9qqb4f0V7Kvsx8cav7u3pnCZJnfzdZp6UbuTAdflUoRu4MNumDeLj9ji4yfAmey4k/s2048/Quill1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JEVu-KcSz-tqZHREohFaAfF7rFHTnvAswE9KCvxejstnZ4r7RYIFsRC4kI-XgO93pKoMGejZzy9qqb4f0V7Kvsx8cav7u3pnCZJnfzdZp6UbuTAdflUoRu4MNumDeLj9ji4yfAmey4k/w640-h400/Quill1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I needed a 'mindful project', the kind of project where I would pour my heart at, the kind of project my brain would love, the kind of project which will carry my emotions because this project is for a special friend.<p></p><p>Arriving in the States, 8 years ago, had been quite a shock to our system. Although we spoke English and we were used to living in a foreign countries, I did not expect this move to be so unsettling. I am not sure what made it different to the other moves - the long distances travelled by car for simple daily activities? The gated communities where everybody live at the back of the house? I was isolated until I met Ellen.</p><p>We met at the grocery store, 'fighting' over the same piece of fish... well not exactly, we did not fight, but we started discussing, exchanging ideas on how we would cook the fish... one thing leading to another, we found out that our husbands were working at the same place, our kids were the same age... That was more than enough to call her MY friend. She introduced me to beading, we celebrated Halloween, New Year together, went for walks while fixing the world... and now she is moving away from Florida, to a place where she is going to have winters.</p><p>So here is the special project: <a href="https://brooklyntweed.com/products/quill" target="_blank">Quill</a> from Brooklyn Tweed by the talented Jared Flood, knitted in <a href="https://brooklyntweed.com/products/loft/" target="_blank">Brooklyn Tweed Loft</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjFaSvRFyqSH97lTHkcLs2mOuu_-c1qPJL3LlnUB6AgPSrOmOtXv-XdqtDiLxg6DTrmK6FHmFbKU9NBPD0eF8qavQWYJcgTLFmGff88JXmcUOUcgC6CuJ5P_FYA8-x70bh0D74JamrEU/s2048/Quill2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjFaSvRFyqSH97lTHkcLs2mOuu_-c1qPJL3LlnUB6AgPSrOmOtXv-XdqtDiLxg6DTrmK6FHmFbKU9NBPD0eF8qavQWYJcgTLFmGff88JXmcUOUcgC6CuJ5P_FYA8-x70bh0D74JamrEU/w640-h400/Quill2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I have been admiring <a href="https://www.gathered.how/knitting-and-crochet/knitting/meet-knitting-designer-jared-flood/" target="_blank">Jared Flood</a> since I first discovered him and knitted the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/CarolineGJ/juneberry-triangle" target="_blank">Juneberry shawl</a>. I feel that any project by Jared Flood is an opportunity to learn some new techniques, even with the 'simplest' project. Initially I though that Quill will be a simple breezy project to knit. It starts with a large garter square. Then comes the first garter lace border which is knitted in the round with mitered corners - again not complicated but challenging enough to keep you engaged. And finally a second lace border which is picked up from live stitches of the previous one. This second boarder is also in garter (probably the wrong term, the lace is knitted on both sides of the project). All in all it is not a difficult project and it can be easily adapted, made larger.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLtH-MWtPeP0tO62vrYX7Jitb_PerJKsDbnqQW9RxmDYEBiizjQBjVm740CCRpm_bZC-kYbICjekIOq9Jb9BTunssYu9I6RTUX2xvO1XB2eub-w63YbPTeyYowRdKyfWCYLD64boOEZ4/s2048/Quill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLtH-MWtPeP0tO62vrYX7Jitb_PerJKsDbnqQW9RxmDYEBiizjQBjVm740CCRpm_bZC-kYbICjekIOq9Jb9BTunssYu9I6RTUX2xvO1XB2eub-w63YbPTeyYowRdKyfWCYLD64boOEZ4/w640-h400/Quill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The yarn now. I got 4 skeins for Loft from <a href="https://fancytigercrafts.com" target="_blank">Fancy Tiger Craft</a> in Denver, and I found once skein of a darker green in my stash which I decided to add to the project. I am not sure what went wrong, but I had to order 2 more skeins of the main colour to finish the shawl. I have to confess that I did not swatch and jumped straight to knitting, but now that the shawl is blocked the dimensions are 40x40" as per the pattern. Any idea how this happened?</p><p>It was my first time knitting with Loft. I did not have any specific expectations but got surprised. The yarn feels very rough under the fingers, the lonely twisted plies make it quite fragile and I soon realised it need a soft handling if I did not want too many breakages. Brooklyn Tweed has some recommendation on how to handle the yarn (<a href="https://brooklyntweed.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058322214-How-can-I-get-the-most-out-of-working-with-woolen-spun-yarns-" target="_blank">here</a>). Blocking the project was an interesting process too. I submerged the project 4 times before the water finally got clear-ish. But now that the lanolin and straw have been removed from the fibres, the fabric of the shawl is soft and drappy.</p>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08200378877384372909noreply@blogger.com1