Simple Woman's Daybook

For Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Outside My Window... glossy wet pavement and grey skies.

I am thinking... it's a mystery why my dental floss is made in Ireland.

I am thankful for... the privilege of hearing my husband preach each week.

From the kitchen... a languishing bowl of sourdough starter. I should feed it.

I am wearing... yellow-green t-shirt, black gored skirt, lavender Ugg boots.

I am creating... a home-life full of books, music and laughter.

I am going... to step out into the warm morning air soon.

I am reading... A bit of this, a bit of that. This morning, I've read three portions from the six books in my stack. Newest book, Three Men on the Bummel.

I am hoping... to think of a plan for lunch before the time comes!

I am hearing... chirping birds.

Around the house... the colour red.

One of my favourite things... a crisp piece of toast sprinkled with Gestampte Muisjes.

A few plans for the rest of the week: write a letter, go to Saturday prayer breakfast.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Christmas brunch

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting this.

Summer sewing musings

It's been a while since I've opened up my sewing machine. The last project I did was a child's quilt, during the last few days of winter. But it won't be long now before I get it out once more-- I'm bursting with ideas!

My first project will be a cinch-- simple leaf shapes cut from bright coloured felts, sewn into a garland for a Thanksgiving day decoration. Something like this. My other ideas are a bit more ambitious.

I'd love to sew a dress from Jenny Chancey's Elegant Lady's Closet pattern, which I received as a birthday gift last year. I've got the perfect fabric: a soft tan cotton with woven-in gold and silver stripes and a bit of stretch. My eye is on the crossover bodice design. I like the idea of incorporating a diagonal stripe into it. Hopefully this pattern will be just as user friendly as the first Sense and Sensibility pattern I made. The detailed instructions on the website gave me the confidence to try more daring pattern alterations than I'd done in the past, and I ended up making three or four different versions. My red dress is my favourite, and I'm still wearing it a couple of years later.

And lastly, I'm thinking of making a quilt for our guest bedroom. Australian-themed fabric, I think. I've seen some interesting designs at the local fabric store.

I wonder how many of these ideas will become reality?

Simple things together...this blog as a word cloud

HT: Luke

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, March 8, 2010

Outside My Window... Windblown lemon and lime trees, withered tomato plants.

I am thinking...that I'd like to find out more about Charlotte Mason. Perhaps a visit to handy dandy Wikipedia is in order. ;)

I am thankful for... Health and strength and daily food.

From the kitchen... John and I just finished a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread. Yum!

I am wearing... Blue jeans, red blouse.

I am creating... Patchwork cards from scraps of paper.

I am going... to dinner at a friend's home tonight.

I am reading... a memoir of a woman who came to Australia from England in the 19th century.

I am hoping... to go on a walk.

I am hearing... the wind rattling the laundry room door.

Around the house... Stacks of books.

One of my favourite things... a clean kitchen.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Go shopping, cook for company.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

One of said stacks, with an (apparently) deathless flower arrangement.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting this.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Monday is laundry day. After sorting the piles of dirty clothes this morning, I realized I was all out of laundry detergent. Time to go to the store? No--time to grab a few simple ingredients from the cupboard and make my own.

First, the supplies:

1/4 cup Liquid Castile Soap (can be found at health food stores)
1 cup Washing Soda (can be found in the laundry aisle of most supermarkets)
1 cup Baking Soda
1 cup White Vinegar


Mix together, adding vinegar last. The mixture is foamy at first, and then gradually lumps together. The mixing bowl will get quite warm as you stir!


Let it sit for a while. Now comes the fun part. Dump the mass in a thick plastic bag, place on a hard, flat surface, and BEAT THE LUMPS AWAY WITH A HAMMER!

The detergent is now all ready to use. I use 1/2 cup per full load of clothes.

Here's another, easier recipe that was my favourite until the supermarket stopped selling Borax:

2 cups soap flakes (or grate bars of soap yourself)
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax

Use 2 tablespoons per full load. I always put 1/2 cup of vinegar into the rinse cycle, to make sure there was no soap residue on the clothes.

Both these recipes can be scented with a few drops of essential oil. (try Lavender or Peppermint)

Why make my own laundry detergent? Well, first of all it's fun. Secondly, it's cheap. But most of all, I'm not worrying about things like unhealthy chemicals and optic brighteners any more. And no more watery eyes when I scoop the detergent into my washing machine!

I found these recipes and more here. Soon, I'd like to try one of the ones for liquid soap, but till then, I'm happy using my funny, lumpy powder. :)

My first patchwork

Over the Christmas holiday, my mother-in-law helped me start my very first patchwork projects. We went to the fabric shop just to browse, really, but came out with several lovely cotton fabrics to make some much needed potholders and a cushion cover for my ubiquitous couch pillow. I was so glad to have Mum there to help me buy, because I am still a bit overwhelmed with the whole metric system. Fabric measurements in yards and inches I can understand. But metres and centimetres? Confusing!

We started out by cutting the pieces for the potholders. I'd chosen two blue fabrics from the scrap bin. After measuring the rectangles, we knew that we had enough for eight squares. I wanted to do a simple four-triangle design, so we marked and cut two squares diagonally. I started to sew them together following the 1/4 inch mark on my sewing machine, but found that the seam allowance was too generous for patchwork. That's when I realized what the 1/4 inch piecing foot is for--scant seams for patchwork! After I put that on the machine, all went well. I tried a different piecing technique for the second potholder. (Detailed instructions here) Much easier than cutting out triangles, and trying to sew on the bias.

After I'd pieced the blue fabrics together, I layered each square with batting, and secured it by stiching in the ditch. Finishing was easy: Place right sides together, sew around the edges leaving room to turn, turn, close opening.

The second project was a bit more difficult. I wanted to make a cover for my couch pillow, so that it wouldn't like like something that belonged in a bedroom. The design inspiration was a cushion that Mum made for John:


She helped me cut out all the pieces, and introduced me to a new concept: Fussy cutting. This is cutting out portions of fabric to highlight specific motifs. It's not as economical, but it does make for a beautiful finish. We did the center patchwork together, and then it was time for her to go back to Tasmania.

It took me a while to get back into sewing after the Christmas rush, but I finally decided to finish the cushion cover last week. After stabilizing the center patchwork with batting, I attached rectangles of the red fabric to fit the pillow case measurements, and made a button fastening on the end. It was fun to try another new thing: machine-stitched buttons! I couldn't believe it would work at first--I still can't get over all the exciting features of my new sewing machine. (I had to leave my old Singer back in the States--too bulky and heavy to put in a suitcase!)

Here is the finished project:

Front

Back

Now that I'm back into sewing, I know that I've finally settled in to married life in Australia. Happy days. :)

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Tuesday, January 26, 2010 (still Monday in the USA!)

Outside My Window... The barbecue grill that John and I put together yesterday, using a screwdriver and spanner (wrench). I love learning new words!

I am thinking... It's about time to sit down with my Latin book.

I am thankful for... Wikipedia. I've learned some interesting things lately--most recently, I've been reading about locusts. (see "Hoping" to find a clue why)

From the kitchen... we'll be cooking outside, for Australia day! Lamb chops, veal shanks, veggie kebabs marinated in Italian dressing.

I am wearing... Coral cardigan, floral top, sand coloured linen capris.

I am creating... ideas for Valentine's day. I want to make this cute heart garland.

I am going... nowhere. Grocery shopping is already done for the week. :)

I am reading... Asterix (finished four in the last week) Asterix the Legionary is my favourite so far.

I am hoping... to read aloud to my husband later today. I'm introducing him to the Little House books, and we're up to On the Banks of Plum Creek.

I am hearing... birds chirping, washing machine sloshing.

Around the house... Blue and white in the kitchen: Dutch tile and windmill plates on the wall, a clog on the windowsill, the new hotpads I made hanging by the stove.

One of my favourite things... Affogato.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Finish a book or two, catch up on correspondence.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Melting sun

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting this.

For Monday, January 11, 2010

Outside My Window...bright Australian sun, and a house under construction.

I am thinking...that I've never experienced such heat before! (42.7 Celsius/108.8 Fahrenheit)

I am thankful for... a shaded clothesline.

From the kitchen... I'll be making Chapati tonight. The quickest, easiest, and most yummy flatbread I've made so far.

I am wearing... Green t-shirt. Capris. Black sandals.

I am creating... A cushion cover. My mother in law helped me start the patchwork at Christmastime.

I am going... to stay at home today. :)

I am reading... Soul Survivor by Philip Yancey. It's a book that makes me think--and sometimes makes me uncomfortable. But that's the sort of book I need, to help me grow.

I am hoping... to finish planning the week's meals this afternoon.

I am hearing... the hum of our air conditioner.

Around the house... maps on the walls: Kansas in the 1870s, Ancient Iran...

One of my favourite things... Reading at the beach with my husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Starting daily Latin study again, attending Bible studies, cooking for company.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Sandringham beach

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting this.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, February 16, 2009

Outside My Window...bright afternoon sunlight.

I am thinking...I didn't know a girl could be so happy!

I am thankful for... many years of prayer brought to fruition.

From the kitchen... I just finished savouring a bit of dark chocolate with cocoa nibs.

I am wearing... green, black, blue

I am creating... an idea for a special dress.

I am going... to Australia.

I am reading... The book of Isaiah. Gaudy Night. And lots of books with the letters W...E...D...in the title.

I am hoping...to be a help to an amazing man!

I am hearing... the hum of the dishwasher, my sister muttering over her geometry, and my brother making explosions as he plays with his army men.

Around the house... stacks of laundry waiting for me.

One of my favorite things... my sister's computer. ;)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: check things off my ever-growing list!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook (Kara's)

For Monday, December 1, 2008

Outside My Window...bare tree branches outlined in the blue sky, illuminated by noon sunshine.

I am thinking...on Psalm 1:2, and how I must delight in God's word .

I am thankful for...Central heating!

From the kitchen...too many yummy things to eat! Tine made some graham cracker pudding the other day, and I haven't even tried it yet! (it's a Thanksgiving tradition)

I am wearing...blue jeans, and a blouse with this painting on it.

I am creating...nothing at the moment. I'd like to make some stationery.

I am going...nowhere today. Later on in the week, I will accompany a violinist friend on the piano at several events.

I am reading...The book of Psalms, and Strong Poison by Dorothy Sayers.

I am hoping...in God.

I am hearing...Christina practicing Christmas carols on the piano.

Around the house... we are cleaning today, and catching up on laundry.

One of my favorite things... Re-reading favorite books. This is only my second time through Strong Poison, and I love all the literary allusions in the first couple of chapters. They make me laugh!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Put up Christmas decorations, study Latin.

Here is picture I am sharing...

No photos today. I'll share a word picture instead, from a favorite poem:

The whole sky was blue;
And the thick flakes floating at a pause
Were but frost knots on an airy gauze,
With the sun shining through.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, November 3, 2008

Outside My Window...early morning sunshine.

I am thinking...that life is full of surprises.

I am thankful for...God's care.

From the kitchen...fresh apple juice.

I am wearing...pajamas.

I am creating...a plan to clean my room.

I am going...to gather with my church this evening to pray for our country.

I am reading...too many books, and not making much headway with any of them.

I am hoping...in God.

I am hearing...cars drive by our house, and a puppy barking.

Around the house... falling leaves.

One of my favorite things... good conversations with friends.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Finish memorizing Titus 2, study Latin, get a new driver's license.

Here is picture I am sharing...

Christina playing In a Pickle

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

WIFD Day 4

Here's today's installment...



It's a cold, wet, windy day. Here we're heading out for Ladies Bible Study.

WIFD Days 1-3

Christina and I had intended on participating in the Week in Feminine Dress hosted by the ladies over at the Sense and Sensibility sewing forums. The idea is to be a little more deliberate in how we dress, and to give ideas/encouragement to other ladies. Happens that I wasn't home long enough to upload the pictures til now. So here is the belated version. Maybe I'll be able to keep up for the rest of the week!

Day 1

Ready to go to church

Day 2

Off to the dentist (and only half awake ;) My hoodie came from Old Navy.

Day 3

Christina's most creative outfit yet. At least I'm wearing polka dot socks. (which my brothers think are weird)

Oven Pancake Recipe

In honor of the first frost, my brother Matt requested that my mom make oven pancake for breakfast. This is what greeted our sleepy eyes:


It's such a versatile recipe. You can eat it plain. You can dust powdered sugar all over. You can drizzle it with lemon juice. Or, (my favorite) you can top it with fresh peaches and whipped cream. Yum!

The trick is to get the skillet (iron works best) VERY hot before pouring in the batter. That's done easily by leaving the skillet in the oven while the oven preheats. Just make sure not to burn the butter!

German Oven Pancake

3 eggs
3/4 c. flour
3/4 c. milk
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. vanilla extract
1 1/2 T. butter

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Whisk all ingredients together EXCEPT butter. When very smooth, set aside while you melt the butter in a 12 inch iron skillet. Pour batter in skillet, and bake for 15 minutes. It will puff up beautifully--don't forget to show it off before it deflates!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, October 13, 2008

Outside My Window...it's a blustery day.

I am thinking...it's Providential how the devotional of the day was just what I needed!

I am thankful for...the time together with my college-going brother on Saturday.

From the kitchen...a dead oven. But hopefully it's a simple fix!

I am wearing...Cream blouse with autumn print, khaki skirt.

I am creating...an idea for using some linen fabric. I think I'll dye it and make Reformation day costumes for my sister and I.

I am going...to practice/record an accompaniment this afternoon at a friend's home.

I am reading... Here I Stand, A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton

I am hoping...in God.

I am hearing...My brother Rar-Rar slurping his imaginary soup. (Tim has quite an imagination!)

Around the house... Tut, tut. Did I mention it looks like rain?

One of my favorite things... Taking a walk with a friend.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Accompany at various rehearsals, Latin class/homework, Memorize some more of Titus 2, Practice gratefulness.

Here is picture I am sharing...

A sunbathing turtle seen on a recent walk.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

One Pattern, many looks

I've been meaning to share my summer pattern alteration journey. It started out with a party dress made from Mrs. Chancey's Regency dress pattern:


I liked it so well, I thought I'd try making a blouse from it:


That was ok, but I didn't like how the front gapped when wearing modern undergarments. (I wore period stays for the party dress) Also,because of this, the waistline was too high, and tended to ride up.

So I lowered the "waist" seam about 2 inches, and dipped the pattern on the fold to get rid of some extra fabric across the bust. Problem: it made the underarm seam too high. I don't like having to be a contortionist in order to get into my clothes! On this blouse, I also omitted the back buttons, and did a drawstring instead all around instead. (Lesson learned: never rush through the last stages of a project. Don't look at my seams too close!)




So, final try. I wanted a summer dress with a more modern look. I used the skirt lining pieces instead of the normal gathered skirt-with-train. Tired of making on-paper changes to the pattern, I had my mom pinch out all the extra fabric in front on my toile (that's a practice version in cheap fabric), and I drew a new pattern piece. (also, I cut the underarm seam lower) It resulted in this:



I'm pretty happy!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, September 15, 2008

Outside My Window...my dad and brother mowing the lawn in the deepening dusk.

I am thinking...about different prayer needs

I am thankful for...the Holy Spirit, who helps me in prayer when I don't know exactly what to pray

From the kitchen...My mom made an apple crisp. The scent is wafting through the house and making my mouth water.

I am wearing...Surprise! No apron today. Brown t-shirt and denim skirt, topped with a coral, knitted hoodie.

I am creating...a study space on my desk. My dad just helped me hang some new pictures on the bedroom wall.

I am going...Bound for the Promised Land

I am reading... Titus 2

I am hoping...in God.

I am hearing...Timmy playing, and my dad's footsteps.

Around the house... new-mown grass

One of my favorite things... Smiling. Or so my dad says. :)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Memorize some Bible verses, work on finishing up the exercises in chap. 1 of my Latin text.

Here is picture I am sharing... sorry. I haven't had a chance to download any recently.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Apple Butter Recipe

Making apple butter is a fall tradition at my house. It's delicious on bread, waffles, pancakes or even plain. I get hungry just writing about it! Ironic that this year I didn't lift a finger to help fill the shelves....just so happened I was away when the apple windfall came, courtesy of some generous neighbours. Here's our recipe:

Apple Butter

18 cups apple sauce (we make our own--just cook apples down, cored and quartered, in some water and put through the food mill)

3 T. cinnamon
3/4 t. cloves
3/4 t. ginger
1 T. blackstrap molasses
3-4 c. sugar (depends on sweetness of apples)

Cook in large pot over low heat until desired thickness is reached. (I like to let it simmer for several hours, to get a nice brown colour) Ladle into jelly jars and process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

This is a great recipe to try if you're new to canning: there's no fiddling with candy thermometers and worrying whether it will gel!

The Work of a week

While I was away from home for a much-anticipated visit to friends, my family (and especially my mother) was busy doing this:



Final count: 100+ jars of apple butter, several batches of pie filling, dried apple rings, apple jam, and more apples in the freezer.

Reminds me of an old favorite:

Recipes to follow!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, September 1, 2008

Outside My Window... actually, mostly I notice the window itself: it's clean. (nothing like a good scrub!)

I am thinking...about all the things I should do this week. And pondering whether I have the courage for new things.

I am thankful for...my friends, especially Rachel, whom I was able to visit last week.

From the kitchen...Christina has some potatoes boiling for potato salad: we'll be grilling tonight.

I am wearing...never mind that. It's covered with a blue flowered apron, anyway!

I am creating...a plan of attack for school, the house, studying Latin...

I am going...actually I've already been. ;)

I am reading... The Gift of Friendship: Tolkien and C.S. Lewis by Colin Duriez

I am hoping...to continue to see answers to prayer.

I am hearing...the sound of silence.

Around the house... We moved most of the bookshelves into one area today. Soon, we will have our own "library"!

One of my favorite things... drinking Chocolate Caramel Enchantment Chai from Celestial Seasonings tea co.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Practice piano, plan some menus.

Here is picture I am sharing...

Rachel's Twins: aren't they adorable?

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!