tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59565389423924978302024-03-13T15:57:36.546-04:00Thrift at HomeA Record of What I MakeMargohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.comBlogger1358125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-33221763024304934382023-11-02T14:06:00.016-04:002023-11-02T14:16:24.097-04:00Green Tomato Harvest Ideas: Chutney<p>Now that I am learning about native plants and reading people like Doug Tallamy, I let my plants stand and die in their spots. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyPM-Ai9-KNh6Vpc26W1SkiiiaA0l4SBPa4z98YLLKwHxMq8YP3nMIBcoMMOQz14YFIyb9smF3mP1yZhgIn2xco-cg4NvdfwPItwtjjSG3YhRLirTz2QOZKIEWi0R2kNoTnFXECMej517H0dMbQpi2VALCatjiTIhG_D6jGIodo8OieQH3RrQL3ex35KM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyPM-Ai9-KNh6Vpc26W1SkiiiaA0l4SBPa4z98YLLKwHxMq8YP3nMIBcoMMOQz14YFIyb9smF3mP1yZhgIn2xco-cg4NvdfwPItwtjjSG3YhRLirTz2QOZKIEWi0R2kNoTnFXECMej517H0dMbQpi2VALCatjiTIhG_D6jGIodo8OieQH3RrQL3ex35KM=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div>They provide homes for insects and food for other critters over winter. In the spring, they are reduced sufficiently to break down into soil or something - it must be easy because I don't have a memory of any hard work associated with them in the spring. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqaDD-pL4wf_O7dYuS_USLOG53u8OYOjLwrC7omlD5H2zv5hdCWKIdtsRDtXxRyj3Q18NHQK7ekf4ra4EoQtdYPmt3c77YVrwQHZ6-7qbqwhiX01JfvyCBrSQcmqAEa57SD3eQ5_XTiqHaSdRGNlR9LCtA5Knc7HjzioLbLz4xdrcRQVX9tDKAwP14cIc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqaDD-pL4wf_O7dYuS_USLOG53u8OYOjLwrC7omlD5H2zv5hdCWKIdtsRDtXxRyj3Q18NHQK7ekf4ra4EoQtdYPmt3c77YVrwQHZ6-7qbqwhiX01JfvyCBrSQcmqAEa57SD3eQ5_XTiqHaSdRGNlR9LCtA5Knc7HjzioLbLz4xdrcRQVX9tDKAwP14cIc=w640-h480" width="640" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>So I had green tomatoes right up until frost. My husband brought in my huge bread bowl full. They are very versatile!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlNZc5AlIRCT6k5AdzId_EEhVwEOWdWLoRKvQwsQNIPOETvzpO1E73sKQqgha67xj40S7Gn_QwKTxI_iROGVEN-ddulPWYqjk8kZDSq4WfWRsUHJk0C8ukIG5uDkmKi6bBMu6Ll8g-UGc_CFeow4xpUN7m-6BfuoZuVlH4NlfFk0_1GjV4NFc9kHU16aM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlNZc5AlIRCT6k5AdzId_EEhVwEOWdWLoRKvQwsQNIPOETvzpO1E73sKQqgha67xj40S7Gn_QwKTxI_iROGVEN-ddulPWYqjk8kZDSq4WfWRsUHJk0C8ukIG5uDkmKi6bBMu6Ll8g-UGc_CFeow4xpUN7m-6BfuoZuVlH4NlfFk0_1GjV4NFc9kHU16aM=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div> You can make salsa verde, to eat fresh or can. You can make green tomato curry or dhal (google for recipes), or you can chop them up and freeze them as is, no blanching required, to make that recipe in the future. You can pickle them as fridge pickles or to can if you don't have fridge space. And yesterday, I used a bunch to make chutney. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTQCeXieplKZj7nGkEHI9Og8Z-1-ZLSnalqdFQHg_J2lN1OEKC6DkDQ4Os9ghtKrHLhiw73AToE3hBUCVT3WwbBgHClZbIsF-F4e5ko-aSutmFrq1EI3XMg3mphJWh91wjaNaTBTJT-ONGXiQNouiwmjJm6_C8a4-i0SH1zutJ7KhaeApg5FD5dGCB-3w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTQCeXieplKZj7nGkEHI9Og8Z-1-ZLSnalqdFQHg_J2lN1OEKC6DkDQ4Os9ghtKrHLhiw73AToE3hBUCVT3WwbBgHClZbIsF-F4e5ko-aSutmFrq1EI3XMg3mphJWh91wjaNaTBTJT-ONGXiQNouiwmjJm6_C8a4-i0SH1zutJ7KhaeApg5FD5dGCB-3w=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I got the idea from my old Mennonite cookbook, <i>Mennonite Community</i>, that has green tomato pie which closely mimics apple pie. I have an apple chutney recipe I love, so I researched a bit and decided I could use green tomatoes instead of apples in my recipe. It worked GREAT. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi2i26Pru052E4zMdTPpkHs_kIi3-Du97WQbEEt3evBV4K0FwCzNXK2WR5yBqMPkUKm0ziQkT1bk_mQYTSJlLJmcDH5BAxU2bc4vAw8ablIJFvP4Twq6sbBNJ4dxP145n0IId-sBavldm-nl78gvUtiNCa4BxCVKHstzvVR08HEtnH6dyT-2kBdWqvce8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi2i26Pru052E4zMdTPpkHs_kIi3-Du97WQbEEt3evBV4K0FwCzNXK2WR5yBqMPkUKm0ziQkT1bk_mQYTSJlLJmcDH5BAxU2bc4vAw8ablIJFvP4Twq6sbBNJ4dxP145n0IId-sBavldm-nl78gvUtiNCa4BxCVKHstzvVR08HEtnH6dyT-2kBdWqvce8=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8bztdzl0nxQes9DbXwAL5kmN_z9LVUBYn5L6zR_6vkiiGr8eEsP043ZzzIWwwOkiebirgAeTYbvOHIDP1BfQu8LIy7tp6VLz2wlU6KufY_KRbCJfLqeZ2JzT5STNZV34_jUvLsAqak9ebfeaan-z3xPgLLlj17mJ3GAUUgaoncnKOuHG3UyI2XMdVNpM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8bztdzl0nxQes9DbXwAL5kmN_z9LVUBYn5L6zR_6vkiiGr8eEsP043ZzzIWwwOkiebirgAeTYbvOHIDP1BfQu8LIy7tp6VLz2wlU6KufY_KRbCJfLqeZ2JzT5STNZV34_jUvLsAqak9ebfeaan-z3xPgLLlj17mJ3GAUUgaoncnKOuHG3UyI2XMdVNpM=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I did taste it at the end of cooking, tweaking the taste with a bit of salt and a few more sprinkles of cumin and chili powder. We'll eat this chutney next to Indian dishes this winter, with naan or with rice and curry. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVWKEjKTleFQQfCP23OqTwGAcm-lIOlsrdtNU5X8Ey4jCqQAc_u-njsMG6k2Ix8VLKHLxWt_b06_SJ0wXCIacesE_yZPtbFvhZTFWZc1xn4GW5PJJKlXHL8b79eXfcBY_iHOGNrKxF25I8t21gTeccnS-QjgM0TUuJ1ne_NeJPM7Ji61EPxm1v7ysFpJM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVWKEjKTleFQQfCP23OqTwGAcm-lIOlsrdtNU5X8Ey4jCqQAc_u-njsMG6k2Ix8VLKHLxWt_b06_SJ0wXCIacesE_yZPtbFvhZTFWZc1xn4GW5PJJKlXHL8b79eXfcBY_iHOGNrKxF25I8t21gTeccnS-QjgM0TUuJ1ne_NeJPM7Ji61EPxm1v7ysFpJM=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>My freezers are full to the brim, so I was glad for a canning method for the green tomatoes. I think I'll can some pickles next. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijWN6W13zGD5-HqXP0TTHwMnlW33xCKlcEGW3Nssik7irdQ5rs7XZGkt-9qjLU2Au4jGkUfvVQWP5MpuKud9vKyLDylET2_cDzUjNjgeYANtnZCxJ9T-5oXdWcNQZ_e2rmeJmjRKIJbATcLlebhq8_Un9kphpjm1blODFZcjzG_lE6x9-3-H0DqVRdKas" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijWN6W13zGD5-HqXP0TTHwMnlW33xCKlcEGW3Nssik7irdQ5rs7XZGkt-9qjLU2Au4jGkUfvVQWP5MpuKud9vKyLDylET2_cDzUjNjgeYANtnZCxJ9T-5oXdWcNQZ_e2rmeJmjRKIJbATcLlebhq8_Un9kphpjm1blODFZcjzG_lE6x9-3-H0DqVRdKas=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho9ShKGjsNqsnC9jsctE8EYoo2WoSktkZPC-QYszYXxa-S2yLyZl3SMSgToExJhg8mTtgUpmn9GaJ_QctZo2S8W-SX_ahtEa8EtIbCdwfAo_8sYdBZfwPYYv5BqjG9e8sv_yuYB4Vl953seigzDVz9MYjuHLtXKyHXtoLqzWsTHqBD-sDBPnGSrX46-Ws" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho9ShKGjsNqsnC9jsctE8EYoo2WoSktkZPC-QYszYXxa-S2yLyZl3SMSgToExJhg8mTtgUpmn9GaJ_QctZo2S8W-SX_ahtEa8EtIbCdwfAo_8sYdBZfwPYYv5BqjG9e8sv_yuYB4Vl953seigzDVz9MYjuHLtXKyHXtoLqzWsTHqBD-sDBPnGSrX46-Ws=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Green Tomato Chutney</b>, adapted from <i>Simply in Season</i><p></p><p>Combine in large pot, preferably wide:</p><p>12 cups finely chopped green tomatoes (I use my food processor)</p><p>1 1/2 cups chopped onion</p><p>4 cloves garlic, chopped</p><p>1 cup raisins</p><p>2-3" piece ginger root, minced</p><p>2 1/2-3 cups dark brown sugar</p><p>1/4 cup apple cider vinegar</p><p>2 tsp. ground coriander</p><p>1 tsp. ground cloves</p><p>1 1/2 tsp. yellow mustard seed</p><p>1 tsp. salt</p><p>1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper</p><p>1/4 tsp. black pepper</p><p>1 1/2 tsp. chili powder</p><p>1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin</p><p>1 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds</p><p>1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon</p><p>1/4 tsp. ground cardamom</p><p>Bring to a boil, covered. Then reduce heat and simmer until softened, thickened, and will mound slightly on a spoon. Keep covered if the mixture is not very liquid-y, or remove lid to evaporate some liquid (depends on the green tomatoes - mine were on the dry side). Stir occasionally for up to 1 hour. To can, process in pints or half-pints in boiling water bath, 15 minutes for half-pints, 20 minutes for pints. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCHDc3iKiZnZDOZCCppQf4m9H9vq68FLDOysBRNQFyfl_RQ9c58xqEdVobBv5ZI3N7pGqeRm6USX8kVem-kvzeVoOMmxOI4yx04s9NBKE0R5Mmr1Dxx3WRtO-qjVI-Mvmk0EJCBvvOzc6uurWPmybp1NlJBehprNdC-DtuxS5QY8xFbcBff-zldyOGi2g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCHDc3iKiZnZDOZCCppQf4m9H9vq68FLDOysBRNQFyfl_RQ9c58xqEdVobBv5ZI3N7pGqeRm6USX8kVem-kvzeVoOMmxOI4yx04s9NBKE0R5Mmr1Dxx3WRtO-qjVI-Mvmk0EJCBvvOzc6uurWPmybp1NlJBehprNdC-DtuxS5QY8xFbcBff-zldyOGi2g=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-42220098502329476462023-10-04T16:48:00.007-04:002023-10-04T16:51:09.235-04:00On Replacing a FaucetWhen I saw that our laundry faucet was leaking copiously, I surmised that the fix was a new faucet. The old one was as old as Genevieve, who is turning 18 any day now (my stars! that's a different post). Then, I further thought in my new pragmatic way: I bet replacing a faucet is just a bunch of screws and matching up connections. I prefer to save my money for skills and professional services I cannot hope to duplicate with a YouTube video. So I checked with my dad who is the ultimate handyman if he would be present while I crawled under the sink and matched things up. I wanted to free up my husband for other house repairs - he also is a handyman, but he works fulltime, unlike my dad who is retired and enjoying himself hugely. <div><br /></div><div>Guess what? It went great. I bought a faucet for about forty bucks, my husband bought new hoses for a few dollars more, and I changed that faucet with my dad's excellent guidance. The only glitch was that the hot and cold water got switched, which meant another tedious session under the sink switching them. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9WvoISHOaJ0_hIQRe7JrWLYPyt070rR_6e1hoApgFiSUPnoBcPI30FfP6Ur5xdxdpSLqbdV5i7VjStiyeg3wQOrC2F7NeqlZ4lfDftSmW1YQPegpA18miO1ViG83-iJNDMZaPevBpGlrnQ0kVajguvuLrz67ttJOw_IRve7CfBjIeOWCFYmGsQSbiPxQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9WvoISHOaJ0_hIQRe7JrWLYPyt070rR_6e1hoApgFiSUPnoBcPI30FfP6Ur5xdxdpSLqbdV5i7VjStiyeg3wQOrC2F7NeqlZ4lfDftSmW1YQPegpA18miO1ViG83-iJNDMZaPevBpGlrnQ0kVajguvuLrz67ttJOw_IRve7CfBjIeOWCFYmGsQSbiPxQ=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div></div><div><br /></div><div>As a professionally trained and experienced teacher, I was impressed with my dad's patient, positive approach. He gave some low-key guidance, never critical, and he did not show impatience as I struggled with the bolts and figuring out which tool to use, sometimes getting my righty-tighty and lefty-loosy mixed up. It's not easy to be the expert being patient as the novice hacks and bungles through the job. He just fetched a work light from his truck. He really had me do the work and sat back in full confidence that I could do the job. It was a delightful, empowering experience for me. I have more respect for my dad's life work and knowledge. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYohKbE2xSRK4AkSP7UrtBezeB_JoPjxdE6rX6ty_600ZVVuVMIdoSfJOlVn5hyZwfG4EUG0eEP2VBTZGRJkJ8WtcxroCKjvyVnPSmh2yRtJ_Al01judCl10sYy0LgvB89vWDrfeX5D7Y_SUS07-D5jHpE3np-28TwfnfkcfDa-UIWunBGVljCeWhzUGE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYohKbE2xSRK4AkSP7UrtBezeB_JoPjxdE6rX6ty_600ZVVuVMIdoSfJOlVn5hyZwfG4EUG0eEP2VBTZGRJkJ8WtcxroCKjvyVnPSmh2yRtJ_Al01judCl10sYy0LgvB89vWDrfeX5D7Y_SUS07-D5jHpE3np-28TwfnfkcfDa-UIWunBGVljCeWhzUGE=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><br /></div><div>I gave him concord grape pie - sort of a thank you gift but truly, I love to share my homemade fruit pies with my parents anytime. They are so appreciative.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this phase of my life, I am looking for ways to cut through the patriarchal, traditional approaches to distill the problem and see what solution I can offer. I don't always have this confident, pragmatic energy, but when I do, I lean into it hard. It feels great. </div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-40488550619479774242023-04-29T12:03:00.006-04:002023-04-29T12:06:15.072-04:00My Very Strong Body<p> This morning, I ran, almost literally ran, a 5k. I walked a little on the hills and I also wanted to stay with Genevieve. Phoebe started out with us but switched to walking with a friend (tiny brag: last year Phoebe ran the entire thing at age 6 with a patient kindergarten teacher as her buddy, even placing 6th in her age group!). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW0InKJi56v_4uZxt_SyoBF8u4dtuJjycTdlaejdwWGglVwrxMYYTUKLp0u8jFBzk7Op27UAMWU0YGy3VTVWkheh5dilFmot4fTeH_J_Rn-qtNMEXGkV1XrB30aFcZkLSnHP9Hyp9GCeRV8AQ5TNJfE0QfAnYIxs5b2nt8EeTyzirrLVmHnD2YbNZx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW0InKJi56v_4uZxt_SyoBF8u4dtuJjycTdlaejdwWGglVwrxMYYTUKLp0u8jFBzk7Op27UAMWU0YGy3VTVWkheh5dilFmot4fTeH_J_Rn-qtNMEXGkV1XrB30aFcZkLSnHP9Hyp9GCeRV8AQ5TNJfE0QfAnYIxs5b2nt8EeTyzirrLVmHnD2YbNZx=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p><a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2018/09/now-i-jog.html" target="_blank">This is the farthest I have ever run; I usually run a little over a mile in about 10 minutes, usually about twice a week. </a>I am extremely proud of my strong body and mind for accomplishing this personal best! I kept checking in with myself as I ran, and I felt good and strong the whole way - not even that ragged breath, painful lung feeling that I loathe and try to avoid with running. </p><p>My husband pointed out that in cycling, you can add up your weekly miles, double that, and be confident that you can ride that for a longer ride. So I see now how my dogged jogs for the last five years, really not increasing in speed or distance, have created this strength in me. </p><p>Another thing: when I had my first baby, I went down into post-partum depression. I was blindsided and confused. By the time I figured out what was going on and started to climb out of the hole, I felt terribly betrayed by my body. One of my big healing steps was saying this out loud to a therapist, who gently led me to talk to my body, speaking truth and love. </p><p>I have continued to grow in my love for my body beyond what she looks like - is she well-rested, well-fed, and strong? Today was a milestone in that radical self-love. I am definitely in perimenopause now with a whole cluster of symptoms a few months back: hot flashes, mood swings, dry mouth, achy joints, flesh blanket descending on my middle, and my period a skittish, random guest. So I am even more astonished and grateful for my body's endurance today. I will continue to jog in astonishment and self-love!</p><p>A thrifty note: the tee shirt I am wearing is from 2019. I always decline a new one with the registration. Too many branded, logo, advertising tee shirts in the thrift stores for me to contribute to that waste. So I keep wearing my race tee on repeat, even mending the holes that the bunny nibbled in it when someone who shall not be named borrowed my shirt. </p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-89420784209369351202023-04-03T13:46:00.002-04:002023-04-03T13:46:28.831-04:00A Long-Suffering Beret and a Wild HatI had this silvery-green wool yarn from a local shop, so not cheap. I knitted a beret. The band was much too loose, so I carefully handsewed a little knit headband inside. I wore it last winter, as in, the winter of 21-22. Great color, not a great fit. I wanted it to be a classic shape, the band not too tight or too loose, and a simple decrease. <div><br /></div><div> I decided to undo the whole beret and knit it again with a different pattern. I did. It was a eensy-weensy beret. I almost gave up and gave it to Phoebe, but no, I took the dumb thing apart again. Now the yarn was so crinkled that I soaked it in cool water as a skein and laid it out to dry. I used the original pattern with different needles. Still NOT RIGHT. Now I read patterns very carefully, furiously, and doubtfully and finally finally finally, after knitting and re-knitting this beret over the course of the winter, I made a lovely beret that I like! The wool yarn was resilient and wonderful through this laborious process - thank you sheep, shearer, and spinner. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSuMBvWFLROD8N8amiVIjAx--RXhv0HwTA_d1OxFl3K8e8Z2hlbfxu_R95JwplDjl0DwkDcmrFjYCzSjgnFw5rr85ldoRI4ZXE9FHehcVDvYCqL6ov7X_FM3uhcMWmNeKsaHm1py84IBMd1gMFLRTYEtn_pC-ET3EaJ8tQ1KVhF0Dc2ncRnCsqOs72=w450-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos of me by *Phoebe*!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSuMBvWFLROD8N8amiVIjAx--RXhv0HwTA_d1OxFl3K8e8Z2hlbfxu_R95JwplDjl0DwkDcmrFjYCzSjgnFw5rr85ldoRI4ZXE9FHehcVDvYCqL6ov7X_FM3uhcMWmNeKsaHm1py84IBMd1gMFLRTYEtn_pC-ET3EaJ8tQ1KVhF0Dc2ncRnCsqOs72" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLWr5uZVz6a9MJUY8VMGe8Q2igFVVDBd9st5g2cS0Xbd2_DB5k08FzJ4OTCVV8iVoWjwfXaS50UhuV5dVtdAEZwYXlMSSc5ZJoIvyYPTcfoYHp3BrXFgIpC397ArHBp9ZFy21tbyFkmKO_O4rdJqhjaKmTIGhyqpbJXNJHVaNYUJxk32SIehY07Qqs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLWr5uZVz6a9MJUY8VMGe8Q2igFVVDBd9st5g2cS0Xbd2_DB5k08FzJ4OTCVV8iVoWjwfXaS50UhuV5dVtdAEZwYXlMSSc5ZJoIvyYPTcfoYHp3BrXFgIpC397ArHBp9ZFy21tbyFkmKO_O4rdJqhjaKmTIGhyqpbJXNJHVaNYUJxk32SIehY07Qqs=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhFiYch94IdFWCMAri7FCi9IpUIzOM6MchPeT7RA1IB3QD7JfKtA8JQiIER_236zBq049_Eu4QcMhRrY9YLkvkjnphFwLh6DNHF8lGLB-A4zoaBmanS5fhxEKoHQbOpg6P5BSmh4-44q1Ph7ary5ndPE5D8X-3OTPsTm2rOYorqncosInXVw7wd6fc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhFiYch94IdFWCMAri7FCi9IpUIzOM6MchPeT7RA1IB3QD7JfKtA8JQiIER_236zBq049_Eu4QcMhRrY9YLkvkjnphFwLh6DNHF8lGLB-A4zoaBmanS5fhxEKoHQbOpg6P5BSmh4-44q1Ph7ary5ndPE5D8X-3OTPsTm2rOYorqncosInXVw7wd6fc=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div><br /></div><div>In a much shorter process, Phoebe and I realized one cold morning just before her bus arrived that she did not have a beanie. I was delighted to solve this problem with my stash. I had seen and noted a local artisan who knitted hats from different weights and kinds of yarn. Like yarn patchwork! Using the little bits! Phoebe was game for a wild hat, and it was SO much fun. Some of the yarn in my stash comes from balls I let my children choose at the creative reuse store as a treat for coming along. That explains this weird pink chenille yarn that becomes excellent next to the other colors and wool. There's also one little strand of eyelash yarn in there, too, making a great texture. I am definitely making more wild hats. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYVvTNsJCpRNMxttImNJ9GrZItHSq58sP-aGr3omcSFFUwnhdKOeUU6Og6N-4DWZEaFTnbaUWLnsd98oR5kqCDAC2GDrlMYYsDrtTIH7nnA1OS8TeSuYcMVooGUmdLVvgA-UL_H7GyYx6bz9o916RNW9LW4LrVgb9G3GPYKyJIfRivhj27QJrM6dcy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYVvTNsJCpRNMxttImNJ9GrZItHSq58sP-aGr3omcSFFUwnhdKOeUU6Og6N-4DWZEaFTnbaUWLnsd98oR5kqCDAC2GDrlMYYsDrtTIH7nnA1OS8TeSuYcMVooGUmdLVvgA-UL_H7GyYx6bz9o916RNW9LW4LrVgb9G3GPYKyJIfRivhj27QJrM6dcy=w424-h640" width="424" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCsMXwsjZapDpL4DZ29WUm_yTcC-Wlq5CDbdhR4KhRGUxyTrgZqvm3nw73fHxPrDlYevIUQZoLTs_DF6I3-rWmG3RYaSDVWkm7Sz717nTIHbkTe3WwA33aiDWGiP1BOrXMj5YQGNgfW_kkQbmaMd24LNlli92yUrrEfoUYwf28DXYGjxvughkaCpwc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCsMXwsjZapDpL4DZ29WUm_yTcC-Wlq5CDbdhR4KhRGUxyTrgZqvm3nw73fHxPrDlYevIUQZoLTs_DF6I3-rWmG3RYaSDVWkm7Sz717nTIHbkTe3WwA33aiDWGiP1BOrXMj5YQGNgfW_kkQbmaMd24LNlli92yUrrEfoUYwf28DXYGjxvughkaCpwc=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div></div></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-67556678234199754702023-03-16T16:49:00.004-04:002023-03-16T16:49:50.852-04:00When the Dog Bites. . .<p> I was at my friend's house recently when she needed help in a hard time and I came across a potholder in her kitchen drawer that I had made long long ago. It was a funny blast from the past, but it also made me laugh out loud because her dog had clearly tasted a corner of the hotpad. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDiQkc1oCkB3MfQTGcpv-fLBPjK8pXCdhcZqQUmXVLSL9bL1kRXSnYtrC5bCO0ALWTo4FepY1fxUsy9Bl6XWQcpXiw6Y3FB1rUKFCcexJ35PmXGsJ81soYuYcPmZMuyn4qGZgJtqIOnQ/s1600/1678999700998326-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDiQkc1oCkB3MfQTGcpv-fLBPjK8pXCdhcZqQUmXVLSL9bL1kRXSnYtrC5bCO0ALWTo4FepY1fxUsy9Bl6XWQcpXiw6Y3FB1rUKFCcexJ35PmXGsJ81soYuYcPmZMuyn4qGZgJtqIOnQ/w480-h640/1678999700998326-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfErWV_gQa0FVazOIAgY6YRU1c52VEL5wJkvod__H4fruVFMdeC_L5A0V9ACG1vuMzq1QsnL7SohJocK08oMZ1UlAZ8bULIy1yrgsB2u77Us2tjoNKYRXAqHQh7hajWrgqOEkzurMYY8/s1600/1678999697898662-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfErWV_gQa0FVazOIAgY6YRU1c52VEL5wJkvod__H4fruVFMdeC_L5A0V9ACG1vuMzq1QsnL7SohJocK08oMZ1UlAZ8bULIy1yrgsB2u77Us2tjoNKYRXAqHQh7hajWrgqOEkzurMYY8/w640-h480/1678999697898662-1.png" width="640" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I asked her if I could replace the bitten hotpad with a pair that matched her new kitchen better. She said yes! <div><br /></div><div>This is now the third time I have replaced my worn-out handmade hotpads for friends - I like knowing the hotpads are worn because that is what I meant them for. Satisfying all around. <p></p></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-37429016991322772262023-03-06T16:04:00.008-05:002023-03-06T16:04:49.431-05:00Two Patchwork PillowsI have been sitting in my bed more this winter - drinking tea, reading, journaling, you know, cozy things. In the past my whole house was a quiet sanctuary when the children were in bed, but these big beautiful children have independent social lives now and sometimes it takes place right in our house.<div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLCA5uLr3eD9Li3E3oJTzTBsfcBtWImaqRFlyRdkGER-FLUcFpl-k44N7r8Mdwqo3bgXpCF9puwJS5RjMUMOCAOhPolwSoo9kajRPzo2osFWuNaEap3P64GTNAuU__Pq37QegrzSjVew/s1600/1678136358303276-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLCA5uLr3eD9Li3E3oJTzTBsfcBtWImaqRFlyRdkGER-FLUcFpl-k44N7r8Mdwqo3bgXpCF9puwJS5RjMUMOCAOhPolwSoo9kajRPzo2osFWuNaEap3P64GTNAuU__Pq37QegrzSjVew/w480-h640/1678136358303276-0.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Which is good! Hilarious! But not quiet.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWU7E1fk97s5Vf_kIweTR12ftdo1jDTe13W8kdQWmCz1NK6TNXp6hm1aDIGPNHFESXDgboBl9gJYSr8iTgwiocOxw5xEwwI5EeIqEQE5fZYdf9UlSSsKIchlXSbVXB5OIw7q5p-w-O8I/s1600/1678136355561181-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWU7E1fk97s5Vf_kIweTR12ftdo1jDTe13W8kdQWmCz1NK6TNXp6hm1aDIGPNHFESXDgboBl9gJYSr8iTgwiocOxw5xEwwI5EeIqEQE5fZYdf9UlSSsKIchlXSbVXB5OIw7q5p-w-O8I/w480-h640/1678136355561181-1.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So I made myself a patchwork pillow to sit against the headboard and in the magic surprise of patchwork, I adore it. Restful yet not at all bland.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtzzIBYL8QbHIJicw-r0nUjRL6SEG14ItXpF4F832h8NGqXj5DxTLE6jdG1FVQBJTAPjCd7wXIkaQcLKgC7f7MA7O6i_Ho91rDD5ikewKIJJD-I4RcvO8OkUSMwpZRUV3aIT75bIXlGw/s1600/1678136352601349-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtzzIBYL8QbHIJicw-r0nUjRL6SEG14ItXpF4F832h8NGqXj5DxTLE6jdG1FVQBJTAPjCd7wXIkaQcLKgC7f7MA7O6i_Ho91rDD5ikewKIJJD-I4RcvO8OkUSMwpZRUV3aIT75bIXlGw/w480-h640/1678136352601349-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> I limited myself to using my small scraps, which makes me extra-proud of my results. I used an extra throw pillow we had around, so I didn't have to buy anything at all for this project. This butterfly quilt was made by <a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2011/10/definition-grandma-weaver-project.html" target="_blank">Grandma Weaver </a>and I adore it.</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmYzv0Z3V1n7cavvB1SURhxL_B74qWMUm_Zeu8e0DYNf66c22yodjG-tQ_9tpnJLTfP0iyRkULvvij0Vvr8llZ-gq1Oepa35XVGkj5n7bNjssANA7NI84K-a1lGcyIDloM2NzKRcbF98/s1600/1678136349986274-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmYzv0Z3V1n7cavvB1SURhxL_B74qWMUm_Zeu8e0DYNf66c22yodjG-tQ_9tpnJLTfP0iyRkULvvij0Vvr8llZ-gq1Oepa35XVGkj5n7bNjssANA7NI84K-a1lGcyIDloM2NzKRcbF98/w480-h640/1678136349986274-3.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div><br /></div><div>I also saw the end of the <a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-green-side-of-cushion.html" target="_blank">patchwork living room sofa pillow</a>. It stood up bravely to pillow fights (big kids!) and mending, but it was too worn for more mending.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdMPw1juImZsZQtmLKFoCs6gHc3-_Tn079ZZoW1unQ0ttLBIlfcBzWarZNAPaBqWYmvsb42EvMWt9KGpFdICrQr7oXNQwhHq8zUayNbWBSxaiMkBDVvGAO66S1EL0vjk-y_2pSfUo5Cc/s1600/1678136346963175-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdMPw1juImZsZQtmLKFoCs6gHc3-_Tn079ZZoW1unQ0ttLBIlfcBzWarZNAPaBqWYmvsb42EvMWt9KGpFdICrQr7oXNQwhHq8zUayNbWBSxaiMkBDVvGAO66S1EL0vjk-y_2pSfUo5Cc/w480-h640/1678136346963175-4.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div> I took the zipper out and used it again. For the last year or so, I have been pretty determined to sew down my stash, but I had a vision for deep purple in some way for this pillow and no fabric to assist me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeZchgRLi15qv76BD2ZnZJMYmOBve0W_CSLZDizjbgOkIKGKmMCRH365LJfD-wYDHy_xtVixmM8JNF4No2b_lexSjHKS6yR4jp0_wXwMQvvCFWdiUOb8PKeEokzi9d21a00157Nx7IYE/s1600/1678136343914926-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeZchgRLi15qv76BD2ZnZJMYmOBve0W_CSLZDizjbgOkIKGKmMCRH365LJfD-wYDHy_xtVixmM8JNF4No2b_lexSjHKS6yR4jp0_wXwMQvvCFWdiUOb8PKeEokzi9d21a00157Nx7IYE/w480-h640/1678136343914926-5.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div> The striped fabric I found for pennies at the local creative reuse store is delightful in my living room. I pieced it with red and lavender and then I felt led to put baby rick rack on some stripes too. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgiUX77bFabUtd-x1U945Su2VW2-7QIjjWUiKVOK59OXxSvw-RHMQscSyVcUZUcHYpwhOfg_R2lPSSsFppllTKOsPkhy1yhwY9mCsAIxxlZQijuUO53tarywWnhiiJs8zlPjAryUBGC4/s1600/1678136340466685-6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgiUX77bFabUtd-x1U945Su2VW2-7QIjjWUiKVOK59OXxSvw-RHMQscSyVcUZUcHYpwhOfg_R2lPSSsFppllTKOsPkhy1yhwY9mCsAIxxlZQijuUO53tarywWnhiiJs8zlPjAryUBGC4/w480-h640/1678136340466685-6.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div>Patchwork magic again! I am thrilled. I am less fond of the other side, but have moved on to other things. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRm97VSg3Ro111LCGM5Tl6T3hCxPWykZNf_n9DnMLM9KmE1D791obPqdyfkUqEZUAGGMVXbEkNAvOVJdCzBtk1EgsweGcPRO1HkAlw889h67EKrmNciwAjto-V8naCztvJnlQd1zhIE4/s1600/1678136336785686-7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRm97VSg3Ro111LCGM5Tl6T3hCxPWykZNf_n9DnMLM9KmE1D791obPqdyfkUqEZUAGGMVXbEkNAvOVJdCzBtk1EgsweGcPRO1HkAlw889h67EKrmNciwAjto-V8naCztvJnlQd1zhIE4/w480-h640/1678136336785686-7.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div></div></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-31301517565772139062022-12-24T16:41:00.001-05:002022-12-24T21:00:13.849-05:00Low-waste Tee Shirt RugIt is Christmas Eve, and the wind chill is -2°. I haven't written a post for months, as I become more middle-aged with all the internal processing and existential thoughts that entails. Possibly I will try to explain some of that sometime, but for right now, I will keep it simple and tell you about my rug triumph. (And throw in some pictures from Christmas tree acquisition, ok, because they're more fun than the rug pics). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zedyAUAaa5_RUofjdyAkBMfUsWcEkggPR2J9oULXPBzA__2SbTtEiksyKH0vNiyjoLRsAH4S3iJ-vtV9FHwBeDF0z3oJqf7K-4XtEUJjjDzW1ONrat4ZTCNPNj89BfQHaamyV3FJX8I/s1600/1671918102352859-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zedyAUAaa5_RUofjdyAkBMfUsWcEkggPR2J9oULXPBzA__2SbTtEiksyKH0vNiyjoLRsAH4S3iJ-vtV9FHwBeDF0z3oJqf7K-4XtEUJjjDzW1ONrat4ZTCNPNj89BfQHaamyV3FJX8I/w480-h640/1671918102352859-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNlN3jAdapdUTcZ08fU28SUo9rZ4B8XgWLGikRH0O5wJmepd0slSwfstIsAoexJNF1EyOUcEr6NagPyq5KttfxMTTcyaeaTQdDjEm-qKzo01PzSw89SLgEYwg-O1jfEPs1s37uf8JIfI/s1600/1671918099735689-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNlN3jAdapdUTcZ08fU28SUo9rZ4B8XgWLGikRH0O5wJmepd0slSwfstIsAoexJNF1EyOUcEr6NagPyq5KttfxMTTcyaeaTQdDjEm-qKzo01PzSw89SLgEYwg-O1jfEPs1s37uf8JIfI/w480-h640/1671918099735689-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div>I needed a bath mat, and thought I could perhaps turn some of the ratty t-shirts around here into a rug instead of cutting them up for rags as I usually do. I am oversupplied with rags right now, but not bath mats! I'm calling this low-waste because I can't compost it when it wears out: one or two of the tees had some polyester content. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez8PThJEnqyboeyRg_SM19cvIN6Q96IGYPRdA9viHjJ6GtvCyh5D9MNFwX8nnyuSoDpVbrGx0R6uKaWlI9346U1j_eX7eSwVRjR8yxcTXEmgCqbUr2c9g8T7N5_ZXNs1WKP4zxdRjn8k/s1600/1671918096952341-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez8PThJEnqyboeyRg_SM19cvIN6Q96IGYPRdA9viHjJ6GtvCyh5D9MNFwX8nnyuSoDpVbrGx0R6uKaWlI9346U1j_eX7eSwVRjR8yxcTXEmgCqbUr2c9g8T7N5_ZXNs1WKP4zxdRjn8k/w480-h640/1671918096952341-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnumfNL-J9o2LEIpe1fmhwvD0W0_R2809846PVP8rd50na-O1fyTz-42_jpIPOsNrebdHPPTvdUaG_q1m6TNRlrF_v78cOH1VXSQh6niYbVDCHFczqcGl-V1m9swtJDhoV4lwB1NNFd48/s1600/1671918094630931-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnumfNL-J9o2LEIpe1fmhwvD0W0_R2809846PVP8rd50na-O1fyTz-42_jpIPOsNrebdHPPTvdUaG_q1m6TNRlrF_v78cOH1VXSQh6niYbVDCHFczqcGl-V1m9swtJDhoV4lwB1NNFd48/w480-h640/1671918094630931-3.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-_8id_rNS_lu3R2odMyBllaFXJxLZZ_1Lr8rnuOiR0kP_EzDDYfIrot2McguyZiV2uNoK2zSX9UApOKxgpPO-cCsnCdqRzy55FaKDfxhzQFZoq4of3CuALQ79WK8lzHJrb_Q3OVU3cg/s1600/1671918091969848-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-_8id_rNS_lu3R2odMyBllaFXJxLZZ_1Lr8rnuOiR0kP_EzDDYfIrot2McguyZiV2uNoK2zSX9UApOKxgpPO-cCsnCdqRzy55FaKDfxhzQFZoq4of3CuALQ79WK8lzHJrb_Q3OVU3cg/w480-h640/1671918091969848-4.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div>I looked at a few YouTube videos of people crocheting rugs and got a big plastic crochet hook. I simply cut the t-shirts into approximately 1" wide strips, as long as I could make the strips, and then sewed them end-to-end on my sewing machine as needed. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvCXjsyApjVwgkQHwQAa2sl1H380yFysDt8txHWhSXr5T4IhUzC-TbpajF93INHd7Jxd0GZmfx9o4OZoxaLOF-1La-fABc6BclJQkzmLnfMkVAke9hgnsp2H1nlbp-981yKlydnhEGqM/s1600/1671918089489600-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvCXjsyApjVwgkQHwQAa2sl1H380yFysDt8txHWhSXr5T4IhUzC-TbpajF93INHd7Jxd0GZmfx9o4OZoxaLOF-1La-fABc6BclJQkzmLnfMkVAke9hgnsp2H1nlbp-981yKlydnhEGqM/w480-h640/1671918089489600-5.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div>I found the crochet process addictive and delightful. Since I was making an oval, there were no ends of rows that invited me to stop, so I often kept on just going around and around. I started with about a six-inch ball of t-shirt yarn, and when that ran out I made another and kept going. I think there may be four or five t-shirts in this rug. It is actually somewhat heavy for its size and a little wonky in places due to the casual way I cut the strips. <br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXo88zJXSwzf52LxBGyq3mubs19gUqps9rJpwm885IAKJHh3fs1P7_zRxaJhNy-PEm44Kqsv9suuL5yrWjaEXJPN777-H0hgoalhR8VTUjK_uFyVYwiYHgmnz6h0Z7Y9dvkC7IbI5jvX0/s1600/1671918086872433-6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXo88zJXSwzf52LxBGyq3mubs19gUqps9rJpwm885IAKJHh3fs1P7_zRxaJhNy-PEm44Kqsv9suuL5yrWjaEXJPN777-H0hgoalhR8VTUjK_uFyVYwiYHgmnz6h0Z7Y9dvkC7IbI5jvX0/w480-h640/1671918086872433-6.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ud_4BXY4kRwBVLtL8s9DDThyCQhu8zyWHyxBrAKMLdi3WX5A7NV8u20KwakbAp6VuviQ9lrUj90fKKzJRBBTzYH6hVrnR_e2JT8ZHmsg5dpSbtcjU8lC2t_rWoSE7yDJRhsac8X13hM/s1600/1671918083771429-7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ud_4BXY4kRwBVLtL8s9DDThyCQhu8zyWHyxBrAKMLdi3WX5A7NV8u20KwakbAp6VuviQ9lrUj90fKKzJRBBTzYH6hVrnR_e2JT8ZHmsg5dpSbtcjU8lC2t_rWoSE7yDJRhsac8X13hM/w480-h640/1671918083771429-7.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div></div><div>I also went back in with a needle and white thread and tacked down some of the more flyaway ends, which did not bother me at all. I'm sure a more experienced crochet-er could make a tidier rug, but overall, I am quite pleased. Phoebe has already requested a colorful crocheted rug for her room! We'll see.</div></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-55377215391072114452022-09-15T12:19:00.003-04:002022-09-15T12:19:52.588-04:00The Vegetable Dress<p>This dress turned out so differently from my vision. I'm still not sure I like it or will keep it. . . my vision was for a summer dress that was easy to wear, an everyday dress. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpl4Mp1zVqBIZSMY6T52lyDoPIxlNXKRK-RBXnzr303qXLygVTGeHS99733IYkTM2vQjfAWynUI7erBvNoXwvKTYYnXf5vEktJSMP67Y_X3wIrse_3X3w28G3zXca7eaUJV4K-_fUIRk/s1600/1663258577185524-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpl4Mp1zVqBIZSMY6T52lyDoPIxlNXKRK-RBXnzr303qXLygVTGeHS99733IYkTM2vQjfAWynUI7erBvNoXwvKTYYnXf5vEktJSMP67Y_X3wIrse_3X3w28G3zXca7eaUJV4K-_fUIRk/w480-h640/1663258577185524-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Yes, why did I pick fabric with a white background that needed a full lining? And. . . white? Why, Margo? The vegetables spoke to me, I guess? And the dress I made feels like a sweet, cute 1950s housewife dress - it doesn't feel like me! <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUU94yAsPy9O0ZmYawvK1WDpF2b5A2ngQATvO-tARjBiG2ry7_qZTLqi8OKSG3As0IOBaR3AdVLIoElskpERVztrFDnAip0WC-NtwL6uPIZiAgP2F95xqnhuvyAJCitbvj4M9mYazFiM/s1600/1663258574582312-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUU94yAsPy9O0ZmYawvK1WDpF2b5A2ngQATvO-tARjBiG2ry7_qZTLqi8OKSG3As0IOBaR3AdVLIoElskpERVztrFDnAip0WC-NtwL6uPIZiAgP2F95xqnhuvyAJCitbvj4M9mYazFiM/w480-h640/1663258574582312-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I thought by way of decoration that the skirt lining could peek out with a bit of eyelet lace, but I've gotten well-meaning shocked comments that my slip was sticking out. Overall, I think the dress is just a bit too sweet for me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWRiWMNoM-kJbp0JJfYpte9q-9slH3ppuEw7PrsAFHMUB-5tdsG5e3LooinJDyvnhnKrKwJQlyLJgkKYXawusq68vVvqSTjjDB2mWBa68yyQv4hq72miljicNiRlHCuHjH2qxIK9uCWQ/s1600/1663258571596919-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWRiWMNoM-kJbp0JJfYpte9q-9slH3ppuEw7PrsAFHMUB-5tdsG5e3LooinJDyvnhnKrKwJQlyLJgkKYXawusq68vVvqSTjjDB2mWBa68yyQv4hq72miljicNiRlHCuHjH2qxIK9uCWQ/w480-h640/1663258571596919-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>Funnily enough, I was at the optometrist one week, wearing the dress. The receptionist was so tickled to see there were vegetables on my dress. Then, when I brought Phoebe for her appointment next week, she remembered me (I was surprised - it's a big practice) for wearing the vegetable dress previously! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho65872PSQdzx5xX0KcB8rx6Rs3BNLYcLt7wryCTZj6dvN5Cp49FU6Q0BifuhXvGSlsBvMQ2ydpGAmfMYxSCJ4SRDUJEBWLWJlAi9_hP_Qsn9ErjtP-L7GWFxXrJ8_TpU_m-zjya7zibw/s1600/1663258568711501-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho65872PSQdzx5xX0KcB8rx6Rs3BNLYcLt7wryCTZj6dvN5Cp49FU6Q0BifuhXvGSlsBvMQ2ydpGAmfMYxSCJ4SRDUJEBWLWJlAi9_hP_Qsn9ErjtP-L7GWFxXrJ8_TpU_m-zjya7zibw/w480-h640/1663258568711501-3.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>Fortunately the side pockets I added are successful. And the blue and white is such a refreshing cool vision on the eyes in the deep sticky stink of a city in summer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmL7iBouVuPI8xWqN45ZH7NOSX1LNWFyIp-NsAkiQLtDcnpLw9QHmZEh-xlcb0RlVJhtYhRLOr6myrdceKetwnFol-rMdvkxkLPxt4_EhEJNn8X9hC6WyEhkfoLXhDg-2i_ZhwxLHgiI/s1600/1663258565790166-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmL7iBouVuPI8xWqN45ZH7NOSX1LNWFyIp-NsAkiQLtDcnpLw9QHmZEh-xlcb0RlVJhtYhRLOr6myrdceKetwnFol-rMdvkxkLPxt4_EhEJNn8X9hC6WyEhkfoLXhDg-2i_ZhwxLHgiI/w480-h640/1663258565790166-4.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I found the bodice very tedious to fit. I needed to take in the top and let out the bottom, but since the dratted thing is lined and a multi-piece princess style, I had to rip out and the reconfigure twice the number of seams. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2l2dopDUy4oo2unstmWdtCpQ2abzOee3_NtAd3F0jWpbz2IM3oAO4xD75CNJ5-qiGve1j69HANlrn2WJMJU6OJWsZcwQYs0qFVDpeBKzuHPA_DMyx0bnB5jfdd0L83NkEm7aYl103Uw/s1600/1663258561923394-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2l2dopDUy4oo2unstmWdtCpQ2abzOee3_NtAd3F0jWpbz2IM3oAO4xD75CNJ5-qiGve1j69HANlrn2WJMJU6OJWsZcwQYs0qFVDpeBKzuHPA_DMyx0bnB5jfdd0L83NkEm7aYl103Uw/w480-h640/1663258561923394-5.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>All the photos on this post are by Phoebe! She did a fabulous job.</p><p>This dress caused me to think more carefully about my wishes for summer dresses. I did some research on pattern styles, and thought of the clothes I have that I like the most for comfort and personal style. Then, I purged my sewing patterns and carefully bought some different ones. Stay tuned - I fit in some successful sewing in my busy summer!</p></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-3934427710474882302022-06-20T14:36:00.000-04:002022-06-20T14:36:22.074-04:00Raspberry NightieI cranked out a swishy yellow nightie for the growing girl.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRsLVRBn6pEBeBzjWAnJGwff3-YBtnRBTOgTqdE_lKVdTTf-aLDzOVv54JVt38UFQ-fH0rhC7U5czqw-0BxcxgEg25Lv7oENl6FaFSSEBpQkJgCnxPWKSBdB32H-IXu11xkKvZDnRBw8/s1600/1655750010749359-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRsLVRBn6pEBeBzjWAnJGwff3-YBtnRBTOgTqdE_lKVdTTf-aLDzOVv54JVt38UFQ-fH0rhC7U5czqw-0BxcxgEg25Lv7oENl6FaFSSEBpQkJgCnxPWKSBdB32H-IXu11xkKvZDnRBw8/w480-h640/1655750010749359-0.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The flowers are just so pretty on this vintage fabric from my stash. I used <a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2010/04/slant-ryhme-slant-color.html" target="_blank">a size 5 pattern</a> and just eyeballed some width and length. When I had her slip it over her head before I put the finishing sems in, we tore the armscye a bit. I'm afraid the vintage fabric might be a bit fragile. I topstitched a patch over the tear. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgWxnnc8eNXPQnuoOcclDNQO-8DNuzkBsvomH5ZCRyPC_ML_Y-0yZU8jwWzbo0uLNlyJ1TQ3XkRjsrXj6owzcvO1IRXmK0JQQL0aBe8Kc5im_uOFRewQQwVgUFIm6pM_PnUXBFTojccI/s1600/1655750007194657-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgWxnnc8eNXPQnuoOcclDNQO-8DNuzkBsvomH5ZCRyPC_ML_Y-0yZU8jwWzbo0uLNlyJ1TQ3XkRjsrXj6owzcvO1IRXmK0JQQL0aBe8Kc5im_uOFRewQQwVgUFIm6pM_PnUXBFTojccI/w480-h640/1655750007194657-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I did actually make the nightie too wide, so I put a pleat in the front neckline. Sewing over it with rick rack is a bit homemade-y looking, but I knew the fancier the trims, the more Phoebe would love it. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iLRP1x0nAoReceojePzaVKxUa23-sCV2NKPpIzWtgKNQNKbVyBygT8_ObbamIOvC0o5Dxpvb9xXVn3O8JJO_zEZM0dy6UzfAm45-h2lesuCpZezo1DWw8BN0-OmRusF0bwW0hBf020s/s1600/1655750003239731-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iLRP1x0nAoReceojePzaVKxUa23-sCV2NKPpIzWtgKNQNKbVyBygT8_ObbamIOvC0o5Dxpvb9xXVn3O8JJO_zEZM0dy6UzfAm45-h2lesuCpZezo1DWw8BN0-OmRusF0bwW0hBf020s/w480-h640/1655750003239731-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Well, it is pretty and she loves it! And raspberries. Keeping up with the bramble is a twice-a-day job right now, and the black raspberries are coming in, too. One of the fun parts of summer!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJSIsCloUAvAFsUYfweRX85FRA5HGg8pRi6Xn4mKF8ThCwZCQo7MiY0Dpng0jSNXCHdY21FYDN0CXtzEfmsfbkcQs1CMxrDaf9Xh8zrK4lSngQqHbFfugvxPr1yx0ZzHieoQBy_q6bZ8/s1600/1655749999086837-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJSIsCloUAvAFsUYfweRX85FRA5HGg8pRi6Xn4mKF8ThCwZCQo7MiY0Dpng0jSNXCHdY21FYDN0CXtzEfmsfbkcQs1CMxrDaf9Xh8zrK4lSngQqHbFfugvxPr1yx0ZzHieoQBy_q6bZ8/w480-h640/1655749999086837-3.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrP9fWt6dS3WSA-jxzVYbdOzYMnkLuKp7jGuLQ23UIFXcOkDc1gtpOYK0ZXt5c9euhYdmnfxU1CfJIbWMMkNDoTeuJphVuiq8lzaNb9DbWVH1s72SgfWk5VRTVXdRqTz9t1px9FGdjKc/s1600/1655749995121718-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrP9fWt6dS3WSA-jxzVYbdOzYMnkLuKp7jGuLQ23UIFXcOkDc1gtpOYK0ZXt5c9euhYdmnfxU1CfJIbWMMkNDoTeuJphVuiq8lzaNb9DbWVH1s72SgfWk5VRTVXdRqTz9t1px9FGdjKc/w480-h640/1655749995121718-4.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-31531551551456303292022-06-14T19:05:00.001-04:002022-06-15T07:25:23.992-04:00Walking the Estate on a June Evening<p> Come view my plants with me! I'll tell you some tidbits about my plants and what's going on. </p><p>I put some houseplants out for a bit of fresh summer air. <a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2022/03/seeking-advice-on-this-houseplant.html">Some of you advised me to put my spiderwort outside to get rid of its brown faded leaves. </a>We'll see. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxYp7kviS2E4-qf1Sq4LYAUN4nD6ig_wJa7B9yv9hanVEVAOYiDpazLcbYSezNUi07BrK_2QhspCICSL85u0WuVoOoczbhgtU1nEXCg9gvyMonNOO8QxVw2y1BYjMjAXmv7gMmaxOmDA/s1600/1655247462664049-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxYp7kviS2E4-qf1Sq4LYAUN4nD6ig_wJa7B9yv9hanVEVAOYiDpazLcbYSezNUi07BrK_2QhspCICSL85u0WuVoOoczbhgtU1nEXCg9gvyMonNOO8QxVw2y1BYjMjAXmv7gMmaxOmDA/w480-h640/1655247462664049-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p>Another houseplant, the big spider from the dining room. I like to think it gives the hummingbirds a little cover at the feeder. The pink geranium is Phoebe's from 3 years ago! The red geranium is mine from last year. They cover up the sugar drips from the feeder quite prettily. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9bvNqmnJY18OBCXwVcHVZoEZ-B90_zU6tEtlus6Xhso_lLfeixSx3KKC181X7m_e0v2tXmcuL8Lwk4CGrHFV8pWQ30tG1NIcm0lBUTfu391bdVK3J-KNogKXnFpUCEsRYCGMlaPTaN4/s1600/1655247456476109-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9bvNqmnJY18OBCXwVcHVZoEZ-B90_zU6tEtlus6Xhso_lLfeixSx3KKC181X7m_e0v2tXmcuL8Lwk4CGrHFV8pWQ30tG1NIcm0lBUTfu391bdVK3J-KNogKXnFpUCEsRYCGMlaPTaN4/w480-h640/1655247456476109-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p><a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2022/04/rhubarb-morning.html">The rhubarb on the left is still going strong</a>. The little swamp white oak grows steadily in the middle and the red raspberries on the right are exploding. I am hoping to make red raspberry jam this year. There's apple mint (meadow tea, the locals say) mixed in there, too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXOL20qT15hIFUHywuNvbzkbGH2_J1-AXZhB40kl9hi2Zp_Q2lg3Eomf8iMDxMKmHyxdvPhrsyA1wJUYyg_vUhtqolJ8aP23GMpQGF08TqqxZz6O6Xxtxq0f_3GvAoigQAJcfXgANbCw/s1600/1655247450698178-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXOL20qT15hIFUHywuNvbzkbGH2_J1-AXZhB40kl9hi2Zp_Q2lg3Eomf8iMDxMKmHyxdvPhrsyA1wJUYyg_vUhtqolJ8aP23GMpQGF08TqqxZz6O6Xxtxq0f_3GvAoigQAJcfXgANbCw/w480-h640/1655247450698178-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>This is my rain garden full of native plants, and I adore it. I am reading about native plants and having a real epiphany about their importance to the birds and bees and, you know, people. Because we are all connected and nature needs us to do our part to fix the damage. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61hIu02zUXrqA3gI8PBMYMxXy11o5kgRQ0ocQMpxm8pBj7hK9P1w_l9-9CV_wj9J0r1gUI5mUF553Fwxo9rS8nrohU6WCjxRoK-YcjfpMLaC-iLAEhjV8-z43KgMRMQldWVC9psIUMa4/s1600/1655247433995105-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61hIu02zUXrqA3gI8PBMYMxXy11o5kgRQ0ocQMpxm8pBj7hK9P1w_l9-9CV_wj9J0r1gUI5mUF553Fwxo9rS8nrohU6WCjxRoK-YcjfpMLaC-iLAEhjV8-z43KgMRMQldWVC9psIUMa4/w640-h480/1655247433995105-3.png" width="640" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>My tomato plants were nibbled early on, but not recently. I suspect a rabbit family took up residence under the red raspberries and we have tried to make them feel unwelcome with bobcat pee and stern lectures. The plants are heavily mulched with grass clippings from my dad. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaR8KEQHwwLehJNownmlOe2BII-uxHjTNhE7NAHbOfnzfTbDSErXVRmYBtqMoMSfM9P50KWmkQwfgsPTicSd9JDjTKzKqtzOMOttk2dfYPCtOsGEiTdDQGAMpdwBiJvKyVoEVt1n90E0/s1600/1655247429474977-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaR8KEQHwwLehJNownmlOe2BII-uxHjTNhE7NAHbOfnzfTbDSErXVRmYBtqMoMSfM9P50KWmkQwfgsPTicSd9JDjTKzKqtzOMOttk2dfYPCtOsGEiTdDQGAMpdwBiJvKyVoEVt1n90E0/w480-h640/1655247429474977-4.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>Black raspberries coming on!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDgtBf6gtGRiNBKQ9_Z9X6BMHO1giWerpOcZqbeT5LuLEP2rtXAC3VijfBMt5Orak6Yf7JuCKGesvLCnqFbMqPPvABi2jYXow726uFWgzXLlgZg20N_9-1DKVK4B6Kz5sOaBQ5CebNoY/s1600/1655247425067634-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDgtBf6gtGRiNBKQ9_Z9X6BMHO1giWerpOcZqbeT5LuLEP2rtXAC3VijfBMt5Orak6Yf7JuCKGesvLCnqFbMqPPvABi2jYXow726uFWgzXLlgZg20N_9-1DKVK4B6Kz5sOaBQ5CebNoY/w480-h640/1655247425067634-5.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>The main raised bed has Phoebe's zinnias that she planted from seed, pepper plants, okra seedlings that I started from seed, and cucumbers and green beans just coming up. The okra seedlings were also being nibbled, but I suspected slugs or snails. I ringed each seedling with crushed egg shells and diatomaceous earth. The damage slowed down, so I guess it helped?</p><p>In the back is my new composter gotten free from a neighbor via freecycle. My old composter sat on the ground and the mice made themselves free with it. I mean, I still got plenty of great compost but it annoyed me to feed mice so close to our house when they take any opportunity to come inside in cold weather. Behind the composter are some junk trees growing in the fences there. Their roots are not on our property but their branches sure are. One tree I have been cutting back for years. I don't want to use chemicals on them, but they look so ridiculous and they're not situated for anything useful. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGnKU_bDdVfe4nbg10hpcDyCewipmxbQIYq_FgkMqN9ED0DRdQ06yvC0JF0UdtrBQ1T7O2z7GqUooMzkQ8wbDuHltJ1thm-NfzuzpbWsLqbDgzNh9qLMCRModnChPdJtsLtDIciYBuFk/s1600/1655247421179911-6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGnKU_bDdVfe4nbg10hpcDyCewipmxbQIYq_FgkMqN9ED0DRdQ06yvC0JF0UdtrBQ1T7O2z7GqUooMzkQ8wbDuHltJ1thm-NfzuzpbWsLqbDgzNh9qLMCRModnChPdJtsLtDIciYBuFk/w480-h640/1655247421179911-6.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>Here is Phoebe's pepper plant and my new herb bed my husband made me. I am having a hard time thinning the basil seedlings. I love the transformation of seed to seedling to food so much that I can barely stand to take any of the seedlings away. I know, I know, they need the space. . . I actually transplanted some in my front porch pot to help my mental state!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtvmC5SVzDMEzfw4CT2ETd5shMhbg8sDdUvCNi9tmZMSiz4gfTg77sMX9rxM8aBQOpuwx7CzC4ReJ6Uc2eCS5aq6hvlPsFgWj-lxCVlhOHSSWuzlxOPqzupmlW721m67ToDMuqfF4Fj0/s1600/1655247417162878-7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtvmC5SVzDMEzfw4CT2ETd5shMhbg8sDdUvCNi9tmZMSiz4gfTg77sMX9rxM8aBQOpuwx7CzC4ReJ6Uc2eCS5aq6hvlPsFgWj-lxCVlhOHSSWuzlxOPqzupmlW721m67ToDMuqfF4Fj0/w480-h640/1655247417162878-7.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCe3VnojtPKle5CDBLErGzInIhOxEOi4RX3yb2PYvV5Pyj-UakPip4ToXOb_8_DKKriCpBrRPsj40ewjWoIx20s_hDiNMVeVR2X19HFB9d6-F-UATcwVdiS2cuzrbevgk4n6ugar8g5o/s1600/1655247413080484-8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCe3VnojtPKle5CDBLErGzInIhOxEOi4RX3yb2PYvV5Pyj-UakPip4ToXOb_8_DKKriCpBrRPsj40ewjWoIx20s_hDiNMVeVR2X19HFB9d6-F-UATcwVdiS2cuzrbevgk4n6ugar8g5o/w480-h640/1655247413080484-8.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>My front porch flowers make me so happy. Just happy. Life is zipping by, my children are at a hectic age, but we walked the estate here and I'm grateful. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05DTvwkzTlvVYIaOcx7xbpGkuLcJ5A9WvXetAkU7_THapZZKJEl-eZIfR7h92fdicucfqAphUnwv4B16xrwn6xBsCbG2MPFzVUBjhWMkQZJ7DhNrN7NSLfOrkaQq761Pra2-Eir-f1js/s1600/1655247408770079-9.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05DTvwkzTlvVYIaOcx7xbpGkuLcJ5A9WvXetAkU7_THapZZKJEl-eZIfR7h92fdicucfqAphUnwv4B16xrwn6xBsCbG2MPFzVUBjhWMkQZJ7DhNrN7NSLfOrkaQq761Pra2-Eir-f1js/w480-h640/1655247408770079-9.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-36439174808077962362022-05-13T16:38:00.000-04:002022-05-13T16:38:10.282-04:00An Easy Calico Dress<p> I made Genevieve <a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2010/09/starting-preschool.html">a first-day-of-preschool green calico dress</a> and <a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2012/05/green-calico-dress-altered-with.html">then lengthened it </a>as she grew taller and then saved it for the little sister who wore it to literal shreds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmk3R4vKJe3iSCAIOzFUb_mnRNukDFNNTFcHW_YMikIw9plSVV5Kgkf3AIHfoIAn-5l_ZUNJrGN09zVWBUPfg_TArJBhyqY5hTOY7WwAtHrrSBx10ljxmcle6rFb74OBnkUhaKARZYAeI/s1600/1652473973834031-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmk3R4vKJe3iSCAIOzFUb_mnRNukDFNNTFcHW_YMikIw9plSVV5Kgkf3AIHfoIAn-5l_ZUNJrGN09zVWBUPfg_TArJBhyqY5hTOY7WwAtHrrSBx10ljxmcle6rFb74OBnkUhaKARZYAeI/w480-h640/1652473973834031-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div> Mending fabric that is shredding due to age or heavy wear is like bailing a leaky boat. I've become a savvy mender by inspecting items carefully to make sure I can truly extend their life with mending. Here the fabric was giving out at the bottom of each tuck and I had already mended a three-corner rip that had torn open again. <div><br /></div><div>So, the middle of the green dress went in the piece bag, the top was discarded, the buttons put back in the button tin, and Phoebe said sadly, now I don't have a calico dress. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBBiYDWHwRfEFxoaA3Q5OPS-jsuy2L5tu609BmCyFvftpvUSyMLeiCOzqiqSryY4Ag3K24gW6DvqIpY3aHE97bz00k3HIJ9rJh0M_l3l6Y6bRVS8BR4FEJvnH4MSoyj9ptc4ne8GAqtU/s1600/1652473970666447-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBBiYDWHwRfEFxoaA3Q5OPS-jsuy2L5tu609BmCyFvftpvUSyMLeiCOzqiqSryY4Ag3K24gW6DvqIpY3aHE97bz00k3HIJ9rJh0M_l3l6Y6bRVS8BR4FEJvnH4MSoyj9ptc4ne8GAqtU/w640-h419/1652473970666447-1.png" width="640" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>That is an easy fix! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtCbfUwXN1VtECu621MDqxH-KzcbyQZWfzTzmVD7jlbOc-JrYdahK1vCxOOg-X8wHZGoDAQtA6m3CXQS0a1RU6aRSbEI1bYooqzB8NWZZjt9FO9jg10tOg_oTGke1xBjZv8NKvSkLPVs/s1600/1652473966729216-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtCbfUwXN1VtECu621MDqxH-KzcbyQZWfzTzmVD7jlbOc-JrYdahK1vCxOOg-X8wHZGoDAQtA6m3CXQS0a1RU6aRSbEI1bYooqzB8NWZZjt9FO9jg10tOg_oTGke1xBjZv8NKvSkLPVs/w480-h640/1652473966729216-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I had a length of navy calico just barely enough for a Phoebe dress - I almost wrote "little girl" but Phoebe is just not very little anymore (and when you look at little Genevieve wearing the green dress - oh my heart! my little girls!). </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP8ot8m09JQGxwEK4GTIJlIpEsgthBQJda34Ios6ZuSxuFbkPdcbGemslhyphenhyphen0XSLh1UxsJy0MWqOqGLBSoJ6tXRosG58mMcmgb689FzpSAKoTcukZQjWQ_1ZXbWAfdrX4HJHT26BLNJ2Q/s1600/1652473962797956-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP8ot8m09JQGxwEK4GTIJlIpEsgthBQJda34Ios6ZuSxuFbkPdcbGemslhyphenhyphen0XSLh1UxsJy0MWqOqGLBSoJ6tXRosG58mMcmgb689FzpSAKoTcukZQjWQ_1ZXbWAfdrX4HJHT26BLNJ2Q/w480-h640/1652473962797956-3.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I planned to use the same dress pattern as the green calico, but apparently I had gotten rid of it at some point. I used a Style pattern a neighbor gave me when she cleaned out her sewing stuff. I added some rick rack and juicy red buttons and that is a very smart summer dress. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Q3tGMt0uu1wKpQzVtubLX4y_Q3RdW-RP4pN3YL3umratBFVNQCbVOgJ_Znm3OHpRM2A9z_l0r3k8I43CChkRlaGiohF8wn3yjzZrJaEGsY6B4JQOJfiSYsWSJefPfR69VSLouc4M_dQ/s1600/1652473959688875-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Q3tGMt0uu1wKpQzVtubLX4y_Q3RdW-RP4pN3YL3umratBFVNQCbVOgJ_Znm3OHpRM2A9z_l0r3k8I43CChkRlaGiohF8wn3yjzZrJaEGsY6B4JQOJfiSYsWSJefPfR69VSLouc4M_dQ/w395-h640/1652473959688875-4.png" width="395" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvJMCFD-q3bYQMvZgpHjs7hz7JlQtEK8CVCuz719iZBO-MovOcoV4gbSuKgr9vMWZPbvtaec-Ed7pbpgPSQscACZr29kLaMdUj4LLrJb3FG_p2tAXWkfBKa29G31BH0BOU_ZSxzWT2dw/s1600/1652473956622735-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvJMCFD-q3bYQMvZgpHjs7hz7JlQtEK8CVCuz719iZBO-MovOcoV4gbSuKgr9vMWZPbvtaec-Ed7pbpgPSQscACZr29kLaMdUj4LLrJb3FG_p2tAXWkfBKa29G31BH0BOU_ZSxzWT2dw/w461-h640/1652473956622735-5.png" width="461" />
</a>
</div>Phoebe has been helping me set up garden beds and plantings all week long as she quarantines for COVID reasons. She has a pepper plant named Rosalind now. She gets to read books with her pasta and pesto and watercress lunch. A good week to be at home wearing an easy breezy calico dress!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fYY8KusyMtW76KOLU-datz76G5z7xmXijBfPBD1JV885uMdf1avsT9apYVFaHa9zmU-PxHxl8mUWo7WgvWbp8_foAMJPCfOkYU463WiNyGIRCw_uCYOicn139FN834bLDgfo5Ks0alU/s1600/1652473953425316-6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fYY8KusyMtW76KOLU-datz76G5z7xmXijBfPBD1JV885uMdf1avsT9apYVFaHa9zmU-PxHxl8mUWo7WgvWbp8_foAMJPCfOkYU463WiNyGIRCw_uCYOicn139FN834bLDgfo5Ks0alU/w480-h640/1652473953425316-6.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-19893249139170888922022-04-28T10:50:00.001-04:002022-04-28T10:50:28.659-04:00Rhubarb Morning<p>I have my longjohns on again under my pants because the windchill is 29F, but the rhubarb is basically a bush again so I cut it for the first time this spring! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxQW3C8XKjZ5K7Uk4G4PJDwLr7xYfPDSmBLywOTO3DyGrpvQtoRu7nITECFqay5-pXjidMgkzrtqCfW5jkQd4I10082o5Qg18ZLLuZWb3BKxLzRe46WD1cW1mQ5iReg_PJDbXdcJcN7E/s1600/1651157257156355-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxQW3C8XKjZ5K7Uk4G4PJDwLr7xYfPDSmBLywOTO3DyGrpvQtoRu7nITECFqay5-pXjidMgkzrtqCfW5jkQd4I10082o5Qg18ZLLuZWb3BKxLzRe46WD1cW1mQ5iReg_PJDbXdcJcN7E/w480-h640/1651157257156355-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div>Those branches in the foreground are from little white swamp oak growing slowly but surely next to the rhubarb. There are lilies of valley on the other side. Other years, I have been planting zinnias in that bare patch but they really grow too tall for that space. I want to figure out another bright happy flower to sow there that is shorter. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWh5QaBe-f869PUxw93LZnFKgWHzNSh8cF2x65Syyad-sVVnq2V7TnGQCDvVqD9QkpbLTrtddOhq2t9GmxbArZzR4Wy6pT2gtGQOReFc6dMF3fUbuDVmXHEuExjRRuDM_-dULn_Wv_3w/s1600/1651157253342879-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWh5QaBe-f869PUxw93LZnFKgWHzNSh8cF2x65Syyad-sVVnq2V7TnGQCDvVqD9QkpbLTrtddOhq2t9GmxbArZzR4Wy6pT2gtGQOReFc6dMF3fUbuDVmXHEuExjRRuDM_-dULn_Wv_3w/w480-h640/1651157253342879-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I'm planning to make a rhubarb custard pie to share with friends this evening! And I still have some jars of chopped frozen rhubarb from last spring, oh dear. I got a tip from another friend to use rhubarb in winter soups and sauces where he would normally use lemon for tartness. It worked great for me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbsWKC3Hzm-j1RFSgFZHciMUiKhewAmB3iUgzZ45wvmErdjAM6_ylSKcF5AF6TsmVsEqMmR7CDNZXrHmW5q5XVaDAq6i5ULVYVZ6zUgN9Q9QJCgOwttB9-N670Y1w4nQfFwJRUdJIlG4/s1600/1651157250031031-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbsWKC3Hzm-j1RFSgFZHciMUiKhewAmB3iUgzZ45wvmErdjAM6_ylSKcF5AF6TsmVsEqMmR7CDNZXrHmW5q5XVaDAq6i5ULVYVZ6zUgN9Q9QJCgOwttB9-N670Y1w4nQfFwJRUdJIlG4/w480-h640/1651157250031031-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-34792610840572432472022-04-22T14:33:00.003-04:002022-04-22T14:33:47.441-04:00Elbow Grease and the Cleaners I Use<p>I was inspired to write this post by <a href="https://dorcassmucker.blogspot.com/2022/04/abc-post-15-ask-aunt-dorcas-moms-and.html">Auntie Dorcas</a> and now that I'm finishing it, it's Earth Day! (Let's keep Earth Day every day, ok? Like Mother's Day - honor the mothers and all the parents every day).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITGNqvvZKu6HeL569tkBI8JJRhMmLfmteqEYhP9JUOsU2aROR-joMSRtTqXIA8Qw_1VBS12ZhBwaNxFDKGP6W1mC5y7aCnHhsR5LhTfGuEQtNgkAeSnFtU83IlmKAevehCd_sw5OBGFo/s1600/1650652174985930-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITGNqvvZKu6HeL569tkBI8JJRhMmLfmteqEYhP9JUOsU2aROR-joMSRtTqXIA8Qw_1VBS12ZhBwaNxFDKGP6W1mC5y7aCnHhsR5LhTfGuEQtNgkAeSnFtU83IlmKAevehCd_sw5OBGFo/w480-h640/1650652174985930-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div> I refill my dish soap bottles at a local store with Better Life unscented dish soap. I jazz up my life by adding some drops of essential oil. The current mix, "Happiness," has citrus and peppermint in it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtjciNpM0A39Pjo8rBjxKDxqkeHbdO3OL6a_eynGqdkgoFolnlOMN0tXTGQXhYLONliii7A15tVcP9ZPjoWATkd-O6DCz-WUx1Wi1lM4wzC9LhmBj2yDj0-3J1qeZnpHlnKnMcDx_o28/s1600/1650652171668324-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtjciNpM0A39Pjo8rBjxKDxqkeHbdO3OL6a_eynGqdkgoFolnlOMN0tXTGQXhYLONliii7A15tVcP9ZPjoWATkd-O6DCz-WUx1Wi1lM4wzC9LhmBj2yDj0-3J1qeZnpHlnKnMcDx_o28/w480-h640/1650652171668324-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I also refill my laundry jugs at the same store with Ecos unscented laundry detergent. The clothes are scented by <a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2015/11/at-windy-washline.html" target="_blank">fresh air from the laundry line</a>!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos0F3_X9rG85Vx-M70wgjZMo4C4sihHdCGIDrUjvuZBaTerlEtnMTXp2ukRQHhBpjafv14F7KTS-yG42UH7QlqKfS8VIxOdfCR1qYXIfKFy43RMguc_Ik7_m0zbuPVUvEuxfDPDaEo3Y/s1600/1650652168215322-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos0F3_X9rG85Vx-M70wgjZMo4C4sihHdCGIDrUjvuZBaTerlEtnMTXp2ukRQHhBpjafv14F7KTS-yG42UH7QlqKfS8VIxOdfCR1qYXIfKFy43RMguc_Ik7_m0zbuPVUvEuxfDPDaEo3Y/w480-h640/1650652168215322-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I refill these bottles because I have read that reuse is better than recycling. </p><p>For our wood floors, we use Bona spray and a cloth as we see spots and over the whole floor rather, uh, infrequently.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxJ5ehHcQEh5jkwdryfVME5osJnZ8tLYvK7SLr7xEtWRH_BMYx3ayxpOIO64dcZBijZGeavgVSkfHOoPkwZ2tnkLoKyBGY70S05iddhV0I_9OuKcwm4qrbIat94GcmC7MLbHoVfagjEU/s1600/1650652164932789-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxJ5ehHcQEh5jkwdryfVME5osJnZ8tLYvK7SLr7xEtWRH_BMYx3ayxpOIO64dcZBijZGeavgVSkfHOoPkwZ2tnkLoKyBGY70S05iddhV0I_9OuKcwm4qrbIat94GcmC7MLbHoVfagjEU/w480-h640/1650652164932789-3.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>To wash the tile floors and walls in the bathroom, I keep Dr. Bronner's castile soap on hand just because it smells so nice and I like the ethos of the company. I do have Murphy's Oil Soap for when we wash down the unpainted main wooden steps, but that is rare. </p><p>I have some kind of wood polish or lotion or something for Grandma's rocking chair, the vintage buffet, and the vintage piano - a good job for a child who wants to earn some cash, so that task happens on whim.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsptBQZjh7M_MIlx1Cysl45S9XfO8773tReDqsMZmu-7x2QCuYdZRV_ABdhosTRwfk8c55F7g8jqBcliLwAtwMAA_LUCXcnB7ZiiE3CBQFUZ05mS6tXJ8UcNBSbNgAB1L5oJF3wYdRZiQ/s1600/1650652160989811-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsptBQZjh7M_MIlx1Cysl45S9XfO8773tReDqsMZmu-7x2QCuYdZRV_ABdhosTRwfk8c55F7g8jqBcliLwAtwMAA_LUCXcnB7ZiiE3CBQFUZ05mS6tXJ8UcNBSbNgAB1L5oJF3wYdRZiQ/w480-h640/1650652160989811-4.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div> I also have Windex glass cleaner around, but most of the time, a damp microfiber cloth is quickest and best on mirrors. I would dearly love to have sparkling clean windows all the time, but I have to really work up to the effort that takes with double-hung aluminum storm windows and cranky old wooden windows. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5d9cmgfvSKSjdaHhKpX_Ny8vhyphenhyphenkUxZ_5Hm9DqBw3GoLb4Jz0DFbSB2gyxirv_vfB0cDIA3hglQmZH00H2j7EVhmjnXgBTqvpsZzWNzpzm-FXUltykNpZl69p4ZzZlVeySH8JGkl7-WY/s1600/1650652156687014-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5d9cmgfvSKSjdaHhKpX_Ny8vhyphenhyphenkUxZ_5Hm9DqBw3GoLb4Jz0DFbSB2gyxirv_vfB0cDIA3hglQmZH00H2j7EVhmjnXgBTqvpsZzWNzpzm-FXUltykNpZl69p4ZzZlVeySH8JGkl7-WY/w480-h640/1650652156687014-5.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>For the rest of the surfaces, I mix up cleaners from vinegar and Sal Suds. For general cleaning, I put 2 Tbsp. white vinegar, 2 Tbsp. Sal Suds in a spray bottle and fill up with water. For toilet bowl cleaning, I use equal parts vinegar and Sal Suds and just squirt 1-2 Tbsp. in the toilet bowl before scrubbing and letting it stand. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRUwRAzUU1Kv3-5BTPFFAuW54tNngy-z9fhIQEoZ9pkrUtRWdYkbNOLWilHNocbGm3ykg-cRlMB4ToALelSgT2u6bI6cCwHhVRsbLwxxZ8Duzl_kuKI95l5w1F9rlQ7ZuZtLaB-hUhxg/s1600/1650652153000935-6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRUwRAzUU1Kv3-5BTPFFAuW54tNngy-z9fhIQEoZ9pkrUtRWdYkbNOLWilHNocbGm3ykg-cRlMB4ToALelSgT2u6bI6cCwHhVRsbLwxxZ8Duzl_kuKI95l5w1F9rlQ7ZuZtLaB-hUhxg/w480-h640/1650652153000935-6.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><br />Before I detailed all of this, I thought I was just cleaning with Sal Suds and vinegar. Huh. I still am pleased with my current system and think it's reasonably earth-friendly. <p></p><p>We use rags and elbow grease to clean (explaining elbow grease to kids is super-fun!). I have some paper towels way at the back of a closet, but in general, we avoid disposables and I have rags in almost every load of laundry which is just fine with me (also, am I the only one who will suddenly swipe off dust with an item of clothing headed for the dirty laundry hamper anyway?).</p><p>I'm interested in your cleaners and methods and thoughts. </p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-56101528024114280002022-04-13T15:03:00.004-04:002022-04-13T15:03:46.071-04:00Chickweed Pastries<p>Spring is springing lusciously everywhere and it's been a cold one in our area, so all the green and flowers (flowers!!) are so wonderful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBoNKrC3tiB-N4DJaiAEo3OFfYK5Nr4zDsosCbWt_IFSIEXFu6-XIocSFcPcXlnTJaZurqalG1oiAGPGYHNHcXoK4KlWWLTrDM42rLRIG2Rw5FncvBkQkMrnzqEfgRjOJ7EZ_EF-9Po0/s1600/1649875973907534-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBoNKrC3tiB-N4DJaiAEo3OFfYK5Nr4zDsosCbWt_IFSIEXFu6-XIocSFcPcXlnTJaZurqalG1oiAGPGYHNHcXoK4KlWWLTrDM42rLRIG2Rw5FncvBkQkMrnzqEfgRjOJ7EZ_EF-9Po0/w480-h640/1649875973907534-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p> A few years ago, I learned that chickweed is edible and available in my back yard. We never spray any pesticides or herbicides in our back yard because we have food growing there as well as children running amuck. I did plant some spinach seeds, but in the meantime, I made these spinach pastries by subbing in chickweed from the backyard. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr29lDzM1M-cu9r4Fyz9IMhS4hokp2sfj0OJmrhHAGgaeQJ6Ec8MJnj-9bZ8wYfRlPxPUt2j-cc2Uyaui1ac7nji7H8f0ynCCjHsp3oZlxOBC8BtlwUm2hj_TRoiIZ5ptu50LYr8j41Mk/s1600/1649875962889808-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr29lDzM1M-cu9r4Fyz9IMhS4hokp2sfj0OJmrhHAGgaeQJ6Ec8MJnj-9bZ8wYfRlPxPUt2j-cc2Uyaui1ac7nji7H8f0ynCCjHsp3oZlxOBC8BtlwUm2hj_TRoiIZ5ptu50LYr8j41Mk/w480-h640/1649875962889808-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><br /><br />These pastries come from <a href="https://heraldpress.com/9780836198553/extending-the-table/" target="_blank"><i>Extending the Table</i>,</a> which is a companion book to the cookbook I use the most, <i>More with Less</i>. <i>Extending the Table </i>has recipes from cuisines and people all over the world, many of them with stories and insights about food justice and simplicity. The spinach pastry recipe comes from the West Bank, from the Bishara and Selwa Awad family, and they are delicious. Simple ingredients and technique, yet the resulting pastries are definitely from another place and tradition. I love that.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr0bDHrKYtReIj7boPaosPDpwiHd1zYtbVOYTSGT59y5MTDtdYdg8ToSGZcPF009CnKAMfOb0-yav1_i6aj5Q7g5ciScUMH6UpCdsith8pI9YVbp9hpY45bXZ35HzEWcsNS8Kjq7TThQ/s1600/1649875952386080-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr0bDHrKYtReIj7boPaosPDpwiHd1zYtbVOYTSGT59y5MTDtdYdg8ToSGZcPF009CnKAMfOb0-yav1_i6aj5Q7g5ciScUMH6UpCdsith8pI9YVbp9hpY45bXZ35HzEWcsNS8Kjq7TThQ/w570-h640/1649875952386080-2.png" width="570" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">This time, I had two balls of dough left and no filling, so I quickly grabbed some leftover curry from the fridge and made two half-moon pies with it to distinguish from the chickweed filling. Grated cheese would work well also, and I think I have done peanut butter and jelly under duress, too. </span><span style="text-align: left;">I served them with home-canned tomato soup.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> The pastries make nice picnic food, and aren't we all eager to get out into the warm air?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRcecbqM1aabD7e6qeIHgXSN5WaKGjVktbvQz0XuSanvZL0O9tU0Qe-0kjnnvdZ9WkD3E3oJ-CnbV3dAiNCXuXvqn4KHdYJnWouu8M8QvLWvZv7L_EYm9mIElB18iic35a_zebgqxNmQ/s1600/1649875944076326-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRcecbqM1aabD7e6qeIHgXSN5WaKGjVktbvQz0XuSanvZL0O9tU0Qe-0kjnnvdZ9WkD3E3oJ-CnbV3dAiNCXuXvqn4KHdYJnWouu8M8QvLWvZv7L_EYm9mIElB18iic35a_zebgqxNmQ/w480-h640/1649875944076326-3.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Spinach (Chickweed) Pastries</b><br /><b>Combine in bowl:</b><br />3/4 cup warm water<br />1 tsp. active dry yeast<br />1 tsp. sugar<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />1/4 cup olive oil<br />2 cups whole wheat flour<br />about 1 cup all-purpose flour<br /><b>Knead a few minutes until nice and elastic. This is a lovely dough, not sticky, purely pleasurable to knead. Cover and allow to rise for 1 hour, give or take. Meanwhile, make the filling.<br />Mix together: </b><br />4 cups packed, chopped spinach or chickweed, fine to include minced stems<br />3/4 cup finely chopped onion<br />1/4 tsp. pepper<br />3/4 tsp. salt<br />3/4 tsp. ground cumin<br />2 Tbsp. olive oil<br /><b>The dough doesn't necessarily need to rise, so when an hour is up, divide it into 18-20 balls. Roll a ball very thin (I find that flour is not necessary here). Put a heaping 1/4 cup filling in middle. Bring 2 edges together to form a cone shape, then the third side to form a triangle. Pinch seams tightly. Place on greased on silpat-lined baking sheet. Bake 350 for 15-17 minutes, until golden brown. Serve hot or warm. The recipe says you can freeze some unbaked pastries to bake later, but I have never done that. </b></div></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-39047942561819666772022-04-01T14:24:00.000-04:002022-04-01T14:24:16.218-04:00Rain Barrel Management<p>We've had a rain barrel under one of our downspouts for years. In our city, it's important to manage rainwater which routinely floods our ancient combined sewer system and pollutes the river which pollutes the bay downstream. I use the rainwater to water our outside plants. In hot weather, the water gets a little smelly - haven't tried very hard to solve this problem in an eco-friendly way, so I want to know if you have solutions (and any other rain barrel management tips - you can see we are a no-frills operation).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwdCRSsuqtBA3rfutR73grKYakVbrLoHXu5j9kT4iXDuOM9bnA6HhYV9vghiyPt42HYOGnS4SPTMeIsCsiCAwyMU1atONYqzt2rsK9PC76wcl7pyVUvMls5xKWEkJn0WckslfRIGuVQs/s1600/1648837000356147-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwdCRSsuqtBA3rfutR73grKYakVbrLoHXu5j9kT4iXDuOM9bnA6HhYV9vghiyPt42HYOGnS4SPTMeIsCsiCAwyMU1atONYqzt2rsK9PC76wcl7pyVUvMls5xKWEkJn0WckslfRIGuVQs/w480-h640/1648837000356147-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I think most people in our area disconnect their rain barrels from their downspouts in freezing temps, but we have not. I do actually use rainwater through the winter on houseplants and with compost activities. It is important to keep the rain barrel from freezing as the ice can damage the barrel itself as well as the spigots and overflow spouts through expansion and thawing. On warmish days, I would try to remember to drain water as needed to keep the rain barrel at half full or less. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRZZqVc8-_xhteFwGjUDeUF8zaV5NV0IJ5gqFeXkajzjdmZqkdzx0h4RmPNhHG4yJewIItLKIIfDfn2B5e2RrBUA0rvabuAkYysfFRkhFka7vdA8glWdjZsrpXVyhO1HjBgoYzkumIS4/s1600/1648836995842760-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRZZqVc8-_xhteFwGjUDeUF8zaV5NV0IJ5gqFeXkajzjdmZqkdzx0h4RmPNhHG4yJewIItLKIIfDfn2B5e2RrBUA0rvabuAkYysfFRkhFka7vdA8glWdjZsrpXVyhO1HjBgoYzkumIS4/w480-h640/1648836995842760-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>But I have hit on a more successful (for me) method: the stock tank heater. I don't love shopping as entertainment but it is true that sometimes shopping without a plan yields exciting problem solvers. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a heater for an animal's drinking water! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xrp9RiSPasIwLXe7HEFFWgRkA2QbPlwwRPSZmDZ_L5eoliM-NxVSkk0FxE5N4sugJASsCDjqB0ZJ9dncOc6Ik3i1e-XUJZcLsTf3YqWa8Xhff5WUM9jpVz1vcKPdv-buW0g2kivCJ1c/w480-h640/1648836992807572-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"K&H De-Icer"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xrp9RiSPasIwLXe7HEFFWgRkA2QbPlwwRPSZmDZ_L5eoliM-NxVSkk0FxE5N4sugJASsCDjqB0ZJ9dncOc6Ik3i1e-XUJZcLsTf3YqWa8Xhff5WUM9jpVz1vcKPdv-buW0g2kivCJ1c/s1600/1648836992807572-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I just plug it in when the temperature is cold enough long enough to freeze the barrel. I do have to use an extension cord, which is not recommended, but our outlet is a new GFCI outlet so I am comfortable with the safety. The cord has a plastic sleeve to protect it from the top barrel edge as the heater floats along in the rain barrel. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xFBrLuSnetTji0aq5X3I-DTWu0wpxEEHQxveG6QaI4tmfNNMsw2g2mYSQ9H97XobCYJu6L2gEa2i9eIpF7fvhXp8nQ6PNIZEMTmqiMOaV_E-RG8M-bETLIOArz2e870MpsxVrvdDWYY/s1600/1648836989550013-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xFBrLuSnetTji0aq5X3I-DTWu0wpxEEHQxveG6QaI4tmfNNMsw2g2mYSQ9H97XobCYJu6L2gEa2i9eIpF7fvhXp8nQ6PNIZEMTmqiMOaV_E-RG8M-bETLIOArz2e870MpsxVrvdDWYY/w480-h640/1648836989550013-3.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>After I bought this heater and had it going, my dad told me it's possible to buy stock tank heaters that are "temperature limited," meaning they run on a thermostat and only heat the water to a pre-set temperature. That seems like a prudent energy saver that I would look for next time. </p><p>I have now put away the stock tank heater three times this spring, mis-judging the depth of cold still in store for us. I am almost scared to put away the cold weather things again! Sadly, our neighbor's gorgeous magnolia buds were ruined in the last surprise cold spell, and I will miss the creamy pink blooms this spring. </p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-65630273475569643482022-03-25T06:37:00.003-04:002022-03-25T06:37:39.427-04:00Mittens Yet<p>Last fall, I made Phoebe nice black felted wool mittens from an old sweater. I even placed the cuffs on the ribbing so that they hugged her wrists. She ignored the mittens all winter until I finally realized they were just too plain (and sophisticated and New Yorky) for her style. I offered to add hearts to them and then would she wear them? Oh yes, little pink hearts stitched on with blue perle cotton were just the ticket. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLAyHo2hjfvMmwIrM85hyIo4W8ZR_i3WSgsO2cipOiqxntpoSBDlLZCHnao8ZKaKsejrwzCeWnzxvZeoAtEaRNET8Jb-rc3fcnOcfgOt4d2APwZlRwd20GHi8gjQEIMlyHNpY5F3dDzM/s1600/1648204567994580-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLAyHo2hjfvMmwIrM85hyIo4W8ZR_i3WSgsO2cipOiqxntpoSBDlLZCHnao8ZKaKsejrwzCeWnzxvZeoAtEaRNET8Jb-rc3fcnOcfgOt4d2APwZlRwd20GHi8gjQEIMlyHNpY5F3dDzM/w408-h640/1648204567994580-0.png" width="408" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p><a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2019/02/hearts-and-sloths.html">I am still using the Purl Soho mitten pattern</a>. It is so fast and uses just scraps of warm fabric! I can't justify <a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2018/03/meadow-stripe-mittens.html">knitting mittens again</a> when these fleece ones are warm, fast, and economical. Plus, mittens are easy to lose, for anybody, not just kids, so I'm very pleased to have found easy, thrifty replacements. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineoYmHLoE89LynYTY3rdb4sxo7PSk2AvwoQblMLVLxJ-HwVZYtN1V4BOTVkutepau2GEViwbdnakqCReky1pdXmKsULfAgs1qDLdtE1HfTpqRF6JPTrv8hFWyzJqgyxQqADT3WXS-JDw/s1600/1648204565530281-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineoYmHLoE89LynYTY3rdb4sxo7PSk2AvwoQblMLVLxJ-HwVZYtN1V4BOTVkutepau2GEViwbdnakqCReky1pdXmKsULfAgs1qDLdtE1HfTpqRF6JPTrv8hFWyzJqgyxQqADT3WXS-JDw/w480-h640/1648204565530281-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I even made myself a pair of leopard print fleece. I added a lining of grey knit cotton because I like very warm hands. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5zMcyvBennwmMH46UASY8zXRrGtOf8r-KdYX2W-32NC4q0YC2iiKup2cG6eWBhwsgck46HFu0XfpMRWxghwQ4FGLhnMcAAEVg-QumBA-qUDtgBABFqOceb3Z8usPZr_-aI6LRbyUjPE/s1600/1648204562111275-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5zMcyvBennwmMH46UASY8zXRrGtOf8r-KdYX2W-32NC4q0YC2iiKup2cG6eWBhwsgck46HFu0XfpMRWxghwQ4FGLhnMcAAEVg-QumBA-qUDtgBABFqOceb3Z8usPZr_-aI6LRbyUjPE/w480-h640/1648204562111275-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>We are having some spring-like days here and there - once I even put away the sleds and snowpants and stock tank heater from the rain barrel. That drew the attention of the snow gods and we got a not-little snowstorm, indeed we did. Spring, you really bring the drama! I have both my mittens and my barefoot sandals in rotation right now. I love it. </p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-15688288780409565142022-03-22T10:45:00.004-04:002022-03-22T10:45:55.182-04:00Family Salmon Pie<p>This is like shepherd's pie, only with canned salmon and white sauce instead of beef and gravy. I riffed on two recipes. One came from <i>The Little Irish Baking Book</i>, which is a delightful read that tucks me into the Irish countryside. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVZbni22V-YqhPB3iMztVdDocTyVJglJ_6o0fRFWkwvPN7yG1cFWcu7boJrYt6IAC7VI1cSYWhFwgpJqKk8gChepJiLFstU74DS3N1whEOMskbbvochnEUasC3Q_SOOj77xTQYPpdJrA/s1600/1647959390426645-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVZbni22V-YqhPB3iMztVdDocTyVJglJ_6o0fRFWkwvPN7yG1cFWcu7boJrYt6IAC7VI1cSYWhFwgpJqKk8gChepJiLFstU74DS3N1whEOMskbbvochnEUasC3Q_SOOj77xTQYPpdJrA/w480-h640/1647959390426645-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The other recipe was from Laura Ingalls Wilder's <i>Country Cookbook</i>, which is delightful for the interior photos of Rocky Ridge. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-8uF359fIbZvpBV09xDjlbY9Y3Hp2EP-l_Yj8hCf3LqZvW4DxbsK9Gxee_YOLxltDbLEuaW4NV909yvBYsMDVkphGH99yBqx-rGB_6EWk9824juBsdFHQ2tUVYN8uxzNADDIHAMksNs/s1600/1647959387713446-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-8uF359fIbZvpBV09xDjlbY9Y3Hp2EP-l_Yj8hCf3LqZvW4DxbsK9Gxee_YOLxltDbLEuaW4NV909yvBYsMDVkphGH99yBqx-rGB_6EWk9824juBsdFHQ2tUVYN8uxzNADDIHAMksNs/w480-h640/1647959387713446-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROqhl8yR-UXR0KAMC3zry3N4Z-xmn9DYLy9SxpR1U317zkbSjbaW112unRk_h0V4Ffg0Hax8CNgw2KtiOMyaPMwBNdfpskfeHvGHT4uS9v13nLWOgG4IdW66XdWDmRMnzfKA89zTY0Mk/s1600/1647959384937634-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROqhl8yR-UXR0KAMC3zry3N4Z-xmn9DYLy9SxpR1U317zkbSjbaW112unRk_h0V4Ffg0Hax8CNgw2KtiOMyaPMwBNdfpskfeHvGHT4uS9v13nLWOgG4IdW66XdWDmRMnzfKA89zTY0Mk/w527-h640/1647959384937634-2.png" width="527" />
</a>
</div>I added some parsley and spinach with the peas, and kicked up the white sauce with some onion, celery seed, and dry mustard. When I drained the liquid off the canned salmon, I used that as part of the liquid for the white sauce. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even so, I thought the whole thing was a little on the bland side, but my family was enthusiastic. My husband called it comfort food. Good thing they all had seconds because the pie filled up my casserole dish more than I expected from my guesstimates and I was hoping I didn't have a big dud on my hands.</div><div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnAYcIhnFJHakk9L9Pnma0DiyBYj2xyoGOhgpje0OUabWgNkOEpqyOvf-sG32Y4thl28Z59RSliICUgdN3xPYqKG_DJf-6kNykvb3uo5oTl1IpS-f8oL1cQL6BysMZsZ10qBp6b3YGN4/s1600/1647959381784925-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnAYcIhnFJHakk9L9Pnma0DiyBYj2xyoGOhgpje0OUabWgNkOEpqyOvf-sG32Y4thl28Z59RSliICUgdN3xPYqKG_DJf-6kNykvb3uo5oTl1IpS-f8oL1cQL6BysMZsZ10qBp6b3YGN4/w531-h640/1647959381784925-3.png" width="531" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGakR0zBQwQtfl3ErZHDPH-qkAgpA5ZrV_Q9MfCKVqyhLE0Ntrp2xaWMw-EoBttSR4r1KaXzixxpDV2n5WwXU8uqrbIAQ8qdJKsHDtsCvnjPeD4e0VojahiXrXVsHxNM0FApQVDgyy6QU/s1600/1647959378796677-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGakR0zBQwQtfl3ErZHDPH-qkAgpA5ZrV_Q9MfCKVqyhLE0Ntrp2xaWMw-EoBttSR4r1KaXzixxpDV2n5WwXU8uqrbIAQ8qdJKsHDtsCvnjPeD4e0VojahiXrXVsHxNM0FApQVDgyy6QU/w582-h640/1647959378796677-4.png" width="582" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My mom filled this same casserole dish with macaroni and cheese when I was a kid. . . comfort food. . . one of the nostalgic necessities of home life.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdAR_4LAYbzddq5B2vjpFiYcWRr1WLBCdELWY44buS5bXHKo0cz2UAvJfP5W1DKO7Ykrb-WPtWtRfvEpqEXjZdw6IJ_WcXHDoW8h0JaXf0TJhZ350MPOpF7GSumKejF0cwGqpGjtX6no/s1600/1647959373525837-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdAR_4LAYbzddq5B2vjpFiYcWRr1WLBCdELWY44buS5bXHKo0cz2UAvJfP5W1DKO7Ykrb-WPtWtRfvEpqEXjZdw6IJ_WcXHDoW8h0JaXf0TJhZ350MPOpF7GSumKejF0cwGqpGjtX6no/s1600/1647959373525837-5.png" width="400" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> And also, I realized I was making this Irish recipe wearing the Irish fisherman's sweater my parents got in Ireland in the 1970s when my mom was pregnant with me. I love these objects freighted with memories which are also in happy use in my current life!<p></p></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-51569506116578130112022-03-15T11:01:00.000-04:002022-03-15T11:01:15.088-04:00Seeking Advice on This Houseplant<p>My Grandma Weaver's house was full of houseplants, many of them given to her from owners who gave up trying to keep the plants happy. The entire wall in her daylight basement housed babies and big ones of all kinds, nurtured in plastic margarine tubs, yogurt cups, or old plastic nursery pots. When she passed on to glory 20 years ago, I was thrilled to get two of her houseplants. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-b0Mw2SqrgQNKRwnMcplnWwcf7fASsMINj0f4ZPKFYXUiYoMI5V-JShUAita6O4p0Ehlj2C5-idsqJSr0s0kCT2muwymv6SwRBp02NvSpJ-vI3XSPIR4lulr7cMa0pX3HMcNTW7hejE/s1600/1647356050495602-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-b0Mw2SqrgQNKRwnMcplnWwcf7fASsMINj0f4ZPKFYXUiYoMI5V-JShUAita6O4p0Ehlj2C5-idsqJSr0s0kCT2muwymv6SwRBp02NvSpJ-vI3XSPIR4lulr7cMa0pX3HMcNTW7hejE/w480-h640/1647356050495602-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div>My sister and I shared the jade plant and have propagated many baby jade plants successfully over the years (Locals! You can always hit me up for a baby jade plant). <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4SAayWSlCoTAfYiCajA5gf3i43ntfRffTqfoc6bOfP2RpMol3Vi-0hQ7WYRI1fCjB2mDZ_cQXDsO11Y-wqP9yTQ9p7TyOPC8D77izLqmU2YIZtjQ_SvmyP0b6zfRfHFQtX1u3y7A9XQ/s1600/1647355956511111-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4SAayWSlCoTAfYiCajA5gf3i43ntfRffTqfoc6bOfP2RpMol3Vi-0hQ7WYRI1fCjB2mDZ_cQXDsO11Y-wqP9yTQ9p7TyOPC8D77izLqmU2YIZtjQ_SvmyP0b6zfRfHFQtX1u3y7A9XQ/w480-h640/1647355956511111-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>However, I am baffled by the spiderwort plant I have. It has nice looking pink and green tips, but all these papery dead leaves on the rest of the stems. I have tried re-potting, different light, re-propagating and starting over.. . . but it always reverts to this disheveled look with pretty tips. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNudftYKeaaL5UDrXD9ToKRppElOjzClBxbnNs1GDgnbU5fcRoC5_KjsSW8SDmdKcbqA4vA6diMDJnkxA6j8o_QrKvwuYh5VNzW0dmXvFTt_3Q4adbIaFkixqO1bda9WvCAuY_JUDFaOs/s1600/1647355954204367-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNudftYKeaaL5UDrXD9ToKRppElOjzClBxbnNs1GDgnbU5fcRoC5_KjsSW8SDmdKcbqA4vA6diMDJnkxA6j8o_QrKvwuYh5VNzW0dmXvFTt_3Q4adbIaFkixqO1bda9WvCAuY_JUDFaOs/w480-h640/1647355954204367-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div>It still looks strange even with the dead leaves removed. I'm loathe to ditch the spiderwort because it's a direct connection to a grandma I cherish. . . but I'm not pleased with its looks. Any advice for getting rid of those dead-looking stems/leaves? For getting it to look less scraggly?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoT6AzgME1vgIqt1kh6VcpDmSEaTIm3HNDH6MCdXQuMMtgtT-2En8O06yMXtZz3axzQ2PHGeBH6Nxi72ndM8A05D4hMo8_oupXOllVnDiMKwsHP1G4QUQ6Jutx89H1gCeAlgRm3HFH3h0/s1600/1647355950988883-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoT6AzgME1vgIqt1kh6VcpDmSEaTIm3HNDH6MCdXQuMMtgtT-2En8O06yMXtZz3axzQ2PHGeBH6Nxi72ndM8A05D4hMo8_oupXOllVnDiMKwsHP1G4QUQ6Jutx89H1gCeAlgRm3HFH3h0/w480-h640/1647355950988883-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think partly what is going on is that perfectly-shaped houseplants in trendy pots are terribly popular right now. This is testing my loyalty to my houseplants that are less cute. Also, spring is springing and I feel the urge to clean up, freshen up, and refurbish all the things. </div><p></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-75839561267325866022022-03-13T13:43:00.000-04:002022-03-13T13:43:25.299-04:00Saving Towels and Washcloths<p> Maybe it's just at our house, but our towels start to fray along the edges well before the actual terrycloth is worn out. I trim the strings off, zig zag the edge in matching thread, and then fold it over just a quarter-inch to stitch it down. Makes a new edge and the towel keeps going. </p><p>Currently most of our bath towels are wedding presents from 22 years ago. . . and counting! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05T8qUeOv6P3v221cEBF0Vx0kOPIZO_ir0l5S2ABpQubO3674HosmAiRZxz6uMCFOelhCR88ADX7AcEHJmbFgDeZTWZScfqLzjGDz3uwWqthxtWvkdLuf__A2hwVRMipUzeiovf72ypU/s1600/1647193281962719-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05T8qUeOv6P3v221cEBF0Vx0kOPIZO_ir0l5S2ABpQubO3674HosmAiRZxz6uMCFOelhCR88ADX7AcEHJmbFgDeZTWZScfqLzjGDz3uwWqthxtWvkdLuf__A2hwVRMipUzeiovf72ypU/w480-h640/1647193281962719-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>Then there was this washcloth that turned up with a frayed corner. It looks like a dog chewed on it, but that's puzzling since we don't have a dog. So I cut off the top strip entirely and stitched down the flat part to make a new edge. Let's see if that one can go 22 years, too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYX557QZt2uGZ2cGaujsX37tfOIACDyQX999qZsFvDzC68qqxsHQZYwectS_2sWJ0P2o-rouP9gfzbgbOsodd07jtpNRfeqZ2Bz1a9cvd-zt2s0ksko-qWwIcOhnzlmEuPmt3S2Vv8S0/s1600/1647193278725098-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYX557QZt2uGZ2cGaujsX37tfOIACDyQX999qZsFvDzC68qqxsHQZYwectS_2sWJ0P2o-rouP9gfzbgbOsodd07jtpNRfeqZ2Bz1a9cvd-zt2s0ksko-qWwIcOhnzlmEuPmt3S2Vv8S0/w480-h640/1647193278725098-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-17093194566099122592022-01-19T12:04:00.000-05:002022-01-19T12:04:30.297-05:00A Calico Tunic for Phoebe<p> Phoebe does really love her leggings, so I bought her a stripey pair as a Christmas stocking stuffer and found some blue calico in my stash to make her a tunic. In fact, all the materials for this tunic were on hand.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhYMWsPmQSyOemaIVkt7Zv0gXMT0oTaLcZ_18aXFjgQJh_m2EVFQz_zYBJblQA4dLvNEyWuQ2xO3B9G51eU9gssqrTBdkFwP6Jc9b9wR8iU1xOc132OMiC28miYQ8Y0iUQFnAtAdLUrJUgsG00GsoUCvv9pgYkI6vNgXWhw-o4VMKAZ1wmA-F8AXDp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhYMWsPmQSyOemaIVkt7Zv0gXMT0oTaLcZ_18aXFjgQJh_m2EVFQz_zYBJblQA4dLvNEyWuQ2xO3B9G51eU9gssqrTBdkFwP6Jc9b9wR8iU1xOc132OMiC28miYQ8Y0iUQFnAtAdLUrJUgsG00GsoUCvv9pgYkI6vNgXWhw-o4VMKAZ1wmA-F8AXDp=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div>I have used <a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-hobbie-and-her-pinafore.html">this pattern before for Genevieve.</a> <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdD_o-rHCBQZyUd2Evvc2KO43W_fR_l1-2OSGHkDRvlyq7vbJSyQ4lK0lzsDN1qN-WxHY6-f-2IihpfKaO8bLs3DhV2JWTPpJL8zHtUvI4w59yZw2YDUhoCBibhNK9TyB6qo3Hu0xMQopxpNY2h19nujodjB6vh1bIGT00SKRMBSVnagZb5tp9mV_-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdD_o-rHCBQZyUd2Evvc2KO43W_fR_l1-2OSGHkDRvlyq7vbJSyQ4lK0lzsDN1qN-WxHY6-f-2IihpfKaO8bLs3DhV2JWTPpJL8zHtUvI4w59yZw2YDUhoCBibhNK9TyB6qo3Hu0xMQopxpNY2h19nujodjB6vh1bIGT00SKRMBSVnagZb5tp9mV_-=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>As I sorted through notions for the tunic, I discovered the most astonishing matching flannel, a scrap I have had in my stash for years and enjoyed looking at. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiqXyujkmxPce98nTjbNw8p_OblvRlg9g7sV2Z7D-nMHOJMAEi1mfYBQimadSN3cyVMjVGb-sc6lIwPB0sUdhstV0DVTiQ3gymr7C5Myr8spzu5k3SVz1CAiGYI15lLiUW4dHXOQh-KcrAaTlQiSAkhhb_0akpsf03pAwC6lw2sPEchxGkL6Gytg4-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiqXyujkmxPce98nTjbNw8p_OblvRlg9g7sV2Z7D-nMHOJMAEi1mfYBQimadSN3cyVMjVGb-sc6lIwPB0sUdhstV0DVTiQ3gymr7C5Myr8spzu5k3SVz1CAiGYI15lLiUW4dHXOQh-KcrAaTlQiSAkhhb_0akpsf03pAwC6lw2sPEchxGkL6Gytg4-=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Look! It matches like the calico and flannel came from the same fabric line in 1970! Different fabrics bought as scraps from different stores, marinating in my stash for years, joined in such happiness. I just love it. Phoebe does too!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnPa0p9RillpaEkc8LI644MIzWqVIM2tJVpIJ6hFV3i2qIMr-khEMLr0Lask4R_EtxSL8UJGasBPP6dELpi7Pho0fKlbtgsaKGuQuZ4Lr2Q2pffJfnWkyBE87Vf81_hEnEvyuMw4-nPgjcqxWZOyJ-c-II_dUbqwyd3GF3XDQTRLV4Db3KwzTZXIQv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnPa0p9RillpaEkc8LI644MIzWqVIM2tJVpIJ6hFV3i2qIMr-khEMLr0Lask4R_EtxSL8UJGasBPP6dELpi7Pho0fKlbtgsaKGuQuZ4Lr2Q2pffJfnWkyBE87Vf81_hEnEvyuMw4-nPgjcqxWZOyJ-c-II_dUbqwyd3GF3XDQTRLV4Db3KwzTZXIQv=w480-h640" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwnYn3fOhmafsi3CJKw-EE6wbQP5PK87hDwrCrKCt3LZC-3-ocni-FTscIP7W5qbZAyb0ijse2sZ9mDCljlDrttEql6tAOlGDqErjfcL7WlATWabkLhWHfDFFBE0Mum_qxhgEVt6WVlrHe0J8bCJgFathfztGq-_Y9HZ7IvZVJrXcF03O3eIRynRO0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwnYn3fOhmafsi3CJKw-EE6wbQP5PK87hDwrCrKCt3LZC-3-ocni-FTscIP7W5qbZAyb0ijse2sZ9mDCljlDrttEql6tAOlGDqErjfcL7WlATWabkLhWHfDFFBE0Mum_qxhgEVt6WVlrHe0J8bCJgFathfztGq-_Y9HZ7IvZVJrXcF03O3eIRynRO0=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-91605051508418166562022-01-12T14:28:00.000-05:002022-01-12T14:28:09.632-05:00Why and How I Hang Laundry Outside in Frigid Winter<p> Choose the whites to hang in sunny frozen winter. They will <a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2010/01/free-bleach.html">bleach</a>! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_HpbCMrb8pLFr8Qlvb1m-Gb68TYixnBoJKcB_zXkpmoS6ujHLzJzkvoQqv5XARFigLwIqZmGq_ExFF-fBxZwjNQM2Z02paiuX9UbEBsmfC_2J4V_mvlzIQ9YixeYIXwUkpdj3iGIyWs/s1600/1642015348510311-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_HpbCMrb8pLFr8Qlvb1m-Gb68TYixnBoJKcB_zXkpmoS6ujHLzJzkvoQqv5XARFigLwIqZmGq_ExFF-fBxZwjNQM2Z02paiuX9UbEBsmfC_2J4V_mvlzIQ9YixeYIXwUkpdj3iGIyWs/w480-h640/1642015348510311-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div>I am willing to get numb fingers for anything that can really benefit from a free bleach. Otherwise, I put the unmentionables and rags, etc. inside on the radiators. Here, I hung these bits outside when the ambient temperature was 12F with a real-feel of 3F. The clothes were frozen stiff within the 5 minutes it took me to do this. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuGa7QBLIpJs7sYXy_K4UdqS-1Mu3-cxslcwNJl9CWyy7WiQHuKVXkEBmCWRr1wzHSFm99y_QBK8dTciOl9MXde1_2HhSrdOraLO2f2ee7yeG3-vhA40Hrjv15Jrr3ZM6T2wB8B7iLnQ/s1600/1642015343825665-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuGa7QBLIpJs7sYXy_K4UdqS-1Mu3-cxslcwNJl9CWyy7WiQHuKVXkEBmCWRr1wzHSFm99y_QBK8dTciOl9MXde1_2HhSrdOraLO2f2ee7yeG3-vhA40Hrjv15Jrr3ZM6T2wB8B7iLnQ/w480-h640/1642015343825665-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>Their line-dried deep-winter fresh scent was just exactly what I crave.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6G6na06ibxrVbTXAq7DEhIOemtPpC3jEU96tO368Fy5jLb1y5QWfgrpjewxzIyl1S9AXoAYtVUYoEBatSmFg9nzzfbbx9k1RiXZVhE1sPaV-KQLX3QLlPbn0-CmQwwTcv6FobfgoAB0/s1600/1642015340180799-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6G6na06ibxrVbTXAq7DEhIOemtPpC3jEU96tO368Fy5jLb1y5QWfgrpjewxzIyl1S9AXoAYtVUYoEBatSmFg9nzzfbbx9k1RiXZVhE1sPaV-KQLX3QLlPbn0-CmQwwTcv6FobfgoAB0/w480-h640/1642015340180799-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div>Also, please notice my nice big clothes dryer! It is t<a href="https://www.lehmans.com/product/large-deluxe-spinning-clothes-dryer?shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAlfqOBhAeEiwAYi43F2u9Xy5O8RA4Fi-UompLcKiRADtvamAhneqcYAysBr45SROzhsC6pRoCt5MQAvD_BwE#">his one from Lehman's</a>, made in the USA. My old one was a similar umbrella style and had been repaired and babied along and rusted for a number of years now until it dramatically flopped to the ground this past summer (yes, with laundry on it - sighhh). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNFeE-Aczdd8xUt8uA2havYd9fqRk30D6rUhOkdtDNE2i32eQQ91IZwX-Ltm8JAMmJ9-dcd_v2ocWLytXowwN5dLxw9gPZOJq8NOrkg1gLyhyIvbU36vXJHI-JoZIPnWOfnWigbnAHh0/s1600/1642015337119073-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNFeE-Aczdd8xUt8uA2havYd9fqRk30D6rUhOkdtDNE2i32eQQ91IZwX-Ltm8JAMmJ9-dcd_v2ocWLytXowwN5dLxw9gPZOJq8NOrkg1gLyhyIvbU36vXJHI-JoZIPnWOfnWigbnAHh0/w480-h640/1642015337119073-3.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I am very pleased with my sturdy new one. It is leaning to one side because I simply used my old ground screw (like a pipe you literally screw into the ground which provides a hole for the clothesline to stand in and is flat to the ground otherwise for mowing or running over). which is slightly large. The clothes dryer comes with its own ground screw which I'm sure, some day, I will get around to installing. When the weather is bad or we want the whole yard for our activities, I remove my clothes dryer from the yard. It can hold 4-5 loads of laundry, although keep in mind that my washing machine is on the smaller side. I am really happy with this clothes dryer and drying our things without electric or gas. </p><p>My friend, also in town, uses the Amish method of pulleys with the clothesline high above her yard. Another city friend has a drying rack that she puts outside in good weather. Many ways to get the wet clothes out in the fresh air!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylHzyDKN9-cjKF28HXyT541UlXlcjGal5A77EUm72YO3sDQQVPKdsHV5IJK0b7CVCov2SSnFDvRW4U9D08qwoqj8J8jgQY0YMxKjWpXC3Xh8_bL4lpxwNuTWxl1D6rfIrIb5j5Wsx77Q/s1600/1642015329231063-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylHzyDKN9-cjKF28HXyT541UlXlcjGal5A77EUm72YO3sDQQVPKdsHV5IJK0b7CVCov2SSnFDvRW4U9D08qwoqj8J8jgQY0YMxKjWpXC3Xh8_bL4lpxwNuTWxl1D6rfIrIb5j5Wsx77Q/w480-h640/1642015329231063-4.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-81312750738901111282021-12-31T15:44:00.000-05:002021-12-31T15:44:22.345-05:00Out with the Old Hotpads, in with the NewThis is actually a hotpad post, but hey, it coincides with the end of 2021, so I made the cute title. <div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhBSBjgUi3hXykAf-EfSWLoRM-NWOuengcs-H_dgPHM_9ymyqXJ8N9C8FzfylRiwK8Zgqx0bvI8xLjGtcjprSXywkVh_uAyiofBjK5yV_z2-0hLXGFIizo6_fNu_Bp5GrKhSdNpSwjIs/s1600/1640983253989094-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhBSBjgUi3hXykAf-EfSWLoRM-NWOuengcs-H_dgPHM_9ymyqXJ8N9C8FzfylRiwK8Zgqx0bvI8xLjGtcjprSXywkVh_uAyiofBjK5yV_z2-0hLXGFIizo6_fNu_Bp5GrKhSdNpSwjIs/w480-h640/1640983253989094-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><br /></div><div>I really enjoy washing my hotpads and keeping them nice-ish. A little kitchen luxury for the cook. My old hotpads had been used and washed so hard that the fabric was splitting.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TKDGBmT0tvBJRWCw5LAfp8q-1iEIH2h1I7OilXB1vM5aqkYa7XfiSPyuz7y6-tNbT8-uBlNZSBBhyiQ1OjTGj4b9OG9XnxgZMxqo5Mx6qb2jqGCoTG24G8jN2qH-rEuXdVnewbMqVT4/s1600/1640983250938593-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TKDGBmT0tvBJRWCw5LAfp8q-1iEIH2h1I7OilXB1vM5aqkYa7XfiSPyuz7y6-tNbT8-uBlNZSBBhyiQ1OjTGj4b9OG9XnxgZMxqo5Mx6qb2jqGCoTG24G8jN2qH-rEuXdVnewbMqVT4/w640-h480/1640983250938593-1.png" width="640" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMLIC2g3BI0YYRKR77UX5UVp0wvuNqOU9iRC9Fek0_OW8bGC_qV0C9_5LRAw2d_n-JLJUsLRme2Wy993CfC4BQN7QFK5dj0RrCfwLIknOwJtqTOJpTeC6-H6CDPwMjTFvamDTINRegzM/s1600/1640983247573833-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMLIC2g3BI0YYRKR77UX5UVp0wvuNqOU9iRC9Fek0_OW8bGC_qV0C9_5LRAw2d_n-JLJUsLRme2Wy993CfC4BQN7QFK5dj0RrCfwLIknOwJtqTOJpTeC6-H6CDPwMjTFvamDTINRegzM/w640-h480/1640983247573833-2.png" width="640" />
</a>
</div> I moved them to the outdoor kitchen where they will get some more grease and black spots in their useful life before going in the compost. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JvfKV1kgKdk0vm2nE-apDRf5AqCgOBa5LndcJrxD8D4qjYr5OvsTk22KnqgCETmOgafbkv8PQL47cj6juWHu7NVuHCS1jo-O0oTJToLwnImaoxXfaziaL7dRH9cSc8ImCMrrI-zIYyg/s1600/1640983244279052-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JvfKV1kgKdk0vm2nE-apDRf5AqCgOBa5LndcJrxD8D4qjYr5OvsTk22KnqgCETmOgafbkv8PQL47cj6juWHu7NVuHCS1jo-O0oTJToLwnImaoxXfaziaL7dRH9cSc8ImCMrrI-zIYyg/w521-h640/1640983244279052-3.png" width="521" />
</a>
</div><br /></div><div>For the new ones, I used fabric scraps that were lingering in my stash because they weren't 100% quilting-weight cotton. I tried to mostly stick with darker fabric or with busy prints, and I do love <a href="https://thriftathome.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-kitchen-color-is-bright.html">kitchen brights</a>. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Qe6jO_0Lga1YwVOuEN65flVsRknx5bCcFYI3VlBeq7jByttEpRfk2sx4lnE5JdNI_f4oeE78vraXE6yZ5t4J2Ku5u9OMLuvR2F2V2V2jl-uUBZzSiBKg5jk9goka_Eb6P2cHhg0Y2k8/s1600/1640983240536967-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Qe6jO_0Lga1YwVOuEN65flVsRknx5bCcFYI3VlBeq7jByttEpRfk2sx4lnE5JdNI_f4oeE78vraXE6yZ5t4J2Ku5u9OMLuvR2F2V2V2jl-uUBZzSiBKg5jk9goka_Eb6P2cHhg0Y2k8/w480-h640/1640983240536967-4.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><br />As filler, I used felted wool sweater scraps that were so thick the hotpads barely fit under my machine's walking foot. The hotpads are wonderfully insulated, if a little thick and stiff, but they are great with the cast iron which gets quite hot. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenQgzUSQvRkl1N4o-DMawO83061miMrPDAyZdES1Tz5051QNxR1F_kyC9JJ91zwb-F5tvHtOnnF1zzN3NjqGhQdlrclwV8r3Pb8raFxx_VJfnykXgReW1EZygx4MFK2dh-pDDmkwlGpU/s1600/1640983237146359-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenQgzUSQvRkl1N4o-DMawO83061miMrPDAyZdES1Tz5051QNxR1F_kyC9JJ91zwb-F5tvHtOnnF1zzN3NjqGhQdlrclwV8r3Pb8raFxx_VJfnykXgReW1EZygx4MFK2dh-pDDmkwlGpU/w640-h480/1640983237146359-5.png" width="640" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVzLSPRkfqWJESLOyJ3sAbTkkW6rubPb0MpQS6tcSh-SFtj4j2V6202pn2W8DyG0WBN4gFzgSz5F0Lg0EIFbKfNFtI3dl_6-WDjzCTOPh4HEeyy-pLOZp94WOX55lQwRL5EurmINBj7Q/s1600/1640983233735407-6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVzLSPRkfqWJESLOyJ3sAbTkkW6rubPb0MpQS6tcSh-SFtj4j2V6202pn2W8DyG0WBN4gFzgSz5F0Lg0EIFbKfNFtI3dl_6-WDjzCTOPh4HEeyy-pLOZp94WOX55lQwRL5EurmINBj7Q/w640-h480/1640983233735407-6.png" width="640" />
</a>
</div><br /></div><div>Please, if you have insights or reflections for "out with the old, in with the new," leave a comment with your wisdom. Or if you just want to chat about hotpads, I am all ears for that, too. Happy New Year, dear friends!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMctnZfrsesMeYUyUm9gZExDBdkWnjceKSJFV-t2hITBpMf7e2OLWXtByvyEI5YNVIKK_rJQPgsaqRedXX99JPShQ9s8mEqIItQPSDXJMEtqD4bsKS_yI0N9qwwHbFPtgsfX_ZFgRs8nU/s1600/1640983228941521-7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMctnZfrsesMeYUyUm9gZExDBdkWnjceKSJFV-t2hITBpMf7e2OLWXtByvyEI5YNVIKK_rJQPgsaqRedXX99JPShQ9s8mEqIItQPSDXJMEtqD4bsKS_yI0N9qwwHbFPtgsfX_ZFgRs8nU/w480-h640/1640983228941521-7.png" width="480" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-49476674230068306702021-12-14T14:42:00.000-05:002021-12-14T14:42:31.888-05:00Welcome Winter Soup<p> Welcome, winter, I love you so. The colors of winter are my favorites, the yellowing fields and sharp brown trees. The thin sharp air. The late afternoon light, especially in my pretty city on the old red brick. I love being snug, seeing lights in the windows, making the house smell good with baking and soup. . . .so much soup. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Pal2IlzD5FshmCNzqmsE2aPyJBU2KddMPejGahy0rsngvJ-YlFHStVALj4DQr13RvTcJQn3eAG0qhIQUzX4GjzFZRRULf_Z_0PpUe9daD-w6At6phH8nPTzgH0I5MPIjXyqk66AZCSs/s1600/1639510609305166-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Pal2IlzD5FshmCNzqmsE2aPyJBU2KddMPejGahy0rsngvJ-YlFHStVALj4DQr13RvTcJQn3eAG0qhIQUzX4GjzFZRRULf_Z_0PpUe9daD-w6At6phH8nPTzgH0I5MPIjXyqk66AZCSs/w480-h640/1639510609305166-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGg-u5TkVZoFAWCy3uZlQb91kYHPuX4Tx5cAneq1y2yWEhZMlJ214LtQfkDrCihT497r7KjiM4UA9msll1XCOvGoel0BsuZwY8ZJra_Nvjo_fQDrZkgxTXRi11mnWR_5S-Eo5xvyhCaUU/s1600/1639510603488620-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGg-u5TkVZoFAWCy3uZlQb91kYHPuX4Tx5cAneq1y2yWEhZMlJ214LtQfkDrCihT497r7KjiM4UA9msll1XCOvGoel0BsuZwY8ZJra_Nvjo_fQDrZkgxTXRi11mnWR_5S-Eo5xvyhCaUU/w450-h640/1639510603488620-1.png" width="450" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's not even talk about Christmas, ok? That ridiculously overdone thing that needs to stop hogging winter. We're doing Christmas at my house, yes, and my children are all in a tizzy about it, but I'm focused on winter. . . and soup. </div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGbaZVkuFsTd2GeEk-orX6y1dGlOXH0jtVDNkhlICzCd-J_WES6AFRVWyrTTyTb2gen1eLirvaEC24To7-eI9r5HxZI7WA8deIAGFDgt7NOWevz0jO8u7PQ8PeLS2TgZXftNB_HK9JNA/s1600/1639510149942872-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGbaZVkuFsTd2GeEk-orX6y1dGlOXH0jtVDNkhlICzCd-J_WES6AFRVWyrTTyTb2gen1eLirvaEC24To7-eI9r5HxZI7WA8deIAGFDgt7NOWevz0jO8u7PQ8PeLS2TgZXftNB_HK9JNA/w480-h640/1639510149942872-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>Here's one of my favorites, <a href="https://fountainavenuekitchen.com/tuscan-lentil-soup/">from Fountain Avenue Kitchen</a>. My photos are mediocre, snapped in the rush of supper and daily life, but I promise you this recipe is a keeper.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcJ3Wz7Vj3dHPXy96xgTAAJiQzFmGWXM75Zku3Cx0o9-as9QnuDRaoAL2c30c5fx-a7OFCRoq_pRccYjys4ajb7H-ajXVJuNNRCFNW2y3Or3M-AX8KnmKum3N8nNLf6qowk_Q8gyA9Rc/s1600/1639510144127428-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcJ3Wz7Vj3dHPXy96xgTAAJiQzFmGWXM75Zku3Cx0o9-as9QnuDRaoAL2c30c5fx-a7OFCRoq_pRccYjys4ajb7H-ajXVJuNNRCFNW2y3Or3M-AX8KnmKum3N8nNLf6qowk_Q8gyA9Rc/w480-h640/1639510144127428-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>With a loaf of homemade bread (also one of my favorite house smells), it's a supper we all love. I have fudged some of the amounts in this recipe or swapped ingredients, depending what I have on hand, and it's always delicious.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnqJXX_9RwBj5ctISCOdw_JC2aBT1az8AW0utSt9y1kpaIJ5rZTzg78qypPxfAIuudpWnGW_mtc_ugVnLKZerya8dSsNEEOs2yBmsox78bW0ISHJheonw_hXoNBPm1OU0iaHNMNZjTjM/s1600/1639510139033823-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnqJXX_9RwBj5ctISCOdw_JC2aBT1az8AW0utSt9y1kpaIJ5rZTzg78qypPxfAIuudpWnGW_mtc_ugVnLKZerya8dSsNEEOs2yBmsox78bW0ISHJheonw_hXoNBPm1OU0iaHNMNZjTjM/w480-h640/1639510139033823-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF97GXUfu3cfIEx0GxolLrQMr992pxH2qVyS6qWJL7SP8fSqOVqfIiADJs3LQHdaDSfDbzo_1JoQQ9UWCl9o9hFH-nNyF6hhrrYskZxi4lDnheBNBUfXhw4VGusTZdYa3S5rpI8AIKRo/s1600/1639510133789801-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF97GXUfu3cfIEx0GxolLrQMr992pxH2qVyS6qWJL7SP8fSqOVqfIiADJs3LQHdaDSfDbzo_1JoQQ9UWCl9o9hFH-nNyF6hhrrYskZxi4lDnheBNBUfXhw4VGusTZdYa3S5rpI8AIKRo/w509-h640/1639510133789801-3.png" width="509" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p><b>Tuscan Lentil Soup</b></p><p><b>Saute in olive oil in biggish soup pot:</b></p><p>1/2 lb. loose Italian sausage, or ground beef with some sage and fennel</p><p>1 large yellow onion, chopped</p><p>2 carrots, diced</p><p>1-2 ribs celery, chopped</p><p><b>When the sausage is browned, add:</b></p><p>2 tsp. Italian herbs</p><p>1 tsp. salt</p><p>good sprinkle red pepper flakes, however much heat you want</p><p>1 1/2 c. diced canned tomatoes (a 14.5 oz. can)</p><p>4 cups stock of choice, chicken recommended</p><p>1 cup water</p><p>1 cup dry brown lentils</p><p>1 potato, diced</p><p>3 garlic cloves, chopped</p><p><b>Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. </b></p><p><b>Add:</b></p><p>2-3 cups chopped kale or spinach</p><p>2 tsp. balsamic vinegar</p><p>freshly ground pepper, to taste</p><p><b>Taste for salt. Add a bit more water if needed. I sometimes add some more herbs at this point. Serve in soup bowls with freshly grated Parmesan on top. </b>So so so good. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkic4L3KBuEyofnfFKt_ljg5TSL2w8O6okuQat8JEKuVb7-dvET-i6Pi4kZVGLJk7cyx41tdnWqVuXM8s8gmVA2QgTiv8mqgVK5dslq-a3QkC_k9uM7b7XbH-AAYpyBGnhBFufezvZi_c/s1600/1639510129006498-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkic4L3KBuEyofnfFKt_ljg5TSL2w8O6okuQat8JEKuVb7-dvET-i6Pi4kZVGLJk7cyx41tdnWqVuXM8s8gmVA2QgTiv8mqgVK5dslq-a3QkC_k9uM7b7XbH-AAYpyBGnhBFufezvZi_c/w514-h640/1639510129006498-4.png" width="514" />
</a>
</div><p></p>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-20434949401050195452021-12-08T11:53:00.000-05:002021-12-08T11:53:07.434-05:00A Big Quilt for My Sister<p>For a few years, my sister talked about the quilt she wanted, and I began to take notes. Teal. Grey. Orange. Modern, not traditional old quilt patterns. Noted. I love making quilts for my family! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kTGKVTJ234qwuxmtfz2mZu3P_jJVAAKYmjdaGRo2VvP-zShfKq13knZX6wbzWtQ0l_nqqUookltEXFYFvN6Kd5rq4JSjtwlNkArP4HNXfGc9L3FPpGUQnle1DFHrQPsRudgbVbrlJfg/s1600/1638982142725887-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kTGKVTJ234qwuxmtfz2mZu3P_jJVAAKYmjdaGRo2VvP-zShfKq13knZX6wbzWtQ0l_nqqUookltEXFYFvN6Kd5rq4JSjtwlNkArP4HNXfGc9L3FPpGUQnle1DFHrQPsRudgbVbrlJfg/w480-h640/1638982142725887-0.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>My sister had a big birthday (number, not party) early in the COVID shut-down. I told her my present to her would be her quilt and that it would not be done until it was done. She told me that she wanted it to be a surprise. So I have been keeping the quilt off social media, where we both hang out, and the one time I went down to North Carolina with her and her husband, I sat in the back and quilted and she chose to keep her gaze forward. I think that was a hard time for her, but I could not bear to sit empty-handed on such a long drive with such a big quilt to finish. The quilt also traveled with me by car to upstate New York, to the beach a few times, and camping where it picked up some dirt and smokiness (I washed it when it was done!). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BsiNEJXseoKAFob4NGnS2LBVr179vvIN_oSxEag6BV3P2lth808PRTDTqNbunngnKXQe-cAx-8SOEx5nRTRdoVq2w1wCSqV6_6H007gF_bu1LCiTwJCIdpKbYeYT18t6jIqqx2zj90M/s1600/1638982137066417-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BsiNEJXseoKAFob4NGnS2LBVr179vvIN_oSxEag6BV3P2lth808PRTDTqNbunngnKXQe-cAx-8SOEx5nRTRdoVq2w1wCSqV6_6H007gF_bu1LCiTwJCIdpKbYeYT18t6jIqqx2zj90M/w480-h640/1638982137066417-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>This is a large queen-sized quilt. I pieced it in rows, slipping four-patches in every other row, and a little piecing on the back. I machine quilted long lines parallel to the row seams. Then I hand-quilted with black perle cotton down the middle of each row, stopping to outline the little four-patches. I adore striped binding, and I do really like my decision to have that as the only pattern on this quilt. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJs2PXyvshOLkXYqsVwB8lk2DleaWHFJGccAzxZ0HGK_6aO0P_NaYEkZNps7_WxHIp6TxXwf8_624E0_R8a-D9Bfj9HJvPRuU0JxnW9ekNVLyFGELF-vp2NaS4zhqax8AAsWj7UVnRGc/s1600/1638982130571902-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJs2PXyvshOLkXYqsVwB8lk2DleaWHFJGccAzxZ0HGK_6aO0P_NaYEkZNps7_WxHIp6TxXwf8_624E0_R8a-D9Bfj9HJvPRuU0JxnW9ekNVLyFGELF-vp2NaS4zhqax8AAsWj7UVnRGc/w480-h640/1638982130571902-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIB_ayw-VgtNdKVstL2nPZB24uzIo_ZFDCm-VnYHOjcXvGjU6LX2bfyVgKQA79G6tQ023Czemo3nnUxvZrREEriOsqWvmfHjqfLbyM4M8m9oxCJnVpvtCM5TRfiRHF_rDsT-3LzdD0r8/s1600/1638982120818097-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIB_ayw-VgtNdKVstL2nPZB24uzIo_ZFDCm-VnYHOjcXvGjU6LX2bfyVgKQA79G6tQ023Czemo3nnUxvZrREEriOsqWvmfHjqfLbyM4M8m9oxCJnVpvtCM5TRfiRHF_rDsT-3LzdD0r8/w480-h640/1638982120818097-3.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I finished the quilt a few days before Thanksgiving, and my big kids helped me get photos of it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDoZ1vFjSXghBrg4X0SYo8xbCGsrXKAH8v-lEph9odIZEMkkrRPI8S8L2iy2QjwGdjDp6mQyxo8qen1mhyphenhyphenliCaf8KRuXFAO26zhY2T9ZYB6GGRXILDtFU_n8saXg0pfSa1LrXaoazwM8/s1600/1638982108420872-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDoZ1vFjSXghBrg4X0SYo8xbCGsrXKAH8v-lEph9odIZEMkkrRPI8S8L2iy2QjwGdjDp6mQyxo8qen1mhyphenhyphenliCaf8KRuXFAO26zhY2T9ZYB6GGRXILDtFU_n8saXg0pfSa1LrXaoazwM8/w465-h640/1638982108420872-4.png" width="465" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Not only were we all happy on Thanksgiving being inside and so very normal together, but then I got out the quilt to give to my sister. So much joy! <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxKxNOsO4q1_T8Qh61BveqIctfGqkDy5LeyJ-PYTT20_vG_8nU-w7sFwX4YNkgF9GOxPFcENmwcYYlkNIc8jy6UxyuMWVU5noSznY76QbcgwJh3RHauH3hFL3AtfWPRwSLdCgvMw3GCg/s1600/1638982104079068-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxKxNOsO4q1_T8Qh61BveqIctfGqkDy5LeyJ-PYTT20_vG_8nU-w7sFwX4YNkgF9GOxPFcENmwcYYlkNIc8jy6UxyuMWVU5noSznY76QbcgwJh3RHauH3hFL3AtfWPRwSLdCgvMw3GCg/w480-h640/1638982104079068-5.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><p></p><p>I started her quilt in April 2020 and finished it in November 2021. I already know what my next quilt will be: entirely sourced from my overflowing piece bag. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePfxOCAVI8XXk4NV6MR2tSmgqTp2WL06_-jdluT3tClHmRkgx34Xp9f4YXYNzaI6Mb6hMDQRt09XGICNK4_js66-NkrRXEFMUOyE1_gqzEz2f7zkG2KOBrHMZMqnW0H1KDsWOK0NtKdE/s1600/1638982100195048-6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePfxOCAVI8XXk4NV6MR2tSmgqTp2WL06_-jdluT3tClHmRkgx34Xp9f4YXYNzaI6Mb6hMDQRt09XGICNK4_js66-NkrRXEFMUOyE1_gqzEz2f7zkG2KOBrHMZMqnW0H1KDsWOK0NtKdE/w452-h640/1638982100195048-6.png" width="452" /></a></div><p></p></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956538942392497830.post-81645879492756515282021-10-27T13:05:00.000-04:002021-10-27T13:05:48.481-04:00Two Blue Dresses In January, deep in covid-cautiousness, my sister got married. It was a delight to dress up again and celebrate! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHfui6IwQa7TO9rfQ50qTMRplA8q3Q0QJD-WDDupE1xTejRQ8SmEnGM5keJE6Lcea9dRrbcnFx9ddNTx3q0aVERD1HN_zW27LsLGwXUp_2AROazku1-xTiv8LdfOUUGvYca6bpuk__e4/s1600/1635174610516826-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHfui6IwQa7TO9rfQ50qTMRplA8q3Q0QJD-WDDupE1xTejRQ8SmEnGM5keJE6Lcea9dRrbcnFx9ddNTx3q0aVERD1HN_zW27LsLGwXUp_2AROazku1-xTiv8LdfOUUGvYca6bpuk__e4/w640-h480/1635174610516826-0.png" width="640" />
</a>
</div>Phoebe was the flower girl, although as soon as she said "flower fairy," the title stuck. My sister said we should choose whatever dress we wanted (I have the best sister and she was never, not even for one second, a bridezilla). I had a delicious deep dive on winter flower girl dresses, developing a vision that suited all parties: dressy but not out of regular church-wear, wintry but not black or white, flexible with whatever other colors appeared at the wedding. . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePwk7H-K4LLzQxZ6HWPN41t2k1NhfKQo8v9Mkc0wVHK6CI0M-lNS519rA-9-zWxSt93Q0GeMXNxqMVYJfnjuXD5J7VqgPJZ5XD_4j7RqIUFhh7DMkcFlZh04vnWuXToLVcGXMCdYgPts/s1600/1635174607006161-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePwk7H-K4LLzQxZ6HWPN41t2k1NhfKQo8v9Mkc0wVHK6CI0M-lNS519rA-9-zWxSt93Q0GeMXNxqMVYJfnjuXD5J7VqgPJZ5XD_4j7RqIUFhh7DMkcFlZh04vnWuXToLVcGXMCdYgPts/w480-h640/1635174607006161-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div>I used a simple Prussian blue cotton from my stash. I found a gorgeous net sequin fabric for the overskirt at JoAnn's as well as pink satin to line the bolero. For cold weather, she wears the bolero. For warm weather, it's a sundress! I wanted to give Phoebe as many chances as possible to enjoy wearing her dress, but wanted it to look appropriate in any season. At that time, I could not predict when we would be going out in nice clothes again and I did not want any more nice clothes hanging sadly in our closets, especially the handmade ones. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLrHURMxfstEFOzny5N3nVb3wi8V0dvPheUmXxPSMXJ7GQnMAzhc1wUS0eMAL4YnEWrU6VnTW7sbJWqwmUQPH0ATlecvQaiHY1lBnHhBrp2uDfmtUsTBu2w0y5v88iQVdqoGHzA2lHCw/s1600/1635174603517551-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLrHURMxfstEFOzny5N3nVb3wi8V0dvPheUmXxPSMXJ7GQnMAzhc1wUS0eMAL4YnEWrU6VnTW7sbJWqwmUQPH0ATlecvQaiHY1lBnHhBrp2uDfmtUsTBu2w0y5v88iQVdqoGHzA2lHCw/w480-h640/1635174603517551-2.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div> I thought I could just gather two rectangles of the net fabric into a black ribbon and tie the overskirt on at the sides, but it ended up being too heavy so I basted it onto the waistline for the wedding. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirawNzAR8O83YW9-HIzoG9cYrnQ_rTIZ2zx7M9k3EKqRoqu0QhGiuuAPxOEosGcmp_J9OTdBVb_sPI4Dmce3SIylGAhjElo10wuduAAOACnx4mckd4pzQAE2s1S2gjhfJ6novlcmi5IW8/s1600/1635174600832953-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirawNzAR8O83YW9-HIzoG9cYrnQ_rTIZ2zx7M9k3EKqRoqu0QhGiuuAPxOEosGcmp_J9OTdBVb_sPI4Dmce3SIylGAhjElo10wuduAAOACnx4mckd4pzQAE2s1S2gjhfJ6novlcmi5IW8/w403-h640/1635174600832953-3.png" width="403" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Phoebe and I are both so pleased with this dress! She has indeed worn it in all its iterations since January.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyWK9KwlS9TIG5VWO6Ii8ve9ajPVEgWtjs6pa-k47_uIGG1r3eFRHqv-N9kE7Rv4n8W3Zw3W7YBfpDKq4SmfdvaE9vox9mWHhecv9M0NgwQh1WLDk9-x8wrjX0xoUjLfR3eftRUzPpmk/s1600/1635174597706759-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyWK9KwlS9TIG5VWO6Ii8ve9ajPVEgWtjs6pa-k47_uIGG1r3eFRHqv-N9kE7Rv4n8W3Zw3W7YBfpDKq4SmfdvaE9vox9mWHhecv9M0NgwQh1WLDk9-x8wrjX0xoUjLfR3eftRUzPpmk/w480-h640/1635174597706759-4.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3H8qLRNnLbo_sSK3vzNxbw-Yrps3nGf1cpAGZnW-l0iu5XfGALJ2spFF9-YJggTN5Gft18YOge6gjsGSp8cG48r_oDa-x5hEZgAMwbznGt_RhyphenhyphengfsfM88Q_kg8MWc9cgK20G-KjY2Lo/s1600/1635174594603363-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3H8qLRNnLbo_sSK3vzNxbw-Yrps3nGf1cpAGZnW-l0iu5XfGALJ2spFF9-YJggTN5Gft18YOge6gjsGSp8cG48r_oDa-x5hEZgAMwbznGt_RhyphenhyphengfsfM88Q_kg8MWc9cgK20G-KjY2Lo/w480-h640/1635174594603363-5.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5jz5MXwwSCm9asLcFoetRwyLZoE-2NuX-3FvJAOMcxw57_MDhW1neQ6IHRMo8l4Cp4IK_PqWlmT4BEJ7WrqUGINpM14KE9_qjS9s2JY-MauCL5oNiJ2JfwdRVk3IWhKfWIevqba9B4M/s1600/1635347446507045-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5jz5MXwwSCm9asLcFoetRwyLZoE-2NuX-3FvJAOMcxw57_MDhW1neQ6IHRMo8l4Cp4IK_PqWlmT4BEJ7WrqUGINpM14KE9_qjS9s2JY-MauCL5oNiJ2JfwdRVk3IWhKfWIevqba9B4M/w493-h640/1635347446507045-0.png" width="493" />
</a>
</div><br /></div><div>The second blue dress is a school uniform dress. I added some light blue topstitching to liven things up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXvKeooFWqz3Y8ZVztRQxRTMrJ4Scyg9uHmqo5AFySAkjG4foSzWQ3di7hJZlXQ7o-fHMXnoap3SMLZLEA3Oe8bBvCepecEr5jE7Eco2Iwa9c8NERypxZ5Tbqgqf_CIXab8EWC8KNvsQ/s1600/1635174591943541-6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXvKeooFWqz3Y8ZVztRQxRTMrJ4Scyg9uHmqo5AFySAkjG4foSzWQ3di7hJZlXQ7o-fHMXnoap3SMLZLEA3Oe8bBvCepecEr5jE7Eco2Iwa9c8NERypxZ5Tbqgqf_CIXab8EWC8KNvsQ/w480-h640/1635174591943541-6.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div> It has a deep hem, so I'm planning to let it out as Phoebe gets taller. I love Peter Pan collars and here with the puffed sleeves, it's such a charming retro look. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlJqUTENESgDr7mNlZVt6VcCxWsK5aXg5UBHAkfMedFYST-O2RUzVq-aOWZaUt1194VaWkJNqaaV_X4ElbjkZNbGt0F1fTJQOckKl6M9qL6lPmNqlZeFV-l6XrPcdKQIKof0fhIdadrU/s1600/1635347442404870-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlJqUTENESgDr7mNlZVt6VcCxWsK5aXg5UBHAkfMedFYST-O2RUzVq-aOWZaUt1194VaWkJNqaaV_X4ElbjkZNbGt0F1fTJQOckKl6M9qL6lPmNqlZeFV-l6XrPcdKQIKof0fhIdadrU/w480-h640/1635347442404870-1.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had all the supplies in my stash! When my older kids were starting school, I laid in a supply of fabric that would work for uniforms. Our district currently does uniforms until 6th grade and I think that is just right: let the little kids scramble into a prescribed uniform, let the big kids define their own style as they fledge into adulthood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoaJqLBOvBKHvc360dJ_UiUiO_diF-PqhZiCVN7tQ7IR4VCS8N9ojmipX3X7JE9ftLdIVC7cAXeFf73bthRIcWfagx6Kb5rU6OQst7zKiYFPIikHEwDE-NJy3p_aMCvIpIVPaXR3eWsU/s1600/1635174588793807-7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoaJqLBOvBKHvc360dJ_UiUiO_diF-PqhZiCVN7tQ7IR4VCS8N9ojmipX3X7JE9ftLdIVC7cAXeFf73bthRIcWfagx6Kb5rU6OQst7zKiYFPIikHEwDE-NJy3p_aMCvIpIVPaXR3eWsU/w463-h640/1635174588793807-7.png" width="463" />
</a>
</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zvPvdYrfUrdf2UAKhoMF1baurMLAm8kAz3bgw613oMnN5ZHUkZz5RoZT4sAXAE9ujz3v9lw3OhicEcg7dLovimziCF-bnDeIRagBF3ECRdZjo4_svuj6wcgr9TacV6jcpZYRQNQRnBA/s1600/1635174586027979-8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zvPvdYrfUrdf2UAKhoMF1baurMLAm8kAz3bgw613oMnN5ZHUkZz5RoZT4sAXAE9ujz3v9lw3OhicEcg7dLovimziCF-bnDeIRagBF3ECRdZjo4_svuj6wcgr9TacV6jcpZYRQNQRnBA/w480-h640/1635174586027979-8.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div><br /></div><div>Phoebe is really the only child I sew for any more. I feel like I live with three other adults and a child! In fact, Genevieve turned 16 this week, oh my word. Such is the speed of life....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTuHorSvZPdFaMiBKnDRPbveWqh4nJnm6EOcwY5hMTJIcFZW_MmOpJLwsNiuH2P9vC59zVkz3KsKEDCZiRfCSRkz0vfhEpInmR-JED0QDHdtScIF_eRY2ahQOleuK-2hsneriJukeRzk/s1600/1635174582405716-9.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTuHorSvZPdFaMiBKnDRPbveWqh4nJnm6EOcwY5hMTJIcFZW_MmOpJLwsNiuH2P9vC59zVkz3KsKEDCZiRfCSRkz0vfhEpInmR-JED0QDHdtScIF_eRY2ahQOleuK-2hsneriJukeRzk/w480-h640/1635174582405716-9.png" width="480" />
</a>
</div></div>Margohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.com19