Getting prepared!

I've just finished stitching up a stack of Sew or die! needlebooks, all ready for the upcoming Sew to Survive a Zombie Attack event. Now the only things left to do are kit up the supplies, double-check all my notes on zombies and zombie attacks, and pack up everything for the class in about two weeks.

Seriously, this class is going to be FUN to teach. I am so excited about this event I can hardly wait!

Changes

This is one of those posts that I've been meaning to get off my chest for the past couple of weeks, but just couldn't bring myself to sit down and write. Ready? Here I go...

Our little family has been in our "starter home" for several years now, and we've talked at length about moving over the past two years. We really want to be in a different neighborhood - not far from us but closer to friends and family, and the district where we want to register our tot to start pre-school. Unfortunately, since the real estate market took a dive we've watched the value of our little home drop. Our home value is directly affected by all the real estate action around us, and we've seen 6 foreclosures on our block in the past two years along with several sales at incredibly low prices. And one house down the block that has been for sale for over two years, is abandoned, and no one even comes to look at. Sigh...

Since selling at a major loss isn't an option for us, we've made the abrupt decision to rent our home and move in with a relative (who's house is partly empty) in the very same neighborhood that we want to eventually own a home in.

I absolutely have mixed feelings about the impending move. First of all, as soon as we listed our home two days ago we've had an unbelievable amount of interest from renters in an almost constant parade of people driving by the house and walking through (and as I type this we might have already secured some renters this evening). Things are moving a LOT faster than anticipated.

On the positive side, we will be in the neighborhood of our dreams, close enough to walk to parks and playdates with friends, and even a really nice little downtown area a few blocks from our new place. I have felt so isolated in our current home that it will be wonderful to feel connected with neighbors and a community once again.

The negative is a big one for me. I'm totally losing my home office/sewing space. I'm in tears over it. There's not one place for me to set up a sewing room or office in the house we are moving to. I'll work from a desk set off to the side of the dining room and will have room for one sewing machine and a few supplies in a bedroom closet. Maybe - just maybe there will be a corner of the basement for a sewing table. Everything else will be in storage. And although I know this is all for the best for our family, I still am sad to let go of such a wonderful working/sewing space. Heavy sigh......

Ahhhh. And there it is. Big, big changes for me. I'm going to be very busy packing/cleaning/moving/unpacking in the next 4 weeks, so if you don't see any action over here, you know where I'll be.

Sew to Survive!

The zombies are coming, the zombies are coming! That's okay, because Buckets O' Blood Books and Records located in the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago is hosting the first Sew to Survive event! Specializing in Speculative Fiction-Fantasy, Horror, Vinyl and Awesome, this is about the best place you could ever imagine taking a sewing class specializing in surviving an all out zombie attack. For real.

In fact, you might even leave with a few awesome books and records after class - you know, to help you start devising your zombie survival plan. Visit my Classes/Events page for all the gory details and to find out how to get registered.

AND THIS JUST IN...
After originally posting about the Sew to Survive event idea, I was contacted by Anne Kenlon from GreenStitch, a blog and podcast about chatting with Anne about the Sew to Survive class. Anne and I had a really great chat (she is a fabulous interviewer!) and she's included the interview at the end of her podcast GreenStitch Episode 32 - Spring, spring, spring. Anne's podcast is dedicated to the creativity of sewing to solve problems, pinch a few pennies, and even to repurpose to do a little good for Mother Earth. Check it out for some great ideas on the age-old idea of making do!

An American Classic

This is a 1961 Mercury Monterey 4 door, all 18 glorious feet of American classic car.

This is actually my car, we bought the Merc before we started our family. I took many a great road trip in this baby, all across the Midwest. She's a great driver!

Unfortunately, I don't drive her nearly as much as I used to. And after over a year of not driving her at all, I've decided it's time to part with the Merc.

She's a great driver with only a few spots of wear-and-tear (after all, she is turning 40 this year, but watch what you say about broads in their 40's, I might take it personally). Oh, or if you do your math right (like Debbie commented) you'll find that she's actually turning 50 this year!

She would make a great companion to someone who loves classics! If you are interested in owning your own American Classic, here is your chance. This 1961 Merc can be yours for $4,000 or best offer.

I'm listing all the pertinent facts below along with my email address if you're interested in the Merc. Please also pass this along if you might know someone who loves American Classics.

1961 Mercury Monterey 4 door. 390 Ford motor, power assist steering, power brakes, auto transmission. The Merc was custom painted and lowered about 5 years ago. She is a good daily driver with some cosmetic flaws, and the front driver's side seat is in need of repair.

Please email me at ErikaSews [at] gmail [dot] com for more information or to see this awesome American Classic.