Unfortunate Pattern Placement

Unfortunate Pattern Placement Award...and the Oscar goes to...

I'm not sure how I feel about wings on my shoulders and rear; it's clear Antropologie never took 7th grade sewing with Mrs. Harper. Click on the link to see their even more unfortunate front pattern placement.

Really, Antropologie? Right here?

This is even more evidence that we need to bring back sewing in the schools, if only to show that there is a better way to do this.

To Match or Not to Match, That is the Question

Stripes must be matched...or else

While browsing the new fabric arrivals every morning, (as one does, like some folks read the NY Times),
I came across this lovely knit from EOS. Then I saw this line and burst out laughing.
"What are you laughing at?", Mr. Hunting Creek asked.
"Look," I said, showing him. "Stripes must be matched."
"That's kind of bossy." he said. "What if you don't want to? Do they make you sign a paper before you buy it, agreeing to match the stripes?"
"It makes me want to NOT MATCH them," I said. "Not match them on purpose. You aren't the BOSS OF ME French red/mint/chartreuse graphic stripe knit!."

There are many ways to not match stripes on purpose, and I spent some delightful time imagining them. Cutting some pieces on the bias and some horizontally and some vertically. Color blocking with a solid or a print. I'm sure I can think of more if I put my mind to it. So thanks, bossy French knit. You've given me some great ideas. How many ways can we not match stripes and still make a harmonious composition?? That may be a good puzzle for 2014.

Questions for J.K.Rowling

Dear J.K. Rowling,

Since we are now in the process of second guessing , I’d like ask a few questions.

1. Why do you now suddenly think that Hermione is “settling” for Ron? I can understand why she might love Ron. Hermione was an only child, raised by Muggles. The Weasley family welcomed her with open arms and with them she got the whole package: ready made family, a witch mother in law and sister who would understand her, and the support and acceptance every young person needs. She wasn't only marrying Ron. She was marrying his whole family. Same with Harry. He isn't really just marrying Ginny. He is getting the big family he craves.

I would have matched Hermione with Draco or Viktor, but don’t those choices say more about ME than about Hermione’s character? Aren't you also projecting a little but here? .

2. Why do wizards get married so young? Also, why does Hermione have to get married at all? This alone seems awfully regressive. If any woman can take care of herself without a man, it would be a witch.

3. What kind of family planning do wizards use? Just curious here, as this isn't explained. Perhaps a potion of some kind?

I would hope that magical methods would be available for BOTH witches and wizards, so that finally the whole burden of family planning isn't on the woman.

4. Even though Mrs. Weasley is a powerful witch, how come she is the one stuck at home doing housework and cooking?

5. Why does Madame Malkin have to pin up fabric on their robes  and hem them? Is fabric resistant to magic? Is that why Lupin’s robes are so shabby? Because he can’t repair and replace them by magic?

6. Aren't there any jobs or industries in the Wizarding world? Is the only career options available working for the government, being a small business owner or being born with money?

7. Don’t you think that you need to write about Wizarding Detectives working in the Muggle World, solving crimes? Of course you do!

Looking forward to your answers.

Our Winter of Discontent

How we spend our time in winter:

                           Etta and Harry fantasizing about being cheetahs and bringing down that deer.

Did you read this? "He complained that his wife was 'unable to lunch elsewhere' because
she was wearing a tiara":

This kind of difficulty is what my daughter said should be hashtagged #nobilityproblems.

I know all of us are grateful for the kindness of a fellow peer.

Only boring sewing going on here: making throw pillow covers. However, lots of writing, thinking and planning. Plus redecorating, baking Cinnamon Bread, and more writing. 

How are you spending your winter of discontent? (can you wear a tiara there?)