Another item off the list...

Although I haven't updated the actual list, Dana's dress is done and so is Joseph's Techno Coat. If you're not familiar with this story, 'Joseph' is the Biblical one and his multicolored coat is the straw that breaks the camel's back and drives his brothers into a jealous rage that sets Joseph's amazing journey from slavery to prince in motion. The Broadway show based on his story, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", by Tim Rice and Andrew Webber, is tied for favorite in my heart(with Into the Woods). I have always wanted to make the coat. It's only worn for a short time but it is pivotal to the show and, well, it's so gosh darn pretty! I have been unable to find any kind of commercial pattern for the coat so I had to draft one myself. I call this my prototype since it is far from perfect and there are several changes I would make if I were to ever make another. I used Kona cottons for the solids and a Laurel Burch print for the bands. I think the bodice is from Timeless Treasures but I'm not sure. I hid (read *misplaced*) my notes somewhere. The gold is a satin I had in my stash. I have hopes of getting more pictures from the production, particularly one where the coat is 'open' and all the colored gores are circling Joseph but for now I only have this one. Thanks to Chris for taking/sending the picture and Marshall--a most excellent Joseph!

There's no place like home--

<-- Jacie at camp-- with hat, of course!
Camp is always the best/worst, longest/shortest, most trying/most fulfilling week of the year. It didn't help that it was the hottest week so far this year; it was good that we had many new little faces ready to learn about Jesus. Some of the returning campers I'll never see again as they have reached the age limit this year. Did I make a difference? We had five decisions for Christ this week; two of them asked me to perform their baptisms. It was an honor. Will they have their families support when they get home to continue in their Christian walk? I can only pray they do. It was wonderful that their parents not only gave permission, they came to camp to witness. Thank you God!

I'm also kind of glad Bottled Rainbows didn't make it onto my bunk. A year tends to dull some memories and I did forget what my quilt would go through at camp. I picked up an inexpensive dorm quilt at WallyWorld before we left and by the end of the week it had my suitcase dragged across it many times a day. The little one in the bunk above mine tossed her dirty clothes, shoes, wet swimsuit and towels on it and left them there until I found them at bedtime (everyday, despite repeated reminders to hang 'em outside). At devotion time before bed it was a game to see how many campers could cram in to sit with me. I didn't mind, even though it meant lots of sandy little feet climbing aboard. It caught a few tears from a few upset campers. It was where we sat for homesick hugs, hurt feeling hugs and goodmorning & goodnight hugs. (Nope, didn't mind that at all. I brought plenty of hugs.)It was the base under some good talks and lots of girly giggles. It did it's job. I'm afraid if I had brought BR I would have been so concerned about my quilt that I wouldn't let the things that happen at camp happen and that could ruin the girls experience. I don't want to be known as the dorm mom who was too concerned about her stuff than the girls who needed her. I will forget names and faces over the year but may I never forget that I go to camp for them and not to show off my latest creation on my bunk.

So close-

We'll be leaving for camp duty tomorrow and my hope of bringing my Bottled Rainbows quilt for my bunk is waning. I ran out of the Kona bone I used for sashing and borders and I think I want just one more strip to finish the outer edge. *sigh* Off to my LQS with the hopes they have some!

Anyway, congratulations to my lovely bride and her lucky husband. Theirs was one the nicest, most simple weddings! Since they met in the theatre, the whole theme was as though the wedding was a play in three acts and it was great fun. I'm so happy she asked me to be a part of it!


<- With her dad-
The happy couple->


Off to camp and then some family will be in for a visit. My "me time" was short but hopefully I'll get some more in August. Gah! AUGUST!! Already?

*sigh*

Happy 4th!

Happy Independence Day to the USA! Happy day to everyone else! Just have a great Monday!

I took a break from the wedding gown to poke around for a bit and was suddenly seeing the 'new' trend of "unpaper towels" on a lot of the blogs. Seriously? I have no problem with trying to use less paper, yadda, yadda... I've been doing it myself for years. I don't buy paper towels except for rare applications; usually of a craft nature at camp where I don't have access to a washer. The problem I'm having with it is the name. UNPAPER towels? What happened to good 'ol dishcloths? Terry, birdseye, feedsack, linen-- they're not new! Someone fill me in on why this is so trendy, please? It's just for wiping/cleaning/drying---- right?