If Looks Could Kill

"You'd be lying on the floor

You'll be begging me please, please

Baby, don't hurt me no more

IF LOOKS COULD KILLLLLL"

Anyone else turn the music up over their own voice and sing their heart out in the car? Today, on the way to work, I was Ann Wilson, front runner for Heart. Oh yeah, I was hitting those notes and letting the Magic Man know what's in store for him if he plans to use those magic hands on someone else...again. Mama was definitely right! 

I'LL TELL YOU NO LIES

I can hardly call going to the fabric shop "work". We do work hard at keeping our business running and pleasing our customers but it doesn't feel like a job. It's much more satisfying than my old job marketing building products. That was a good job and I met great people who helped me grow personally and professionally but it did feel like a J-O-B even though it was a path to a career in marketing that led me to all of you. I'm not gonna lie, having a fabric shop is a lot of fun! I seriously walk around picking out fabric to take home and sew with - it's ridiculous. You can hate me now. 

IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES, IT WAS THE WORST OF TIMES

That said, it's tricky times! We're transitioning seasons and in-between fabric shipments. Yes, I'm pulling back the veil people - I just can't help myself. We ordered fabric from one of our suppliers last week and pushed them to get the shipment picked up by the shipping company on Friday. Usually the shipping company leaves LA for the east coast on Friday and delivers to our door by the following Wednesday. Not this week folks! This happens sometimes, we have no idea when it will leave now. This is when it's not fun. To put it bluntly, and here's where the disclaimer comes in, this kind of shit makes my butt pucker. We're at the mercy of the suppliers and the shipping company...we are a small fish (think tadpole) in a big pond (think ocean). 

FISH ARE FRIENDS, NOT FOOD

I'm typically ok with the tadpole in an ocean scenario - I just hate when it bites me in the ass (or arse for our Aussie and UK readers). Just to be clear, when we don't have stockings it's because we're in this situation. It doesn't mean we don't have fabric - just not new fabric to show off. To top it off, our sweater knits did not make the shipment. Even though that feels like the end of the world, I know it's not. Most of us won't truly be sewing sweater knits for another month or so. There's plenty of time to get them in before the season kicks in. And, hey, we ship in 24 hours so you'll practically have your order before you confirm your purchase. Ok, enough whining, let's talk sewing...

IS THAT A RAGLAN OR ARE YOU JUST HAPPY TO SEE ME? 

I did my first pattern test this past week! It was challenging but a ton of fun. I'm a beginner so this project took me all week. The Walker Raglan Classic Hoodie by Sinclair Patterns - it's for men but the next one I make will be for me! In Fact, I know I'll be making A LOT more of these! Here's my hubby in his Walker Raglan made out of the Slub French Terry in Black. I used black ribbing for the cuffs and band. He loves the fit and he's really making a fashion statement with his socks and sandals! lol!!!

A little side note here: I used pins instead of clips to stabilize the bands and the seams matched up perfectly! So what if my hands were all bloody afterward?!? It was totally worth it!

Mary Beth made this Walker Raglan for my son...she used the Brushed French Terry in Auburgine (out of stock :-() from my stash and striped DBP for the hoodie string. He loves it but we're pretty sure his girlfriend's going to claim it for herself!

OK, I'm out! Time to go switch the laundry loads and pour a glass of red blend! I'll see you all next time I have something mildly interesting to write about...  

 TONIGHT'S RECOMMENDED RED BLEND:  Ravage Knight Fall Dark Red Blend, it's a California wine and it's delicious. 

 TONIGHT'S RECOMMENDED TV BINGE:  Scott & Bailey. If you enjoy crime dramas and/or British TV, this is your jam! We watch it on Amazon Prime. I have to add that Gill is my favorite character which says a lot because Rachel and Janet are also my favorite characters so there's that. 

Hi! I'm Katy Kemper, I co-own Sly Fox Fabrics along with my mother, Mary Beth Creque. Sly Fox was born in late 2016 out of her passion for sewing and my love of marketing and bossing people around. I live in Northeast Ohio with my husband and am mom and stepmom to five lovely children ranging in age from 16 to 20, and adopted mom to one very needy 8 year-old three-legged cat.