Just Like A Classic Car

Check out this sewing machine! I was commissioned to sew a new blankie for Rob's nephew Graham over the weekend. I knew his mom had a sewing machine, but I didn't know it was one like this! We put our heads together and figured out how everything needed to be set up. Sure enough, it ran like a charm.

Here's Graham with the finished product!
Side note: the Apple Valley Jo-Ann Fabric Etc. puts the Durham one to SHAME! I am so jealous. Clearly Minnesotans take their craftiwork seriously.

The Pants Are Up Now!

(A little Kochalka humor for the 3 people who will get it.)

I finished my pants! It was the first time I had to install a zipper. Like most of my completed projects, they wouldn't pass Grandma Thompson's scrutiny but they are in a wearable condition. I wore the pants to work and they're totally comfy and the seams don't feel like they're about to bust open. All good things! I'll post some pics after we return from MN this weekend.

Hooray for fall!

Obsession Seems Like Such a Strong Word

It is 8am. Why do I feel compelled to sew these pockets now?! I have to go to work!

The Wardrobe Grows

My darling friends who are fans of pink can take this as a personal victory. You've converted me. Well, kinda-sorta. This is the first article of actual pink clothing in my wardrobe. It's made from French terry (very stretchy) and it's perfect for a walk, or going out or whatever! From Sew U. Again, I wimped out on the zipper, but it's terry cloth for cripe's sakes! It's like one step up from a bathrobe!

Good Grief

I'll be seeing my brother in 2 weeks and told him that I would make a robe for him. He requested a robe that would "impress people." Yikes. Perhaps this will do the trick.

I Might Wear This In Public!

Hip Hip Hooray! I completed the Built By Wendy shirt pattern (sans sleeves) from Sew U! It's my first fully-completed project using a pattern. Not perfect by any means, but it has definitely given me confidence to keep going. The design is ultra-customizable (that's a word, right?), so I definitely intend to make more.

Labor Day Laborings

We took advantage of the nice weather over Labor Day weekend and did a bunch of outdoor work. Pulled lots of weeds, hauled away lots of old pine straw, and built some new planter boxes. Gotta say I love having a handy guy around - Rob worked so hard. Power tools!

Front Garden: Before - can't exactly see the rock border, can you?


And After! We found a home for the old cast iron sink from the bathroom.


Side of the deck: Before (with brick "edging")


After!


Back Garden Before (ew!!)


Halfway there!


Once we get some rain I'd like to plant some shrubs and fall flowers. We also have ideas for the front yard. More on that at a later date! Someone alert TLC!