Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Style: Al's again, and Apparel Arts

Over the last couple of weeks I have been dealing with some family stuff. We were also busy at work finishing up some projects. It finally feels like things are starting to settle down, and I'm glad. I feel like hibernating a little bit for the winter. I'm going to take some time off the bike and I'm looking forward to some dark, cold time to snuggle indoors with the cats, my baby and some sewing.

Last year I bought some fabric with the intention of making Babycakes a shirt, and me a denim shirt jacket. B's is a nice Viyella shadow plaid and I got some beautiful Japanese raw slub denim. I was in over my head with my skill level though, and we decided instead to order these from Al's Attire.

Back at #alsattire

While I was disappointed that I couldn't realize my vision, and bummed that I made a birthday present commitment that I couldn't keep, I'm glad to have that 'to do' item in the works. Bill ordered a nice button up work shirt, and I'll have a great western style layering piece.

I'm finishing up my 2nd final skirt for Apparel Arts. I'm very pleased with what I've accomplished. I found my inspiration last fall (from Spring 2013), pinned them to Pinterest, started school in January, and 10 months later I've almost completed both of these garments.

I learned the pattern drafting theory, drafted two slopers (had to make a second one because I lost weight), completed 12 skirt pattern exercises, including muslins, and then followed through on a vision that I had a year ago.

More stitching in the ditch #apparelarts

It's hard to be patient with the process, because I want to get to shirts, but it's nice to stop for a minute and reflect on everything that I have done.

I didn't really wear many skirts before I started pattern drafting. Now I have the skills to draft and make whatever I want, so now I'm working out what pieces I could use to fill out my closet. Likely basics, timeless pieces that I can wear for work and to ride in...of course. :)

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Rider #3273 Reporting for Duty

So this is happening.


Aids LifeCycle Round 2


Yep I'm riding again! 

To contribute, please go to my site: www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014 

Many thanks,
Alice

Thursday, October 03, 2013

BBP

Packed for the #dharmawheels #buddhistbikepilgrimage

I really enjoyed the Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage, or BBP last weekend. We set off from Spirit Rock at the crack of dawn Saturday morning. Headed out Nicassio Valley in the morning cold...I was so cold. Climbing felt nice because it warmed up the body.

Hello pumkins

We skirted around the reservoir and up to the Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd out to the Cheese Factory. Then out to Hicks and Wilson Hill.

Saw this today

After that I knew a few roads, Two Rock and whatnot. It was a nice long ride, 84 miles Saturday. We stopped at Sae Taw Win II for lunch and learned about their classes.

We got to camp near Cloverdale around 5ish, had dinner then I volunteered to clean up afterwards. I was close to the point of passing out at that point but I know how important volunteers are to these kinds of events and I wanted to give back so I washed the dishes. By the time 8pm rolled around and it was time to sit, I was nodding off on the cushion.

On Sunday, we stopped at the City of 10,000 Buddhas and Abhayagiri Monastery and learned this song:

I have enough
I am grateful
Share the blessings
Hallelujah.

May all be fed
May all things flourish
May all awaken
Bhodi Svaha

We're at the city of 10,000 Buddhas #buddhistbicyclepilgrimage

We used our route sheet, knew the path and stayed on the path.