Special boy!

Today I deal with many emotions. I find myself weepy this evening. My thoughts are on a very special boy who crossed our paths for just a few short days 13 years ago. I sit here with my bunny, so glad that I was able to help him find the family the Lord wanted him to go to. I do not regret my decision, I know it was best, but there are some days he is more strongly on my mind.

I thought it was fitting that the Relief Society had planned a district service project. We spent the day making baby bundles for the Humanitarian Center to send to places like Haiti. Our goal was to complete 100. I think we actually finished 70, with various branches taking parts of projects home to finish. It was wonderful to feel the love pouring out from the women in that room.

Success!

So I have spent the last week and a half trying to create my own patterns for kids coats for 1812. I had adult patterns, and a coat that fits Parker. I traced Parker's coat to make a small pattern, and scaled down my smallest adult pattern to make an XL. From there, I had to create medium and large patterns. I have to fit kids from grades 4 thru 8. Today I sewed mock ups of each pattern size. I was so pleased to see that they all went together on the first try, with only one minor adjustment on the smallest size. The collar was too long, but a small adjustment at the back, cleared that right up. I think I am getting the hang of this whole pattern altering and creation (scaling?). It gives me confidence for a project I hope to tackle later toward the end of summer. I found an 1812 dress I want to make in a book. The pattern is shown on a grid, and now I think I might actually be able to bring it to full size. Then I just have to make it my size. I have learned so much about sewing, that I think I might actually one day figure out how to make my own patterns from scratch. Wouldn't that be something.

Busy! Busy! Busy!

So, or should I say Sew? It seems that word has gotten out that I sew, and sew well. I have been working for awhile on two regimental uniforms for a couple of guys in our group. (Actually, they have mostly just been sitting waiting for me to get yellow wool so I can finish them.) I finally got the yellow wool that we have waited for months for, so they will be finished soon. Before Christmas I made some double breasted coats and some vests for hubby and a friend of ours, that they both showcased in February at the Battle of Ogdensburg (see earlier picture of John). From there the work has started rolling in. A local lady asked me to make her a gown for the bicentennial celebration this summer, and the Mayor asked me to make a Regimental Uniform for the guy who is a direct descendant of the founder of Prescott. I will be making him a pair of breeches, a shirt, a waistcoat and a jacket. I also was just contacted by the 1812 Alliance bicentennial committee, and asked to make 24 children's tunics. They changed their order to 32 yesterday. It is a good thing I like sewing! It is crazy that it is all happening at once, but it will certainly help us clear some debts. I am actually pretty excited, because I am learning so much. I have learned how to resize patterns, and even how to alter them to what I want. I could do minor alterations before, but to take a single breasted jacket pattern and make it into a double breasted pattern was a little scary for me. I am so glad that my mom taught me how to do mock ups with old bed sheets, when we made my wedding dress. Well, I should go get back to work, because I have some personal sewing I want to do eventually, too.

Lookin' Good

Hey family! Here are the promised pictures. The group picture is of Zac's platoon. You can sort of see a little purple flag it the back row. That is the Commandants flag. They got it, because they were the best in rehearsals with their drill. The faint picture was in a slide show they were showing before the ceremony. As it was playing for the who knows how many dozenth time, we decided to try to take a picture of the screen. He cleans up pretty good. We will let you know when we order pics from the grad, and get some out to everyone.