Cake and the Bunny Rue

First off, WOW! Look at all the new people!  Nice to meet ya'll and welcome to my little corner of insanity. And don't worry, we have cookies.  I'm gonna have to send some to Oona as a thank you. Also, if you are new, just started following me, and want to put your hat in the ring for any of the give-a-ways, please don't forget to comment! Otherwise I might miss you and that would make me very sad.

Second, I'm skipping the give-a-way tonight as I lost my way for a bit there. That will be explained after the "Cake" section in the "Bunny Rue" section. I will have the next give-a-way scheduled to go up at noon this Monday. In any case, despite the lack of in-depth sewing posts, I have been sewing. Honest! And I have more planned soon, including some insights into sewing vintage children's garments.

Cake

Mmmm, knits

So, to continue with the description that Ms. Tasia started, I have actually been doing some sewing since I finished the two frosting dresses. Sewing cake pieces at that, but in neat fabric.  First I have to back up and say that I had been on an online fabric buying spree lately.  Seems every time I want to strangle someone at work I end up buying fabric instead (My bank account is probably thanking my doctor right now for the Xanax prescription).  This has amounted to... a lot of fabric.  The above knits I had cut out, most of which are in progress right now being one bit.  Another knit fabric I had cut out was from Saywer Brook, a French rayon jersey knit called Gotham(now sold out, sorry). Being the geek that I am, how could I NOT buy it. It has since become a piece in heavy rotation.  The dress is New Look 6936 * and is all cake. Very great basic knit pattern. This one could be sewn without a serger if you have a good zigzag stitch.  I haven't modeled it on me, not had much time. But here it is on my brand new, padded out doppleganger.

Please excuse the mess, we're still in the midst of The Great Cleaning and Reorganization Project.   So, as cake-y as this dress pattern is, the print makes it fun.  Its kinda like Devil's Food Cake, doesn't need frosting, ya know?  I get lots of compliments on it at work.  Also, I'm quite proud of how my dress-form finally turned out.

I also finished at black knit top that was suppose to be cake, but ended up giving it to a friend because it didn't fit me.  I have pictures and will post them later. :D

*This was my first time trying to do a downloadable pattern from Simplicity's site and all I have to say is NEVER AGAIN.  Not only did it really cost me more than it would at the store, I'm only allowed to print it out twice and the system they use to put the pieces together is confusing.  I can't even really describe it. They don't have the rows numbered numerically or anything like that. Its weird. AND they made me go to a WHOLE other website  and fill out info for "security" of only being able to download it twice, AND the instructions counted. WTF? So, in summery, unless you live overseas and its just otherwise impossible to get, don't do it.  Or even better, use Tanit-Isis'  Grecian Sundress pattern.

The Bunny Rue

So, Friday was my actual birthday.  And the day itself was not exactly spectacular but it ended on a note that, while not in any way happy, was completely unforgettable. My husband is on call this week, and got a trouble call while we were out for my birthday dinner. Not really his fault, but after I had gotten up early to pick up my farm share and everything, I was kinda just tired.  We both ended up going to bed when we got home, Felicity was off with Grandma again (she does that alot in the summer) and Simon was in his room reading.  So, about 10:30pm (which is like AM to me, I work nights), I wake suddenly with the feeling something is not right.  I get up and walk out to the dining area to see Simon's kindle sitting on the floor next to the table in the walkway with its little reading light still on. This is very unusual since Simon takes fairly good care of his electronic devices.  Then I hear commotion in the sun room. 

I walk around the corner into the sun room and find Simon kneeling on the floor and obviously distraught.  He stands up and says "I just locked Manga out so he couldn't get to the bunny. I heard it scream upstairs, it woke me up and I tried to save it but look!!"

Manga is our orange tabby cat. He's a tough hunter, enough so he managed to survive a wild dog attack,  so without even getting over to see this bunny I knew it wasn't going to be pretty.  Simon's squatted down over it and is crying "Don't die little bunny, hang on little guy. You can make it."  

I can see its bloody from across the room and knew I was going to need some gloves. I told Simon to watch it, I'll be right back and went and got a pair of the latex gloves I use for cleaning.   I get back and remind Simon to breath as I put the gloves on and gently roll the bunny over. Its back is broken and you can see its intestines.  "I'm sorry Simon, but I don't think he's gonna make it." I tell him gently. 

"Its gotta make it! Its just gotta! Can we try and save it? Can we keep it if it does??"  he says with so much hurt in his voice.

"Yes Simon." I tell him, knowing neither of those things are possible. " Grab that empty box and some paper towels."

He's better with instructions.  Panicking people always calm down when they have something to do.  He gets the required things and I put some of the towels in the box and then gently lift the rabbit and put it in the box.  The poor thing is gasping for air this entire time.  I put the box in Simon's lap and tell him he can pet between its ears.  The entire time he's got tears in his eyes and he pets it gently saying "Hold on buddy".

I'm totally losing it on the inside but this is one of those moments in motherhood you gotta keep it together. I've taken off the gloves at this point and I'm holding him while he holds the bunny in the box.  After what seems like ages but is really only about five minutes it finally stops breathing.  Simon starts sobbing.  I let him cry.

"Its better this way Simon. There was no way it was going to live through that. See its side, that's its insides.  It was too broken and in pain to live that way." I told him.  "Breath Simon."  And he gets his breathing in check with the exercises we've given him to calm down.  

"Its better this way, I promise.  Now its no longer suffering." I tell him. 

"Like Grandma W?" asks Simon. 

"Yes, like Mom. Neither of them have to suffer anymore".  

"We have to bury her, or him. It, we have to bury it."  I have to smile because even distraught Simon's mind focuses on the details.  And of course we have to bury the rabbit. It couldn't be any other way.  I ask him if he knows where the shovel is. "No, but I know where the little one for gardening is" he says. 

So there I am in the backyard at 11pm at night with the camping lantern, a dead bunny, and a tiny hand trowel digging a grave.  We dig it big enough for the bunny but not the box and as we put it in the ground Simon asks "Since its dead, can I name it?"

"Yes, Simon, I think that's just fine." 

"I'm gonna name it Rue, cause it was tiny and brave."   And if ya'll have read "The Hunger Games" then you are right there with me.  I waited until he cried himself to sleep in my arms before going through an entire box of tissues myself.  

And that's how my birthday ended. 

Give-A-Way Two! That's So Seventies. **update**

**I forgot to add, you can try for each give-a-way. So comment on any of the ones you want to enter as the week goes on. Hope that helps!**

I picked this pattern up in a huge antique shop during a trip to the North Georgia mountains. It was nestled between old coke-a-cola paraphernalia and ratty old taxidermy deer heads.  There was even an old electric washer with a hand wringer.  In any case, I had a certain Egyptian Goddess in mind when I found it but then it turned out she already had a copy. She'll just have to wait until she sees what else I have in the goody bag.

Anyway, here's Simplicity 6710 a CLASSIC 70's silhouette.  The pattern is printed, counted the pattern pieces and they are all there, though its been used so some of them are kinda smooshed in.  Since this is a fairly common pattern I thought I'd throw in some poly/cotton knit with tiny shoes all over it.

You know you like the tiny shoes. Don't lie.

Stats:  Bust 36" Waist 28" Hips 38"

Rules To Enter:
Post a comment!
Follow me and post a comment!

Rule to get TWO entries:
Post about it on your blog and then post the link in the commends.

Winner Will be chosen by roll of the dice. 


*entries for this one closes June 21rst

Give-Away Day One! Its a New Look Era!

Hello fellow sewing enthusiasts! Are you ready for the first pattern up for grabs?  Rules are simple, if you follow me already, leave a comment, if you don't, follow me and leave a comment.  And for an EXTRA entry, post a comment on your blog and leave a link to the post in the comments.  Entries will be tallied numerically and, because I'm a geek, I will use dice to pick the winner.  I'm thinking I'll film my kids rolling the dice for me. It will be cute, promise. (And don't worry... I have LOTS of dice, including more than one 20 sided.) Entries will be cut off June 20th at midnight.

 Ok, here it is! A vintage Vogue pattern 6551, I am dating this somewhere between 1947 and 1952 due to the after "New Look" vibe but before printed patterns became popular.  All the instructions and pattern pieces are included and nicely folded. As suggested already, the pattern is un-printed.  There's a beautiful tuxedo bib detail and tailored collar.  This would look beautiful done up in a wool crepe, silk faille, or a cotton poplin for areas with mild winters.  This is a size 16, Bust 34", Waist 28", Hips 37".  And don't worry, I've got something a whole range of sizes!

Upcoming! Birthday Week Give-Away-A-Thon

A giveaway! OH MY!

Actually, I'm doing TWO things.  First, I'm helping de-clutter some of my stuff.  I have a _lot_ of vintage patterns and fabric that I will never, ever use and they need new homes.  Second, I'm celebrating turning 29 for the... um... seventh time. Today is my virtual Friday, so should have the FIRST give-a-way up by Real Friday, which also happens to be my birthday.  That's right, the FIRST one, I'm doing FIVE DAYS WORTH!  Are you excited? I'm excited.  Ok, see you then!

Oh, also, I want to give a warm welcome to all the new people that have hopped over from Ohhh Lulu and I hope you stick around!  Cheers!

Epic Cleaning Frenzy

One of the things on my "to do" list for some time is to "redo" the kids' rooms.  And this is one of those times I really wish I had thought to take "before and after" photos but I didn't. Because I was on a warpath of CLEAN.  No one must stand in my way.

I started on my daughter's room. They are both at the Grands at this point and she doesn't freak out over change.  Her bed was in the middle of the floor, nothing in the dresser, the closet hadn't been cleaned out from when we moved in over seven years ago and DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN it was trashed.  All told I netted six 33 gallon bags of trash and three large boxes for GoodWilll.  My roommate rearranged the furniture and we moved her desk and art supplies upstairs in the corner I cleaned out for her. So I also have more room in my sewing/office area (more on that in another post).

We did not paint/wallpaper this room. It came like this.

Yup... this is the after photo.

Sewing machine now on her desk, and yes, she has a huge fish tank. 

In the hallway, the SECOND wave of stuff from her room.

So the kids get home, Felicity is thrilled with the new arrangement, YAY!  I have to get up early on Fridays to pick up my share at the farmer's market, so since I was awake and Simon was home I started on his room.  This way he's involved and I won't have to deal with emotional melt down over changes made (Simon has some idiosyncrasies that we've had to work on, and he seems to have inherited my anxiety issues.... weee).  Felicity decides to help and I have her take Simon's now, mostly empty (since the fish died) one gallon tank to the bathroom.  She drops it. ICKY EVERYWHERE. Lovely. I tell her to go out on the back porch to grab the mop and bucket.  What I don't realize is there is more than one mop and bucket.  So I decide to take that one out to the trash (it was used in another epic cleaning)  and, even while holding the hand rail, I slipped, landed on my behind, and slid halfway down the stairs.

Ouch.

ouch ouch ouch  

Ouch.  PAIN.  So much pain. My husband comes rushing around the corner, Felicity's going "ARE YOU OK??", and Simon starts wailing.  I'm still mentally assessing whether or not I've just made my back injury worse or if its just gonna be one of those hurt for a couple weeks situations.  After missing two days of work, it looks like the latter.

But wait, THERE'S MORE!  Normal, sane people would stop cleaning at this point. But obviously I'm neither normal or sane. Instead,  I waited the 25 minutes for the meds to kick in and went back to work.  I told you this was an epic cleaning frenzy, right?  Yeah, it was.  Three more bags of trash and two huge boxes of toys to donate.  Oh, and while I was at it I found a new bed for Simon's room that's a loft style with a desk underneath.  Husband went and picked it up and everything!  Then we had A Talk reminding him what we do for a living.  (When asked what I do, my kids say "She kicks people off the internet" and its not UNtrue, exactly. Pay your internet bills people.)

So, long story short, that's why I haven't gotten any sewing done. What did you do?

Its Recipe Time!

What my fridge looks like on Fridays (please ignore the cola cans...)

So, I know I've mentioned this before but I'm a member of a CSA.  The folks over at Spreading Oaks Farm are wonderful people. Not only do they grow vegetables but they raise chicken and cattle too, for free range eggs and beef.  And by the photo above you can see there's no shortage of fresh, local veggies in my house right now. The trick is cooking it in ways that everyone will eat, and preserving the rest for later. I've decided to share more of my culinary adventures with you lovely people!

First is my breakfast casserole, or Frittata.  I'm doing this all in "standard" measurements but there are lots of conversion websites out there. Eventually I'll get around to converting it but right now I'm feeling lazy.  I just cleaned BOTH kids' rooms.  More on that adventure later.


Potato and Kale Frittata

Ingredients:

1 medium potato
2 cups chopped kale*
8 eggs
1 tablespoon of half/half or milk
1/3 cup shaved parmesan or reggiono cheese (more or less to taste)
oil (any will do, but olive is best)

8x8 baking pan, sprayed with Pam (deep dish pie pan will do in a pinch)

Halve the potato and the slice as thinly as possible, leaving the skin on.  Remove stems and chop kale. Heat up a heavy skillet and add oil to the pan, enough to keep the potatoes from sticking.  Fry potatoes until just starting to brown around the edges, then add the kale.  You may need to add a bit more oil at this point, but saute until just wilted and then remove pan from heat and transfer to the baking pan to cool a bit while preparing the eggs.

Crack eggs into a bowl and add the cream.  Beat until nice and frothy, much like you would with an omelet. Add salt/pepper/garlic powder to taste.  Pour the eggs over the veggies in the pan, stirring a bit to mix.  Sprinkle cheese on top and then bake in the oven at 350F for 25-30 minutes, or until firm in the center.  When this is done I usually set it under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes to make the cheese crisp and flavorful, but this is optional.  This will feed four people or two ravenous growing children. It will keep covered in the fridge for about two days, reheats just fine.

*The great thing about this dish is you can use just about any vegetable, even add sausage.  Spinach and green peppers I would not bother to cook ahead, but just add to the eggs. This is also easy to add more eggs to cover more veggies and feed more people, or vice-verse.

A Big Thanks!

I want to give a big shout out to Ms Sarah of Ohhh Lulu for sponsoring me on her blog. If you look to your right you'll see a link to her shop.  And I really want this set for my birthday!  (Hip measurement 45"  HINT HINT. She takes custom orders.)