I didn’t realize it has been over a 
month since my last post. I wish I had more to report of things that have kept me busy but I’m either getting incredibly lazy or some activities take a big toll on this aging body. It seems just going to the grocery store or running a few errands wipes me out for an entire day. What is going on with this dropping energy level??!
In the past month, I have continued to reduce the piles of stuff collected by DH. Today, I plan to sort his button-up shirts. He has scores of them sent to him by his Floridian brother. These are all Hawaiian print shirts so few area men are interested in receiving them. I will donate the rayon and silk shirts to charity while de-boning the cotton ones and saving the fabric for quilts. There are many dozens so the task is daunting. A little work each day will finally see the job complete. Bob’s old t-shirts will eventually become bathroom rugs for DS Jacob and myself. They will be so useful, soft, colorful and absorbent and will be a nice keepsakes… remembrance rugs?.
I’ve also managed to do a little sewing this month. First, I made a new cotton knit (interlock) nightgown using McCall’s M5640 pattern. I used the dress length pattern and added 2″ wide gathered lace between the front yoke and skirt and lettuce-edged the sleeves. I also lengthened the pattern as I have noticed some cotton knit fabric continues to shrink a little with each washing. I’ve made this pattern many times and love the fit and comfort of each garment. This has become my favorite and has already received several washings. It’s a keeper!
I have several more cotton knit fabrics in the stash I intend to use to make more of these. I particularly like that with the interfacing in the yoke, the gown doesn’t bunch up at my neck during the night as often 
happens with t-shirt type necklines.
After failing to resist a super sale of cotton fabric from Fabric Mart (my current favorite online fabric store), I received two cotton woven chunks with the intention of making modest lounging clothes for wearing after evening bath time and before bedtime. Now that I’m enjoying more visitors and sitting up late and talking, I needed something comfy and decent to slip into.
Since the McCall’s pattern was still on my cutting table and it fits so well, I used it again, this time radically lengthening the skirt to maxi length, eliminating the lace, adding side inseam pockets and roll hemming the sleeves. I finished it just in time for DS Jacob and his lady’s arrival. I was so happy with the skirt length… it just touches the tops of my feet when I walk. Perfect! The woven cotton fabric is high quality and I expect to get years of use from this garment. I absolutely love it!
In the same Fabric Mart delivery, I received another woven cotton print; this one is an aqua modern print that I plan to make into a similar maxi dress. I will wear them often. I’m waiting for another sale and plan to order heavier fabric to make a warmer version with long sleeves to wear during cooler weather.
Speaking of cooler weather, it has moved into our area. Along with rain each day, we’re enjoying temperatures in the mid to high 80’s. That is so welcome after suffering a dry summer with daily temperatures in the 100’s! Just wish the first rain that moved through had displayed less lightning. It got us good, taking out much wireless Internet equipment, LED light bulbs and a printer! Things could have been so much worse and for that I am grateful. The lower air conditioning costs as resulting from the cooler weather will help make up for the replacement costs… at least that’s what I’m telling myself!
The cooler weather has made me think of upcoming holidays. One of my favorites is Halloween. With enjoying additional overnight guests, I noticed my pillowcases are limp and shabby so I decided to shop through my fabric stash and found some ‘spooky’ fabric for making Halloween pillowcases. I’ve cut two pair and finished sewing one. These are made of two prints
(black and white spiderweb batik and white quilting fabric printed with black bats). I also included a narrow orange flange for a zing of color. I like them so much, they are on my bed (a little early for Halloween!).
That’s about it for now. If I don’t start dealing with Bob’s shirts the job will never get done. Frankly, I’m looking forward to having use of the entire big closet…. mo’ room for mo’ stuff!
Have a great weekend!
Shirl
