Countrygirl Chore Apron...

My goodness, but it's been a windy bugger of a day here today!  And hot too -- 105*.   Once we got past 8:00 a.m. the wind has raged all day long.  It's so frustrating to work with gale force winds when you're trying to hang out the laundry.  On Saturdays, I always try to wash work clothes and bath towels and while I was out trying to pin the clothes to the line, my bag was whipping and ducking around on the line until I finally just took it off and put it down on the grass.  All the while I was thinking, "If I had a clothespin apron, I could do this job in no time with no bouncing clothespin bag to deal with.  So after most of the laundry was done, I went to work at my sewing machine and came up with this number. 

I knew I wanted to repurpose a pair of old jeans for this project as the base.  I used Hubby's jeans since men's jeans always have such good-sized pockets.  I cut the legs off, cut the seat out, and saved the frontside.  As you can see, all I did was to add a large pocket across front, doubling the fabric to make it a more durable pocket.  (I wish I had interfaced one side, but I didn't.)  Then I made two 3 x 45" wide ties and attached them right near the front belt loops and also stitched them along the top of the waistband.  This way I could loop them back through the belt loops after wrapping it around my waist and tie it in front.  I did tack the pocket at the top-center on either side of the fly.  I could have sewn a divider down the middle, but it would have had to start at the zipper and that wouldn't work.  Besides, if the apron is filled with clothespins, it will work just fine.  I added a little bit of cotton lace on the bottom and on the edge of the pockets.  What I love about this apron is that I have the large pocket in front, but also two large jeans pockets as well.  I could put my jackknife and some gum in one pocket and my camera in the other.  This apron would also work for gardening and everyday choring.

 

One more thing about clothesline drying that's been bugging me all summer.  I must get myself the right kind of clothespins.  Last year I picked up some random brand and ever since, I've been frustrated with how un-pinny they are.  They just don't grip like the good ones.  And the good ones, by the way, are Diamond brand. If you're hanging out the wash on the windy prairie, settle for no other brand.  (end of commercial)  Have you ever tried the peg-style clothespins?  I never have.  Maybe they are even better.  No springs flying.  Let me know what you think.

(Ewes)

We worked sheep early this morning and weaned the lambs.  I can hardly believe that they are five months old already and they're as big as their mothers.  We turned the ewes out to the range and left the lambs to graze on the alfalfa field regrowth.  The menfolk set a new water tank in the hay field for them yesterday.  It reminds me of the Good Shepherd leading His flock to green pastures and good water.  Those lambs are going to get so FAT out there.  We will likely sell the wether lambs in three or four weeks, depending on the markets.  It was so wonderful to work with those beautiful woollies again.

(Ewes & Lambs -- can you tell the difference?)

We have a good chance of thunderstorms this evening and tonight.  I'm saying a prayer for rain.  I know there are lots of you who live in states that are in drought like we are.  It's hard.  I'm praying for rain for you too.