On Staying Awake Until Midnight

On New Year’s Eve it can sometimes prove difficult to stay awake until midnight. One starts out fully alert, but as the night wears on, it becomes harder and harder to stay awake. Suddenly it seem as though every night one had failed to fall asleep quickly throughout the year has caught up with one all at once. A valiant effort not to give into this must be made. However, this is easier said than done and shortly after this resolution has been made, yawning commences. First, one tries to ignore that they need to yawn, which then turns into an attempt to stifle it. Stifling doesn’t work and one finds themselves giving in to a continuous amount of yawning. Finally, just as one thinks they cannot possibly keep their eyes open a second longer, the clock strikes twelve, bringing with it happy New Year’s noises and bringing one back to the point of being fully awake and ready to face the new year!

A happy new year to come!♥

On “The Brontes Went to Woolworths”: A Book Review

Title: The Brontës Went to Woolworths 
Author: Rachel Ferguson
Genre: Fiction

About the book…
Written in 1931, Rachel Ferguson’s The Brontes Went to Woolworths pulls the reader in the imaginings and realities of sisters Deirdre, Katrine, and Shiel Carne and their mother as they interact with the world around them.

What I think…
This is one those books that, in addition to being on the bizarre side, takes awhile to get to a point where you have an understanding of what’s going on.

Throughout the first few chapters I had difficulty figuring out that some of the people being discussed, while real, where being described in a way that the Carnes family had imagined them to be. This confusion made it challenging to get into the book at first, but you do adjust and catch on to it quickly even if not entirely.

The narration and dialogue is fast paced and a bit frenzied, although I felt this was in keeping with the primary narrator, Deidre, and the way the entire family acts. Going off of that, multiple times the viewpoint does switch over to other characters, which definitely helps clear up some of the questions that arise as you are reading. It also makes a difference when the imaginings and realities cross over. Furthermore, this aspect does result in the characters coming across as slightly annoying at times, but in a charming sort of way (if that makes any sense).

In regards to the title, while the Brontes did play a role in the story, there was a lot less focus on them than I expected, although I really did like the way Ferguson tied them into the story.

Despite all these things, though, I was rather sad when I got to the end and I would consider this a book that I’d be willing to read again.

To sum it all up…
Great novel if you’re looking for something different from the norm and like quirky books, not so great if you don’t want to keep track of imaginary lives versus real ones.♥

On My Christmas Skirt and Blouse

My sewing elf

Final sewing post of the year! Over a year ago, I bought some beautiful green fabric with a gold poinsettia print and I refused to let this Christmas pass without using it.

Because I had about 5 yards of it there were a lot of options for what I could make, but I decided to go with a classic circle skirt with added benefit that it would go perfectly with a red blouse I had started making last month.

 

This skirt pattern is one I had made before, last December on the day after Christmas to be exact, and while I absolutely love the finished skirt, I do not love Butterick’s lack of labeling pattern pieces in their instructions.

After sewing the panels together, struggling to get the zipper to match the seam (despite all the pins, it kept moving), and doing some waist adjustments, I realized when I went to sew on the waistband that the zipper was sewn on the wrong side. Being a circle skirt, one might think this doesn’t matter, but at least in the case of this skirt the curve at the top of the front piece is larger meaning that it has to go in front. I ended up tiredly debating for about twenty minutes if I really wanted to go through the trouble of removing the zipper and finally came to the conclusion that: a) I really didn’t want to rip out the zipper and struggle with it all over again, b) I’ll probably only wear this skirt a few times a year because it’s a Christmas print, c) Despite efforts to avoid it, the waistbands usually get sewn on with the overlap on the wrong side, so here was my chance to sew it on backwards and not have to worry about ripping the whole thing apart to fix it! and d) I may have been wearing my other skirt backwards all year. Also, did I mention this was the evening of the twenty-third?

On Christmas Eve, I attached the waistband and did the hem before going to bed with the idea of sewing on the hooks and eyes in the morning. Christmas morning I started to sew them on, only to discover on one side of the zipper the waistband had been sewn about a ¼ inch higher…sigh…so I ripped out the stitching for about two inches, readjusted and sewed the waistband back on, and finished with the eyes. All this trouble, but the skirt was done for Christmas!!! Yay!!!

 

 

 

Outfit Details

Blouse-me-made

Circle skirt-me-made

Reindeer brooch-thrifted

Gold clutch-thrifted

♥♥♥

On Wishes for a Very Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas!



One of my favorite Christmas decorations.

♥♥♥

On Making Vintage Fabric Scrap Lollipop Ornaments

Welcome to the second half of my ornament making tutorials, which I’ve had typed for a week and just couldn’t seem to get the pictures taken for! Along with the trees in the last post, were also this collection of fabric scrap lollipops (or as I like to call them, my fabric swatch collection of unattainable fabrics. :) ) What I like about these is that they’re super simple and they can be made quickly!

 

Supplies
² Small styrofoam balls (1 ¼ in diameter for this size)*

² Fabric scraps that can be cut into squares

² Pinking shears

² Rounded thin wooden sticks or the lollipop sticks you can find in the baking section of the craft store. (5 ½ inches long is a good length)

² Ribbon (or yarn or string…anything that will tie)

² Christmas tree hooks

² Glue (optional)

*Note: One of the lollipops I have was tied with a twisty tie, so I decided to replace it with a ribbon. Upon removing the fabric I discovered that it had been made, unlike most of the others, with a slightly smashed up silk ball ornament and since I’m lacking in a styrofoam ball to use for this, this is what you’ll be seeing in the photos.

1. To create the lollipop, take the stick (dip the end in glue if you want it stay in firmly) and push it into the styrofoam ball.

2. Using your pinking shears cut your fabric into a square that is at least 6 ¼ inch on each side. It doesn’t have to be a perfect square, but you do want to make sure that when you put the fabric over the ball that the ends won’t be too short to be tied down.


Yes, I know this is not a square. This is the original fabric from this ornament and that's how big it is.

3. Fold the square in half placing the lollipop piece in the center and match the open edges at the bottom. Gather the fabric to the stick and tie with your ribbon. 


Edges matched up!

4. Place a Christmas tree hook through the ribbon and viola, you’re done!

A sweet addition for your tree!

♥♥♥

On Making a Vintage Fabric Scrap Christmas Tree Ornament

With Christmas fast approaching, I thought instead of doing my regular sewing post this week it would be fun to do a Christmas ornament sewing tutorial (quite possibly to be followed by another one within the next few days).

Among the vintage ornaments I have, there are several really simple ones that were made by my grandma or great-grandma in the 60’s or 70’s. After my mom mentioned that she had had an outfit made out of one of the fabrics, it occurred to me that these trees would be great to make with some of the left over material and fabric scraps from various project I had made this year. Going through my fabrics I choose two prints, one from this blouse and another from a dress I have yet to share, and happily set about coming up with this tutorial. So if you want to make one of these adorable trees put on some Christmas music and follow the directions below!

Supplies

² Small pieces of fabric scraps

 

² Stuffing (I’m using fiberfill, but anything that gives it body and will go into corners will work)

² 7 in. of 1/8 in. ribbon

 

² Thread that matches your fabric

 

² Small decorative things: ric-rac, lace, bias tape, seed beads, pearls, sequins, etc…

Instructions

1. First, decide what you want your tree to look like and create a template (I’m including mine if you don’t want to come up with your own). Make sure to leave at least a ¼ inch seam allowance.

 

 

2. Place the template on the fabric and cut out two, making sure to flip template when you cut the second shapes so the two pieces will match up when you put them together to sew.

 

I didn't iron until after I cut them, I would recommend doing that first, though.

3. Put the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Starting at the bottom of where the opening on the side will be, sew the two pieces together ¼ inch from the edge. (Make sure to leave the 1 ¾ inches on the side open!).

 

4. Before turning, iron the seam back on the open side to form a crease. This will make it easier to stitch shut.

 

5. Clip the corners/curves (don’t forget to clip the corners at the top of the trunk). Then turn. Poke out corners as much as possible (rods from tube turner sets are great for this if you’re concerned about poking scissor tips or seam rippers through).

 

6. Fill and slip stitch the opening shut.

 

7. Form a loop with your ribbon and sew it by hand to the top.

  

8. Now comes the fun part! Use your various trims and decorate. For trim that goes round the tree diagonally, start at the bottom and pin it as you wrap it around.

 

For the red I used ric-rac and seed beads. For the pink, fused pearls.

9.  Hang your tree on the tree!

 

Two vintage and two new!

If you liked this ornament make sure to check out last year’s tutorial On Making a Vintage Look-alike Snowman Ornament. ♥♥♥

On Sitting Between Two People Having a Conversation

Every so often one has occasion to be stuck between two people having a conversation. In some cases, those to one’s left and right are acquaintances and one is content to listen to the friendly chatter. In other cases, those on either side are complete strangers. When this happens it is usually due to no fault of one’s own. First, one pretends not to be listening, however this pretense soon proves unnecessary as the conversationalists become so engrossed in discussion you feel they have forgotten you are there. At this point one contemplates if there is possibility to move or if it would be rude to insert oneself into the conversation with the suggestion of changing seats with one of them. Usually by the time this thought occurs, though, a decent amount of time has already past and it would only be an embarrassment to do the later when something might occur soon to break up the conversation. Sitting it out, there is not much one can do other than wait for the conversation to be over or the opportunity to remove oneself (all preferably before one looses patience and points out that WWI started in 1914, not 1917). And if nothing else is gained, at least one will have had the opportunity to exercise some patience or gained an idea for something to write about. ♥

On “Odd Type Writers”: A Book Review

 

Title: Odd Type Writers: From Joyce and Dickens to Wharton and Welty, the Obsessive Habits and Quirky Techniques of Great Authors

Author: Celia Blue Johnson

Genre: Non-Fiction

About the book…

Odd Type Writers, as the lengthy subtitle suggests, takes a look into some of the unusual and bizarre habits of well known writers.

What I think…

This was a fascinating book! I am more than prone to wanting to know more about how well loved authors went about their writing and am always happy to find a book that offers up unusual facts. There were a number of interesting things to be learned in this book  including that Alexandre Dumas (of The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, etc…) used different color paper dependant on if he was writing fiction, poetry, or articles, and that Harper Lee, in frustration, threw a draft of To Kill a Mockingbird out her apartment window.

As far as the way this book was put together, I like how Johnson broke up the chapters alternating between ones that are on a specific author and then topics that relate to multiple authors. I also felt that she covered a wide range of authors, instead of just focusing on one time period or genre.

To sum it all up…
Great book if you want to know a little bit more than average information about some very well known writers! And it’s perfect to read either all in one go or just during small snatches of free time. ♥

On a Purple Skirt and a Matching Hat

I am happy to finally present the post I had intended for the 9^th…

Quite some time ago, I bought some wonderful fabric that I really liked for the color and texture (I have no idea as to what it might be; it’s kind of like canvas, but very soft.).

While I absolutely loved it, for some reason I chose to only get about two yards, which unfortunately made it really difficult for me to find a pattern that was in a style I liked and that would work with the fabric’s weight. However, during the summer I found Simplicity 4838:

And, while I did not buy it with the fabric in mind, it required the perfect amount of fabric for the skirt with a little bit left over!

Once I had completed the skirt, I thought why not give the hat pattern in Simplicity 4195 a try? So I did!

 

This was my first ever time making a hat and I must say that this pattern was much more simple than expected! It only involves three pieces: one for the brim and then two of the same for the crown. There was a decent amount of hand stitching involved, which was fine with me since I’m very comfortable in that area (actually, I almost prefer it sometimes, although not for big things). The entire hat is flat until the end when you tie it with the ribbon at the back. Overall, I was very happy with the results and will probably be making it again.

 

Now for the pictures…I paired it with a vintage sweater that showed up in my closet as I was cleaning last year (I joke that vintage fairies left it for me, since no one can remember where it came from). It isn't something I probably would have sought out for myself, but I absolutely adore it!!! 

 

Love the sleeves on this sweater!

♥♥♥

On Some Sewing Related Things

I had every intention of making today’s post an outfit one, but there is still one last thing I need to do (and that will hopefully done by this evening) before I can share my two latest sewing projects. Instead, though, I thought I would share this photo.

Frequently when going through the patterns I store in my train case, I will leave ones I am considering making soon or ones I want to look at the yardage for sticking up. While doing this recently, I was interrupted and left these particular patterns sticking up. When I came back into the room later, I glanced over at them and much to my amusement realized the way I had left them sticking up made it look as though the women on the coat pattern were giving an unimpressed look to the women who appear to be very chic on the dress pattern. Incredibly silly, I know, but this is what one writes when the intended sewing post didn’t come together.

Also, after several months on not having time to go to the fabric store, I was finally able to go today! And these are the prints I came home with:

 

I am SO excited (clap your hands and jump up and down excited, to be exact) about the book print! Like this print mentioned in April, it too is one of the reproduction mid-century modern prints from the Victoria and Albert Museum and I’ve been hoping I’d find it since learning it existed! Yay!!! ♥  

On Autumn Leaves

While for most trees are a common everyday sight, in no other season does one see a tree dressed in quite so colorful an array as in the autumn. And what better way to herald in the start of cooler weather than with the warm, glowing colors that this change in seasons provides!

The lovely, crisp crunch that comes with walking through those that have fallen from their branches, the festive air of using them as part of a centerpiece, and the dry, earthy smell particular to them only serves to add to their wonderful appeal.

Although not everyone may experience the same degree of change in fall foliage, the beauty of changing leaves is undeniable.

♥ ♥ ♥

On "Miss Hargreaves": A Book Review

Title: Miss Hargreaves
Author: Frank Baker
Genre: Fiction

About the book…
Written in 1940 by Frank Baker, Miss Hargreaves tells a story of imagination becoming reality.  

Norman Huntley has a problem with making things up “on the Spur of the Moment” and it is on such an occasion Miss Hargreaves is invented. Little do he and his friend know when the joke is carried out so far as to write her a letter that they have invited her to show up on their doorstep and turn their town upside-down.

What I think…
I came across this book by accident and am so happy I did!

The plot while a slightly uneven at times, in my opinion, is filled with unexpected twists that keep it from being entirely predictable. This is further added to by the colorful array of characters who are as equally unpredictable with their odd mannerisms. From harp playing a parrot to sleep, boating in the middle of the night, being a disguised clergy, and making up fantastic tales of travel, among other things, there really is no end to what expect of Baker’s characters.

Miss Hargreaves also offers up the thought of how one would react to and handle a person created of their own mind showing up in person.  

To sum it all up…
Miss Hargreaves is a good book to read if you’re looking for just a touch of fantasy, a dose of eccentricity, and a whole lot of zaniness. ♥

On a 1940’s House Dress

Very short post, since I'm fairly tired at the moment...

At some point early on in the summer I came across Simplicity pattern 2168  on another blog (wish I could remember whose), instantly took a liking to it, and promptly went about purchasing it. It sat in my train case for about a month until I decided to use some fabric I had originally intended for another dress.

House dress or Housecoat

Overall, it was a very quick dress to make, but somehow it ended up taking a month after the dress was completely put together for me to finish the buttonholes and hem. However, yesterday I had enough time to get the hem up and today I was able to wear it!

 

 

♥ ♥ ♥

On “A Necklace of Raindrops and Other Stories”: A Book Review

 

Title: A Necklace of Raindrops and Other Stories
Author: Joan Aiken
Genre: Children’s fiction, Short Story

About the book…
Written by Joan Aiken in the 1968, this book consists of eight short, yet whimsical, stories meant for younger readers.

What I think…
This is the fifth collection of stories I have read by Joan Aiken (not to mention a few of her full length books) and although it is intended for a young age group, I was not at all disappointed.

All the stories have a fairy tale quality to them ranging in subject matter from a necklace made of raindrops (as indicated by the title), a giant cat, characters that come out of books, an angry landlord, and a magical quilt. As with her other collections, one story stood out to me far more than the others. In this case, it is the charming “There’s Some Sky in This Pie” which is about a woman who accidentally rolls a piece of the sky into her pie dough resulting in a pie that once baked starts to fly away.

The illustrations in this edition are by Kevin Hawkes and have a resemblance to those of Garth Williams (of Charlotte’s Web, The Rescuers, etc…). While lovely, I do wish that I would have paid attention to the fact that the original illustrations were by Jan Pienkowski, as his work is particularly beautiful and there is an edition available with them.

To sum it all up…
This is a wonderful little collection of children’s stories by Joan Aiken that thoroughly captures her imaginative storytelling skills. If you don’t mind reading children’s books, this is one I would highly recommend. ♥

On Two Years of Blogging!

This past week, Wednesday to be exact, marked the second year anniversary of this blog!


Originally, I had intended this to serve solely as a place to practice and improve upon my creative non-fiction writing; however, within the past year this has proven to no longer be the case. It has since expanded to include sewing adventures, book reviews, vintage themed posts (frequently associated with sewing), and the occasional tutorial (with more to hopefully appear in the coming year), which I must admit to being ever so glad about!

Through blogging I have made some delightful friends and I appreciate each and everyone one of you wonderful readers! Thank you for reading my blog and here’s hoping for still more years of blogging to come!♥

On “Village School”: A Book Review

Title: Village School
Author: Miss Read
Genre: Fiction

About the book…
Village School is the first book in the Fairacre Series written by Miss Read (pseudonym of Dora Shafe). It follows a year in the village of Fairacre as seen through the eyes of Miss Read, the school teacher, recounting the various enjoyments and challenges faced by the villagers.

What I think…
I don’t think I could ever tire of this book or its author. In general, I am prone to liking books that take place in the English countryside or small villages and Village School is one of those books that hits the mark precisely.

Miss Read’s writing is lyrical in the nicest sense and flipping to any page at random will prove that this quality is present throughout. The experiences written about evoke a connection with the endearing characters, which you very quickly develop a liking and sympathy for (even the cranky Mrs. Pringle) as they go through their daily lives.

It is a delight to read about the school children and the things that happen at the school (quite obviously a big part of this book), and makes one wish that they had gone to school there with Miss Read or Miss Clare (teacher of the younger students) as their teacher. Another aspect that I really enjoy is reading about the various festivities and the preparations for them.

In addition, having read her biography, it was fun to pick up on some of the references to things that the real Miss Read experienced (such as her disappointment of not being allowed to use a metal sand shovel as a child).

To sum it all up…
This is the book you want to go to if you are looking for something well written, light and pleasant in subject matter, and overall charming in every way. And if you really like it there’s the advantage of it being followed by nineteen other books, the next three which I can vouch for as being equally as good! ♥