Stacyverb

Summer gaps filled

I'm officially sick of summer (or at least sick of being perpetually uncomfortable from heat and humidity--there are some nice things about summer, which maybe I'll focus on another day) and am longingly looking ahead toward fall.  But first, let's take a look back and see how I did at my Closing The Gaps goals for summer.

1. Finish my lawn chair sundress.  Technically this is done, but there is a fitting problem, which I don't want to talk about right now because I might throw a tamtrum.  I still hope to fix it and get some wear out of this dress before summer really ends.

2. Solid orange top.  Done!

3. Refashion my ill-fated shirt dress.  Done!

4. Finish the cardigan I started knitting in February that was supposed to be for spring.  Done!

5. Make a summer dress in a solid color.  Not done.  I lost interest in doing this because it didn't feel like a high priority.

6. Knit or sew a drapey, unstructured top in a neutral color.   I ended up saving myself a lot of time, money and trouble by buying this top at the Salvation Army.  Done!

7. A solid red top.  Bought this basic tee at Old Navy, and it goes with at least four of my summer skirts.  Done!

Summary: Five (and a half?) out of seven ain't bad.  Now it's time to take a look at my fall wardrobe and figure out how best to utilize my time and budget to fill some gaps there.  Stay tuned!

Are you participating in the Closing the Gaps project?  If so, how's it going?

Summer gaps

I've been looking at my list of ideas for closing the gaps in my wardrobe.  There are four items on there, plus I have two projects currently in progress and one idea for a quick (?) refashion, and they're all summer garments.  Now, although summer officially began only yesterday, I know me: halfway through this hot, sticky, bad-air season, I'll be sick of it and ready to start daydreaming about fall. 

So here's my thought: prioritize my summer project ideas and work on them until the end of July, at which point whatever I haven't tackled yet just won't get done.  Mentally, I'll be ready to move on to fall stuff, and if I start at the end of July, I should have some goodies done by the time fall actually arrives.  Yay!

So let's prioritize my summer gaps:

1. Finish my lawn chair sundress.  I only have a few steps left.

2. Solid orange top.  I'm thinking this would be fabulous.

 

3. Perform a refashioning of a garment whose history is related to all of the following.  I'll explain soon!

 

4. Finish a cardigan I started knitting in February that was supposed to be for spring (see why I want to get a jump on my fall knitting and sewing?)

5. Make a summer dress in a solid color.  I might resurrect one I started last summer and had to put away.

6. Knit? Sew? A drapey, unstructured top in a neutral color (black? cream?). 

7. A solid red top, which I might just end up buying to save trouble.  Might do that for #6 too, actually.

However many of these I get done, great.  If only half of them get done, so be it.  I just want a basic blueprint so I can make the best use of my time!

Weekend countdown: This week in sports

Here are a few sports headlines that have grabbed our attention at Stacyverb world headquarters this week.

5. Some egomaniac plans to move from Cleveland to Miami.  Apparently, this will cause the state of Ohio's entire economy to collapse, or something.

4. Pedaling a bike through gorgeous French scenery is a lot more action-packed than I thought--so far the Tour de France has featured many pile-ups and a fistfight!

3. The Atlanta Braves extended their lead in the National League, but continued their tradition of not winning whenever I'm actually watching the game.

2. Paul, the Oracle Octopus, predicted Spain will win the World Cup.  Actual winner to be determined later today.  (Paul, I apologize for accidentally referring to you in conversation the other day as a "psychic squid."  My bad!)

1. Li'l Stacy, my Mii for the Wii, set a new personal record of 213 in Hula Hooping.  Yes, this is the leading sports story of the week in my world.  I used to think I couldn't do the Wii Hula Hoop at all (and my long-standing previous record of 29 backed up this theory).  But now look at me--I'm well on my way to dominating this sport.  Can Lebron James say that?  I doubt it!

Weekend countdown: 4th of July Edition

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow citizens of the U.S.A.!  How will you be celebrating?  I'm excited that my plans for the afternoon and evening include the following festivities:

5. Baseball.  About 50,000 of my closest friends and I will be at Turner Field today.  Go Braves!

4. Outdoor-type foods.  Hot dogs? Soft pretzels? Ice cream cones? Overpriced American beer?  Could be any or all of these!

3. Sparklers.  We keep some around the house at all times, because you just never know when you'll want to celebrate something by waving around a fizzy flame on a stick.

2. Fireworks.  For my larger gun-powder-based colorful explosions, I leave things up to the professionals.

1. Hanging out with a dear friend I haven't seen in way too long.  WOOT!

HAVE FUN, EVERYBODY!

Weekend countdown: Places I need to eat

A bunch of new eating establishments have been springing up near my work lately and I need to make it a point to try them.  I hate when I put off going to a new place, and then it closes before I get the chance.  Maybe reminding myself here in print will add some more incentive!

5. Farmstead 303 - I never got around to eating at the last restaurant in the rail depot, and they ended up closing.  Coincidence?  Probably.  But I do hear good things about this new restaurant that grows some of its own veggies in a garden right there on the property.

4. New Orleans Cafe & Sno-Balls - Actually, I have sampled some of the yummy treats from this place, but I have yet to actually visit the business itself.  It both excites and scares me to have such easy access to New Orleans-style Sno-Balls in the heat of summer!

3. Farm Burger - This restaurant's mission is to bring grass-fed, local (or at least regional) beef to Decatur.  From what I hear, they do it quite deliciously.  I'm anxious to try the sweet potato fries, too.

2. Garlic Thai - It seems like the last thing Decatur needed was yet another Thai restaurant, but I had a taste of a friend's take-out from this place, and I believe my exact words were "mmmm" and "yum."  I see a workday lunch from there in my near future.

1. Decatur Diner - For months there's been a sign up at the corner of Church & E. Ponce  announcing that a 24-hour Decatur Diner is "COMING SOON."  When is "soon," huh?!?  Diners are one of my favorite things in the world, and a 24-hour one would surely help Decatur liven up its night life.  I can see that someone is working hard on the space, but still no word on an opening date.  Quit teasing me, Decatur Diner!  (Photo from Next Stop...Decatur)

Weekend countdown: More summer fun

For someone who generally dreads this time of year, I sure do keep thinking of more and more things I'm looking forward to this summer.  Here are a few more events I hope to enjoy over the next few months.

5. The upcoming Dali exhibit at the High Museum.  I don't know much about Dali's later works, so it should be interesting.  And this party sounds like too much fun! 

4. Recently I was in the right place at the right time and got a great deal on some tickets for Braves games.  So Adverb and I will be able to see at least two more games this season, and sit in the good seats.

3. A night at the drive-in.  Here in Atlanta we're lucky to still have a great drive-in theater inside the city.  It's such a fun way to spend a sultry summer evening--you can have a picnic, visit the snack bar, relax and watch a double feature.  Maybe this event over Labor Day weekend could be a nice last hurrah for summer (or at least for the hottest part of it). 

2. Cocktails in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.  An evening walk through the garden?  Live DJ?  Catered hors douvres?  Cash bar?  Yes, please!!!

1. Trip to PA to see my family.  Not yet precisely scheduled, but I am determined to visit at a time other than Christmas!

Weekend countdown: Trench coat candidates

As I mentioned in this post, I'm considering participating in the Trench Sew-Along.  If I'm going to do it, I'm supposed to have my pattern and supplies selected by June 24, so I've been doing some research this week.  These are currently my top five candidates.

5. Colette Patterns' Lady Grey.

Pros:  It's beautiful.  I like the wheelchair-friendly sleeve length.  It's by an indie designer, so I'd be supporting the underdog.

Cons:  I think I really want a coat with buttons, not just a belt.  The pattern is pricey compared to other things I can get on sale if I stay alert.

Overall: While I do love this coat and might make it someday, I think I'm being overly swayed by the gorgeous model and fabulous orange accessories.

 

 
4. Butterick 5295.

Pros: It has buttons.  I like the swishy shape.  The knee-length would keep my lap dry on rainy days.

Cons: The style and location of the pockets is annoying.  And I'm not wild about the darts that create the shape.

Overall: I can do better.

3. Vogue 8346.

Pros:  Buttons.  Also has the beloved swishy shape, but achieved with princess seams this time.  Choice of lengths.  Side-seam pockets.

Cons:  Could get expensive--the longer lengths require more than nine yards of fabric!

Overall: Possible, but let's keep looking.

2. McCall's 5525.

Pros: It's probably the most trench-like of all these.  Nice A-line shape with princess seams and side seam pockets.  Buttons and belt.

Cons: I'm not totally sure how I feel about the double-breastedness of this.

Overall: I really like it.  It might not be perfect, but if I can get a good deal on the pattern, this could be it!

1. Simplicity 2812. 

Pros: Buttons with belting option, A-line shape with princess seams, pockets in seams, choice of length, choice of cuffs, choice of collar.

Cons: I'd prefer the pockets to be in the side seams rather than front seams, but that's no big deal, and I might even be able to move them when I assemble the coat.

Overall: Looks like we have a winner!  Unless I can't find the pattern at a decent price for some reason, I think I'll be going with this one. :)

Weekend countdown: Summer pleasures

After last weekend's countdown, you might think that I believe summer has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.  Not true!  Here are a few things I look forward to during the hotter months.

5. Afternoon storms.  Where I live, it's very common for sudden rain showers to pop up in the afternoon.  Some days, this actually cools things off to a pleasant evening temperature.  Other days, it's just a good excuse to stay inside in the air conditioning and watch, say, six straight hours of True Blood on DVD.  Either way, if you're paying attention, you can often spot a nice rainbow through the steam.

4. Friendly, non-biting bugs.  Butterflies, fireflies, dragonflies...hot summer days and nights are great for spotting these lovelies.

3. Summer events.  Georgia Shakespeare, movies at the Fabulous Fox, concerts at Chastain Park...these are all things that have been adding fun to my Atlanta summers for many years now.

2. Skimpy clothing.  It's nice to be able to throw on minimal clothing and be done with it.  Plus, as someone who makes clothes, summer garments have lots of advantages over their cold weather counterparts.  They're less expensive to make because there's not as much yardage to buy, and they're quicker because there's less tailoring, not much lining, and sleeve seams are shorter or non-existent.  Also, two words: sleeping naked.

1.  The food!  Picnics, cookouts, dinner for two on the porch--yes, yes, yes.  At this time of year, I get excited about plentiful veggies at the downtown Decatur Farmers Market, blackberries that grow wild in our neighborhood, and fresh herbs from my own garden (nothing smells more like summer than fresh basil).  We keep a big bowl of some kind of cold salad (tossed green, pasta, black bean, potato, cole slaw) in the fridge at all times for handy lunches.  And on a hot evening, it's hard to beat a quick trip to your favorite ice cream shop.  Yum!!!

Summer, you're not all bad!

Weekend countdown: Things I dread about summer

This is Memorial Day weekend in the U.S., marking the unofficial start of summer.  I'm not a huge fan of Atlanta summers, so I don't look forward to this time of year.  I'd like to highlight my least favorite things about this time of year, so I can get the complaining out of the way, and then I promise to keep my griping to myself for the rest of the season (or at least not blog about it). :)

5. Bugs.  Fire ants, mosquitoes, giant palmetto bugs, oh my.  (Joke: What's the difference between a cockroach and a palmetto bug?  About an inch and a half!)  I'm not generally squeamish about creepy crawly things, but the constant itching, pain, and grossness of these summer pests?  No thanks.  Oh, and let's not forget the fleas who cause misery to our four-legged friends.  Blood-sucking jerks!

4. Heat.  I realize the broiling Atlanta summers are the price I pay for moving down here to get away from the snow and cold.  The thing is, when you're cold, you can always add more layers, but when you're hot, you can only take off so much before you get arrested.  Jail is probably air-conditioned, though....

3. Smog.  Atlanta's air quality notoriously sucks all summer.  The smog gets trapped in our heat bubble and makes breathing difficult.  The air is full of gunk, and the sun reflects off of every tiny little particle of it, so you're squinting through a hazy goo all summer.  Air should not be opaque.  I'm just saying.

2. Humidity.  The high temperatures are bad enough, but factor in the insane levels of humidity, and there's just no way to get comfortable.  The only real solution is to hibernate in the AC all summer.  Outdoors, you're sweating while sitting perfectly still in the shade.  You have to shower twice a day.  Some days, you're sweating while in the shower.

1. Length.  I love autumn.  HUGE fan of autumn.  But the Atlanta summer drags on for so long, it seriously cuts into our fall time.  By Labor Day, I'd like to feel a little chill in the air, or at least not be slathered daily in a sticky mixture of sweat/sunscreen/bug spray/baby powder.  In reality, fall will probably kick in sometime in November and will last about two weeks.  Sigh.

Okay, there, I've vented.  To those of you who love summer, who live someplace where the air is breathable and the phrase "cool summer evening" doesn't make you laugh hysterically, who can walk from your front door to your car without being bitten half a dozen times, I say more power to you.  Enjoy!

Weekend countdown: Things I've loved about LOST

The LOST series finale airs tomorrow night.  I've watched every episode of the show, many of them multiple times.  As we say goodbye to a great program, here are my top reasons for tuning in week after week, season after season.

5. It's pretty.  Okay, maybe that's superficial, but let's face it: gorgeous scenery + attractive (frequently shirtless) people = eye candy!  In HD, some of the shots on the beach are truly breathtaking.

4. The writing and storytelling have raised the bar for network TV.  For the first time in a long time, I really got invested in a television show.  The adventures, the mysteries...yeah, a lot of it's very weird, but it all comes down to well-written characters and their stories.

3. Everything is always at stake for the characters--and the viewers--because anything can happen.  Unlike most network shows, major characters on LOST can and do die.  (The flip-side of this is that dead characters can still re-appear as a ghost, or in a flashback, or in a flash-sideways.  You just never know who might turn up!)

2. This is a show that assumes you're smart.  The writers give the viewers credit for having at least a casual knowledge of literature, history, religion, pop culture, physics, mythology, etc.  Sure, I guess you could just let the action and the strangeness flow over you, but it's so much more fun to let your brain engage with some entertainment that doesn't insult your intelligence.

1. Bonding with fellow viewers.  Adverb and I have had a standing date for dinner and LOST with a group of friends for years now.  Even during long hiatus times, we'd still meet and re-watch some of our favorite episodes on DVD.  It's given us a chance to rant and rave about the show, but also to talk about our week and generally just enjoy each other's company.  At work, some of my customers are also fans of the show, and they might come in to shop, but first they'd ask me, "Did you see it?  What did you think?"  I'll miss all that, and I don't see how any TV show could ever replace it.