Monday 6 April 2020

Monday

Good morning!  Wasn't yesterday a simply gorgeous day?  Warm and sunny with a gentle breeze.  I had both French windows open as wide as they would go and it was great to be able to let in the fresh air and not worry about losing the heat!

First of all - Viv, here's the fabric I have.  Could you use it?


I pottered rather yesterday but still managed to get a reasonable amount done, albeit in a very leisurely way.

I got stuck into the algebra early and took it carefully but, so far, there's nothing in the content that baffled me although I did have to think hard (which is the main point of doing this - to get the old brain cells moving a bit) and today I will just read through yesterday's notes before moving on.

Pottering in the garden was delightful.  I dealt with a naughty dandelion that dared to show its sunny face above the bulb leaves and then got stuck into the strawberry patch.  There were some old plants that were on their last legs and not sending up new growth so I got them out, re-sited some that had rooted in the tomato area and popped the new ones in the gaps.  I know it doesn't look great yet but give them a fortnight or three weeks and there will be loads of leafage and maybe some flowers too.  And then next year, once the new ones have properly established, they will be lovely!


While I was cutting out and generally marking and tacking up, I watched the play 'One man: two guv'nors' and it was hilariously funny in some places.  I'm so glad I changed my mind and watched it.  Then (as it was the next thing up) I watched some of the concert performance of Les Mis and that was pretty amazing too.

This top pattern really is very quick and easy (apart from setting in the sleeve which is a pain).  I had some lovely bluey green fabric that was perfect and only just noticed in time that there was a fade line right down the middle, darn it.  I tried to get round it but it just wouldn't work so that went back in the cupboard to use for something else at some point.  It is a very, very old piece of fabric.

Instead, I used some extremely cheap stuff that I bought when I had just retired, mainly to practise patchwork/quilting on but it wasn't good enough for that.  However, it's perfect for a cheap, everyday, summer top so that's what I made, using the square neck this time (which is straight, it just looks slightly wonky in the photo).  I cut it longer this time.
(You're going to get fed up with these photos, sorry)

I looked at Joe's seniors workout but it was just rather too easy with no challenge in it so I'll stick with the PE with all its ouches and groans!

Today is a bit different in that I'm really hoping to get to the allotment.  It is allowed, as long as people apply the safe distance rule which I have every intention of following.  It's just to cover over the dug over part, plant the broad beans (better late than never) and pick some rhubarb. 

Something energetic:
Joe Wicks, Lindsey's exercises and some allotment work

Something for the house/garden:
I count the allotment in this so there's that plus general housework.  If it stays dry, I must remember to water.  I was surprised at how dry the strawberry bed was yesterday.

Something social:
Maybe a video chat with Beth and Alex.

Something entertaining/creative:
Well - I found some fabric in the cupboard that might be long enough and wide enough to try a skirt cut on the bias.  There's difficulties in this in that because it's cut on the cross, seams have a tendency to stretch and bulge, so I will have to go carefully.  It will be a learning experience, for sure.  It will probably get cut out and stay stitched today.
I'll see what's on the telly before I decide on the evening's entertainment!

And - as always - a bit of algebra (which I'm still enjoying).

While I was out just now taking the photo of the strawberries, I spotted the view over the fence with the rising sun just catching the farm house - which, by the way, if further away than it looks as I used the telephoto.  It was almost glowing.


Stay safe, well and positive.  xx

20 comments:

  1. Morning Joy. I'm glad you think the Joe Wicks Seniors one is easy....it's definitely a challenge for me! (LOL). I'm very envious of people who can make their own clothes, sewing has never been my forte. Have a good day. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Sooze. I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to be show-offy in any way. We all do things at out own level and that is absolutely right, I think. I honestly wasn't denigrating anyone else.

      I'm enjoying getting back to making clothes, albeit in a simple way. I never could when I was teaching; there was just never enough time.
      Stay safe.
      xx

      Delete
    2. Don't worry Joy, I didn't think you were showing off....you've been exercising for a long time now so you're bound to find his seniors programme easy. I just thought it was funny that's all, seeing as it gets me quite puffed out haha!! But I am very unfit....hopefully that will improve. xx

      Delete
    3. Phew. I'd hate to have offended you - or anyone else.
      It will improve. All it takes is a very little bit each day and it's amazing how it builds up.
      xx

      Delete
  2. Like the top I think I prefer the square neckline to the the V shaped but both are nice. You seem to be enjoying your algebra too. I am struggling with linguistics at the moment I really never understood just how complex language really is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is very complex, isn't it? I only know a bit from my work as a SENCo but the bit I know (or knew) was more than enough for me!
      I agree about the square neck, it's very nice. The pattern has another neck, a low 'oval' shaped neck which I'll probably try at some point. It looks quite flattering.
      xx

      Delete
  3. Morning - I love the square neckline. I have the correct scaffolding applied and I am waiting for the exercise to begin and I will do as much as I can! Which is probably a lot less than I anticipate - but baby steps!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's challenging. I do what I can and adapt the rest. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
      At first, I ached rather afterwards.
      And have a good Easter Holiday.
      xx

      Delete
  4. I'm glad you enjoyed the James Corden play. I watched a Peter and the Wolf ballet yesterday and am hoping to find a Shakespeare play to watch tonight.

    I think I prefer the v neck but do like the longer length.

    Hope you have a good day x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The pattern, as it is, is just a bit too short for me. I am thinking that if I lengthened it even more, it would make a nice, simple dress. I'm pondering on that. I wish I'd bought more of that nice fabric from John Lewis - that would have been perfect for a dress.
      Oh, well . . .
      Enjoy your play.
      xx

      Delete
  5. Love the top, very nice and you seem to be keeping busy, I 'm struggling a bit to focus, altho done loads in the garden.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you'll be really glad that you devoted time to the garden now. It will pay dividends later on as well as getting you out in the fresh air.
      xx

      Delete
  6. Hi Joy: I never get tired of your photos! I so admire your ability to sew. I am sewing a bit, made two face masks for my husband and I and I am looking through fabric to see what else I can make. I found fabric I had forgotten about for pillow cases so I think that will be my next project! Do take care and enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a good idea to make individualised pillow cases amd the face masks couldn't be more useful right now, could they?
      I'm really enjoying getting back to sewing after so many years.
      I hope your day was good too.
      xx

      Delete
  7. That top looks pretty darn amazing to me. I really like a square neck on a top but am not in the slightest bit accomplished at sewing clothes. I do like a dabble though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so gifted in what one might call 'craft sewing' though. It's great that people think it looks good, really lovely, because I'm only just back into sewing clothes after decades on now. I think Mum would be thrilled - she was so amazing and made her own suits, coats, etc, as well as simpler stuff. And thank you.
      xx

      Delete
  8. Hi Joy - your sewing is so neat - the set in sleeves look perfect to me. I could use the fabric if you don't need it but don't worry if you are using it for patchwork yourself. The rose design is similar to some I have in pinks and peaches from my daughter's wedding bunting, I was thinking a little bit of blue might be nice but there again it may not!
    I have been so busy recently that my exercises have taken a back seat and I need to get motivated again. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad it looks good - there are some little gathers where it should be smooth - just a few but . . . never mind, I guess they are not noticeable!
      If it's for patchwork pieces, I could send you some . . . how can I get it to you?
      xx

      Delete
  9. That is a very pretty blouse. I too like the square neckline. 😊

    Have wonderful week, Joy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks very much. I like the square neck too - it's just that little bit different and it does sit well - the sign of a well designed pattern.
      I hope your week goes well too.
      xx

      Delete