A New Dress - Part 3

Things are progressing with Emma's dress, although it doesn't appear to be as quickly as it really is!

Using measurements, a pattern is developed....

The pattern is tested on scrap fabrics...

"Tweaked" when needed...

And then "The Real McCoy" is cut and sewn!

So, in the past week, I have completed piecing the bodice, and now have good sleeve patterns. Before I am able to cut the little windows of the puffed portion, I still have some test runs to do. All in all, I feel good about the progress. I'm in the throws of the most time-consuming portion, and almost done with that! YEA!!

A New Dress - Part 2

front and back sketches from Katy to inspire the stacks of fabric behind!

l-r: inset fabric, train outside fabric, fitted sleeve and bust inset (pearled linen/satin)

sewing station all set up...

primary dress fabric on left, trimmed with inset fabric from the center panel

This is definitely a photo-op! Things are progressing towards the Renaissance deadline!

more to come...

I Once Was Lost, But Now Am Found

Three random thoughts this morning...

Two days ago, Ruth Graham went to Heaven. As I was looking at the memoriam to her at the Billy Graham website, there were memories that reminded me of some memories of my grandmother. I think if they had/will have the opportunity to meet, they would be kindred spirits. Two very godly women.

I am currently re-reading the book Searching For God Knows What by Donald Miller. I appreciate his honesty in his own spiritual journey. I see Jesus more clearly through his eyes.

"I realize a lot of people don't like Jesus, or just ignore Him or have no use for Him, but I think the best thing a person can do is to read through the Gospels in the Bible and really look at Jesus, because if a person does this, they will realize that the Jesus they learned about in Sunday school or the Jesus they hear jokes about or the skinny, Gandhi Jesus that exists in their imaginations isn't anything like the real Jesus at all."

For 12 years I have participated in Bible Study Fellowship. There are 7 studies before you loop around and begin again. This year we are focusing on the three synoptic gospels. I think my goal this time will be to really try and see the person, not the formula many churches attempt to propagate.

Ruth Graham and Barbara Hart get to see Jesus now without any baggage. What an awesome thing.

Homesick

This is one of the times during the year I am usually looking forward to seeing my family at our cottage in MI. Unfortunately this year, with bringing Katy to college in August, we need to pass on our annual 4th of July trip.

This saddens me greatly.


Yesterday I updated our refridgerator with new pictures and kept some of the "classics". It's fun to see how children grow and how adults get better with age (like a fine wine!!). I have aunts who inspire me, and family who loves me.

Laura noticed we four in the same order, happenstance!

I just don't see them enough!

1st & 3rd photos on the right are funny!

It's time for an official invitation: November 29, 30, December 1 is the RHS Renaissance Feast. PLEASE COME for a visit!! It's beautiful in Sarasota that time of year--and it's a great event and memory to share with family.

btw-much better view if you click on the photos!