Sad Days...

     For some reason, I have been unable to create any posts. Hopefully I have it fixed now. It has been a hard month for me, especially after having to lay my grandfather to rest this past week. My family is thankful that his suffering has ended, but it is still hard to lose someone you love. I have always tried to view death in a positive light, the beginning of another cycle, but sometimes it can be hard. Now he stays forever in our hearts through memories. May he rest in peace.

     It has also been a busy month with the engine. My friend had taken over the rebuilding of it, as there was much work done to the case and I am thinking he wanted to make sure it all went together well. Although I was really hoping to do most of it on my own, I appreciate the work he has done and have complete faith in his abilities - that, and he is a total perfectionist. LOL Hoping I haven't driven him too crazy during the times I was there. With the amount of work on the engine, there is no guarantee as to how long it will last, just trying to keep positive thought that all will be well - and if nothing else, I will still have one that is at least serviceable if I need to throw it back in. Lucky for me also - the bus stop is just a few blocks from the house.

     Lately I have been busy trying to prep the car for Winter (yes, still), with patching the heater channels on the list for today. A whopping 60 degrees is expected, so working hard to make that happen. Believe I may be foregoing the earlier plan of fiberglassing them over, for a metal and tar patch that should make it through to next year. Hoping to have the 73 bus up and going by then, so that I have the luxury of stripping down the bug and getting her all straightened out in good order. New floor pans, heating channels, seals, wiring, and paint will be on that list when the time comes. Plenty to do to keep me out of trouble I suppose!

     For the rest of my time - still working on finishing up a few commissions needed for Christmas deliveries, also hoping to be able to knock out another 1560's Italian Renaissance dress that will be needed in mid-January for an event taking place here in KC. Problem is with the mass amount of weight loss, I am needing to start from the bottom (corset and underdresses) and work all the way up the layers. Should be fun, but a great deal of work with all the handsewing involved. Looking forward to the challenge! Here is a shot of the dress I am using for inspiration, along with the fabric that will be used...

Will try and keep up with the posting a bit better, as hopefully this is now remedied. Oh, and here are a few pictures of projects I have been working on, on the side. The blue hat was finished, and I have started spinning new yarn for a knit Viking torque project. Always something going on - some days it is best to keep the ADHD side of me busy!

Blue Ritenour Hat

Icelandic Wool & Silk  with a sample of the finished yarn.

     Hoping this finds all happy and healthy through the holiday season, may you find your hearts desires this Christmas.