Made the long, long trek to Sherman (well, it feels long at the end of the day) to purchase net fabric for seed bags.

My research student is coming on Friday to help me sort seeds, and one part of that is going to involve putting about 1/4 of each set of seeds into little mesh bags for a scarification treatment.

I bought something like "bridal illusion", figuring the larger (scratchier) net fabric that was the other option would allow too many invertebrates, fungi, etc. in.

I also bought a large tablet of tracing paper - so I could draw out the lines for the bags and also use it for stabilization.

It is one of the oddest, and probably one of the most annoying, projects I have sewn. Periodically, the bridal illusion cuts the thread and I have to rethread the machine. And it bunches. And it's just plain annoying.

I need about 160 of these little devils. I have about 30 made. I am going to bed now and am going to do the rest when I'm not tired and stressed out. I am not looking forward to doing the rest.

No, my student is probably not someone who could do them for me (and get paid for it). He lives in the dormitory so I seriously doubt that he has access to a sewing machine. That is, if he has the experience and comfort level in working with one.

I also did buy myself something fun - I decided I needed a 'security blanket' as I go through the tenure process (although, if all goes well, the biggest hurdle should be crossed by the end of this week). I bought the last yard and seven-eights of a nice plush fleece. (It actually feels a bit furry on the "right" side). And, it has SpongeBob on it. I also bought a couple packages of blanket binding to make the edges look nicer and more finished.

It is larger than the other fleece throws I have (2), which is nice, because generally fleece throws don't feel long enough to properly tuck around my legs when I read. I think I will make this tomorrow evening in between fighting the (*$&%)(@# bridal illusion.

this does teach me one thing. If I ever marry, I am *buying* a dress. There are some things life is too short for....