I'm going to veer off from my usually scribblings and talk a little about more personal stuff.

I spent some time yesterday reading Uly's blog and it was a warming reflection, unlike any of my attempts to document my goings on earlier in my life. Parenting, as exhausting, confusing, and disorienting as it has been, is also the most character-redefining experience I've ever had. I believe with all my heart that I am truly a better person--and certainly more patient--because of this experience. I may often be tired and complain-y but I am actually enjoying a consistent level of happiness like I've never had. I certainly feel more settled. Two-and-a half years we've lived in our home in Oak Ridge. This is the longest I've ever lived in any one dwelling. Still, there are many boxes unpacked and hundreds of pictures waiting to go on walls. I just can't seem to believe we're actually staying put. I'm not normally superstitious but I have some dorky fear that if I put things on the walls I will be moving shortly thereafter, so I have been reluctant to do so. I know this is lame and I ought to make a promise to myself to have one wall "pictured up" by Thanksgiving. Hmm, that's actually not a bad idea...

Parenting:

More and more I come to see the differences between my parenting style and of those of most of my community. I have little respect for arbitrary rules and I believe children--even very young--should be allowed to make a great deal of their own decisions. I will nurse my son, regardless of how difficult this is for most of our adult population to get a grip on themselves, for as long as his needs require, and I absolutely will not feed him with a blanket over his head or in a toilet. Ever. Period. I will though find the quietest, least traveled area to avoid excess interruption or undue stress. I hope Americans can learn to deal with nursing moms sooner rather than later.

Nuthin'

I've put most of my sewing projects aside for a bit. It is absolutely impossible to sew with Uly awake, and the sound of the machine wakes him when he naps. I sew a little here and there when Uly's Gramma Moe comes over and looks after him, but I've found that trying to work on a project is mostly just frustrating. Toddlers are curious creatures, and pins, needles and pretty fabric are just too interesting to keep around.

Karen wuz here

Past Patterns Corset #030

This one scares me. I'm thinking of hand-sewing most or all of it according to the historically accurate instructions. It might be faster this way because my young son is currently very interested in the sewing machine and will drop everything-including his nap--in order to investigate.

Sewing Space

This is wear I work my projects and as space is an issue, it is the largest contributing factor for choosing them. Corsets are the perfect sized projects!

Past Patterns 708 take 2--Red Silk Dupioni

This corset is looks orange. It isn't. It's red. VERY red.

I'm nearly finished. All I have left to do is place the grommets for the back lacing. They should be arriving in the mail soon...

Finished!

Past Patterns #213 Victorian Corset

I started making this a few months after having my son. I underestimated how quickly my figure would change and by the time I finished it I was several sizes too small to wear it.

This was a lot of fun for me to make. The body of the corset was very, very quick to cut out and sew together; I did it in one of my son's rare 2-hour naps. I was also able to cut out the 40 strips of fabric used to make the stay casings during this nap! After the basic body assembly, the casings were simple and wonderfully tedious to sew on. This is a VERY good project for someone like me who has a great deal of very short breaks throughout the day. Each casing is first basted on which done carefully, only takes about 2 minutes. I basted all of the casings here-and-there over the course of about 2 weeks. Sewing them permanently is a snap after that.

I also like this pattern because you assemble the hardest parts first: The center busk. Every time I've done this (a total of three times) I am reminded of what an incredible Pain in the Ass it is, not to mention very hard on the fingernails. Perhaps I'll illustrate why on my next project.

I will be making this again with the following adjustments: reduce waist by 5", reduce back/neck length by 1 3/4", reduce bust by 2", reduce hips by 4". Overlay fabric in black silk or silk-satin, reduce the number of bones by about 10. Double-sided grommets instead of eyelets.

Dress-form isn't flexible. The pictures show the basic shape of the corset but do not accurately examine the garments shaping possibilities.