Sunday, May 27, 2012

Out with the old old...

Greetings, earthlings.

I've had a big clean-the-burrow day and am basking in the dustless and tidy surrounds. Tired, but tidy.

I had to have a bit of a cleanout to fit in yet more fabulous new wardrobe finds from the opshop.  The weather has changed, everyone is cleaning out their wardrobes - I love this time of year.  Out with the old old and in with the new old.  Old is, as you know, the new new.

As you can see, even my firewood is tastefully colourful.  I also found some other treasures this week, which have been carefully filed away.   Some cotton ribbon with 12 printed on it and a glass bell jar domey thing (can't remember the proper name just at the moment).

One has to wonder what it was that someone was making in so many size twelves?  Or why they stopped?  What happened to the other sizes?

With the kitchen table visible, I must say I'm wondering what to start on next.  And what to put in the domes. 


Maybe I'll just take it easy for a while before I make another mess.  I really, really hate housework.

Sunday, May 20, 2012


Remain Calm.


This week, I went garage saling, and found....nothing.  Zero. Zip. Nada.

Obviously, I'm appalled.  I didn't even see something I would have liked but couldn't afford. Not so much as a book.
Hopefully, this isn't the start of the long, dark, damp winter garage saling void.

I should warn you at this stage that the following contains discussion of women's clothing, knitting and sewing.  I will not be hurt if you wander away now.  I apologise for not having anything to say which includes power tools.  I've tried to include some interesting photos but the words from now on are largely wardrobe and clothing based, although there is a mention of engineering and I may refer to rocket science.

During the week I managed to find some gems at an opshop, just to tide me over.  I found a gorgeous oversized handknit jumper, in what looks and feels to be Jo Sharp pattern and wool, in a very this-season teal colour.  It needed re-blocking but has come up a treat.  There was also an Australian merino wool jumper in a more cropped style, which also benefited greatly from re-blocking.  And some Metalicus socks, which mysteriously matched the jumpers.

While re-blocking and tidying up, I uncovered an interesting 60's skirt in brown, tan and very pale grey, so I re-styled it from maxi to a mid-length and am now seeking chocolate brown tights.  I may be forced to buy brown boots.

I also reblocked and made minor adjustments to a boiled wool jacket in grey and black; adjusted hems on assorted longstanding alterations, dug out my winter scarves and hats; and decided to see if I could make some leggings.

It shouldn't be that hard, I figure, to make them.  Sort of like very tight legged yoga pants.  Can't be that hard, right?  Found a pattern to adapt.  Found an appropriate fabric.   Adapted the pattern. 

I tried to thread the overlocker.  Then I banged my head on the table.  Read the instruction book.  Tried again.  For those unfamiliar with the Pfaff mindbender model of overlocker, you need to be aware that threading this demented machine involves 4 threads, a map in 4 colours and a large pair of tweezers. It's not for the feint hearted or those of nervous disposition.

I took a break to eat and gather my strength but I may have to sleep on it. Or take a short break to gain a doctorate in engineering and possibly rocket science.  And maybe get some bifocals.  I have the technology, I just can't thread it.

While I rest, I'll just check the prices on leggings again on the internet.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Dear Lucy,
I know you're just a little dog but it's an old and hackneyed device to address a letter to someone when you aren't feeling very creative. I've had a big day and I'm pooped.

It's Mothers' Day and all is quiet.  Been a big two weeks and the pace doesn't seem to be slowing at all.  Only 12 working days to holidays, that's got to be a good thing.  Today was really nice and sunny, right up till it wasn't.  Then it was lightningy and thundery and haily, but by then the washing was dry so it was all good.
The white stuff on the grass is called hail.
There was reduced opshopping this week, but I managed to turn up a few bargains, including a new dress, some nice warm jumpers, and a very nice winter tee.  Did I mention the Spencer and Rutherford handbag?  How remiss of me.
 
It was a pretty uninspiring list of garage sales this week, possibly due to coinciding with Mothers' Day.  I did pick up a dear old silver teapot, a kero pump, and an old rolling pin.  I have cunning plans for all.  There was also a shop mannequin for just $5, and I just can't leave them behind. And one of those shelfy things you put across the bath, which fitted my bath perfectly.  I hope my use of technical terms isn't too off-putting for you.

I've been keen to get the sewing machine out - winter = sewing and knitting = love. (I read that in a magazine so it must be true.) I had to wait till I'd done with the jewellery and fishes and the girls for the market, but the machine is out and operational.  I have a pile (literally) of mending, alterations, and new projects to work through.

I don't as a general rule  read junk mail but a coupon on the Spotlight catalogue caught my eye.  It offered $40 off if you spend $100, and on the next page, 1000 threadcount sheets for $80. (They SAY $79.99 but we all know it's $80.)  Long story short, they had the sheets but none of the other fabric I wanted, but I did find some union jack panels which have made some amusing cushions.  And I got everything for $61, which is cheering.  We had a great fabric shop in town before Spotlight loomed over the horizon.  Now, we have seconds, faulty and end of run summer fabric when I'm shopping for winter.  

Hopefully the handmade revival will see a resurgence in the sale of good fabric, because its one of those things you really need to see and touch before you buy.

 I've taken a heap of pics of my jewellery and drawings, but at the moment this is loading photos at the speed of the common or garden snail dragging a pebble in long wet grass, so I'll put those up during the week.

So Lucy, it's probably your bedtime, and by next week I'll be ready to write something original and creative. You, of course, will still be a cute but small dog.