A little home dec, a little personal stuff

With the move into a new house came the need to change a few things. One glaring change was with the chairs in the breakfast room. The wallpaper has ivory, green and poppy red; the chairs are oak, but had really ugly taupe seat covers. I've disliked them ever since we bought the furniture, but we've been in "moving limbo" for the last six months, not knowing what we would be buying or what the rooms would need. Now that we're officially in the new digs, I decided to use up some darker red geometric and cover the chair cushions. It looks LOTS better....photos to follow:)
I've also been in need of some new personal clothing. I'm in the process of what will be a significant weight loss (doctor's orders, so I know this will happen), and I'm leery of making too many things that will require future alteration. Here is the plan as it stands right now:
Two pair of one-seam pants, in khaki and black. These will last through about 30 pounds. I use a draw-cord elastic instead of the recommended sport elastic; as I lose weight, I can pull up the cord. The drape of the pants will be fine if I use a softer fabric.
Several colorful long-sleeve tees, in patterns if possible. I'll fit these fairly snug right now, and they'll be more comfortable as the pounds are shed. Prints hide the picky fit issues for awhile. Besides, tees are easy to run up on the machine; you get a lot of bang for the buck.
A few really beautiful shirts, which can later be used as 'shirt jackets'. This will pull things together and make things look like outfits. I don't want to invest time in fitted jackets until I'm within 15 pounds of the goal. I do not like to alter jackets.
Two skirts. I'm using a four-gore elastic waist pattern for both. I can use the drawcord elastic for these, too. One is complete; it's black "peachskin crepe", which is an inexpensive but very drapey fabric. The second fabric is still up for decision.
There are about half a dozen really nice sweaters in the closet that will work with all of this, and by spring, I'll be ready for a whole new wardrobe:)

Farewell

To the man who wanted opera to be for the masses....

The glorious high c...

The ebullience, the energy, and the presence.

Farewell.