Things I've learned from my Grandmother...

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

My Grandmother is 96 years old... That's old.

I went to visit her last night with my mom, at the nursing home. It's at the point where I almost expect, any day now, to get "that" call. She hasn't been well and hasn't been eating...

I am a very lucky person to have known my Grandmother; author, painter, illustrator, historian, mother, cook, seamstress, explorer, real estate agent, pioneer and the best damn cookie-baker I ever met.

My Grandmother taught me how to sew. We sewed dolls clothes for the Oro Worlds Fair. She taught me never to lift my scissors when cutting a pattern, how to clip seams, how to put in a zipper...

Yesterday was hard, the hardest time I've had with her. This woman, who always did so much, confined to a bed just about killed me.

The nursing home is a very scary place to me and I feel sorry for my Grandmother, but scared to go visit alone. The people there are all so sad. I walked past one lady who just kept saying "I want to go home, I want to go home..." What is the appropriate response ?

My Day Job...

Saturday, August 21, 2010

I find my day job very depressing. I know I shouldn't complain so much, there are so many people who would be happy to have my job, there are alot of people stuggling to find work.

However, sitting here for hours on end, staring out the front window at the equally as boring Telus store across the street is just painful.

Eleven Hours. I sit here some days for Eleven Hours. I have the same conversation with each customer, "Hi Howareya... Cars... jeez... Everything always happens at once... can't car repairs space eacho other out based on our pay schedule, hahaha... yadda yadda yadda...."

Eleven Hours I sit here and think... I could be sewing, I could be cooking, I could be cleaning, I could be playing with Oliver, I could.. I could...

I wash the counter, I wash the glass, I twirl my hair...

Things that I love right now...

Sunday, August 15, 2010






I have been spending a ridiculous amount of time sewing these two pairs of french knickers. I suppose part of it has to do with the fact that I am hand sewing the lace gussets, and doing nice french seams and rolled hems... I've been working on them on and off since Friday. I think they are turning out really pretty. I hope other people think so too...




I have a bunch of plaid brushed cotton to make lumberjack-inspired panties out of with bits of Chantilly lace. And, on my most recent trip to Fabricland I found a beautiful piece of crinkled cotton with a vintage looking rose print on it. I can't wait until I have time to sew it into a nice peg-top skirt or structured shrug or something.




Today has been another wonderful day, and I think that the common thread between all the wonderful days I've been having is that they coincide with the days that I do not work. Hmm...


I love my days at home. I cooked Dan breakfast this morning and was sure to break his yolks as is my usual habit (though not his preference). We watched a movie and I snuggled with Oliver. I made 99 meatballs and put some in the crock pot with sweet and sour sauce! I've thoroughly been able to enjoy my messy little kitchen lastley, baking bread and slow-cooking everything! I've browsed vintage sewing patterns, and hummed and hawed over fabrics... It rained most of the afternoon.
This is my favourite way to spend a Sunday.










French Knickers...

Friday, August 13, 2010




I had the best day I've had in a long time today. I got up early, picked up Oliver from my parents and visited with my dad for a little bit, came home and made Dan bacon and eggs before he had to head out to work. I did pulled pork in the slow cooker, and have started two new pairs of chiffon french knickers, each in slightly different styles.


I also pulled out my mom's rolled hem foot, and I am in love. I want everything in chiffon! French seams and rolled hems!
After dinner Dan and I took Oliver out for a walk around the block, the weather was perfect, my day was perfect, everything was pretty perfect.
I thought I was having a hard time adjusting to being in a new town, even though technically it's an old town for me... today made me remember why I made the leap... now if only I didn't have to return to my day job tomorrow!
I even managed to fit in a two hour nap with Oliver this afternoon... I can't think of a better way to spend a day.






Camping...

Sunday, August 8, 2010




Dan and I just got back from Camping and a wedding at the place of my initial failure in life... Trent University!

It was nice to go back and re-visit it, though I felt strange walking around there, I hardly remembered it at all.



This is what Sundays are made for...

Wednesday, August 4, 2010


On Sunday I decided I would sew a 19th century style bonnet. Here is my first progress picture - I have completed the shell, wired and all! I've always wanted a nice bonnet... perhaps I'll bring back the Amish look?

I particularly enjoy the ruffles.

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