Hello everyone.
I have been sewing this week. It's part of the 52 Week Sewing Challenge that I joined last week. We were challenged to finish at least one work in progress. This apron laid dormant for a long time. A few weeks before I found the lump which turned out to be breast cancer, I began preparing one of my old worn out aprons to be used as a pattern for a new one with this garden print. I finished it Sunday evening. I used single fold bias tape to trim it with. I've never used single fold before, but I thought why not? There were 4 yards in the package instead of just 3 for double fold. I didn't realize that meant that I would have to iron all four yards in half to make it work. ~smile~ Oh well, it was easy enough, and it saved me $1 because I had to go back and purchase a second package. There wasn't quite enough to finish the neckline. Who would guess an apron would take that much? I've got some left over for another project now. I have leftover fabric, too. Any suggestions for what I should do with it?
I've also been watching some videos about wigs. My hair just isn't growing back well after the chemotherapy. It's very thin, and it's truly bothering me. I find that I don't look like myself when I look in the mirror. I forget about it when I am talking to others, but I may need to do something to add to my self-confidence. Have any of you had experience with wigs or any advice?
My big change this past week was that my husband and I decided to graduate our youngest daughter, Amy, from homeschooling a semester early. This allows her to go to the junior college full time this semester. After we made the decision, I cried for awhile. I started this mothering thing thirty years ago this summer. I never dreamed we'd homeschool, but I've been doing it for a quarter of a century. Crazy, huh? So, now, it's on to redefining Laura. I need to listen to the LORD and determine what my next steps are. Want to go along for the journey? I'm sure I'll write about it here. Have you finished homeschooling or retired? How did you determine what you wanted to do next? Do you have any ideas for me?
Well, do think about writing to me and telling me of your thoughts, ideas, and what you've been up to lately. I love it when you all write to me.
Blessings to you all!
Laura
Good Morning!
ReplyDeleteYour apron is so cute! Maybe make some potholders with the scraps?
I think I know a little of what you mean about redefining yourself now that the homeschooling season of life is over. I have felt like that these last few years, and especially after our miscarriage in October 2018. Since I was 19, I was always expecting or had a newborn at home. 33 seems so young to stop having children but it's been seven years now since Brenna was born and I think it's time I faced facts that I'm probably done. While I've still got years of homeschooling left, that time of bringing new life into the world is a season I'm struggling to let go of.
Love you, friend! Hope you enjoy a relaxing and productive week!
Sarah
Dear Sarah, I had to have a hysterectomy at 38 because of ovarian cysts. I mourned because I wanted another child for quite some time. God bless you dear friend.
DeleteMy Mom has very thin hair along with all of her sisters and a teaspoon of cod liver oil a day for the B vitamins helps her hair grow but she doesn't take it consistently so I cannot tell you how well it work if you did that. It does make her hair get thicker when she is taking it. That is my favorite style of apron because it covers everything!
ReplyDeleteI graduated my youngest 10 years ago and I remember those days of feeling adrift after 23 years of homeschooling. Looking back on it now, I felt like I had to figure it out much more quickly than was good for me. Now I would tell myself that it is okay to take how ever long it takes to settle in. Most changes take a year and for me it felt so weird but good to have all that free time. It is easy to feel guilty and think you should have more to show for the day but don't!
Dear Lana,
DeleteThanks so much for your advice and for sharing your story. I still have hope that my hair will grow back, but it's been two and a half years. I will have to think about it quite awhile because I have to save my money.
Blessings,
Laura
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh sweet friend, my hair grew back thin and sparse--pretty much likes yours. I just deal with it...I have never wore a wig and perhaps I ought too, sigh.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing more news about your daughters new adventure, smiles.
You should only wear a wig if you want to Linda. It's a very personal and individual decision. I watched a very interesting YouTube video by Taz's Wig Closet that talked about things a new wig wearer needed to know about getting started wearing wigs. One of the things is the embarrassment about it and anxiety over what people will think or say. It lead me to just be open about it here on the blog. If you want me to look up the video for you. Please send me an email. laura@harvestlanecottage.com
DeleteBlessings,
Laura
It's hard to let your kids go. I know with my youngest I went into a depression for about 3 months, but it lifted when she came home and destroyed threes bathrooms in a weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my, If it were'nt so awful, I'd laugh at that.Will you remind me your name please?Hugs,Laura
DeleteI really like your new apron, Laura. God will guide your future as you lean on Him for His path for you.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to make an apron for awhile, so your post is an inspiration. May God bless you abundantly.
Why thank you Glenda. I truly appreciate your encouragement. You're right.
DeleteBe blessed!
Laura
First, your apron is just beautiful! As far as your hair, I think you look just fine:-) but will share a funny about perspective. A young lady woke up, went to do her hair, and had only 3 hairs left on her head, 1/2 up 1/2 down today it is. The next morning only 2 hairs~ so she decided on pig tails. The 3rd day only 1 hair left ~ Oh, a pony tail. The 4th day she woke up with no hair left & her comment was "Thank God, I don't have to do my hair today." You are such a dear woman, if someone only sees your hair, they are blind.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed and beautiful day.
I know one thing Lady Locust, it was really nice not having to do my hair for almost 2 years!
DeleteBe blessed,
Laura
I actually cried too when all my girls graduated homeschool and last year when my youngest graduated was a little sad for me for a couple of reasons. First because, my daughter was now an adult. I remember when the girls were in their teens I would lie away at night just dreading them becoming adults because I knew they would no longer need me.
ReplyDeleteSecond, it reminded me of our Santa Barbara Christian Homesteaders group which the local homeschool group and at graduation when a mom completed her homeschool journey, she received a bouquet of flowers. Though I dreaded my last homeschooler graduating, I had been looking forward to that bouquet.
Oh Regina, It is sad a bit isn't it? I never realized how real the need to be needed is to a mom. That's been one of the hardest parts of the kids growing up. When we made it official, I asked my husband, "Who am I now that I'm not a homeschool mom?" He said, "You're Mrs. Lane." I think he's been wanting me back! ~smile~ Be blessed, Laura
DeleteI had an Aunt who was not happy with her hair and wore a wig for ages and it did more damage than not. Her hair broke off more and it became brittle.
ReplyDeleteYou know I went through a life changing event this year as well - and it is very hard to figure out your new role and what is right for you to do. I am still not sure just what I should be doing. I think it is a slow process and we will both figure this out. So proud of your daughter.
I like your apron - very nice.
Blessings
Words of wisdom. Thanks for the warning about your aunt. They now have wig bands that are velvet that protect the bio hair.
DeleteMay God lead you clearly as you follow hard after him dear.
Blessings,
Laura
As far as what to do next with your life, God will guide you. Don't worry about it and just let life unfold. You will be pleasantly surprised.
ReplyDeleteLife doesn't always work out the way we imagine it will but God always has good things in store for us if we stay in HIS will and let HIM guide us.
Sounds like wisdom to me! Thanks!
DeleteMy grandma wore wigs occasionally (I think for the warmth? Or maybe when she didn't want to do her hair?). They didn't damage her hair at all. Some nonprofits will help (provide) wigs to women post-cancer treatment. It might be worth looking into. Flaxeed oil is another thing (make sure ok with your dr) to stimulate hair growth, either taken internally or applied topically.
ReplyDeleteI remember my grandma wearing wigs in the 1970's. She didn't want to do her hair. They didn't damage her hair. Thank you for the advice!
DeleteHave you seen the hair pieces that blend with your natural hair? It goes on kind of like the old school frosting caps, meaning you pull sprigs of your own hair through to secure it. It may be just enough to Boost the thickness until yours grows back in. I hope you enjoy this new stage in your mother life.... it may take a bit to find your groove. Love the apron!
ReplyDeleteYes Penny, I have seen the toppers. I originally thought that would be best, but upon further research, I find that my hair might just be too thin around the edges to secure them well. When I save enough money, I'll probably try both options. Fortunately, there is a wig shop in a nearby town.
DeleteThanks dearie,
Laura
There is a blog called Atypical 60. She has had longtime issue with hair loss. She has many wigs and has posted videos of tips she uses to successfully wear her wigs. She has also mentioned brand names of various wigs she has purchased. Many at extremely reasonable prices. If you look back through her past posts you will see many examples and find a lot of information about wearing wigs.
ReplyDeleteDear Susie, Thanks so much for telling me about Atypical 60. I'll check her blog out. I truly appreciate your support. Truthfully, this issue is why I rarely put my photos on the blog. It's rather embarrassing—especially since blogs are full of beautiful ladies and beautiful homes. ~smile~ Be blessed dearie. Thanks so much for writing to me. Laura
DeleteOh my what a darling apron for a beautiful lady! God bless you dear!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Michelle. I've had that fabric so long I cannot even remember buying it!
DeleteYou may want to check with your insurance or even the American cancer society for help with a wig. I did get one after my first time with chemo and really didn't like the feel on my head. The second time I went without one. I figure people can look and that was their problem if they were uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your advice Cheryl. I got one from cancer society during chemo. My husband and daughter didn't like it. I felt embarrassed because it was so very full and big. I had gone too long without hair to suddenly have '80's hair!
DeleteI hope you're doing well now.
Blessings,
Laura
HOLA HERMANA: SIEMPRE LEO SU BLOG, LLEGUE AQUI A TRAVES DE OTROS BLOG DE DAMAS CRISTIANAS. YO TAMBIEN COSO MIS PROPIOS DELANTALES, ME GUSTAN MUCHO SOBRE TODO CON PECHERA, YA QUE ME PERMITEN CUIDAR LA ROPA Y NO MANCHARLA, TAMBIEN CON GRANDES BOLSILLOS, CUANTAS COSAS PUEDO GUARDAR AHI, LAS PINZAS PARA LA ROPA CUANDO LA CUELGO EN EL TENDEDERO, EL PAÑUELO PARA LIMPIAR LAGRIMAS, CUANDO ENCUENTRO BOTONES O MONEDAS EN EL PISO ECT. SON TAN PRACTICOS. ME ENCANTA LA COSTURA Y ESTOY HACIENDO PROYECTOS PARAS VENDER, PARA AYUDAR EN LA ECONOMIA DE LA CASA, TENEMOS VARIOS NIÑOS Y MI ESPOSO ESTA CASI SIN TRABAJO, SI BIEN YA SOMOS GRANDES ACABO DE CUMPLIR 60 Y MI ESPOSO TIENE 63 AÑOS, HEMOS SIDO BENDECIDOS CON 9 HIJOS, TENEMOS 10 NIETOS Y ADOPTAMOS 3 NIÑOS CON NECESIDADES ESPECIALES, PARECEMOS LOS ABUELOS EN VEZ DE SUPAPA Y MAMA JAJAJAJA, NO ME MOLESTA, DIOS ME HA DADO UN CORAZON PARA LOS HUERFANOS ESPECIALES, EN CASA AHORA TENEMOS 5 HIJOS MAS YO Y MI ESPOSO, LA VIDA NO ES FACIL AQUI, LA ECONOMIA ES UN DESASTRE, PERO SIEMPRE CONFIAMOS EN EL SEÑOR, EL SUPLE TODO LO QUE NOS HACE FALTA, ¿QUE HARIAMOS SIN DIOS? ESTARIAMOS MUERTOS COMO LO ESTA EL MUNDO. ¿NO LE GUSTA USAR PAÑUELOS EN LA CABEZA? QUEDAN MUY LINDOS, VEO MUCHA GENTE CON CANCER QUE LOS USA Y QUEDAN MUY BIEN Y ELEGANTES. BUENO ¿PODRIA PASAR POR MI BLOG? SOY UNA MUJER CRISTIANA QUE AMA AL SEÑOR Y A LA FAMILIA, LEO BLOGS DE HERMANAS EN CRISTO QUE ME ALIENTAN SIEMPRE. ESPSERO QUE PUEDA TRADUCIR EL MENSAJE. BENDICIONES DESDE BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA.
ReplyDeleteDear Ana,
DeleteIt sounds like life is difficult but happy for you. You have a wonderful family. I saw the photos on your blog. Happy birthday! I am so glad that you are a Christian woman who loves the LORD, your husband, and your children including the ones you've adopted.
Bless you!
Laura
Dear Laura, I love the material of your new apron! I have been making fabric coasters and there easy and very useful! I will be doing a post on them next week! Also, it took me a long time to get over having the kids finished with school and now I have the joy of many grandchildren. I remind myself everything is for a season. Also when I was a young girl we all wore wigs it was so fun to have all the different looks and styles. I do think its like glasses or hearing aid you just have to get use to wearing them. I personally think wigs are great! I have a lady friend that has at least two wigs that are about her same hair color and she wears them often, washes and styles them! And she has her own full head of hair, she just enjoys the look they can provide her. I think of you often! Your new home is just beautiful and I am so happy for you!!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Roxy
Dear Roxy, Thank you so much for encouraging me, especially about the wigs. I have hoped and prayed for my hair to grow back, but it is so very thin.
DeleteI heard you have put a video on your blog. I look forward to visiting this weekend. I've just sat down for a quick minute, now I have to get back to the kitchen. Be blessed, Laura
THANK YOU SISTER, YOU ARE VERY SWEET. BLESSINGS AND MORE BLESSINGS FOR YOU.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome. God bless you dearie!
DeleteA good project for left-over fabric, especially now in winter, is microwave bowl cozies. I found a pattern on Pinterest and have enjoyed making them for friends. I don't use a microwave myself but still, they are great for bowls of hot soup (or ice cream in summer). They're fairly easy, using 100% cotton fabric 10 inch squares and 100% cotton thread and 100% cotton batting. So glad to read you're doing well. My husband is currently going through chemo from stage 3 colon cancer. He's doing good. I've prayed for you. Prayer sure helps because God listens and He cares. Love you and your blog.
ReplyDeleteDear KH,
DeleteThank you so much for the bowl cozy suggestion. I made some for my son last year for Christmas. He asked for more this Christmas, but I ran out of time. I was busy knitting socks for my husband. Next week is his birthday. I think that I'm going to make some more. Could you please send me the link to your pattern? I've misplaced mine.
I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. I'm going to pray for him just as soon as I hit send. If you want to talk, just email me at laura@harvestlanecottage.com. Thank you so much for praying for me. God loves you and your husband so much.
Oh, a tip. If he has mouth sores, tell him to ask for Magic Mouthwash. It helps with the pain.
Love to you!
Laura
Father God, I pray right now for KH's husband. Father I thank you that you love him and are caring for him right now. Father I curse cancer in his body in the name of Jesus. Cancer cells die and be removed right now. Healthy cells grow and thrive just as God intended. I ask for your divine intervention LORD. Fight this battle. I ask it all in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
That is my favorite type of apron! I have one of my grandmother's hanging in my kitchen. It looks lovely on you! Jacci
ReplyDeleteI like it. I have never used an apron but many times I've thought about buying or making one. Thanks so much for linking up at #IMadeItMondayLinkParty 21. Pinned.
ReplyDelete