One thing that is great about my daughters is their totally independent styles.  Kate’s wedding gown was more traditional - lace and ruching, with a cathedral length veil.  Erica is going for a more classic shape, very form-fitting with a bird cage veil- and maybe a bolero jacket with a high collar.  Vintage without screaming vintage.  Micaela’s dress will be fluid and just a titch bohemian, with beading and lots of silk crepe georgette.  Each girl chose the perfect style for themselves! 

This shopping expedition took us to Mississauga, and Markham (essentially Toronto for those who do not know Ontario well).  We visited 2 different stores with markedly different experiences.  The first bridal store was Pearl.  They only carry a few lines- but OH what  lines they are!  I often don’t like wedding dresses, but I loved every single one of these.  All of the dresses were silk - which made the dresses look and feel so luxurious.  We were there for the trunk show for Platinum of Pricilla of Boston.  The salespeople had as much fun as we did, and made Micaela feel very special.  Oh yes- the prices were very special too!

We were not so impressed with the second one.  Perhaps it was our experience and not indicitive of the shop in general, so I will not mention the name.  The building was not very inviting, and the sales staff made us feel like herded cattle.  “I like plain- I hope you like plain too”  were practically the first words out of the sales lady’s mouth.  That and ordering Kate off of the seating so that the women “over 40″ could sit down!   Micaela had to strip down to her underwear right in front of us all- good thing she didn’t have any tattoos to hide from me!  The dresses were all crammed together - and there must have been a couple of hundred of them.  I’m not sure how one finds what they are looking for as we were vocally discouraged from looking at any ourselves.  We had to rely on what this elderly Italian lady intuitively thought would suit our Mic.  We did have a laugh after though as we all obediently did what we were told- sat down and minded our manners!

What different ways of doing business- from exclusive and couture to stockyard crowding!  It was an enjoyable, productive day however, as Micaela got to try on the gown of her dreams, discard it and choose an amazing design, and Erica saw some details that will make her gown even more special.

Today’s Postscript…   You all know my daughters, but I don’t think you have ever met my sisters- singly we are strong, well educated, and independent women- together we can conquer the world!  Looking at this photo reminds me that I still need to review that MOB dress!!

An entry for the PatternReview “Make a grocery bag” contest

These days, although I have amassed a few reusable grocery type bags, usually giveaways at various trade shows, I am generally the type of person who either
A. leaves them at home by the back door
or B. Can’t find them when I need them!

Given the spirit of this contest, it made sense to me that the materials for a reusable, green grocery bag be, well, re-used!
So I started the hunt around the house, yard and barn for possible materials. (Feeling very Project Runway in the “use car parts” or “grocery store trip” sense here!!)

It was while feeding our piglets that I hit on the EUREKA moment. The feed bags that their feed comes in is a kind of plasticized fabric. Our local bank also uses this “fabric” for their reusable totes.  And so does companies such as - Toyota as seen here.   (If anyone knows the right name please let me know)

We go through about 20 of these bags a week. We can’t send them back- biosecurity issues. Generally they go out with the garbage/bluebox So why not use them for a better good!!

The best thing about using this bag is that the structure was already there. The side seams were well defined and reinforced already on two edges.

The directions are very basic: I wanted about a 18 inch high bag. Allowing for turning over the top edge twice, and having a 5 inch wide bottom, I cut the bag down to 23 inches. I reinforced the side seams by stitching down the edges 1/4 inch in.

I sewed the bottom seam. Then, in order to make the square bottom, I folded out the side seams (it should form a point). I measured in 2.5 inches, and sewed straight across. It should look like a triangle.

 This is what it looks like looking down into it.

From there it was a simple matter of folding under the top edge twice and stitching. I used left over strips of the fabric to make simple handles and sewed them on.

From start to finish in less than 1/2 an hour. 

(There you go Kate- I resized the pics for you!)

Todays Postscript…
My sister and I went to the American Sewing Expo on the weekend.  We just wandered in the vendors area, and did not attend any classes.  I actually didn’t pick up much- a pair of Kai scissors (I love them!), an awesome ironing board cover- I will have to review that one!, a pattern from Jan Bones that I have wanted for a while, and a yard of fabric for a handbag.  That’s it! 
I was actually underwhelmed by many of the sewn garments I saw on display.  Lack of finishing, poor fabric choices, poor construction, underthought design- am I becoming a sewing snob???

1.  She waited till the last few hours of the fair to show me
“Connie this has been bothering me all weekend” 
 
and

2.  She only needed to lift the glass 6 inches and fix the darn problem herself in 5 seconds.  Heavens- she is one of the volunteers herself!  She does that to me all the time.  Okay to be fair, she does that to many, many people all the time!  Some people need to put others down in order to make themselves feel bigger.   I prefer to build others up and downplay my role in things.
…Let it go Connie, let it go.

I will share some excerpts from my President’s address with you in order to give you some sense of how important this weekend is to me, and to our community. 

Welcome to the 2008 Thorndale Fair
As I wrote this address for the 2008 Fair Book, we were in the midst of planting corn, the trees were just starting to bud and we were still anticipating the first lawn mowing of the spring season.
 

As you all rceieved your fair books- in your mailboxes or on your front porch, and eagerly planned your entries, that same corn towered over your heads, the trees were in full canopy and we were all mowing our lawns twice a week – ahhh summer.
 

Now here we are, all together again!  Corn harvest is around the corner, the trees are thinking about turning to their glorious autumn shades and- we are STILL mowing our lawns twice a week!

With this change of season comes that sweet feeling of excitement and anticipation that  we felt as a child when fair weekend came along- and- come on admit it – you still feel now as an adult!
 

I suppose the beauty in a fall fair is that it all SEEMS so effortless. The transformation of an empty Progress Building to one full of  cabinets soon to be filled with a  Summers worth of canning crafting, baking, gardening, and farming.  Okay – last night’s baking, right Nancy?!  The steady stream of exhibitors from the very young to the well seasoned – all eager to share their talents.  You can walk around for an entire weekend and be constantly entertained, amazed and well fed.  
 

Most of YOU started thinking about the Thorndale Fair this week, when you saw the transformation.  We on the fair board, however, have been planning since – well, since the day after the fair ended last year. No- not true.  We began planning this year’s fair DURING the last year’s fair weekend.
 

The activities of the entire Homecraft Division this past week can be best compared to a duck swimming on an lake -seemeningly unruffled and calm on top, while paddling fuiousley under the water!  The Fairgrounds transfomation does not happen without a LOT of work from a great group of people.

I would like to thank everyone who helped contribute to this years success- My entire committee- whom I would like to name personally, but I think I would get the hook before I was finished!  Laura (the Homecraft secretary) and Nancy (the Main board Sec) – can’t do it without you.
 

I would like to encourage all of you to get involved however you can.  To quote the thoughts of 2 of our newest and youngest Directors this morning; 

“I never thought I was Director material- but I am SO loving this!”
and
“Wow!  The fair is even more fun when you get involved and enter the classes!”

*************************
If you are involved in a local county or small town fair- Good on you!  If not- ask yourself “why not?” Your local fair would love to have your contribution, no matter how small. 

And now, other than work, there are NO pressing deadlines!  Whoo baby!!  I hear SEWING calling to me!!!  Maybe even some photos of the new sewing space I created for myself.  

Todays Postscript…A few people were curious as to what the Mother of the Bride(s) was going to wear for the various nuptials.  Hmmm. .. I want a fabulous suit for the May wedding. I’m not sure about the summer(?) one yet. I will try to find some inspiration for both this week.

Nancy wanted to know if any of the FiveBlondes sew.  They all know how to sew, but don’t do much of it.  When BabyLauren was young- about 8-, she made head coverings to sell to all of her friends!  She has done the most sewing of the Blondes.  Kate has been making noises about wanting to do some sewing lately- we really need to book a day for that.  They ARE all very crafty.  Next year we should have a friendly competition to see who can put the most entries in the Thorndale Fair!!

We cope though. 

And I am definitely NOT complaining!

Do you know how well I can spread  out my sewing stuff  junk essentials, now that I have THREE empty bedrooms!!

Back to bridesmaid dresses.  To sum up my thoughts, Bride to Be Erica’s ideas, and the 4 sisters - AKA “the lovely bridesmaids” often not-on-topic ideas; this is the “Brief” (as they say on Project Runway Australia)

“Design and construct 4 bridesmaid dresses.  They must not LOOK like typical bridesmaid dresses and may all be different in design.  They must flatter each clients body type and her wishes.  They must look cohesive as a grouping and emulate but not imitate or overpower the wedding gown. The fabric to be used is either chiffon OR Silk Double Georgette , and may also include a dot-flocked netting.  The colour must be Eggplant.  (although depending on palette names, may also be grape, raisin, or prune, but colour must be  okayed by the bride)”

Here are what I am envisioning as the final Inspiration Pictures.  Well, except for the last one.  I am hoping that lovely bridesmaid #4 (daughter #5) will like the idea as she hasn’t seen this pic yet.  If you are not yet familiar with the lovely “Five Blondes“  check them out!
Today’s Postscript….

 So how does one get rid of spam comments?  I can handle a few - but 150 a DAY??!!

Yowza!

This weekend I finally got some work done on Miss Erica’s dress.  FYI- we are using Vogue 2931 for the basic shape.  The bodice will be completly different, but we liked the style of everything from under the bodice down.

Emily of All Sewn Up is using the same pattern for  her wedding dress.  It will be interesting to watch what we each come up  with.

Erica’s dress  will have a form fitting silhouette flaring out starting out just above the knees with an empire style bodice, and free formed shirring on the bodice.  The dress will be floor length with a detachable train.  I really like the idea of a detachable train.  Lots of impact in the church and for photo’s, but practicality for movement and dancing afterwards.
Fitting was remarkabley  easy.   This girl of mine is  tiny!  5″10 and not 120 lbs.   I cut out a 6 and had to take the dress in at almost every seam about 1/2 an inch!  That and add about 4 inches to the length.  Other than that the fit is dreamy. 
We  discovered today- okay I discovered- that my baby girl is deformed!  Her hips are noticeably different in shape!  One side has a nice gently curve- and the other does not!  Since I fitted her mockup on her inside out, I am going to have to be verryyy careful that I place the pattern pieces correctly on the silk!
It does look lovely on her though.   I think it is starting to be what she is envisioning.

For the mock up I am using Polyester Poie de Soie.  I got  a bolt of it for $20 at a garage sale!!!!  At that same garage sale I scooped a huge industrial sized roll of tracing paper for 5 dollars.  It will ast me a lifetime, I’m sure.  

 NOTICE TO MR DENIS

Spoiler pictures ahead - abort reading this blog

I repeat - go play with your Wii !!

So it is back to ye olde sewing machine for some fit finesse and a redrafting of the bodice, which, in my opinion, sucks.  And my opinion counts here! 

A question for y’all- I think I am going to do only a partial inner corset.  One that just encompasses the empire bodice.  I am really afraid that lines are going to show under the dress. 
The pros- no lines. natch!
The cons- Erica is tiny.  Like 5′10 and under 120 lbs.  None of that is bosom! And not an ounce of fat.   Keeping the baby tight enough to stay up without a waist stay may be dubious.

So what would you do??

Moving on to other dresses…

Bridesmaid dresses are on a slow burner.  I think that I have concrete ideas for Kate and Leah.  Lauren is a bit more difficult - I have the concept in my head but have not been able to make it work yet.  I am trying to talk Micaela into some thing like this Badgely Mishka dress - which I adore.  I could make it work using this Butterick pattern and some alterations, but really it has to be what she wants, not what I want.

See girls  - I am learning!  But Mic really- what do you think?

Even though this wedding is not until next May, I really want to get most of the work done early.  I do have Micaela’s dress and wedding to think about too you know!

Today’s postscript…

I never take pics of myself.  Quite honestly I hate photos of me-the girls got their photogenics (damm is that a word??!!) from their dad!  Last night I quite liked what I was wearing when I went out with some friends to go Line Dancing.  Line Dancing??!!  Yup Line Dancing.  It was fun!  So here I am- with not one Couturesmith item on! 

Erica is letting each of the girls choose their own style.  Once we got past silly ideas such as this one….!!!!(it was just a joke -REALLY!!)…

we got down to business.  I am putting together a storyboard of dresses that they like, and pattern interpretations, and they are going to choose from them.  .  This one is my favourite right now. THE PURPLE ONE PEOPLE, THE PURPLE ONE- SHEESH! Unfortunately - okay maybe fortunately as I am still working on my figure drawing skills!!- you can’t see the interpretations that I am adding to the presentation. 

Perhaps I should get back to REAL work now!!

Of course I had to to some visiting as well!  The great thing about PatternReview is the wonderful people you meet with similar interests.  I got a chance to fabric shop with Lornaat Darrell Thomas Textiles.  He is Wonderful, with gorgeous fabrics.  Wondering what is in the bag?  Some bown merino wool that feels like cashmere, finally  some perfect green linen, and the happiest teal silk charmeuse.  And YES I do have definite plans for each piece!  Darrell was lovely enough to offer us the special sale price that was supposed to only be for the following day.  Do us all a favour and visit him on Bank Street if you are ever in Ottawa.  And take a look at that button wall behind us!

The evening was set aside for my best friend Katrin.  We were too busy catching up to take photos- you know how best friends are!

Wednesday morning brought some challenges.  I have a personal quirk- that is I hate to be late.  I get agitated and generally very pissed off if anything or anybody makes me late.  At that point I was already a bit anxious.  We were going to meet Rhonda at 11am in Montreal. My PR friend Rhonda who was gracious enough to join me at the Yves Saint Laurent Exhibit!!
 Check out took FOREVER- “what do you mean we were charged for two bottle of water from the mini bar?  Do we look like the sort of people who would pay 7.50 a bottle for WATER“!!!  So they had to check the room and - nope - the water was still there.  Sigh  Then Mike had to discuss motorcycle details with a colleauge who had biked to the conference.  Can we get going puleeeze!!

SO you can imagine my dismay when the valet parking attendant came up to me in the lobby of the hotel and said “Um, Ma-am, you seem to have a flat tire on your vehicle?!”
Oh My Goodness!  They must have already thought we were the hicks from the backwoods when we showed up with a van full of furniture.  (moving the baby girl into her university house in Ottawa).  Now a FLAT TIRE!  Usually I am pretty easygoing.  I handle things. Myself.

This time however, I marched over to darling husband and stated “Mike - the tire is flat.  Deal with it- NOW please”!  and told the parking attendant to show me the way.  An hour later- we stopped at a garage to fix the leak, and had to pick up Baby Lauren who wanted to come along, we were finnalllyy on our way. 

Did you know that when you are late, and in a hurry, you hit every traffic jam, the car always need gas and every traffic light is red- for you- forever!!!

We finally made it. 

Rhonda is as much a dear in person as she is in virtual life!  I so much enjoyed meeting her and visiting.  The exhibit was as wonderful as you can imagine and it was great to see it with Baby Lauren as well!  She was the official photographer, and this seems to be the only photo we have of her for the day!

You might be thinking that My Mike visited the exhibit?  You would be wrong!  He opted to hop on a bicycle and tour the city that way. 

One last thing…

We came home to yet another engaged daughter!!!!  It looks like 2 weddings next year for this family!  And you KNOW that means another wedding dress that I will be excited to construct!!  Check out FiveBlondes for all the details!   And for photos…since I am on my work computer right now!

Make one WHAT?? I had never heard of a Zafu.  Snafu yes! Zafu NO!  Some internet browsing found pics…and even instructions!  A zafu is a meditation cushion, abput 14inches by 8 inches.  According to Wikopedia: Za” (?) means “seat”, and “fu” (?) means cattail.  Historically it was a seat made out of cattails.  Now the filler used is Kapok (fiber from the seed pods of the Kapok tree (naturally!) or Buckwheat hulls.   Now to source some Buckwheat hulls or kapok. 

See Lara- I didn’t forget! 

This weekend should be fun though.  Saturday my slow-pitch ball league has our end of the year Tournament.  I have been playing ball in our community for (gulp) 19 years!  We always play on Wednesday nights.   6 teams, 3 diamonds.  One spectator- My Mike always tries to catch our game!
Are we any good?  Weellll let me say mediocre.  That said, we have won 2 of the 3 playoff games that lead up to the tournament- that is not too shabby.  We switch around positions.  I usually trade off between 2nd base or a field postion.  The only position I can’t play is 3rd base.  I look like a complete dork there- and feel like one too.  That and my throw from 3rd to 1st sucks big time.
Our first game of the Tourney is against my daughters team!  3 of them play on the same team and my team thinks it’s a hoot when we play them.  Our Kate is the pitcher- I haven’t hit against her yet as I was away for our last encounter.  My hitting record is in a slump- I think good golf drives work against batting abilities!  Watch out FiveBlondes-  I am practicing!
Sunday is a 50th birthday party for 2 friends.  He turned 50 in May and she turns 50 in December, so they split the difference for the celebration.  On of my new fav girl groups “The Good Lovelies“  is set to perform. We met them at a local music club in the spring and were wowed by their musical ability and their down to earth manner.  My Mike and I are barbequeing a pig for them so I know the meal will be delish.

Immediately following the party, My Mike and I are off for a couple of days in Ottawa.  YEAH Ottawa!  I will be working there while Mike is at a Municipality Conference.  I get to see my bestest friend and admire their new house, visit with PR friend Lorna and visit her favourite fabric store.  I am also so excited to skip down to Monteal for a day and visit a new PR friend and fellow blogger Rhonda.  We are going to see the Saint Laurant exhibit together, along with my baby girl Lauren (who is not so baby at 19 but loves fashion too!)

No sewing this weekend for moi.  I did pick up my new machine the other day, so hopefully tonight I can put her - need a name contest here! - through her paces.