Blowin' in the Wind-Chores Around the Coop

I love the smell of wood chips. It was sunny out and Greg managed to catch  the rays of sunshine in this photo. He's so arty.

Hauling the chips out to the coop.

This drawer comes all the way out so we can empty it out and clean it. We dump it out in the chicken yard and they love to scratch in it.

The top perch had fallen down, Greg re-hung it and shored it up.

And he fixed the front side of the nesting box that kept falling off. Its all back together and looking good.

They are Chicken to Come Out!

Two hens came outside and took one look at the snow and hightailed it back into the coop!  I snapped this photo of them heading back in after they came down the ladder to check it out.  They looked around, ate a little and headed back in to the warm coop.  Only two out of six hens came out.  The other hens stayed inside and awaited an update on the temperature from the scout hens, I guess.

Half Asleep in Frog Pyjamas

Another archive post that I forgot to publish! It was written in August.

My most recent toiling has been spent with needle and thread, as this summer has not really materialized weather-wise. We talked about having a fire in the fireplace last Sunday because it was so cold and drizzly out. It's August , for Pete's sake!
Anyhow, I ran across my new favorite book, Lotta Jansdotter Everyday Style while at the bookstore last week.

It is a sewing idea/pattern book by Swedish fabric designer Lotta Jansdotter.  She gives 7 or so basic patterns that you can customize by lengthening or shortening  skirts and pants, or by adding or removing sleeves on tops. There are a few bags, scarves and accessory patterns, also. The patterns are basic and easy, and the designs are cute. Lotta has a bunch of her friends of different shapes and sizes model various versions of the garments, the result is a visual feast for the eyes as the photos are really pretty and highlight Scandinavian style.
It was a tough choice to decide what garment to make first. I chose the Owyn pant because I am at a size that is hard to fit into pre-made manufacturer's sizes, and I like the idea of a custom fit.

Owyn Pants shown in the book.

 I traced and cut out the pattern onto traceable Pellon, and cut it out in unbleached cotton muslin. This would be my test pair to determine fit and make any adustments for my particular shape.

My muslin practice pair of the Owyn Pant

The pants have a stretchy waistband in the back and a flat front. They fit well and are flattering. I have a long waist, so my next pair I will add a couple inches to the top of the waistband so they hit me closer to my natural waist. I sewed these in half a day. I am sure the next pair will go much quicker. Of course, I have already been to the fabric store to pick out fabric for my next pair, which I plan to get started on today.

The finished product.

The fabric for my next pair.

Susan Winget Christmas Quilt

I finished this one in September, but forgot to post it.  I think it turned out well.
It is lap-sized and the back side is dark red flannel.  It is quilted with big X patterns on each block. The white fabric has gold glitter stars, and the dark green binding has a subtle gold glitter to it.  It is just the right weight to snuggle up with in the recliner!