Recently, I accepted a nearly impossible sewing challenge and amazingly I finished it...in 9 hours. A local choir was short one dress and they needed it in less than 24 hours. For some odd reason, I said, "Yes, I think I can make a dress without a pattern. Get the fabric and come straight here." I had not seen the dress and really only knew that it was a dress in the size that I wear. This was a major advantage as I am very familiar with that size. What I didn't fully understand what that it was made from some sort of sheer black organdy. The original dress fabric was beautiful. It was soft and would have been a delight to sew. The Hancock version of the sheer black organdy was not so beautiful and not so soft. It was much sheerer and was stiffer. It was impossible to make tiny narrow hems as in the original garment. It actually resisted folding, even with an iron and steam. Finally, I came up with an acceptable substitute for the delicate narrow hems. I used my hemming foot and made scalloped edges. It looked much better than my first attempt at using the serger to make rolled hems. At the concert that night (yes, I had to go see if it was successful or not) it blended right in. In fact, it took me a good 5 minutes to pick out which girl was wearing my dress. I took a photo of the dresses, however at 5:00 in the evening I have a lot of sunlight through my dining room window and it washed the photo out quite a bit. So please realize it looked much better in real life.
How I did it: I used the actual dress as a pattern. I measured all points of the dress and used dressmaker pattern tissue to draw the pattern. A good rotary cutter guide helped a lot with straight edges. I would have killed for a pair of french curves. Since I didn't have a set, I freehanded the curves. (This is one reason the ruffles on the front aren't as drapey as they should be...along with others) Adding on the seam allowance was the only tricky part. 5/8 of an inch doesn't add, multiply or divide well...at least not when you are tired. At one point, I had to try and remember how to divide fractions. I know I learned it in 4th grade but for a good 10 minutes I could not remember how. Of course, by the time I got to that part I was running on coffee and 4 hours of sleep. When my pattern pieces didn't look right I pulled out a Vogue pattern in that size for comparison. I ended up modifying my original pattern a bit and it worked out. I never did get the ruffles to drape like I wanted. Today, I realized that two layers of fabric would have been much better. It would have been a darker black and I think it would have given enough weight to hang better even with my poor freehanded curves on the pattern. Hind sight is always 20/20 they say. After attempting various things to finish the edges of the sheer, stiff fabric, a friend declared the fabric as wretched. I agreed wholeheartedly and this poor dress was referred to as "wretched" for the entire 9 hours I worked on it. In order to save time, I left out the darts and tucks that make it more womanly (I knew it was going to be worn by a 14 year old). That saved time and I also left off the side hidden zipper. Risky, but still trusting the 14 year old hadn't fully bloomed, if you know what I mean. The scallop edging done after the dress was finished was a last minute effort to make it more wearable. At 3:45 I was still clinging to the low standard of wearable. I had all but given up hope of pretty. Until I did this, I really thought it was going to be the ugliest dress ever. I kept thinking, I am spending all this time on a dress that is headed to the garbage. Maybe the girl will be on the back row? However, the scallop edge did it. When I hung it up next to the original dress I rejoiced. My daugher rejoiced. My friend rejoiced. My husband rejoiced...mostly just because everyone else was. He had just walked in from work. It really looked a lot like the original. It was now 4:30 and I was trying to figure out how the hem got so strange looking. I realized that I had forgotten to curve the hem since it was an a-line skirt. Off to the serger for several more curves and trims. Finally at 5:00 I hung it in the window and took the picture. I saw the choir director coming down the driveway. The choir director's little girl walked in and squealed. "It looks just like it!" I was so happy. Anyway, now I just wish I'd gotten a better picture.
BTW...next time given this sort of challenge, I'm prepared to say no. 9 hours to complete a dress from scratch is just almost impossible. Thankfully, the Lord was on my side and a lot things worked that could have gone wrong. All praise to the Lord for His help in this dress. And in reality, if challenged again, I'll probably take it. I'm a sucker for this sort of thing.
It's Miss A's photograph for the Rabbit Extravaganza contest tomorrow. She'll be showing her mini-rex's. She has taken about a hundred photos of Lacey (above) trying to get a cute photo for the photography contest. Today after Lacey ran and hid in the lavender bush, she got desperate and called her friend Emma for an idea. Emma and her mom thought rabbit stew would be cute. I walked into the kitchen to find Lacey in a stew pot. So of course, I did what any good mom would do. I found some potatoes, onions and fresh herbs.
Update: Miss A won 1st Place in the Junior Color Humor Division and then won a trophy for Champion Rabbit Photo. She was thrilled. The show bunnies didn't do too badly either. Both took 3rd place in Sr. Broken Mini Rex. A long day, but very fun!
Sew Mama Sew is once again having a Handmade Holiday over at their blog. Last year I found some super cute, and some super fast handmade gift ideas. So if you are looking for handmade gift ideas, check out their blog daily as they add fun ideas. Many of the projects include step by step photo tutorials. Now, I have to get to work and finish the tea towel aprons that I started last year.
Blessings,
Mrs. P
Better Homes and Gardens has an online Thanksgiving Planner. They also have many online slide shows of various decorations for the holidays. Warning: The Slide Shows can be addictive and may result in unplanned shopping trips, sewing, and crafting.
If you are interested in what the kids are learning at our farm, you can check out my new blog of all things home school. It is new so there are not many posts, but there is a list of books and such that we are using. For some reason I can't get the linky to work so you can copy and paste it into a new window.
Outside My Window... Sunshine, a cool 65 degrees
From the learning room...new books for character and music. A Girl of Beauty by Carol Fiddler and Keyboard Capers for beginning music theory
I am thinking...that I should have gotten up earlier!
I am thankful for...Meme feeling good enough to go to work after having both knees replaced.
From the kitchen...Chicken Freezer Session, Steaks and baked potatoes for dinner
I am wearing...pajamas, but changing into my favorite fall themed broomstick skirt, brown peasant top and leather sandals ('cuz only in Texas can you wear sandals year round. )
I am creating...a satin shrug for a friend to wear in a wedding (Pictures to come)
I am going... to the barn to check on the animals
I am reading... A Girl of Beauty by Carol Fiddler
I am hoping...to be very productive today.
I am hearing... one whining little girl, sad that she can't get her puzzle together. I believe entirely too many S'mores were consumed while camping, and not nearly enough sleep was had.
Around the house...maintaining the clean house, school, normal barn chores
One of my favorite things...a new butter church that I found at an antique store this weekend.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: 4-H, my parents are coming on Friday.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...The Show Bunny Porch! Clockwise from top left you see Zipper (Mini Rex), Lacy (Netherland Dwarf), Boots (Californian), and Bubbles (Mini Rex)
This blog has been up almost a year and I have not changed the look of it at all. This is more from a lack of ability than a lack of desire. However, the desire has finally outweighed the ability and I changed my layout. I wanted something a little more fallish and different than what I've been looking at for the past months. So I guess I'm celebrating the cooler temperatures with some warm colors for the blog. I hope you enjoy it.
Back in August, I volunteered our 4-H club to make the judges gifts for the food show. I was told that it needed to be an inexpensive item. Mason jars with cookie mix were suggested as well as 4-H coffee cups full of candy. Of course, those are nice gifts, but I have a knack for making things hard or at least unusual. Besides, I have volunteered for 4-H judging before and I am already growing a rather large collection of 4-H coffee cups. So I decided to teach the girls to do Silk Ribbon Embroidery. What I imagined as an hour long project turned into several hours. However, the results were STUNNING! It was worth it to hear the judges say how much they loved their little photo frame with the needlework in it. So while it would have been easier and faster to make the above mentioned gifts, I'm glad I chose the road less traveled. The girls learned a new skill and were able to bask in all of the compliments of the judges. Take a look at the photos and see if you don't think the girls did a nice job with their newly learned needlework skills.
The iris above was stitched by 10 year old Emma. I believe she may have some talent for hand stitching.
This morning along with a nice slice of Amish Friendship Bread and a hot cup of coffee I'm taking a moment to sign an affadavit. I thought I'd share the story to save you the embarrassment, frustration, and yes, $107 for court cost plus time spent in Driving Safety Course.
It all started with a message from Flylady the Friday before the big ticket. I saw the email titled "Clean Car Boogie." I deleted said email and thought I'm too busy. I'll go boogie that car later. Two days later and two layers of crap in the car later, I was rushing to the 4-H Food Challenge. I had all of the cooking supplies in the front seat and my children in the back seat. I was actually on time and even a bit early. However, being the ditz that I am, I was talking on the phone and not paying one bit of attention to the speed limit. I was just cruising along answering questions from all the 4-H kid's moms about when to be at the extension office, etc. I looked up and realized I better slow down since I was nearing a stoplight and then I saw the police car. He was hiding behind the Lakeview Baptist Church. Apparently he'd seen me too because he pulled right out with flashing lights to greet me. I pulled over and the kids start asking questions.
Mr. Officer is not a young, cute, friendly officer. He is near retirement, fit and has a very grumpy look. Nope, he does not care that I've never had a speeding ticket before. He will not care one bit that I was on time, but just wasn't paying attention to the speed limit signs. He is all about his business. His first words are "liscence and registration." So I pass him my driver's liscense and proceed to reach around the large box of cooking supplies to reach the glove compartment. He's not impressed with my stretching and says, "Ma'am is there a medical reason that your children are not seat belted properly?"
I whirl around and look at my children. They are panicked and sitting with their shoulder belt behind their backs. I say: "I told you not to wear your seat belt like that. No, sir there is no medical reason for the children to not be belted properly."
Mr. Officer: "Ma'am it is solely your responsibility to ensure that the children are belted properly. Is your vehicle insured?"
me: "Yes, I'm just having some trouble finding my insurance card."
Mr. Officer: "I'll be back"
While he is gone the phone begins to ring and I continue to search through the glove box finding insurance cards from as far back at 2001 and even up to June 2008. The phone rings a total of 3 times and I find that answering with "Excuse me, but I'm visiting with a policeman about my driving." gets the other speaker right off the phone. In fact, no one calls me back for two days. I call Mr. P and ask him if the car is insured. He says, "Why are you wondering about car insurance? Aren't you supposed to be at 4-H?"
Yes," I say, "but the policeman needs the card."
"Oh," says Mr. P, "good luck." Then he hangs up.
The policeman comes back to the car. The entire time he's speaking to me he's standing behind me so that I have to turn to see him.
me: "Was I going too fast?"
Mr. Officer: "You were going 66 in a 55. I got it by radar." (he then went into a discourse about how the radar worked and how he was certain it was correct...but I was sort of tuning him out.)
me: "Yes, Sir. I understand."
Mr. Officer: "I will ticket you for speeding and for failure to insure your car. I will not ticket you for the seatbelts, however, that would have been an additional $390 of fines. It is important that you ensure your children are belted in properly. In an accident, you would be responsible for thier injuries."
me: (shrinking even more as I receive the Worst Mother of the Year award) "Yes, Sir. I understand."
Mr. Officer talks a bit more about how it is most clearly me at fault and that I have the right to contest and to call this number on a certain day, etc, etc.
me: "Yes, Sir. I'm so sorry. I understand." ( I know I was speeding...I'm not going to argue with him and I can't imagine anyone else arguing either.)
Then he says: "Please roll your back window down so that I may address the children."
(Remember the junky backseat? My husband once said that we could clothe a third world country from the backseat of our car.)
So I roll the window down and the children with all of the terror in the world peer at the officer who then lectures them on the accidents he's seen in his 26 years as a police officer. All the while he is probably thinking, "You poor kids must live in this car with your flaky mother. Obviously all of your clothes, shoes and books are in the floor and seat." So I'm in the front seat thinking of the Clean Car Boogie and how I really should have boogied instead of instant messaging or reading blogs or canning pickles or something.
Mr. Officer: "Good bye children. Remember to wear your seat belts correctly, or even better tell your mommy to buy you a booster seat so you won't be so uncomfortable." Then he walks away looking back over his shoulder every few seconds like I'm going to bolt from the car and attack him.
Because it was my first (and last) offense I am able to take the Driver's Safety Course instead of the entire $220 ticket. I have learned some valuable lessons. Some people have to learn them the hard way and I am one of those people.
Lesson 1: If you don't like being embarrased or put on the spot, then you must drive the speed limit. You must pay attention to all road signs and notice when the speed drops from 65 to 55. I believe my face was scarlett red for about an hour after the ticket. I was clearly shaken and even more so when Miss A announced in great detail to all of the county at the 4-H event that her mommy got a ticket.
Lesson 2: When you get the Clean Car Boogie email from flylady, you really should go right then and clear out the clutter from your back seat. You just can't imagine how that junky seat looks to a police officer, especially one without a sense of humor.
Lesson 3: You probably shouldn't talk on the cell phone while you are driving. It really is distracting and had I been driving without trying to multi-task, I would have realized that I'd gotten into a slower speed zone. Now that I have texting capabilities, I'll be sure and put the phone in my purse in the back seat so I won't be tempted to try and text and drive.
Oh, and the missing insurance card turned out to be in the floor. However, I couldn't see it because of the large box of cooking supplies in the front seat. I have now thrown away all insurance cards except for that current one. Hopefully, you will drive the speed limit and obey all traffic signs, and do as I say, not as I did.
I just thought I'd spend a few minutes sharing about what's going on here at the farm. My mother in law had both knees replaced this past month. Bilateral Knee Replacement has a rather lengthy recovery and as a result the whole family is helping our Meme to recover. I'm spending most of my days at Meme's house helping her out and schooling the children. In addition to this I am the manager of a new 4-H club. Having never managed a 4-H club (or been a 4-Her, for that matter) there has been a learning curve and it has taken a good bit of time getting our club chartered and up and going. So I guess I'm a little bit busy during this particular season of life.
Even though it is a busy time, there have been blessings all along the way. My family and I are meeting some really neat 4-H families and learning even more about all things 4-H. We really enjoyed an interesting rabbit clinic and taking photos all around the farm. Miss A really enjoyed cooking with her team mates at the County Food Challenge.
I like to think that our daily visits have blessed Meme as much as they have blessed us. Meme' has gotten to see what homeschooling is like in an up close and personal way. She has also gotten to enjoy 4 year old snuggles as well as that same 4 year old following her around the house on all fours pretending to be a duckling following her "Meme' Duck" during her daily walks to exercise her new knees. She gets cheered on with each pedal on her stationary bicycle by 6 year old Mr. P. It just happens to turn out that counting every day is part of his 1st grade math curriculum so we get to practice math while cheering her on. I also think she is enjoying our daily readings about Ancient Rome and the Middle Ages. It has given the children someone besides mom to give their narration to. It also has kept her fridge decorated since it is now covered with school papers all labelled "To Meme." Anyway, I just wanted to share what was going on at my farm and why my blog entries have been a bit sparse.
Outside My Window... dark night sky without any stars due to rain clouds
From the learning room...Alexander the Great,. Charlemagne and William the Conqueror
I am thinking...my kids should be in bed already instead of running about in pjs.
I am thankful for...books to read and learn...that makes me feel better about the ever growing stack next to my bed. ;-)
From the kitchen...Garlic Lime Chicken, wild rice, green beans and fresh veggies with dip was our dinner
I am wearing...black workout pants, pink real tree camo shirt, Nike shox, my new hair cut...4 inches shorter..OH MY!
I am creating...possibly a few minutes of silk ribbon embroidery for a Christmas gift.
I am going... to head off to bed pretty soon
I am reading... James Herriot's The Lord God Made Them All , The Well Trained Mind, The Power of Motherhood
I am hoping...that we will have enough rain to encourage the pasture to green up.
I am hearing... kids giggling on the couch, dog barking, and other fun family noises
Around the house...we are staying with Meme during the day while she recovers from knee surgery so we haven't been home much.
One of my favorite things...my half gallon mason jar of m&ms on the very top shelf of the pantry
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: helping Meme, possibly a visit to the zoo, Mr. P has a work event to attend this Saturday
Here is picture thought I am sharing...a photo that Mr. P recently took on a friend's farm.
Drying your herbs can be as simple as hanging them from knobs on your cabinets or a quick run in the dehydrator. I generally just take a bunch of herb and hold them together at the stem ends with rubber bands. I hang them from kitchen cabinet knobs or hooks or anywhere that I think they look nice as they dry. In just a few days they will be dry and crisp and can easily be crumbled and stored in glass jars. I also like to reuse my spice jars that I've purchased at the grocery store. I have a bulk size plastic jar that I have stored Italian Seasoning in for a couple of years. Below I will share my recipe for Italian Seasoning that comes from the Mix-A-Meal Cookbook. It uses garlic powder. In order to make your own garlic powder you will need to peel and slice your fresh garlic. I then dry it in the dehydrator for a couple of days until it is crisp. When I need garlic powder, I blend up the dehydrated garlic slices in the blender until they are a fine powder. I use this in any recipe calling for Italian Seasoning.
Italian Seasoning Mix
Combine:
1/4 c. crushed basil leaf
1/4 c. ground oregano
2 Tablespoons garlic powder
1/2 c. dried parsley
Outside My Window... hungry animals gathered at the barn
From the learning room...Gladiators, Caesars, Robin Hood (one kid is in Middle Ages and the other is in a World History overview)
I am thinking...and praying for my mother in law in the hospital with a double knee replacement.
I am thankful for...my helpful friends who've brought food to the hospital and done chores for us.
From the kitchen...Ham and Potato Quiche
I am wearing...grey/yellow workout pants, yellow tee shirt, my Columbia flip flops, hair down
I am creating...thank you gifts for the County Food Show judges and a smocked bishop dress before Miss J outgrows it.
I am going... to have a quick home blessing, help shave the show goats, visit the hospital
I am reading... just finished 4th book of Abram's daughters and started The Well Trained Mind
I am hoping...that the show goats are miraculously calmed by the Lord!
I am hearing... nothing...everyone else is at the barn
Around the house...it's not a normal day so we are trying to catch up from being gone all week.
One of my favorite things...my new Nike Shox
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: 4-H Food Show, hospital visits, library
Here is picture thought I am sharing...the girls looking at a sunset here on the farm on Grandad's old tractor...a favorite for boys and girls alike.
We had guests today and I forgot to put the roast in the crock pot so I decided to see what I could do with a roast in a pressure cooker. I found this recipe and the time it takes to cook is really great for Wednesday nights when we have to leave early for church. Here it is from Allrecipes.com. (I did use 2 quarts of water with 8 bullion cubes instead of the amount they used. I then added the potatoes and carrots (and about a tablespoon of rosemary) after 10 minutes of pressure cooking and returned to pressure for 10 minutes. The potatoes and carrots were perfect and the meat was very tender. I then added the cornstarch and some left over corn. It was a very yummy beef stew.)
Pressure Cooker Beef Stew
Submitted by: MISSCANADA Rated: 4 out of 5 by 14 members
Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 35 Minutes Yields: 8 servings
"Pressure cooker is king! This beef stew was made for us when we were just infants. Beef, carrots and potatoes taste like they simmered all day, but this is ready in about half an hour. To this day it reminds me of home."
INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
2 pounds cubed beef stew
meat
5 carrots, peeled and diced
8 medium baking potatoes,
peeled and cubed
2 cubes beef bouillon
2 cups water
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1.
Heat the oil in the bottom of the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. If your cooker has an insert, remove it and cook directly in the bottom of the pot. Add the onion and beef, and cook until browned on the outside.
2.
Stir in the water, bouillon cubes and carrots, close the lid, and secure the pressure regulator. Heat until you start to hear sizzling, then reduce the heat to medium, and set your timer for 20 minutes. If you have an adjustable pressure regulator, set it for 10 pounds of pressure.
3.
Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain. This whole process should take about the same amount of time as the rest of the stew.
4.
When the 20 minutes are up, release the pressure from the pot according to the manufacturer's instructions - mine needs to sit under cold running water for 5 minutes until the lid can be released.
5.
Remove the lid, and place the pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Stir the cornstarch into a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew, and cook for a few minutes. Add the potatoes to the stew, or place them in serving dishes, and ladle the stew over them.
Lotion Bars are in the tins at the front right of the photo
As a home business, I sell handmade soaps and bath products. It is a nice job for me as it is very seasonal. I get lots of orders starting now until Christmas. Then it tapers off and I sell the occasional bar or two of soap until the fall comes again. This week I need to make a big batch of soap as I'm just about out of everything. I do have plenty of lotion bars in stock so I won't have to make those. This is a recipe for a lotion bar that I make. Those with dry cracked hands or heels really like it. I like to put it on my dry heels and then sleep with cotton socks on. Mr. P has one by his bed for when he is fencing. Putting in fence really tears his hands up and this is the only thing that helps his hands. It really is simple to make with only a few ingredients.
Here's what you'll need:
Heavy glass measuring cup
microwave or double boiler
scale to weigh the oils and lotion bars with
plastic dixie cups or plastic molds
*metal tins to store the lotion bar in
Lotion Bar ingredients and where to find them:
1 part Grapeseed Oil (grocery store or Ross or Marshalls)
1 part Shea Butter (possibly a health food store or craft store OR online)
1 part Beeswax (local person who sells honey or craft store)
1/2 t. essential oil (health food store, craft store, online)
I shred the beeswax as it will melt faster that way. (Be careful...the beeswax is so hard that it is easy to shred you hand instead....ask me how I know.) I put all of my ingredients (except the essential oil) into a glass jar in the microwave and cook for 30 seconds at a time until they are all melted. Then I stir in the essential oil and pour into the dixie cups. I put a dixie cup on my scales and pour so that each bar is about the same size. For the tins above that is between 1/2 and 3/4 of an ounce. You can then pop the dixie cups into the freezer and then they pop right out of the dixie cups. It takes about 5 minutes or so for them to solidify enough to pop out. If you just leave them on the counter it may take an hour or so for them to cool, depending on the temperature in your house. These last for an amazingly long time. They are also great little gifts for teachers, secret pals, stocking stuffers, etc.
*note: if your tins have straight smooth sides, then you can pour directly into them and the lotion bar will slide out once it is cool. My tins have a tiny groove so I have to mold them in the dixie cups first.
Edited to Add: I purchased my tins online. They were on clearance. There are a number of places online to purchase them. Also, last year these cost me around 75 cents each to make. However, I anticipate that they will cost more than that now, as all of the oils I use have had significant price increases since then. If you would like to make a product that is more like lotion, then click on Greenock Farms on the sidebar. My friend there made a really wonderful all natural lotion and has the recipe on her blog. I think she calls it deep winter balm or something like that.
Outside My Window... warm, sunny, very pleasant
From the learning room...King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
I am thinking...I love days that we have no where to be but home!
I am thankful for...my servants: the washer and dryer :-)
From the kitchen...Grandma Jane's Chicken and Dumplings, fresh bread for the week, lots of washing dishes
I am wearing...pink pants, white tee shirt, tennis shoes, hair in pony tail
I am creating...Co-op plans for a month of Science Experiments at our library
I am going... to stay home all day!
I am reading... Vet in Harness by James Herriot
I am hoping...that I have time to sew on a skirt I have cut out
I am hearing... the washer chugging and sweet kids talking and eating breakfast
Around the house...It is home blessing day
One of my favorite things...my new Lantana plants
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: 4-H Open House, Science co-op, quilting or embroidery
Here is picture thought I am sharing...can you spot the owls? I spied him on a cliff overhanging the lake. Later, when we looked at the photo we realized there was more than one owl.
I am a Christian mom homeschooling my 3 children while enjoying our life in the country. I enjoy reading, sewing, smocking, canning, making soap, cheese, and bread and just about any other homesteading craft.
Here they are in the attic.
Look at this tidy garage.
http://totetrac.com
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Lotion Bars are in the tins at the front right of the photo
