Category: granddaughter

Whew!

It’s been a long Autumn. I’ve had numerous health problems–nothing life-threatening, just really intrusive and annoying. So I’m running way, way behind on my blogging. I’ve been thinking about it, though. 

Speaking of running behind, my dear granddaughter’s eighth birthday was December 30 and my Christmas gift to her had become a birthday gift for her and it was still late. I finally finished it on January 1. She got to wear it finally and loves it. She’s been in it twice when I’ve seen her and my daughter posted a video of her in it, twirling in the driveway.  She’s finally learned to walk in it without tripping on the skirt, which is a bit long, but she’s growing like a weed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is made from the Seraphina pattern from Violette Field Threads. There are so many gathers! I think it turned out pretty well considering-considering I was taking prednisone and had been awake for three days with only short naps and one one-hour sleep-considering this is the poufiest dress I’ve ever made. There are 12 yards of tulle in the underskirt. Three layers of skirt. It is glorious. 

Seraphina comes in an everyday version and this special occasion version. It has two styles of sleeves and two bodice styles. It’s a wonderful pattern and I will probably make it again. Maybe the everyday version next time. 

In the meantime, my orchids are in rare form this winter. I have two in bloom and three more with flower spikes! I’ve never had this many bloom before! I feel like I’ve really accomplished something, although these phalaenopses are fairly easy to grow. 

 

 

 

 

 

This little rosy one is usually in a terrarium-like container with a lid, but the flower spike is too tall for it so I improvised a lid with Press n Seal wrap. I cut a slit from the edge to the center for the spike.

 

My dendrobium aggregatum is loving the driftwood that I put in on. Its roots are actually going all the way through the wood and are coming out the sides. Whee!

 

This is one of my succulents, Huernia thuretii I believe. I’ve never seen it bloom before and I’m overjoyed. Three blossoms.

 

 

 

I’ve neglected to post any pictures of the semi-finished pond. Here is the almost finished version from early fall. More pictures later after the waterfall is done. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn is here!

Finally, we’re getting cooler weather. I love Fall. I love sweaters and fireplaces and  I can’t wait for the leaves to change color. My only complaint is that they just drop off the trees too quickly after that. I’ve been busy at my sewing machine. (My excuse for not posting for a long time.) I’ve restocked my things in Locally Grown Gallery in Oak Ridge, TN and added a few new items. I’ve also been sewing for the granddaughter. 

My wonderful friend Chetna gave me some unsellable things that came in her shipments from India. I used an adult skirt from her in my granddaughter’s new tunic. The top is from a knit remnant. I’m happy with it and I think the granddaughter is too. I made the top from a pattern that was the correct size, but it turned out a little too big. Growing room.

The granddaughter’s quilt is beckoning me. I need to get it basted and on the machine before really cold weather. But first I need to get more purses made and restock my little section of Appalachian Arts Craft Center. 

I also made a top for myself–all recycled. I used a t-shirt that wasn’t styled to my liking and a couple of men’s shirts from a thrift shop. I like it! I think I’ll make some more soon.

 

Too bad I’ll probably have to wait till next Spring before I wear it again, but, who knows? I may be able to wear it in December, the weather is so changeable. 

 

 

 

I made some new potholders, new business card holders, and a baby snuggler from Llana Jansdotter and Make Magazine. It’s a cute little design and great for swaddling babies.

 

 

Now, back to the sewing machine!

 

Blue Moon….

Blue moon, you saw me sewing alone! Sorry for the cheesy stuff. (Not really sorry. That’s just me.) It reminds me of the mice on Babe. I love those little critters.

I’ve been busy. I’m also feeling much better. We were in the ER last Friday, but not for me, because Husband dislocated three toes. He forgot to put the kickstand down on his motorcycle and it fell on his left foot. Got his three littler toes. It hasn’t slowed him down very much though. 

In the meantime, I’m doing a lot more since I can actually breathe now. I got a dress and 3 pairs of shorts made for the grandkids who are going to Hawaii later this month. Lucky kids! 


This is the Piper dress from Violette Field Threads. I have to admit that I saw this made in this fabric on Facebook and then bought the same fabric to make it, but isn’t it perfect? It’s Sleeping Porch Wild Flowers on Pink by Heather Ross for Windham Fabrics. 

Our girly girl will love it. My only concern is how much the fabric wrinkles, but I guess perfection even has some wrinkles, right?

 

These shorts were made using a girl’s shorts pattern. I had to take quite a bit off the sides and probably should have taken more. Then, after they were finished, I decided they were too short for a boy and had to add length. I think they turned out pretty well considering.

The ones on top have fish on them and the bottom ones have trains. I added length on the trains shorts by adding some engineer’s cap fabric. The boy is train-crazy. I know he’ll love these. 


And these little ones were made from a thrift store knit shirt. Love these. I can just see him running up and down the sand in these. He’s our little blur. The only time he slows down is to build something or ride in his little car with sister pushing. Sometimes, though, he acts like a little old man. Now and then he answers questions with hands in pockets and a drawn out, “Yeaaaaaaah.”