Crafts And Projects | September

 I didn't do much sewing this month, seeing as how our homeschool is back in session. 

I made some little felt dolls for my children, along with a few different sets of clothes.

I was able to finish the dress that I wrote about in August. I finished it before September started, so technically this is not a September project. I finished it in time for my birthday (September 3rd) so I am calling it my Birthday Dress.

I had to sew a button on to this dress, which you may recognize from July. I couldn't believe that it was missing ANOTHER button! That makes three buttons that I have had to replace on this dress.

I have still been working on the stuffed animal whale eyes. 

This concludes my project report for the month of September. 

I hope all your projects are going well!

See&Sew 6634 By Butterick Shirt Dress Pattern Review

 

Pattern Description:

Very loose-fitting dress five inches below mid-knee has shawl collar, front button opening, front and back gathered into forward shoulder yoke, elbow length rolled sleeves with button and tab trim, patch pockets and side seam pockets.

Pattern Sizing: 

This pattern was available in sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16. Only one size was in my envelope and that is size 16.

Was the pattern easy to follow? This pattern was very easy to follow. It came together quickly. There were no glitches.

Did the dress turn out like the picture? I don't feel like it turned out the way I expected. It is more blousy and baggy than the pictures on the pattern. Perhaps, it is only due to the size. A smaller size may fit better. Or, maybe, the top is baggy on me because I am short. My waist might be higher than the dress is designed for, causing the gathering to fall at a higher point on my body, pushing the blouse up, making it poofy. Anyway, I think my dress turned out a little differently than the picture on the pattern. Let me know what you think.

Did I make any changes to the pattern? I made one change. I put a drawstring in the waist instead of elastic. The pattern called for elastic, but I was afraid that an elastic would not hold up to the weight of the material I used.

I like the adjustability that the drawstring offers.

What material did I use? I used a medium weight twill that was a stretch fabric. I picked the piece of material at a thrift store several years ago. The color is slightly yellow, like butter, with baby blue flowers and spring green leaves scattered over.

I like the sleeves, the covered buttons, and the pockets. It is a very comfortable dress. 

Overall, I am happy with this dress. I am looking forward to wearing it for many years!

September By Henry Beer (Poem)

 

September

September days are here at last,

And soon the summer will be past;

September days are mild and fair,

A touch of fall is in the air.

And nature smiles at every hand

With fruit and corn throughout the land.

Beneath the silken husks we see

The golden corn protruding free.

Wild asters blossom by the way

And goldenrod in rich display.

The cockscomb and the marigold

Through mild September days unfold.

The children back to school will turn

And there life's needed lessons learn.

Out in the orchard there one sees

The ripening fruit in apple trees;

The purple grapes, all clustered sweet,

Are a delicious fruit to eat.

It is on mild September days

Our hearts are filled with thanks and praise

To Him, who gives each month and day,

Whose honor we would seek always.

By Henry Beer

Page 139 in My Garden of Verse 

Bruschetta French Toast, Really?!

 

I know it sounds crazy, but it is delicious!

1 large loaf of Asiago Cheese Bread

3 Eggs, beaten

3/4 cup Milk

8 oz. Mozzarella, shredded 

2 Roma Tomatoes

1/4 fresh Basil Leaves

1 clove Garlic

Cut the loaf of bread into 9 slices.

In a bowl beat together eggs and milk.

Dip the bread into the milk mixture quickly passing it through to coat, but not soak.

In a hot greased skillet cook the "French toast," turning when brown. Sprink cheese on the toast after it is cooked on one side.

Make the bruschetta by dicing the tomatoes, mincing the garlic and basil, and mixing all together.

Top each "French toast" with bruschetta mixture and serve.

Enjoy!

This was so tasty! The Asiago cheese bread really makes this recipe pop. I'm not even sure where you buy this type of bread. I have been given a few loaves. They are large, round loaves with a strong cheese flavor.

Chameleon Art

 

What does Art have to do with a good education? I enjoy the arts, but I tend to think of art as a more frivolous pursuit. A luxury for the affluent. I value more highly the subjects that I associate with production; Reading, Math, Science. These subjects have real practical applications. Skills in these areas keep food on the table, they keep people alive. 

Art has been added to the STEM education acronym for a while now, making it, STEAM education now. STEAM stands for: 

S- science

T- technology 

E- engineering

A- art

M- mathematics

I am coming around to seeing the practical value in learning art. This experience shows my progress:

I saw a really nice picture of a chameleon in a board book that I rented from the library for my 2 year old. I really wanted to try my hand at drawing this chameleon, just for fun.

It was fun, but I really had to slow down and pay attention to details. That is a practical skill that art helps to develop. Observation, noticing differences, and minute details are valuable skills. Paying attention to details saves lives! 

Art also exercises one's creativity. Creativity also has practical applications. Being creative helps develop new products and come up with solutions for problems.

I made some step by step drawing instructions on how to draw a chameleon for my children.

Easy Version 

This is the easy version with obtuse shapes and stick legs. 

Step 1. Is draw a rectangle for the body.

Step 2. Add sideways U shape for the head and a tail. Make your tail spiraled or tapered.

Step 3. Add a hood and stick legs. Make elbows/knees point towards one another. Draw the toes forked like an upsidedown letter Y.

Step 4. Draw the face. Chameleon mouths point down, so, give your chameleon a frown. Draw a sawtooth line of points down the back and down the chin/belly.

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