Friday, July 31, 2015

Friday Mishmash

First off, it's my mother's birthday today, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!  I am feeling pretty pleased with myself because I managed to get her gift mailed in plenty of time this year...some years her birthday sneaks up on me.  She's fun to shop for, because pretty much if I like something, I can bet she will, too.  This year I got her some _____ and some _____.  I really liked the _____ especially and might have bought some for myself, but there was only one available, darn it.  (I can't write what I got her until I know she's opened them, and she might wait until dinner tonight for all I know)  Anyway, I hope you have a great birthday, Mom!

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I was perusing the Target ad last Sunday when something caught my eye:
See what's in the bottom left cube?

Here's the original:
I don't know what's worse, that my possessions are becoming retro-cool, or that I still have them in the first place!

For the record (haha, see what I did there?), this is still full of my 45s, even though I have no way of playing them.  This was part of my birthday present from when I turned 11.  I received a record player, records, the "Platter-Pak" as it's noted on the back of the box, and apparently a pair of roller skates, which I'm only remembering because I can see them in the picture:
Me, my cousin Tara, friends Erin and Jenny examining the records.
Seeing these titles makes a lot of sense as to why I know all the words and sing along to them whenever they are played on the 70s station on satellite radio in my car - which Jeff does not appreciate, by the way.  He isn't impressed with my taste in music.  I say he's missing out on some good tunes!

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I took a basic sewing class on Wednesday - it's not that I don't know how to sew, but I don't know exactly what I'm doing.  Seventh grade Home Ec was a lot of years ago!  There were only three of us in this class, so we had lots of one-on-one time with the instructor, who was really good.  I feel like she gave us just enough information without overwhelming us.  One thing we did was to get familiar with our sewing machines.  I learned how to attach the buttonhole foot and make a buttonhole, which was probably more thrilling than it should have been, but hey - it's the little things, right?  Here's my first buttonhole:
Seriously, I was amazed that I managed to make my machine do this!

At the end of the class, we whipped up these little tissue-pack holders:
I can't help but think that between sewing this, and being a knitter, I'm cementing my status as an old lady way before I'm actually old...

I'm hoping that by taking this class, I'll be less intimidated by my machine and will actually start sewing with it.  I made two pillows over a year ago and haven't touched it since, which is silly.  I'll have to go peruse patterns and get some inspiration to sew something - I'm not sure what I'll choose to make, but you can bet it will include a buttonhole!

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I finished another sock - here's a sneak peek of the pair, complete with a Paco photo-bomb:
I think my dog is the Kim Kardashian of pets - always needing to be in selfies!

More on these socks soon - I have to run now.  Have a great weekend!

18 comments:

  1. I think knitting and crocheting are having a resurgence where people think its cool
    again. Congrats on taking the sewing class maybe you could make yourself a
    project bag for your knitting?
    I loved your socks such pretty colors and nice pattern!

    Me I have to get over my loathing of seaming or learn to make top down sweaters. I finished my hubbys sweater a while a go and I am poking along about seaming it up. I am down to knitting my last sleeve on my cardi then I will have to seam that too wish me luck. Oh and I am working on my first knitted baby blanket it goes up to 207 stiches on the needle currently on 190 before reductions start that is my knitting update. Have a great weekend!

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    1. You know, the one thing I've actually made with my sewing machine is a project bag for my knitting! OK, that and two pillows. Woo!

      I've only seamed a couple of small knitted items. Not super fun, but necessary, sigh...

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  2. Happy birthday to your mom! I hope she enjoys the _____.

    That box reminds of the video game Q*bert. Whenever I see that pattern, that is what I think of. Child of the 80s, I guess.

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  3. Jeff would be a goner if we both were in the car then because I know all the words to those songs too!

    That Target ad is fascinating. I wonder where they got their case? I wonder if they sell them? So many unanswered questions.

    I always wish I knew enough about sewing at least to be able to hem my slacks. Alas, I do not, therefore I pay anywhere from $10-$25 if I need something hemmed.

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    1. I like the idea of outnumbering Jeff with our song choices! :)

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  4. How cool that you have the exact same case as the target ad! I need to take a sewing class myself. I have a few projects that need some sewn in liners and my sewing machine tension is so off and I just haven't figured out how to make it work just yet. I guess it is time to peruse youtube for some answers. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Funny, I was looking at an adorable knitted baby cape in the gift shop where I volunteer, and the hood on it is lined. Still intimidates me to think about sewing on a knitted product, but I might need to replicate that cape and give it a try!

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  5. Quilting!! Quilting is next!! You can put a buttonhole in your quilt if you want :)

    And you know, knitting has this whole young hipster movement going on, and then there's The Modern Quilt Guild. I think you're as young and hip as any of them. (but I did get a good laugh out of your comment and the tissue pack holder.)

    I like your choice in 70's tunes! I need to find that 70's station. And your socks are gorgeous!!

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    1. I knew knitting was a hipster thing, but I didn't know about the Modern Quilt Guild. I think that's good, really - keeps the craft going. And everyone needs a tissue pack, right? ;)

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  6. HEY! Sewing isn't just for old ladies!!! I'm a quilter you know. Hmmph. ... ... ... ... Wait a minute ...... Oh yeah, I AM old.

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  7. My mother has a set of 45s from the 40s and early 50s. As a kid, I used to listen to those records for hours and still know all the words to those old songs.

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  8. Happy belated birthday to your Mom!

    Knitting and sewing is hot again here in Holland. There was even a competition on TV last year who was the best sewer. When I was young I made a lot of my own clothes, I even followed a course when I started living in this town. It took 5 years and every year I had to make an exam and sew something for it. Right now I have no interest anymore in sewing or knitting but the love for cross stitching that I have been doing since I was around 13 never has gone away. Sometimes I do it more than other times.

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  9. Ooo, I bet in no time we will be seeing all your fab sewing projects! Yay!

    Happy belated to your mom! Hope she enjoyed the __________ and _______. LOL! :)

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    1. EARRINGS and ROVING (she uses it to make felted scarves). She did enjoy the gifts! :)

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  10. How can Jeff not appreciate these songs?! Haha
    That must have freaked you out to see YOUR record box in the sale flyer. !
    I love your socks! Well done! (Oh & that button hole-Ooooo, ahhhhh. :)
    Chrissy

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  11. LOL at Paco being a Kardashian. LOL!!!!

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