Baby bunnies, 8 days old, eyes just starting to open

This was a surprise, as the internet said to expect their eyes to open at day 10. But only a few opened their eyes. I took lots of pictures today.

New Rhode Island Red hen

A friend had one remaining Rhode Island Red hen in her flock, and gave her to me since chickens don't like to live alone. She integrated into the flock very easily. I have not seen any signs of her being bullied and she hangs out right amongst the other birds.

new Rhode Island Red

Silver Laced Wyandotte

Blue Laced Wyandotte

Blue Cochin (rooster) and Black Australorp

Black Australorp

The Black Australorp has always been the most fearless chicken, but since I nursed her back to health last month, she's almost become a nuisance with how close she gets under my feet. Of course I reward the behavior with extra tidbits for her. She's always been my favorite.

I gave them a fresh bale of straw the other day. I can't believe I used to carefully spread the straw out for them. Now I drop chunks down here and there and let their natural scratching and foraging behavior spread it. I probably could even dispense with the chunks and just leave the whole bale in their pen, and they'd end up spreading it evenly.

Sewing staycation

I took last week off from work and, other than running errands and meeting up with friends a few times, I finally dedicated free time to sewing. I was hoping to make a few garments from scratch, but only ended up with one piece finished. I spent a bunch of time mending and altering, which needed to be done but was much less satisfying.

Fox sun hat that I had burnt by leaving on a lamp bulb:

Pants that had torn at the sides:

Favorite corduroys patched up:

Added lace to cover the boob window and replace the straps on this vintage dress:

Mostly finished these pants from the same personalized pattern I used to make my swan pants, but then realized I'd messed up the seam allowance and they were way to small. It was not a fixable mistake.

 Fixed the issue and made these amazing pants:

...which then split at the butt after one day of wear. noooo

I have interfacing and I will do my best to fix it and reinforce it. And then alter the pattern because apparently my butt has gotten bigger since I made the swan pants.

I also lugged my opera dress to Stitch & Bitch since I need help getting in and out of it, and attempted to affix the skirt to the bodice. This needs to be done as otherwise it slides down my waist and the band shows below the bodice. Sadly I did it incorrectly and then had to undo my stitches, and need to do the entire process over again.

Honestly, I'm disappointed that I don't have more to show for my days off. Crafting brings me SO much joy but the corollary is that I feel bad when I try to set aside time for it and either fail because other things come up (eg errands, dog care), or when I waste time on a project that didn't come out.

Baby bunnies, one week old

I waited to post about them this time, since the last litter of buns all died on their third day. The theory that it was from the bad air quality from nearby fires (further aggravated by 100 degree temperatures) still makes the most sense. This litter of seven is now one week old and going strong!

Two kits are brown, I think agouti. One is a very dark brown that is lightening up. One is black with one white foot (front right). The remaining three are completely black.

Less than 24 hours old (no fur, ears and eyes sealed shut):

2 days old:

3 days old (starting to grow fur):

4 days old:

7 days old (fully furred, saw one response to sound from one kit, much calmer about being held, sniffing my hand when they bump into it):