E is for EVENT WEAR. Now, most style books will tell you that an EVENING GOWN is an essential in every woman’s wardrobe. Well, I wish that were true of my wardrobe, but it simply does not fit the way I live. I would love to own a beautiful evening gown, but where would I wear it? The biggest gala in my town is the annual Christmas Tree Auction. Now, from what I understand, many of the men will wear tuxedos, but most of the women are wearing cocktail dresses. But maybe if I made a beautiful evening dress, I would purpose to find an event to wear it to!



But more realistic for my purposes is the EVENT outfit. We all have special events that come up in our lives where a regular day dress may pass, but really shouldn’t. Some of these events may include weddings, ceremonies, special parties, and holiday events. It seems that people like to dress up more for the holidays and add a little more sparkle. The time to make an event outfit is before you have an event on your calendar! You do not want to be rushing around looking for a special dress or trying to make something a week before your special event. It is best to have one or two pieces on hand, so that when the invitation comes, all you need to worry about is how you will accessorize it!

Let’s talk dresses first. When deciding on a pattern for your event dress, look through the patterns you’ve already made and see if there is one that is particularly flattering. If you have one, and it’s a style you think will work, use this as your basic pattern. The most versatile style will be one that skims the body and is not too baggy nor too tight. We do want to be able to eat at these special events! We will talk about the LBD (Little Black Dress) in a later post, but for this wardrobe essential, go for some color. This season jewel tones are really in, so pick one that flatters your overall complexion. You will want to choose a fabric that says “special” so look for things like silk, satin, crepe, shantung, chiffon, velvet, panne velvet, or lurex. Many special occassion fabrics are made of polyester. They are more difficult to work with than silk, but easier on the budget (in some cases) and can usually be washed. Some of the sequined fabrics are fun to work with , but it takes a little more experience. When the stores start putting out the Halloween fabrics, that is the time to find those glittery and glamorous pieces that are usually not available other times of the year.


There are some great knits out there with lurex threads running through or glitter or sequins. You can use a very simple pattern and a great fabric and have a one of a kind special dress in just a couple of hours!



















You’re not a dress person you say? Well, picture something like this pants suit in an all ivory wool, a statement necklace, and metallic shoes. Add a lacy camisole or satin blouse underneath, and you’ll be set for almost any event.
Another quick and easy option for evening wear or a special event is to make a great top and pair it with a black skirt or black pants. Now the pants or skirt should be of nicer fabric and cut (no Docker’s style here please.) One year I got some great silver knit fabric from Textile Studio Patterns and made a simple tank top. I wore it with a black knit skirt, some great earrings and a necklace. It’s still one of my favorite holiday outfits! Nothing says special event more than satin in a bright color. Now, a hot pink satin dress may be just too much over the top, but a simple bright pink (or insert other color) blouse with a pair of wide legged black pants and heels would look fab. Again, the blouse can be either a simple style with a great fabric, or it can be a blouse with a lot of details. Either way, make sure it’s something you feel good in, because when you feel good, you look good.

Remember, if it is evening, or cool/cold outside, you will need some kind of appropriate wrap. Please do not wear your favorite down parka with that special event outfit! Evening wraps are great, and a satin shawl in a muted tone would be easy enough to make. If it’s going to be cold, you will want something warmer. One of the things on my list for the Endless Combinations contest is to make an evening coat. I’m using a a very plain coat pattern (FSG ) that I’ve made before, but making it out of a very special fabric. It is a black metallasse-looking fabric that has a silver thread running through it. It may not be warm enough, so I will underline it and put a heavy lining in it. Another great option is a vintage fur stole. This can be real or faux, but real fur is amazingly warm. I have my grandmother’s mink stole and although it only covers the top half of me, it is super toasty.

*And speaking of accessories, I must go back and add this to the A page:
Accessories are a must. You can make or break an outfit with the accessories. Now, I’m no expert on accessories, and I can’t affort to hire Rachel Zoe, so it’s the trial and error or “practice makes perfect” theories you want to put into effect here. Think of this, vibrant green satin blouse, black skirt, and clogs. Just doesn’t work, does it? Or how about that beautiful evening dress and a big black leather hobo purse? I think not. If you’re iffy on what’s “hot” as far as accessories go, check out any number of style magazines, and pay attention to jewelry, shoes, bags,

Bias Skirt Finished

Yes, I finally finished the bias skirt. The two hour skirt that took me more than 2 days to finish. Oh well, I really like it. But I must have gained 5 pounds in those two days, because it is a little snug in the waist. It seemed like it was going to be too big, so I took it in and then I had to really ease it in to fit the waistband. I should have cut the waistband a 14 instead of a 12. I'll know for next time.

Tips I gleaned from other blogs and websites:
1. Iron the pieces after you cut them out before you sew them. This helps simulate the natural stretching that will occur from hanging and wearing.
2. Stretch the seams as you sew. They will look rippled when you do this, but they will press out and hang nicely.
3. Use bias tape to make your hem. I got this idea from something Summerset said about circle skirts. It worked perfectly on this. Also, pre-press the bias tape, curving as you go. I used wide single-fold pre-made bias tape.

4. A lapped zipper turns out much more nicely than an invisible zipper on bias cuts skirts. Believe me. Really.

D is also for...

DETAILS! One of the biggest things that changes the look from “Happy hands at home” to “Designer” is the details. The next time you’re out shopping, whether in real life or online, take a look at all of the details in RTW. Even Walmart has details in their clothing that would put some of our creations to shame! A plain, unadorned garment is perfectly acceptable if you have fabulous fabric and beautiful seaming. Otherwise, you’re going to want to add something if you want to make it look special. One of the greatest things about sewing is that we can make our garments unique, one of a kind creations.




Here are some examples of details that take your clothing up a notch:

• buttons, buttonholes
• binding on neckline, hem or sleeve hems
• piping
• pleating
• topstitching
• pintucks
• trim - lace, ribbon, soutache, braid, gimp, embroidery, beading, couched yarn, etc.
• bows, tabs, straps
• belts, lapels, collars and cuffs
• interesting seaming and seam finishes.

As your skills as a seamstress improve, take one little thing up a notch with each new garment. Try a different buttonhole, or a bound buttonhole, Try a patch pocket with gathers or pleating, or a welt pocket. Instead of gathering a neckline, try pleating it. Get out that sewing book and try a new skill. You will be thrilled with the results (I always practice on scrap fabric first.)



Try choosing a pattern that has an interesting detail. People never think your clothes are “home made” when you have appropriate details. Take a look at some of the style magazines and RTW and notice things like button size, seaming details, zipper techniques, fabric combinations, use of lace, ribbon, and trim. Be an inspector.





And those camera phones really come in handy for remembering some of
these details!

D is for...

D is for DENIM JACKET. Now, I have purchased 2 patterns for denim jackets, and have yet to make one. I have not owned one in years - but I really think I'm missing out here. The first pattern I bought for a denim jacket was this one from Jalie. I still intend to make it at some point. What I love about this jacket is its classic styling and traditional design. It definitely does not have that "home made" look.




But then I found this pattern from Sandra Betzina, and knew I HAD to have this denim jacket. I think it is more my style. I am planning on making it this spring.

What I love about this pattern is it's unique design and all of the detail seaming. The more I think about this jacket, the more I think I may want to move it up in my cue.

Now the trick to looking stylish in a denim jacket is first of all - dark or colored denim. No faded denim here (or jeans either, unless you're going for the rocker look.) The second thing is, there is too much of a good thing. So, typically, you do not want to wear a denim "suit." The same color of denim head to toe is going to look like you are advertising for a clothing catalogue or something. White jeans and an indigo denim jacket look great. Indigo jeans with a colored denim jacket work. A denim jacket with cords, khakis, or a variety of skirts all work. You get the idea.

D is also for DAY DRESS. Now, what is a day dress you may ask? Simple my darlings - it is a dress to be worn during the day!! LOL! Now, the day dress will vary depending on what your day looks like. In the summer (which lasts from about May to October around here) I am a big fan of cotton and linen dresses. They are more comfortable than pants, shorts or skirts, and they definitely are more flattering than capris. (Did you notice that capris were not on my list of Cs? I admit, I own and wear them, but they are not really flattering, and why should we wear anything that doesn't make us look and feel fabulous when we have the option? More sewing I say! Get rid of those capris and sew up some day dresses and skirts!) OK, back to the day dress. The dress shown on the left is probably my favorite dress off all time. It is a Kwik Sew 3050 pattern and made from a beautiful red linen from Fabric Store.com. This seems to be the dress that I grab whenever I don't know what I want to wear. It is comfortable and hides a multitude of sins. I made it in April of 2007, it's probably been washed at least 20 times, and it still looks great. Yes, I definitely need to make another one of these, since I seem to wear it all the time. Another favorite of mine (which I took to the cleaners and keep forgetting to pick up, is S3539. I made it out of tropical wool and lined it. It's cool enough to wear in the summer, and great in the winter with a top underneath and tights.
Sun dresses are perfect for just hanging out, going to lunch with friends, or even hot summer nights. However, they are not appropriate for the office. Something with a more modest bodice, and possibly sleeves is a better option. In the fall and winter, I love long sleeved dresses. Sleeveless or short sleeved dresses with jackets or cardigans also work.

On Friday, I purchased this Butterick pattern that I will be using as part of my Endless Combinations endeavor. I have some beautiful Taupe Diana Double Knit from Sewing Studio that I think will make this look beautiful. I bought the fabric during their end of season sale, and I think they only carry that color in their spring collection. I love that fabric so much, that when I get some space cleared of (read SEWN) from my knits shelf, which BTW, has now started encroaching on my wool shelf, I would like to purchase more of this fabric for a couple of projects I have in mind. I also have this in an amethyst color that I will be using to make a CARDIGAN. I'm loving the collar detail on this dress. I'm not sure if the "sack" silhouette will be flattering for me, but there's no reason I can't belt it. I will be making it a couple of inches longer as well.

I recently purchased some other dress patterns that I'm really wanting to try.
Of course, there is the infamous Hot Patterns Cosmopolitan Dress, but I'm also really liking the Hot Patterns Indispensable Dress.





I just got the November BWOF magazine and I really like the two versions of the boatneck dress they show in there. I also am planning on making up one of my vintage A line dresses during this contest, perhaps out of a linen, or a wool blend. I have many, many dress patterns that I need to get going on. I'm hoping to work several into the Endless combinations contest, starting with the Butterick one above.

Bias Cut Skirt and Blouse

What am I sewing right now? A bias skirt, of course! Pattern Review is starting its Endless Combinations contest, and it runs the months of November and December. Basically, you make a garment. The next garment must coordinate with garment 1. Garment 3 must coordinate with 1 or 2. Each new garment must coordinate with at least one of the previous garments sewn during the contest time frame, but not necessarily all. You can see the rules at the link above.

I haven't done a contest in a while, but they are good motivators. I think quantity is what will count in this contest, so I know I won't win. I just don't have as much time to sew as I used to. I'm still going to shoot for 1-2 garments a week though, until I get to a coat or a jacket. In other words, I'm picking EASY patterns. For my skirt, I am using the McCalls 4258 I mentioned before. As I was cutting it out this morning, I realized I didn't have enough room on my cutting table to do this, so I moved some of the livingroom furniture and cut it out on the floor. I am determined to make all garments (with the exception of one - more on that later) from my overflowing stash. I am allowing myself to purchase lining, trim, and notions, but not if I have something in my stash that will already work! I did purchase 3 great pieces of fabric at JoAnns on Friday, but I am going to try to really stick to my plan. (I may just be forced to make a Silk Baron purchase, but we won't get into that right now :-) )


The skirt body is from a beautiful deep plum wool that I picked up at Hancock's Fabrics last year. I didn't have any lining that would go with it, so I decided to use the floral print you see in this picture. The picture doesn't show the colors well, but when I post the finished pictures, hopefully I will get a better shot. The print is a poly charmeuse that I bought online last year planning to make some kind of lining with it, so here we go!




I am going to have enough charmeuse left over to make a blouse as well, so I've got that cut out too! I'm using the Simplicity pattern 2938 shown here. I decided to cut the side fronts on the bias to see how that works. I do think I need to purchase some bias tape for this one.





So, what else will you be seeing in the EC contest from me? Well, I'm going to try to follow my ABC's. So, from A-C, you'll be seeing:

• A-line dress,
• anorak,
  
• bias cut skirt,
  
• Blouse (which I just realized I left off of "B is for" and had to go back and edit it,)
  
• black pants,
  
• cardigan,
  
• coat, and maybe a
  
• cropped jacket.
  

So, I better get off this computer and get busy sewing!!

C is for

C is for CARDIGAN. Now, I know a lot of style books say “C is for Cashmere.” And, I do love my cashmere sweaters. BUT, I also have some acrylic sweaters that I love just as much, and they can get thrown in the washing machine Also, I’ve noticed that my acrylic sweaters do not seem to pill as much as my cashmere sweaters do. So, it’s like just about anything. If you look for something well-made, and that fits good taste, you will have a winner. But the advantage of all this is that we can make sure that something is well made by making it ourselves!

(Click any image to make it larger)

A Cardigan is a great pieces to bring an outfit up a notch. There are long and short cardigans, button, zip, tie, and open versions. Some are heavy, some are light. Last year I made this cardigan from a New Look pattern. Although I loved the pattern, I wasn’t that thrilled with the fabric. In fact, when I prewashed the fabric, it pilled like crazy. I was very disappointed because it was not “cheap” fabric. Sweater knits aren’t always easy to come by, but cardigans (and twin sets) can be made of any variety of stretch knits. I recently ordered some knits on line and they just came yesterday. I figure that 3 yards will get me a sleeveless shell and a cardigan. This time I’m going to try Fashion Sewing Group’s cardigan pattern. I made the top and really liked it, so I'm sure I'll like the cardigan as well




C is also for CROPPED JACKETS. Now, I could go crazy over cropped jackets, because I have the right body type for them. I am big in the bust, hips and thighs, but have a small waist, rib cage, and narrow shoulders. This makes me something in between the typical pear shape and hourglass shape. From the side I look definitely hourglass, but from the front or back, I look very pear shape.
The cropped jacket emphasizes my small waist and does not draw attention to my big bottom half. I’ve bought a few patterns I would like to try out this year. I'm really loving the little red jacket shown in the McCalls 5528 drawing. This would be so cute in linen for spring or summer, or a boiled wool or brocade for winter.


I'm also really liking the Vogue 8319 jacket (and the dress too!) Wouldn't this make a great LBD with a nice evening fabric for the jacket? I also think the whole outfit would look great in a wool crepe or silk dupioni.
















C is also for CAPE . Now last year, the BWOF cape was all the rage, and there were some fabulous versions out there. There were 8 different people who reviewed it, and they all looked different, and they all did a fabulous job! I also really happen to like the cape in this Simiplicity 3959 pattern shown on the model with the hat. I'd love to make that out of a warm coating fabric.













The last C for tonight is CLUTCH. This season's "must have" bag! I can hardly wait for Vogue patterns to go on their $3.99 sale at JoAnn's so I can pick up this pattern.

I'm also looking for other clutch bag options, but haven't seen any. I know Hot Patterns has a large envelope bag that they're calling a clutch, but I'm looking more toward something like the yellow, white, and red bags shown on the left. Or maybe different. Any suggestions?

OK. I lied. The last C for tonight is CUT. We can have hundreds of patterns, and cabinets full of fabric, but if we don't cut it out, we never get to the sewing part! My plan is to cut out my bias skirt tomorrow morning, either before, or after, church.

B is for

B is for Blazer. The blazer is a fashion classic. Borrowed from menswear, the blazer (with a woman's cut, of course) is very flattering and "finishes" an outfit. You can wear your Black Pants (another B essential), a T shirt, and the blazer will make the outfit. Blazers can be made from cotton or linen and unlined for the hottest months, or they can be wool and lined - and even underlined - for more warmth. Pick up any pattern catalogue or BWOF magazine, and you will find a host of blazer options. The traditional blazer is longer in length, but in today's fashion world, there is everything from very cropped to below the seat. Pick the style that works best on your body type.
Wikipedia has this to say about blazers:

A blazer is a type of jacket, often double-breasted, and sometimes single-breasted, worn as smart casual clothing. The term blazer is also sometimes used as a synonym for boating jacket or sports jacket, though in fact it is neither. A blazer resembles a suit jacket, except that it has a more casual cut, and features as patch pockets with no flaps and metal buttons. A blazer's cloth is usually durable, because it was designed as a sporting jacket. They often form part of the uniform of bodies such as airlines, schools, and yachting or rowing clubs.

The blazer began as a jacket worn in boat clubs, for rowing, and was brightly coloured, often striped, with contrasting piping, and single breasted; it was essentially an early sports jacket. At that time, the double breasted, navy blue jacket was known as a reefer jacket. Eventually, as the original blazer became less common, the term come to be applied to the naval version, which gained its modern metal buttons. It is still sometimes called the reefer jacket, and is worn in its original form by some yachting clubs.

Although this definition refers to a man's blazer, that is, after all, where we women got the blazer in the first place!

Textile Studios' Florence Jacket is a good example of a feminine version of the blazer sans the pockets and brass buttons, although either would be easy to add. Silhouettes 1500 is another example of a more traditionally styled blazer, whereas Vogue 8333 has more of a 40's flair, and Simplicity 4273 offers one with princess seams.

B is for BLACK PANTS - almost every woman needs a pair, if not multiple pairs of black pants. There are literally thousands of pants patterns out there, so find one that fits you well, and STICK WITH IT. It is easy enough to change a pocket detail, leg width, etc. But the important thing is to get a pattern that you make fit you perfectly, and use that as a basis for all other pants you make. (I'm still working on this myself - but after all the trial and error, I am determined to get the fit right and then make that my TNT.) This time of year, I'm realizing that I need pants - and I'll need them in a hurry. It is in the high eighties today, but won't be next week. I'll be needing some pants - er, some BLACK pants to be sure! Black pants can be made from a variety of fabrics depending on the look you want. Fuller cut pants look best in drapey materials. RPL , triacetate, and polyester pants are great choices if you need workhorse-pants in your wardrobe that can be thrown in the washer and dryer. Wool pants are very durable and the fabric is easy to work with. As a rule, wool pants should be drycleaned, but if you pretreat your fabric carefully, you may be able to wash them, but probably would want to dry flat or hang to dry. One alternative to lining pants is to make a washable pants liner. The FSG pants pattern comes with a pants liner, but you can also use a pajama pants pattern for a liner. You may need to cut out some of the fullness. An advantage to the pants liner is that it can be washed over and over and the pants will only have to be cleaned about half as often as lined pants. Cotton and linen are great choices for summer pants and can be lined or unlined.

B is also for BIAS CUT SKIRT and I think this is the next thing on my list. I chose McCalls 4258 for a couple of reasons. First of all, it was the 99 cents sale at JoAnns. This skirt has a narrower version (shown at left) and a fuller version. Both versions come with a zipper and with or without a waist band. I will be needing some long skirts when I go to Uganda in April, so I want to make a few now. Also, a long skirt is great for winter. It keeps your legs warm, looks good with flats, heels, or boots, and can be made from anything from chiffon to wool. Rayon and cotton are good choices for hot weather, where as moleskin, wool, and velour are great in the winter. You can usually tell if a pattern is cut on the bias because the catalogue almost always will show at least one view with a bias plaid or stripe. Bias cut skirts hang more nicely and move with you gently. The seem more feminine and flattering to the figure. Remember when working with bias garments, to let them hang at least overnight before hemming, as they will stretch. It is also a good idea to interface the zipper area (if there is one) to keep it from drooping.

Edited to add:  Oh, how did I forget to add on BLOUSE?  We all need at least one, if not several blouses in our wardrobe.  There have been controversies over what the difference between a blouse, shirt, and top are.  For my purposes here, if it's not a T-shirt, it's a blouse.  I don't consider most knit tops blouses, but BWOF had a beautiful knit blouse in the magazine some time last year that I would have never known was a knit had I not read the instructions.  So, leave it up to your own interpretation, but we definitely need BLOUSES!

And, of course, B is for BLOGS. How would we keep up with what everyone else is doing if we didn't have our blogs??

So, I would love to hear your thoughts on Blazers and Bias cut garments. I know there is a real art to working with bias cut blouses and dresses, but a skirt is not as difficult, and well worth it. So, what are your experiences with bias cut garments or blazers? And what would you suggest for those who may not yet have taken the "pants plunge", but would like to try?

A is also for...

Animal Print. Now, every fashionista should have a dash of animal print. Animal Print is best used as an accessory or accent. Personally, I have animal print gloves and a scarf. And I'm absolutely in love with the animal print coat that Tany made last year and would love to try one myself. There is too much of a good thing, though. You don't want to wear animal print head to toe.











A is also for ANORAK. I love this Mc Calls pattern and have bought some silver metallic linen to make it up. There are a few different styles of anoraks that I have seen at green pepper patterns, Jalie, and somewhere else that I can't remember. The anorak is a great throw on jacket for transitional weather. I have one in a microfiber fabric that folds up into it's own totebag. It was made by a company called Weekenders, which is no longer in business.


Oh, how could I forget to add ACCESSORIES to the list of A's?

Accessories are a must. You can make or break an outfit with the accessories. Now, I’m no expert on accessories, and I can’t affort to hire Rachel Zoe, so it’s the trial and error or “practice makes perfect” theories you want to put into effect here. Think of this, vibrant green satin blouse, black skirt, and clogs. Just doesn’t work, does it? Or how about that beautiful evening dress and a big black leather hobo purse? I think not. If you’re iffy on what’s “hot” as far as accessories go, check out any number of style magazines, and pay attention to jewelry, shoes, bags,

A is for ...

I just recently finished reading Nina Garcia's book The One Hundred. Although this is a good read, and there is lots of usable information in the book, these books usually make me feel blown off by about the second or third chapter. Yes, I would love to have Manolos and Jimmy Choos, own a Burbury trench and shop for Lanvin, wear tights that cost almost one hundred dollars, and of course, be seen in Chanel. Well, I can appreciate these styles and designers, but my budget and lifestyle just aren't there. Why is it that all writers of fashion books seem to be out of touch with the way most of us live? Well, at least out of touch with the way I live. Also, if I wore high end designer clothes to work a)I doubt that anyone would know who the designer was, and b)if they did, they would think I was out of my mind.

The One Hundred is written like an alphabet book, with a variety of items under each letter of the alphabet. It covers everything from clothes, underwear, accessories, and outer wear, to champagne, passports, and Pearls. I will say, that there was a lot of useful information in the book, and it is a quick read. On the other hand, a Birkin bag and original Pucci will not be adorning my closet any time soon.

I have decided to do my own ABC list of sorts for the "real woman", in fact, for the real sewing woman. I will be using a combination of ideas I have read in a variety of books, magazines and articles. I will be reflecting on things I see in real life and what I've known to work for me. I live in California, so my my views will be a little more relaxed than the East coast view, but hey, It's just a blog... Enjoy!


A is for A-line dress. Now this is one of the things in Garcia's book, but trying to find a pattern for a true A-line dress is not as easy as it seems. I just recently purchased a couple of vintage pattern from Out of the Ashes for a 60's A-line dresses. A-lines were very popular in the 60's and 70's. and yes, I'm old enough to remember. The beauty of the A-line is that it is (supposed to be) flattering for all figure types. If you are having a poochy tummy day, it will never be seen in an A-line. A-line dresses were also considered "mod" dressing. Bright colors, color blocking, and large prints made these dresses mod. Most had high necklines; either jewel or nehru. These dresses were either just above the knee or mini length. The A-line came into being as an offshoot for a slimmer line than the trapeze dress. Women were in love with this style after years of cinched in waists and fitted bodices.The A-line is the easy to wear go-to dress. I'm anxiously awaiting my pattern so that I can make up one or two!

So, I'm wondering... How many of you have an A line dress? And do you believe that they are flattering on all body types? Do you have any pattern suggestions to share? remember, the A line was not shaped at the waist. I'd love to hear what you have to say about A-lines.

Next - a couple of more A's.

Book Giveaway

Today I drew the name for the book The Collection. The winner is Janene. So Janene, please send my your address info to nwinning at gmail dot com and I will get it out in the mail. I am sending my original book to Summerset, because she was supposed to get it the first time around. So, both of you, please send me your mailing info, and I'll try to get those out this week. thanks to everyone else who put their names in and posted on my blog.

Your condolences mean so much

Thanks so much for all of your prayers, well-wishes, thoughts, and encouragement. It means so much to you. Even though I have never met many of you, there is something about the online sewers community that is like family and sisterhood. Even though we've been expecting the passing of my father for some time, it doesn't remove the sense of loss or grief, although it does make it more bearable. I think that we've been grieving for so long because of the Alzheimers, that we are at the point where we are glad to see his suffering finally at an end. He was a real fighter, and though he lost much weight and mobility at the end, he never gave up the fight against cancer. The timing was perfect since I was able to spend the entire day before his death with him and my brother Tony was with him the whole morning of his passing. Of course, we did not know it would be his last day, but Tony played guitar for him that morning which he always loved. My other brother, Paul, from Tennessee was able to speak to him the night before on the phone. So, God made sure that the three of us were with him all the way up to the very end, and we are all thankful for that.

I have updated my photo album of Dad with some interesting information, so take a look if you like.


We are all doing fine, though a little exhausted. My brother will be flying in from Tennessee on Veteran's day weekend and spending the week with us. My dad did not want a funeral, so we will be having an open house/celebration of his life on that Monday. I think it will be just what he would like.

In Memory

more photos