Closet OCD

I tend to be on the OCD side when it comes to organizing my closet and drawers...well actually with most things (ask my friends), but as I've gotten older, I've learned to relax and let go (a little) . I can confidently say that I no longer colorize my sock drawers or my unmentionables (TMI, I know) and that is definitely a big step for me...but I do separate them by style (baby steps).
Since I'm not fortunate enough to have a gargantuan walk-in closet, my OCD kicks into high gear when it comes to organizing my clothes.
A very long time ago, I invested in this nifty closet organizer with shelves in the middle and hanging bars at both ends.
LOVE IT!
In the past couple of years, because of my knitting enthusiasm, I've produced a number of fun scarves for myself - I store them in my closet and they just hang around.

To my dismay, I encountered a problem... DUST. I realize there's dust everywhere that a vacuum doesn't catch and I certainly didn't want it to get on my scarves... so I went out and purchased plastic covers, the kind you can slip over coats and tops, etc.

The problem appeared to be solved for the time being, until I noticed the scarves touching the floor. Aargh! Luckily, I had these nifty ziploc XL and XXLBig Bags in the house that I use to hold my yarn and fabric. If you haven't tried them and are looking to store yarn, fabric, pillows, blankets or clothes, these are great!

( The picture below shows the XXL box)

I decided to use the XL bag to store my scarves - perfect size!

I slipped them in the bag, hanger and all and they fit nicely.

I had three hangers full of scarves nicely packed in one bag!

I really need to move to a city where it snows or temperatures drop below 50, so that I'm able to give my scarves a fair-wear rotation.

The scarves are nicely stored in their ziploc bag - hanging out in the closet until winter - waiting to be worn.
(Note: I didn't 'ziploc'/close the bag because I kept the plastic covers on)
I know that most people have cedar chest to store winter items or plastic bins or another closet, but since I'm short on space I thought my solution might be helpful to someone in a similar predicament.... and/or helpful in a ziploc bag-kind of way. ;-)

Have a great weekend!

Morning Movie

It was a movie-morning for me.
I had every intention to go see Harry Potter today, but as I was selecting my movie from the self-service ticket box I had a change of heart.
I chose The Proposal instead.

It was quiet and calm in the "hood". I was expecting to see kids gathering by the box office waiting for G-Force...the hordes might come later, it was still early. As far as the movie is concerned, that is some good ol' third grade humor coming our way. I can't wait! LOL

I had the theater to myself for a while until two ladies came in several minutes into the previews.

The Proposal was entertaining. I loved the scenery. I loved Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, but I didn't like them together as a couple. A friend had mentioned the lack of screen chemistry between them and she was right. I was really hoping Ryan's character would end up with his college sweetheart. Oh well, can't have it all.
I might be up for another morning movie tomorrow...take advantage of the matinee prices and avoid the big crowds.
My choices are:
G-Force
Harry Potter
Hangover
Up
My Sister's Keeper
maybe Transformers.

Wow, that's a lot of movies... I need to get out more.
Time for some sewing. TGIF!!

Helping Out...

...a fellow knitter.
Kirsten at Through the Loops is trying to raise $5000 for Alzheimer's & Dementia Foundation and so far she has $4939 and counting!! The money raised will help out families with loved ones suffering from this disease.
It all began, one day, with a beautiful knitted vest meant for her father, Dr. G.
In short...Dr. G was suffering from alzheimers and passed away in September, but his memory lives on with everyone lucky enough to have known him. Tomorrow he would have been 80 years old and the family will be celebrating his amazing life. He contributed so much to this world, but in an attempt to keep this post short you can read the touching story about Dr. G at, throughtheloops.com
Yesterday, Kirsten offered her personal pattern for lavalette, a beautiful knitted shawl she designed herself, as a gift if a donation was made to this worthy cause she so strongly believes in.
This is an excerpt from her post...
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The Solution As you may know from my efforts with Dr. G's Memory Vest, raising money for Alzheimer's and dementia research is a cause I really believe in. I am very proud of the amount we have raised so far - a little over $4000. My father would have been 80 years old on July 22 and I would very much like to hit $5000 by that date.
I will offer Lavalette for free but would like to suggest that you make a voluntary donation to Alzheimer's and dementia research. You can make your donation by clicking the "donate" button over there at the top of the left side bar. The download link is at the bottom of this post, no need to email me to get the pattern. If you make a donation and want Dr. G's too you'll need to send me an email - go to the Dr. G's Memory Vest post for details.
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If you feel inclined to donate to this wonderful cause and receive a great pattern in return, please take a moment to give. Click here. :o)
*All donations will go to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer Foundation.

Thank you :-)

Another Week

The madras skirt I thought would take me a day or two to whip up, actually took me a week... mainly because I kept having to make adjustment and combining patterns. I wore it once to the store, but as soon as I got home, I took my seam ripper to it and began changing the waistline and added a snap.
This is the finished skirt and after fussing with the hem several times, I tried it on for the last time and I've finally put it away.

This is the pattern I used for the yoke of the skirt; the bottom is a straight cut.
I learned an important lesson during the making of this skirt.... choose your fabric wisely.
The madras fabric was not ideal for this style because of the print and the seams from the squares, it makes the yoke look odd and bulky.

I'm hoping to make another skirt using the same pattern, but this time I'm going to stick with the pleated bottom instead of the straight skirt and an almost-solid color, or maybe something with a small print.

Now, onto something much more exciting!
The new season of Project Runway is starting August 20th!
This year the show was filmed at the FIDM campus in Los Angeles.
When I attended FIDM, a very long time ago, our classes were held in the Barker Brothers building on 7th and Figueroa Street. Now there's a fancy-shmancy building with grass and everything! Oooh! Actually, I toured the campus when it had just opened and it's very nice.

Okay kids, get ready and let the countdown begin.

Beautiful Music

Since the WGN America is having retro night I thought I would share a song from one of my favorite TV sitcoms - The Newhart Show. The theme song has been one of my favorites since the show aired long ago. Composed by the award winning, Henry Mancini, the song reminds me of a lighthearted innocence in a place where everything and everyone is in sync with the earth.
My ideal place to live contentedly.
(sigh... Okay, I'm back now.)



Enjoy!

Summer Sewing

Completed pink scarf... check
Now, onto some sewing.

In the past, every visit to Joann's Fabric Store would result in a fabric purchase which added to my ever growing fabric stash...but a girl needs choices when building a wardrobe, right?

I'm planning on making a pair of peddle-pushers in the striped linen fabric... my favorite fabric for the spring/summer season. Whenever I make myself a pair of pants, there are a lot of adjustment needed before I start cutting the fabric, mainly because I'm vertically challenged.

The batik and madras fabric pictured will more than likely become skirts; the cotton fabric, tops.

This weekend is supposed to be a hot one and I'll need something cool to wear. ;-)

Happy 6th of July

4th of July was low-key for me.
* Grocery shopping
* Walmart trip
* Registration for Michael Jackson Memorial.
Yup, that's right... I registered for the MJ Memorial Service. When I signed on, there were 1.2 million people registered and waiting to be randomly picked to attend the service. By the Saturday night deadline, the number went up.
A few minutes later I received this: The confirmation e-mail letting me know my name had been added to the list.

By Sunday afternoon, the day had come and gone. Reality set in, my name wasn't picked for the event, so I'll be watching the Memorial in the comfort of my home, where it's safe and cool. I keep hearing flights from London to Los Angeles are booked and people are still camping out in front of Neverland Ranch...not sure why. Hold on to the memories, people, and let him RIP now.
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I started a pink (BreastCancer 3-Day) scarf last week. Not sure if I'm going to keep it or send it to my friend Cathy, who, btw, has almost reached her donation goal for the 3-Day Walk. A few more $$$ never hurt, especially when the money is going to a great cause.
If anyone is interested in helping her out or helping out her team you may click on the pink ribbon.

Pink Scarf stats:
Pattern: Upsweep Pattern from Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Eco yarn in Baby Blush
Needle Size: US 8 circular 16"

Happy Monday!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

I hope everyone enjoys their independence on this great day.

Sweater KAL

Attention All Knitters and anyone daring to pick up two chopsticks!

There is a Sweater KAL (knit-a-long) in the works. Woohoo!

I know it's a little hard to even think about knitting during these hot summer days, but for the diehard, devoted, dedicated, determined knitter, anything and everything is possible.

This post was brought to you by the letter D. :-)

If you are interested in joining the fun from August 1st through October 31st, click on over to the Sweater KAL blog for the deets.

This is the sweater I have in mind to knit...the cute cardi from Lipstick Jungle. I posted a few words about it here. Too cute!

Awards

Since I was honored with such a nice award from Park Avenue Princess, I would like to extend the distinction to a few blogs I read on a daily basis that are more than deserving of this award.
The "One Lovely Blog" award goes to ...
wife,"mom", knitter
Life's Little Garden
Knitting Lemonade
Philigry
Crimson Purl
Joli House

Thank you for sharing your creativity, humor, insight, friendship and loveliness through this little thing we call a blog.

Wordless Wednesday

Though today is thought of as Wordless Wednesday somewhere in blog world,

this is my attempt at it.
Honestly, it will be more like "Just-a-few-words Wednesday" to me.

The following pictures will hopefully tell the story of my first s'mores-making experience.

microwave s'mores and flambé s'mores

Results: They were both very messy when handled, but oh so tasty when eaten.

Happy Hump Day!

Oh, I can't forget our neighbors to the north.
Happy Canada Day!!