Plum Time

When I started sewing those skirts in June, I knew I wouldn't have much sewing time in July, but I didn't really remember why.  Now I do.

Plums.  Our plum tree is prolific again this year, and it is keeping me busy.

Scoot and I picked these just this morning.  There are more ripe ones on the tree, and more underfoot.

I've bottled some jam, and a lot of barbecue sauce.  And we've had plum desserts, plum dinners, and plums on the side.

The plums are delicious, but they don't keep well, so I'd better get back to work!

What are you preserving this summer?

Summer Book Trek 2015

More July inspiration!  It's time to join the Summer Book Trek over at New LDS Fiction.  Read books by LDS authors, and win books from more LDS authors!

Unfortunately, I didn't remember this grand event, and went and finished Shannon Hale's Dangerous on June 30, too soon to get credit for the Trek.  But it was too exciting.  You know what I mean.

Still, I've found some further destinations for my own trekking.  I plan to visit:

• Jamaica and the high seas in Becoming Lady Lockwood, by Jennifer Moore
• Alaska in Baked Alaska, by Josi S. Kilpack
• Romania in Silver in the Blood, by Jessica Day George

Where will you trek to this July?

Skirting the Issue

Every July the lovely ladies at Simple Simon & Co encourage sewists around the world to sew and donate skirts for girls in foster care.

I've watched their success for a couple of years now, and thought I ought to participate, but didn't get around to it.  This year I finally managed to contribute, by starting in June.

I chose some purple-based fabric from Grandma O's stash, and sewed up a range of sizes.  I don't have any girls' patterns around here, so I consulted LiEr's handy Skirt Cheat Sheet and size charts from Crafterhours and Project Run and Play to get it right.  With this flowery material I made one skirt in size 6 and two in size 5.

These stripes begged to be horizontal, so I made them into one skirt in size 4 and two in size 3.

 I even inserted hand-embroidered size tags.

I used a ruffler foot for the first time, to sew up this glittery little skirt.  Isn't it perfect for size 2?

I left all seven at the local foster care closet today, and I'm sure I'll never see them again.  I hope they make some little girls feel pretty, whatever their circumstances.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee . . . naked, and clothed thee?
 . . . And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.                                                                                                                   Matthew 25:37-40 

Summer Cookin'

Every summer I graciously allow the boys to share in the pleasure of planning and cooking dinners.  Isn't that generous of me?  Here are a few of their menus so far:

The Caterpillar treated us to bacon-wrapped hot dogs with salsa and sauteed onions and peppers.

D2 slow-cooked red beans and rice.

Scoot baked calzones, after we filled them ourselves.

And this evening, Rollo steamed us some oyako donburi.  Oishii!  They are doing a great job, and, hopefully, learning some useful skills.