5 more projects!

I awoke at 6:30 and ran at 7:30 before it got hot. Then, I went fabric shopping. I found a great pencil skirt pattern (I've decided they look more professional and sleek than A-line). This will be my fifth pattern; this will be my limit for the next while. I'd rather master the four major ones than branch out. These patterns suit my body, lifestyle and ability. Plus, it'll make dressing easier. So far, projects slated for late spring/early summer: white pencil skirt, white wide leg pants, khaki skirt, khaki wide leg pants, and a flax multi-colored pencil skirt-- all washable. The cotton I bought for the white pencil skirt is fabulous. We washed and dried it, and it needed no ironing (it has to be a blend). I already love this skirt and I've only cut it out. I think I might go back and buy up some more yards of the this exciting, low maintenance fabric. It has a nifty, subtle white on white pattern and would make a chic sheath and pants. Granted, it means I'll have to line each piece, but that's okay if I'll never have to iron them! The alchemy between the rectangle piece of fabric and the piece fascinates me. The pieces never fail to confound me. They either exceed my expectations or come out with me asking, "I thought this was a good idea?"

As I approach my birthday, I have a reflex of going into "year in review" mode. This year was dominated by my first year teaching, but I realized that the most enjoyable aspect has been learning to sew. Sewing alleviates that constant nagging feeling I have about my uselessness. I'm by nature abstract, so it's fabulous to have projects that have products beside typed papers with a letter assigned. Hopefully one day, I'll be proficient enough to be able to whip up concoctions for family and friends. A dress would make a great graduation present for my sister.

And, I hemmed my new dress. The hem's power to transform awes me. It's the same for darts. Geez, Louise and I are amazed at how minor changes have exponential payoff. There's a life metaphor/moral in there somewhere. I think I'll start replacing the "butterfly effect" with "hem effect" or "dart effect" to an audience of befuddled stares.

My long run went smoothly. I'm glad I ended up going so early; it got hot. We've fast-forwarded to summer.