In a week and 2 days, I turn 40 and become the mother of a teen-ager, almost all at once. These are fine benchmarks in my far fetched quest for actual maturity, but milestones this large tend to give a girl pause for thought. I had originally thought that it would be ideal to make this transition in Paris, but what with the weak dollar and everything, it seemed like it might not be the world's best timing. Besides, I went to Paris broke once already... and next time I would like to have some folding money for the brocante.
So, I picked Portland Oregon as my second choice. I mean, Obviously! I had killer reservations and imagined bloggy meet ups and everything. But the Just About To Be Teen-ager has an F in social studies. This kid loves NPR. He was excited to listen to the candidates debate. He loves travel, and is totally interested in government and policy, (in an 8th grade kind of way).
He Has An F.
We are going No Where. Because pulling him out of school for 3 days would put the capital IP on Irresponsible Parenting. But, may I just say, I truly loathe being responsible, when it Cuts Into My Birthday Season Like This.
So I dropped everything and made myself a western shirt. And it really helped.
It is my new favorite shirt.
Can I get a Yee-Haw?Simplicity 7051- circa 1975
in Kokka's Trefle and (I think) a sweet contrasting Michael Miller green graphic.
in Kokka's Trefle and (I think) a sweet contrasting Michael Miller green graphic.
Nothing says 'Western' like a Japanese imported fabric, printed with Russian Folk dolls.
yup, it's wrinkled, because I am wearing it all the time.
Great for doing chores here at the Double B Ranch!
can you believe this is just where the button ended up? sewing serendipity.
And I just wanted you all to know that as part of Her contest, I am linking you up to Martha Stewart's Blog. Seriously, I know she's going to want to talk to me about the New Vintage Wardrobe stuff, or maybe she'll call me when she's in town, and we will go thrifting. Or you know... whatever. Because I bet Martha and Betty could be tight. Can't you just see us, up late, eating brownies and decoupaging stuff. Another BFF, for my posse.
Martha, you have my email.
By god, that's the best Western shirt I've ever seen. Bummer about the kid's F, though. Portland is a pretty nice town. Seattle, too...
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could promise him a tour of greater crafty destinations in the Pacific Northwest? I'm sure that would be terrifically motivating for a 13-year-old boy.
oh my gosh, that shirt is AMAZING!
ReplyDeletei am sorry about the F-- he must have a sucky teacher for that class. sadly things like history and social studies require especially good teachers, even more especially for very bright, easily bored/annoyed kids.
i'd love to celebrate your bday with you in SF :)
and martha would be SO LUCKY to hang with the bitter b. at the double B ranch.
Wow Wee that shirt is great, sorry you are not getting your holiday but happy birthday anyway
ReplyDeleteI'm having a low key birthday this year, too ... so I share in your birthday, um, blues. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally understand why the shirt perked you up ... it's one hell of a cheery shirt! :)
those are some mad skilz you have. great shirt!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday to you.
-Dorie
Damn! That is one cute shirt, and I should know, I was raised in Wyoming and used to sport (not so cute) western duds when I showed steers at the county fair. True story. Must find that photo. Anywho. . . great job!
ReplyDeleteThe shirt is genius! Amazing combo of fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI am going to dream about your shirt - kindly contact me if you ever go into business selling them =)
ReplyDeleteIt has to hard to be depressed in that FANTABULOUS shirt! I am glad you shared your sewing therapy with us.
ReplyDeleteParis & Portland are going no where and the F is going to transform.
For your birthday,get your best gal pals together and kick up your heels dancing or a pampering spa day or for some craftiness.
Best Birthday Wishes & many more!
That is the best shirt EVER! You think of the best combinations, I would never have thought of that, and it is the cutest thing I have seen in a long time!
ReplyDeleteIf you steal Martha as a BFF, I'm totally dropping you as my local BFF. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe pics are great, but the shirt is even better IRL.
GAH! Double GAH! That is amazing, immaculate and downright covetable. It is the tops, you look like you just stepped out of a production of Oklahoma hit with a Japanese cotton print fabric brush. Oh I love everything about it. Everything. Little lady, you're a seamstress now.
ReplyDeleteHow could you NOT be cheered up by that shirt?! So fun.
ReplyDeleteAnd as un-fun as it is to stay home, I applaud you being a Good Mom (capital GM).
that shirt is the cutest flippin' thing I've seen in a long long time!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
this is one of the funniest posts i've read in a really long time. thank you! i love your photos and your modeling and i've got a huge smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteyou deserve paris.
wow! I want the shirt off your back!
ReplyDeleteHow can something that looks so wrong on the pattern cover turn out so damn right? I love EVERYTHING about it. You look fab in it too! No way are you gonna be 40! Have a fab one! (40 is young anyway) x x
I LOVE your shirt! I am so sorry to hear about the vacation...but Happy (early) Birthday!
ReplyDeletei second what michelle said. although, on second thought you may want to keep her. i had a dream once where she scolded me for not cooking the fried chicken all the way through while at a beach bbq. was an odd one to wake up from.
ReplyDeleteanyhow....
that shirt, has made me want for the first time ever, a western shirt - and i don't think want is really a strong enough term. covet is more apt. it is specfreakingtacular .
Love the new shirt! I with the poster above, it makes me want a western shirt for the first time too - and it's totally because of the fabric choices - way too think outside of the box! I'm hoping to get some pictures of my new sewing project today.
ReplyDeleteFabulous shirt! Love the fabric and the fit!
ReplyDeleteLove the shirt, love the fabric and I've been meaning to tell you... you look so cute with your hair that way!
ReplyDeleteOkay, you make western look great! :)
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, that an awesome shirt! I'd wear it all the time, too! We're dealing with less than stellar grades ourselves. So not fun. I hate giving lectures and grounding people from things. :(
ReplyDeleteMy dear...may I say in my best * not coming on to you way* that you are one of the hottest almost 40 year old women I know... Yes, your kid has an "F" and you don't get to go on a b-day trip.. but being that hot not to mention talented makes up for a whole lot!
ReplyDeleteMaddie, back in the land of the living
I've never wanted a western shirt in my life and now suddenly, I have to have one. It's perfect.
ReplyDeleteYou've just given me the urge to start wearing western shirts all over again, that fabric wow where did you get it?. I need to get some.
ReplyDeleteI haven't visited your blog for awhile, and boy have I missed some great stuff. You are a hot mama in that amazing shirt!
ReplyDeleteThankfully my two year old is a few years away from teenhood!
Hope you enjoy(ed) your b-day.
I remember getting an F in high school, my dad took a pencil and turned it into a B and said, here, show this to your mom. I'm sure it was in some truly vital class that totally slips my mind at this point in time some 20+ years later...math most likely. But I never got anything but A's in Art, - duh! a REAL class. At any rate, surely someone like you who is far more creative than my father will come up with a way to turn it into something better.
ReplyDeletethat is a seriously cute shirt!
ReplyDeleteOk, the gourds were cute, but this is a Rock and Roll odyssey of a craft project! It's just the sort of thing that is absolutely adorable, fun, quirky, and will likely embarrass the heck out of your son if he's seen with you wearing it in public! Perfect!
ReplyDeleteJapan, Russia, and the Wild West? That's how ironic dressing should be done!
ReplyDeleteAnd being 25, I can't really give you parenting advice, but your kid seems like a very bright young man and I believe that F was just a trivial misunderstanding of his abilities by his teacher. Don't worry and make sure you have a great time on your birthday! You are one of the most stylish 40-year-olds I know!
Oh, and if in the future your son has to make a home assignment about post-WW2-politics and the Cold War, lent him your shirt. It deserves an A+ for sure.
So the thing about big birthdays is that after the fact, really, they aren't that big. I flew right past 40 (and my son was 4 at the time, so no big whooping up was achieved) and am startin' to think about the whole 50 thing which is right around the corner and the beauty is, really, that you can celebrate any time and it's still wonderful, and the decade markers just don't hold the sway you think they do. Plus, I'd take your boy outta school anyhoo -- he's clearly smarter than school and how is staying there gonna solve the F that's already under the bridge?
ReplyDeleteHuh? Either go ahead and go now or just go later and have a happy birthday no matter what.
Now I'm depressed. I made this shirt when the pattern came out in the 70's out of a cream colored chambray AND I embroidered the yolks, as shown. I just about fell off my chair when I saw this. I love your version. 8th grade is an interesting year. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shirt..! I saw the pattern pic and got worried.. I should have known better. The green was the perfect choice for the yolks (are those what they are called???)! I live in Texas.. I would love to sport something like that at Billy Bob's (local cowboy joint).. not that I ever go there but with that shirt I would have to make an extra special trip! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday dear Bitter Betty! I made you a Flamin' birthday card that I think only you could appreciate... it's in the mail and on it's way to you. Best of luck to your "teenager" we all know grades don't really mean anything... I love reading the stuff about famous genius folk that failed in school then invented stuff that changed our lives... hang in there - he is a great kid! Love, Lindy
ReplyDeleteI am so smitten with your shirt and your positivity! I had a rather glum birthday this year too, my two year old steals all my thunder! But you are such a fabulous inspiration to be creative and clever inspite of dissapointment! I am hoping for a lovely birthday suprise for you!
ReplyDeleteHmm, I made that shirt in the 70's too- mine was plaid with purl snaps and I loved it. I still have the pattern in a box with a bunch of other western shirts. Hey, maybe I should break them out again! Happy birthday even if you don't get to go to Portland. A smart kid with an F in Social Studies? Maybe you've got a future art student living in your house- speaking from personal experience here (me and also one kid). :-)
ReplyDeleteCute shirt! You are a good mom for cancelling your vacation... As long as the almost teen does not end up in therapy some day because he messed up moms 40th b-day plans you are in good shape!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE the shirt you made! I'm wondering if there is a date on that pattern? It looks very similar to the shirts my sister made for her boyfriend and herself to wear at the Sadie Hawkins Dance when we were in high school. Western style, matching of course, and she made them with a few different fabrics for a patchwork look - they were great! I am very sorry that you didn't get to go to Portland - I love it up there, and if I was planning a trip and had to abort my plans, I would be very sad indeed - so I can relate.
ReplyDeleteYou just get more and more adorable every time I come visiting! Thanks for your support!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Ulla
I'm late to the party as usual. I have decided not to freak out about turning forty. Yep. Just decided it wasn't worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteThat shirt looks fabulous on you!!!
I love it! The fabric you chose is just perfect & you look fabulous.
ReplyDeleteOops - Sorry - somehow I missed that you did include the date - 1975 - in your post! So, nope - that's just a tad too late to be the one my sister made in high school. Very similar, though. And yours is absolutely beyond cute!
ReplyDeleteOh, no! I was stopping by here today to mention that your birthday was on its way (and therefore so was your trip to 'round my way), and was so sad to see what's happened. As a former teacher, I commend your decision, but as your blog friend I'm sorry to hear that the trip won't be happening. Your unbelievably adorable shirt should ease the pain. As should an extra cocktail on birthday night.
ReplyDeleteoh my f'ing gawd, that is the coolest shirt ever!!! I wish I could sew something that tricky, what a great fabric choice(s) you made.
ReplyDeleteAs for your birthday, well, I suppose you can postpone the trip perhaps. I'm sorry your guy is failing the class, but luckily there is plenty of time to figure out why he's not doing the work (or whatever else the problem may be) and help him catch up.
Martha should down down and BEG to be hanging with you!
ReplyDeleteI am SOOoooO LOOOOOOVING the shirt! It's totally awesome!
Sorry to hear about your birthday (not that its happening but about your canceling your trip) but you're so doing the right thing.
Too bad you don't have some mothball smelling old spinster aunt that you can make The Teenager in question stay with while you go anyway!
Have a great birthday anyway!
That shirt is FAB-U-LOUS!!!!! What a great way to make the 70's look cool!
ReplyDeletemake these shirts and sell them!!! i love it!!! i would totally buy one!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove love love it. Yet another reason to regret parting with all my mom's old patterns.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the shirt! I have always looked at vintage patterns and thought heck I can't make that. Oh how you have changed my mind! I am breaking out the pattern box right now! Thanks for the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteHi, just found your blog and I am so thrilled! Great projects. Your son probably has an F because he is bored and the class is dull - I say take him on a trip, he'll probably learn just as much (if not more!). Thanks for sharing all your cool crafty ideas. I'm hooked now.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFunny, funny, funny! Try being 40 and seeing your daughter get married and go off to start a family of her own....now that makes a girl feel old :) Check out our fabulous shindig...
ReplyDeletehttp://thegreenhousediaries.blogspot.com/2008/09/wedding-day.html
I made that pattern before! For the first Christmas with my ex-husband. He was very proud of it at the time. I'm quite sure it became a rag for car-washing once we divorced. LOL
ReplyDeleteYour version is much better.
Happy Birthday, cowgirl!
ReplyDeleteThat's a mighty fine shirt and now I don't know if my "monkey see, monkey do" self will look for a vintage western shirt pattern or just some awesome fabric and figure it out!? You have really turned me on to a new look!!! Luv it!
Hi.....Here is an authentic Yee-Haw! Straight from Calgary, Alberta, Canada---Home of the Calgary Stampede, The Greatest Outdoor Show & Rodeo! If there is one thing I've seen my share of it is true western duds---and that shirt is wild,western and wonderful. I love the fabric combo---it's a hoot--and so are you! You give me a welcomed chuckle!
ReplyDeleteAdorable shirt -- I wish I had half your talent and a sewing machine to go with that! Awesome, awesome shirt ... I think you should auction one off (tee hee!)
ReplyDeleteGenius! I love your style!
ReplyDeleteLove from TCB!!!
WOW. Can I be like you when i grow up? although, I'm not sure how that would work, because I'm older than you.................That shirt totally rocks!
ReplyDeleteI am now on a mad search for a western shirt pattern! I love it! thanks for sharing. I just turned 40 too! Happy Birthday! cindy
ReplyDeleteSorry about missing out on Portland-just moved from there myself-LOVE IT! The shirt-also LOVE IT! I must make me a whole wardrobe of them-SO CUTE!
ReplyDeleteI just found you and I love, love, love the western shirt! If you don't mind my asking....where did you find the green fabric? Thanks so much, Cindy
ReplyDeletefirst, happy belated birthday!
ReplyDeletesecond, i seriously love your hair and
third, that is the BEST rendition of a western shirt i have EVER seen.
rock on!
You are too dang cute!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you and your teen!
Button/sewing serendipity indeed!