It seems I've lost a follower...

to Christ... I kid you not!  It's such a shame.  They were, until recently, Buddhist and wrote a lovely blog of meditations on life, the world, and the little things that count.  I would dip in once every couple of weeks for a top up of calm happiness.  We "spoke" to each other via our blogs and I have enjoyed the first steps of friendship.  I missed the conversion, but when taking my usual dip yesterday suddenly found lots of CAPITAL LETTERS and REDEMPTION and SAVING from prior EVILS - I take this one to heart, Buddhism an evil?!? I think not!  Today it seems, as well, that this newly found Christian faith means that they can no longer relate to me; I have been defollowed.

It is, of course, entirely their decision as to who they follow and read, and I truly wish them well  It is not, either, that I am unhappy about their choice, far from it in fact; I believe that faith is one of the cornerstones of life.  Be it in Buddhism or Christianity or Islam (to name just three); we all search for meaning, we find it where it suits us best.  I have lived in Christian and Islamic observent households and countries and have since chosen a Buddhist path for myself.  I still hold great faith in the tenants of many religions and have great respect for their teachings.  I also believe that our faith can and should change: we are brought up in the faith of our parents, it is then our choice to decide for ourselves.  Equally, people and places and circumstances can lead us to other new paths.  As long as the basic desire is to do good and be at harmony with each other and the planet we all inhabit, how we come to that desire is an ever evolving process. 

I am sad, however, to see in the latest posts an almost manic fervency and damning of everything but their current beliefs; I also find it quite surprising in one who had seemed so calm and at peace before.  And I am saddened when I see someone who suddenly, in embracing one faith, feels that it can not be done in harmony other faiths but, rather, must be done to the exclusion of all others. 

I enjoyed the time that our paths crossed, and as I said, it is a shame that they feel that we no longer have anything to share with each other...

Dad's Christmas Present? Done.

It's a good thing he doesn't even know I blog!  Dad and I have a long tradition of handmade gifts, this year I wanted to add to his collection of bird related handmade gifts and have been wanting a draw a wading bird for ages (it's thanks to all the Moorhens in the pub's pond).  This is a Willet, from the Sandpiper family.

Finishing the 1882 Dinner Jacket

It's done!  All bar the buttons that is... but it's done!  I have one Victorian Dinner Jacket!!

I had a morning off today so decided to get the lining in; I have had a bad time with bagged linings in the past, so I was nervous, but the canvas interlining once again helped by maintaining the shape of the garment far better than usual.  The lining was pinned, right side to right side and then I sewed it in sections, the tails and bottom edge first, the centre edge and neckline second. 

I trimmed all the edges and any long threads and then it was time to turn it inside out.  The instructions are to turn it through the armhole, with all the interlining and boning I couldn't see how this would be possible.  I was expecting a nightmare.

One armhole, ready to turn inside out.

Half turned.

Almost done.

 I was so nervous I changed into my comfy sewing clothes before I started the turnout, but in the end it was all too easy.  The Truly Victorian patterns require a certain amount of faith at times, but they know exactly what they're doing.  They are challenging and inspiring, I am already browsing for my next pattern.

And here it is, on and off Miss G and with apologies for my lovely PJs!

Obviously I need closures and buttons, and maybe some more detailing, but I have a jacket!  It fits like a glove, it is impossibly comfortable and I am very pleased with myself tonight ;o)

I am also tempted to make a tail-less version for those non-Victorian days.

Teaching little miss to sew

The 10yr old and I needed something to take our minds off earlier, so it seemed as good a time as any to start teaching her to sew.  This is her Halloween costume: we're using Simplicity's Costumes for Kids pattern 5042, dress C (pale blue, bottom left hand corner).

We pinned and cut out the pieces earlier in the week; tonight I wanted to at least get the bodice done.  Megs joined us and lent a paw, the three Green girls all sewing together.  There were a few wonky lines, a little unpicking, but we got there and I think that little miss is proud of her efforts.

RIP Dexter

Dexter's joined his brother in the sky; giving someone else the chance to share the same love and joy that they gave to us here.

No matter the size of a creature, sometimes they can truly surprise you with the depth of their soul.  Dexter's brother Gizzy was a character from the first day he came home.  The only guinea I know with a dobe for a best friend!  He died in his sleep a year or so ago and left us with his shadow, Dexter.  We brought Dexter indoors, into the 10yr old's room.  He wasn't happy at first, but over the last year has come into his own and I hope, in the end, thanked us for the intrusion.  Although not such a fan of the dobe's attentions he would let her say hello, he found a friend in Rascal and he would tolerate both inquisitive children and the noisy hamster!  He has, like his brother, craved a place in our hearts.  We were so very lucky, I truly loved my boys.