Forecast looks a bit fabric-y

Hi all. How's it going?

Happy 2011 by the way. Forgot to say that. So far the first 14 days have flown by. For real? We're halfway through January? Absurd.i.ties. I haven't even made any New Years Resolutions. Wait, hang on a sec. I'm actually not sure I've ever made NYResolutions.

Well in place of those ... I'll just throw out a few things I'm inspired by as of late/what's worming through my brain and refusing to give my tendinitis a break.

I recently received (and also acquired) some of the most amazing books ever. For Christmas I got Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts, as well as Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts. I was so giddy. I have now gingerly leafed through both books probably 3 times each. Each time I do I find myself dreaming of a craft/art corner all my own in our house someday. Eventually when we get a bigger place we'd love to have a second room that would be our studio/guest room. So hopefully my dream is not too far in the distance.

I also acquired from a wonderful donor, a 1960 edition of Better Homes and Gardens Sewing Book. I nearly cried when I found it. It is that beautiful. I adore early 60's fashion and this book is a wealth of sewing and craftsman knowledge. After a week of having it I turned to the husband and sighed, "I'm on page 40 and it's only getting better and better" as I wiped away a small tear. Ok, who am I kidding...small tear? Really, me? But let's pretend because that's how the scene went in my head.

This is no novel either mind you. It is a manual. I was reading a bit about it and someone likened it to a cookbook. So if you can imagine reading that snuggled in bed, then you're with me.

Isn't it beautiful? However, now I have been forced to apologize to said husband for teasing him about reading an old Toyota 4Runner Manual in bed at night. What nerds we are indeedy.

This has spurred on a sudden desire for something new to sew (go figure). Therefore I did what any logical person would do and checked ebay for "vintage" patterns. Oh the joys to behold. I now have a few packages coming my way any day now. The excitement is overwhelming. Truly.

I plan to reinvent the shift dress. There, I said it. It's out there. I'm doin it!

Moving on, I also have been eying our poor couch in a manner that makes him quiver a twinge as I walk by these days, seeing as BHs and Gs has empowered me, telling me that, "Slipcovers are inexpensive, easy to make. New slipcovers give a wonderful lift to an old sofa or chair. Combined with new draperies, they give a welcome color change." How can I refuse? They used "draperies" in a sentence.

Oh goodness. I'm doomed. Just doomed. But so happily so. I can smell it in the air - 2011 is going to be a good year.

All for now. Hasta luego.