Project of the Evening

It sounded better than 'business of the night', or something similar. O.e

So! Tonight's project was to start (and mostly finish) a set of pillows that my aunt commissioned me to make for her living room. It turned into an opportunity to use brocade/upholstery fabric for the first time, sew with both the serger and the sewing machine, use up some antique buttons that have bee in the jar for AGES and probably will never be use otherwise, and get this project off my back.

I mean, I like sewing. But every time I'd go into my room I'd see the fabric and think 'oh, I need to do those tonight!' Aaaand then they would never get done. Go figure. XD

Time spent: 3 1/2 hours

They aren't completely done--but all they need right now is fusible interfacing on the inner flap to hold it closed (which I have) and snaps to hold the flap closed. 

The fabric was a little too heavy for this purpose, but they turned out good. I think gold piping would have made them look even better too...maybe next time. 

I's pretty pleased. ^-^

And now, to quote The Pioneer Woman...

I'M JUST KEEPING IT REAL!

Have I mentioned I love my desk, by the way? I was able to set up the serger, sewing machine, computer (for the pattern) AND have just enough room to pin the fabric pieces. Squee. 

Actually, I had to move the sewing machine and haul the serger over onto the main part of the desk to use it, otherwise the serger would vibrate so furiously that the threads would tangle and snarl. I may or may not have had to re-thread the machine after a snarl episode. O.e

There's a reason that the thing has been referred to as 'the sewing machine from hell'. Anyway.

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When playing around with my new dress the other day, I took a few profile-type self-portraits just for the fun of it. I treated most of them with black and white filters, but figured I'd toss a couple up here in color and black and white. Just cuz. XD

Yes, I know my eyelashes are long. No, I don't wear makeup. *contemplates starting a FAQ page*

I really enjoyed figuring out the hairstyle--I hardly ever do messy buns, and this was after working for 8 hours. It held up very very well.

This is my personal favorite. I dunno why...originally it was going to be the only one up here, but go figure.

 So here it is in color. I prefer the b&w because it covers up my farmer's tan. XD

I hardly ever smile in self-portraits, for whatever reason. Meh. Yet another thing to work on, I suppose.

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In other news, I bought 5 more strawberry plants today. And we have a huge tractor tire that needs filled with dirt so we can plant said strawberries in a nice raised bed by themselves. And I have little baby plants coming up in the herb garden. *glee* And I picked a plastic bag full of nettles and strung them on embroidery floss behind the stove to dry. That's for yet another project--but hopefully a simpler one than the pillows. 

AND I put an order in to the Bulk Herb Store last night! I's excited. I've been creepin' on that website for months, deciding what I could grow myself and what I would order from them if I had to (plus putting tons of their recommended books on my Amazon wish list). The plunge has finally been taken. It's a modest order, consisting of:

~Marshmallow root (for binding pastilles)

~A mortar and pestle (for grinding stuff, obviously)

~Jasmine green tea

~Bentonite clay toothpaste kit (because normal toothpaste is kinda nasty and it's a good way to try out the bentonite clay)

I've decided that I want to be that crazy herb lady someday. Or just the crazy lady who has the information or an answer for almost any question people might have on homesteading and the like...herbs is just a way to get started, in my opinion.

Anyway...I think I've rambled enough for one night. It's been a long day--a long week--and next week doesn't look to be slowing down much either. *drags off to bed*