Greetings Darklings:

September is here with all of its autumnal glory. I’m ready, more than ready! I have been busy, whether that be pressing flowers and herbs, keeping an eye on my growing turnip and carrots, setting my black plush blanket on my bed and raiding Dollarama for halloween goodies. I don’t mean candy. I found a too cool black plush cushion bedecked with a big silvery spiderweb print. It screamed Buy me and I obeyed. It is so me. Of course. I also found a witch doll, a black spiderweb lace tablecloth and a similar table runner. I have plans for the fabric. 

I plan to donate my gothic backpack. It bit the dust. Before I donate it, I salvaged the following items:

• Two substantial black leather belt straps with buckles
• Three Killstar metal logo tabs
• A rectangular Killstar “Rage Realm” plaque
• A large silver pentagram pendant
• Two long, narrow leather pieces with multiple eyelets
• A studded leather strap/belt piece
• A small rectangular leather-backed piece

I am proud of myself for removing those items as well as I did. Now I can allow the old backpack to retire in peace. I ordered a new ultra cool bag from Killstar.

I have a new inspiration for sewing a spooky witchy dress for Samhain. I can’t afford to buy luxe fabrics to make it but why should I? I found my old unused black cotton bedsheet which is a queen size. I also dug out my black spiderweb lace tablecloths and runners. I do not want to spend a ton of money. I plan to make a simple dress using a pattern I already have and have already used. I have saved a ton of money right there. I want to use the Victorian Nightgown Sewing Pattern: Renaissance Chemise Dress. It’s not the Arwen pattern and I just don’t have the budget. I will cut out the pattern tomorrow morning in the crafts room at the library. I ditched my idea of forcing a sleeve to fit into a dress that is a different size now. The body of the dress will be simple yet elegant and the sleeves will make the statement.

I downloaded a spiderweb pattern to embroider onto the upper sleeve cap. I still want to sew arwen sleeves, not the sleeves from the nightgown pattern. I have to be frugal with the amount of fabric I plan to use. I hope this plan works. I do plan to sew the lower sleeves from chiffon, the upper sleeves from velvet or velveteen. I will sew the spiderweb lace onto the lower sleeves, not the spiderweb fabric from dollarama, but the fabric I ordered from Etsy – real fabric. I hope the two different fabrics don’t contrast each other too much. I do think a gathered elastic neckline would look exquisite and far more preferable. 

I am sure I can turn the fabric into a spooky, witchy dress ready for Samhain. I will just have to use persuasion. That is my #1 rule about craft projects: never force it. You get more done when you coax or persuade. Don’t craft when you are angry, or at least allow yourself to slip into that deep meditative state. It works for me every time. The process of creating is meant to be enjoyed, a process of discovery. 

I baked a loaf of herb bread last night. I found out too late that my loaf of herb bread was supposed to be baked in a smaller skillet. I didn’t know but it is still mouth watering delicious. I sprinkled in fresh rosemary and dried oregano, thyme and basil. Oh the bread smells so good and tastes even better. I planted four amethyst funds beans in the pot with my blooming turnip and carrots. I did harvest two beans. I let them dry. The beans were fully dried, which I stored in a dated and labeled envelope. I hope to get to do the same with the new beans. I hope they grow well. 

The weather here lately has been cool and wet. The overcast sky and cooler temperatures tell me that fall is here, not on its way. It Arrived! On the subject of arrivals, my copy of Tales from the Hearth arrived, an anthology my short story is published in. I plan to grab a copy of the latest Wicked Shadow Press anthology soon.

I’ve harvested a few herbs from the bountiful garden in our backyard. Mints, oregano, lemon balm. I want to press a few herbs and use the rest in teas.

I am ready for Fall!

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(