Jumper Progress

I've been planning a jumper since last year.  I started with my dress block, cut that out in cotton twill to create the jumper.  I'll use cotton velveteen for the final version, with chocolate brown velvet trim.  It will button down the front, or maybe a faux button closure with underarm zip.

I really liked My at Creative Accomplishments' plaid jumper from last summer.  I hadn't considered a below-knee hem or scoop back until I saw hers.  Plus, who doesn't love plaid?

Fitting Notes:

Front: I prefer the right side above the bust (my left) and left side below it.  I like wider straps as on the left.  A square neckline seemed like a good idea but would need to be cut lower to work.  This is an everyday dress, to wear alone or over a shirt, so the neckline can't be too low.

I marked the bust apex and took a few tucks to fine tune the fit, which I'll continue to do in the flat patterning.  I hope the waist wrinkles disappear with a softer fabric.

Back: The back is not terrible but needs a swayback tuck in the worst way!  It looks like the waist is too low but doesn't feel like it on.  I'll double check next time I try it on.  Nothing like seeing photos to highlight flaws.  I trimmed the armhole on the left side and need to trim it further.  The neckline is high but includes the seam allowance.


The next step is to continue tweaking fit until I'm satisfied, then trace it and make the pattern.  I'll lengthen the hem as well.  The hips fit surprisingly well and it's comfortable to sit in.

If I just stand with my hip cocked all the time it'll look fine!

Relationships

This blog has gotten very thinky-talky lately, since I've been in a lot of pain and unable to make noticeable progress on projects.

I've been thinking about friendship a lot this week and how people move in and out of our lives.  I know quite a few people.  I'd call many of them friends.  But how many can I call when life is terrible?  Or who know me well enough to offer just what I need?  This week there were none, then one.  One is a much better number.  

The other things I've been thinking about I'm afraid to write for fear of sounding crazy.  Mostly about God and pain and the impact all this has on people around me.  I was aware that my life was very difficult and stressful for friends or significant others.  I am newly aware of just how difficult.  It makes me afraid to start another relationship, honestly.  I was focusing on finding a church and making and strengthening friendships anyway.  If I can manage the pain long enough...

Bad News

My grandfather died yesterday.  I'm a bit of a wreck--OK one minute, crying the next.  I don't know whether I'll be able to make the memorial this weekend, for the usual health/pain reasons.  Moments like this I hate my life more than usual.

I loved my grandpa, and still do, but I didn't know him very well.  I grew up across the country and he had pretty strict gender roles and mostly let my grandma talk.  He was fun and warm and a wonderful man.  The last couple years he had dementia.  I saw him last summer and knew it was goodbye.  He's removed from suffering and with family and friends, and I'm grateful for that.  But he'll be missed, so so much.

Frustration

Or, What do you call wanting to do X, Y, Z, but being physically unable to?  That's my life.  I want to go dancing!  I took some Lindy Hop lessons a few years ago and it was fun.  I lived too far away and hurt too much to continue.  I now live close to lessons and dances but my body won't cooperate so I can't dance.

I'd also like to sew or go for a short run, but tonight is all about lying on the couch resting after PT.  I want a relationship with a good man but nobody wants a sick person.  I guess this is my day for feeling sorry for myself, after a terrible date yesterday and high pain.

New Bedmate

I have a new snuggly guy.  Walking by a toy store this afternoon I saw stuffed animals in the window.  So I walked in and picked out a big soft one :)

Oddly enough I didn't sleep with stuffed animals as a kid.  A friend bought me one while I was in the hospital, when I had to drop out of college and go on disability.  It was very comforting.  I've had one off and on since then.

New bear (L), old bear (R)