Category: sew

Happy October Sky

It was a good show at Waldens Ridge Gallery for the October Sky Festival. Not great, but very good. Our group was small, but we’re all friendly and play well together. I’ve found that the better time you have, the more people are willing to buy from you, too. If you never smile and complain about things, potential customers leave. Okay, that’s pretty much my only secret to sales. Be pleasant and kind and not too silly.

I tend to avoid conflict. I actually go to great lengths to avoid conflict. My parents’ favorite activity was arguing. I’m not kidding. They did it for sport. My siblings and I hated it. I rarely run potential customers away because of my attitude unless I’m getting really silly. Sometimes that happens.

I had a great time at October Sky, though, and had pretty good sales. The weather was not cooperating. The forecast all week had been for a gorgeous Fall day, but we got rain and cold. Not torrential rain, thank goodness. The kids did get to paint pumpkins and small canvases under the big tent. After the wagon was refilled the little girls were so cute trying to push a wagon full of big pumpkins.

Punkin’ Paintin’ at Waldens Ridge Gallery in Oliver Springs, TN.

The student art was wonderful. One 10-year-old girl had amazing talent. She stayed and helped out all day and showed off her work at the least prompt–which was good. She deserved praise, and her enthusiasm was contagious. When the clouds finally released a few sprinkles she went out into the parking lot, raised her face to the sky and twirled. And she ate donuts. And she petted a sock toy I had made. It became her First Place Award at the end of the show. She was surprised! I love to surprise people. And now my buck-toothed bunny-type guy went to a good home.

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!