Family : shirlsu.com

Nov 21 2015

More sewing

Bob’s most recent chemo treatment knocked his chin to the dirt. He has been nauseous, extremely tired, suffered severe headaches, joint aches and generally feels poorly. He was sent home from his most recent appointment with the oncologist saying he should gain some strength before more treatments. His next treatment is planned for after Thanksgiving.

He literally lives in the flannel pajama pants I’ve made.

As local temperatures continue to drop and the house gets cooler, I decided to purchase some fleece and make warmer PJ pants for Bob. Along with his weakness, he has felt more chilled and no matter how high we set the central heat, he remains cold. Fabric Mart came to the rescue by offering a very generous sale on fleece. Perfect timing!

The dark gray pair are made with polar fleece with a short pile on one side and a knit backside. They are incredibly soft and comfy. Today, I finished a pair of heather tan/gray Sherpa fleece pants with a longer pile. They are a little heavier but still very soft. He loves them both and they’ll come in handy with our temperatures dropping below freezing tonight and tomorrow. He especially likes that I use 2″ wide waistband elastic for added comfort.

Recently, I’ve made myself two long-sleeved t-shirts from lightweight cotton thermal knit fabric. I’ve had this fabric for years and it was definitely time to sew it.

I didn’t have quite enough of the darker olive fabric so I made the sleeves with pale green cotton thermal knit fabric.

The cloth is so lightweight, it’s impossible to create a flat hem so I made ‘lettuce edges’ where hems would normally go. It’s a solution I’ve used often when sewing light cotton knits. These tops will be worn often around the house during our cooler weather.

Shirl

More PJ Pants

By shirlsu 2 comments (comments closed)

We finally got past the residual rainfall from Hurricane Patricia. We were more fortunate than many by receiving a little less than 5″ during the weekend. We needed it! I felt so bad that Jacob’s trip to and from Grapeland was under rainy skies and over wet roads. It certainly makes a 6 hour drive seem much, much longer. Thankfully, his trip was without incident.

During the rainy weather, I made more pajama pants. The teal/blue are for Jacob, who was thrilled to receive them. During emergency weather conditions (ice, snow), he may spend the night on a cot at work. Until now (because he doesn’t own pajamas), he had planned to sleep in his clothes (for the sake of modesty). Now, he can sleep in a tshirt and these pants and feel completely clothed while comfortable. He loves them!

The dark red/purple pair of pants are for Bob. Since making 2 other pair for him, he has worn them daily so another pair will be handy especially since I already have the pattern, flannel and elastic. They whip up so easily!

I’m hoping my sewing mood lasts. I am in serious need for warm, casual tops. I have lots of cotton knit fabric needing to be used and cooler weather is coming. Wish I enjoyed sewing for myself more than I do.

The quilting on the Bright Hopes baby quilt is finished. I embroidered a label and made the binding last night. All that’s left to do is sew them on and launder. I’ll be looking for another quilting project soon. Hoping to feel like finishing something I’ve already started but we shall see. It’s so easy to get distracted by something new and exciting.

Shirl

2 comments

Categories: Family, Quilting, Sewing, Weather

Oct 9 2015

Sewing for cooler weather

By shirlsu 0 comments (comments closed)

For a few days, our weather cooled causing me to think of warm casual wear and sleepwear. With hub’s new health situation, he needs hospital wear too. We dug through my patterns and deep into the fabric stash and found everything required to make him some new duds.

I chose a vintage robe pattern (Simplicity 8275) because I liked the featured hood. With Bob’s newly buzzed and balding head (gee thanks chemo!), I want to ensure he stays warm, especially in our old, drafty house. The fabric is some sort of polyester fuzzy-textured stuff (maybe moleskin) that is lightweight while warm. He absolutely loves it and when asked to try it on, he wouldn’t take it off. It fits perfectly with no alterations to the pattern! (Note: Contrary to appearance in the photo, the bottom hem is actually straight.)

Now that he has a new robe, today I’ll start cutting and stitching pajama pants from plaid flannel we found in the stash. He’s excited with the prospect and I hope to have 2 pair finished before his next overnight trip to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

The cooler weather has also inspired me to cook soups and oven meals. Before son Jacob’s visit last weekend, I baked a huge batch of reduced-sugar peanut butter/chocolate chip cookies. This week, I’ve also made cheesy potato/ham soup, pulled pork and my mother’s recipe of onion-flavored chicken and rice. I have to be more conscious of Bob’s reduced eating (not to mention requiring soft foods) so I either cook much less or less often. Thankfully, we don’t mind eating leftovers.

Quilting on ‘Bright Hopes’ baby quilt has slowly continued. The main body is done and I’m now working on the border. I expect it to be finished soon. The appearance is pleasing.

Shirl

Comments closed

Categories: Cooking, Family, Sewing, Weather

Sep 30 2015

Glass half full

By shirlsu 2 comments (comments closed)

Yesterday I began to feel sorry for myself and the situation where we have found ourselves.

Hubster was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer and will receive his 3rd chemo treatment later this week. His hair is falling out and he has chemo-fog brain. After this round of treatments, his bladder will be removed and he’ll probably receive still more treatments. No fun, especially for him.

As I was making him a new robe yesterday and thinking about our future and the irony of making pj’s and robes for a guy that has never worn them, I heard a drip, drip, drip. Knowing this is never a good sound to hear inside, I traced it to the big utility closet in my sewing room. When I opened the double doors and stepped in, I discovered 2″ of water on the floor. OH NO! This closet holds the AC and heating unit along with the water heater. Because the closet is so big, I also use it for storing my quilt fabric/supplies and portable vintage sewing machines. YIKES!

Here is why my cup is still half full:

I instantly got to work to discover the machines were sitting in a raised spot and are dry and safe. All the fabric, supplies and unfinished quilts are in Rubbermaid-type bins on shelves so all remained dry. The only thing damaged by water was an old, worn out mini-ironing board that should have been tossed years ago. Our biggest loss was an afternoon moving fabric and sewing machines to make it easier to access the water heater. The old unit was about 15 years old so not a loss; it was due to be replaced.

While moving fabric, I couldn’t help but realize I have enough to last a lifetime and beautiful, pristine old sewing machines I enjoy using. I also took advantage of the opportunity to scrub the floor, making the area fresh-smelling and clean again.

We’re so fortunate to have this big, (DRY!!) home with plenty of space for doing what we love.

Shirl

2 comments

Categories: Family

Aug 4 2015

Tah Dah!

By shirlsu 0 comments (comments closed)

Shirt #19 (seersucker)

With much self-prodding and refusal to accept my own excuses, I’ve finished Shirt #19. It’s blue/white seersucker with blue buttons, chevron pocket and contrasting collar back and stand. It has a sharks tail collar. Jacob is expected to visit this weekend so will try on this slightly altered pattern for fit. If this one suits him, I’ll make several more from seersucker fabric newly added to my stash. If it doesn’t fit, I’ll tweak the pattern again and make another.

Though the past two shirts haven’t fit perfectly to his liking, they are still very wearable and fit better than any off-the-rack shirt. He likes them and wears them so nothing lost.

We’ve received news this week of DH’s sister’s passing. She died last November but since she was estranged from her family, we only heard of the death when a family member found the obituary on the Net. It’s amazing how close, blood relatives can drift so far apart. I’m saddened by the news but not surprised as she chose to live without family contact.

It remains blinding hot here and I expect it to continue until at least mid-September. We’ve begun discussing the possibility of planting a cool-weather garden in a month or two but it’s hard to consider with temperatures reaching 105°F each day. We’re also not sure if DH’s health and side effects from treatments will allow him to operate our heavy tiller. We’ll just hope for the best and take what we get one day at a time.

Shirl

Update: This shirt fits perfectly and with recently increased exercise, the past two shirts fit too.

Comments closed

Categories: Family, shirt making

Jul 12 2015

Return to shirt making

By shirlsu 0 comments (comments closed)

Shirt #18 (gingham seersucker)

After taking a hiatus, I’ve answered a request from Jacob for more seersucker shirts. He absolutely loves their carefree comfort and current popularity. I love the ease of making them and how nice they look on him.

The basic pattern is Kwik Sew 1024 (probably discontinued as it’s pretty old) which has been altered more than once. Because of more weight loss, Jake requested I alter the pattern again. This red gingham seersucker shirt is the first test sewing of this most recent alteration. This version has a dark red collar stand (inside and out) and a rounded collar

He will be here later tonight and most of the week so will have plenty of opportunity to try it for fit. At that point, I’ll either alter the pattern more or continue using this version to make more shirts. I’ve purchased several pieces of seersucker.

In addition, Jacob’s birthday is this week so new shirts are an appreciated gift. Shirts, a special dinner, watermelon from the garden and a cake will be the sum of the celebration as we give most of our attention to DH’s current health challenge. Unfortunately, it’s a serious, life-altering issue requiring many doctor’s appointments, tests, treatments and hospital stays. NO FUN!

Shirl

Comments closed

Categories: Family, Sewing, shirt making

Jan 17 2015

Busy hands

By shirlsu 0 comments (comments closed)

Since realizing I have not touched the Split-16 quilt in my frame for over a year, I have given it some attention. To be completely honest, the first chore was to vacuum it. Much dust and dog hair had settled on it.

The inability to decide on border quilting had been my stopping point and allowing the quilt a chance to brew it’s own borders simply didn’t work. I had to do something! I love this quilt and I want it finished.

Without further debate or research, I grabbed my few stencils and chose one to add to the widest border. The 2 narrow borders are receiving straight lines of quilting. It’s enough and good enough! I took to stitching and am enjoying the process and though I’m only partially done with one side, it’s a LOT of stitching. The straight lines require 4 passes and the intertwined links require 6 which translates to stitching all around a queen+ (nearly king) sized quilt 10 times (YIKES!). I hope I don’t get discouraged as it feels like miles!!

I work at the frame nearly every day when the light from the windows is good and reserve nighttime for stitching the Batik Winding Ways blocks. I’ve finished nearly enough for a queen size top! I hope to finish stitching the blocks and sew them together next week. I’m still debating if it will be hand quilted in a hoop or on the frame.

Jacob is here taking advantage of the long weekend. We are enjoying him as we feast and visit. I’ve always adored being his mother but it is pure pleasure being the mom to a successful, mature, level-headed, independent adult. Easy-peasy and no diapers! I’m so proud of the person he is!

Shirl

Comments closed

Categories: Family, Quilting

Dec 12 2014

Home stretch

By shirlsu 0 comments (comments closed)

I’m on the home stretch of quilting the Urban Renewal quilt. All that’s left is about one half of the last flying geese border and adding the binding. Then it will need a good hand washing. I’m anxious to see it finished and to start hand stitching the next quilt (batik Winding Ways).

After taking a quick inventory of our chest freezer, I decided to use one of the several beef roasts to make and can veggie/beef soup. In all of my 63 years, when making a beef-type soup, I’ve opted to make tomato gravy base stew (with carrots and potatoes). After seeing a few online videos on making veggie/beef soup, I decided to try my hand.

Once the beef was cubed and seared, I was surprised how fast the soup came together. I added chopped whole canned tomatoes, onions, frozen soup vegetables, celery, carrots, garlic, cabbage, potatoes, broth, beef base and water.

As soon as the soup came to a boil, I ladled it into 6 quart jars and pressure canned them at 10 lbs. for 90 minutes. I continued cooking the soup that was left until the potatoes were done. We ate it for last night’s dinner.

Oh my, that is some really good soup. Bob liked it so much, he headed to the store this morning to buy more of the same ingredients so I can make and can more. We like having enough on hand to eat and share.

With leftovers from baking a big ham this week, I plan to can more charro beans this weekend. We enjoy eating them often and everyone I’ve shared with has requested more.

We also discovered several whole pork butts in the freezer. I am seriously considering making tamales during the Christmas holiday. It’s a BIG job but I figure I can spread it over 2 days and accomplish it. We will freeze them and bring out a few at a time to eat with canned charro beans. It’s an easy, delicious dinner! I wonder if I can convince Bob to make a thick chili I could can for a terrific tamale sauce. He makes excellent chili and I have plenty of 1/2 pint jars available. Sounds like an outstanding idea. I hope he thinks so too.

We expect to see Jacob this weekend and by studying the calendar, this might be our Christmas gathering. We do not decorate or make a big deal of exchanging gifts. We celebrate by being together. I’m looking forward to seeing him.

Shirl

Comments closed

Categories: canning, Family, Quilting

Nov 17 2014

Shirt #17

By shirlsu 0 comments (comments closed)

Shirt #17 (Quilting Cotton)

In hopes of allowing my raw fingers to heal a bit, I took time away from quilting and made this shirt for Jacob. It’s number 17 of the shirts made for his new position at work. I acquired the fabric in an unusual way.

I’ve been picking up marked down bolt ends of fabric from a few of my favorite online shops and a piece of this fabric was included. I fell in love but since it was a bolt end, the shop had none and no plans to order more. I shopped over a dozen online stores with no luck so I went to eBay. I had no idea of the manufacturer or designer so I searched for ‘peacock feather fabric’ and found it offered by one seller. Unfortunately it wasn’t cheap but I had to have it. I knew it would make a gorgeous shirt.

I’ve taken dozens of photos under different lighting situations and get nothing that correctly represents the rich beauty of the fabric…. but take my word for it, it’s a darned pretty shirt! (Yes, that’s my own hand patting myself on the back!)

It’s not much different than many of the shirts I’ve made. This one has a single pocket, rounded collar, contrasting black inner collar stand and inner yoke. The buttons are teal mother-of-pearl and the top stitching is done with black thread. It has a rounded, tuck-in style tail.

… and thankfully, my raw, sensitive fingers are feeling a little better (until tonight when I’ll return to quilting).

We are in the process of preparing for our Thanksgiving celebration this weekend. In order to keep Jacob off the busy roads during the holiday, he will be here this weekend. With our encouragement, he has requested smoked turkey. While Bob tends the smoker, I plan to make others of Jake’s favorites including au gratin potatoes and green bean casserole. I’m still considering making a cinnamon swirl or apple/cinnamon cake he also likes. Regardless of what we eat, we will enjoy seeing him and sharing family time.

Shirl

Comments closed

Categories: Cooking, Family, Quilting, Sewing, shirt making

Oct 31 2014

Recent recap

By shirlsu 0 comments (comments closed)

Shirt 16 (Flannel)

After receiving a request from Jacob for a warm shirt to wear during his upcoming vacation, I’ve spent a little time sewing this flannel shirt. It’s rather boring but will do the intended job of acting as a light over-shirt on those days when it’s too warm to wear a jacket but too cool for short sleeves alone.

This flannel (along with several other large pieces) has been in my stash for years. It wasn’t expensive nor is it high quality but about the time it wears out, Jake will probably be sick of looking at it. It will serve the purpose and when its life is over, I can always make another.

I’m now thinking of making one for myself. We don’t keep our home overly heated so a flannel shirt would be nice on these cool mornings. I also intend to make some long sleeve thermal t-shirts for myself. Those from years past are looking a little shabby. Thankfully, I have plenty of jeans.

The Urban Renewal quilt top is sandwiched and 1/2 hand basted. I’m hoping to have that chore finished this weekend. I’ll also be doing extra cooking during Jacob’s weekend visit. I plan to make a big batch of chicken/spinach enchiladas to go with the charro beans I’ve made today.

I made 2 pounds of dry pinto beans for charro bean soup, with lots of fresh baked ham, bacon and taco-seasoned ground beef. Along with several varieties of peppers, onion, cilantro, tomatoes, cumin and onions, they smell wonderful. I was able to pressure can 7 more quarts to add to our ‘easy meal’ stash.

Earlier this week, I interviewed a new family physician. He seems knowledgeable and willing to work with me and my health challenges. I’m so glad to be leaving behind my old doctor and finding a place where I feel confident of the care.

Not much else has been happening on our hilltop. Today is Halloween and I’m curious if we will have any goblins tapping at our door tonight. In the 20+ years living here, we’ve only been visited by 1 trick-or-treater. That’s OK… we don’t mind eating the Kit-Kats and Milky Way candies we’ve purchased….JUST IN CASE! Wouldn’t want them to go to waste!

Happy Boo Day!

Shirl

Comments closed

Categories: canning, Cooking, Family, Sewing, shirt making

Home

Finished Quilts

Unfinished Projects

About the Cast

Links

Archives

Copyright

Home

Family

More sewing

More PJ Pants

Sewing for cooler weather

Glass half full

Tah Dah!

Return to shirt making

Busy hands

Home stretch

Shirt #17

Recent recap