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.

O Christmas Tree

Our family tradition dictates that there is no shopping to be done on "Black Friday".  Instead, we put a pot of turkey noodle soup on the stove to simmer for an easy supper, pop our favorite Christmas CDs into the stereo and make (and drink) gallons of eggnog while trimming the Christmas tree.

A few years back, I finally relented and let Pierce choose an artificial tree.  He had a point:  our family room has a 20 foot ceiling and even a large tree looked puny standing in the corner.  We decided to go with a 15 foot artificial tree.

Although I dislike digging the tree, lights, topper and ornaments out of the garage and I dislike the mess involved in the entire process, I absolutely adore the time spent with my family and the way the Christmas Tree lights up the family room.

And my older cat, Layla, loves to curl up under the tree and relax.