Conservative Lady's Interview Suit

I just interviewed for a new position that is internal to my company. For my interview, I wore a suit and shirt that I made myself, thanks to a bit of help from KC-MO Cherry and AR-WA Dana.

The Suit

Fabric: Navy pinstripe summer weight wool, Kaplan's Fabrics

Jacket: I lost this pattern, but it was a simple combo from one of the major companies. For my first jacket, it allowed me a very simple collar design

Pants: #1038 Terrific Trousers from Purrfection. I took Dana's class and was able to finish 3/4 of this pair of pants during the 2 days. Dana was a great help on fitting and taught us a new way to put in a zipper. Now I have a great basic block to make more pants from.

Changes?

• I'd put lighter weight buttons on the jacket. These one's have a long shank and the metal clanked on the interview table all day (I'm so expressive w/ my hands, you know!)


• I'd allow for a lower neckline on the jacket. My next jacket is going to be a shawl collar so that I can show off more of my lovely shirts!


• Different collar. I love the collar on this jacket, but it doesn't match any of the collared shirts I've purchased since making it. Dang, collar-less shirts only.


• Interface the waistband. I thought I could get away without it - actually I forgot it in my haste to finish the pants several months ago (for some unknown reason now). I've realized that it'll help out with much of the stability of the closures.


• slit holes in the waistband for inserting the base of the hooks/eyes into the "wrong sides" of the waist band. I saw this on one of my ready-to-wear pants and the darn thing never comes off!


• Boot leg, not wide leg. I feel like a bell with tiny little feet.

The Shirt

Fabric: Gold cotton quilting fabric with cream bias binding

Pattern: A vintage mail order pattern. Oddly, it was for a size 38 bust and I'm normally a 41, but this actually fit a little bit bigger. The waist is for a 30 and there was enough ease that at a 34 it didn't suction like a sausage casing, nor did it ride up. I wore it all day!

Changes?

• I'd try this shirt in a knit or a stretch cotton. But, it's really comfortable as is. Bows too near the bottom. I think this would be nice in a stretch or jersey wool as an over sweater.


• Take in at the shoulders. This was a bit poofy at the shoulders and displayed my bra straps nicely when I wasn't careful about keeping it tamed.

Leaner and Greener

I have been inspired by my friend Mariah. She lives her life as close as possible to Zero Waste. It is truely amazing. Furthered by the culture at her workplace, which has eliminated the need for trash cans, she only has garbage pick up because the city will not allow you to stop said pick up. This is partially due to the concern that if someone did stop garbage pick-up it might lead to a rotting cest pool of a home in an otherwise clean and green city.

So, I said to myself, "Gwen, how can you do this in your life?" First, see what I can transfer from garbage to composting. Second, evaluate what items are paper recyclable that I'm currently trashing. And Third, look into the potential recyclability of items that currently think of as trash: plastics not taken by recycling, electronics, fabric scraps. Today, I'll discuss my discovery of food recycling options in Bellingham.

I had heard some information about Bellingham's new recycling, but didn't know if it was more money put out than return for the environment. It costs twice as much, though still not a huge ping on my pocket, as my current yard waste pick up by City Organics. I LOVE these guys. They've snagged my can from the side yard on days when I've forgotten to put it out. I really want to continue to use them so, my first step was to investigate City Organics ability to take dairy and meat scraps as well as food-soiled paper in addition to the current pick up of yard waste. Unfortunately, they only take items which are grown on the earth. I have decided to keep City Organics for a while - seems I have a bit more yard waste that can be hauled off.

My next step was to request 'Food Plus! Recycling' from SSC. This option allows me to put a ton of my food scraps into the compost bin. Amazingly, I threw away a ton of napkins and paper towels that can now be composted. What's even cooler is that this compost will return to Whatcom County as soil several years from now. More information about SSC's 'Food Plus! Recycling' can be found at their website: http://www.ssc-inc.com/recycling_residential.php. I must admit, the biggest frustration about this is the fruit flies. UGH! They seem to take over my kitchen. Plus, the smell is horrendous if you leave meat in the bin outside to cook in the sun. I haven't discovered a better way to handle this yet.

Next week, I'll discuss paper recycling, what I've realized is recyclable and how it affects each room in my home.

Octopussy

I mean! Have you ever seen something as cute as this? I found this vintage piece a week ago and fell instantly in LOVE! And it makes a super cute apron! This little cutie can be purchased on my etsy store somethingdreadfull.etsy.com

* Vintage Spanish "Calamared de Malaguena"

* Instructions on how to make calamari

Waiter: "Hola, como esta Sr. Montoya?"

Sr. Montoya: "No! No! No! No, Calamared!"

How much do I love thee.... let me count the flames!

This car is so HOT! I want it bad. Amazing paint job. It exudes coolness. This is one of the few I was able to catch before we went to the Big John Bates show a few weeks ago. Man, was that a blast! BJB is an awesome show. But, y'all best keep in mind, it's not for the faint of heart.