Graduate school graduate, and a cruise

The youngest son got his Master's from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. I thought I was done crying but have discovered that as each one leaves home, it becomes more emotional to see the next one leave (Only 5 more years to go before the youngest gets thru Pharmacy school). I assured him that they were tears of JOY! Here he is on that day with the entire family. I feel so blessed. My kids ask me if I'm proud of them. I tell them yes. They have far exceeded my expectations. I was happy that I never had to bail anyone out of jail, and I didn't become a Grandma before my time. So anything beyond that was pure JOY. Sometimes, I just sit and thank God for the blessings he's given my family. I come from a lineage of share-croppers with no more than a 2nd grade education; my parents were the first in their families to go to college. I know my grandparents are in heaven smiling down on my children.


Here also is a picture of my son with his "study buddies" from graduate school. It was my first time meeting them, and they are such an amazing group of young people. They were all fortunate to have each other as friends.
He also has a job comming out of college (which is such a blessing in todays economy). So I'll be heading off with him later in June to get moved in.

Well the family just got back from a cruise to Nassau Bahama. My daughter wanted to do something special for her high school graduation, and considering that the youngest son just graduated with his Master's in Comp. Science we thought why not. This would probably be one of our last chances to do a family vacation. So off we went on a 4 night cruise from Miami, FL to Key West, Nassau, Cocay Bay Bahamas.

It was just nice to be where I didn't have access to cell phones and computers. So it was a VACATION in the true sense. Here we are off the beach in Nassau. I got in the water a little bit, but I'm just to leary of the "lil critters" in the ocean and on the beach. When I saw the Iguana, and the stingray in the water, I was done with the beach.

My only regret is that I didn't get a chance to explore for fabric stores! Believe me, it did cross my mind. Maybe I'll save that for my trip to Ottawa, Canada. But in the meantime I did think sewing :)!

Here are my jean "muslins". Sorry for the fuzzy pix, I tried to take them myself in a mirror. (I
think its time to invest in a tripod!).

Here is a side view: The rolled him is where I'm going to have them stop for capri's. Since My muslin turned out better than I expected, I figured I'd just keep them. I've already transferred the adjustments to my paper pattern. The other leg, is the length of the pants leg (cut), this should actually be the length with a hem. So I've got to add about 1-2 inches to my finished pattern.
Here is a front view:

I thought I'd practice my topstitching skills on them, and it turned out pretty well, with patience :)

This is a picture of the front:

Here is the back view. I didn't want to go too fancy on the pockets. so they are simple.

I got my waistband in on yesterday. I got the fit down pretty good through the hips and upper leg. However, I've still got to reduce this some more in the waist (In my pictures at the top I put on a belt with them; but I probably still need to take another inch or so out of the waist).

Jeans in the works

I've joined the "Jeans sew along" on sewing.patternreview.com. My fabric came yesterday. In the meantime, I had some in my stash, that I figured I'd recheck my fit, etc. My pattern is Jalie's stretch denim pants; I so love this pattern.

As usual I had to do my alterations:

• sway back adjustment
• additional width in thighs
• added length at knee, and hemline
• take in at waist

This time I decided to try some top-stitching to make them look like ready to wear. The "muslin" versions are turning out great. I'd like to keep them, but I had just enough fabric, such that, if I try to hem them they'll be too short. I'm thinking, maybe I can turn them into capri's.
I'll have to post pictures tomorrow.

Where Oh Where Have I been?

I know you have been wondering where I've been and what I've been doing. Well let me break it down:

1. Recovering from "Empty Nest" syndrome - In December, it finally hit me that the dynamics of my family had changed. Everyone was home and then everyone was gone.
2. I've been doing a lot of scrapbooking as I try to organize my pictures and memories of when the kids were younger. It's been therapeutic.
3. Looking at going back to school for a advanced degree. I always wanted to go back to school to get a graduate degree, but "life" got in the way. Well now that the kids are all gone, I've got the time (besides it'll help me make this adjustment).
4. I've had to have two minor surgerical procedures. Nothing serious or life threatning; but a big deal for someone who doesn't like being put to sleep.
5. Very busy at work! I've also been enjoying it, usually when you are busy you're also stressed; but its been a good stress.
6. Doing lots of storytelling. If you didn't know I'm a professional storyteller. I specialize in telling American History from the perspective of the African American women that were a part of that history. All my stories are in first person. Well this year I've had an lot of opportunity to share those stories.

Well that's what I've been doing since Dec. of last year! I'm ready to start sewing again, as I discover a new me, and that's a good thing!