Sewing

I have a nice sundress that I really like but I would prefer to wear it with a sweater or jacket when I go to church. So I went out and bought a pattern for a bolero-type jacket to make a short sleeve white jacket to wear with my dress on Easter. The pattern looked easy. (I know, you can't go by looks.) I've done some sewing and felt confident that I could whip this out in a day or two. That was 4 days ago! Obviously, I've not spent all-day working on it, but still. It has become a matter of pride for me to finish it. This pattern has really frustrated me. I've had a hard time following the directions and think the diagrams are pointless. It's a Butterick pattern. I've had much better success with McCalls and even Vogue. It took me literally an hour to figure out what one direction wanted me to do. I've got the vest-part of the jacket complete and now just have to do the sleeves, but once again have run into a direction I can't easily figure out. I will...eventually, but I'm giving it a break and am hoping that when I go back with fresh eyes, it will all make sense. Despite all the problems, I really like to sew and it's a great feeling to wear something you've made (especially when others don't know you made it.) I made the First Communion dress both girls wore. THAT was hard. Using satin material always makes the job harder as it likes to slide all over the place.
The weather is gorgeous and I ate my lunch out in the sun by the pool. I looked at Crape Myrtle trees this week, too. I want a purple one for my back yard. I think it'll be my Mother's Day gift but I'll get it early.
Hubby and his sister have been busily planning a surprise 60th anniversary party for his parents. His mom found out about it and said very emphatically that she wanted no part of it. It really hurt Hubby's feelings (and mine and his sister's) that she reacted the way she did. I can understand not wanting a big deal made (even though it is not my nature) and since Hubby's dad has been fighting a bone infection and dealing with some other health issues, I can understand him not wanting to have to "entertain" during a party. I think the way it was said was poor. Hubby is also disappointed because his 2 brothers who live in Seattle, WA are not making it home for the anniversary. Being from a large family is great, but with 10 kids, there are 10 very different personalities and opinions. Until yesterday I was looking forward to May 5 and the anniversary party, now I'm just looking forward to it all being over. Sad, but true.
I'm sure by the 5th I'll be in a better state. Hubby and I are flying to PA for the weekend while the girls stay home to study. The Imp's last day of school is May 17th! The Singer has exams the 18-22. Summer is just about here. YEA!!
Gonna go try to figure out this pattern and try not to scream.