My Hearts a Flutter Shell

I've had the crud for a week, a combination of seasonal hay fever and an upper respiratory virus. I haven't done much outside of work for several days, but I felt well enough Saturday to get started on my newest project, the Hearts a Flutter Shell by Louise Cutting of Cutting Line Designs.


I've traced out the pattern in Medium, same as the last pattern of hers that I made, the Pure and Simple Shell. Terri K said the sizing of the two patterns was basically the same.

Today, I cut out the shell from some cotton fabric I had on hand.


The edges of the picture are more accurate. The colors in the center were washed out by the flash, which also reflected the metallic more than in real life. I had started to use this floral for a set of pillowcases for the Ronald McD project. However, I discovered I'd cut the fabric wrong about halfway through so they've basically been wadders since then. I wouldn't call this project a "wearable muslin", but it is a no-risk project since the fabric was basically a throw-away unless repurposed.

In other news: I still haven't worn any of the new sandals yet. Winter has been making its last stand but the weather is supposed to be in the low 80s in the upcoming week! Yay!

First Day of Spring

...and we had snow! The sun is peeking out, so hopefully things will return to normal soon. I'm looking forward to wearing some of these soon. Can you tell I'm suffering from spring fever?

6pm.com (Zappo's outlet site) recently had a sale on Clarks, which are a favorite brand since they fit me so well. So I splurged on 3 pair. I also got a pair of Bandolino sandals (second from left). They're the same as a pair I bought last year except brown instead of black. I'm really looking forward to the weather warming up a little more so I can wear my new goodies! Clarks has really stepped up its game with regard to styling over the past couple of years, so these are both comfortable and cute! The Bandolinos, not so much, although they're ok. Basically, they're clogs. The straps are adjustable, a bonus for my narrow feet.

I've been suffering a little bit with spring hayfever, so I'm planning on taking it easy this weekend. After the last 2 weekends, I'm happy to be at home with no real agenda. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I have enough energy to work in the sewing room. I recently got Louise Cutting's new pattern, Hearts a Flutter, and I really want to give the shell top a try:

I'm not sure that the overblouse will work for me and my lifestyle, but I can always use a good shell!

Las Vegas Getaway

Talk about contrasts!! Last weekend was all natural and spiritual for me, so what did we do this weekend? That's right, another trip to Las Vegas! It's been 3 months since our last visit, and we went back again since it's such an easy plane ride from New Mexico. Both DF and I have been having a rough time at our respective jobs lately, so we needed a change of scene and some fun for a change.

We went back to the Mirage and had dinner Friday evening at Onda, a nice Italian restaurant located there at the hotel. Had a delicious meal and drank too much, but that goes with the territory. We had no special plans for Saturday morning so we lounged around the room until lunchtime then walked over to the Paris casino for lunch. Dinner was at La Fiamma at the MGM Grand, which was fantastic! It was expensive, but the food and service were great. Afterwards, back to the Mirage for Jay Leno's show.

And this morning, we were up very early to catch our flight back to Albuquerque. It was strange to be in the lobby at 6 am with bars and partiers still going strong! Yes, we're old. There was also a large contingent of New Mexicans on our flight due to the Mountain West regional basketball tournament, all cheering on our local team, the Lobos. At LAX, we ran into a large group returning from supporting the other Division I school, New Mexico State.

We got back to the house around 1:30 this afternoon, just in time for typical New Mexico weather, a combination of alternating rain, sunshine, and snow.

Yes, I know. Everything in Vegas is fake. But hey, you can only take so much of the naturalness and quiet that New Mexico has to offer. Sometimes you need artifice and excess instead.

Northern New Mexico Retreat

Last weekend, I was in Georgia O'Keeffe country. I've been called to serve on my church's vestry, and our retreat was held at Ghost Ranch outside of Abiquiu, New Mexico in the northern part of the state. It is very isolated up there (no cell phone reception or internet, which was probably a good thing for me), and it is also very beautiful. Perfect for some spiritual work and bonding.

I can see why Georgia O'Keeffe painted so much of this area. It is literally breathtaking. I've already told DF that we need to plan a visit sometime soon.

TSW Urban Pants, Done!

I finished the pants over a week ago, but I've had a couple of travel weekends in a row so no time to post. And barely enough time to photograph, for that matter!

Sizing is almost straight Medium; I added 1/4" at the center front seam by narrowing the seam allowance. That tiny adjustment made a big difference to me, which amazes me.

I styled these as full length pants instead of crops, in case you can't tell from the picture.

I like this pattern very much and feel sure that I'll be making more, especially as the weather warms up and I can break out the linen! I think we're all ready for an end to winter weather at this point.