Welcome, down--to--earth readers!

I was pretty thrilled this afternoon to discover that Rhonda Jean, one of my very favourite bloggers, featured some photos of my work room on her lovely Australian simple living blog, down--to--earth. Thank you, Rhonda! And welcome to all of Rhonda's readers who have stopped by for a visit--I hope you find something in the archives (link to the right) that you find interesting. 

This is a funny coincidence, because I just stopped by the computer after spending the afternoon cleaning and organizing the very room featured in the post! :)

Comments

[Nanette]

I'm a Down-to-Earth reader, and enjoyed the peek into your workspace featured there today. I've been having a look at your blog, you have a lot happening, and look like you're moving successfully toward your simple life. Don't get discouraged about the knitting and sewing, it will all fall into place, and the main thing is, you're giving it a go, and not giving up.

Congratulations on the expected new baby, hope you're feeling better soon.

All the best

Nanette from Australia

[Leila]

I love your toys -- you've commented on my blog and I bookmarked your etsy shop -- first grandchild due in December! :)

I enjoyed seeing pictures of your workspace on Down to Earth. I wanted to say that my sewing machine gave me headaches for years until I realized one thing...if your machine has a "needle down" feature this might not be your problem, but if not, try always starting your sewing with the needle DOWN.

Also, make sure it's threaded correctly (according to the manual) to the smallest detail. It really does matter if the thread goes through that last loop.

And oil it and change the needle and blow out the dust!!

Hopefully you will get it working smoothly, because it gives so much satisfaction to sit and sew even one little seam. And you don't have to wait for it to warm up, unlike the oven.

I just love shelves and I love all of yours. Bravo!

[julia]

I'm very excited for you, Laura! All the best with your sewing pursuits..and fulfilling your dream to live in the country one day (my dream also!)

[Mim]

Hello!
I'm a Down to Earth reader.... lovely to see your 'work space' featured today :)
Will take a look around your blog. Good luck with the sewing, I am a new sewer too and have also had some very frutrating (in tears!) moments learning how to use it. One of the first things I sewed was a cape for my 3 year old, he loved it! I used a fleecy material thinking it would keep him warm, but it doesn't 'fly' very well. My son prefers a cape made by Grandma which is made from satin.

She cut out a rather large circle, and then made a cut into the centre and cut a small circle in the middle for his head. Then she sewed a band of material around the edging to stop it fraying, and added extra edging at the neckline for a tie. Hope that gives you some ideas....

[Puffin Hen]

Hello from another Down to Earther! I just wanted to say, good luck with the sewing! Here's a tip from me; if you happen upon an old hand cranked machine while thrifting they are definitely worth the investment (which will probably be more in terms of space than money as they are usually really cheap.) I still get intimidated by my electric machine and have some projects that I can't get right on it no matter what I do (essentially because, like you, I don't really know what I'm doing and don't have anyone near by to ask!) Out comes the trusty old hand machine from Grandma's attic. It does the job every time. Keep on sewing!

[littlegreenvillage]

Hi Laura,
I just found you from Rhonda's blog.
Like you, I live in a townhouse with my little family and am trying to live in a simpler more sustainable way.
I am looking forward to becoming a regular reader!

[Mama Monique]

Hai, thanks for welcoming all the Down to Earth readers. And thank you for letting us peek into your working place.

I hope to visit you again in the future, if you're okay with it? Me and my husband are also trying to live our life more simple. With ups and downs, like many of us I think?

Again thanks for sharing and lovely greats from Holland!

[Sheryl of Providence Acres Farm]

I just came here from Rhonda Jean's blog and I am in southern Ontario too, the Barrie/Innisfil area.

You have a nice blog and congrats on the new baby!

[~~Melissa]

Hello,

I came via Rhonda's blog as well. I noticed your wee potato harvest and wanted to say, I share your pain! I'm also in southwestern Ontario and I swear I got fewer potatoes out of the pots than I put in. I guess it just wasn't the Year of the Potato.

Best wishes and happy sewing,