No Toil Nor Labor Fear

I spent the majority of my day yesterday sewing.  Pioneer skirts (4) and aprons (2).
I am not a very skilled seamstress, but I do enjoy a good, simple project such as this.  I should have let Shilo sew her own, like Britta did years ago (time goes by way too fast!):

 (These girls loved a serious "pioneer" pic.  It was a challenge to keep a straight face.)

 (But then they would do something super silly... like dance around with their skirt-diapers.)

(Another attempt at the serious picture.)

But, since Lex opted to reuse/recycle Britt's old garb, I didn't think it would be fair to require Shi to sew her own things.  And besides, I kinda wanted to do it.  I know, bad mothering.  Hogging all the fun.  Passing up the chance to teach a valuable lesson and skill to my daughter.

(Note:  Both Shi and Lex have selected to make a baby quilt for one of their YW value projects.  We have purchased the fabric, and they will start laboring on them soon.  Maybe even next week.  I am excited to help them appreciate this fun and creative skill.  Good mothering redeemed.)

My end result:

All thanks to this little machine.  

I am indebted to it's longevity, durability, and fearlessness.  I hope to someday have a high-quality modern machine, then Pfaff 130 can take a rest, existing solely to bring enjoyment and pleasure as an honored and decorative element in a much appreciated sewing room (however, I will need a few more kids to move out before THAT happens).  Unless mi madre takes it back.  A discussion argument story for another day.

There's more toil and labor lined up for today.

I need to make bonnets.  They intimidate me a bit, especially since I don't have a pattern.  I may try to tackle that project... or not.  Although it certainly sounds more appealing than

weeding the garden (no, we did NOT plant a single solitary seed this year - so it's a complete cesspool of noxiousness)

touch-up painting (almost the WORST possible job, other than...)

painting the basement closets

priming the handrail

painting doors and trim

Bill has been at the LDS Career Workshop the past two days, leaving me to labor alone.  The job hunt is progressing (since I know you're wondering), and there are a few really great possibilities on the horizon.  

In an effort not to jinx them, I will refrain from further comment until possibilities become realities.
Prayers are always, always, always appreciated.