The Industry of Elves

Have you ever thought about how hard an elf must work? I bet a lot of the wants of children are last minute. And imagine having to retool the Santa workroom for molded plastics. I bet THAT was a learning curve! I was watching one of the kids stations the other day. The Polar Express was on and I must catch it at least once (usually more) a season. Anyway, the commercials were plentiful and geared to a crowd much younger than myself. Imagine my surprise and total horror when I discovered they had actually made a small plastic dog that poops! It POOPS! What kind of toy is that? You put a peanut looking thing in the front, pump his tail I think and it comes out the back end. Good grief why would anyone waste their hard earned money on something like that? Dolls that wet were bad enough, what is next years toy going to be? Cat with Hairball? Bulimic Barbie? She throws up on cue. I was disgusted to say the least. This is the best toy makers can do? Does Santa's elves waste their time on such..crap?

I've been in elf mode myself although my efforts don't come close to Santa's. What needed to be sewn is sewn, bought is bought and only the wrapping and/or shipping awaits. The fate of a few peoples Christmas will soon lie in the hands of the USPS. Comforting I know. ;)

I played Santa yesterday to all my friends at the Web-sters. While my yarn buying has drastically reduced, it remains one of my favorite places and the staff is always first rate. This years little token was beautiful needle cases in fancy ribbon, satin and wool.

Easy to make once you get by the slippery satin and of course a perfect way to showcase a truly spectacular ribbon.

Since the staff there runs the gamut of knitters, crocheters, weavers and sewists I knew each could use it for a needle or two.

Other gift making can't be shown, but I have put in a few hours getting some already cut patterns made. Both shirts are Sewing Workshop Patterns, one Liberty with it's interesting side seams and the other, Zigzag with the nifty yoke/collar construction.

Since this is the second time around for these two patterns they went together easily, although the Liberty pattern paired with the lightweight wool suiting was a struggle in some ways.

To get this wool in particular to hold a crease for sewing and such, I spent a lot of time with the iron on steam and a press cloth. It made for getting nice miters a bit more time consuming but I am very happy with the results. An iron is a sewers best friend.

Elf Gene has been making progress on the horse shelter, although I wish it were done.

And there he is, working hard on the getting the metal roof on! I'm told while I spent

yesterday afternoon and evening in town, the other side of the roof was almost completed.

He has had a surprising amount of holiday orders and really has looked some days like a little elf himself in a very messy workroom. I'll spare you that picture. For those of you compulsively neat it is of nightmare proportions to even see it. I keep the door closed myself most times.

The horses have donned their beautiful curly coats and I delight in burying my fingers into those lush soft curls.

It has been perfect weather for riding and I have managed to slip in a few short ones during this past week. It's been cold, but oh so refreshing and the horses have all been playful and fun on their outings.

So now it's on to the time of last minute, be it shopping, wrapping or cooking. Holiday music reigns supreme, pine boughs grace our door and our mantle, clove studded oranges await hanging, cider needs mulling, stockings need filling and cheer abounds even if the blog may be a bit neglected. I hope each and everyone of you is savoring the season in some wonderful way.

Parting shots: 2 Chicas and an Amigo

EARWORM ALERT: (Hummed to the tune of the Little Drummer Boy)

Little Beggar Donks ..fa rump a dum dum

I have no gifts for you.. fa rump a dum dum

My finest hay I give ...rump a dum dum, rump a dum dum...

A Kitchen Sink Post

These are the posts that have a little bit of everything thrown in. Sewing and weaving projects are off limits right now since it's been all gifts. This one is going to actually start near the kitchen sink!

After I painted my kitchen I mentioned that it would be fun to do some vintage dishes. I was tired of my old set. Like all of my dish sets, it was pretty cheap and I do that on purpose. I never feel guilty about changing them out and moving them on. So the hunt was on for some fun vintage dishes and I settled on restaurant ware. Many manufacturers used similar patterns and so, I was able to find an assortment from Syracuse, McNichol, Jackson and Shenago china companies.

I have multiples of all of these and again a well stocked china cabinet. I'm still on the hunt for some fill in pieces but we've been enjoying them a lot.

Cold weather gear. For most of us, winter is starting to settle in and I feel it's worth mentioning products that have worked for farm use in our cold and wet area.

Bogs Boots! I am heading into year 3 on these boots and I can't say enough about them. They keep my feet warm and dry even though I may be out there for quite some time. They are very comfortable too. If I had a complaint it would be I wish for a little more heel for riding.

Neoprene gloves. I found a pair of diver gloves in a heavy neoprene in one of our local outdoor stores. They are tops for keeping hands dry and I do a lot of work with water outside in the winter for the critters. They are not terribly warm, so if you find a pair, get a warm thin liner glove too. I didn't like the high snug cuff so I cut it off. It's still snug but not like one would need for a wet suit.

Lands End turtlenecks. Still the nicest made for a good price. I have LE t-necks that must be 10 years old. They wear like iron, keep their shape and while over that much time and use, still look pretty decent color wise. I buy the men's since they are cut longer.

Dog beds. If you have dogs or cats that like the sofa and chairs, throw a bed on them. They will use them and it offers some protection to the furniture both with mud/grit/hair and the nesting and scratching my dogs love to do ( and spin around 3 times at least), before they settle into snooze mode.

Rodger the cat likes them too, he just doesn't always get a free one in time. Musical beds anyone? They are easily washable and hold up remarkably well no matter what the make.

I love new little gadgets and doodads. Either for sewing, knitting or weaving. Clover has come out with some fun little clips that have proved useful on the sewing and the weaving fronts.

They really make working with slippery or fine fabrics easy. No more distortion or pin marks. You can also get them in packs of 10.

That about covers the non-gift highlights for this post! Except of course...Parting shot:

Grrrr Baby Grrrrrrrrrr!

He's really not growling..we took advantage of dry lip and stuck them up there. Robin was quite happy to stay like that as long as I was rubbing his tummy. Such a mellow fellow!

What's Black and White and Red All Over?

I'm sure everyone knows the answer to that elementary school yard standard. My answer is a bit different and not as clever but here it is anyway!

It could be a pirate thing, a goth thing or simply a whole lot of fun well done in this skull print.

I have been casting around for the right pattern from late summer onward and finally, a suitable one was found. I liked the brown tunic a lot and figured the same pattern could carry this very graphic print well even if black isn't always my best color.

Oh, and the red part is Sewing Workshop's classic Liberty Shirt Pattern.

There is a lot to love about this shirt but I'm going to start with the fabric. A fine soft wool, in a woven diamond twill. It has the appearance almost of a thermal waffle weave but it isn't. Drapey and very light in weight this will be a staple in my closet for almost the whole year and perfect for the holiday season now. The construction is quite different, the side seams run from the back of the armhole curving to the front hip.

During construction every seam is finished and most hidden in french seams. I learned to do a good miter on this blouse and like the comfortable fit and style very much.

For those that commented on the Turkey Day Apron there is a pattern for that! I was remiss at not including it with the post. Reet's Rags to Stitches No Hem Reversible Apron #RR125.

In general news, Greensprings Fire & Rescue got called out to a structure fire Friday night around 9:30 pm. The beautiful and unoccupied log cabin was fully involved even as the call came in. It was a total loss but the fire was kept contained to the cabin and didn't creep into the forest or move towards other homes. It was a long night for the crew of 3 volunteers (everyone else was visiting family elsewhere) and Gene made it back home a little after lunch time on Saturday.

Dandy got to be THE pony ride giving star Saturday. Children and grandchildren of a friend came up for a peek at the horses and donkeys. Dandy, as always, is the most willing of farm ambassadors. He is as much of a photo ham as Stella, gentle, loves kids, and knows they bring LOTS of treats. He was not disappointed and everyone is enjoying a few days of the bounty Cassidy and Finn brought. Thank you.

My Black Friday splurge consisted of bags of pine shavings bought at the Grange Co-op at half price. And the answer to how many bags of shavings can ft in the back of the Subaru Outback is 10. Oh and a little fabric shopping as there was a sale. Some of it is gift fabric and a fair amount of the next months sewing won't be shown here until after the holidays.

The weather has been very un-Oregon like. We have had some days of rain but we are looking at about a week of almost Indian Summer weather. Warm, dry and sunny.

The donkey's must be enjoying it. I caught them all playing yesterday. Running around, mock fighting and just being kinda silly. The horses were watching them fascinated. It was pretty cute.

And speaking of cute, I'll leave you with this parting shot: Pogo. I'm keeping this ball safe for Stella...honest.

The Just in Time Turkey Day Apron

And gosh, have I needed one...for years! I am a messy cook so an apron is a very welcome addition to the daily effort.

This one has cute pockets and is fully lined. It was a lot of fun throwing this together early this morning, just in time.

We have had some other sewing success. The rayon/lycra knit (diva of the fabric world I'm sure) was difficult and time consuming to work with compounded by a pattern that has 24 darts spread through the garment (12 on the sleeves, 4 on the back and 8 on the front) all radiating down from the neck line. What Einstein picked it for this fabric?

Ah, that would be me. The finished top came out well in spite of my struggles and is quite wearable and comfortable.

Next up and in keeping with the green/cream/black theme is this 60's inspired A line tunic. It fits like a glove and I swear makes me look like I lost 10 pounds just slipping it over my head.

I used exactly 2 yards (that's all there was) of a light decorator weight cotton canvas. A winner for sure!

I want to wish everyone stopping by, a wonderful Thanksgiving, even if it may not be your holiday today. We have a lot to be thankful for here. Gene and I count family, friends and furkids high on our long list of bounty. Oh and football! ;)

The cats Rodger, Juno and Buzz are thankful for slow mice.

Horses Cooper, Dandy and Nick are thankful good carrots and apples are available all year.

Donkeys Sugarfoot, Ladybird and Star are grateful for warm coats.

Charlotte is thankful she is still top dog, Dennett is thankful for his daily walk.

Jack is thankful he can leap the dutch doors, Pogo is thankful the stitches in his butt will be coming out next week.

Smoochie is ever grateful for dropped food, Peter is thankful for soft pillows and down throws.

Bea is thankful her knee is holding up so well after surgery 2 years ago, Robin is thankful that my Dad taught him to jump up on the sofas and chair.

And Stella... Stella is thankful it is Robin's turn to wear the Hat of Embarrassment this year.

Robin is an awfully good sport BTW.

Don't worry, he is not scarred for life. A little turkey and all embarrassment shall be forgotten! :)

Those Devious Donkeys!

Oh, you think they are cute don't you?

They gently take any and all treats from your fingers like highborn ladies at tea, they stand like fine Italian statues while you dress and undress them. They even come and rest their little shaggy heads on your shoulders if you sit a spell with them. All the books say they are very smart, but you think to yourself it doesn't look like much goes on behind those soft eyes and heavy brow.

If you think that you would be OH SO WRONG. They plot, in fact I know they likely whisper stuff as they stand three abreast in their trailer hut. Warm and dry while you lug hay through all kinds of nasty weather. So it was Friday late afternoon. The gate was getting hard to open and close with the snow, so I decided to do a stall guard with two lead ropes, one high, one lower with about 12-15" in between and some slack. I left them suspiciously eyeing my creation as hay was happily munched. At 7:30 that night Gene burst into the house after a long afternoon in town doing errands and announced that we had donkeys on the loose, all three were in the driveway. I got myself bundled up and out we went, carrots in hand. In the driveway you say? Not a donkey to be found, but so many little tracks in the snow going here and there, no way to track the little buggers either. No eye shine, no tell tale rustle of donkey coats, just snow and cold. Sneaky, quick and quiet you could add to that list of traits. So, after looking and calling we found ourselves back at the top of the driveway, when I spied a short little quick eye shine. The gang of three had taken themselves back to their paddock. Sugarfoot even put himself back in and was eating the last of the hay. The ladies were hanging by the intact lead rope stall guard, tapping their hooves and waiting for that errant doorman. I bustled them in, pulled the gate back into place, calmed the horses who were working on their own escape plan and went in and had a good stiff drink. I have new found respect for those little long ears.

So, besides the donkey incident, a flat tire on Bob the tractor ( he got a new one to replace it) snow, a cancer scare with one of the dogs (Pogo has an unusual type of infection and the fix is a long course of antibiotics..whew!), and Dennett going off and then back on his food, I have managed to put together a single new top. Sewing Workshop's Zigzag Top and it was a lot of fun.

It was a completely different collar/yoke construction than I have ever done and it kept me concentrating for most of the sewing. While tricky, the directions as always with SW patterns are first rate. This is made from pinwale corduroy and I have modified it a bit with the addition of some ribbon,

making little "cuff" tucks in the sleeves

and adding pockets. Only one has the little ribbon detail.

Casual tops always benefit from pockets and these are nicely interfaced and lined to prevent sagging. Overall I am happy although it is a bit too big. Next one I'll go down a size. This one might shrink though. I rarely prewash fabrics unless I am mixing them. Garment manufacturers don't so why should I? I build in the shrink room on the cutting table. It works for me.

Parting shots: You can take pictures of cute little me to your hearts desire,

but NO, I am not leaving this to go outside for a walk.

No way!

Weaver's, Have I got a Pattern for YOU!

I know that just about all of us at one time or another have wished for a really good pattern to use some of our beautiful handwoven cloth with. Something useful, something not too fussy or fitted or big or complicated. Most of all, something that looks high end to show off all our hard work. Crafted, not crafty.

I happen to have just such a pattern! Once a month Fabric of Vision has an evening event called Swig and Stitch at Liquid Assets, a nice local wine bar . Sandi demo's and stitches, we swig two or three wine pairings and take over the full length of the bar and then some. For $18.00 we get wine, we get free patterns and we almost always learn a new technique or two. It's just a lot of fun and the bonus this past S&S, was a perfect pattern for handwovens.

The Pattern is The Hooded Scarf by Jamie Christina Sewing Patterns.

It has five variations and two sizes (adult & child). It is cleverly drafted and the instructions are thorough and easily understood. You will need a sewing machine, but due to the nice construction, you might not need a serger. The designers site is Flash heavy and my computer hates that stuff, but you can find it in stock at Fabric of Vision

and Sandi is happy to pop stuff in the mail. The number there is 541-482-4009, and yes, this could be considered a shameless plug for a wonderful shop and a great little pattern

I did a child's size using the cute pleat option, a button and a folded piece of pretty ribbon completed the pleat detail. The outside fabric is a beautiful and soft rust wool and the inside is a lovely cotton from the new Phillip Jacobs collection.

These fabrics are amazing in that they are color saturated but still soft and muted. It's a balance I wish I could achieve in a lot of my weaving. The scarf covers the back of my neck very well and is a winner for feeding. I have a great big water resistant coat with a barn type collar but the neck is large and I've always wished it had a knitted under collar. A detail you don't often find these days I might add. I wore it out yesterday to town and this morning doing early morning barn chores and loved its versatility. I need to make a few more and what great gifts they would make too!

So there you have it, something wonderful and timely for winter weaving.

Parting shot: Who need Man Ray when you've got Jack?

On To The New Challenges

The last of the cut out TNT patterns has been finished and I'll admit it right here and now, I adore my little snap tool! My short list of sewing needs has more snaps at the very top. Good sized antique brass snaps were used on this top. This is Kwik Sew 3620 with the shawl collar done in some fine Japanese cotton. Needs a good pressing too!

And then it was on to something new, a lot of somethings new are in the works.

First up to get my feet wet on pattern auditions is a new one by Indygo Junction.

It's IJ 867 Mod Top and Tunic and I am in love with it.

As a child in the 60's this hit just the right note with me. The fabric had been one I admired from afar, so when this pattern came in it was an easy pick. It's a heavier cotton canvas and should hold up well.

Hope so as it's going to get a lot of wear. I'll be making this again with some very minor tweaking in other fabrics. Gotta find my old Go-Go boots and break out some Nancy Sinatra maybe. ;)

Yesterday was a pattern and fabric cutting day as I loaded myself up with projects.

Here is what we accomplished.

Sewing Workshop ZigZag Shirt in aqua baby wale corduroy.

I can't say enough good things about these patterns. They are cleverly designed and well drafted. The instructions are first rate too. Almost all of their styles are flattering to many many body types.

Cut and ready for sewing is also Vogue 1173.

I added this pattern to my collection the last sale Vogue patterns had ($4.99) and paired it with a very nice drapey rayon knit.

I have not conquered knits and both the fabric and pattern will be a challenge. The front, back and sleeves all have multiple dart details. I'm doing a tunic length with long sleeves.

I didn't do anything with this but look at it. It's ambitious and I have some spectacular fabrics for it should I be able to pull it off. Silk velvet in a deep midnight blue and a lace base with what looks like a hand dyed jersey sewn and slashed on top.

Very interesting and actually quite pretty. The pattern will get a good fitting on Rhonda and I'll decide then to go for the good stuff or do a test muslin first. I'm getting better at translating how the pattern fit looks in the finished garment.

Last up for yesterdays marathon prep session is a coat pattern that has been just waiting for me to be brave enough to tackle it. Sewing Workshop Verona Coat.

It took quite a while to cut out all the pattern pieces since it also has a lining. I needed to do a pin fitting to see what size I want to construct my test garment in.

This is basically going to be a wearable (I hope) muslin.

If it works out I get a nice new "around town" winter coat and can finally use the Italian cotton wool plaid (I have been petting and loving in my stash) for a much needed good spring coat.

In other news, the horse shelter is standing proudly with 3 sides and the roof trusses up. Of course it's all frame right now, but serious progress none the less. I bought a third waterproof blanket for Dandy so the boys really will be okay without for a while yet. Most times they used the trees over the shelter anyway.

The shoulder is feeling better and I've thrown the shuttle a time or two over the weekend. I also made time for a nice fall ride. Sunday football carried on just fine without me for that few hours. As a side note, Cooper was quite sweaty and damp from our ride, that fall combination of warm day/heavy winter coat and I was worried he wouldn't dry out in time for the late afternoon temperature drop. For the first time ever I used the cooler sheet I have had for just this scenario. He stood like a champ while I threw it on. The donkeys got brushed and everyone, right down to the barn cats, got some treats and extra attention.

Parting shot: Lend me your ears....

That's Just Snappy!

Please raise your hand if you dislike sewing on buttons? It is the one thing I positively drag a part of my anatomy getting around to (Chinois Coat still awaiting that final touch), so imagine my delight when the gals at Fabric of Vision mentioned a snap setting tool. My ears perked up for sure. I like snaps! They make a satisfying sound, they have those pretty pearly tops, I don't have to hand sew them and best of all, they are available right in Ashland.

Sometimes it takes weeks for me to get over to Medford for buttons and often the selection is just so-so and dollars to donuts there is never enough of the one I like.

So, I went to town with my little setter and finished up this new pattern test run blouse. Meet Vogue 1274.

The shirt turned out well for the first run through. Certainly a wearable muslin and good thing since I used a good quality tightly woven shirting on it. The sizing is accurate considering problems I've had with Vogue patterns in the past.

The directions were pretty good although there are some things I need to change. They want all seams French seams. In my mind, unless you are working with silk or some other fine fiber that ravels heavily it's a big waste of time and makes some of the seaming extra difficult as far as getting a good clean match. If you like french seams and it makes you feel better, do them, but if you are like me and just want a good sturdy garment, serviceable and neat on the inside, just seam and serge or finish as you normally do. There is no Sewing Police. The neck facing is a poor fit and needs work/adjustments on the next version. I love the looks of this pattern but don't know how that back will behave wearing it. I can see the gathered back portion riding up under the snapped side panels.

In all fairness, a heavier fabric with more body and crispness would be better suited. I don't need a lot of asymmetrical closing shirts, but I will do this at least one more time and maybe more. I like it.

I would love to tell you I've been weaving, but I haven't. Cooper's little explosion last week while trying to get the blanket on him wrenched my shoulder and aggravated a nerve and muscle that lies under a shoulder blade. Why I just didn't let go of the lead rope is an easy to answer question. As beginners ( and I started riding when I was 4. Thanks Mom, you gifted me with that opportunity) you are taught to hold the reins no matter what and I have sailed over and off many a horse, reins still in hand even though my lungs had no air or a body part was screaming injury. I kept a hold of my horse. The same goes with holding a lead rope, although newer (and kinder/safer), techniques are out there. And I know them too. Shame on me.

So Cooper and I headed up to the round pen on Tuesday. It's been a long time since we had to do any remedial work of that kind, but it was good for both of us. I had my clicker in hand and started working on targeting, the blanket thrown over the rail blowing in the breeze was our starting point. 45 minutes later, I had a happy relaxed horse, wearing his blanket and not fussing as it went on and off over his head, over his rump, over his sides etc. We'll do this a few more times just to make sure any unexpected late night blanketing emergency goes off without a hitch. With him it's not so much the blanket itself but the noise the waterproof fabric makes.

Parting shots: Bedtime Biscuits & Little Beggars.....;)