I wrote a post this afternoon then just found it wasn't here, I put it in the wrong blog. Here it is in the right spot.
Happy Birthday to my Dad.
Yesterday we celebrated my Father's 70th birthday, Mum tried arranging a surprise for him. He knew he was going to have a party but Mum had arranged for his Sisters to come down from the country as surprise, I was supposed to hide them in my house until the appointed hour. But the cat was let out of the bag by another Aunt, can't blame her, she has been muddled and forgetful since suffering a stroke last year. Dad is the baby of the family, youngest of 7, 2 of which are deceased. He was surrounded by all of his family, from siblings to Great Grandchildren and friends. His Great Grandchildren love their Poppy.
He has always had very basic needs, when ever he is asked what he needs as a gift he always says 'socks and undies'. Mum usually buys him those, the rest of his gifts were to do with clothing, there were his favourite flannelette shirts, jumpers, we bought him a winter jacket and a white shirt (he had told mum he needed one).
He and I have had our ups and downs, I've never really let him know how much I do appreciate all that he does for us. I found this poem at Verses 4 Cards and included it in his card.
I find myself wondering...
Did I give you your due..
For all that you've done for me
Did I ever thank you?
For all of my childhood memories
For helping me deal with life's stresses
For helping me accept my defeats
And celebrate my successes?
Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
Good judgement, courage, and being true
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared
Did I ever thank you?
If I have forgotten, I'm thanking you now
You taught me right from wrong....
I hope you know how much you're loved and appreciated
I hope you, instinctively, knew it all along.
Happy Birthday, Dad
I was going to post a 2nd entry for today, I'll just add it here.
When we first got the Turbo Oven my husband bought home a Pork roast for me to cook, I put it in the freezer instead. I'm not a fan of pork, I don't like the smell of it raw, while it's cooking or think much of the taste of it cooked but I cooked it because my husband does.
I was pleased with how well it cooked in the oven, downloaded a recipe book for turbo/convection ovens. It has better instructions than I got with my oven.
To go with the pork, we had roast potatoes, carrots (forgot to buy peas so no greens) and I cooked up some pink lady apples. I then decided to make up Rhonda's lemon cordial so went to look up the recipe and by the time I got back the apples had started on their way to burning oops. I had put a little sugar in with them and luckily it was only that caramelising, the apples tasted like toffee apple and were yummy. Probably will never be able purposely repeat it. They went really well with the pork, I usually drown my pork in bottled apple sauce, this was so much better.
Dinner was rounded off with a glass of Lemon Cordial, full of health giving vitamins.
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Dress Progess and planning a giveway
I'm thinking it's about time I did a giveaway, I'm way past my 100 posts milestone. Just have to think of a gift. It'll be my first real give away so be sure to keep an eye out. I just need to get a couple of things out of the way before I post the official giveaway post. Keep an eye out.
Speaking of getting things out of the way I have finally got the nerve up to cut the fabric for my dress, had thought I might not have enough fabric due to re-sizing the pattern. It's true I don't but the pattern called for using the same fabric to line the bodice, I had thought it would be too heavy so had planned on lining it with something lighter.
Still need to buy the lining, zipper and a better colour thread, the one I chose is too different when viewed under better lighting than the store. Going to go to Lincraft at Parramatta to get those things as well as find a suitable fabric for the jacket. They have a better range than we do.
In the picture above I used books to hold down the pattern, didn't want to pin just in case they leave marks in the fabric. Reminds me I need to check if I have any Microtex sharps machine needles. I only use this type on satin fabrics as I find standard machine needles tend to leave a pulling mark on satiny fabric, these are very sharp so pierce the fabric cleanly without pulling. Just checked, I have them in 80/12 which will be fine for the fabric I have. I am a stickler for using proper needles, it does matter. Wrong needles can ruin an outfit.
Machine needles only have a sewing life of 8 hours, they get blunt with use. Blunt and bent needles can damage fabric, cause havoc with tension and damage your machine. When needles break they can cause real physical damage, bits fling anywhere including into eyes. Changing needles regularly can help prevent this. Needles are relatively cheap. My own personal rule is when making a new garment I always use a new needle. Better stop here I could go on for hours.
In the picture you can see my cheating way of increasing the size I just added an extra inch to the centre front, there is no real shaping in the pattern and I am sure I'll get away with it. If there was a dart I would be able to do it this way.
The only thing I had to worry about was that my niece mentioned the other day after I bought the fabric not to get purple. The bridesmaids are in purple. I asked what sort of purple, she told me Cadbury Purple, whew my is more plum like, my Damart catalogue calls it Amethyst.
Edit - since writing the above things have changed, I went to Lincraft and bought lining fabric and zipper. Didn't find anything I thought suitable for the jacket. On the way back to the car I checked out a stall selling shawls and scarves, found an organza shawl that went really went well with the dress fabric. It cost me $15 (plus $2 because they didn't accept cards, I just went to the closest ATM instead of searching for one from my bank). I'm really pleased because it saves me panicking over trying to find fabric and making the jacket. I have extra shifts next week so won't have much time.
The colour shown here is close to being true, when I used the flash it came up as Cadbury purple.
I also re-acquainted myself with an old work friend while there, we hadn't seen each other since I left my last job, now we find we again are working for the same company just in different suburbs.
Speaking of getting things out of the way I have finally got the nerve up to cut the fabric for my dress, had thought I might not have enough fabric due to re-sizing the pattern. It's true I don't but the pattern called for using the same fabric to line the bodice, I had thought it would be too heavy so had planned on lining it with something lighter.
Still need to buy the lining, zipper and a better colour thread, the one I chose is too different when viewed under better lighting than the store. Going to go to Lincraft at Parramatta to get those things as well as find a suitable fabric for the jacket. They have a better range than we do.
In the picture above I used books to hold down the pattern, didn't want to pin just in case they leave marks in the fabric. Reminds me I need to check if I have any Microtex sharps machine needles. I only use this type on satin fabrics as I find standard machine needles tend to leave a pulling mark on satiny fabric, these are very sharp so pierce the fabric cleanly without pulling. Just checked, I have them in 80/12 which will be fine for the fabric I have. I am a stickler for using proper needles, it does matter. Wrong needles can ruin an outfit.
Machine needles only have a sewing life of 8 hours, they get blunt with use. Blunt and bent needles can damage fabric, cause havoc with tension and damage your machine. When needles break they can cause real physical damage, bits fling anywhere including into eyes. Changing needles regularly can help prevent this. Needles are relatively cheap. My own personal rule is when making a new garment I always use a new needle. Better stop here I could go on for hours.
In the picture you can see my cheating way of increasing the size I just added an extra inch to the centre front, there is no real shaping in the pattern and I am sure I'll get away with it. If there was a dart I would be able to do it this way.
The only thing I had to worry about was that my niece mentioned the other day after I bought the fabric not to get purple. The bridesmaids are in purple. I asked what sort of purple, she told me Cadbury Purple, whew my is more plum like, my Damart catalogue calls it Amethyst.
Edit - since writing the above things have changed, I went to Lincraft and bought lining fabric and zipper. Didn't find anything I thought suitable for the jacket. On the way back to the car I checked out a stall selling shawls and scarves, found an organza shawl that went really went well with the dress fabric. It cost me $15 (plus $2 because they didn't accept cards, I just went to the closest ATM instead of searching for one from my bank). I'm really pleased because it saves me panicking over trying to find fabric and making the jacket. I have extra shifts next week so won't have much time.
The colour shown here is close to being true, when I used the flash it came up as Cadbury purple. I also re-acquainted myself with an old work friend while there, we hadn't seen each other since I left my last job, now we find we again are working for the same company just in different suburbs.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Pattern resizing and Knitted Mitts
Today I decided to start on the making of my dress but found I made the same mistake I make almost everytime I use a pattern. I forget that I need to go up 2 or 3 sizes to what I wear in off the rack clothing. Even in off the rack clothes I find in some stores the sizing is so different, I have sizes 16, 18 and even 20 in my wardrobe and they all fit.
I sure wasn't going to buy another pattern so decided to put my long lost pattern grading skills into practice. A quick search on the net found this site Re-sizing patterns, I just needed to make sure I remembered correctly. First I traced off the pattern on to tracing paper, adding all markings from the pattern and drew lines where I was going to slash the pattern. You will notice on the above site that there are 3 slash lines, I only used 2. Didn't add extra to the shoulder straps because I thought they were wide enough, it is mentioned in the text. I cut the pattern along the lines and used the 'slash and slide' method of grading. I thought about taking photos of the process but was too eager to get started.
On some art paper I drew a vertical line and a horizontal line at right angles. Laying the centre front foldline onto the vertical line, matching the 'lengthen here' line printed on the pattern to the horizontal line, this now becomes my slide line. Taped the first panel down, then measured half an inch from the cut line, ruled another vertical line. I placed the centre panel against this line, matching horizontal lines. Did the same for the third panel.
This completed the resizing part, I added an inch in total to the paper pattern piece, which means 2 inches to the front. Plus another 2 to the back, used the grainline to match the vertical line on that as the centre back of the pattern has shaping. Could have stopped there but due to a large bust I needed to also add length to the bodice. To do this I slashed along the 'lengthen here' line (had purposely not taped the bottom of the pattern to the paper) and added an inch in length by sliding the pieces down then taping into place. Redrew the darts by following the slope of the dart from the bottom creating a new point.
All I needed to do then was redraw the cutting lines between the slashes and cut out the pattern.
Used some scrap fabric to cut out a mock up of the vest for a fitting to see how well it worked. The sizing was perfect, the only thing I will change is the darts on the front, they finish right on my natural bust point, they need to be about an inch lower.
For the skirt part of the dress it will be as simple as adding 1 inch to the centre front and back panels.
I loved the feeling when I found it would all come together, I love getting my creative juices moving. Am planning to get started on the making on Thursday, tomorrow I need to work and will be looking for the fabric for the jacket part of the outfit afterwards.
Here is a pic of the fingerless gloves I made for my Mother in Law. I made them in Patons Smoothie to match the Tam I made her for Mother's Day.
I sure wasn't going to buy another pattern so decided to put my long lost pattern grading skills into practice. A quick search on the net found this site Re-sizing patterns, I just needed to make sure I remembered correctly. First I traced off the pattern on to tracing paper, adding all markings from the pattern and drew lines where I was going to slash the pattern. You will notice on the above site that there are 3 slash lines, I only used 2. Didn't add extra to the shoulder straps because I thought they were wide enough, it is mentioned in the text. I cut the pattern along the lines and used the 'slash and slide' method of grading. I thought about taking photos of the process but was too eager to get started.
On some art paper I drew a vertical line and a horizontal line at right angles. Laying the centre front foldline onto the vertical line, matching the 'lengthen here' line printed on the pattern to the horizontal line, this now becomes my slide line. Taped the first panel down, then measured half an inch from the cut line, ruled another vertical line. I placed the centre panel against this line, matching horizontal lines. Did the same for the third panel.
This completed the resizing part, I added an inch in total to the paper pattern piece, which means 2 inches to the front. Plus another 2 to the back, used the grainline to match the vertical line on that as the centre back of the pattern has shaping. Could have stopped there but due to a large bust I needed to also add length to the bodice. To do this I slashed along the 'lengthen here' line (had purposely not taped the bottom of the pattern to the paper) and added an inch in length by sliding the pieces down then taping into place. Redrew the darts by following the slope of the dart from the bottom creating a new point.
All I needed to do then was redraw the cutting lines between the slashes and cut out the pattern.
Used some scrap fabric to cut out a mock up of the vest for a fitting to see how well it worked. The sizing was perfect, the only thing I will change is the darts on the front, they finish right on my natural bust point, they need to be about an inch lower.
For the skirt part of the dress it will be as simple as adding 1 inch to the centre front and back panels.
I loved the feeling when I found it would all come together, I love getting my creative juices moving. Am planning to get started on the making on Thursday, tomorrow I need to work and will be looking for the fabric for the jacket part of the outfit afterwards.
Here is a pic of the fingerless gloves I made for my Mother in Law. I made them in Patons Smoothie to match the Tam I made her for Mother's Day.
Don't cha just love honesty?
About 6 weeks ago we noticed our Wheelie bin (council supplied garbage bin) was missing after pick up. Had to ring Council to arrange a new bin, we were without a bin for well over a week. Had the weeks worth bagged but they won't pick up unless in a bin or a special pickup booked weeks ahead.
3 weeks ago a neighbor found that another bin had been put in her spot by the road for pickup. They took a look inside and found papers with another neighbor's name on it so they put back in front of their house, noticing that they already had a bin in place. They then realised it was probably my stolen bin but before we could retrieve it it had gone again.
Today I noticed that the old bin was put out again, close to our driveway so I pulled it in and called Council about it. While I was looking up the phone number I noticed that there is a fee for bin replacement that we would have been charged for it. And if it was noticed that 2 bins were being picked up from one property (they have serial numbers) who would be charged for the extra pickup? I explained to the very nice lady at the Council when I rang what was happening but forgot to ask about the fee. When I rang back another lady told me there was no fee recorded against our account.
I was asked if I had spoken to the neighbors, I told them I'd rather not. These people think they are above the law, I'd rather not rock the boat as it's been pretty peaceful lately - no loud parties, fireworks or car engines being gunned right outside our bedroom window.
3 weeks ago a neighbor found that another bin had been put in her spot by the road for pickup. They took a look inside and found papers with another neighbor's name on it so they put back in front of their house, noticing that they already had a bin in place. They then realised it was probably my stolen bin but before we could retrieve it it had gone again.
Today I noticed that the old bin was put out again, close to our driveway so I pulled it in and called Council about it. While I was looking up the phone number I noticed that there is a fee for bin replacement that we would have been charged for it. And if it was noticed that 2 bins were being picked up from one property (they have serial numbers) who would be charged for the extra pickup? I explained to the very nice lady at the Council when I rang what was happening but forgot to ask about the fee. When I rang back another lady told me there was no fee recorded against our account.
I was asked if I had spoken to the neighbors, I told them I'd rather not. These people think they are above the law, I'd rather not rock the boat as it's been pretty peaceful lately - no loud parties, fireworks or car engines being gunned right outside our bedroom window.
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Party and op shopping.
My Mother in law's party was today, it was a complete surprise for her, she was greeted by all the family and a Piper. Whoever had the idea of the Piper is a genius, he came out of the house playing the bagpipes, neigbours came out to watch.
I feel so bad for my SIL and BIL, their lovely green grass soon turned brown and boggy. It's been pouring on and off all week, rained this morning and stopped in time for the party - the sun came out and there was even blue sky. I gave her the mitts which she left on, told me she had been having trouble with cold hands and they were keeping her hands warm.
This morning daughter and I went op shopping, the shop I thought would have nice dresses had several gorgeous evening dresses, perfect colours and designs - just not in my size. But I did find a pair of shoes, by the looks had never been worn, these fitted perfectly and were only $10.
On the way out the door I noticed a book The Complete Home Decorator that was marked $4, its a large thick book but the spine was damaged, the lady told me I could have it for $1, very cool.
We then went to another secondhand clothes store, this one is little more expensive than a standard op shop but there was a huge variety of clothing in it. I tried on a few dresses but didn't have much time to spend. Will go out again next week.
I feel so bad for my SIL and BIL, their lovely green grass soon turned brown and boggy. It's been pouring on and off all week, rained this morning and stopped in time for the party - the sun came out and there was even blue sky. I gave her the mitts which she left on, told me she had been having trouble with cold hands and they were keeping her hands warm.
This morning daughter and I went op shopping, the shop I thought would have nice dresses had several gorgeous evening dresses, perfect colours and designs - just not in my size. But I did find a pair of shoes, by the looks had never been worn, these fitted perfectly and were only $10.
On the way out the door I noticed a book The Complete Home Decorator that was marked $4, its a large thick book but the spine was damaged, the lady told me I could have it for $1, very cool.
We then went to another secondhand clothes store, this one is little more expensive than a standard op shop but there was a huge variety of clothing in it. I tried on a few dresses but didn't have much time to spend. Will go out again next week.
3 Birthdays and a Wedding.
Today, oops looking at the clock yesterday was my Mother in law's birthday, her 80th. She is having a party tommorrow, I mean today. Instead of buying gifts my Siser in laws thought that we would have a cash collection for her so she can buy something she really needs. We thought it was a great idea, I know it's not personal but I'm sure she will appreciate it.
I however had planned on knitting some fingerless mitts to go with the Tam I made her for Mother's Day and have just finished knitting those. I hope she will like them.
Today (Saturday) is also my sister's birthday, I must ring her in the morning.
Then next weekend is my Father's 70th birthday, he was supposed to be having a surprise party but an Aunt let the cat out of the bag. Can't blame her she gets muddled since suffering a stroke last year. My brother made the suggestion of getting a photo done for him of us so we are having a photo shoot on Monday. Originally he had planned on getting it done professionally told me that he was quoted $140 per person. I asked if there was anyway of cutting the cost down, suggesting we use our niece for hair and make up and have the photo taken ourselves. Apart from compensating our niece for her time it will only cost us to have the shots developed. There's no way I could afford to pay the money, my hours have been cut dramatically (though not as dramatically as my brother, who lost his job a couple of weeks ago thanks to the economic climate) having to buy a new washing machine hasn't helped.
Nor does what we have planned for the following weekend, hubby's nephew is marrying his partner. Their wedding is going to be a lavish affair and is formal dress which means I need a new outfit. I have nothing suitable for even a non formal wedding. Went looking yesterday, there is only one shop locally with suitable dressy clothing. They had some nice outfits but were around the $200 mark, even with the 20% discount - no thank you. I have 2 other options, first I thought that I could go to a nice secondhand clothing shop to see if there is something suitable there, we are going in the morning. Or I could make my own outfit, I've chosen the pattern, a dress with a jacket and have decided to make the dress part in satin backed crepe, the jacket part I want to make in a sheer print. I wish I had lost weight for this, I did lose 5 kilos and am hoping to add more to that over the next couple of weeks, still have a lot more to go. .
I however had planned on knitting some fingerless mitts to go with the Tam I made her for Mother's Day and have just finished knitting those. I hope she will like them.
Today (Saturday) is also my sister's birthday, I must ring her in the morning.
Then next weekend is my Father's 70th birthday, he was supposed to be having a surprise party but an Aunt let the cat out of the bag. Can't blame her she gets muddled since suffering a stroke last year. My brother made the suggestion of getting a photo done for him of us so we are having a photo shoot on Monday. Originally he had planned on getting it done professionally told me that he was quoted $140 per person. I asked if there was anyway of cutting the cost down, suggesting we use our niece for hair and make up and have the photo taken ourselves. Apart from compensating our niece for her time it will only cost us to have the shots developed. There's no way I could afford to pay the money, my hours have been cut dramatically (though not as dramatically as my brother, who lost his job a couple of weeks ago thanks to the economic climate) having to buy a new washing machine hasn't helped.
Nor does what we have planned for the following weekend, hubby's nephew is marrying his partner. Their wedding is going to be a lavish affair and is formal dress which means I need a new outfit. I have nothing suitable for even a non formal wedding. Went looking yesterday, there is only one shop locally with suitable dressy clothing. They had some nice outfits but were around the $200 mark, even with the 20% discount - no thank you. I have 2 other options, first I thought that I could go to a nice secondhand clothing shop to see if there is something suitable there, we are going in the morning. Or I could make my own outfit, I've chosen the pattern, a dress with a jacket and have decided to make the dress part in satin backed crepe, the jacket part I want to make in a sheer print. I wish I had lost weight for this, I did lose 5 kilos and am hoping to add more to that over the next couple of weeks, still have a lot more to go. .
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Lost Pendant
Last night I discovered that I lost one of my favourite pendants yesterday, I found the leather thong necklace down my top. I remember putting it on after my shower before leaving for work, I also went into a couple of stores in the meantime. Did have a quick search here, but the place is a mess so it is highly probable it's still in the house. First thing this morning I drove over to work to have a search, my supervisor told me that we'd check the surveillance footage to see if I was wearing it. We had a theft (shoplifting) at work yesterday and she needed to show someone the footage anyway. I wasn't wearing the pendant.
As I was leaving I noticed that there was a man entering the store next door and asked him if someone had found my pendant. He let me in even though he wasn't opened yet and then even checked his surveillance footage which showed no pendant. It was so nice of him to do that, I really appreciated his efforts.
I've consoled myself that even if I don't find it, it gave me pleasure while I did have it. It's a citrine crystal pendant, quite large in fact and one thing I know about crystals is that they choose you, they also choose the time when they know to move on. Someone may need it more than me, or simply the crystal needs to recharge because I've been wearing it a lot recently.
As I was leaving I noticed that there was a man entering the store next door and asked him if someone had found my pendant. He let me in even though he wasn't opened yet and then even checked his surveillance footage which showed no pendant. It was so nice of him to do that, I really appreciated his efforts.
I've consoled myself that even if I don't find it, it gave me pleasure while I did have it. It's a citrine crystal pendant, quite large in fact and one thing I know about crystals is that they choose you, they also choose the time when they know to move on. Someone may need it more than me, or simply the crystal needs to recharge because I've been wearing it a lot recently.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
New washing machine
Yesterday I was hoping to get all of my washing done, there was the normal everyday washing that just piles up and new flannelette sheet and quilt cover sets to be washed. Put the first load in, went to eat my breakfast. It wasn't long after that I checked because I couldn't hear the machine running, the cycle had finished in much quicker time than it should. The washing was still dripping wet and it felt like it hadn't been rinsed. Tried starting the machine again and noticed the water pressure going in was very low. I checked the tap, turning it off and on a few times when it suddenly came right. But it did the same thing when it rinsed and again I found the load wasn't rinsed or spun properly. I ended up using a jug to fill the machine, for washing and rinsing, the couple of loads I did took for ever.
I told my husband when he got home, he thought it might be the tap washer, when he couldn't get the tap off he simply swapped the pipe to the hot water tap. There was no difference so he told me to get a serviceman in. I wondered if it was worth repairing, the machine is over 10 years old, constantly going off balance even after we replaced the spin belt. We ended up heading to a seconds warehouse today and bought an Electrolux machine that was marked down to $649 (usual $899) that also has a $150 water saving cashback. Not too shabby. There's nothing wrong with the machine, not even a scratch, it was missing it's carton but was still packed with it's original plastic and packing.
I've already washed a load of towels in it, it's so much quieter than the old one. I chose to do one of the full programs instead of trying the quick wash, I had used a couple of the towels to clean the floor in the laundry and they were extra grubby.
The old machine won't go to waste, I'll either put it on freecycle or give it to someone who can repair it or use it for parts.
While we were installing the machine, my husband turned to me and said that we should pull out the sink and put in a bench with a incorporated sink, with the dryer and washer under the bench. I told him that it wasn't his idea, that it was actually mine and I had told him months ago that is what I wanted, of course he denied I ever told him. It's always the way, he pooh poohs my ideas then months later comes up with the exact idea forgetting I was the one who came up with it.
I told my husband when he got home, he thought it might be the tap washer, when he couldn't get the tap off he simply swapped the pipe to the hot water tap. There was no difference so he told me to get a serviceman in. I wondered if it was worth repairing, the machine is over 10 years old, constantly going off balance even after we replaced the spin belt. We ended up heading to a seconds warehouse today and bought an Electrolux machine that was marked down to $649 (usual $899) that also has a $150 water saving cashback. Not too shabby. There's nothing wrong with the machine, not even a scratch, it was missing it's carton but was still packed with it's original plastic and packing.
I've already washed a load of towels in it, it's so much quieter than the old one. I chose to do one of the full programs instead of trying the quick wash, I had used a couple of the towels to clean the floor in the laundry and they were extra grubby.
The old machine won't go to waste, I'll either put it on freecycle or give it to someone who can repair it or use it for parts.
While we were installing the machine, my husband turned to me and said that we should pull out the sink and put in a bench with a incorporated sink, with the dryer and washer under the bench. I told him that it wasn't his idea, that it was actually mine and I had told him months ago that is what I wanted, of course he denied I ever told him. It's always the way, he pooh poohs my ideas then months later comes up with the exact idea forgetting I was the one who came up with it.
Thursday, 14 May 2009
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