Learning Something New

Time has been flying by lately. I had great plans to get household tasks done and try my hand at some "creative pursuits", but other things have popped up instead. (Snow shoveling and more car repairs this week figured prominently.)

Other things were more fun. For example, way back when I may have mentioned that I was looking for some interesting volunteer opportunities. One that arose has me spending an enjoyable afternoon each week in a public school library. I have always loved libraries!

In the category of teaching an old dog new tricks, I found myself figuring out a bit about car maintenance yesterday. A kind employee pushing carts in a parking lot checked all my lights for me as I flicked each one and off. He explained that the rapid clicking noise I'd heard when flicking on a turning light meant that the non-working one was burnt out and not indicative of any larger problem. Relief.

I bought the bulb I needed. Reading a recipe and reading instructions in a car manual had to be similar, right? I admit that the manual was supplemented with an online video. Fifty-odd years on the planet and only now do I know how to replace a bulb!

My sweater-that-never-got finished in looking at me, so that's on the agenda this weekend, as well as rustling up a post for Sunlit Sunday. All the pieces have been knitted, but it needs sewing together; my skills in that department could use a bit of practice. I think I may be better at replacing car lights!

 Are there any new tasks you've tackled lately? 

☀Sunlit Sunday: Week 5

We're starting the second of 3 months for ☀Sunlit Sunday. Welcome!

My recent drive in the countryside came about after a less than auspicious beginning to Tuesday morning. I was all set to head to the dentist's office, but my car had a different idea. It refused to start after a frigid night. Calling to say I wouldn't be able to make the appointment, I was politely and cheerfully told not to worry about it and that, "You're not the only one."

One jumper cable boost later, and being advised to drive for about 40 minutes to recharge the battery (but better yet to have it replaced), I headed out. It was a beautiful, cold, sunny day, so I opted to take a spin in the countryside.

My wandering took me through a small village and past this old blacksmith shop. It was built in 1854 and is still looking solid and strong with its thick, stone walls in earthy tones of warmth. I carried on driving and, noting that the battery light icon was yellow, decided to head to a garage to show my car a little love and get a new battery installed. It was either that or get a horse and sleigh. There are felines and canines in my neighbourhood, but a member of the equine contingent would attract the attention of bylaw officers, I'm sure.

A day that starts off on a sour note can turn around. Sunny photo opportunities were found, upbeat personalities were discovered and my car was restored to good working order. As Willy Shakespeare wrote, "All's well that ends well." How was your week?

Let's begin!

 

Dusting off the Sewing Machine

Hiding in the spare room closet was my sewing machine. It was given to me by my sister-in-law when she graduated to a more sophisticated model. Also in the closet was an old slipcover for an Ikea couch; I have one bedroom of my house set up as a sitting room, with a television, bookcase and a stash of yarn.

The slipcover had some stains and other signs of wear, but I thought the big panel of pristine, pretty fabric that covered the back of the couch could be used for something. Maybe I would recycle it into kitchen curtains, an apron, or a runner for my pine cabinet.

Finally, last weekend, I set up the sewing machine and checked the manual to remind myself how to fill the bobbin. If you have been to my Facebook page lately, you'll already know that I resorted to a online video in order to figure out how to properly insert the bobbin case into the sewing machine. It seems the little arm needs to point upwards and gets a bit huffy in any other position.  It told me so, by tangling and mangling thread. Many times, before I discovered the correct method.

I opted to make two large, envelope style cushion covers with the fabric, to replace very worn ones. Straight seams, nothing fancy, not a button hole or zipper to be found; that's the sort of project I wanted.

While working away, my mind wandered.

I thought about being in school and learning to sew in grades 7 and 8. 

I thought about my mother and how she'd tell people that, when I was a child, she'd have to be very careful about tidying up her sewing because I'd once found a thread and hoped that she was making me a granny gown for Christmas (She did). 

I thought about how Mom took sewing lessons when I was a baby, in order to make clothing for herself and for me and how her teacher told her she did a good job.

I thought about the ruffle on the pink floral nightgown I made in Grade 7 and how my teacher chose it as one of  many items to show at the Frontenac Mall. I remember standing in front of the glass display cabinet with my parents.

I thought about, in my forties, asking my mom if she'd make me a granny gown. When getting the fabric, my father asked, "You're not going to make her just one, are you?" Two were under the tree.

My plans were to complete a simple sewing project. I hadn't anticipated the memories that would arise. Perhaps you find the same sort of thing occurs when you engage in a particular activity.

My fingers remembered how to ease the fabric along under the needle and I enjoyed playing with a little sewing. The quality of  the workmanship is far from perfect, but I like the feeling of accomplishment making two new covers gave me.

What next?

☀Sunlit Sunday: Week 4

There was some sunshine this week and I liked tracking its route throughout my little house. In the afternoon, the bright rays pour into my living and dining room, just the perfect time for knitting a few rows or reading a good book. (Or contemplating the choices regarding replacements for an old water heater; the new tank arrives this Monday.)

For extra coziness, I can curl up under a soft, flannel rag quilt.

Sunshine came in a different form today. One neighbour cleared the fresh snow on the sidewalk in front of my house, so I popped out to thank him. I grabbed my shovel to do the driveway, and another neighbour came over to plow the base of it, where the city trucks deposit the snow as they clear the roads.

There may be grey cloudy skies overhead, but those two people were rays of sunshine to me.

Moving on . . .

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☀Sunlit Sunday: Season 3, Week 3

Welcome to ☀Sunlit Sunday. Twenty-seven bloggers joined in last week; I hope you had the chance to visit many, or all, of them.

Sometimes, finding the bright side of a situation requires a bit of effort. The sun may be shining in the heavens, but grey clouds can mask the full power of its beams.

Even at midday, there wasn't a strong contrast between light and shadow. Everything appeared a bit more muted than usual.

With this exception. 

The local Boys and Girls Club brightens up the lives of many children and has been doing so, as you can see from the sign, for over fifty years.

What "sunlit" find can you share? Everyone is welcome to participate.

(Thank you to those who follow the "My Little Home and Garden" blog and  Facebook page.)