Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Wool Samples from England

A much anticipated packet arrived in the mail yesterday. It contained a kind, handwritten note and four pieces of wool in various hues of blue. David and I both held our breath as we opened the envelope - anticipation! - and then peered with very great delight at what we found.

Wool! Wonderful wool! Beautiful, lightweight, tightly woven, sheeny-hued wool with labels from Abimelech Hainsworth, England, wool manufacturer.

"Ahh!" said David, holding up a sample to the light. "I think this is it!"

"Ahh!" thought I, "Abimelech. A perfect name for a future son!"

Anyway, lest any of you think we are crazy, we have finally found what appears to be the best source out there for officer grade wool for federal CW uniforms. We heard that Needle and Thread carried Hainsworth broadcloth but the price was a little inhibitive - $125/yard! We thought it would be worth it to at least look into seeing if we could order directly from the manufacturer. We can, and it is cheaper to do so, even with the import fees and shipping. I am so glad and so happy for David. What a find!

Other glad tidings regard my sewing machine which has been out of action for almost two months. I had another, older machine that I had given to my mom and she gave it back to me when she heard what had befallen my new machine. It had some small problems with it but it is as I write this in the shop getting fixed and should be done by tomorrow! In the meantime, David's mom has let me borrow her machine, on which she recently had the tension fixed. Yesterday I was able to finish a shirt for David that had been lying half-pieced on my sewing table since Thanksgiving and today I started a crossover half-robe from the ELC pattern.

This is pretty much a test run for the crossover bodice. I made a crossover regency gown last year and I just didn't like the way it looked on me. I am not sure if this crossover pattern will be more flattering or not. If it looks all right I want to make a few more to use as nursing blouses. I just love the way the shoulders are pleated into the back!
Does anyone have recommendations for good nursing-friendly blouse patterns? I have the Folkwear Gibson Girl blouse pattern that I was thinking of adapting for nursing by moving the opening to center front instead of center back but other than that, I am not sure what to do. Has anyone used the Beatrix Shirtwaist pattern or the Romantic Blouse pattern from Sense and Sensibility? I'm seriously thinking about getting those, since it seems the variations are quite possibly endless!

I'm not sure if I will be able to post again until after the baby comes. I am scheduled for my surgery for 7:15 a.m. this Friday. I'm getting very excited but also nervous! I can't wait to meet my little stranger but at the same time the thought of leaving my other two babies here for a few days causes me to weep. I will miss them so much. I also won't have David with me so much at the hospital since he has to care for the babies most of the time I will be in. So, please pray for peace from the Lord!

May you all have a very blessed week!

Love,

Sarah

16 comments:

  1. Good luck and blessings for your upcoming special day!

    ReplyDelete
  2. good luck friday you and baby will be in my prayers. looking forward to seeing your little one once you are home POST PICTURES.

    In Christ
    janice

    ReplyDelete
  3. I can't believe how quickly the time has come! I understand exactly how you feel dear friend! May the Lord be with you during your delivery and after and may you feel His awesome peace!

    I will be thinking of you as the week comes to a close.

    Lots of love,
    Sommer

    *Feel free to email me anytime if you want:-) sommer_l_sorenson@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my! I can hardly believe that your little one will be here this week!! You will both be in my prayers for a safe and gentle delivery, and a quick recovery for you!! I will mail your little box out this weekend...I hope everything is to your liking!!
    God bless you dear!
    ~Tilly

    ps--yes, please do post pictures as soon as you are able!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. That wool is BEAUTIFUL!

    Best wishes on Friday, know you're in our prayers. I can't wait to see your little blessing #3!

    ReplyDelete
  6. How exciting that you are so close to the birth! I will be praying for you and your family on Friday as you become a fivesome!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You have been in my thoughts and prayers the last few days, and I will continue to keep you uplifted for a safe delivery, healthy babe, and calm, peace and joy over your entire home. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Many prayers for you!!!! Those blues are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I hope your surgery goes well and baby arrives safely :-)

    Rachel xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. That must be hard to leave your babies while in the hospital. I’ll be praying for you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear Sarah,
    A gentle, happy time to you during the next days. What anticipation. Then just think, you will get home and your little sweet peas will come running to you and give you lots of hugs, pulling at your skirt, wanting to see their little sibling.

    Very best,
    Natalie in Kentucky

    ReplyDelete
  12. Awww, you are so close to holding that wee one in your arms!! :) I pray everything goes smoothly and easily!

    With love,
    Lauren Christine

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oooh, baby time! My thoughts are with you and this wonderful time! Best of luck and blessings to you, Sarah Jane.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Many blessings! I will be praying for you and your family!
    ~Tiffany

    ReplyDelete
  15. Such beautiful wool!
    You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I know our Lord will take care of you and all your sweet babies, including this new one. I hope you have a quick recovery so you can come back home soon. And yes, please put pictures up as soon as you feel able!

    ~Emily

    ReplyDelete
  16. I know this is an old post, but I have to comment... you made me laugh! With comparing your husband's exclamation and your thoughts - that was so lovely.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your lovely thoughts!