Hello everyone!
Before I kick off my blog post for today – I just wanted to say “hello.” It’s been a while and so much has happened I don’t even know where to start. The election – the holidays – the Women’s March… have all happened since I’ve last posted. I’ve been more or less overwhelmed and felt like getting some distance from reality. I’ve been basically working on my house and hiding in my sewing room, attempting to come to terms. I haven’t yet – and perhaps that’s a really good thing.
I come from a family who is ethnically diverse through marriages – we are a mix of democrat & republicans – liberals and conservatives. Of course I have opinions on the state of affairs in our country and I know you do too. If I could say one thing on here is that I strive to have respect for everyone, I aim to listen and to learn, to treat everyone the way I would like to be treated: with love, respect, compassion, and patience.
I don’t intend for my blog to turn into something different than what it has always been. I want Zilredloh to be a happy place for you to visit; somewhere fun. As I strive to grow as a person & as a maker, I wish to continue sharing my crafty journey with you all; be it my favorite way to install a zipper (lapped of course!), a freshly grown strawberry from my garden, or sharing my new love of hand-knit socks (they’re the bees knees).
Last but not least, there are new things afoot at Zilredloh, behind the scenes. I’m getting jazzed up and all will be revealed shortly. :)
Now… as I crawl out from my rock, I now have a blog post for you. I know everyone, including myself, has posted up tons of Renfrew shirts over the years. But I just couldn’t help but share this one with you all – as it’s just so cheerful and I hope it makes you smile today (or serves as a nice distraction for a bit).
When I was on vacation in Austin, TX spring last year I happened to see this whale fabric at The Cloth Pocket. I couldn’t resist buying the remnant they had despite it being more of a thicker cotton knit than I generally prefer. The plus is that it is an organic cotton knit base which is always nice.
While I’m still majorly behind at posting up my makes – these photos were taken on a warm day in DC from a wedding I went to in September.
Honestly, I have no modifications or sewing tips to share on this Renfrew version. While I always like to post for a purpose – this is a frivolous and fun post.
One bit of drama on my tee is that when I started cutting – I completely cut the front bodice with the whales upside-down. I spaced out. I was so angry with myself, but luckily I was able to cut another bodice front. Good thing I’m nice and short (and this was a 55″ wide fabric) otherwise I would have ruined this happy whale fabric.
I mean its happy little whales and it just brightens up my day anytime I put this shirt on. And lately I’m all about creating things that just make me happy! At the moment, I don’t want to make boring staple items that perhaps would aid my wardrobe – I really want what I want to make. No regrets! :)
I do hope this is a post just to make you smile and may, in turn, prompt you to sew for fun as well. Just to let loose and sew with that one little fabric that will brighten your day as well.
Cheers & happy sewing!
In: Sewing
IMnotsoHO, Young Lady, this is a VERY dangerous time to ignore the moral vermin who currently are infesting the White House. The reason why that cretin is sitting in the Oval Office is because insufficient proportions of liberals and progressives (ESPECIALLY in the Midwest) neglected their civic responsibility to be Active Citizens and VOTE. That proudly ignorant racist abomination was right when he asked, “Where were all the marchers on Election Day?” Unfortunately, the situation is likely to become a hell of a lot WORSE because, unlike their liberal counterparts, cretin conservatives HAVE exercised their civic rights and now hold all three branches of government AND the MAJORITY of state governments. Unless compassionate LIBERAL young people become and remain politically ACTIVE at the LOCAL level, that cretin master Steve Bannon will be chuckling in his corrupt chins as the Alt Right rules this beloved country (according to HIS vision) “for fifty years.”
Let me begin by saying I value your comments on this blog, Bonnie.
My name is Liz, not “Young Lady.” The only person allowed to call me that is my mother, and she has not done so in several decades.
As I wrote at the start of this post – I aim to treat others with love, respect, compassion, and patience. And I expect no less of those who visit and leave comments on my website. While I don’t expect everyone to share my point of view, I do not think name calling is productive.
I have no desire to involve politics on my blog, as I created this space for sewing and knitting and creation. If you feel compelled to talk politics, I ask that you find another venue.
Lastly, please do not make assumptions about me or propose that I am not doing my civic duty. If you feel you have more to say on this topic, I’d appreciate you sending me a direct message in the contact page.
Dear Bonnie,
I, like everyone else who stops by Liz’s blog, do not know and would never presume to ask, about Liz’s politics or voting practices. That’s her personal business and her choice to separate it from her blog. Please do not assume that because we are not actively discussing the current political situation that we are uninterested or uninvolved. I think a respite from the madness that has engulfed much of the world isn’t a negative thing, but necessary to a person’s mental, emotional, physical, and creative health. I am Canadian and am fortunate to have a capable leader but that does not mean that I am unaware or uninvolved with the futures of my American friends.
Liz’s blog is a safe, inclusive, and creative space that I have visited for years. I like Liz and I enjoy reading about her creative adventures. I consider her a friend which is one if the reasons why I chose to speak on her behalf. She is a great person and does not deserve to be sanctioned. A degree of escape from the hardships of daily living is necessary. Please remember that people of past hard times were given leave in rude to ensure continued positive morale. That’s what us creative bloggers are trying to provide for our friends; a safe place and a respite.
***
Liz, I love your new whale shirt so much! It is fun and happy and everyone can use some of that. :)
Thanks Sarah. *heart*
@Bonnie: Wow! I enjoy sewing and go to blogs for tips and inspiration. I am happy there are still some bloggers that understand this.
@Liz: The t-shirt is very fun. I cannot understand why, when I visit online fabric shops, I see so many (imo) knits in dreary designs. It would be wonderful to see more exciting/contemporary knits online, in keeping with today’s styles.
Thanks so much Pamela. While I did go and purchase this knit in person, I do happen to find some great ones at a few of my favorite online stores:
Emma One Sock
Blackbird Fabrics
Fancy Tiger Crafts
Marcy Tilton
To just name a few… Happy fabric hunting.
That fabric is just so fun! I can’t help looking at it without thinking of Finding Nemo and Dory wishing she could speak whale. I’m happy for you that you were able to squeeze out a new front where the whales were facing the right direction.
Thanks Becky! Over my holiday break I saw finding Dory & it was such a fun movie. I love it when she talks ‘whale’. :D
LOVE the fabric!! That is really too cute!!
FWIW – I very much respect your decision to know pull politics into your blog. There are plenty of places to get political opinions of any variety one desires. It’s nice to have time to enjoy whales and other sewing adventures – helps to keep me sane!
Thanks so much. :D
I have so many things I’d like to say – but I’m holding back as I do want to keep politics away from my site. Once we go there it’s a slippery slope and I don’t want to alienate anyone. I appreciate your comment Angela. Thank you.
I think that colour of blue looks very pretty on you. I have made 5 Renfrews myself and find that they do work with a variety of knits.
Thanks Sara. I’ve made tons & my favorites are in fun fabrics like this one of others where I’ve altered the neckline. I’ve raised the neckline by a whopping 3″ to make a high crew-neck version that I use for some of my housework in the winter. I hate having a cold neck in wintertime. :D
Hi Liz,
I was just lamenting to myself that it used to be fun to go on social media just to see what my friends were up to and to see pictures of people’s cute grandkids. That seems so long ago. Thanks for providing a space for a moment of normalcy and creativity! I always enjoy seeing what you’ve been up to.
Hi Sally. Happy to provide plenty of distraction for your crafty needs. :D
Left a comment and apparently it did not meet your *criteria*. Oh well, don’t worry I will not be bothering you or this blog again.
Hi Pamela. I’m not sure what happened – but I reached out to you via email. I’d hate to know that I lost a comment or worse, a reader, due to some tech issues.