My New Grand Daughter!

Introducing Breasia Leigh. She was born on Wednesday at 2:20 p.m., weighting in at 9 pounds 10 oz, and at 22 inches long! And she is a prize winner in the fat little cheeks department.

(Not crazy about that name - I was lobbying for Piper.)

Now I have an excuse for pink dresses!

My New Great Nephew!

My oldest niece had a baby last night. He is nameless at the moment, but she is leaning to Kalin. This is baby and mommy just after the birth.

October 21st, 8 pound 10 ounces.











And here is grandpa with the baby an hour or so later.

He was born on the 33rd anniversary of the passing of our father. So there is some sort of symmetry in that, isn't there??

Pattern Review Wardrobe Contest

After considerable deliberation, and hesitation, I've decided to enter Pattern Review.com's Wardrobe Contest. You must sew 10 pieces that all cordinate, using at least one a patterned fabric and one item being a topper.

The graphic on the left is my sewing plan. My first project will be the navy wool suit (on the top right side) and an off-white pearlized silk (second top from left).

All the items I've chosen are from Burda. One of my goals this year was to make at least one item from Burda, and here I've set up 10. I substiuted a dress for one of the tops.










As long as I was making a plan, I decided to include one for some supplemental sewing after the contest ends. These are featured on the page to the left.

Now I don't really expect to finish it all up by December 1st, but that could happen. It will give me some guidance and structure to make sure things get done sooner rather than later.

Here are three of my latest vintage pattern finds. The dress to the left is copywriter 1964. It looks very "Petula Clark" (for those of you who are boomer age). "I know a place" where this could quite nicely fit in.

The coat pattern below is probably from a few years earlier. I snagged it because I'd tried on a pink velveteen coat at an antique mall earlier this year that is almost exactly the same style as the coat on the right, but didn't get it. And have been regretting it.

Finally, the summer top must be from the early 50's, but I'm not certain. Don't know why I got it - just appealed for some reasons.

I have a stack of vintage patterns and magazines that I've purchased in the past few months that I will scan and post from time to time this month. I hope you enjoy it.

Mad Man Yourself - Create a 50's Advatar

This is fun - a variety of hairstyles, clothing and scenes. This is what I look like at the ad agency - martini in hand of course.

Go - do you too!

CLICK on post title to go.

New Vogue Patterns

I was online this a.m. when the email notification came that the VOGUE website had new patterns for Fall/Winter. I immediately looked to see and here are the interesting patterns. Italicized text is a direct copy from the website. CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO GO TO A LARGER VIEW or click on title above to go to the What's New page at Vogue Patterns.

Two new "companion" patterns from Sandra Betzina. I do like the top and its' semi-corset look. And it is nice paired with the skirt (and obi in pattern). I just don't like that they are presented as separate patterns - they so obviously go together. The top is a must buy for me - I love it and can see it with just slightly longer sleeves, working for me.
Skirt: Flared skirt is very loose-fitting at hip, with “outside” darts. A: invisible zipper, underskirt, contrast hem band, waistband and ribbon or trim. B: back zipper closure, optional hem band and ribbon or trim. C: obi has contrast ties.
Top: Semi-fitted tops A, B have princess seams, upper bodice extending into cap sleeves and optional lining. A: large hook and eye closures. B: concealed hook and eye tape closures.

And THE FORTIES ARE BACK!!! as Vogue magazine in September declared. There are several forties inspired and two new vintage reproductions.
VINTAGE VOGUE 1945 courtesy of Victoria Dougherty
MISSES' JACKET AND DRESS: Semi-fitted, unlined jacket has waistline seam, darts, tucked peplum and three-quarter length sleeves with gathers at lower underarm seam, shoulder pads, bound buttonholes and buttons with option to cover. Dress, lower calf length, has fitted, sleeveless bodice, straight skirt with pleated back, round neckline in front, applied bands in back, forming v-neckline and side zipper. AA (6-8-10-12) EE (14-16-18-20)
VINTAGE VOGUE 1950 courtesy of Laurie E. Wiest
MISSES' COAT, DRESS AND BELT: Very loose-fitting, reversible flared coat A has stand-up collar, patch pockets with flaps and below elbow length kimono sleeves with deep cuffs. Fitted, sleeveless dresses B, C have lined bodice, v-neckline, darts, side zipper and side vent openings. B: belt. C: patch pockets with flaps and purchased belt. BB (8-10-12-14) FF (16-18-20-22) (NOTE: YES, 1950 is still the 40's - this goes back to the turn of the millennium argument - was it the year 2000 or 2001?? I vote for 2001.)


This is a new design, but the late 30's/early 40's feel is very evident. I like the lines, but am not certain if it would look good on me, given the emphasis on the bust.
Above ankle length dress, semi-fitted at hip, has gathered neckline, short sleeves gathered to form drape, above waist seam, back zipper and back slit at neck and lower edges.

Another new design, but again, late 30's/early 40's shine through.
Lined dress, partially interfaced, loose-fitting through bust, has front underbodice, midriff, two-piece sleeves, side invisible zipper closing, front loop with hooks and eyes, above mid-knee length. AA(6-8-10-12), EE(14-16-18-20)
Marcy Tilton has a jacket pattern that I quite like, that might be on my list too.
Semi-fitted jackets A, B have pockets, underarm gussets and front zipper closure. B: silk-screened embellishments. Package includes Marcy Tilton's instructions for silk-screening.

Perhaps I have a warped sense of humor, but I found the following coat pattern to be FUN and sort of CRAZY with great detail. Hum...may have to think about this one too. In velveteen it could be quite "kicky". Lined coat, fitted at bust, flared, mid-calf length, has front darts, back princess seams, turn-back collar with back slit, long three-piece sleeves with band and cuff, side seam and front welt pockets, detachable capelet, embroidery floss for decorative knots at lower edge and snap closures. Purchased hat. (WHERE DID THEY GET THAT HAT??? IT MAKES THE OUTFIT.)
The skirt on this one is standard, but I quite like the jacket. I might have to consider this one. I may even have something similar in the stash - I think a new Kahliah Ali from Simplicity has a similar look in front - it would be easy to add the pleats in back. I'll have to look.
Loose-fitting, lined jacket A has yokes extended into three-quarter length sleeves, front princess seams, back pleats, bias collar and snap closures with button trim. Semi-fitted, tapered, above mid-knee skirt B has faced waistline, center back vent with pleat underlay and back zipper. Separate pattern pieces provided for A, B, C, D cup sizes.
What do you think about this jacket? I like the drawings, but I am hesitant when there isn't a photo of "the real thing". There may be problems in the pattern. I like the lines though, especially the final version in slate blue. Could be very cute.
Loose-fitting, lined jackets A, B, C have darts, waistline seam, collar, front band, side seam pockets, dolman sleeves, shaped hem and topstitch trim. A, B: button and buttonhole closing. C: button and loop closing.
And the final "highlight" is this interesting pattern. I don't think the photography does this any good, but look at the line drawings. This could be very very interesting with the right combo of fabrics. And the circle inset at the back is very interesting too.

Loose-fitting, flared coats A, B, below mid-knee, have collar, collar binding extending into tie ends, deep armholes, contrast yokes, patches, applique, binding, side front pockets, front button closure and long sleeves with elastic. A: contrast upper collar and lining, wrong side of fabric used for trim detail will show. B: contrast collar and ribbon trim on back. BB(8-10-12-14), FF(16-18-20-22)

Very Sad News

My cousin, David Bowyer, was critically injured in a motorcycle accident in Oregon on the 18th. He is severely brain damaged and the family has been advised that there is no chance of recovery. A few thoughts and prayers for him and his mum and sister would be appreciated.

He goes by "DETROIT DAVE" in the biker community.

This is coverage of the accident:

Brother Speed Pack Crash

Sat, Sep 19, 2009

Twenty-six members and associates of the Brother Speed Motorcycle Club were involved in a chain-collision motorcycle accident on Interstate 5 north of Portland, Oregon about 2 pm Friday afternoon. The crash happened at milepost 282 south of Wilsonville, Oregon.

A tight pack of 28 bikes was riding in the middle of three north bound lanes at about 70 miles an hour when two sport utility vehicles driving side by side panic braked in front of the pack for an unknown reason. Traffic was light, the road was dry, the sky was blue and visibility was good. The road captain and the leader of the pack, the lead two bikes, counter-steered around the SUVs.

The other 26 motorcycles did not stand a chance. An eyewitness described what happened next as “a pile of motorcycles.”

Who

Brother Speed is a three piece patch club with ten chapters in Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. Everyone in the pack was from Idaho. They had come to Oregon to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the club.

Ten bikers were injured seriously enough to require medical treatment.

Herbert Sinclair, 48, of Heyburn, Idaho, and David Bowyer, 44, of Coeur d’Alene were helicoptered to separate Portland area hospitals. Sinclair is in Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital and Bowyer is in Legacy Emanuel Hospital. Both men are listed in critical condition.

Juan Ramon Mata, 60, Christian J. Gankema, 40, and Gary Pawson, 38 were also hurt in the crash. They were transported from the scene by ambulance.

Melee

Police have not yet named the other injured motorcyclists or identified the drivers of the sport utility vehicles.

Clackamas County Sheriff’s Deputy John Naccarato described the scene as “a melee.” Five ambulances, ten fire engines and five police cruisers responded. The northbound lanes of the freeway were closed for four hours.

2 dozen motorcycles crash on I-5 in Oregon

Video still from Jet Ranger 2 over Interstate 5, south of Wilsonville.

Story Updated: Sep 19, 2009 at 9:57 AM PDT

By Meghan Kalkstein KATU News and KATU.com Staff

WILSONVILLE, Ore. – An accident involving almost 30 motorcycles just south of Wilsonville on Interstate 5 Friday afternoon injured several people, two critically.

The crash happened at about 3 p.m. near milepost 282. LifeFlight airlifted Herbert Sinclair of Heyburn, Idaho and David Bowyer of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to Oregon Health Sciences University and Legacy Emanuel Hospital, respectively. Both were motorcyclists.

Representatives of Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue said that it treated eight patients for shoulder and hip injuries and broken bones. They were also taken to area hospitals.

The accident closed northbound lanes of Interstate 5 for over two hours.

The motorcyclists were part of a local motorcycle club called Brothers Speed which was established in May 1969, according to its Web site. It has chapters in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, specifically in Portland, Ore. Camas, Wash., and Boise, Idaho.

Oregon State Police said the motorcyclists were riding in standard formation – two columns – when traffic ahead slowed suddenly. The two lead motorcyclists were able to avoid a collision by maneuvering clear of the stopped traffic, but the rest of the motorcyclists could not stop in time, causing a chain-reaction of crashes with the rest of the group.

A witness to the crash, Terry Scott, said he and his girlfriend were driving northbound from Salem behind the motorcycles when he witnessed an SUV, that was driving in front of the group of motorcycles, suddenly slow down or slam on its brakes.

“It was a domino effect,” Scott said. “There were bikes and people and gear flying.”

When Capt. Mike Towner of Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene with his crew from Wilsonville he said "it was ordered mayhem. There were almost two dozen motorcycles scattered across the freeway, and firefighters from Aurora and Canby providing medical care to injured bikers, as non-injured bikers tried to assist."

TVF&R said there were at least two SUVs that were also involved in the crash.

A club insider, who didn’t want to be identified, said the bikers were in town from all over the Northwest to celebrate an annual birthday celebration of the club. She said that a motorcycle accident like the one that happened Friday is unheard of.

“Normally it’s one motorcycle, maybe two,” she said. “To see the scale of 20 to 30 bikes that are riding together have an accident of that magnitude – I’ve never seen before.”

She said she grew up around these bikers and said despite perceptions, they’re cautious.

“I know some people say they must be up to no good: They were racing or doing something. But anyone who’s familiar with Harley-riding knows you don’t race a Harley, you don’t do tricks on your Harley. You just ride,” she said.

Members of the club declined to be interviewed for this story. They said they are focusing on taking care of their brothers.



Date: September 18, 2009
Location: I-5, milepost 282, south of Wilsonville
Names: Herbert Sinclair, David Bowyer, Juan Ramon Mata, Christian J. Gankema, Gary Pawson



(Photo: Oregon State Police)

Oregon State Police have identified three more victims in a multi-vehicle motorcycle crash. Previously identified were two riders who were critically injured, Herbert Sinclair, 48, of Heyburn, Idaho, and David Bowyer, 44, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The three previously unidentified motorcyclists are Juan Ramon Mata, 60, Christian J. Gankema, 40, and Gary Pawson, 38, all from Idaho.

As of September 19, the two most seriously injured were still hospitalized. Sinclair is listed in good condition at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital. Bowyer is listed in serious condition at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Both had been in critical condition immediately following the crash.

According to Salem-News.com, 10 riders from Brother Speed Motorcycle Club were injured in the accident, which occurred Friday, September 18, south of Wilsonville on I-5. At approximately 2:45 PM, as the motorcycle riders drove north in the left inside lane, traffic in front of them stopped. KVAL.com reports that a witness observed the bikers riding behind an SUV, which suddenly applied its brakes, causing what the witness termed a “domino effect.” Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue said at least two SUVs were involved in the crash.

State police Lieutenant Gregg Hastings described the incident: "The first two motorcycles maneuvered to avoid a collision with the stopped vehicle, but the rest of the motorcycles could not react in time and crashed into the vehicle in front of their group and into each other."

Eight of the injured motorcyclists were transported to hospitals by ground ambulance with shoulder and hip injuries and broken bones, while two others were shuttled to Portland hospitals by Life Flight. Northbound lanes on the interstate were closed for about two hours, but all lanes were open by approximately 5:40 PM.

Brother Speed Motorcycle Club’s website says the Portland chapter was chartered in 1970, to promote “brotherhood, respect, riding fast and building Choppers.” The group is known for more than fast riding; they participate in charity work, including the annual Shriner’s Toy Run. The club has three chapters in Oregon.

Tragedy is not new for the “Black and Gold," but an accident of this magnitude is beyond anything they’ve experienced. “I’ve never seen [this] before,” said one shocked club insider, who added that, contrary to public perception, these are careful, “cautious” riders. Although there are disputes as to the accuracy of how many accidents involve motorcyclists, and for that matter how many are caused by them, riders often take special courses to not only ride safer themselves, but to watch out for other motorists on the road.

One thing is certain: this is a terrible tragedy. At this point, a lack of specifics prevents any judgment on exactly what happened or who may have been involved.

Just Something I Made

Oh I wish that were true.

I discovered this wonderful website by Cathe Holden (click on title to visit). She has wonderful ideas and a whole slew of freebies.

My new TWITTER BUTTON ( to the right) was available at her site. LINK.

I also picked up the "older posts" sign at the bottom of my page from her. LINK.

She also has lots of goodies, and you can spend quite some time exploring her site. Be sure to visit.

The Perfect Fabric!

I LOVE THIS FABRIC!!!!!

I know I keep swearing off fabric buying, but I was looking for lining on Fashion Fabric Club and . . . found this in the $4 a yard bin. With 15% off!! My order has winged its way to whereever, and I hope to get this back very soon.

Fun trench coat, here I come!