Have you ever noticed

that the television keeps you from being productive? I did not realize that until Sunday's productive morning. I could be putting out garments regularly. But no, I almost always turn the television on. Then I find myself just standing at the cutting table watching tv. Not ironing, pressing, measuring, nothing - just watching the idiot box. Doesn't matter what's on it - poker tournament or crafting show. What a waste of time. Since then if I'm alone in the room - no tv. In fact, I'm currently in the market for a little cd player to put downstairs. Noise, but nothing to unfocus me. Have a very safe and happy 4th of July everyone.

Inspired by Carolyn

yet again. In her recent post, Carolyn asked how you find time to sew. The reality of my life is that I don't like to get dirty, so I don't garden. I'm not a huge sun worshiper, so lazy afternoons basking in the sun aren't my thing. My children still live at home - at the old ages of 20 & 22, so they are able to help with the housework somewhat - freeing me to do what I love, create. In the old days, when we only had 2 dogs, and my sewing room was on the main level of the house, I fired up the sewing machine daily. It was close to the kitchen and convenient to fit in a seam here or there while cooking. Now that the sewing room is downstairs, I find that I don't turn it on unless I have a substantial block of time to give it. That doesn't mean that I won't do something else, trace a pattern, cut something out, make alterations, rip something that needs it. But mostly my evenings are spend cooking, cleaning up dog hair and walking dogs :) In the spirit of Nike - Saturday night I ran to Hancocks to get thread for the curtains. I was ready to start seaming the panels! My eye was caught be a great piece of stretch cotton in pink, salmon, red and yellow. It was a rather bold print and I really didn't need it. But I loved it. I kept walking around Hancocks trying to talk myself out of it. Finally I gave in and looked for something to match with it. I found a soft buttery yellow cotton interlock as well as a salmon colored cottong interlock. Immediately upon getting home I through the print in the washer and dryer, followed by the interlocks. I headed downstairs and didn't turn on the tv or computer! I just set up the ironing board and turned on the sewing machine. The panels for the dining room are seamed and the top hem is pressed in place. Same for the living room, all that is left is the bay window. I plan to stop at Linens & Things on my way home from work tomorrow for the new drapery rods. By now it was midnight and I was tired. JB got home from the poker game he was out and got on the computer. I finished up the curtain panels and shifted stuff around on the cutting table. By the time I went to bed at 1 - I had the print cut out as well as the yellow interlock. I set my alarm for 6. For the first time in months, I actually got up when the alarm went off. I headed straight downstairs. Stopping only long enough to put on a pot of coffee. By 8:30 the yellow was a new t-shirt. By 10:30 the print was a skirt. I was able to go to the horse races today with JB and friends looks cute, comfortable and stylish in a brand new outfit! Pictures after I've had time to wash and iron it :) Thanks Carolyn.

Jessica

Jessica was everything I thought she would be, except . . . I thought she would be larger. Based on the way she talks about herself. But no, she's quite cute and trim. Her dogs are hysterical and her hubby is a looker! We had a great time at the dog park, a lovely dinner and a fabulous visit. She's considering coming back in September to see the Yarn Harlot with me. She loved the American Fido fabric, unbeknownst to me, they are huge American Idol fans, so that worked out great. I hope the bag and needle roll work to transport her projects to her knitting 'events.' The weekends plans are as follows. Once again I'm cleaning dog slime off the floors - I just did this yesterday, but laminate floors and 6 dirty dogs don't mix! So finish cleaning floors, finish ironing curtain fabric - 4 pieces to iron and rip. Then I'm detouring to the border print denim. The skirt is quick and easy and I want to wear it to the 4th of July festivities. After that I will start seaming curtain panels. I can then purchase the new rods and determine hem lengths. Once I have that all down, I'll be back to ironing and ripping - lining this time. Have a great Holiday Weekend everyone. Unfortunately, I have to work on Monday. But it's okay :) Sewing will be done anyway.