Hi everyone! After a long (nearly three month) absence, I decided it is time to write a post. Over the last couple of weeks, I received a number of emails from friends asking if I was ok because I haven’t been writing any posts. Life has been great; busy and full of all the things I like. Somehow, I just was not in the mood for blogging. I haven’t been reading posts, or commenting, or writing. Maybe I just needed a break.
Trying to catch up on the last three months is a challenge – where do I begin?? There has been lots of family time, celebrations, visitors, time with my children and grand children, home projects and – of course – sewing. There were two long weekends at the beach; one with Ray, me and Julia and the other with my parents, Ray and me. We celebrated my parents’ 69th wedding anniversary and Julia’s 23rd birthday. My sisters and I all met up at one sister’s house in Denver, CO for a long weekend. Lots and lots has been happening!
Throughout spring Ray spent hours out in the garden prepping a vegetable garden. It is really starting to produce now and we are enjoying lots of snow peas, rhubarb, a few varieties of lettuce, turnips, and radishes. I wasn’t at all sure about the turnips but we have had fun finding different ways to prepare them. I have roasted them (ok but not fantastic), mashed them with russet potatoes (very good) and made a yummy salad with raw turnips. I was surprised by the salad – we both enjoyed it quite a bit. Some sort of critter is making Ray crazy by eating the carrots as fast as the poor things can grow. The summer veggies are coming in now. As you’d imagine, we cannot wait for the tomatoes!
Sweet peas are doing great this year. I love these – the colors and that amazing fragrance. Sitting on the deck, it smells so wonderful!
We recently received the fantastic news of a new baby joining to our family! My son and his wife are expecting their first child mid-November. I cannot wait!!! When they found out the baby is a girl, I quickly found a small piece of pale pink stretch knit fabric and made these leggings and matching hat. They are so teeny tiny.
I also made three soft, stuffed blocks. They each have a few rattles in them for a noisy sound as well as crinkly paper in one. They might be a tad bit over stuffed but I still love them.
Should we take a quick look at some of the clothing I made recently? Okie doke!
This t-shirt was made with a piece of stretch knit fabric I have had for several years. I am super happy with it, though I would like it to be about two inches longer. However, the size of the fabric determined the length of the shirt. It fits nicely though.
Here is another project I just finished up. A few weeks ago there was a morning class on sewing with knits at a local sewing shop. The actual event was more of a “let’s sell you some knit fabric” session – there wasn’t a whole lot of teaching going on. However I did pick up a great featherweight performance fabric. UV protection and moisture wicking components mean it is be perfect for running. I bought a couple of yards with a plan to make some tops.
First I made this tank top. It was super easy to make using the Kira tank pattern by Sonia Estep Designs. Soon after this successful make, I tried a second one with a different fabric. I don’t like the fit of it – I just went too fast when I cut it out. Anyway, no picture of it because I am going to make it again with the same fabric.
Here is a blouse I made with a piece of voile that was on the shelf. I like the fit of this one quite a bit. The pattern, McCalls 7548, is from 1994 and very dated looking. I had to modify it a lot because it was a size 18 which is too big. But it turned out cute and I plan to wear it a lot.
Another piece of fabric, another project! I picked up this fabric years ago at a garage sale. It is super lightweight, maybe a thin chambray. I saw this pattern and it was perfect! I haven’t taken a picture yet as I just finished them. But they are very cute. Running the stripes in both directions is really clever. (I was too lazy to make the belt loops and belt.)
Last but not least, here is a dress I made. The knit was scored at the Goodwill for $3.00! I have more left after making the dress too! I like this but if I were to make it again, there are a few things I would change. It is slightly tight across the back and the bodice could be lengthened. Just in case you are wondering who I am with in this adorable picture, let me introduce you to my mom and cousin. We all share the same first name – Mom, Bernie and Bernie. My cousin lives in Louisiana so we don’t see her nearly enough. When we do though, it is our tradition to get a picture of the ‘three Bernie’s’.
This weekend there is a quilt show in Sequim, WA. My friend and I plan to attend. My goal is to enjoy the quilts and NOT bring home more fabric. Seriously working on using up the stacks of fabric I have so I do not need to add to it! I will let you know if I can control that impulse to buy fabric. (It is so hard!!)
Nice to be back in touch! Let me know how you are doing, ok?
Sharing at some of my favorites. Check out the links at the top of the page for Brag About Your Beauties and TGIFF. 🙂
Hello! I was just thinking of you today and hoping you were well. Such a timely update! I’m enjoying teaching, had a lovely vacation with my family to Kauai, and I’m still getting settled in my new studio.
Hi Sarah – I bet the trip to Kauai was fantastic. We have been twice and loved it. Enjoy the studio – you deserve a great place to work. Have fun at PIQF too!!!
So glad you took lots of time off just to enjoy LIFE! That’s what retirement is supposed to be for. Unfortunately I can’t quite get my hubby into that vibe yet, and it’s been over 5 years now. Only managed 1 3 day trip (for our 50th anniversary) about 2 1/2 months ago. Love the clothes you’ve made. I was just thinking myself that I need to start using some of the knits I’ve been saving to make a few things for me. Congrats on the new grandbaby coming — how fun! All good here — we live in Roseville and there was 8 days above 100 in June and so far in July we’ve had 12 over 100 — I miss Oregon a LOT nowadays. Still nice to spend time with our kids and grandkids, though. Our oldest grandchild went to tour 2 colleges last week, hard to believe….
Deb – the weather in the Sacramento area has been just awful. It must be hard to go outdoors very much. Stay inside and make yourself a new t-shirt!! Take care.
PS – I bet that is crazy having a grand child off to college. yikes!
Bernie – Yes, it feels very strange to have a grandchild debating which college to go to — I still feel 18 inside….that is, until I pass a mirror! Yes, I’m getting some sewing done, but right now it’s repairing grandson’s ‘new’ shirt he fell in love with from a thrift store (too big, so I’m practically remaking the whole thing — but it’s 100% silk, so I understand). Plus putting a new zipper into granddaughters ‘new’ top she bought at a thrift store — and I HATE doing zippers! : ) I love those 2 kids like crazy, so of course I’m doing those things instead of finishing up several quilts… I’m pretty sure you don’t miss the old homestead too much with all this heat and the wildfires everywhere!
Zippers are the worst. I feel like my zippers make a garment look homemade. I suppose that means I should make more items with them and practice!! You are a good Grammy to remake the kids thrifted finds. I am all about upcycling so this is a great thing for the kids to be into. Julia is a big thrifter like me – we both love the hunt!
What a wonderful recap! You do such a great job with your fabric design and sewing and also your ability to write in a very interesting style makes reading your blog a pleasure.
Hi Uncle Tony – Thank you for the compliments! We are having so much fun with Bernie and Randy here. Lots of visitors over the past couple of months! Hope all is well with you. xo, Bernie
Nice to know you will continue your blog as it’s a friendly community when you find a decent blog to read. I do enjoy being a part of many I read continuously and would miss them if they were gone. Makes our country feel smaller and cozy when I hear about others around the USA. I’m glad all is well and you’re going to be a grandma again for a new baby girl.
You inspire me to sew clothes again! I have some sundress patterns I should sew as I have a nice border print to use. The pants will be fun to see as that seems to be the style I saw this summer around our area in stores. Flowing and wider.
Kathy – I agree about the community and I am happy to get involved. It was a nice break.
I LOVE border prints. A sundress or a skirt would be great. Hope you find time to make something new for yourself.
My goodness you have been busy! Congratulations on a granddaughter soon! How fun! You know, it wasn’t but three days ago that I was thinking of you and was going to send a message. Glad all is well. We haven’t been back to Port Orchard yet – maybe October? 🤔 life rolls along too quickly sometimes.
Love your blouses, fun fun! Guessing you have sun breaks around there so you can wear them.
Enjoy your garden splendor!
Barb
Hi Barb – I think of you every time I pass the place where your MIL lives. Be sure to let me know when you make plans to come. I look forward to spending some time together. The only time I am busy in October is the weekend of October 12/13. Otherwise, I am here. See you soon (I hope!)
Yayyyy . . . a post . . . :o) .
You’ve been busy making clothes!! I haven’t made clothes in years. My granddaughter just asked me if I could make her another nightgown because the one she’s wearing, that I made several years ago, is getting short and a little tight on her but she still wears it. I’ve never modified patterns, so I need to find an easy pattern for a tall 9yo first!
Kathleen – yes – make a new nightgown for your grand daughter. Fortunately, adding length to it will be simple. Just measure her chest and waist. Then add length. Have fun with it. Let me know if you want help. 🙂
So glad to see your post and know things are going well for you and your family! Congratulations on the new grandbaby! Love your clothing makes-I am so wanting to make some clothing again after a very long time but just can’t seem to decide what. Have a wonderful rest of your summer!
Hey Debbie – I think the simplest projects are a t-shirt, pajama pants or pajama shorts. If you need any help, let me know. There are so many fun, simple projects to make. 🙂
So fun to read about all the fun things happening in your family – congrats on the new baby joining the family – and the fun gatherings – love the three Bernies photo! You’ve been busy sewing, and all of your creations look great! What a fun post!
Thank you Wendy. Seemed like it was time to get involved with the community again! 🙂
Great to read what you’ve been doing! I too like turnips with mashed potatoes. I also like them raw; but, only when they are immature. . .they get too spicy as they mature. Your clothing sewing is impressive. Your knit dress is cute and those pants sound terrific!
Well, yes I did miss you, Bernie, but figured you were just enjoying all the vibes of summer. (Me too.) Congrats on expanding Grammy-hood. I bet the little girls are over the moon to look forward to a new cousin. Your sewing projects look like fun. I especially like that you had just the right fabric for the unique pants pattern. Keep enjoying the summer!
We are all excited about a new baby!! H and I went to a thrift shop and we spied some gorgeous wooden toys for her – a stackable rainbow and a wooden version of the graduated rings on a stick (like the traditional Fischer Price version our kids all had). So that was fun. They will be great older cousins to this little one.
Today I am taking my parents to see a relative that lives an hour away. We are having lunch there – it will be fun. I have never met this person (kind of a cousin of a cousin sort of thing). Summer has been lovely! Enjoy yours as well. 🙂
It was good to see everything you have made, You have been busy!
I was thrilled for you that you are going to have a new grandbaby! Another sweet girl! Your other granddaughters are going to love being the big girls! ( I am the first girl out of my grandparents 13 grandchildren, but I had 2 older boy cousins.)
I am hoping you might be willing to come to Tacoma in the near future. I have somethings that I have been holding on to for you.
As for what I have been doing. My summer hasn’t been very good. My mother passed away. We just had her Celebration of life on Saturday. It was so well attended. Our youngest cousin drove up from Utah to attend !
So, I now hope to be able to sew again. I will be able to sew even if it stays hot, because our daughter gave us a floor air conditioner and it has really been a game changer! I have asthma, so I was having trouble breathing and now am much better.
Again, welcome back!
Hi Torry – first of all, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. This must be really tough for you. How nice to hear the Celebration of Life was a nice event. I am sure you honored her well.
I would love to come to Tacoma. I think of this often and just haven’t followed through. But I still want to – I even remember the list of places we were going to go to together. I will look at the calendar and figure it out. Maybe later in August?
Enjoy that AC unit. Our kids gave us their window unit which keeps the upstairs cooled. The downstairs seems to stay comfortable.
See you soon!!
August sounds great! Just let me know when you are available. (Tuesday mornings are not good for me.)
I’m so glad you’re doing well, I was beginning to wonder and hoped nothing was wrong. I’m glad you gave yourself a break and have been busy doing the things you enjoy and spending time with family. That’s so important. Congratulations on news of the new baby!
Thank you on all counts Mary! Nice to hear from you and hope all is well. 🙂
There’s a great quilt shop in Sequim! (Sorry to tempt you)
Yep! I have been there – I am hoping to NOT go in there today. But who knows. 😉
Hi Bernie, what a lovely post! You do veeery good in cloth sewing! You look very good.
Love the 3B picture! I think you do well enjoying the summer. Mhhh… my dictionary gives me an interesting translation for turnips…. Something like a carrot in white? Like a radish?
However… it is nice that you have all this in your garden. Fresh vegetables are healthy.
So glad life has been full of good things for you lately. Enjoy the quilt show this weekend!
Thank you Yvonne. 🙂
Great to hear about projects and see photos.
I didnt know turnips could be cooked until I married. MIL made mashed turnips. My Mom used to put a peeled turnip in with my school lunch. Always like the taste raw.
Turnips are/were very unfamiliar to me but I am liking them! Fun to figure out what to do with a new (to us) veggie. 🙂
What a great post, Bernie…well worth waiting months for. I am so glad things have been going well for you and yours and a BIG congratulations on the news of the expected baby girl. The leggings and cap are too cute. I’m impressed with all your sewing projects….the dress is really nice. Is there a pattern number for it? Again, I’m so glad you’re well and spent time with the other 2 Bernies….Blessings from West Virginia. ps…I really miss the book sharing you used to do….sigh!
Hi there!! I tried to find the pattern for the dress and I cannot figure out where it is. I know I still have it because I want to try it again with the modifications I mentioned. When I locate it, I will let you know. (I loved the book sharing too! What are you reading now? I am just finishing up Bel Canto by Ann Patchett.)
Hi…no problem about the dress pattern…but if you do find it I’d love to know the name and number. Right now I’m about halfway through The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah….a gripping tale of a troubled and fragile family who moved to Alaska and are totally unprepared for winters and darkness and dangers there. It’s been on my reading list for several years and I finally have gotten around to it. So glad you’re “back”!
Oh – I read and enjoyed that book. She has written some really good books. I really loved Four Winds too.
How exciting to have a new little one to love! Your granddaughters will love watching her grow!
Good for you for making clothing with knit fabric. I never had success with making clothing with knit fabric
So good to hear what you’ve been doing especially your sewing projects.
Thank you Gretchen. I am happy to get back to posting after a nice break. I think the two older grand daughters will love having a baby to play with – I can’t wait to see them all together. 🙂
What a great post, I’m so happy you’re out and about and enjoying everything and everyone! Your garden sounds amazing and big congrats on another grandbaby on the way (more quilts to sew, yay!). Your garment sewing is really inspiring. I have been stockpiling garment-appropriate fabrics for a while and really need to stop worrying about ruining them and just have a go. I have a lovely collection of voiles that need to be cute little tops to see me through these Australian summers.
It was so good to see what you’ve been up to. You look so happy, Bernie, I love it. x x
Kirsty – voiles are so easy to sew with. I like this pattern – https://www.made-by-rae.com/gemma/. It is super easy and fits great. Give it a try. Summer will arrive soon for you.
I need to think about a quilt for the baby. Making a picnic quilt for the family is one choice. They are very outdoorsy people so would probably get a lot of use from it.
Hope all is well with you.
Lovely clothes you made! I love a nice sun dress for wearing around the house when it is hot. Glad to see you post again, and that you are well and happy.
Thank you Carole – Fun to be back!!
Yay — another quilter sneaking away from her patchwork to sew some garment patterns! I especially love how your black and white print tee turned out. Nice job aligning the stripe at the sleeve with the stripe running across the back. Congratulations on your new grandbaby on the way and all of the good things going on in your life “offline” lately.
Hi Rebecca – I have such a stack of garment fabric and it has been fun to use some of it. The stripes worked out well on the t-shirt – I am happy about that one! Hope you and your family are enjoying summertime. 🙂
You’ve been busy in a great sort of way. Love the photo of you and your cuz and Mom. Look at you with your long hair and running clothes! You really look fantastic Bernie – I think your new environment really suits you. Your sweet peas are so pretty, I’m jealous because I can’t seem to get them in the ground early enough for them to grow. I love small, new turnips. Mom used to simply slice and boil them in a little water, then serve them topped with a little butter, salt, and pepper. They were on the sweet side and not sharp at all when they are picked soon enough. I’ve had some that were a bit bitter. If I can find some small ones I’ll try them in a salad like you did. Your clothes sewing is wonderful, such neat stitching!
Well as of today, my sweet peas aren’t looking so happy! One of the pots is nearly dead – I think it just got too hot. Oh well. They were very pretty while they lasted.
I am going to pull some turnips smaller and see the difference in flavor. Interesting. Ray also planted beets and parsnips. The critters seem to have enjoyed the parsnips but beets are going to be ready soon. If I had to choose, I would take beets over parsnips any day of the week. So that critter made the right choice. Hahaha.
Lovely to have you back in the blogging world Bernie. Thank you for taking time to update us on some of your news. So glad your absence has been due to lots of lovely events and the busyness of managing a garden when the growing season is in full swing.
Allison – it is a busier time of year, that’s for sure! But I am happy to be back on-line and hearing from everyone, yourself included! Take care. 🙂
Good to read your lovely post. Grandchildren are always a good reason to sew. But making something for your self is fun too.! I had shopping for myself. Our oldest great grandchildren is 14 today. He just spent a week In Northern California and part of Oregon, visiting his grandpa , out son. It was hot that week but he’s from Phoenix, so he was good!
Hi Judy – How cool your grandson is old enough to do some traveling and stay with family. I bet he feels very independent doing that!
How on earth are the Phoenix people surviving the heat this year – just horrible!!
Glad you have had a great time these past few months. It is always nice to catch up and see your smiling face…and the 3 Bernies…so much fun. How fun to have another young one arriving – congratulations to all and wishing smooth sailing for the journey. Fun to see your clothing makes too. I have a top I really should make, but this won’t be the summer…that is for sure.
There is always time later on Kathleen. So many projects and so little time, right?? Hope you are having a great summer. Take care.
Look at you and all the things you have going on!! Love all your new outfits!!
glad you linked to Finished ( or not) Friday too!!! I’m glad to see you back!!
Now – don’t be gone so long haha!!
It was great to read your post, Bernie, and hear about everything you’ve been up to! Congratulations on the expected new grandbaby! I bet it will be fun to have a baby around again. I’m so impressed with all your clothing sewing – it all looks great!
Hi Bernie! It’s taken me eons to make it to the real computer so I can send a message that says “welcome back”. Sometimes life gets insanely busy and that’s just how it goes. Glad all is well. Bernie
I like your new clothes. Your look great in them.