7/4/22

Independence Day

It's hard to celebrate all that the U.S. is today.  But, it's easy to celebrate all that being a U.S. citizen means.  I've grown up living a life of relative freedom.  After I came to Austin, I was able to find out who I was and who I didn't want to be and develop that person into who I am now.  It's been a long haul but I had support from almost everyone around me.  I've been free to improve my life and own a home and build savings for retirement and I've been able to share some of that to help give the same advantages to others.  And, I've been free to love whoever I loved that loved me back and today we're celebrating the 7th anniversary of our official marriage.  If you don't look at all the hate and anger, it's pretty cool to be a U.S. citizen.

But, the hate and anger are real, too.

Saturday, I finished re-assembling the shirt I took apart for myself.  I realized as I was cutting it that I was using the same pattern I used all those years ago to make it, but the pattern had been re-drafted to fit me over the years.  I don't know what size it was supposed to be, but it was huge.  I took 3 inches out of the side seams and two inches from each shoulder.  The only wonky thing about it is the sleeve hems.  They're pretty narrow.  Once the shoulders were raised where they needed to be, there wasn't much sleeve length to play with.  


I really like the fabric and am glad this came out well.  It's a quilting cotton, so it's a heavier shirt that most.  Here's part of the redrafted pattern.  I've added pieces and taken pieces away over the years until I figured out how to make it fit.  I'm making myself an apron, but next weekend, I'm going to start a shirt for Syd.  I took her measurements and feel confident that I can adjust a pattern to fit her.  


One day long ago, someone asked if Canada had a July 4 and, like everyone else this joke was played on, I said I don't think so.  The punchline was of course EVERYbody has a July 4, but not everybody has an Independence Day.  Whether you're celebrating Independence Day or it's just another manic Monday, find something you enjoy, maybe something that you're free to do and others aren't, and do it like you were gonna lose it.  

Lane


8 comments:

jrquilts said...

We celebrate July 1st as Canada this year were 155 years young. Have a great 4th stay safe stay healthy
enjoy your blog from Pickering Ont. hjrogers@sympatico.ca

Suzanne said...

I appreciate your perspective on this Independence Day, as always! I’m going to wear short shorts, not cover my head, drive my car without my husband, and check my email for the business that I own! Not every woman in the world is free to do those things, and you’ve reminded me this morning. In addition, I’m going to donate money for reproductive healthcare and equity for all because my spouse and I want to do something useful to stem the tide. At night, because our dogs and kids are frightened of fireworks, I’ll be home and quilting! Have a great week - can’t wait to hear about your progress on Syd's shirt, and yours looks awesome.

birdmommy said...

My American co-worker always wishes me a Happy Canadian Fourth of July on the 1st, and I wish her a Happy American Canada Day on the 4th.

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!!!!

LinB said...

My Dear Mother (age 85) invited me yesterday to go out in her front yard, salute the U.S. flag, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with her and Dear Father.

She said that I was free to dance naked around the flagpole, if I wanted to. I did not: It was 90 degrees on a sunny day: I am a pale pale pale person who sunburns easily; I am 63 years old and no one wants to see me pole-dancing naked.

Did, just, manage to persuade her to keep her own clothes on during the ceremony.

Happy Independence Day, a day later.

Anonymous said...

Your shirt fits perfect. Happy Anniversary. Thanks for sharing. Mary

jane said...

happy anniversary! Wishing you many more!!

ceblakeney said...

No July 4 celebration here, I completely ignored it. Might have to do that for a few more years as independence day has devolved back to those who are straight white male landowner christian conservatives. The rest of the populace has been discarded.
But on a different note, the shirt sleeve depth of hem should be up to the wearer, not some arbitrary fashion cop. Also the length of the shirt sleeve itself. So theoretically you could just shorten the sleeve itself to have a deeper hem if that is more aesthetic. I vote to abolish the hem police.