WIP: writing a pattern

I finally decided to try writing a pattern.  I've thought of it for awhile... But I decided to go for it!  I spent 3.5 hours this morning typing up directions, trying to make them very clear and concise.  The most difficult thing for me is consistency.  I have a touch of random in my personality so being consistent is a challenge.

Now I'm ready to make some illustrations for it.  I thought I could use my new EQ7 program, but I'm not very good at it yet.  I HATE learning new computer programs!  Ugh.  I know it'll be useful... But it takes so long to learn!  I could be sewing!

So, to complicate matters, I'm making a bag pattern, not a quilt pattern, so I really couldn't figure out how to diagram it using EQ7.  Lame.  Tomorrow I'm going to draw diagrams using graph paper.  Not fancy, but it should work.  

I emailed a class form today to Material Girls where I hope to teach some quilting classes this winter.  Since I've modified the pattern that I'm teaching, I realized I need a new pattern.  That has led me on my wild pattern making bonanza today!  Wish me luck!

P.S. 
if anyone would like to be a pattern-tester let me know and I can send it to you to try out.  All I ask in return is that you give me constructive criticism so that I can make a better pattern!  First 5 people to request it will get a free pattern.

Kindergarten start up

Jessie and Claire Best Friends

Kindergarten has begun.  It's been a challenging adjustment. It's been hard for both the girls to be separated for so long each day. They are best friends and play together so much!   The first few mornings were filled with tears for Claire.  After dropping her off, Claire would get very quiet, then exclaim, "I miss Jessie!  I need my sister."  It was so hard, she was inconsolable!  My heart broke to experience her sorrow and nothing I did made it better.  She was morose.  However, Claire is getting used to it now. Jessie has done very well, much better than I expected.  She has only cried twice.  I am very proud of her!  She is so brave.

Claire and I are on our own

I had prayed for a teacher that would fit Jessie's personality and God has answered my prayer!  He gave us a great teacher!  She is very experienced, kind, and no-nonsense.  She is even left landed like Jessie!  She also loves nature, and takes the kids out frequently.  They've gone on field trips to Creamers Field each week.  Claire and I have gone along on two of the field trips, which has made both of them so excited!  Claire even got to spend an hour in the classroom with Jessie while I was volunteering/ helping with picture day.  They were both so ecstatic to be together in the classroom!  My heart sang to see them sharing the new experience of playing in a classroom together.

Lots of hugs

Some of Jessie's highlights have been recess, gym, and the classroom bunny named "Blue".  The first few days all she talked about was recess.  All the kindergartens (3 classes) get to play at recess at the same time without the big kids.  She has a friend, Anastasia, that's in a another class and she gets to see her at recess. They run around like a little gang with several other little girls.  In gym she has learned how to do the hula-hoop!  Very exciting stuff.  I remember when I learned how to do the hula-hoop!  I used to practice for hours with my brothers.  He he... boys doing the hula hoop.  Enough about me.

Jessie's classroom pet Blue gets to hop around the class sometimes.  She loved it when he got turned loose for the first time.  The kids got to follow him around the room, playing Follow the Leader with a bunny.  How delightful!

Blue the classroom mascot

So, we're adjusting.  For me, I've been playing, hugging, and reading a lot to the girls as they've needed some extra love lately.  I have volunteered for an entire morning once each week.  It's very busy.  I joined the PTA... And survived the first meeting.  Yuck.  I hate meetings.  Next time I'll bring my knitting!

I'd love to hear any beginning school stories from you.  Sorry it's been so long!  I should be able to do more regular notes now.