Today I noticed...every attempt is a learning experience.

My daughter has been encouraging as I am learning to use my new sewing and embroidery machine. She knows that I want to create items that are simple, basic, and purposeful. I added embroidered names to my bonus daughter-in-law's gift of beach towels, for example. Simple. Basic. Purposeful. So, my daughter, Bridgette, sent me a couple of examples of wreath sashes and I gave that a try. Simple. Basic. Purposeful (if you count home decor as purposeful). 

Decor at our back doors

I love the concept of custom stitched wreath sashes. Just perform a search using wreath sash as the key term and thousands will pop up. Bridgette sent me a suggestion similar to the example pictured below. (I included the source in case you want to order one.) There are so many beautiful ideas out there. I hardly have an original thought in my head but I can copy somebody else's good idea and put my own spin on it. That is just what I did.

Source

When I was searching for sash ideas, I stumbled across several patriotic examples since we are in the patriotic season of July 4th and this is a big year for celebrating. So, I decided to give that a try. Bridgette had suggested that I look to etsy for reasonably priced designs and that was another good suggestion. I took the ideas that I saw for wreath sashes that were offered for sale and combined that with a couple of patriotic designs that I purchased and made myself some patriotic wreath decor.

Let me also add that the letter O - the letter that begins our last name - is not really a pretty letter. Making an O with a flourish, yet, still making it legible is difficult. So, when I see a pretty O, I am very likely to purchase that design. Otherwise, the O will simply be a plain, ordinary, boring circle. One option that I found on etsy did have a swirly, flourished, pretty O. So, I pounced on that alphabet quickly! Thank you Rivermill Embroidery.

Since we have French doors at our back entrance, I needed two wreaths. I like to have something that is similar but just a bit different whenever I can. So, I thought the HOME and LOVE designs which featured an American flag, heart-shaped design were just perfect for there. That let me use two of my new etsy purchases effectively. I had left-over striped fabric from creating the pillowcases for the basement bedroom that worked perfectly.

After making the first wreath sash, I realized that crafting one that is reversible is a wise move. So, I dug around in my fabric stash and found another scrap that would back the cranberry striped perfectly. For that side of the sash, I just stitched the same design.

I decided that the bandana print fabric was busy enough that I needed something simple. So, I chose a heart-shaped frame that came with my sewing machine designs. I used some of the control buttons that I had noticed and moved one heart up and toward the left a quarter of an inch and stitched it in white. Then, I used the same frame design and moved it down and to the right before stitching it in black. Then, on the other side of the sash, I used a Fishtail Font for the long and thin white O and a more ornate and rounder O that came with a different font package called Maxwell & Merit. for stitching with black thread. 

I love the flexibility of mixing and matching designs within a project and combining similar but different products. I also like having an item that can be used for different patriotic holidays as well as for an everyday look. Plus, I learned how to use different font packages and combine and center designs together as well as how to manipulate the designs that came with my machine.

I really liked the crossed flag design that was in the example Bridgette sent. So, I searched till I found one that I liked. Again, I wanted it simple but also versatile. TinyTreasures804 had a beautiful option that offered several different sizes as well. I had seen this example and knew that I had a scrap of yellow gingham that might work for a sash. I really liked the pop of red on the yellow fabric. So, I decided to give that a try.

In my search, I stumbled across another concept that I thought was versatile but truly beautiful. The sewists had used a bold floral print fabric and added a simple single initial. A couple of examples are shown in the photo below. So, I dug into my scraps of fabric and found a yellow floral to back the gingham patriotic option.

my inspiration

I was talking to my daughter-in-law and sent her a quick photo asking her for a suggested color combo. So, I was getting her opinion in a sneaky way for a gift I was creating for her.

My finished product

I will definitely be making myself one with another scrap of that bold floral fabric. It is just beautiful to me. I used a Two Color Fishtail Monogram for the B. As luck would have it, one of the cranberry red peonies or roses or whatever flower that is wound up right on the tail end of the other side. I could not have planned that better!

The reverse patriotic side is beautiful as well. I did learn, however, that with a thin, light colored fabric like the yellow gingham, it would have been better to add a lining so that the reverse design doesn't show through. Every attempt is a learning experience!

Another plus to these wreath sashes is that I can just use fabric scraps that I already have. So far my only expense has been for stabilizer and thread. I have a couple more wreath sashes on the drawing board. I cannot wait to get back to my sewing machine each day. 

Out of Pocket

I've been a little out of pocket for the past few days. Oh, I haven't gone anywhere - well, except for one night, when I visited my son and his family. I just have sort of been out of pocket. 

I was learning with my new sewing machine. Here are some projects I completed. Wreath Sashes. Kitchen towels. Placemats. Bag Tags.

Evidently bag tags are a big thing and I have been blissfully ignorant of them. Bag tags can be key chains, luggage tags, athletic bag decor, purse decor, backpack decor, and more. They seem to be very popular with the grands. So, I got a couple of patterns and embroidery designs and launched into trying to make a custom one or two for them. 

They are not as easy as YouTube makes them look! But, then, is anything really as easy as You Tube makes it look? They are really cute and I am going to keep trying to make them simple. 

Here is what I learned with the first few that I stitched up:

1. The embroidery/decor work needs to be done first.
2. Hoop the stabilizer and add the decorated piece of fabric after the applique stitch step has been outlined. 
3. The design needs to be pretty small to fit on the pattern well. 
4. Sometimes you have to stitch that outside 'boundary' a second time.
5. Maybe I need a heat gun like I saw on some of the YouTube tutorials to make the edges not have whiskers.
6. These little jewels are really labor intensive.
7. The youngest granddaughters really like them!

Projects, Pillows, and Putterings

Since I have been practicing and learning with my new sewing machine, I have worked on some projects as well. 

When I first began reclaiming the basement, I decided to turn the bedroom into a guest area. I had collected lots of ideas that included twin beds. So, I used the twin bed that had been Bryan's as he was growing up after I had stumbled across one while thrifting that looked sort of like it. I painted them out to be the same color and dressed them the same and they work together. 

I had a large chunk of fabric that my friend Kathy had given me and decided that would eventually become window treatment for the room. So, I have been planning around that as a color-way. I prepared the fabric for stitching to make a couple of panels for either side of the windows. I will take a bit and stitch up a hem and some rod pockets and finish that up soon.

In the meantime, I wanted to putter and practice with my new sewing machine. I dug out a remnant of fabric that I had picked up at a discount store. It is a nice percale stripe that is the same colors as the window treatment fabric. So, I decided it would become pillow cases.

I used the tutorial found HERE for my pillowcase dimensions and method. Before stitching it all together, though, I did a little embroidery decorating. I just chose a couple of the colors in the contrast strip that is floral (the window treatment material) and embroidered a couple of stacked Os as a monogram of our last name. 

Then, I stitched it all together. I think it adds a nice layer to the bedding. I love custom linens such as window treatment and simple things like pillows and pillow coverings. 

I think the pillowcases work well with the throw pillows I've already got on the bed. I bought the red one at a thrift sale, brought it home and washed and dried it. My plan was to cover it but it looks good with the bedding. So, it will stay that way and just provide texture right now. The checked one is an envelope pillow cover that I made out of another remnant I had picked up at a discount. The fabric is a nice upholstery fabric and I used one of the designs that came on my sewing machine to monogram it.

You can see in the photo above that I have been using soft white bedding. I think that is hard to beat and I have the pillows with the soft white cases in the room still. I'm trying to decide if that is overkill to stack them on the bed as well!

I like the added layer of the design on the new pillow cases and am now more inspired to get the window treatment completed! That is another project for another day of puttering.

Just 3 Things | #34

This has truly been a week of practicing, learning, successes, and failures for me. The Mister has been busy with projects of his own and I had lots of uninterrupted time for four days to spend time at my sewing machine. I am still loving the experiences I'm getting with it and those long stretches of time to practice and learn.

- What I've Been Watching -

I've watched a lot of YouTube tutorials this week. I'm learning all I can about using my new sewing machine and have lined up a few projects for myself. My daughter, Bridgette, suggested that I could practice different designs with my sewing machine by creating wreath sashes and bows. She sent me some links showing some that were available for custom order on Etsy. Of course, I was inspired right away and had to give it a try using some scrap fabric I had here. So, I also watched a tutorial or two on how to create one from start to finish. 

My sash  sort of overwhelms my little wreath but it is what I had handy and it does show off the sash well. This was really the first start to finish project I've created while using my new machine. I didn't have these designs and went to Etsy to purchase them. I am so glad I did, too. I must confess that I spent hours down the rabbit hole of font selection and design selection but I am pleased wit my purchases and how my project turned out. 

Almost immediately upon completing the project I realized that I could have made the sash reversible and put a different design on the other side where I have a checked fabric lining or finishing off the sash. Oh well, live and learn!

The font I used is called Cambridge Royal Monogram by Stitch Monogram. I really think it is beautiful and I will use it quite a lot. The hydrangea vase design by EmbRoseArt is just gorgeous and is another one that I think I will use frequently. I wasn't compensated for this endorsement but I do like their products and found them easy to use. Of course, I didn't stop there, I also bought other fonts and other designs. So, brace yourself for me sharing more fun projects.

inspiration link

- What I've Been Reading -

I started reading one of Carol Burnett's memoirs this week. I remember as a kid that we all enjoyed watching her television show as a family. It was broadcast during the years of 1967 and 1978. So, maybe my sister who was born in 1965 might not have enjoyed it as much as the rest of us but I'm certain that she got to see some reruns and probably didn't miss much. 

link

I always have loved Burnett's sense of humor. This book has already enlightened me in that I always thought she was a natural redhead like my sister but, alas, no. She confessed that she always colored her hair herself because she didn't like sitting in a hairdresser's chair so long to have it professionally colored. I am enjoying the stories she shares about the different aspects of getting the show up and going and especially enjoyed the part where she introduced Vicki Lawrence. They just don't make television like that anymore.

- What I've Been Working On -

As you might guess, what I've been working on this week is mostly stitchery projects. I monogrammed a towel, stitched a design onto another dish towel, made a mess on a practice strip of fabric, and started a project for the basement bedroom. 

The mess I made is really just a practice strip that I would have used for something if it had worked out but alas, it did not. Sometimes, though, I learn as much from the messes I make as from the projects that turn out like my vision. One of the suggestions Bridgette sent me included a shield that had a letter inside. My sewing machine has several different frames and some of them are shaped like a shield. So, I selected one and stitched it onto a small fabric strip. I couldn't find a pretty capital O within the designs pre-programmed into my machine. So, I decided to try to add a swirly letter O from one of the fonts I had purchased. 

As you can tell in the photo above, my design did not work out to be like my inspiration and the vision I had. I can still use it for something, I guess but it really is just a practice piece and helped me to know more. First, I know that I really like the swirly O that I chose and will probably use it on a project in the near future. (I guess O is just one of those letters that doesn't have a lot of options for fancying it up and it still looking like an O!) I like the size - that is the smallest size that came in the bundle and the O and lots of the other letters will look nice in the right project and I know that I have it in a larger format as well. Secondly, I learned that I like the shield and it will work with some other font just fine and will frame out something nicely. I now know what size it is and how it looks. I also learned that when I am embroidering on a small strip of fabric that it might pucker up a wee bit. So, I will need to be sure I am alright with that before I try it again. 

So, the only thing lost was a bit of time and some thread. Everything else was a scrap that was bound for the waste basket anyway. Truly, failure is not the end. Instead it is just a part of the learning process.

I hope you week was filled with more successes than failures but I also hope that both rounded out a week in a good way where you can learn and move forward progressively like I am.

Satisfying Little Projects

I have been tackling some little projects around the house and I have found such satisfaction in completing each one. 

Last week I decided that I had procrastinated long enough about repotting what the Mister had proclaimed was a jungle. I must admit that I did have a lot going on with my plants in the kitchen.

The first little project was to separate and repot my lemon/lime trees. I read where growing lemon trees is a fun endeavor and that it is simple to start a tree just by saving the seeds and letting them dry a bit before planting. So, I saved a few seeds from a lime and some from a lemon. I laid them on a paper towel on the counter to dry for a bit. Then, I bumped them and knocked the paper towel onto the floor, mixing the seeds. I was not deterred, I still planted them. I decided that it didn't really matter to me which was what and I would figure it out when and if they ever produced fruit. For now, I was just going to give the growing thing a try.

So, I put the handful of seeds into a small pot and set it near a window on the kitchen counter. Sure enough, a handful of little green leaves poked their heads out of the soil and began to grow up into tiny trees. One had gotten tall enough that it was a bit crowded under the cabinet. 

I didn't have many spare pots sitting around. So, I dug into a closet and found an old brass planter that had come from a thrifting adventure where I got several items for one price. So, I went off to the barn and found a plastic pot that would fit inside it and brought it to the house along with a few other plastic pots.

I'm hoping it will grow into a stately tree and be worthy of such a fancy pot. 

A couple of the other trees went into the plastic pots and I had a basket that fit around the outside of one of them to dress it up a bit. I'm still searching for something to hide the serviceable but not pretty pot. The remaining three little trees are in small pots and back onto the kitchen counter corner for now.

The other jungle that the Mister had pointed out was the dish garden that had been living on the dining table for a couple of years. 

The photo above shows how it looked last fall and it had grown even more. The tallest plant with leaves that are yellow in the center and green around the edges had fallen over and I feared it was a goner.

Again, I needed pots that look sort of nice and I had none. So, one day last week I stopped in at the local Goodwill store. I found a couple of nice pots and figured that would give me a pretty good start. One has a raised vine design around the top and an attached drip tray. The other did not have a saucer or drip tray but there just happened to be a square plate sitting nearby on the shelf. So, both pots came home with me.

In the pot that the Mister said looks sort of like a deep dish fudge pie, I replanted a Madagascar Dragon tree and a small little prayer plant.

There were two or three other prayer plants in the jungle. So, I put them into a blue and white pot.

The peace lily went back into the pretty green ceramic pot and is still gracing the center of the dining table. I've learned that I like having a live plant on the table and it serves as a nice center where I can add seasonal decor but also looks alive and welcoming on the daily.

The poor plant that laid over got put into the thrifted pot with a raised vine pattern. I staked it up with a small dowel rod and some raffia. I've learned that it is called a dieffenbachia or dumb cane and is a member of the peace lily family. I think the species I have is either Camille or Tropic Snow. I placed it where it was leaning away from the window in my office. I am telling myself that it is straightening up and moving itself toward the light of the window a little each day. Fingers crossed.

I saw on a plant care site that it can be propagated. So, I will give it a bit of time and if it doesn't straighten back up, I will give propagation a try.

I'm so glad I got the inspiration to visit the local Goodwill for my pots. While I was searching for plant names, I also learned that glazed ceramic pots like those sell online for anywhere from $20 to $70. I really got a deal, paying only $6 each and the additional plate that serves as a saucer on the brown glazed pot was $2. So, I got all of my planters for less than one that was advertised at the lowest price. Deal! Deal! I love getting a good deal! 

And I love having projects like repotting plants that help me to feel like I accomplished something worthwhile and have even more opportunities to spread greenery around our space. Little projects like that are so satisfying!

Today I noticed...Sometimes it is best to just jump into a project when the helper is ready.

I suggested to the Mister that since it was a rainy day, we could update our spreadsheets relating to the cemetery today. He's penciled in info on his and I've added info digitally on mine. So, they no longer were matching. He wasn't ready to work on that this morning. So, after we finished breakfast, I did my exercises and headed downstairs, thinking I would work on a sewing project I have an idea for...

He chatted with a friend, answered a couple of calls about business, went and paid a helper, and completed a couple of other errands. Then, he came in for lunch and sliced, battered and fried up a bit of zucchini. Then, he took a short nap before he was called to meet a potential customer wanting a cemetery lot. So, he trekked down there for a bit.

In the meantime, I researched a bit about my project and the dimensions of the fabric that it would take. I had browsed online for inspiration from products similar to what I am wanting to make. I had gathered supplies to give the project a practice run and was just about ready to select my thread and get started, when the Mister came into the office with his notebook ready to collaborate on updating the spreadsheets.

I dropped everything and jumped into the updates! 

Funny how that happens. My project will keep till another day...

Just 3 Things | #33

I've been on the go this week. Tuesday found me at physical therapy, running errands, and perusing the thrift store. Wednesday was a day sharing a long lunch with a friend. Thursday found me back at physical therapy and helping the Mister a bit serving as a shuttle bus to get him from one tractor to the other for his hay harvesting tasks. Hay time always seems a bit frenzied. There are a lot of moving parts and pieces of equipment involved; there's concerns about keeping all the equipment in working order, and the weather plays a major role, as well. Throw all that in with his other responsibilities and things can get a bit harried. Friday takes me to my regular hair cut appointment and my first bone density test. 

- What I've Been Working On -

This has been a week when my spare minutes were spent doing volunteer secretarial duties. Since I was on the go a lot, I just fitted in chores and tasks whenever I could. My secretarial duties include documenting and filing paperwork to keep the cemetery records up to date for the Mister who is the Cemetery Manager. There were requests for family transfer forms which had to be mailed out. There were requests for copies of certificates of ownership. There were a couple of burials to record. These sorts of tasks are simply a way of documenting and recording who is laid to rest there in the cemetery and who has purchased burial lots. There's not really much excitement in this sort of work but it is something I know how to do, so I figure it is my way of serving and supporting the community as well as my husband. 

- What I've Been Reading -

I picked up a beach read a couple of weeks ago when the Kindle Daily Deals message landed in my inbox. I picked it up for less than five dollars. I really enjoy these offerings and it has some good options from time to time. My Kindle Library is pretty full right now because of the choices that deal message brings to me. 

Beach House Rules

I started reading it a couple of days ago and am almost finished with it. This book has really made me think about how there is so much gossip in a small town - probably not more than what is in a big city but it is just more concentrated because of the smallness of population. The main character's husband is arrested for a white collar crime and their storyline becomes small town focus. 

I've also been thinking about how the choices and behavior of members of our family can have an impact on us even though we might not have a connection to to their choices and behaviors and may not even have any idea about those things. Yet, it tends to color other people's perspective. I am guilty of using that sameness or guilt by association train of thought at times. Kristy Woodson Harvey is a good storyteller and I'm looking forward to seeing how she resolves this one.

- What I've Been Loving -

The Mister will frequently take a ride up the hill in the afternoon to visit with the grandchildren who live next door. This summer the boys are working with show steers and heifers. They spend time training the calves to becoming comfortable with a halter around their head. Then, they train them to lead like a dog on a leash. Then, they work with them to know where to place their feet so that it is most becoming to their physique. It's a process! 

Then, there's a whole commitment to having fluffy, thick, luscious hair on these animals. Ladies, don't even think you can hold a candle to these animals when it comes to hair care. Each day there is a rinse.

 Then, there a comb out. Next, comes the blow out before there is a conditioning spray followed by a diligent brushing and setting. 

The blow out is calculated to make certain the hair is moving in the right direction.

Spray on conditioner to make the hair glow and shine, yet, still be soft and fluffy.

Brush the hair to bring out the oils in the skin and blend with the conditioner for shine.

Style and set the hair to help build the illusion of a strong, wide, meaty back.

This is hair care on another level. There are also fans blowing to keep the temperature cool. (Some fancier operations will have a 'cooler room' where the animal stands in air conditioned chill to mimic winter and encourage hair growth.)

Each animal also has a practice session where they are being trained to walk slowly and deliberately and respond to the gentle tugs and stops prompted by the person on the other end of the halter.

The animals become accustomed to little sisters running round, dogs barking, vehicles running, people making different noises. The training is as comprehensive as possible to make certain that the animal will remain docile, responsive to the leader's touch, and look his or her best.

One afternoon I took a ride up the hill and made some observations and captured a few photos. I asked questions and got some in-depth answers about the training process - both the training process for behavior and the process for coat and hair care. As I was watching, I marveled at the patience that the boys showed while working with the animals. It was interesting to see how Levi approached and worked with the younger animals who have just begun the journey of learning to wear the halter and respond to human interaction.

He carefully eased up to the calf and took a moment or two to just stand and let him become comfortable with the presence of a human holding the rope. Then, he spoke quietly and gently to him to give him some reassurance that all is well. 

He rubbed on the calf and embraced him a bit to let him know that no harm is intended and it will be a working relationship. 

Then, Levi gave a gentle tug and the animal took a few steps and Levi repeated that tug and respond routine until the calf had made a lap around the stall. That was it for the first lesson. The young trainer was pleased with the response and how smoothly it seemed to work for the first session. It was a beautiful dance to watch!

That particular afternoon, the other young trainer was rinsing and cleaning and cooling the animals at the wash 'parlor.' You'd think that the animals would jolt at the first spray of the cold water but these animals had enough experience that they stood perfectly still and even seemed to enjoy the spraying and scrubbing and rubbing during the rinse. There was a flicker of the ears or a swish of the tail but that was about it.

Easton took it slow and easy and gave each calf a thorough rinse, scrub, and rub down. He moved slowly and steadily so as not to startle the calf, yet, still was meticulous in covering all the real estate on each animal.

Then, he took his time and slowly led each one back into the barn to await their hair salon appointment. These are animals weighing between one and two thousand pounds and have massive strength. Yet, they have developed that working relationship between these boys who are barely into double digits in age. I just see so much good coming from this endeavor and I love that they have these opportunities. The guys are learning to work together as a team to get chores done. They are learning responsibility to one another and for an animal who is totally dependent upon them. They are becoming more tenacious and dedicated to a commitment. They are learning the value of daily involvement and hard work. They are developing patience and strength and strength of character. It was really an awesome thing to watch and is such a good thing.

Well, it was a busy week but not really much exciting went down. Since the Mister is wrapping up the first hay harvest and that is kind of an energy sapper, we are both pretty much looking forward to a quiet weekend, I think. May your weekend be full of rejuvenation!