and not the edible kind, alas! I was out in the yard yesterday, wandering around doing some minor pruning since it was wheelie bin night. I noticed that the little plum tree next to my bedroom window was looking very poorly, especially the part of the tree that is closest to the house. Then I realised that the window AC, which has been in frequent use during our most recent heat wave, blows hot air directly at the tree. This is not good for the tree, obviously. I am not sure how to deal with this problem, which is only going to get worse over the coming years. Perhaps that wasn't the best place to plant that tree, but at the time, there wasn't such a summer heat problem.
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Back in 2020 at the very beginning of the pandammit, I assembled the ironing cart from various Ikea components, but ended up using it as a printer stand instead. I decided this week in the interest of actually completing projects and also of creating places for things to be properly stored, to finally complete that project by padding and covering the small ironing board that is the top. I've already done the same to the large ironing board, and the folding sleeve board, so the how to do it was no trouble. The only difficulty was that I have mostly used up the thick and peculiarly ugly wool yardage that I used to make layers of dense padding, but by clever piecing and basting together of the remaining scraps, supplemented by some melton cloth, I made do, and now have a mobile ironing station and storage for the iron, sleeve board, pressing cloths etc. This makes me happy, and at least one tiny aspect of the cottage is more well organised.
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~ creativity challenge ~
It has been really hot here in the last week. and more on the way, but in the front yard, the crocosmia and the hardy fuschia are both blooming. I've been hiding indoors away from the sun, but couldn't resist drawing this floral postcard to send to my mom. I hope they get to her. I am going to do my best to draw a postcard every day this month and shower her with tiny reminders of my love...~ creativity challenge ~
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For the last week I have been slowly cutting out the pieces for the indigo tiger dress. I love the rayon, but it needs careful pulling a thread bit by bit to cut on the straight of grain for all the rectangles. Now I am in the middle of sewing together the triangular gores and the rectangular panels. About a third of the way done, with most of the front half complete. Next up is doing the same for the back panels and gores, then the shoulder seams and side gores. Because the print is directional, I had to cut the long panels in half at the shoulder, or there would be a lot of upside down tigers! I was able to eke out most of the gores with the print going the right way, but there will be a few with the tigers upside down on the side back. Oh well. 3 yards of 45" fabric is enough for a summer popover, IF the fabric isn't directional. Live and remember that. Still, it will be lovely to have a new summer dress.
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time in the tinyworld:
Today this new 1:12 scale ruler
arrived in the mailbox. Speedy delivery from the UK since I ordered it only nine days ago! This will make my creating miniatures a lot easier, as the inches on the ruler are divided into 12ths. It is so well made as to be what I consider a lifetime tool, the markings are etched into the surface of the stainless steel. I have been wanting a better crafting ruler for a long time now, and this one will do double duty. It was quite inexpensive and the price combined with postage from the UK to the US was under 6USD total!! I'll need to check out what other tools that shop has available. time in the tinyworld:
In addition, I am delighted that on Ann Wood Handmade today there is a new Miss Thistle Society free tutorial for a "farmhouse plate rack". I shall have to take some time this coming week to build one for my tiny friends, for their future kitchen.
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August SMART goals (x=extra)
| # | THINGS MADE | THINGS FIXED | THINGS GONE |
| 1 | Kestrel denim apron | ironing cart | yard waste bin |
| 2 | - | - | recycle bin |
| 3 | - | - | ancient printer |
| 4 | - | - | - |
| 5 | - | - | - |
| 6 | x | x | x |
| 7 | x | x | x |
| 8 | x | x | x |
| 9 | x | x | x |
| 10 | x | x | x |
| 11 | x | x | x |
| 12 | x | x | x |
| 13 | x | x | x |
| 14 | x | x | x |
| 15 | x | x | x |
today's gratitude - I got to see friends this week. Only for a short time, but still, actual live friends on my front porch instead of tiny pixel people on the laptop screen!! On Tuesday Bill and Jen and Kestrel stopped by, I was able to give Kestrel the denim work apron, and she presented me with a long paper "kite" that she had decorated with a drawing of the catbus from Totoro. Then on Wednesday, my pal Dayna stopped by for a brief visit, and I was able to see some of the beautiful embroidery she has been working on.
Time of Isolation - Day 897
