Canning

After canning 30 quarts of pears for the first time, at least the first time I wasn't just helping my Mum or sister, I have a lot more appreciation for what my sister does each year making all those pints and quarts of jams, jellies, fruits, mincemeat.... It was quite a task but I enjoyed it very much! The satisfaction of having completed a project makes it well worth the effort. I shall now attempt to can more than six jars of applesauce, it was seven but number seven bit the dust and is now no more. *sigh* I was rather hoping for a nice explosion while canning but alas, only a tiny clink as the bottom of one of the jars broke because I turned the heat up too fast. Disappointing to say the least!

Now off to pick apples to start those other pints of applesauce........:-D

A little bundle of joy......

Introducing my adorable nephew~~~~~

A is for Apple, P is for Pie.

It was good!:-D

Vintage Nightgown

This is the nightgown I made to go with my housecoat. It is the same pattern my sister used for hers and she very kindly allowed me to use it as well. Thanks, sis! :)

I made it in 100% cotton I bought on clearance at Jo-Ann’s and cut it on the bias. It was a fairly easy pattern to make but I did have a little trouble with the gathers around the neckline but thanks to my sister, T.W, I got them figured out. They still aren't perfect but hey, it's only a nightgown! :) I also added small cap sleeves but I haven't decided if I like them or not. I may end up taking them off. Again, my sister is modeling so I could take pictures and it isn't as short on me by far since there is a four inch difference in height between us. I should've taken pictures of the housecoat and nightgown together but the wind kept coming up and making it difficult to get good shots. Oh, well!

Vintage Inspired Apron

This was a fun project to make and so incredibly simple! All I did was draft a yoke pattern and then cut the skirt to fit the yoke, leaving enough excess to make some nice full gathers. Adding the vintage-looking lace I've had in my sewing box for ages gives it a nice touch, I think. :-)

I don't really have a use for this apron so for now it sits in my completed pile till I decide what to do with it.*sigh*

Here are a few detailed photos:

This was my first time doing an apron and I've decided they're wonderful to make.:-D

Eucalyptus Vintage Housecoat

Yes, that is what this color is called and even though it isn't the prettiest name, I like saying it. :-) So, I finally finished this project and now have pictures to share, not only of the housecoat but I will also post pictures (later) of the nightgown I made to go with it. :-)

Housecoat is made from this pattern:

Now, the actual finished pictures...

The Front

The Side

The Back

Details

French seams and little gathers

I found this a very easy pattern to work with and my only regret is that I made it a tad too big but at least that will give me lots of ease. I love the wrap style and it is very easy to put on. I think next time I will make it in a cute print with little flowers and do the housedress instead. That is in the future of course! :-)

Many thanks to both of my sisters, T.W for being the patient model and Kyna for allowing me to use her vintage patterns. :-)

From the barnyard....

This year we were blessed with three adorable little goat kids. The buckling is christened Demi, (Black and white little fella) and the doeling pictured is called Lucy. I don't have pictures of the other little doe but she is pretty cute too! :-)

Life's amazing when you have....

homemade doughnuts and a hot cup of tea for breakfast. Awwwww! :-)

From my collection...

I thought it would be fun to post pictures of the china I am collecting. It is British made, Lady Carlyle and was the same china pattern my Great-Grandmother had. I love all the different colors and the pattern will make such an elegant addition to my future tea cupboard.

In the works - One Summer Green Housecoat....

Tracing a vintage forties pattern is fun, especially when the paper is in pristine shape.

Finished pictures coming soon!