Blessings Abound

Last weekend we traveled to Midland to join the festivities toward welcoming Baby Akers. Celeste grew up in Midland and it was fun for us to meet her friends and family. We hope they see that we love her too and are very excited about the impending arrival of our first grandchild.

Les's friends and family surrounded her with love and generousity. Here she is with Paola, Rachel, Brenda, and Suzy. Every one was having a great time and we didn't get pictures of the other hostesses, Sabrina and Martha.

Mommy & Daddy to be. It's hard to believe some time that I'm the mother of a soon to be father. How did these nearly 29 years pass so fast? Exciting!

Celebration - a wonderful day with friends

Yesterday was an absolute delight. My dear friends, Lu (in pink) and Michelle (in pale flowers) hosted a fabulous shower for Celeste. That's me, the very proud first time granny-to-be, in blue. The whole afternoon was beautiful in every way. I certainly am blessed to have such loving and generous friends. After a delicious lunch, Celeste opened a bounty of gifts both beautiful and practical. One of the highlights was this crocheted afgan from Auntie Ashley. She dyed the yarns with Kool Aide and this arty crowd wants a workshop in the technique.

I should have gotten closer to get a shot of the darling Origami butterflys in the flowers. Michelle created these and they were on each invitation as well. We saved them for BAP's scrapbook. (I'm calling her BAP for "Baby Akers Perez" as her name is not yet certain).

I could hardly sit still for my excitement. Les has about 6 weeks to go before BAP makes her debut and I promise she will be a very stylish little lady with wonderful toys and books, thanks to many gifts.

Here is the BIG project of my summer. I hope BAP will feel the love I sewed into every stitch. It was the first of many such projects I look forward to making for her and the other grands I hope will follow.

Happily Fini!

Ashley's new dress that is.....

Didn't it turn out lovely? The color is luscious, more like the detail shot than the full view, and the fit is nice. Added bonus is it's comfortable. It took most of yesterday to finish but it's ready for Ashley to wear on Sat. to wedding festivites. (yes, it needs ironing - for that she has to buy an ironing board). Sewing without one was a handicap but she says she's going to make some clothes so it will get used.

She was patient with the multiple fittings and I enjoyed spending the day with her. It reminded me of my mother sewing for me and I send appologies heavenward for all the times I wouldn't stand still. My mother loved to sew for little girls and I'm glad she passed that on to me. When Ashley & I went to lunch we stopped by a children's boutique, Zoe & Jack's. They had lots of adorable clothes with precious prices to boot. It made me excited that I'll soon have my own little munchkin to make things for.

While this dress turned out well it took LOTS of adjusting. I would NOT recommend Simplicity pattern 2926. First there is the general frustration of pattern sizing which needs a major overhaul. We cut it according to Ashley's body measurments but while there was no room to spare around the bust, every thing else had to be majorly adjusted downward. The proportions of the dress pictured on the pattern envelope is misleading. In the picture it looks like the band is at the waist when in fact it is empire.

Now back to Project #1.