Saturday, December 22, 2012

North to Alaska!

Nick and I have had the goal of moving to the american west for quite some time now.  We thought we'd do it in five or ten years, but the time has come now.  A bit further north than originally planned, but we are SO excited.  Alaska, here we come! 

Around here, I'm busier 'n a grizzly bear eating salmon at Copper River Falls.   

I am excited that I'll be joining Alaska Geographic as of the first of this year.  This job is my dream job, and I can't wait to get up there, though of course I'll miss Nick, my family, and Snowy and Smokey.  Nick and I will celebrate Christmas together with my family, and I fly on the 30th of December.  Nick is staying here for a while to sell our home.  My aunt Teri, uncle Tom, and cousin Erika and her family are in Anchorage, so I'm really happy I'll be able to see them more often! 

Nick and I went to Anchorage for my interview in early November, and since then, we've been prepping for our move.  We shipped my car out two weeks ago.  The car has to go cross country, then from Seattle it'll go on a boat.  By now, I hope it's leaving Seattle to go up the coast. 

So, back to sewing...it's fitting that my last Pennsylvania sewing project (completed yesterday, while I was supposed to be packing my sewing room) is this: 

Using Polartec WindPro, I used an old faithful KwikSew pattern, 3115. I've made at least ten versions of this pattern, usually using cotton lycra.  It's a great yoga pant.  Since the polartec windpro has about 25 percent stretch, I decided I'd go with this pattern.  I didn't make tights as originally planned, as the fabric is not really stretchy at all lengthwise.  The 'bell bottom' should be good for going over boots.  I'm a downhill skiier but am really eager to learn cross country skiiing.   So that'll be one of the first things I do in my off time once I get to Alaska. 

I got the fabric on super sale, directly from Malden Mills a while ago, and although the color is not that great in my opinion, for pants (I prefer a darker more retiring color), they'll work!  I was inspired to make these pants, after spending almost $100 on a simple pair of cool weather tights at Athleta.  I'm not enamored with the color of these (really, I believe it would be a better color for a jacket) but for sure these will be warm. 

Nick and I will be living in Anchorage.  It's relatively warm there in the winter, due to the proximity of the ocean.  It's an absolutely stunningly beautiful place, and I'm thrilled about the new job I'll be taking soon.  

So, I'll leave you  now, with wishes for a beautiful holiday season.  I'm off to celebrate Christmas. But first, a few last-minute gifts to buy this morning, and then, finishing packing up the sewing room. 

I'll see you 'on the other side' !!!


12 comments:

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful adventure this is and I hope the new job is all that you want it to be!

Karin said...

Good Luck on your new job and life

Rose said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful opportunity!

Lisette M said...

What a great adventure!Looking forward to hearing all about it!
The pants are very practical, they look comfortable and warm.

Anonymous said...

Welcome!!! Its a wonderful place to live, I know because its my home! I have always admired your amazing creations, please know you can count on a sewing buddy up here! Sincerely, Kaie.

Sz said...

All the best to you with your move. I hope it goes smoothly.

Alaska is beautiful, as you well know. How fortunate! How wonderful!
Please keep us posted on the progress.

Also, you may want to give snowshoes a whirl...they're a lot more fun (in my opinion) than downhill skiing!

Paulette said...

Welcome to AK...you'll want to visit Seams Like Home fabric store at the University Center.

:)

RhondaBuss said...

I am so excited for you! Congratulations on the new job and following your passion. Just make sure you stay in touch with all of us! Happy New Year!!!

Mary said...

Oh, Barbara, congratulations on starting a new phase of your life! I am so excited for you!

cidell said...

How exciting! Congratulations on the new big and the big move. Good luck in the new year and your new life!

LauraM said...

Hope you enjoy it! Sounds like an adventure --- you should check out Dawn's Blog, Two On Two Off, she is a sewest also in Alaska -- and she loves sewing with the Polartec --- she actually bought like a bolt of it :) let us know how it goes!!

Jane M said...

Wow, what a dramatic and exciting life change. Wishing you well in your new job and new home....and eventually new sewing space.

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