On Scarecrows

With the arrival of autumn come thoughts of crisp air, leaves changing colors, pumpkin patches, and, often in the nature of decor, scarecrows.

The variance among types of scarecrows is vast and the images that one might conjure when thinking of them equally so. The popular likeness that comes to one's mind is that of a set of patched clothing stuffed with hay and a floppy hat stuck atop a head made of a sack, all, of course, balanced atop sticks connected to make a cross-like frame. In seeing one such as this, one might think of the ever popular scarecrow going in search of brains or one might think of a creepier scarecrow, such as that brought to life by Mother Rigby.

Furthermore, in purpose, they may serve as an attempt to keep the birds away, which may or may not work dependant on one’s scarecrow. In the event that it fails to keep the birds aways, though, one should not feel discouraged, but should think of it as an opportunity to start the hobby of bird watching and quite possibly as a means of exercise if one decides not to take up this hobby.  Aside from the more purposeful use, they also can be a delightful addition for a pumpkin patch, inviting all ages for a day of country fun along with the possible tractor and hay.

Be they cute or scary and for whatever purpose, though, it is undoubtable that during the next few months one will see scarecrows gracing lawns and gardens, as well as adorning various decorations that go up with the coming of autumn. ♥     

On Ice Cream

July 1947

When the weather becomes unbearably hot and sticky as it has been of late, there are few foods that hit the spot quite as nicely as ice cream! And undeniably, this delectably cold dish is one that offers a tasty relief from the heat of summer!

While a wonderful treat by itself, there are a great variety of ways that one can use ice cream, such as for making sundaes, pies, and milkshakes. At the time the above picture was taken, The Good Housekeeping Cook Book offered a number of ways to serve it ranging from Ice Cream Shortcakes and Ice Cream Ginger Ale (also known as a Boston Cooler despite originating in Detroit, Michigan) to, on the more unique side, Pineapple Minted Parfait and Spiced Grape Sundae. Although the latter two lack the appeal of the others with some rather interesting ingredient combinations, they certainly provide one with an example of how ice cream can be used in just about any way imaginable!

Hence, with so many varieties to choose from and with so many ways to add to it, ice cream is and will remain popular among all ages allowing everyone to indulge in whatever their fancy may be! ♥

On Improvising When Sewing a Skirt

When one goes to sew a skirt there are specific guidelines that one attempts to stick to, but often other factors get in the way and lead to the need for improvisation.

Having enough fabric is one thing that most consider. Generally this is thought of when buying the fabric in regards to how much the pattern calls for. Other people, like myself, become enamored with the fabric, instantly decide that it would make a wonderful skirt (with a fleeting thought of looking through patterns later), and when getting to the counter to request 3 yards, only to find that there are about 2 yards, still feel confident that there will be sufficient fabric to make a skirt. In reality, one should not feel this confident unless they are an expert seamstress, but excitement and over determination often prevent this thought from coming to mind.

Once the fabric is home and has been washed, one can happily sit down with their shoebox full of patterns and select one such as this:



Eloise, because she looks like her name would be Eloise, is quite proud of her bolero and skirt. Evelyn in the background is too. (Simplicity Pattern 3773, 1951)

Finding the pattern piece to be too long, it is decided that the skirt can do with being a bit shorter and the pattern is folded at the base. It is then discovered when placing said pattern on the fabric that there is only enough fabric when cutting with the selvage to cut out six sections, not the called for eight, and one decides that having a smaller waist than the measurements given for the skirt that this is acceptable. Alas, when two panels of three sections have been sewn together, a quick attempt to hold and wrap them around one’s waist proves that six was not sufficient and there is the need for another section.

Ready to be sewn together!

Now begins the great debate as to what should be done about this misfortune. One, a second visit can be made to the fabric store to search for more of the same fabric, pointless in this case because there wasn’t any. Two, the entire project can be resigned to the “failed dress pile”, which is a rather sad fate for it. Or, three, find a way to make another panel. Choosing the later of the three may make it seem as though the only other option is to select a complimentary color fabric, which brings about a  great deal of frustration as one tries to find an exact match. However, there is a solution for this situation! With the remaining bit of fabric that was cast aside after the cutting of the other pieces and by folding the pattern in half one finds that there is enough remaining fabric to cut multiple pieces and sew them together to create a full size piece to match the others!

Improvised Section

From this point everything should go swimmingly as far as piecing it all together to form the actual skirt. It is when reaching the attachment of the snaps and hooks and eyes that one again begins to flounder a bit. First there is the finding of these supplies and if one is using vintage supplies and has them on hand they are apt to be of different types, sizes, and colors. Since they are on the inside of the skirt, though one should not worry and just be happy that they have something with which to make the skirt stay on.  After whatever is being used has been decided upon then comes the positioning of the snaps, which is fairly easy, and the hooks and eyes, which are not so easy to attach and hard to hold in place when trying to do so. Never-the-less, after struggling with this step one should have a beautiful skirt to wear at home or out and about! ♥

Finished!

On Literary References Made: January through July

Once again, for those who are interested as to what literary references have been made, here are the ones made in the posts from January through July.

On Emptying Crumbs from the Toaster
-The Brothers’ Grimm “Hansel and Gretel”

On Things That Are Green

-William Allingham’s “The Fairies”

On Alice in Wonderland Day

-Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (chances are this one did not need to be pointed out)

On Ladybirds

-The Mother Goose nursery rhyme “Ladybird, Ladybird”

On Thread

-Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes”

On Making A Pie

- The Mother Goose nursery rhyme “Simple Simon”

For literary references prior to January see here. ♥