skirt and this and that

The other half of the experiment while camping was the top layer of the skirt.

It has just become one of my simple skirts.  I buy homespun fabrics and they are so soft but they do not wear well so I actually can have a few in my closet at once.  It makes it feel less bad that I have too many clothes.  My daughter's puppy jumped on me yesterday and I believe I will be putting another skirt into the "only work at home or in the yard" selection soon!

I did get carried away purchasing patterns from Sense and Sensibility this week.  I have been looking at these patterns for years and finally just bought them.  It does not help that Russell just smiles and says good!

At least they all fit in one box (wry smile)!  The funny thing is that I will always change something.  I never keep a pattern as is anymore so I just think of these a really nice guidelines.  There are some really nice girls clothes in this bunch for girl short people in my life.  

And do you see my worktable?  Russell has been finishing it.  The bee lady is out of beeswax furniture polish at the farmer's market and that is going to be the last coat.  I may sneak in cutting out a dress or kilt on it this weekend!  Huzzah!

I just had to show off Russell's newest knife because I am proud.  He forged this blade in the workshop he just finished and this handle feels so good in the hand!  He said he would change the one he made me to this handle and I am so excited about it.  I get spoiled with homemade knives, even if some of them are what he would consider seconds.  They are absolutely lovely!

I am so tired after a day at work and one errand.  The library was a must because we had movies and books do.  Now I just need the energy to cook dinner.  Some type of soup I believe.  It is just about finding the energy  to get out of my rocking chair.  Or Russell will get tea and toast for dinner and I know that is not enough for him.  

You may laugh at me!

petticoat

On our trip, I tried a new thing with a skirt.  I added an attached petticoat.  It was very nice for where we were but it would have been much too hot for coming home.  So, I cut the skirt apart and made a separate petticoat.

I like petticoats.  At some point, I am going to make myself a red flannel petticoat with silk on one side.  Or maybe quilted linen like Tasha Tudor.....

I just think I must be in the wrong century.

Last day of camping

Our last day camping, I stayed at the camp site while Russell was at his workshop,  It was a beautiful day.  It stated out needing a camp fire but it ended up with me working outside.

This was my workspace.  I actually got sunburned after a week of mostly rain.  It was truly restful.

Russell took better pictures of the sweater.  I just like the last one.  I worked on a skirt while I was at the picnic table.  I tried to put a connected petticoat with it but decided it would be to warm for normal life.  I also need some of my regular tools.  I just did not remember everything.  But it was not bad for a first time.

And my new machine works like a dream!

new lunch bag

I bring my lunch to work.  We take snacks on day trips.  Lots of food for road trips.  One of the things I have really liked was a lunch bag I put together for work.  It has a pocket for if I decide to sit in the park and wish my phone and wallet with me.  Or other bits.  It also allows me to bring a cloth napkin and silverware with me. 

But, I only had one and it occasionally needs washing.  

I definitely needed another.

I decided to make it from nine squares.

I stitched six together.

 

I stitched a pocket into the muslin lining.  I then folded both the squares and lining in half and stitched one side and bottom.

 

I stitched some of the squares together to make a strap.  These are the same squares I use to make for nine squares.

I pinned.  And then I stitched.

And I have a fabulous new lunch bag.  It made me smile SO much today!

making futons

Our travel trailer needed a different mattress.  It was much too soft for both Russell and myself.  We tried to order a custom futon but I will not post about was a debacle that was!  I have ended up making "it."  

I start with a roll of organic cotton batting that is 100 inches by 20 feet.  Russell helped me so that it becomes 75 inches in length. 

 

I took a thrift store sheet and wrapped it around the batting.  I needed a bit of extra so I used a piece of flannel from Danica's raised from the dead comforter.

 

I pinned it all together.

 

And then started stitching.

Russell helped.

 

We made a two inch futon.

 

Only three more to go!