My Bright Volunteers

 

These cheerful little Snapdragons all grew from seeds dropped by last year's plants. They are a bright spot along the driveway. I love my bright volunteers!

New Dress

 

This pretty aqua linen is a piece I've had in my stash for a very long time. It was lovely to work with and although there wasn't enough to make it longer, I think it turned out quite nice. The sash is a piece of batik from four years ago that I saw in a store and fell in love with. 

I made a muslin to check the fit and got most of it right; I forgot to bring in the neckline on the final piece (note to self: write it all down!).  I'd like to make this again in a winter flannel (cotton) with a fun plaid sash and long sleeves. 

School Clothes

Noble has begun her second year of graduate studies and teaching freshman English composition. She asked me to help her get some clothes that looked more professional and that would be warmer for the harsh winters here. She saves money by parking in the free lot and walking to her classes.

So here's the first skirt, made of a soft tan fine wale corduroy.

And the pattern:

Another skirt I made her last year, cotton sateen with a bit of stretch:

I relaxed in August

I continued to read two non-fiction books during August but I didn't finish either one, still working on them. Between the oppressive heat and humidity, the discouraging national and world political degeneration, and just plain tiredness I read a lot of old friends to lift my spirits. I was also sewing pieces for my daughter's school wardrobe. More to come about that.

1. My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella - This is a truly fun book about a young women trying to get back at a former boss and learning the realities of life and relationships.

2. The Talented Mr. Varg by Alexander McCall Smith - Second in the series; another witty book about a Swedish detective.  (The only new book I read this month)

3. A Common Life by Jan Karon - The story of Father Tim's wedding to Cynthia. Sweet, romantic, funny and enriching.

4-8. Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, On the Banks of Plum Creek, By the Shore of Silver Lake, The Long Winter - Laura Ingalls Wilder - I read these for inspiration and encouragement, and to remember. I love pioneer stories!

9. Persuasion: A Latter day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison - A modern LDS retelling of Jane Austen's novel Persuasion. It is my favorite of hers because it is about second chances, something we all need.

That's it for August.