I got my tripod set up in my living room now, and I also am using my little USB converter thingie for my iPad to upload pics. AND - I don't leave my house til just before 8 in the morning now, so I have a.m. sunlight for picture taking. So I am moving slowly toward regular blogging again.
I was pretty much all about "distraction" and "diversion" over the past two months since I've been on my own, and contrary to some people's opinions that it has been all "fun and games" it really has also been a lot of not so fun stuff that goes along with the ending of a sixteen year relationship. It's overall the right thing for me (and I would assert, for both of us), but it still is not all hearts and flowers all the time. Especially when you're not going right into another relationship, which is new to me as I've always jumped from one relationship to the next.
But anyway, enough about my life drama. Suffice it to say that I am feeling good and enjoying my own company, and trying to get back to/figure out what is (my) "normal". As my dad put it, figuring out "What does Robin want?", as opposed to what everyone else wants. I woke up yesterday with a realization that even if I'm never seriously with anyone again (doubtful) I still am happier to be on my own, and that realization helped me see that I am moving on and healing. Even if it's your decision, you still have to heal.
And we're back...
New hat I decided to knit from Wendy B's Custom Knits 2 book, from some leftover Miss Babs yarn in "Roasted Pumpkin":
Pattern: Lemon Drop, by Wendy Bernard
Size: Medium
Yarn: Miss Babs Yowza in "Roasted Pumpkin"
I also sewed two dresses using a new New Look pattern I got recently (yet another benefit of living in the city is that there's no JoAnn's or Hancock's nearby, so I do not add to my pattern stash that frequently anymore.) I do still buy New Look and Kwik Sew patterns online though.
Here's the pattern - New Look 6098
and one of the two dresses I made with it this weekend.
(goofy look on my face, but you can ignore that part)
(noticed that my hair is getting crazy long in back)
Modifications - cut the smallest size at the shoulders and still had to take out 5/8" off the top shoulder seam on each of the front and back pattern pieces on this version. I did this through serging off another 5/8" on the shoulder/sleeve seams on the first version (which is wearable but doesn't fit quite as well) and then adjusting the pattern tissue. I also shortened the skirt pieces by 4".
So aside from a super fun tamale-making class with my friends Tina, Carrie and Kevin, that was my weekend! How was yours?
Love seeing your smiling face! Even 2.5 years later, I'm still adjusting and find myself realizing "hey! I like this or that." Or you know I don't even want to do that again. It's odd how spending 16 years of your adult life in that relationship shapes you. It's not all flowers and sunshine but it is such a feeling of joy as I get to rediscover me! :-)
Posted by: Phyllis | March 05, 2012 at 11:42 AM
Glad to hear you're back into making "stuff"! I'm also glad you had fun making tamales! :-)
Posted by: Amanda | March 05, 2012 at 02:20 PM
Sixteen years is a long time...it will take some adjusting. Glad to hear that you are happy-that is the most important thing! Love the dress (and hat)! :)
Rene'
Posted by: Rene' | March 05, 2012 at 02:46 PM
I'm sorry to hear that your marriage has ended. I wish you well in this next chapter of your life.
Posted by: betty | March 06, 2012 at 12:49 AM
You seem to be really energetic! Love that you'll start blogging more often now :)
Eva
Posted by: Eva | March 06, 2012 at 01:07 AM
Oh Robin what a surprise! I'm so sorry about all the heartache you must be going through. The next chapter of your life is here though, it's up to you if it'll be an adventure, a romance, a mystery or a thriller. It's all up to you now!
Posted by: turtlegirl76 | March 06, 2012 at 06:17 AM
Its good to see you back.
Posted by: Mandy | March 06, 2012 at 08:04 AM
I love the dress!! And I can't believe anyone thinks you aren't hurting too. Although that sweet apartment has GOT to be softening the blow a teeny bit. ;-)
Posted by: Jenny | March 06, 2012 at 08:32 AM
I love that dress and now need that pattern!
Glad to see you back and blocking! Hope things are getting back to your new normal and you are enjoying life!
Posted by: Michelle B | March 06, 2012 at 03:30 PM
You are such an enabler :-) It's great to see you back.
Take the time to figure out who Robin is. The Kitteh down the hall already knows.
Posted by: Rosie | March 08, 2012 at 01:17 PM
Well said, Robin. I wish you well.
You are lovely in that beautiful pink dress. I really admire your sewing skills. It must be nice to be able to custom-fit your clothing. You must be the best-dressed person in your office.
Posted by: Judy G. | March 12, 2012 at 11:16 AM
Hello Robin!
This post was featured on New Look's Facebook page. I will include the link to the page so you can have a look. Please invite your followers to see your post on our page. I hope you continue doing wonderful work and include New Look into your designs.
http://www.facebook.com/simplicitypatterns#!/newlookpatterns
Posted by: RMarshall | March 13, 2012 at 09:28 AM
Adorable you! I am going to pick up this pattern now that you've made it. It has the "kimono" sleeve which is totally awesome!! it is actually really hard to find Kimono sleeve patterns that aren't all huge. this one looks perfect!! the pattern in the hat looks very intricate, screams expensive. My husband said you are pretty BTW. ;)
Posted by: Cindy May | March 18, 2012 at 09:58 PM
It never fails that whenever I need a little inspiration, your blog always provides it. I'm so happy for you and love the new apt and its views. Now for me to do the same. Thanks for sharing, my friend. :)
Posted by: Dawn :) | April 09, 2012 at 01:19 PM