Sew Simple Dress Pants

Yesterday, I started sewing on this pattern to make myself a pair of simple dress pants. I got the front and back pieces sewn together and had every intention of getting the whole garment sewn up, but when I got ready to lay one piece on top of the other for pinning, this is what I found. 

My silly cat LOVES fabric so much. It's like she can immediately sense when I lay it out for cutting, pinning, or basting. She comes out of nowhere and lays on it.   So, I stopped here for the night. Maybe I will be able to do more tonight. 

Spring Inspired Sketchbook

You can see where my mind is these days...Spring. I made this little sketchbook from scratch using drawing paper, chipboard, recycled college course catalogues, watercolors, watercolor paper and mod podge. 

I am going to use it at work to draw classroom examples for my students. I love the bold colors and contrasts of black and white against the colors. The only thing I don't like about it is the messiness of the spine. I wish the paper designs were more fluid. 

The Whole Armor

Ephesians 6:12-13 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Anytime is the perfect time to pick up a Bible and read the word. I personally prefer a daily/yearly Bible because it keeps me structured. However, any Bible is good! The armor spoken of above comes with study, meditation, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of God's word. 

The Nightly Struggle

Almost every night Goldie or Molly struggle to lay and snuggle in my lap while I try to place my Kindle in a comfortable position for reading. There is never a real winner because we are all usually uncomfortable. 

This weekend I kept my nephew. So, not a lot in the way of Bible study or crafting got done. I did; however, cut out the pattern pieces for a pair of dress pants. I'm going to try to get them sewn up tomorrow. I'll post pics of the progress and product. This will be my first project since getting my poor sewing machine back from the repair shop. 

State of the Union Address

After Obama's prideful and boastful SOTUS two nights ago, my ears have been alert to the news and my mind has been thoughtful, and as we all should be, my lips have been prayerful. Despite its purpose of assurance, the SOTUS only made me anixious and worried for the state of our country for the duration the current administration. I feel as if we are not focusing on what is important right now: the ISIS/ISIL threat. To make matters worse, Obama refused to meet with the Israeli PM today during his trip to the US in March. Tradition or not, things are too tense in Europe and the ME right now for this type of behavior. Not to mention that we should be far more concerned with our Israeli alliance than any Iranian alliance. The only thing that makes any of these okay with me is that I know God has this under control for the saints. I came across this verse today during my Bible study, and it made me feel more at peace. 

Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him.  Psalm 72: 11

So, despite what plans our govt. or other governments have, it doesn't matter because God's plan reigns supreme. 

Proverbs 18:10-11

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

The righteous run to it and are safe. 

A little light sketching while watching the Patriots

Tonight while watching the Patriots defeat the Colts, I did a quick sketch of St. Patrick's Cathedral. I'm going to add a few fantasy details around it. I'm using it as a model for the New York Institute from the Mortal Instruments series. My plan is to use chalk pastels and prismacolors to finish it out. I'll post more pics of my progress as I work on it more.