Skirt happening, whitlow grass

That skirt I showed you yesterday at Marion's world? I found some cream unbleached muslin, cotton weight, the stuff I used for curtains,  and a skirt is under way.

That batik fabric hanging in the doorway might be another skirt, though I did make one last year from it. We'll see.

So long since I did any hand sewing, this was great. The skirt is an 18th century pattern, with slits at the sides so you can access the Lucy locket pocket that ties round your waist under your skirt. This pose is tricky because I was holding it together with one hand, having run out of pins.

You can make this pocket as big as you want, so it's good under a full skirt. Eighteenth century wearers were known to carry live chickens in these pockets, among other items, but I expect I'll just carry my keys and phone.

Here I've done unpressed pleats, just set by eye, front and back. Box pleat in the middle, knife pleats out to the sides.

The skirt has a waistband at the back which becomes a belt that ties at the front. The front waistband ties at the back. 

This is very easy to make, fits however you fasten it.  It's like two aprons joined at the sides.

I did French seams for the sides, and pre finished the edges of the side openings. This was accompanied by Ash learning to use her new vintage knitting machine. My YouTube watching doesn't get my undivided attention.

The front waistband is under way and tomorrow I'll do the back. After that, hem it and I have a new skirt.

Then I'll make a muslin Lucy locket pocket.

I did do other things, walked and found a natural bouquet, violets with, I think, whitlow grass, tiny white flowers new today. 

The woodpecker was busy chipping out her nest again, and a Carolina wren shouted for ages. We still have a couple of juncoes, usually gone by now, but this year staying longer. They're winter residents, usually October to March.

Home to a pot of tea on the patio, very warm today, in the 80s, no biting insects yet.

So I marked the change of season by summerizing the sofa. 

The warm winter throw is now in the laundry, and here's the white summer quilt in place. Hand stitched pillows. Posh.

Happy day everyone, however you observe whatever season you're up to where you live.

And here's a bit of Basho for wisteria lovers

Walking, weaving and new discoveries

Sunday was much warmer so the wind was easier to manage, and I walked. When I can't get a walk, it shows up right away, stiff, and this that and the other thing hurts.  But a walk unkinks everything. 

I've been taking the same route for months now, thinking maybe I should go to the Preserve for a chance. But the change is happening here anyway. It's coming to me, so I don't need to go to it. 

I had a naturalist friend who encouraged repeated walks on the same route, to learn more about it with familiarity, observe the small changes that add up.

Much to see, blossoms 

A bee demonstrating why we need to leave dandelions the heck alone 

And miniature worlds underfoot right there for the finding 

And that carpet of wildflowers is back again.

Back home I weave squares while I'm thinking of other things to do, or listening to books 

I don't have any particular product in mind, though eventually it will be something. Right now its just the pleasure of developing the skill.

And I have a great YouTube find for you, Marion, from County Durham, near where I grew up, with that lovely northeastern accent and a great teacher. 

Her philosophy of just go for it, in stitching, sewing, textile arts and skills is so right. It was like home to me, and I instantly wanted to share with you. The top picture includes a skirt I've been wanting to make for ages, and will as soon as I find fabric. It's an eighteenth century design, still works. From there I went to her stitching practice.

Even if you're not a textile sort of person, just listen to her a bit and see if she isn't a calming, lovely, anything is possible kind of person. ASMR. 

Happy day, everyone and of course you got the puzzle

MOONLIGHT

and that's my last word on the eclipse!

Enjoy whatever your stitching is.

Don't hold your breath, but word is that Speaker J may bring the Ukraine $$ to a floor vote this week.

Stuff just goes on growing

 Thank you everyone who emailed, sent eCards, texted, dmd and commented. You were all very helpful and I'm glad I posted. I wasn't going to because it's so private, but decided I'd at least give people a chance to help. Which you all did. 

This was the hardest year to date probably because of the state of the world. But today's another day. And handsome son is grocery shopping and delivering, with extras, his choice, to share for a little celebration later today.

Meanwhile nature's always there with help

diamond necklace courtesy of spider and sprinkler

Vicks plant for winter cold medicine

Thai basil flowers for food and next year's seeds.