So just in case you're wondering where I went for the last week or so, I went on a much deserved sun-soaked vacation.  I know, I know, it's October, but it turns out it's the perfect time to go to St. Augustine Florida to enjoy the last few days of warm ocean water.  No one else seems to know this, so we kinda get the beach to ourselves.

This year we hadn't planned on going until my husband was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in March.  We decided then that once he was done with treatments we would celebrate with a trip with the family down to Florida.  We have been going to St. Augustine since I have been married to Matt and taking family vacations.  I love it there!  It's America's oldest city.  Where Ponce de Leon came to America.  While the locals say there is the fountain of youth there, I really think it's just the Palm trees, the sand and the surf that makes you feel younger.


So there were the 7 of us in Florida for 7 days.  and while I was on vacation, I still had to attend my online class to Anatomy and Physiology.  My internet connection didn't behave though and got booted off so often it just wasn't worth staying on.  But even though I didn't get to hear my teacher, I still studied. (Yes Mrs. Eastman, I did!)  But I also thought about what I would talk to you about when I got back.  I think the first thing should be to finish up the last post I had before I left.  I was writing about a dress I was working on.  The pattern was too small for me but I had already cut the pieces before I realized my horrible mistake.  But then got the brilliant idea to use the pattern to my advantage and try it anyways.  Well, let me say the matching process took FOREVER! But even though I was able to match the pattern of the fabric, it still didn't work out too well, but because it's such a dark fabric and the placement of the extra pieces, it is hidden enough that you can't really see the extra panels.

I know, I should have put some shoes on! But oh well, it's finished and I love it!!

I took it to Florida thinking I'd get a chance to wear it, but alas, no luck.  That's okay, I'll wear it soon.

Now I'm off to finish my knitted sweater vest before it gets any cooler here.

Happy crafting!

I bet you're wondering where I have been this past week?

BUSY!!  I had some new neighbors move in a couple of houses down and some cleaning to do to get ready for my vacation in a week.  So what did I do during this time as far as crafts?  I did some knitting on my sweater vest and then some on a gift for someone for christmas and started sewing a dress for myself.

I've always wanted to be able to make clothes for myself and my family.  This time, I'll be the guinea pig and make a dress that is really easy so far.  I did the worst part of it already, but went to try it on, and wouldn't you know I looked at the measurements wrong.  When I looked at the measurements on the packet, it said a 22 is for a bust of 46.  For some gosh-darn-it reason I thought that was for the band size.  I'm actually a 50 in the bust.  So I need to fix that.  But I can't just re-cut the pieces since I got the fabric on clearance and there was only so much of it left on the bolt.  I have a little left, but not enough to fix the problem.  So what I'm thinking I will do is just take off the lining and re-cut those since I bought MORE than enough of that and then just add 2 inches to each side of the seam.  Since it will be under my arms, it shouldn't be that noticeable and maybe if I'm clever enough I can try to match the print exactly so you wouldn't be able to see it ever.

This is the pattern I am using.  I did modify the neckline to match the dress on the left, but like the cap sleeve on the right.  So on the pattern I transferred the markings to make the neckline I wanted on the right side or dress B pattern.  

This is the top.  I got it for $4.00 a yard at Joann's. I'm so excited to see it coming together.  I will post pictures when I get more done.  But for now, I will take a break and finish it tomorrow.

Happy Crafting!!