Thank you everyone for the nice words about my blue ribbon jacket. I need to pull the pattern out and make more for fall and winter. I won't get this one back until October so having one I can wear before that might be a good idea, that is if the weather ever cools down.
I haven't been doing any sewing for myself lately. Don't ask me what I've been doing because I don't feel like I'm doing anything. It was so darn hot around here, just staying cool was the order of the day. With the California State budget being in such a crisis, getting work has become very difficult. I'm a long-term substitute middle school teacher and my bread and butter was long-term assignments and subbing for teachers in training sessions. Most all training sessions have been canceled for the school year and teachers are afraid to go out for a long-term because they're worried they'll lose their jobs if there is a drop in enrollment. That means in the last month since school started, I've worked a total of six days. The bad part is that the unemployment office denied my claim saying that I had reasonable assurance that I would return to work when the summer recess was over. Well, I didn't and now I'm in limbo waiting for my appeal to this decision.
Meanwhile, my nephew's wife needs a new wardrobe and she fits the clothes I've sewn for myself pretty well. She thinks they fit wonderfully. Of course, she is used to the horrible fit of RTW. Since I have the time and the patterns, she has been coming over and I've been helping her learn to use patterns and cut out her new wardrobe. We aren't using any new top patterns, just using my TNTs. She also fits my TNT pants patterns, just things fit a bit differently but in a good way. She did pick out a gaucho pants pattern that I've never used. She fills the legs in my pants and with her larger bust and smaller back, tops fit well too. Next I get to help her learn how to sew the new wardrobe. She doesn't have a serger or a coverstitch machine so most of the sewing will be done at my house with her 2 year old underfoot. Good thing I love the little darling because when she leaves, my house looks like a tornado hit.
I was sewing like mad on my stash and haven't finished my SWAP yet, but I don't have anywhere to wear my new clothes and it isn't the right season yet for them anyway. So, I think putting my personal sewing aside and spend time working with her on her wardrobe is a better use of my free time. I'll be posting pictures and sharing her success with you all because I know you'll want to see all her fab new wardrobe using my patterns.
Sorry you are not getting as many work days as usual. My Sis-in-law used to do the same as you before she moved out of state, so I can somewhat relate based on her experiences. I do hope the EDD gets their act together!
ReplyDeleteLovely that you do still have someone to sew for - and don't have to start new patterns from scratch for her.
I wish I had someone like you nearby! I frequently end up calling my older sister (almost 1000 miles away) and attempting to explain my problem over the phone.... luckily she is pretty patient with me. Love the blue ribbon jacket.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get some work soon!
Subbing is hard enough without the stress of not having jobs coming your way. I'll be thinking about you!
ReplyDeleteSorry you're not getting the work assignments you'd like. That "reasonable assurance you'd be able to return to work" thing is new to me. It must be a teacher thing--or a California thing. Every state is different. Here's hoping things turn around for you.
ReplyDeleteI am really sad to hear your work is slumping. You are filling in the void, however, with something you love, and helping someone out as well. Be proud of yourself!
ReplyDeleteSorry "school" work is not coming your way. Hopefully things will improve.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherril, I am sorry about not getting more work assignments. Your job is very important and it is a shame what school districts have to do to trim their budgets. Here's what irks me of what I just discovered: our district removed two asst superintendents making $187,000 a year and replaced them with "other" management positions ($175,000 a year) and added another for $80,000, claiming a savings of $46,000, not much. Our principal added an administrative assistant principal (a teacher in training for an assistant principal) on board to assist teachers with English Language Learners and so far, she has not been in many of our classrooms....We could have hired more teachers to replace such positions to decrease class size... In my opinion, these extra managerial positions are not necessary. Teachers as yourself are important, because you make a direct impact in educating our youngsters.
ReplyDeleteIt's so cool that you are putting personal time aside to work with your nephew's wife on her new wardrobe. With all your great TNT's she will have a tough time picking what she wants to include in her new wardrobe. Keep us posted.
Here's hoping that your teaching assignments pick up. I've never heard that they could deny unemployment benefits because you "may" work in the future. Does it change things now that you aren't working and the future is here?
ReplyDeleteMarilyn D.
That's rough, Sherril. I've also done substitute work in the past and had a hard time making ends meet. I hope things will improve for you soon.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great thing you're doing for your nephew's wife. I wish I had a mentor like you nearby!
How nice of you to spend time teaching your nephew's wife to sew! I wish you could teach sewing full time. So many people would learn so much from you and what I know are your kind ways. As to the job scene, I hope with all my heart that that picks up for you. If this is economic recovery, I hope we see it around us very soon.
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