a little loving care

these three wool sweaters serve me well during the winter months...and now i look forward to giving them a rest.  one sweater was given a bath in tepid, mildly soapy water, rinsed and laid out to dry... no need for dry-cleaning.  since i always layer them over a top, washing is not always a necessity.  a fresh lavender sachet was sewn and filled with dried lavender grown in our back yard.  they will be stored in my suitcase along with hats, scarves and gloves, sealed tight from the moths in warmer months to come.

these two pairs of boots are getting tucked away in tissue and boxes on the top shelf...but not before receiving a polish and buff.  i made a leather conditioner from the ingredients i have on hand...beeswax, coconut oil, and almond oil.  i melted 1 part beeswax over a double broiler, added 1 part coconut oil, removed from the heat, and added 3 parts almond oil.  after stirring and letting set up, i had a soft conditioner to rub into the leather with my hand.  i followed this with a quick buff with a cotton rag.  the leather no longer looks thirsty and tired...but vibrant and ready to serve another season (minus those scuff marks).  :)

and finally my trusty wellies received a new-to-them pillowcase to shelter them from dust at the back of the closet.  they might still have some work to do in the garden next month, but they'll have a cozy home to return to now.  

this little collection of pieces are lovely, hardworking classics that stand the test of time.  i treasure the opportunity to care for these workhorses and to pack them away at the end of another cold season.  i thank them for jobs well done.  see you next winter, friends.

love,
jane