New Leather Boots

        I had been wanting leather boots for a while; not fancy ones to wear with nice clothes, but tough, durable ones that I can wear every day, with a skirt, with jeans, with anything. Before, I had the choice of nice summer flats or sandals, which I have to be really careful to keep nice, or tennis shoes, which don't go with skirts. I also have to be careful not to mess those up. So, a few months ago, I decided that I needed boots, with winter coming and the rest of my shoes breaking. I procrastinated, though, not knowing what kind I wanted or really even what kinds there were. Just three weeks ago, I started looking online; browsing. I thought about getting equileather ones since they were so much cheaper, but as soon as I looked at the reviews, I decided against them. No one recommended them, and said that their pairs broke within three months (this is on a saddlery website). Yeah, no. I wanted durable boots to trek through mud and climb fences and do farm work in. Those were not the boots for me. I decided to spend the extra money and buy actual leather ones. I think my feet are pretty much done growing, so I got a size that I think will fit me for as long as the boots last - hopefully, a while!
        So they came! After three weeks of anxiously waiting for them to arrive, I have my boots! They are Ladies' Ariat® Heritage III Lace Paddock Boots in Chocolate; you can look on the Dover Saddlery website and see the lovely picture that made me decide on those specific ones. I needed the lace ups, my arches are to high for zippers, and plus, I don't like zippers. They look too modern. Here are the boots on me:

        And a few more pictures (yes, they are scuffed up already; I should have taken pictures when they were right out of the box): 

        Am I pleased? Yes! Definitely. The price wasn't so bad, either. I plan to wear them all of the time. I have already worn them non-stop for three days. Plan on hearing more about them, because I am completely delighted!

Blessings,

Reyna

Bedsheet Nightgown

My grandma had some old bedsheets that had ripped, and she asked me if I wanted them to sew with. I said yes, as they were perfectly clean and only had a couple of threadbare patches I could work around. They were also 100% cotton, which is a huge plus. Cotton fabric in particular is pretty expensive, and as they are older sheets, they are most likely not GMO cotton. I kept them for a few days, and then decided what to make. I used a New Look pattern that I had gotten with my friends a couple of years back and modified it to my liking. I sewed for an afternoon and evening, and came up with this:

 

 

        Nice, isn't it? Yep, I thought so too. In real life, the ruffles aren't so crooked, though. They are actually waved, which was harder than I expected. (Please excuse the mess in the corner; that is my brother's stuff). It is SO soft! Since the fabric has been washed probably a gazillion times, it drapes wonderfully and isn't the slightest bit stiff like cotton from the store.

        If you were wondering exactly what alterations I made to the pattern, here they are:

• I lengthened the bodice pieces by about an inch and a half and used one inch elastic instead of 1/4 inch. A bit more comfortable and better suiting this purpose, I think.
• I did not gather the sleeves in with elastic. They are like wings!

• The ruffles were an addition of mine. I had extra fabric so I made two. The top one, as I said before, is waved, though it wasn't really apparent in the picture. 

        I love this pattern because it is so versatile. I have made six dresses without any alterations, all from the long skirt, and short sleeves with no elastic. They are all with bodice A; B is a lot too low for my liking. Even A is pushing it. I like to wear something over or under so it isn't so low, especially when I am going somewhere. When I am going to bed, though, it doesn't matter. So do you like it?

Blessings,

Reyna

Peaceful Living

        We live in a hectic world - I do at least - and it is nice to step back from all the running to and fro and simply revel in God's creation. I try to make my life as smooth and peaceful as possible because it allows me more time, energy, and desire to glorify Him in all that I do. It doesn't always work, please know. I get caught up in life and passion and my world becomes a whirlwind. 

        This blog most likely will have a bit of both; peace and the opposite, that is, but I hope you enjoy your stay here. Some blogs I read are just so delightful, and I want this one to be as well. Some facts about Reyna Nicole (me): 

        I live in the suburbs. We have a small urban farm - chickens, pigeons, and a goat. Self sustainability and health is what we try for.

        I and a fond lover of music and play the piano. I also sing a bit, though ' very ill indeed '. 

      I have been home schooled since kindergarten and I love it! I am a sophomore in high school now. 

       I enjoy a good period drama every now and then (which means at least every week), mainly BBC. I will do a post on my favorites some other time. I am also a big Lord of the Rings fan; books, movies, and soundtracks.

        I want dearly to write a book, but fail miserably every time I try. And speaking of miserable...

        I LOVE Les Miserables! Don't ever get me started on it. I will never stop.

        We used to ' run to and fro ' as most people do now, but we slowed our life down and have been far more productive than we ever were before. The kind of peace I talk about is not the hippie sort (peace, love, flower power nonsense), but the kind that comes from a good week's hard work and a rest on the sabbath from our normal labors. Like what used to be normal!

        I am a humble bondservant of my Lord Jesus Christ and live to obey Him!

       

Blessings,

Reyna