Sewing is Dangerous

I started a new costume about 3 weeks ago and decided, since it is a Regency gown, I would hand sew every stitch. Yes, I am insane :-0. Well, everything has gone wonderfully smooth. It has been the most relaxing sewing project I have ever done. Untill that fateful day. I was sewing along watching Persuasion, I'm still in the Jane Austen mood hence the Regency gown, when I stabbed myself. Yes, not just a little jab, oh no, the needle went in between my flesh and fingernail on the left side of my right index finger. It hurt, but not that badly; there was no blood, so I just kept going. Well, last Wednesday, a week after the stabbing, at around 3 a.m. I was awoken by said throbbing finger, and it was the size of my thumb! So off to the doctor I trotted, where I spent a nice portion of my day off, and was prompty issued antibiotics. Luckily, I had caught it in time so there was no prodding or poking needed. It has been 5 days since the doctors visit and now it's turned a bit green, which means I have to get it drained. Yeah! So I have been warned by my doctor to sew with sterilized needles. Who knew! Here's a picture of said green finger as a warning to all, SEWING IS DANGEROUS!

P.S. I will post pictures of the dress as soon as I have a chance to finish it. The finger has delayed things a bit.

Another Fun Outing With the Pups

So, yesterday Aaron took me to a new park full of trails and wildlife. Today I took Max and Leila for our weekly hike away from ye old neighborhood. We had a grand time frolicking on the trails. The landscape reminds me of England and Scottland. It is amazing that this wilderness is in the middle of the city. Here are some pictures! Enjoy!

Someone at Google...

So, somebody at Google has a wonderful sense of humor. Log on to Google Maps for directions from New York to London. Oh, and check out step 23 and 24. Too funny! Here is a link for y'all! Enjoy! http://maps.google.com/ (make sure you click on "get directions" and then type in New York and London. It's way cool!)

Sales Woes Part II... Revenge of the Sunshine (Muwahahaha)

So, here we are again! It's a beautiful day outside and I'm sitting inside the store waiting for lonely souls to wander in to buy lots and lots of furniture from me, preferably an entire set of leather with cheese (cheese is Fabric Protection, we're weird around here, don't ask). Due to the fact that it is about 72 degrees, sunny, a little breezy, and basically plain gorgeous outside, who in their right mind wants to go and buy furniture. Therefore, I have been on point (meaning it's my turn to take the next person who walks in the door and try and sell them stuff) for oh... 2 1/2 HOURS! Oh yes, ladies and gentleman the clock ticks on and there is not a soul in here, except for Meg and myself. To make matters more annoying it's, as stated before, GORGEOUS OUTSIDE. So it is a vicous cycle, you see. It's lovely outside, so there are no people inside, and I'm bored because there are no people inside, and time goes by slowly because it's so nice outside, and I just want to be out in it enjoying the weather. Oh well! Such is the life of a commission sales person. Hope you all are having fun. Wait, could it be a car...... No it's a school bus making a Burger King run and using our parking lot as, well... it's parking lot! It can't stay slow all night. Or, can it? Time will tell!

Jane Austen

So, I have been in a Jane Austen mood these past few weeks. I have been watching all of my Regency Era movies, reading Emma, and studying costumes from the time. I seem to go through phases of eras that I'm interested in. It will eventually change, but for now, I'm enjoying the delights of the early 19th century. Here are some links to recipes, crafts, and costumes of the era! Enjoy!

Jane Austen Magazine (A website that is run by the Jane Austen center in Bath, England)

Prints George (A very funny site with interesting prints, sayings, and mannerisms)

Jessamyns' Regency Costume Companion (The name says it all!)

Sense and Sensibility Patterns (A site of Regency clothing patterns)

Demode' (A simply wonderful site full of historic costume goodies)

I leave you with this quote from Jane Austen...

"There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere . . .”

Jane Austen's Portrait