Tulle Skirt

I began this skirt back in April to wear to the first of many weddings we were attending this summer, however time has been taken up by work and training and hosting lots of company.  This weekend I ran (hobbled) through my 16 miler on friday to free up my saturday and conserve energy for dancing at Ben and Kristie's wedding.  So saturday am, I finally ventured into my sewing center.  It has become a catch all for randoms and needed to be tidied before I could sew the few baby items I wanted to make for a friend.  During the tidying I found the almost completed skirt.  Aha!  I can wear this to the wedding today!  I slipped on the skirt and it was WAY TOO BIG!  When I began this project i was 16 pounds heavier... so I went to work on taking in the skirt and assembling a simple strapless top. voila! ensemble completed!  it was so fun to sew again.  And tulle is much simpler to work with than I was expecting.  The skirt has three layers: a nude jersey layer, another nude jersey layer with gold flecks and then the black tulle layer.  I was glad it wasn't too full, so I wouldn't look like i was wearing a cupcake.

The wedding was great. I am so happy for Ben and Kristie.  These tykes were my stellar dance partners!  Next up on the sewing agenda is to finish the swim suit I started in march!!!!

Leggings!

I stumbled upon a blog and am so happy I did.  it is Fehr Trade.  Melissa is a sewist and a runner (sew sole sister!!).  She is hosting a challenge right now where you make an article of active wear and walk/run a race in it.  I am running in Bloomsday in Spokane on Sunday, so I attempted a pair of leggings.  I found a tutorial on Etsy as to how to make your own pattern.  I also just received the new book, The Colette guide to Sewing Knits and some new knit fabric that was on sale at fabric.com.  

This was the first time I used my french curve ruler!! Very excited about that... it was a "must have" that has been in packaging for at least a year.  Ther pattern worked out great.  The only adjustment I had to make was to shrink the waist up.  I tend to make things bigger (I don't trust my own measurements?).  

I was having issues with my serger. I re-threaded it about 4 times, adjusted tensions and was about to shove it off the table.  Then I noticed one of the spools, I had put on a cap.  this stupid sucker was the culprit. so upon removal of that, it stitched like a dream!

I am so happy with the fit of these.  The fabric is a bit light, but they are comfortable, not threadbare and have enough stretch/give to move around in them.  I think they would be great for yoga, pilates, maybe sweat would show running/etc.  I will test!

I am also taking the RRCA coaching certification course this week.  it is being held in conjunction with the RRCA annual convention.  I am looking forward to saturday's banquet where Deena Kastor is hosting!!!

So on my race agenda is Bloomsday, Yellowstone half, a 9 mile trail run at 6500--8500 feet, Missoula half, a Ragnar relay and possibly another fall full?  If not a full then another half.  

Now i am going to attempt to make some more capri leggings with some lycra I found in my stash! :)

Wonky blocks and wonky training

I am trying something way out of my comfort level with sewing.  These wonky blocks are a great way to use scraps, but they are so random, I wasn't sure if I could do it.  I cut out my center pieces and then began randomly sewing the "straws" (that is apparently what they call the skinny strips) around the centers and then you square up the block to whatever size you wish.  I decided 6.5" since that is the template I have. 

I am loving these!!  Even though it is random, which I don't normally like, these are fun.  And I am going to do a border around each block that will add some uniform and cohesiveness to the project.  I am glad I stepped outside of my comfort level with these.  Plus it is a great way to use scraps of my favorite fabrics.

Now onto wonky training... I am not currently in training (about ten days until it starts).  I have, however been trying to do cardio and strength at least five days per week.  It has been going well. I also am stepping outside of my comfort zone with offering a group class each week.  Last week only one person showed, but it was a blast!  we did a killer circuit and three days later my lats still feel it!  

I think it is important to try new things, get a bit uncomfortable.  You may discover/unlock some new potential!

A sewing and running challenge? where do i sign?

Check this out!!  On the Coletterie sewing blog today they featured Fehr Trade sewing and this lady looks AMAZING!!!  She is training for the London Marathon and believes everyone should exercise more so she has created a sweat and sew challenge.  How cool is this?!

<p><strong>I’m in taking part in…</strong><br /> <br /> <a href='http://www.fehrtrade.com/article/822/announcing-the-spring-race-challenge'><img src='http://www.fehrtrade.com/images/5798.png' alt='Spring Race Challenge' width='255' height='300' border='0' /></a></p>

Not sure if the link is working... hmmmm... here is the link to her blog if you are interested in more deets:

http://www.fehrtrade.com/article/822/announcing-the-spring-race-challenge?commented=1#c008097

She is a very talented sewist (? i never know the term to use!!) and i am so glad she was featured on the Coletterie blog today!  i am now following her on Twitter and her blog.  I am intrigued to sew my own workout articles...  i have made a hot yoga ensemble, but never something for running.

Anyone else in?

Hawaii Handled!

The in-laws invited all the "kids" to meet in Hawaii (Ko'Olina, Oahu) for a vacation.  We left Montana in the middle of a snow storm, and missed all sorts of horrible weather.  Phew! 

While Montana was having arctic cold temps, and receiving feet of snow, we were having fun frolicking in the ocean, watching sun sets, eating delicious fish, poke, pineapple, enjoying fruity cocktails, admiring phenomenal scenery.  Our friends from Helena, Mike and Erin were also in Oahu, staying about 20 minutes away from our resort.  It was so fun to have them there.  They are surrogate family members.

Adios Bozeman!

 I made these cover ups!

 Fire dancers 

 Dinner at Roy's (i want that painting)

 the server brought this drink over--not what any of us wanted but it was festive!

 Luau Fun!

 can you find waldo?

We went to Pearl Harbor. 

 These trees were so cool!  Dole plantation

 At Sunset Beach north shore watching the surfers

 On the pineapple express at dole!

 North Shore sunset

This was north of Ko'Olina, on west side of island

 lana kai beach--gorgeous!!

 On the H3

 doin cool stuff like drinking out of a coconut...

 Last dinner at Chuck's.

 Fedora Club

 One of the coolest moments for me!

 Hanging with my friends...

 Pier 38 

Old bug/new bug

Nico's--a great restaurant!! 

We saw a lot and did a lot on this trip.  I also only missed one day of working out and ran some of my fastest miles.  We are pretty fortunate that we all get along the way we do, and can embark on these travels.  jaclyn and i created a hashtag for instagram for our trips: #teamrehmerhowardtravels  hopefully there will be more of these! :)