Use Your Words May 2019: Oh Sheets!

Today’s post is a writing challenge created by Karen @ Baking in A Tornado.  1o participating bloggers picked 4 – 6 words for someone else to use in a post. All words must be used at least once. All posts will be different as each writer has received their own original set of words. No blogger knows who received their words or in what direction the writer will take them. Until today.   

My words are:

ball ~ covered ~ distress ~ green ~ laundry ~ criminal

They were chosen by Southern Belle Charm 

Thank you for the words!

Pattern Story #7

Dear Diary,

     Having a single parent is hard. Especially when that parent is a dad and I am a teen-aged girl. It was one thing talking with him about jump ropes, bouncy balls, and frogs, but it's quite another to discuss hair-curlers, mascara, and shaving my legs. I cringed knowing I had to tell my father that I needed new underclothes. I think I turned green  when he asked me to list everything I needed. How was he to know what Lycra girdles were or what kind of brassieres I'd like?

    I know he thought he was doing his best when he suggested that grandma take measurements and bring me shopping instead. I'm sure he asked her to get a bunch of things so we could avoid these awkward conversations for as long as possible. My grandma has been wonderful to me my whole life. I know she was trying to help...but when dad dropped me off at her house, I found out that we weren't going shopping after all.  She decided to MAKE my underclothes herself!

     I don't mean to sound ungrateful, Diary. I'm sure she worked very hard on each piece, but they were all wrong. Instead of the Lycra/Dacron form-fitting pieces my friends wear, my underclothes seemed to be fashioned from the very sheets that covered her bed last summer. None of the pieces was a girdle or form fitting for that matter. Everything seemed baggy. One of the pieces was even a garter-belt!  Those ancient things should be criminal! I thought everyone knew about pantyhose and tights by now!

     I think the slips are going to be too long for my miniskirts. Grandma asked me to try each piece on and show her how they fit. I couldn't even look her in the eyes. I didn't want her to see the distress on my face. I instead thanked her for her hard work and brought everything home.

     What am I going to do now? Tell her the underclothes are in the laundry every time she asks? As it is, the garter belt and pink onsie are crumpled in a ball under my bed.

     In the mean time, Sally said I could borrow her new silky slip to go under my Mod Minidress. 

     I guess dad and I will eventually have to have a clearer talk about the garments a growing girl needs, but for now I'll wait. Like I said, he's doing his best. He even came home with the very pink tube of mascara I showed him in Seventeen magazine! And it's the darkest shade of black I've ever seen.

     I think he and I are going to be fine.

***

Photo from McCall Corporation 1968

Happy "Wear whatever undergarments you want to as long as they're clean," friends!
-Michele

Check out the other cool kids playing:

Baking in a Tornado

Wandering Web Designer

Cognitive Script  

The Bergham Chronicles

On the Border

Southern Belle Charm

Bookworm in the Kitchen   

Part-Time Working Hockey Mom

Climaxed                                

Use Your Words February 2019!

Hey-O friends! Where in the world have you been? I've missed you!

Today’s post is a writing challenge created by Karen @ Baking in A Tornado. This is how it works: 9 participating bloggers picked 4 – 6 words or short phrases for someone else to craft into a post. All words must be used at least once and all the posts will be unique as each writer has received their own set of words. That’s the challenge and there's a fun twist; no one who’s participating knows who received their words or in what direction the writer will take them. Until now.

At the end of this post, you’ll find links to the other blogs featured in this challenge. Check them all out, see what words they were given and how they used them.

My words are:

love ~ like ~ live ~ list ~ level

They were submitted by Karen @ Baking In a Tornado!!

Here we go:

Pattern Stories#5

Photo Property of Dominion Simplicity Patterns LTD

Janet: I called and cried to my grandma for at least two hours. I was afraid she might give me an "I told you so" lecture after I shared my hot mess of a semi-blind date.  Grams warned me six months ago that I was headed for heartbreak when I told her I was writing back and forth with a man named Roger. She said that you can't get to know someone until you've looked them in the eyes. I can't believe how right she was.

Last summer, an acquaintance at my real estate job said that her cousin Roger was thinking of moving to our city. She wondered if I wouldn't mind sending him some information about recreational activities and places of interest to visit. I was happy to. I stuffed an envelope full of pamphlets from the city, along with a small note to let Roger know he'd have a friend if and when he decided to move here.

To my surprise, Roger wrote back to me within the week. He saw my photo in one of our directory pamphlets and told me all about himself. He worked for Americorps and wanted to tell me all about it when I saw him. Also, he included a small photo of himself in his blue pajamas, drinking tea. He said that it was his favorite way to spend time when he wasn't at work or sailing his large boat.

For the next six months, we wrote back and forth. Twice we spoke on the phone. I told him a lot about the city at first, but more about my personal self as time went by. We talked about everything from our love of various foods to my nasty tennis elbow, to his naturally wavy hair. 

Finally, I got the call I had been waiting for. Roger was coming to town! He was having his boat shipped to our bay and wanted to meet me on one of the docks in two weeks. My heart never stopped pounding as he listed off all of the wonderful adventures we'd take together. I told him I'd send a photo of an outfit I'd just made. It sounded corny, but I'd wear it to the dock so he'd recognize me immediately. 

Could I be in love with someone I hadn't met face to face? Didn't I know more about Roger now than some couples who've dated two or three times? My grandma warned me. More than once. She said he sounded too good to be true. I was angry that she didn't trust my level of maturity. I knew exactly what I was getting into. But, like I said, Grams knew exactly what she was talking about.

Roger and I met at two o'clock that Sunday right where we said we would. I brought a friend to photograph us the moment we met. The moment where the rest of my life would start. It was a good thing he recognized me because I couldn't see anyone who resembled my Roger. Then, there he was in front of me.

I wouldn't have known him at all if not for his voice. And the fact that he was wearing the EXACT same jacket as me but in blue. What was going on? He said he wanted us to match when we met. Holy Hannah. The dark natural wavy hair I'd seen in his photo for so long smelled badly of an Ogilvie home perm. He looked nothing like my Roger. Seeing my shock, he decided to speak quickly about the photo being taken a really long time ago. Bologna. He sent me a photo of someone else. That wasn't even the only lie he made up.

When he said he worked for Americorp, he said he meant American Way. "Amway". When Roger said he wanted to tell me all about his job, he meant getting me involved in it. He said we'd be rich! Only in my phone call to Grandma did I understand it was a pyramid scheme. 

And that huge sailing boat he had shipped to our bay? It got around not by sails, but by two oars. It could have fit on the top of his car. I told him he was a liar; that he had made a fool of me, and that I never wanted to see him again. And I haven't. That acquaintance at work said that he decided not to live the city after all.

After the call with Grandma, I'm starting to feel a bit better. It will take a long time before I trust anyone with my heart. I do think Grams put this situation into perspective(as she always does) by summing up this whole experience:

 "Janet", she said, "You're going to be okay. We've lived by the bay for a long time. You need to remember to NEVER take a man's word about the size of his boat. Not to be crass, but just between you and me, when everything is uncovered, that "large boat' they talk about? Well, It's (more often than not) going to be nothing but a small dinghy."

Photo Property of Butterick Pattern Service-Canada 1970s

Happy "Keeping it honest" day, Friends!

-Michele

Don't forget to check out the other cool kids participating in the Use Your Words challenge:

              Baking In a Tornado

              Wandering Web Designer

              Cognitive Script

              Southern Belle Charm    

              The Bergham Chronicles

              On the Border

              Climaxed  

              Part-Time Working Hockey Mom  

Tailgate With Us: Reversible Busy Bags

Hello friends!

Have you ever been to a tailgating party? They're usually celebrated before, during or after a sports game (either outside your home or in). Have you ever been to one where you didn't need to bring anything? Well, THIS is that kind of party. All you need to do is pull up a comfy chair, grab a little something warm to drink, and start reading. Karen@ Baking in a Tornado came up with a way for a group of bloggers to throw a new kind of "Virtual Tailgating" celebration and it's all for you!

Each blogger up in that beautiful Brady Bunch-looking collage (9 of us all together) has prepared a 'lil "Tailgating Awesomeness" for you. It may be delicious, adorable, informative or comfortable. You'll find each of the links to these great projects at the end of this post.

First up, though, is my tutorial for Reversible Busy Bags. These are small carry-alls that your little one can bring to a game or any event. You can fill them with art supplies, treats, or books. Make them smaller for tots or bigger for you. Once you get the hang of making them, you may even want to create some for gifts (think Halloween treat bags!) They are my design. So please, don't sell them without my written permission.

Want to learn to make one? Follow my photo tutorial! It's a bit lengthy, but easy to follow.
Need to come back when you have more time? Bookmark the link up there in your address bar.
Want to order one instead? Leave me a message in the shellybean shop!

Any questions? Leave a comment at the end of this post! I'm happy to help.

Here we go!

Finished measurements of the blue bag (not handles) are 9" by 8.5"by 2"

green bag is 11.5" by 8.5"by 2.5"

The following directions are for the green bag.

You will need:

1/2 yard fabric for outside of the bag, pockets and handles

1/2 yard fabric for lining and lining pockets

1 yard iron-on interfacing. I use Pellon #808 (read directions on pkg.)

2.5 inches of 1/8" elastic

2 buttons (Mine are 7/8")

Thread (I use all-purpose)

Pattern Paper (I use the back of wrapping paper. Look for the kind that measures in 1" square increments; it saves time, peeps!)

Sewing Tools:

Sewing machine, sewing needle, scissors, pins, chalk, iron (set to fabric you're using).

Warnings: Pins are sharp, as are scissors. Use caution. Irons (especially the steam setting) can burn. Remove pins before sewing over them. Don't run with scissors...all that jazz...

From experience: Do NOT fill bags with crayons if they are going to spend ANY time in a warm car. Little ones need to be careful of marker caps. Don't run with suckers in your mouth. You get it.

 Click on each picture to enlarge. Some photos contain detailed instructions/tips.

1. Pattern Pieces (3)

 2. Cut out main fabric, lining and interfacing according to pattern pieces.

 3. Press fabric and lining.

4. Iron on interfacing. You only need to interface TWO of the lining pockets; not all four.

5. Iron and sew handles. 

 6. Transfer handle and elastic markings.

 7. Sew pockets. I used one main fabric and one lining fabric for each pocket.

Two finished pockets will have interfacing. Two will not.

 8. Pin/sew interfaced pockets following directions in the photo.

9. Pin and sew on non-interfaced pockets according to photo.

 10. Measure, mark and top stitch divider pocket.

 11. Pin handles and elastic at markings to main fabric. Baste or stitch close to edge.

 12. Using a 1/2 seam allowance, stitch sides. Press seams open.

 13. Repeat with lining, but leave bottom open at markings.

Leave about 4" open at bottom.

 14. Box corners. You're matching the bottom of the open side seam to the base of the bag seam. Pin. 1/2" seam allowance.

 15. Put main bag into lining. Right sides of both bags will be facing each other. Match side seams and markings of tucked-in handles. Pin along the top. Stitch all the way around.

 16. Remember that 4" opening you left in the bottom of the lining? Open that up and carefully pull the whole bag out. This will eventually pull the lining right side out too. You will tuck that into the bag so it becomes the "lining". You can slip-stitch the 4"hole closed. Now you can top-stitch the finished bag along the bag top.

 17. After you sew on buttons, you can decide which side you like best. Shown here is the bag right side out.

  Here is the bag "Lining" side out. Press bag if needed and load that baby up. I use markers on the inside and colored pencils on the outside. There's construction paper and stickers inside also.

 Here's the back view.

 Here's one for my family's home team(s).

And there you have it. Whew!! 

Don't forget to stop by the other sites participating in this virtual party. Remember, winners NEVER quit, so keep on reading! Each blog is really excited to have you visit! 

The hostess of this rocking tailgate party is none other than Karen, from "Baking in a Tornado". Pop over to see her fantastic recipe for an amazing Glazed Kielbasa Sandwich.

Stacy, from "Stacy Sews and Schools" teaches us how to make her very cute Team Color Headband and Earmuffs.

Robin, from "Someone Else’s Genius" gives us an analysis of college football in her Review of the book "The System: The Glory and Scandal of Big-Time College Football"

Diane, from "Canning and Cooking at Home" is showing us how to make a delicious Spicy Mustard Relish.

Eileen, from "Eileen’s Perpetually Busy" shows us how to make a tailgating Team Colors Seat Cushion With a built-in handle for carrying ease. Sweet!

Lydia, from "Cluttered Genius", has an Easy DIY Upcycled Team Garland that shows you how to make a garland for your tailgating party out of products you already have in your house.

Shawn, from "Literary Litter" provides a tutorial on how to make an adorable Snapcap. It's a crocheted hat that will keep you warm AND let everyone know what's on your mind.

Melissa, from "Home on Deranged" brings technology to tailgating, showing us how to use technology and cool gadgets to ensure you are master of tailgating time!

Cheers to a "FAN"tastic week, my friends :)

-Michele

Use Your Words!

Hello, friends!

Today’s post is a writing challenge created by Karen @ Baking in A Tornado. This is how it works: 12 participating bloggers picked 4 – 6 words or short phrases for someone else to craft into a post. All words must be used at least once and all the posts will be unique as each writer has received their own set of words. That’s the challenge, but there's a fun twist; no one who’s participating knows who received their words and in what direction the writer will take them. Until now.

At the end of this post you’ll find links to the other blogs featured in this challenge. Check them all out, see what words they got and how they used them. 

My words are: 

tiny ~ gigantic ~ beautiful ~ disaster ~ court

They were submitted by: Baking In A Tornado  

"Pattern Stories #2"

"Can you dig it?" 1972

In the early Seventies, the Cascade brothers were all the rage in the modeling circuits. Sears, J.C. Penney and Montgomery Ward offered the three boys GIGANTIC contracts for posing together in their catalogs. Their BEAUTIFUL faces graced the covers of 16 Magazine and Teen Beat. Young girls everywhere would wait hours outside of photo shoots for a peek or (if they were lucky,) an autograph. These boys were destined for greatness. Andy, Sam and Mickey were ready to rule the world runway.

                                    "White Slacks are Okay after Labor Day" campaign, 1987

Super model stardom for the trio, however, was not meant to be. Fifteen years later, Andy, Sam and Mickey sat down to "tell all" on an episode of Phil Donahue. It seems that the brothers had moved on to different things after the modeling gigs thinned out.  There were plenty of new boys (some who could sing, some who could act, some who could do both) who were ready to take the places of the former teenage crushes. 
After posing for their last cover together, the three talked about what they'd been up to.

Andy (now Drew) 29, dropped out of modeling at the age of 17, when his hair prematurely turned grey. A ghost writer for more than a dozen "Charlie's Angels" novels, Drew splits his days between professional jogging in Connecticut and representing himself in COURT. He's currently fighting an AARP magazine that used his grey-hair image without consent.

Sam, 31, was the brother most likely to succeed in the modeling world. After dropping out of school at the ripe age of 10, Sam was unable to read the contracts he was signing. His illiteracy and constant need for frosted highlights left him broke. He is married to Angelica, age 89, whom he says, "gets him." She is the only living heir to the Maxwell House Coffee dynasty.

Mickey, (now Michael) 25, was often labeled the "cutest of the bunch." His coy looks and TINY man-body mesmerized crowds everywhere. At the awkward age of 13, people were no longer interested in the not-so-little boy. Depressed, Michael found himself at the bottom of many bottles of Scotch. When a family secret finally came out that his father was not his real dad, Michael turned his DISASTER-of-a-life around and got clean. He searched for years looking for his alleged half-brother and dad. When David (the brother) was found, he was ecstatic about the family news and introduced Michael to their father, Edward Hasselhoff. Michael keeps contact with both of his families.  He's currently living out his true passion, doing stunt work on his brother's new show, "Knight Rider". 

Check out the other participants in today's Use Your Words Challenge!

Baking In A Tornado                   

Juicebox Confessions        

Confessions of a Part-time Working Mom          

Battered Hope           

Spatulas on Parade          

Evil Joy Speaks               

Stacy Sews and Schools          

Searching for Sanity            

Just A Little Nutty                         

The Bergham's Life Chronicles               

Follow Me Home                   

Dates 2 Diapers 2   

Photos:

1. Simplicity Pattern Co. #5160 1972

2.Kwik Sew Pattern Co. #997  197?                    

Happy Friday, friends :)

-Michele