Saying Goodbye

As 2011 comes to an end and we look forward to the New Year, I, myself, am beginning a new journey.  After much thought, prayer and discussion with my family and friends, I have decided to move forward with a long cherished dream of mine.  I am embarking into the world of publishing a (state-wide) magazine that focuses on the best food and travel elements of our state.

As I am sure you are aware, this is NOT a small undertaking and I begin to get heart palpitations when I consider the scope of this new venture.  But it is my dream - I go to sleep thinking about it, I wake up thinking about it, I spend the entire day thinking about it.  The photographer and Pierce are my biggest cheerleaders and I have assembled a stellar ensemble of writers, graphic artists, etc.  Please pray that my endeavor will be successful.

Also, as I am sure you are aware, this project will occupy every single moment of time not dedicated to caring for my family and home.  And so, I have come to the conclusion that I must focus every bit of energy I have left on the magazine and end this blog - perhaps temporarily, perhaps permanently.

I sincerely hope you and yours have a Christmas season filled with blessings that extend throughout 2012 and that your journey into the future is full of promise and joy.

Haslam Dresscutting System

I purchased The Haslam System of Dresscutting on Ebay over the summer but am just now getting around to taking a good look at it. 

This system is a comprehensive pattern drafting program used to create garments based on one's specific body measurements, supposedly enabling one to create vintage fashions custom-fit to your body.  The system uses 14 body measurements.  Seems rather similar to the Lutterloh System, I think.

Directions say to first create your foundation pattern using the instructions at the beginning of the book and the Haslam Chart. The foundation pattern is your "base" pattern and is used to create the rest of the pattern designs in the book. Once the foundation pattern is complete, you can create custom-fitted patterns for any of the garments in the book.

There are more than 80 Books of Draftings in the Haslam System, from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. I purchased the 1950s book along with the system.

I have my chart assembled and hope to begin on my foundation pattern after the first of the year.  I will be thrilled if this system works as well as promised.

The system and books are available on ebay.

Hat and Scarf Set

I couldn't stand it any longer.  I had to make a hat and scarf set!  I used one skein of a brown, black and rust variegated Lionbrand Homespun yarn - can't remember the actual color name.  In my defense, the yarn did come from my stash.

It appears that I am a "large" crocheter.  The first time I attempted the pattern, the hat was HUGE!  So I undid all the work and began again with a smaller hook - paying attention to keeping the tension of the yarn tighter.  Wouldn't you know it?  Now the hat is too small! I have a rather small head but there is no way I can wear this hat. 

Deciding it just wasn't meant to be, I listed the set in my etsy shop and will try it again with another yarn.  Probably a blue, lavender and periwinkle variegated yarn this time.