Making Another Garden Cap (Cadet Cap). 4.8.22

 I made some more adjustments in my cadet cap sewing.  The last caps needed a bit more tightness, so I added a headband, which helped.  I had ordered some more heavier weight interfacing for cap bills.  In error, the interfacing that I received was fusible on both sides.  I didn't think I liked that, but it turned out to make a much better bill.  I has just the right flexibility and stiffness.

I used left over chino trowser fabric as before.  It's both tough and soft and pliable.

The inside is flannel.  The inside top is quilted for scalp protection.

The cap is reversible, if I want the flannel on the outside.  There are no fabric raw edges.

It's comfortable and a perfect fit.

Sometimes I like to save the label from the source fabric, as a kind of logo.

Planting Oregano and Ratibida Seedlings Outside. 8.8.22

The oregano seedlings that I had outdoors during a frost haven't done well.  I think it was too early.  I started a second set after that, which have grown more quickly, and passed the first ones.  Here is a comparison.

Today I planted three of the cells in freshly turned soil.  I also planted the six pack of Ratibida, which I have never grown before.

It may still be too early, but I am hopeful.  Rudbeckia and Echinacea seedlings, planted previously, seem OK.

The First Forsythia Cutting is Rooting. 4.8.22

I noted the first of the forsythia cuttings has grown roots.  As before, the roots are emerging from new growth rather than from the original stem.

I cut the bottoms of the other cuttings, so that the lowest new growth will be under water.    Unfortunately, this one isn't as vigorous as the other variety.  It's more compact, and the flowers are larger and a different shade of yellow.  I'm happy with any that grow.

More and Fresher Four O'Clock Seeds. 4.8.22

 After planting the other Four O'Clock seeds, I looks for the ones I saved last year, and found them.  I also looked back in my notes.  Years ago, my best success was by soaking the seeds overnight, then incubated them on a wetted paper towel in a zipper lock bag.  I tried that this time and noted several seeds had begun to germinate one day later.  So I'll do that with these as well.

Planting Carnation and Statice Starts Outdoors. 4.8.22

 I've never grown carnations or statice here, so I don't know what works.  Carnations seem kind of uncertain.  The ones that I up-potted have survived but are not thriving.

I decided to plant out the first batch that I started in silicone six-packs.  These are looking pretty good.  They have spent a number of full days outdoors, so I'm not concerned about sunburn.  Chill might be a problem.  I kept the other sixpack for more TLC and for comparison.

I also planted the first six pack of statice seedlings.  They are odd looking plants, sort of like dandelions with leprosy.