Maria Schneider is the author of the humorous Sedona O’Hala mystery series. Like any author, she engages in intense research for every single book she writes. No task is too big or too small. Learn to shoot a gun? Not a problem. Hike the wilderness in search of just the right setting? Boots on, let’s go!
Learn to sew? Well, erm. When Sedona needed to learn to sew for the plot of Executive Dirt, I knew I was in trouble. That one didn’t go so well.
You know how MacGyver could fix anything with duct tape and a paperclip? Well, I’d like to see him fix my attempt at sewing a new pair of shorts. I’ll even give him organic cotton thread, and he can use my sewing machine. Yes, I decided to tackle finishing those shorts I started making six months ago. Oh, we all knew there wasn’t much hope. I can buy nice fabric with the best of them. I’m high class–in what I’d like to own, if not in actual results. The good news is that these shorts turned out to be in my actual size. They are long enough, unlike the last pair which became a pair of short underwear with pockets. And when was the last time anyone needed underwear with pockets???
These shorts fit around the waist. . .er, well. . .no, no, they fit. I do kind of have to tuck this extra bit of material up under the waistband on one side so that it doesn’t poof out as if I got caught with a cheese roll and stuffed it in there to hide it. No idea how that air pocket ended up there. And it is true that the waistband doesn’t exactly cover up the seam where the shorts and the waistband meet. I take it that in real shorts, that seam is up under the waistband so that it doesn’t appear here and there like secret sanskrit writings. So I’ll wear a long shirt.
One pocket sags. The other pocket. . .well, I had to fold over the seam to make the back fit to the front. See above where I said I’ll wear a long shirt.
The fabric is really soft. It’s stretchy too, so I can sit and stand without bunching. Then again, that could be because some of these seams have rather more give than not. That happens when instead of sewing all the way around or up and down complete seams, you stop after a short section and then remeasure and start again a quarter inch over. After the third or fourth try you give up and just fold the damn fabric to get it to fit. I call it a “gather.” Then I wear a long shirt.
I haven’t hemmed them yet. But I know how to stand if the legs aren’t exactly the same length. Oh yes, I will too. This is really nice, soft material and I am not going to waste it. And maybe someone in the grocery store will give me a referral for an inexpensive seamstress. Even if the seamstress wanted to charge me a lot, after she sees these shorts, she might just make me a pair for free. It’s that or call the cops because she thinks I robbed a homeless lady. But I didn’t. I swear. I made these myself.
I wonder??? Will Sedona have any better luck with her sewing projects in Executive Dirt? Does it matter so long as Sedona solves the murder mystery or are these dangerous tasks somehow entwined???
You can read more about Sedona in Executive Dirt, the 4th book in the “Sedona O’Hara” mystery series, published by Bear Mountain Books. The first three books in the series are Executive Lunch, Executive Retention and Executive Sick Days.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on October 16, 2015 for the chance to win a digital (epub or kindle) copy of Executive Dirt. (US entries only, please.) Good luck everyone!
About the author
Maria Schneider also writes the Moon Shadow series (paranormal mysteries–a dash of magic, humor and romance) and the Dragons of Wendal series (fantasy that includes dragons because dragons are nearly as much fun as cats). You can find her at her blog: www.BearMountainBooks.com.
Sew what? The book sounds great.
Thanks for introducing me to a new writer. Sounds like the kind of wacky, fun read I enjoy. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sounds like a fun read. I added it to my wish list. Hope to win a copy, thanks.
“Better luck with sewing projects///” I love the sewing aspect of the series, thanks for the chance 🙂
I can do some minor sewing, but that’s it!
LOL, sounds like a fun book
I haven’t read amy of Ms Schneider’s books, yet. I hope this one will be mine. I remember my first sewing project fondly. I got better.
Thank you for introducing me to a new writer. Sounds like the kind of fun read I enjoy. Thank you for the chance to win a digital copy of Executive Dirt.
This series sounds like fun. I’d love to win so I can try it.
Thanks Dru Ann for introducing me to a new series and author. I most certainly will pick up this book soon to read. robeader53@yahoo.com
This sounds like the way I sew. My only D in junior high. Would love to win this book.
Another great new-to-me series to try. Thanks for a chance to win a copy even though sewing has never been one of my skills.
Such an interesting series. Thanks for the intro to another new to me author and series.
Sounds great! I haven’t seen anything since high school….too long ago! Thanks for the chance!
Sounds like a great new book! Thank you for having this contest.
I love mysteries that make me laugh. Thanks for the giveaway.
Sounds like a fun book. And that is about my level of talent for sewing! Thanks for the giveaway.
I gave up trying to sew years ago–I’m just hopeless at it. So I think I’ll enjoy this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
This is a fun series. Happy to read a new one
Sounds fun…thanks for the chance.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Contest is closed.