This is not the first time I have found this Roomba “out of charge” next to the trash can. Like it knows where it gets its bin emptied. (I admit I don’t empty it every day and it can get full up.) The remarkable thing is that it also broke through an invisible wall to get here. This is not its regular cleaning area.
Missy the dog is also confused by the developing AI.
I hope y’all enjoy your Thanksgiving as much as my hens like tucking into a scattering of grain.
I wanted to try my hand at making a dress for my youngest. I took one of her dresses that she likes and fits well and used it as a pattern to cut the new fabric. I did not cut or alter the old dress, just laid it out on the fabric and gave a generous half-inch seam allowance when I cut the pieces.
My youngest loves pockets, so the dress had to have pockets, but I didn’t think front patch pockets like the original dress fit the fabric of the new dress, so I did a single layer seam pocket. The pocket is sewn to the front of the dress, but because of the big bold pattern, they are almost undetectable.
Dusting off my clothing sewing memory, I sewed the pieces together, top of shoulders first, then I finished the neckline (while it was easy to access) with a strip of the matching fabric. I put gathering stitches across the top of the sleeve to ease it into place, and sewed the shoulder seam next. I pinned the side seam and placed the pockets. I then sewed the pocket seam in back, and turned over and sewed a half inch for the pocket opening in front. I sewed the side seam down to the pocket and then from the bottom of the pocket to the hem. At that point I pinned the pocket to the front and sewed it in place, reinforcing the stitching at the top and bottom. I hemmed the sleeves and (…ahem) hem, the gave the dress a quick wash and dry.
The dress came out better than I expected and fit my youngest well. She appreciated the pockets.
I did the pocket the way I remembered, by using my hand as a pattern, which makes a nice looking pocket perfect for hands. I think next time I will make one that has a curve on top, but drops down along the seam to make the pocket more functional for things in addition to hands. I would also dip the front of the neckline a little more than I did, next time. And there will be a next time. It is hard to find appropriate clothing in the stores that fits. Although I might change my tune after the first trip to the fabric store. (This dress was made from fabric from my stash.)
Believe it or not, this is a happy cat. She has four (four!) layers of fuzzy blanket on the back of her favorite couch spot. I believe she is making herself as heavy as possible to maintain the current condition. She emanates the immovable object. It is hard to do that and look happy.
I’ve been working on my sourdough scoring, a leaf pattern in particular, and I am pleased with the latest result. The leaves look like leaves, and there are sourdough “ears” that indicate there has been proper rise in the dough.
To make this shape, I use the lame (a razor blade on a handle) to cut a deep sinusoidal line across the top. The second and third cut are also deep and define the outside of the leaves. The last cuts, the leaf veins, are shallow.
I suppose I should work on another pattern now, but, leaves. I am fond of leaves.
Critters and Craft 