Pumpkins

Fall is in the air.  We've had pretty nice weather so I haven't been too disappointed that summer has finally passed us by.  However, I was a little sad that I had to put on fuzzy socks last week.  

This morning the boys and I went and picked out some pumpkins and a few other things.  We drove by this stand on Sunday and came back today to have a look.

There are all kinds. 

Here are the pumpkins

It's an honor system.  You pick out your squash and then drop in your money.

We came home with a couple of pumpkins and a few other things.  Happy fall everyone!

The Golden Rule

"Special attention should be paid to footwear, because it is the crown of all elegance..."  At least that's what the Golden Rule says.  And I think I am inclined to agree.  

I ordered this pattern book from a friends vintage shop on Etsy.  She introduced this little treasure on her blog some time ago and I've been waiting for her to put it up for sale.  I thought it would be a cool addition to my sewing supplies.

It's full of instructions.  This first couple of pages gives advice on how a women should dress from morning to evening.  Apparently a well-dressed women begins the day in a morning-gown, which creates an impression of charm and good grooming.  Well, then I am most definitely without charm this morning because I'm still in my pajamas.  Maybe I'll try for a morning-gown tomorrow.

It goes on to show some different sewing techniques.  

The back of the book is filled with pattern after pattern for men, women and children.  According to the pictures it looks like it's late 50's early 60's.  Not sure.  I couldn't find a date on it any where.  I think I might actually try and make that apron on the first page.

This book was originally printed in Germany, right around the corner from us.  Interestingly enough the company still produces pattern books today.  I just might have to take a trip down there and see what I can find.  If I ever get to it, I'll be sure to post the picture of my apron.

Thanks again Lisa for such a cool find.  I especially liked Lina's artwork!

Baking

I made cinnamon rolls last week.  And if I may say so, they were pretty good!  My mom gave me a basic bread recipe and commented that they would make nice cinnamon rolls.   So I gave them a try.  I ended up making two pans.  I really could have made three, but at the time I didn't realize how much they would rise.

Pre-risen, pre-coooked cinnamon rolls.  This is the smaller dish.

I already had the bigger dish in the oven.  Poor squished rolls.  Next time I won't cram so many in there.  Even so, not so bad looking.

Finished product.

I covered one pan with the frosting and left the other one plain for David.  For some strange reason he likes his without.  I can't understand it.  Who eats cinnamon rolls without frosting?  That's OK.  More for me!

Annual Pantlifest

Last weekend we had our neighborhood party.  The weather was nice, maybe even a little hot, but we still had a nice time.  

Earlier in the day the kids had a bobby car race.  Adrian was beside himself with excitement.  He rode a bobby car that is about 20 years old.  Needless to say it was a little slower than the newer models.  But he still did great.

Here he is waiting his turn.

 This is the course looking toward the finish line...

 and then back up.   Ryan is at the bottom of the picture with a neighbor friend.

 Here he comes!

He did great!

After this we went down to the buffet area with our pasta salad and apple crisp and had nice time, and as usual, ate too much.  

Until next year Pantlifest.

Check Me Out!

I don't usually make clothes for myself because they end up not fitting or they look really home-made.  But I am proud to say these turned out pretty good.

I found the tutorial for the cardi here.  And then I tried it.  But then I needed a tank top to go under it.  I figured I could try and make that too.  I found a tutorial on how to make a tank top from an old one at this blog. 

Not so bad, right?

My material wasn't as stretchy as my old tank top.  It turned out a bit tighter than I had hoped.  

 I wore my new outfit to church today.  It was kind of fun to wear something I made that didn't look all that bad.

A Little Thrifting.

Yesterday we all went to the Salvation Army.  Our church is re-doing the nursery and I went to scope out anything we could use.  I found a big fat nothing.  But I did run across something for myself.  How's this for a find?

You can't really tell what it is in the picture above.  So I'll tell you.  It's a vinyl cloth.  

It says Benetex on the back.  I looked it up and couldn't find anything about it.  All I found was one german blog that couldn't find much either.  Her blog said that it was made in the 50's and came from Germany somewhere.  If anyone has ever heard of it you are more than welcome to fill me in.

It's a little yellowed in places, but I think I can salvage some parts and make something cute.  I immediately thought of a gift for a teacher.  We'll see what comes of it.

A Zwetschge or Two

We planted a plum tree in front of our house last summer.  I didn't figure it would have any fruit this year, but surprise!  Last week I realized there were at least 4 hanging from its branches.  I prematurely picked two and ate them...not ripe, but still, the satisfaction of planting and growing a tree tasted pretty sweet.  Naturally I didn't think to take a picture before I crammed them in my mouth.  So here's the only proof I could produce.

Yesterday I was outside and discovered some of the last ones disappeared (probably a bird) and there is one lonely piece of fruit left.  I think I'll pick it today, ripe or not, for fear it might not be there tomorrow.