I Give Up - Goals Don't Work For Me....

Since I tried to organize and create focus by using goals - I have found that I am sinking, not moving forward. I probably try to do too much - but at the same time I do allow myself to at least just see progress not necessarily perfection - but not even that works.  I find my stress levels rising and then I begin avoiding - and then I get further behind. I'm changing tactics now and I am just going to do something every day and what will be, will be. 

Folded Gingham Giveaway

Those interested in blog giveaways might enjoy this site and prize. You can click on the title for the link to the blog. 

May Goals - Week 2

Hmmmm, should I go ahead and post the goals for Week 2 - even though I didn't finish Week 1? Can I be a super woman and finish all the goals of 1 & 2 in the next week? - or am I setting myself up for failure? I don't know - but let's move forward and see what happens.

1. Sew jacket

2. sew vintage PJ's

3. sew pants in muslin and fit them

4. cut out the pants in the fashion fabric

5. cut out lab jacket (for #2 son)

Embracing Your Second Calling by Dale Hanson Bourke

The subtitle for this book is, "Find Passion and Purpose for the Rest of Your Life." Dale Bourke writes in a homey and conversational tone making the reader feel right at home - and you need to feel comfortable as some of the topics can be tough to hear. I was in tears by the second page.  Dale Bourke takes the reader through a series of challenges and relates her personal experiences through the biblical filter of Naomi in the book of Ruth. 

The timing of this book is amazingly significant for me as my youngest child is about to graduate high school and I will soon be free from my homeschooling duties for the first time in over 18 years. I was very encouraged by Dale Bourke that God has definite, purposeful  plans for me for this next chapter in my life. She made me smile (after having made me cry) and gave me hope that God has much more planned for these upcoming years than I could ever imagine. 

My relationship with this book was a bit of a love-hate nature. I felt that there were just too many additional sources cited and too much emphasis placed on angst over being unattractive to men. There is also a definite slant to the professional woman and career. But at the same time I loved subject matter, the sidebars and calls to action, the inclusion of the book of Ruth, and the great bibliography. The personal stories also made the lessons much more real and captivating. 

Anyone facing this huge middle age change in life will find solace and inspiration in facing the next half of one's life in service for God. Don't be distracted by the parts you cannot relate to, rather embrace the heart of this book and the author's message of finding purpose in your "Second Calling".

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

May Goals - Week 1

1. Finish vintage slip

2. Finish Black oriental blouse

3. Finish blue blouse

4. Cut out jacket and lining  (maybe hat)

5. cut out vintage PJ's ~ DONE

6. cut out a mock up for pants

Living Proof Live with Beth Moore

On April 16-17 a group of friends, the Princess, and I went to a Living Proof Live event in the Tampa area featuring speaker Beth Moore. It was excellent.  Beth gave us permission to post the outline of her topic over that Friday evening and next Saturday morning. 

That Wild Thing We Call Family

Introduction: The perilous last days feature social issues 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and environmental issues Matthew 24.  People will (are) growing less and less attached to family - more hard-hearted. 

1. We increasingly lack family - are we deliberately teaching our daughters and granddaughters to be a lady? And our sisters in Christ as well?

2. We need family - people close enough to us to knock the rough edges off. We need depth of relationship - not just FaceBook friends. 

3. Family was meant to grow; not shrink. A. Christ came to birth a new family. B. Christ can also resurrect and old family. 

4. Any family can have calamity. Whining will never help us - get up and face it and battle it out. Do not fear brokenness - we are already broken, but God puts us back together!

5. Family calamity is most complicated when it comes as a consequence. 

6. Family calamity doesn't have to be irreparable.  Seek restoration  - seek peace. If the situation cannot be repaired - we don't have to be broken.  Isaiah 58:6-9 "...not turn away from your own flesh and blood."

7. Christ came to bring honor back to the family. 

8. We ARE family. Psalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families. 

Vintage Patterns

I love vintage patterns. Almost all my patterns are vintage to some degree. I do have a few new ones, but only a few - mostly for the Princess. I shop thrift stores (you can't beat 25 cents each!) and my favorite website - Momspatterns. Some folks also use Etsy and E-bay. If you go to the Dressaday blog there are also lots of links to vintage pattern sellers - but Momspatterns is my hands-down favorite. 

The photo above is my current vintage project and it is for the Princess's college wardrobe. It is a slip from the 1930's. The first version I am making is for a contest entry for the Pattern Review vintage pattern contest. This first version is a polyester crepe backed satin in white. I even learned to do french seams to be true to the vintage intent. After this one is done, I have plans for one in flannel backed satin, and another in black cotton interlock. The flannel backed satin will be great for extra warmth in the winter. The interlock version will function as a camisole on the top part - probably with a bit of lace edging. The bottom will function as an underskirt for a wraparound skirt to keep it modest when it falls open (as it seems to want to do.)  

Once you learn to look past the envelope art with its dated hair, fabrics, and accessories - and instead look at the actual silhouette of the  garment - you will be amazed that a skirt, is a skirt, is a skirt. Many times these older patterns are better made and have better instructions - depending on the decade. But once you venture back before the 1950's it was assumed you already knew the basics of sewing and the directions actually get really sparse - and the pattern tissue will probably have no printed guidelines on it, instead they use a series of holes and notches to show grain lines, darts, matching points and so on. They aren't really hard once you really study it, but it can still be intimidating. 

Don't overlook a great pattern just because it looks "old". They can be a lot of fun, save you money, and challenge your design ability.