Monday's Trip to Block Island

We finally made our long wished for trip to Block Island by plane on Monday. Dave and Gena got the plane and flew a short distance to pick me and my husband up. We then flew into a headwind to Block Island. Because of the wind it took a little longer than planned. We landed and found the airport building closed. Perhaps it was because it was a Monday evening and very little activity was going on. Or it may be that the amount of visitors was down because of the economy. In any case, we were able to get the number to call a cab and went into town. After a nice dinner, we walked around a bit and then headed back to the plane. It was now dark and the airport was more deserted than before. We got into the plane, Gena and I in the back and George in the copilot's seat. When he closed the door hatch, the handle broke off. Now... what to do? We couldn't open the door. If we took off, we weren't sure the door would stay shut. It was fastened on the bottom latch but on top it wasn't quite locked in. Dave said it would be noisy because the air pressure would pull the door out and we would hear a lot of air rushing over the opening. NOT exactly what we wanted to deal with. Not to mention the fact that we would be worrying about the door flying open. In addition to that situation, we wouldn't be able to open the door easily if there was an emergency and we had to exit quickly, like if Dave had to ditch the plane in the water! Yikes! Not a good situation at all! Well, George and his trusty Swiss Army Knife came to the rescue. George used the knife to unlatch the hook on the top latch. He them unscrewed the plate that held the whole mechanism together and figured out how it worked. During this time the batteries in the small flashlight we had were wearing down and the light began getting dimmer and dimmer. Our stress level was getting higher and higher but we all remained very calm through the whole ordeal. George was able to fit an armature that held the door tight and while he had to hold it to keep pressure on it so it wouldn't come out, it held the door tightly closed. We took off with a sigh of relief. The rest of the flight was uneventful. It's always an adventure flying with Dave! Surely one trip we won't easily forget!

Wednesday's Antiquing

Yesterday I went shopping with my sister-in-law, Barbara and daughter, Marie. We all had different interests in the antique stores. Barb was on the lookout for jewelry and could spot a good buy in a minute. Marie liked the kitchen stuff and anything unique and artistic. I am always on the lookout for the fiber arts, depression glass and vintage sewing tools, and of course, aprons. I found some of these yesterday. There is a picture of a beautiful lace jacket I found that was too good to resist, especially at under $25. And it fits and is wearable. I will have to so a little mending and reinforcing of some of the seams, but it is so unique! It would take hours to sew all that braiding together to make something like this. I just had to get it. There is a picture of it modeled on my wooden form.

I also found a book of apron patterns. There are some designs I want to try out. As I said, aprons are a great place to try out interesting designs. And those little "camp napkins" would be good for pockets or blocks in a quilt.

Barbara found a great bracelet and a ring and Marie found a cup carved from buffalo horn. So, we were very happy shoppers as we left for home with our treasures.

Antiquing

I have been inspired lately by some podcasters, to visit some local antique stores. I found a wonderful little sewing machine in one store. I had been keeping an eye out for a Featherweight and this one is similar, only older. I ordered a book that tells all about it and how to maintain it. I thought it might have to be rewired but the wiring looks good. The foot pedal looks almost new and the handle on the case was replaced. Best of all, it works! It came with lots of attachments. I tried out a few and they work very well. All it needed was a little oil and it was good to go.

I also found a wooden form, possibly from a window display, that will be great to hold my creations.

I'm also into aprons. Don't know why exactly. I remember my mother wearing one all the time when I was little. One day my daughter and I were looking at some of the "stuff" my mother has in her basement. We pulled out an old cedar chest to look at. My daughter thought it would be just the right size to fit in her house, since it was a small one. Well, when we opened it, it was full of aprons. As we carefully removed each one, we were surprised to see that most were in good condition. Of course, my mother told us the story about who each one belonged to, either my grandmother or one of my aunts. But some even she didn't remember. Now, my daughter and I were intrigued! She got the chest and I got the aprons! I washed them, hung them up and stood back to admire them. There were work aprons and dressy ones, full length and half, faded and worn and almost brand new ones. I remember my grandmother wearing some of them. I also noticed how aprons have been used to try out lots of design ideas. There were so many different designs and shapes. Then I found The Apron Book by EllyAnne Geisel. That was it! Now I have become interested in finding more, sewing a few and even wearing one. It makes perfect sense! When I'm working around the house my clothes stay cleaner, I have something to wipe my hands on and I have POCKETS. Who doesn't need pockets when working around the house! There is always something you find in one room that needs to be put away in another room. So, you stick it in the apron pocket until you get there. And they are great for holding a few fresh veggies when you are out in the garden. If you need more room, just use your apron as one big pocket.
Well, I bought another apron at the antique store. I couldn't resist! It has such finely sewn applique flowers on it. I don't think I could sew them as well with my machine, let alone by hand. It is light blue with white binding around the edges and is definitely a dressy one, not a work apron. Hard to believe women actually had work aprons and dressy aprons. I am a product of the "Women's Movement" and was influenced by the idea that aprons were a sign of domestic bondage. That is nonsense to many of us today. I think many women are embracing the idea of "Housework". There is much more interest in cooking, sewing and home decorating. Even women who have careers are taking up knitting, crochet and other handcrafts. There seems to be an urge to make things by hand for the family and home. We are becoming more aware of the impact we have on our environment and are trying to make things and recycle items we might have easily discarded in the past. Today, aprons are gaining popularity. I'm really glad more women are beginning to appreciate aprons, whether they wear them or not.

This year's garden

It was a rainy spring this year and the summer hasn't been much better. I DO appreciate the cooler days and low humidity. We have only turned on the AC three or four days so far. The tomatoes aren't too happy about it but the other veggies seem to be doing just fine! I have posted some pictures to show you our bountiful harvest.

Z Farm

Welcome to the Z Farm blog. Here you can follow the goings on of the farm and what's happening in the garden, as well as what creations we are coming up with. You never know what what ideas we come up with unless you check back often. We are a family of creative people who find it hard to sit still. Something is always being made, whether it's a new cooking creation, a sewing project or quilt, art, sculpture or metal work.