The Mandy Project

One-size. This free downloadable pattern from Tessuti (Mandy) is one size. Daughter tells me that one size means the one size that does not fit you.

It is actually a great pattern, especially if you can follow directions.

There is this 4 inch square printed on the paper to help you calibrate your printer. On my printer, it was a little off. I guessed that it was still one-size. Here is the result:

woof.

So I started again. I took the PDF file to my local big-box printer and ask if they could help. They said they could print it on wide paper, which was desirable. I expressed concern about the 4 inch square, so the helpful clerk opened it on her computer and changed the display to 100%.

Then she measured the 4 inch square by placing her ruler on the screen. It measured 4.5 inches. If I had not been grouchy, I would have laughed out loud.

I printed it anyway.

The stars aligned and the printed version was only off by about 1/16 inch. Here is the result:

Whew! better.

I actually like this one quite a lot. It is made from an ITY knit purchased from Marcy Tilton. It was easy to sew and it feels good on. But it is polyester and it is in the 90s today so I'll wait until the weather cools a bit before wearing it much.

Straight Lines

11 x 14 Collage - linen, rough weave cotton, sheer papers, red tulle, bits and pieces

On Monday I put both contact lens in my left eye. And then I went to the gym and worked out. I was pleased when the lens popped back out in easy succession.

We had just hosted two of our grands for about 8 days - ages 5 and 8.

On Tuesday, my daughter called to remind me of my babysitting plan for the day. Not the plan I remembered either.

Today, after loading up my car with a sewing machine to donate to SEFAA, my car wouldn't start.

Things will improve. They always do. But just to be on the safe side I am sewing only straight lines for a while.

quilt top - about 50 x 80

Old Laredo

When I was growing up, my great-great uncle lived in Laredo. He was like a father to my mother, and my father loved him too. We saw him often.

He lived in Laredo for most of his life. He knew everyone, or at least that's the way I remember him. We would drive over to Nuevo Laredo and have enchiladas at the Cadillac Bar because Uncle Gordon once loaned the owner $50 to start the business. You couldn't drink the water so I got to order Coke.

I cannot remember much about his house, but I do remember his back yard where the grapefruit trees grew. Gorgeous yellow spheres with ruby red fruit inside. A crate of them almost always arrived at our doorway close to Christmas.

Perfect with a pinch of salt.