Sewing machine

The Dirty Dozen

I made some progress towards the garden clean-up today, though not as much as I would have liked. I gathered the “dirty dozen” of garden tools and made a mental assessment of the work ahead. My husband, handyman extraordinaire, gave me some quick tips on removing rust using steel wool. If you’re wondering the difference between #000 and #0000, just ask!

I pounded the cushions together to loosen the dust, and brought them indoors for a quick wipe-down. I had to run outside to tether the inflatable spider before it broke loose from the yard and put the fear of arachnids in someone down the street. Then I was out the door for appointments for the rest of the day.

Costume Update

I’ve enjoyed dusting off the old sewing machine this week and putting it to use. This year I’m dressing up for a few Halloween parties as a Bella Pilar greeting card. Her designs are fun and whimsical.

I pieced together a crinoline using two “maternity panels” from a fabric store and adding tulle from an old costume. Today I finished sewing the skirt and made headway on the top. I’m making a pattern as I go along, so fitting it has been a challenge. I’ve been dreaming of my own dressmaker’s form, but it’s hard to justify that expense given the minimal use it would get.

Just a few finishing touches and the costume will be ready to wear.

Halloween Countdown

Princess Pumpkin

Go Bears!

I’m sprucing up the garden this week. My husband turned 50 today, so we’re celebrating this weekend with an informal party. In honor of my Cal fan (Go Bears!!!), I bought a few annuals in yellows and almost blues, emulating his alma mater’s blue and gold. I’ll plant them in a spare pot near the entryway.

I bought a fabric tablecloth (trying to use less plastic), but I need to make some modifications. My sewing machine is on standby to bind the edges of the hole I’ll cut to accommodate the umbrella pole.

In my perhaps overly ambitious plans for the week, I bought fabric to sew a new cover for the garden swing. I mentioned a few months back that my beloved swing was looking a little frayed at the edges. Nothing like a party to light a fire under my procrastination. JoAnn’s Fabrics had a 40% off sale on outdoor upholstery fabric so the timing was good. I love the retro-1950’s style coupled with modern-day efficiency. The fabric will resist water, mold and other outdoor perils while looking hip.

Pictures to follow. Time to get busy…