"Make Nine," and J-N

I'm kind of torn about internet challenges, which for me are a lot like New Year's resolutions -- wonderful and admirable in theory, but often simply just more than one can manage in the allotted time.  Possibly I am either too ambitious, or too easily distracted (ooh, a new "44 Scotland Street" novel ...), and frankly, I suspect the latter. Be that as it may, I do have a list of things I want to sew this year, and when I came across the 2018 Make Nine project the other day -- I shan't call it a challenge, then -- I thought, "well, I like the 'gentle' part!" and so I hope that seeing my to-do list in this rather fetching nine-patch will keep me focused.

At the top, from left, is Purl Soho's Quilted Vest, because I'm finding those really comfortable in our not-quite-winter, since they are warm but not a coat, and this particular one because I love that collar!; the Circle Tech Pouch, a free pattern from Coats, which will be stocking-stuffers come Christmas; and the Hawthorn dress from Colette, because I've been wanting a really good shirt-dress pattern and hope this is it!

In the middle, Very Shannon's Reversible Sock Knitting Bag, because we all need a pretty bag to carry our current sock knitting in, right?!; and Simplicity 8050, a retro reprint from a year or so ago, because the 1940s patterns seem to suit my figure pretty well (I can't decide which I like better, though, Miss Bias Tape, though probably in a less air-raid-siren color than that, or Miss Many Buttons); and a jewel-box quilt in 1:12 scale.  This particular one is from someone on the Petitpointers list, whose pictures are also on Flickr -- I really like the jewel tones against the white -- though I might practice on something a little simpler.

And at bottom, the Ladies' Edwardian Apron from Sense & Sensibility, because I've had a hankering for this pattern for quite a long time, and other things keep jumping the queue; a new pair of Walking Shorts from So Sew Easy, because my favorite pair has now been mended with a darned hole where I must have splashed some bleach on it at some point in the distant past, and narrow bias tape around the fraying hems, and my other pair, despite being marked as my size is at least four inches too big around the waist, which impresses people who notice it into thinking that I've lost a lot of weight, but really is only annoying because I keep having to hike them up, and the pockets are far too small.  Now that I walk pretty much every weekday, having more than one pair of shorts is pretty important.  I found this free pattern online, and think it will suit my needs -- i.e., comfort and pockets. And lastly, another Very Shannon freebie, the Reversible Box Tote -- because we all need more project bags, right?!

I think it goes without saying that there will be knitting chez Bluestocking this year -- I just don't have any firm plans yet!

I've had a number of ideas for the ABChallenge, and even some photos, but (ironically) was stuck on J.  Then we went to some friends' house for a "soup exchange" and game night, which was a lot of fun.  We brought Bowl of the Wife of Kit Carson for the soup, and for the game a 1970s-era Mille Bornes.  Both are excellent in their respective ways, and it was a cold, rather damp evening, also eminently suitable for both soup and board games, as well as good company.  I had never heard of this game until we played it one night at David's parents' house some years ago, and found that not only is it an amusing family game but it has these wonderful 1950s graphics, very chic, so we have glommed on to the game and played it a number of times since, and David chose it to take with us this time.  When I remembered that the French for "board game" is jeu de société, the evening was complete!

An alligator lizard, very common here in Southern California.  This one was hiding near the garden hose, so I couldn't quite include its tail, which was easily twice again the length of its body!

An old and I'm afraid rather dusty brass engine of my dad's, the 0-4-0 "Mudhen" in HO scale from Ken Kidder.  These particular model engines are not very popular with train enthusiasts as they are rather plain and slow, but I have a great affection for this little Mudhen as when I inherited my dad's collection this was the only one of his dozen or so treasured brass engines that started right up -- after some thirty years! -- and chugged off down the track, merrily as could be asked for.

And a sunrise the other morning --

Comments

[Mary Lou Egan]

Oh, Mille Bornes! I remember playing that. I might have to get one. Projects look doable. Except maybe that 40's dress...soooo many pieces!

[Jeanne]

Typepad HTML Email
I must admit its very satisfying in more ways than one -- to say, coup-fourré!But the dress doesnt have nearly as many pieces as the quilt, and of course they are full-sized!Jeanne

[Toffeeapple]

I have never heard of those games; they seem to have gone out of fashion now but I do recall many evenings, in my youth, spent playing.

I like your ideas for sewing, particularly the Edwardian Pinafore. I have a similar one which I wear when making bread - so old fashioned that it has ric-rack braid on it.

I am very taken with your little locomotive, I do have a fondness for trains.

Have a jolly weekend m'dear.