Getting Ready to Fly

The baby birds are getting ready to fly the nest! Two of the birds flew away when I opened the door. Here are the other two waiting for their turn.







This morning when I gingerly opened the front door a crack, I was able to get a picture of one of the birds getting ready to fly. I took the picture quickly so as not to scare it away.



I don't know if they come back to the nest or they are gone for good. I also have not seen the 5th bird.
It has been interesting and fun to keep track of this one family's progress.
It reminds me of how my own family has grown, from birth of my 2 sons, the growing up years and all the nurturing, and the leaving the nest to build their own lives.
My youngest son is getting married the end of this month. We are so excited to be expanding our family. I know I will be tearful at the service as I think about all the joys, love, heartaches, laughter, and new adventures my son and new daughter-in- law have in store for them. The cycle does go on! It's a GOOD thing!

They have feathers!

The baby birds now have feathers developing. It won't be long before they leave the nest.

Anybody want to name them? Two are pictured here. I saw one more peaking out but didn't want to stay too long as the momma was getting nervous.

Baby Bird Watch Update!

They are getting bigger! I was able to count 4 beaks. There were 5 eggs so I'm hoping the other one is there too.

Eggs Have Hatched!

The eggs have hatched! There is a lot of fluff in the nest! They are so cute!

New Design

Well, after years of saying I want to design a jacket, I have finally done it! It still needs a few tweaks but I thought I would lead you through the design process.

It begins with an idea! It then is put into a crude drawing and from there a simple pattern is made and the jacket is first made out of muslin. All design corrections and tweaks are made to the muslin. The first designs are always done in a size that fits me. I adjust for other sizes later.




















After making adjustments to the pattern, I transfer all makings to my handwoven fabric and cut the pieces out.


They are then sewn together, another fitting is done, and additional changes and adjustments are made. Many times this involves taking stitches out, re-cutting, and then sewing back together. It's a long process of getting things to fit correctly.

Adjustments are made to the pattern and a lining pattern is made. The lining is sewn and added to the jacket. I chose to just line the body of the jacket and leave the sleeves lining free. I found a really silky polyester fabric for the lining. It is a beautiful weight, drapes nicely, and will not wrinkle.




















More tweaking is done! The closure design is worked out. My signature covered buttons are added. And a jacket is born!


The jacket can be worn one of three ways. One way is as pictured above with one lapel showing and the other fastened. The other two ways are pictured below.




















An interchangeable snap with my other signature, the butterfly, hides the snap on the front. The butterfly is my signature of hope and new life. I usually put it on my handwoven purses and sometimes the knitted ones.

I'd love to hear what you think of this new design. Send me comments. Happy Creating!!!!