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!

 

I’m hot, and not in a good way.

Let me start by saying that I compromise with my husband on the temperature of the house. He freezes and I sweat like a horse. I like it about 70º (or 68º) and he wants it about 80º. We compromise on 74º.  I don’t function well any warmer.

Yesterday I was feeling really bad. I couldn’t do anything without sweat pouring off me. I thought I might be getting a fever. I finally remembered to check the thermostat last night. He had it on 78º. Good thing he was already asleep or I would have thrown a fit right then. I put the temperature back on 74 so I could sleep and this morning, first thing, I told him that if he ever raised the temp again and didn’t either tell me or set it back I would fasten it in place so he could never move it again. Am I weird? Maybe, but I’d much rather be too cold than too hot.

Husband is good for some things, however. Actually a lot of things, but I don’t want him to get an inflated ego or anything. He had cleaned out the 1,400-gallon fish pond in the backyard (I don’t know why he waited till August) and has it almost ready to put the fish back in. We even found a few little froggies and one tadpole. A rather large tadpole. As big as the little frogs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He’s rewired the electricity to the pond and put in a new filter. We even have a much bigger pump. It’s going to be wonderful.  I need to rebuild the waterfall, but that will be in cooler weather.

My poor Joe Pye Weed was flattened by the latest strong storm. The butterflies still enjoy it, but it’s harder for me to enjoy. It’ll be back next year. 

My flattened Joe Pye Weed.

Husband also found this little Cope’s Gray Tree Frog sitting on top of a fence post. He blends in so well. 

And Husband accidentally, and painfully, found this little Saddleback caterpillar eating my snake plant by the side door. He went through several leaf tips before leaving.