My name is Paul, otherwise known to you ladies as Mr SDSC or Lorraine's husband.
Many of you will have noticed that Lorraine hasn't posted much over the last year, certainly compared with her usual prolific number of posts. Sadly, this is because in that time she was diagnosed with metastatic gall-bladder cancer and has been undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy to fight it. This, and what we have called "early retirement" has taken almost all of our time for the last 12 months or so.
Lorraine is now critically ill in the Dulcina Hospice in Calgary and to those who love her appears to decline a little more every day. The outcome, as we have known from that first diagnosis is, unfortunately, inevitable.
She was always delighted, and not a little surprised, at the number of followers she quickly acquired and the interest and kind comments you posted. I know that even under these circumstances she would love to hear from any of you who might read this in the next few days.
I will check back regularly and pass on any comments I find to her. I know they will cheer her up.
Thank you,
Paul
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this! Things can happen so quickly, can’t they? Lorraine has no reason to know my name. Please tell her - hello from an anonymous reader. She knows we were out here!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Lorraine, I hope you can find enjoyment in each day. I so enjoyed your lagenlook wardrobe, especially because it had colour! We flew home to Vancouver from Toronto on Monday and Calgary and the foothills looked so beautiful in the snow. I will be thinking of you and Paul.
ReplyDeleteSending you light and love, Lorraine, and special thanks for your sharing of your beautiful rendering of the "Lest We Forget" quilt...your interpretation influenced my own version, which my husband loves. Here's a big hug from France.
ReplyDeleteHi Lorraine, Sending you love from Northern Arizona. As you know, I've always admired you and your style. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I am so sorry to hear your news. Much love and good vibrations to both of you. Lorraine, you've been such an inspiration to me and so many others with your Tina Givens transformations. I will think of you and your creative style.
ReplyDeletePao
always.
DeleteThis is so sad to hear. I loved her creative sewing adventures! Please tell her that her work inspired many, many people, and we will remember her with love. Much love to both of you.
ReplyDeleteI am simply heartbroken. I so enjoyed every single picture of you, Lorraine, watching you develop your Facebook wardrobe that influenced so many. Please know you were admired and adored by so many you never met.
ReplyDeleteI didn't check...not FB wardrobe...lagenlook wardrobe.
DeleteSo sorry to hear this. I am usually not a commentor, but always have been a reader of this blog.
ReplyDeleteLorraine, Sending strength and well wishes from one of your virtual stitching admirers. Love from Virginia, USA.
ReplyDeleteLorraine you and your posts have inspired me over the years. Facing my own health challenges I have not commented before but I want you to know how much I have enjoyed following you in your creative journey. I send a virtual hug to you and Paul. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and sending prayers up for both of you from the USA. Beckie
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that, I've enjoyed reading the blog so much. You wii be missed. Anne from Australia
ReplyDeleteDearest lovely Lorraine,
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing. Such beautiful style and we love how you make everything to suit you! I am so saddened by your illness and hope you are comfortable and still smiling. I can't imagine what you have gone through. I imagine you are very loved.
All of us here say hello and sending you big love, lots of hugs, and good wishes.
Thank you for being a part of our family,
Much love,
Tina Givens
Paul please let us know where to send flowers or what she'd prefer.
ReplyDeleteYou can email me at info@tinagivens.com
Thanks, she is lovely
xoxoxox
Hello Paul. Thank you for letting us know and I was only thinking about Lorraine - Two Toast (as I know her) very recently because she encouraged me in my early days of sewing and we both followed each other's progress with interest. She sent me searching for Tina Givens patterns and I've just made my first.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful person Lorraine is, always smiling and never, ever critical. I can imagine that she is still not complaining or miserable even now. I'm so very sorry to hear this news but please pass on all my best wishes and, please, if Lorraine agrees, keep this blog active so we can all still enjoy her sewing journey and continue to get inspiration from her.
I second the "Keep the Blog Alive" movement! I always love your style and embellishments. Thank you.
DeleteI am so sad to read this news, Lorraine. You have such an inspiration over the years, not only to pick up my game sewing, but to feel comfortable wearing clothing that suits my personal style. I pray that you are comfortable and surrounded by love.
ReplyDeleteI have always admired her talent and creations which seem to be very distinctive and fun. She even left photos on my site for comments in the past for other sewers. I am so sorry that this has happened and it is difficult to be so far away and helpless. She will have many friends and readers praying for her and you, Paul. Thank you for letting us know.
ReplyDeletePlease know that you inspire all of us, Lorraine. Hugs and prayers to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Lorraine, for the individuality, spirit, and creativity that shined through the projects you shared with your readers. Peace be with you and your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteI’m so, so sorry to hear that you are ill, Lorraine. I so much enjoy your writing. I loved participating in your sewing adventures. You totally inspired me to give lingerie sewing a try with your Boob Camp stories. Thank you for letting me visit that slice of your life. All best wishes from the Central Coast of California.
ReplyDeleteI keep all of you in my heart. May these days be filled with a deep peace. I will be thinking of you . . .
ReplyDeleteYour inspiration, humour and all round attention to your craft, and to your readers, yes, even the anonymous ones, has provided such support for us all. God bless and keep you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking time to post. I loved her flair with clothes and her blogging and one never knows why a person quits. You are both in my prayers. May peace be with you both. Sending a ton of hugs and prayers
ReplyDeleteMarcia
I'm so sorry to hear this. She seems such a lovely lady with always a smile on her face. Best wishes for a peaceful and joyous year with minimal pain. My prayers and lots of good energy are coming your way.
ReplyDeletePrayers galore are coming your way !!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paul, for thinking of all of us who have enjoyed Lorraine's company, creativity, and sweet smile. Lorraine, God be with you and bless you. With deep affection, Coco
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this Paul.
ReplyDeleteI always like the creative touches Lorraine adds to her work -so many brilliant little ideas. Plus, I think we have identical sewing machines and sergers. It's like being in a parallel dimension. Please pass on my best regards. Thank you for doing this. Please take care of yourself too.
Dale from Winnipeg
I am so very sorry to hear this. This is my first tume to your blog, referred from another that asked us to come here and leave our good wishes. I will certainly keep both of you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteLorraine, your Lagenlook style garments have always been inspiring to me. You've really been an encouragement to try different styles, add a burst of creativity, and tinker with patterns. Sending you my thanks.
ReplyDeleteDear Lorraine, I don't know what to say other than I'm so sorry. I only lurked on your blog as I don't sew but got some great ideas about compiling a wardrobe. Thank you for your creativity and enthusiasm. Thank you too Mr SDSC.
ReplyDeleteAt this moment I am thinking of the Wednesday showcase post I did and seeing your lovely wedding gown. So gorgeous, you as much as the dress 😊 May you feel the warmth of the world during this time. Those of us from all corners of the world have you, as well as your husband in our thoughts and in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteYou are a style inspiration, thank you for sharing your sewing journey and having dealt with advanced breast cancer this past year, I have some feeling for what you are going through and hold you in my prayers. Much love and respect
ReplyDeleteAs an Aussie I loved reading the descriptions of your trip to Australia through the eyes of a tourist. To you and your family sending love and support from across the sea.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to hear your news. Having fallen away from sewing, I lurked on your blog instead of engaging, but I ended every visit full of admiration for your talents, grateful for your willingness to share your creations, more than a little envious of your skill and knowledge, and hopeful that I might return to the sewing machine some day. And if I reach that day and feel confident enough to tackle a Tina Givens design, you'll be with me. Please accept my sincere wishes for peace and comfort.
ReplyDeleteDear Paul, thank you for sharing this heartbreaking news. It's difficult to read but appreciated as well. Thoughts and healing vibes are sent to Lorraine, you and your family and those who love her. Please let Lorraine know her blog posts are missed but all of the creativity and love for sewing has made a lasting and joyful impression.
ReplyDeleteTwo Toast, sending you my love and wishing you peace and comfort. I've enjoyed getting to know you through your wonderful creations generously shared at Stitcher's Guild. Sending positive energy to you and Mr. Two Toast from me in California.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to the group, but so much delighted in your post. So sorry to hear of your illness. Praying for you and your husband. God is a Great God.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking of you yesterday as I was attaching a jeans waistband with your upside down method. I always use the 'Two Toast' method thanks to you. I always enjoy your posts and the lovely pictures of your unique style and smiling face. Sending hugs and best wishes from Australia, Megan (Meggipeg) xxxx
ReplyDeleteHello Paul, I am Philippa, I used to blog at Gloria & Me. Strangely I thought just two days ago that Lorraine hadn’t posted recently and wondered whether she had decided to stop blogging. I am sorry such a horrible illness is the reason. We first ‘met’ when we were partnered in a spring sewing swap and have followed each other’s blogs ever since. Please tell Lorraine I still wear the gloves knitted from the wool she dyed and sent to me! I stopped blogging about three years ago after a divorce and have retrained for a career in Health and Social Care. I haven’t stopped sewing though and recently made a coat for the spring. My aim now is to return to blogging. Please tell Lorraine I learnt a lot from her, especially her tidy waistband method and I always bear in mind her comment about choosing patterns designed for your shape! I have also really enjoyed watching her ‘style evolution’ and seeing all her new Lagen-look type clothes. Finally I hope she is being well looked after and is as comfortable as possible, thank you Lorraine for all the sewing tips and happy reading time you have given to me. Lots of love from Philippa xxx
ReplyDeleteDear Lorraine, I'm sending lots of kind thoughts to you and your family from France. Your Lagenlook wardrobe and the enthusiasm you had in sharing your sewing process have always been a great inspiration to me. Your lovely pictures are all over Pinterest boards now. Hugs and love.
ReplyDeleteSending you and your family love and hugs at this time. Your sewing style was wonderful and you wore it so gracefully. I enjoyed reading your journey while you built your wardrobe. I also enjoyed reading about the trips you took. You are an inspiration to many.
ReplyDeleteSo so sorry you both are dealing with this difficult situation. This blog was an inspiration to many of us. I may not have commented often but know that I so enjoyed your adventures in sewing. Big hugs to both of you from deep in the heart of Texas, USA.
ReplyDeleteYou have given us makers a lot. Thank you with gratitude. It is now your return to feel the arms of so many surrounding you with Light.
ReplyDeleteLorraine I always enjoyed seeing your beautiful work in your reviews over at PR and I thank you for giving me ideas and inspiration. Sending you and your family healing thoughts from BC
ReplyDeletePraying that you are feeling an all-surrounding peace, light and love. Thank you for your many gifts to all of us who followed you.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you. I've enjoyed your posts and your sense of style.
ReplyDeleteOh no. Surrounding TwoToast with light.
ReplyDeleteI love TwoToast's style, sense of humor, and skill with the needle. Her Stitcher's Guild SWAP was a thing of beauty, full of whimsy but so practical. I learned so much from her tips, how to do neck binding, how to work with linen. Please tell her she is in my thoughts.
Thank you Mr. SDSC, for letting us know.
Paul, thanks to you and Lorraine for your generosity in sharing your sad news. I, too, had wondered why Lorraine (TwoToast) was not blogging anymore. Lorraine has been such a kind and encouraging presence both here and on Stitchers Guild in the Lagenlook section. I've enjoyed immensely following allowing with her Tina Givens experiments and her SWAP will forever be one of my favorites. Thanks Lorraine for your encouragement and for sharing your process and skills with us all, as well as your lovely finished garments and other projects. I am thinking of you with love and prayers and I hope that things are as peaceful as possible for you, Paul, and all of your loved ones at this time. xo Mary (M lambie)
ReplyDeleteI love your work; we will remember you!!
ReplyDeleteAnother Stitchers Guild member here - sending love and gentle hugs from the UK. Regards Ruthie
ReplyDeleteLorraine, your style is so creative but, your smile is the best part of all your pictures. I wish you both love.
ReplyDeleteDear Lorraine,
ReplyDeleteYou and your blog have given me years of pleasure. It has been wonderful. And I have always thought of you as brave. Much love to you!
A follower in California
And I definitely intended to say a big "Thank you," too.
DeleteLorraine, I just learned of this wonderful blog from Ann P.
ReplyDeleteWishing you peace and comfort. Thank you for being the person you are, your kindness and humour. Barry M.
Dear Lorraine,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful work over the years and inspiring so many. I hope you can find some comfort in these words.
Paul, thank you for writing this entry - I know how hard it can be.
Wish that I had found your blog long ago, your work is so inspiring! Your pics are all over the internet and will continue to inspire for a very long time. Peace and Light.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful a life is that has been shared. I loved your SWAP collection, Lorraine (and voted for it! :)). I am sorry that I did not know your blog before now, but experienced great pleasure looking through your glorious sock knitting today. Much love to you and to your family. Stephanie in Ottawa
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, twotoast, and wishing you the best. Thank you for letting us know, Paul. My thoughts are with you and your family as well.
ReplyDeleteIm so sorry, my thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration to me.
Dear Paul,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this.
Dear Lorraine (aka TwoToast),
I am so sorry to hear about your illness, sending you positive vibes from Hong Kong. You were the inspiration and reason I dabbed ever so slightly into LagenLook, your sewing was fun, adventurous and inspiring. I'm in the 'miracles do happen' camp
Please give her my best wishes, I always enjoyed her quirky posts.
ReplyDeleteYou are greatly appreciated and in my thoughts...many thanks for sharing your sewing expertise.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you! You are in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and healing.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering where you were. I've missed you. I'm thinking of you and sending you love and good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI was just a lurker but loved your wardrobe and lovely smile. My best wishes for you and your family. Thank you for posting Mr SDSC.
ReplyDeleteDear Lorraine and Paul,
ReplyDeleteMy heart and prayers go out to you. Thank you for sharing your life with us over the years. Kind Regards, Mary
Sending hugs and prayers. I have always enjoyed watching you model your creations. It has always been a pleasure seeing your joy about what you were making. Thanks for all of the smiles that you brought to everyone.
ReplyDeleteLorraine, I followed your SWAP with such interest - you taught me so much, and showcased your delightful lagenlook pieces as an example of great style. Blessings to you and Paul, May your light continue to shine.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paul, for sharing the news in the same thoughtful and kind way that Lorraine always had. Her creativity and joy in creativity will go on as a wonderful legacy. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting us know. In this modern world, our internet friends just disappear leaving a void. I too will miss Two for Toast’s fashion sense and delightful posts. Sending you, Paul, and her other survivors a virtual hug.
ReplyDeleteHi Paul and Lorraine,
ReplyDeletePaul, thank you so much for sending an email to let us all know about Lorraine's illness, in the midst of your far more pressing matters it was very generous of you. I stumbled upon SDSC only last year when I discovered Tina Givens patterns and found Lorraine's pictures of her garments while googling TG. I'm so sorry to hear about the cancer and resulting diagnosis. So sorry.
Lorraine, we had a brief email communication, and you were so helpful and generous with your responses! I was SO thrilled to find your blog and really enjoyed seeing how you translated Tina Givens's beautiful visions into thoroughly wearable garments. Love your color sense, your descriptions and advice were always spot on, and thanks for the excellent photographs and accessorizing.
I wish you both all the best and you have my very best prayers for good days and happy moments amongst the challenges.
I wish you well. I have only just found your blog and look forward to seeing you back at it again! *hugs and prayers*
ReplyDeleteLorraine, I remember when I first came across this blog. I was so excited to find a Canadian lagenlook lover like me! I’m so sorry to hear of your illness. Hopefully this winter weather will finish soon, and bring you warm and sunny days.
ReplyDeletePaul, thank you so much for giving us all this chance to share our thoughts and good wishes. Take care of yourself.