Haute Couture Luncheon at Alhambra Palace

The club annual luncheon was held at the fabulous Alhambra Palace Restaurant on West Randolph Street. As always, a great time with all the creative ladies. More and more each day I'm lovin this community of sewists.

After lunch we got down to club business. This is the year for new officers. Mrs. Rhonda Buss (President) passed the baton to Marty Moser. We are under a new administration for the coming year.

Lots of exciting new activities and projects on the way. Next year's fashion show is all about Hollywood. Ms. Carol Scott and Ms. Sandra Young are chairs of the show. The first challenge of the year is to create a garment centered around one of the academy award winning films. A few caught my eye: Titanic, The Last Emperor, All About Eve..., I'm going to enter. Hopefully, I'll be able to see it through. The challenge takes place on November 6, 2010.

Here are a few photos for the luncheon:



Dedicated HCC hostess/member at fashion show picture table. I was surprised "we" had DVD of the show for sale.



Nik-ki, me, Mrs. Evans (Francine's mother), and Francine

Parting shots:
This season I was able to sew curtains for the kitchen and bathroom. JoAnn's had a very good sale over the holiday weekend and I picked up some home dec fabric for $2.00 per yard. Can't beat that!

Kitchen -




Bathroom -

The Breathing Dilemma - Thyroid

About 27 million people have some kind of thyroid disease. And over half are undiagnosed. I was recently diagnosed with a form of hypothyroid disease called a goiter. It wasn't until I changed doctors that I received the proper diagnosis. Why am I blogging about thyroid disease? Because it may help someone avoid the trouble and frustrating misdiagnoses that I encountered over the past three years.

One thing I pride myself in is keeping a watch on my health. My stance is to have routine check-ups and report anything unusual to my doctor. My "painful" journey started shortly after I was diagnosed with hypertension, four years ago. Initially, I struggled with the fact that I would need to take medication on a daily basis to help control it. The side effects were wearing me out. Needless to say, my young doctor struggled with finding a drug that would work for me.

During the course of finding a medicine that would regulate my blood pressure, I started having breathing issues while sleeping. It was an effort to swallow at times. My throat felt like there was some type of blockage at the base of my neck. The doctor ordered breathing and sleep apnea tests. Both rendered negative results.

It was becoming increasingly more difficult to sleep. I would have dreams of drowning or someone choking me. I awoke from the nightmares coughing sometimes with a rapid heartbeat. The coughing fits were so intense that it would wake my daughter- and we all know how hard it is to disturb a teen from sleeping. There were a variety of other symptoms: thinning hair, fatigue, weight fluctuation, dry eyes, and more. All of which I thought were side effects of the medication or the Big "M". Throughout the process of trying to diagnose the problem, my doctor insisted that I was having panic attacks and needed to see a therapist. I insisted that there was something physically wrong. Of course, the two differences of opinion hinder progress to resolve the real problem. I tried another doctor. She advised me to continue with Dr. D****. I tried to work with him again. So for about a year and half, I loathed going to the doctor and my blood pressure was not consistent. I wasn't sleeping well and I was nervous about how the many different drugs were prescribed.

One of the ten medications prescribed to me was nifedipine (calcium blocker). It seemed to control my blood pressure the best. August 2009, he switched the medication again. This stabilized my blood pressure, but the coughing and breathing issues were getting worse. By this time I was practically sleeping in a seating position. Finally, in February I noticed my throat enlarged. I asked my DD to take a look; she agreed. Then she and I discussed thyroid. At my next doctor visit, I told the doctor what I thought about my condition. He ordered a thyroid blood test; he also announced his leaving the HMO (I was glad).

My new doctor (Dr. J. Clay) is a dream come true. I saw her two weeks after my last appointment with Dr. D****. We talked about medication and thyroid. She said that blood tests are not conclusive and immediately stood up and walk towards me to examine my neck and throat area. My eyes filled with water. I thought maybe she would be able to help me. There was hope. Thank you, God. I had been praying for some understanding, some guidance, some help. After the examination she replied, "your thyroid is enlarged, the left side is larger than the right. I’m ordering an ultrasound, referring you to the endocrinologist, and making some adjustments in your medication. Dr. D**** had prescribed a dosage of nifedipine that was twice the amount needed. She reviewed my prescription history and decided to change the blood pressure med to Benicar 20mg. This was my turning point. Since that appointment, I've had a CAT scan and biopsy. The final diagnose is a benign goiter, predominantly on the left side of my thyroid. Relief...

Everyone, please by no means allow anyone to control what you think and feel about your body. Research and ask for a second opinion. It's worth it.

My friends and I tease about having a doctor, lawyer, dentist, electrician, etc. in the family, in hopes of securing help in those critical areas of life where advice is of upmost importance. Most people keep personal troubles and health issues a secret until it's too late. It is so important to share life changing issues as it may help someone overcome or give hope that there is an answer or at least some form of understanding.

Here is a helpful link to answer questions about thyroid disease:
Thyroid 101 Basics
There are several quizzes that will help you understand the disease and help with finding an appropriate doctor.

Here's to good health!
C

Who Is Jill Scott? Making It Hot in Chi-Town

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of attending another Jill Scott concert. It was all I expected it to be. Ms. Jill Scott and Maxwell, both center stage at the United Center in Chicago.

My sister, friends, and I where seated in the mezzanine, entering at Gate 6. The house was packed with fans from around the Chicago land area. Much excitement filled the stadium. Each time I am privileged to attend a concert I find myself scanning the arena and thinking about the number of people attending. It's so amazing to me to see the crowd of spectators. Jill was on first.

If you don't know Jill's music, I'm here to tell you she is a artist in the true sense of the word. Her poetic lyrics pull you in. Then the melodious voice add body and richness to the stories that she tells. Jill is phenomenal. With her killer vocals, she belted out all of my favorite tunes: A Long Walk, He Loves Me, Golden. Just to name a few.

Some call her music neo-soul, a sweet mixture of contemporary R&B and 70's style music with elements of hip-hop. I call it beautiful. There was a moment in the show where Jill did this operatic run at the end of a song. Her range and ability is off the chart. Clearly she is in a class by herself. No need to say I enjoyed the concert. It was worth the money.

I would be remiss not to mention the soulful sounds of Maxwell. He followed Jill in song with his greatest hits and some new music. His jam session was noteworthy. All in all the concert was worth it.

Playing Catch Up Again!

I'm always playing catch up with blogging. There are not enough hours in the day to get it all done. Usually, early in the morning my thoughts are everywhere: God, work, sewing, family, you name it. Often I start my day thinking about all the wonderful things I would like to do. Some days I feel pretty good about what I've accomplished; and others I miss the mark.


So this afternoon I decided to give some highlights on the "happenings" in my world. Some I'll do a complete post later.

• For starters, I'd like to thank all who visit and comment of my blog. Your thoughts and compliments are much appreciated. This year I've completed a few clients projects and thus far Min. Ross's suits are the favorite. As for me: the navy dress with the star burst is my personal favorite so far. Hmmm..., I haven't made very much for myself this year. ..., Got to do something about that. Lol


• On the entertainment tip, Ms. Jill Scott was in concert at the United Center on May 26th. She was as fabulous as the last time I saw her. She and Maxwell shared the stage. His performance was good. But Ms. Jill was exceptional. Full review in a separate post.


• The memorial day family celebration was awesome. Had a great time with the family. We are all looking forward to the next "big" gathering. Love my Peps.


• Are you having sleepless nights? Are you suddenly awaken by a rapid heartbeat? Trouble catching your breathe? Sudden weight gain or loss? Or loosing your hair? These symptoms may be common to many ailments. But collectively it may be your thyroid or a goiter. Detailed in future post.


• Just in from a two-day trip-Urbana campus. We demo'd the application for the Vice Chancellors. They were pleased with the presentation and the product information shared at the meeting. I'm glad it's over. Now, we moving onto phase II of the process.


• The thin economy has come to my work place. The university has a huge deficit. Positions are being eliminated, staff is furloughing, and the fringe benefit package is being revamped. All in an effort to offset the deficit. (full post later.)


• Finally, the number reason why I blog - sewing. There are several projects in the queue. I'm still working on the Simplicity pants and top (putty fabric). Can't seem to finish it. I don't like the way the top and pants fit. I've made these pants before. I guess the ole body has changed since the last time I made them. Tee Hee. The color isn't the best for my skin tone either. Oh, well...., sigh..., sigh..., But I managed to finish: M5884 top in white (review coming soon), curtains for the bathroom (no pattern used). and two skirts for clients (more later). And more client projects on the way!

Stay Tuned! Details and photos coming soon.

C

Vogue 8644 In The Brightest Yellow

Happy Monday, everyone!

Today it is sunny and about 90 degrees in Chi-Town. Summer is here early. On the sew note, I thought I would have "made" V8644 (bright yellow linen blend) a week ago. But as usual I changed my mind and started working on something else.

Soon to come pant (S4366-OOP) and top (S2633) in a putty mystery fabric(part poly). I'm about halfway done with both hoping to post the finished outfit soon.





Two more pairs of pants (white and grey) cut and ready to sew using S4366.


And, two blouses: white and fuscia both made using M5884 (chartreuse).



That's it for now.
C

The Black and White of B5427

On Tuesday evening I finished the second suit made from Butterick 5427. It's not much different than the black suit finished last week. I put trim down the center front and sewed the buttonholes over that. Here are a few photos. Hopefully, I'll get pictures of my client wearing it.

Before the buttons were added






Buttonhole over trim


Trim on sleeve


This time I came closer to the "V" shaped neckline.



Parting shots - Min. Ross wearing the black suit on May 9, 2010.

B5427 - The Black Suit

Last night I finished the first suit. I was happy with the results. The muslin the I sewed for the project will be the sloper for future garments. Min. Ross wants this basic suit for more outfits using different fabrics, trim with minor design line changes. That's a plus for me.

This evening she will pick up her suit, and I will probably cut the next on Friday. She needs it be the following week.

Here's the rest of my review:


Pattern Description: MISSES'/MISSES' PETITE JACKET, SKIRT AND PANTS: Lined, fitted jackets A, B, C, in two lengths, have stand-up collar, princess seams and above wrist length sleeves. A, B: snap closing and button trim. C: button and buttonhole closing. A, C: purchased trim. B: jewel stones. Semi-fitted skirt D, mid-knee length, has princess seams and back zipper. Semi-fitted, straight legged pants E have back zipper and optional creases.

Pattern Sizing: 6- 20

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes and No. I made several changes. But the basic design lines are the same.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't really read them as this is a basic princess seam jacket with basic straight/pencil skirt and pant. I did notice that the instructions suggested attaching one collar to the jacekt and the other to the lining. It's easier to complete the collar then attach it to the jacket then attach the lining.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? My client liked the basic design lines and saw the potential for several suits made from this same pattern.

Fabric Used: Duchess polyester satin and china silk for the lining.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Several alterations and design changes. First I started with the muslin and incorporated most of the design changes into that. Here is a blog post that documents some of the changes.

On the Skirt:



Trim on the collar and sleeve -






Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. I'm cutting the next suit Friday. She'll want more things made from the pattern. And yes I do recommend it to others. This can be a sloper for princess style jacket and for a basic skirt and pant.

Conclusion: This was not difficult to sew. This is a good basic wardrobe pattern. All pictures here.