Preparing for Michaelmas

Small Spaces

Small spaces means creative solutions. Lots of celebrations around here, which means lots of lovely house guests. Years in an ashram has made it so that I can only cook for a crowd, so I like it. A lot. I love to feed people and warm their bellies with fresh food. So bring on the crowds!

When the house is filled to the gills, this little nook serves as a make-shift guest room. It is really the couch smack dab in the middle of the living room and major house highway. I hope this little screen provides a bit of privacy. The light in the room was warm and cozy as the dark Autumn rain flowed in musical sheets from the skies. I hope it lulls our guest into a sleepy, foresty dream land.

Unfinished

Time to finish. Ok. Go.

Lots Going On Here

There has been a lot of nesting happening in The Hen House these days. My thrifty nature has dictated every move. In the laundry nook, Manly hung this shelf I found at the Goodwill for $1.99. I altered it a bit with some leftover spray paint and a strip of oil cloth. I thought the oil cloth would make for easy lifting from the shelf and easy cleaning, and it does. The jars are jars I have used for flour or other dry goods over the years. My new favorite storage container is the glass milk jar. I keep a few and take a few back for the $1 bottle refund. I use a powdered laundry detergent which I purchase in bulk or in cardboard boxes, to avoid the dreaded plastic bottle. I use vinegar as a softener and brightener for whites. I also use the baking soda for a bright lift to heavily soiled loads. I wish I could get Borax in bulk. I use it for tons of household cleaning and a bleach replacement. The cute bee container was a Marshalls find. They had a whole line of them. I wish I could have purchased more...Oh well. I have this one. I am able to purchase baking soda in bulk, I just bring my container in to the store for a refill. No waste at all!

All the sewing is the first bit of a new line of Home Goods I am working on this week: Napkins, Tea Towels, Pillows and Bulk Bags, etc. Most of the fabric is re-purposed, but I couldn't resist this Far, Far Away pattern. Rapunzel and The Owl and The Pussy Cat are the two I settled on, but I want them ALL. I always like to put a little hand made detail, like embroidery. What do you think?

Trying to keep my hands busy...