Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Hi from Cleveland

Hi, readers! I'm in Cleveland at the moment, here to film an episode for the second season of It's Sew Easy. I woke up at 4:00 a.m. this morning and it's now 10:30 p.m. . . . so I'm just barely coherent.

Anyway, I'm very excited about filming tomorrow morning (I'm in make-up at 7:30, filming thereafter). I'm doing a short segment on an easy retro pattern making change to a blouse pattern.

Some other fun facts about my life today:
  • The Stitch-Along post is running late! I'm so sorry. There was a little snag with getting pictures taken as I was leaving town. It will be up ASAP, I promise!
  • On the last episode of It's Sew Easy, I very dutifully wore nude nail polish (OPI Samoan Sand to be exact), as a natural look was requested of me. It was a little conservative for my taste. Readers, I was very naughty today and got a lavender mani! (OPI Lucky Lucky Lavender to be exact.) Do you think they'll kick me off the set tomorrow? Will I never work in Cleveland again?
  • I'm reading a romance novel for fun right now, and it's delightful. I just read a chapter in the hotel bathtub! It's a bit of a bodice-ripper, I must admit. It's called What a Gentleman Wants and it's a guilty-pleasure Regency Era read. It's fun to imagine the romantic hero as Colin Firth. Any trashy novels to recommend, readers? (Also, do check out the site Smart Bitches, Trashy Books if you're a thinking gal who likes a good romance every now and then. They have fantastic reviews.)
  • I'm here with Carol from BurdaStyle, and she is so fun to travel with. I've been talking her into lots of comfort food, like chocolate and sesame chicken. And she's been balancing that with trips to Whole Foods and lettuce wraps at P.F. Chang's. And lots of water. She takes such good care of me!
  • I've only been gone for the better part of a day and I miss Jeff dearly. Isn't it fun when you get a chance to miss your spouse for a bit? Not to mention those adorable cats. I do have it good!
  • Hey, did you know you can see the entirely of my first stint on It's Sew Easy on YouTube? Here is is, even though I cringe a bit when I watch myself!


Okay, enough rambling. Back with some coherent thoughts soon, I promise! 

40 comments:

  1. Welcome to Cleveland! I hope everyone here was nice to you; most people in NEO are very friendly so I hope that you got to see that first-hand.

    Best wishes with the shoot!

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  2. Yeah! Welcome to Cleveland!! :) I'm just South of there, but NEO people (like Kally said) are super nice. Enjoy your stay!

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  3. I love romance novels and refuse to call them all trashy. Women's fiction is treated so dismissively. I find Glee trashy, costumes aside.

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  4. Smart Bitches, Trashy Books...clearly me. You'll be happy with your pick...and one of the sequels A Rake's Guide to Seduction with Celia's story is also a favorite of mine. I can come up with entire list---more than you can read in a year!

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  5. I love the show, so glad to hear that there is a second season, I have a question for you where did you get that cute little wrist pin cushion?

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  6. Hi Gertie! I have a book series recommendation for you. If you're into Regency era romance novels, you might like the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig. It's a combination spy novel/romance with awesome girl spies as leading ladies. Good luck making time for leisure fiction!

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  7. Hey Gertie, my daughter and I were in Cleveland today, but not to film. ;) if you're into Italian food, La Trattoria on Mayfield Road in Little Italy is a must. I had an eggplant parm sandwich (not on menu, special request) that was the best I've had in ages. The antipasti - delicious. It had the best chick pea salad with it that I've ever had. For dessert, go across the street to Corbo's Bakery. I recommend the Cuccidata (a frosted, fig filled cookie), the lemon biscotti, the cream horn type thing (I think they call it a lady hawk there), and DD says the cream puff rocked.
    Have fun filming and enjoy the comfort food..

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  8. I didn't realize you were out there! You're awesome on camera, can't wait to see what you're cooking up. Say hello to Tricia for me :)

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  9. That was so fun to watch your video! I don't know what you're cringing about, it was clear, easy to follow and you made me feel like I could do this...the sign of a good teacher!

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  10. I live in France but everyday I see your blog and I enjoy it. I sew a lot and I'm interested in the last post, for the material you use for the hem.
    Where could I buy it ?
    Thanks for your answer and have a good day,

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  11. highly recommend "sweet talking man" by betina krahn. suffragettes + chicago politics + brothel = delightful. you can't go wrong with johanna lindsey, jude deveraux's montgomery series (or anything by her), nicole jordan, or sabrina jeffries. they always have super strong female heroines. no weaklings here. love.

    (obviously two of my passions are sewing and romance novels which i lovingly call "smutties")

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  12. Gertie I like your ramblings, you should do it more often :)
    Have fun in Cleveland!

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  13. Where can you get the circle skirt pattern?

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  14. Read anything you can get your hand on by Sparkle Hayter. They aren't trashy romance novels, but rather mysteries about an inept TV reporter/ detective who gets into all kinds of shenanigans and has a cat who, due to a previous life in Manhattan alleys, will only eat catfood if it's sauteed with bok choi. And there's naked stuff in the books too.

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  15. Welcome to our fair town :) Not sure where y'all are staying or how much longer you're here, but there are some great local restaurants that aren't chains-- Greenhouse Tavern, Momocho. Glad we're having some good weather while you're here! :)

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  16. Hey Gertie!

    You are a really good teacher and there is just something about you that makes your instructions very easy to follow. Can't wait to see your next installment and of course your book!

    http://www.houseofslater.com

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  17. I do love a good fluffy romance novel for vacation. They always feel in my mind like eating cotton candy-effortless, light, and pink! And I loved your little film clip! I think you did awesome! :)

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  18. I'm so excited that you're doing another It's Sew Easy! And i'm glad you went with the lavender mani :) Staying true to yourself is important. Have fun with the filming & break a leg! :)

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  19. Extending you yet another big Cleveland welcome. I just discovered your blog from a link on grosgrainfab. Can't wait to check out "It's Sew Easy". Re the trashy romance novels, if you ever see anything in a used book store by Jennifer Wilde, grab it! I have the feeling the author had tongue totally in cheek when writing her/his books. : ) (Rumor has it that "Jennifer" was/is really a dude)

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  20. Is it Hot in Cleveland? ;)
    When I did a photo shoot for Threads Magazine, they had me wear Samoan Sand. That must be the go-to polish color for sewing shoots and videos! You be your bad self. They'll love you anyway!

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  21. I love a good romance novel! Thanks for the site link! Have fun in cleveland, can't wait to see the segment!

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  22. ohhh wow... you are great teacher ! xx

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  23. You"re super on camera! Thanks for posting the video. Have fun.

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  24. Oh my, a lavender mani!! Living on the edge! :)

    It's good to hear from you even though you sound as busy as ever. It's been hectic on my end as well which has left little time for sewing but I did find some gorgeous dupioni silk that I'm coveting for my bombshell dress.

    Also, Colin Firth = yummm

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  25. I had no idea that Its Sew Easy was filmed in Cleveland, then again I just moved west of the city a month ago. Love the image of getting kicked off a show for lavender nails.

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  26. I'm a fan of Nora Roberts. I like her women and there is generally a mystery or fantasy plot that works for me. I am actually making my husband read the Sign of Seven trilogy. I don't find myself shaking my head at her characters saying "WHY would you do that?" like I do with some other books.

    I've also developed a bit of an interest in old romance books (old books, not necessarily historical). It just cracks me up the lengths they go to so that the characters don't have sex until they are married. It's much of a three's company mix up theme, but the clothing they describe... oh, yes, I like those books even when they make me laugh.

    Good luck with the filming!

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  27. Hi Gertie! I'm SO glad you put up the link to the first show on YouTube - we don't get the show here, and now I can see you on it! Good luck with the new segment too.

    Oh, you wild thing - a lavender mani?!

    I know, it is nice to miss hubby once in a while. Vacation for me next week, so I'll be missing my little kitties, too!

    http://www.learnhowtosewnow.com

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  28. I just love your blog and this video--did not know about horsehair trim! Your are an excellent teacher--I would love to take a class from you!

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  29. OPI in Lucky Lucky Lavender? Rebel. And I need to get me some of that. I know I'll be watching some YouTube this weekend now, in between frantic sewing, of course. (Lavender aka threadsquare)

    ps- not quite trashy romance, but I love me some Anais Nin.

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  30. Have a look at The Witch of Cologne by Tobsha Learner it's a great romantic tale set in the inquisition.Sometimes it's nice to read for fun and not really have to think!

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  31. I love your stream of consciousness posts, although clearly you don't know what incoherent means if this is the worst you can get!

    So glad you opted for lavender non-compliance. If someone gripes, just point out all the options you didn't choose, like chartreuse or zebra stripes (ooh, now I want zebra striped nails).

    It's good to make the most of your business travels! I never thought of reading a Regency in the tub, but I did occasionally have both a hot fudge sundae and a margarita with room service, back in my travel days.

    I got Alison Reid's book and haven't even gotten past the first chapter - every project is so clever and beautiful I want to do it! You picked a great source for your Stitch-Along.

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  32. Thanks for the book recommendation; I've downloaded it on my Kindle. Can't beat a light, fun read!

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  33. Good luck on your photo shoot! I watched your previous episode on youtube - cute and useful! You look great and you're a natural. The tutorial was very useful for me because I had just ordered horsehair braid and was wondering how to use it. Cool!

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  34. I'm so glad your show is on YouTube! My PBS doesn't have plans to carry it and I was sad about that. But now I'm glad again, and I learned something new about sewing today. Thanks! Can't wait to see you rock the Lucky Lavender nails. You know what they say about well-behaved women...

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  35. Oooh, romance! I just stumbled onto romance too, thanks to the girls at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books! My first choice was a doozy: Lord of Scoundrels. I highly recommend it! Have a great time at the show today!

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  36. WOW! I just discovered your blog today AND I live in Cleveland! Glad you had beautiful weather and hope everyone was good to you!

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  37. Hi readers! If you're looking for the skirt pattern, it's the Linda skirt on BurdaStyle.

    I love Cleveland! Everyone is so nice!

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  38. Hi there! I just adore your blog - it is so inspiring. I was wondering if you had any online vendors that you could recommend that carry the horsehair with the loops. I am outside Philadelphia and can only seem to find the the 3/4 - 1" horsehair - if I am lucky 2" but never any with the loops to pull.

    Thanks for your help!

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  39. Loretta Chase's new book is about dresses! "Silk is for Seduction". All of her stuff is great.

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  40. Totally unrelated question-- what brand/model of glasses are you wearing? They're perfect!

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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