Working On My Sewing List

 Yesterday was more sunny than cloudy with a high of 2C. This morning it is cloudy and 0C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 7C. We are under a rain warning with rain starting tonight. 

Lifestyle

While breakfast was cooking, I folded the towels and put them away right after I ate. It was good to have that job done so quickly. 

I did the balance sheet next and it went quickly. No mistakes, no issues. I had it all put away in good time. 

My last job was to wipe down all the kitchen counters. They felt dirty and in a couple of spots they were. I didn't go overboard with much more as I start cleaning today. 

I was out to help make dinner for a group at the community hall. I was over mid afternoon and then later on. I got home at 7:30 pm. It was a small dinner with 38 people. 

Sewing

I did sew both in the morning and afternoon. My first job was to put two projects into bins to sew in April. I then pressed two flannel fat quarters and straightened the edges so they were neat and tidy. I hemmed them into doll's blankets. Not a big job but one I needed to do. 

They are now folded and put into the tub with the quilts and other doll blankets. I have 4 done and 9 more to make for the dolls. 

I cut out two more zippered bags before lunch. I also had to find the video that I use to install the zippers. I dug around and used up pieces of interfacing in the stash and only had to cut two pieces from the new interfacing I bought. I got it al on before I went upstairs for lunch. 

I installed the zippers in two stages after lunch. I did struggle a bit as I was relearning how to do the tabs and get those zippers in properly. By 4 pm I had them in and was happy with the results. 

The next step is to attach the lining pieces and then I can finish them in no time flat. These are the last of the bags I am making as I have used up the fabric I had set aside for them. If I have something left over I will make a few more as I have some fabric I can use for linings. 

Once these bags are completed, I have 2 pieces of piping to make and my list will be done. At that point, I will start to make placemats using the left over quilt fabric. I will also have to work on a project for Sewing With Cinnamon. 

Knitting

I did not knit last night. I was too tired to even look at it. 

I looked at my yarn stash totals. I have knit 5 balls (full and part) of yarn which is 319 grams. I am getting close to having knit 1 pound/450 grams of yarn. The socks I am knitting plus 35 grams on the next project will bring me to that amount of yarn gone. 

Thoughts

    I was sore yesterday from the storm coming in tonight. Both my knees and a few muscles hurt and Tylenol didn't help at all. I am still sore this morning but I will have to keep moving like I did yesterday. As soon as the storm comes in, the pain will subside and I will be back to normal. 

    I am starting to think what I want to sew and knit in April, May, and June. Some ideas are emerging. I am struggling with coming up with some ideas of what I want to sew. t is when I am struggling with ideas that I want to get rid of the stash on the shelving unit. Knitting is a bit easier as I am knitting socks and hats at the moment. I Strangely enough, I don't have the urge to get rid of my yarn at the moment.

    I have mentally set up a schedule for cleaning over the next two weeks. I have allowed myself days off when I need to be out getting some things plus a rest day here and there. When the upstairs is done, I will do some cleaning in the basement. Hopefully, it will be warm enough in April that I can clean the garage. 

    I did move the stash shelving unit from the wall and cleaned under it. It wasn't that bad as I had swept under it last week but there was still some fluff and dirt that I got cleaned up. 

Today

I am doing a load of laundry and cleaning the bathroom. If there is any spare time, I will go to the grocery store for a couple of things. This afternoon I want to finish the two bags and look at fabric for piping. Tonight I will knit on the sock and see how much I get done. 

Until the next time....................................................................

Redid Cuffs On Doll's Blouse

 Yesterday it snowed and then was cloudy. The high got to 5C. This morning it is cloudy and -1C (windchill -5C). Today could have flurries with a high of 2C. 

Lifestyle

I was shocked that the flurries which were forecasted turned into a heavy snow storm for 4 hours. We got a good 2" of snow before noon. 

The flakes were huge and wet and fell softly to the ground while I watched out our windows. 

Yesterday morning, I laundered towels and 2 cleaning cloths. I decided to cut back on the detergent, use hot water, and add vinegar as the fabric softener. I used the sanitize cycle on my machine which runs for 2.5 hours. The two cleaning cloths came out white which surprised me. The bathmats look whiter but age is against them. Everything had no smell which I was told to expect. They were softer. I will do this method and add Oxiclean to the washer once or twice a month. I usually wash towels on cold water using cold water detergent and no fabric softener. I use dryer balls instead as I don't like the smell of dryer sheets. 

I was out yesterday afternoon to help set up the community hall for a dinner tonight. Three of us got it done in just over an hour. It included setting up tables and chairs, putting on table cloths, and setting the tables. We also counted out plates for the dinner and pie and got them ready and covered. 

I did shovel the slush out of the driveway. I had done 2 passes before I left so I could see the driveway. Once home I shovelled the mess into the ditch. I enjoyed being outside in the fresh air and it was fun to push the slush down the driveway and hear it hit the water in the ditch. By 5 pm most of the driveway was dry and I was happy. 

Sewing

I sewed in the morning as I knew I was going to be busy in the afternoon. I made the new sleeves and attached them to the sleeves. I took my time and all went well. 

Adding 3/8" to the sleeve was just enough. The blouse is done except for the snaps which I am still waiting for.

I cleaned off the cutting table and put away fabrics I will not be using for a while. I found another UFO and decided to cut it out and do some pinning. 

It is a hooded cape to go with Anika's Nova Scotia plaid dress. I will be bundling it up and putting it away to make in April.  I still have to make 2 doll blankets, 2 pieces of piping, and something for rhythm in Sewing For Cinnamon. I can't do anything extra projects until these are done. I can think but I can't do. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night and the gusset is finished. I am now on the foot part. 

I cannot believe how fast these socks have knit up. The yarn is a delight to knit which is one reason I can knit for longer periods of time and the other reason is I was ready to knit socks once again. 

Thoughts

    Son is going to order me a smart lock that he will install between the house and the garage. If I like it, I will have one installed on the front door. He is to install an app on my phone for them. It is time to upgrade from the cheapest locks to better ones. 

    I am planning the next couple of weeks so I can get the house cleaned. I have to go to Bedford on Wednesday to shop. I want to take the boxes and bags of items to the thrift store and have them out of the house. I need to go to 3 stores and then it will be home. 

Today

I am going to sew this morning as I need to be community hall this afternoon. I don't know if I will knit tonight as it depends on when I get home. 

Until the next time...................................................................

Playing With The Cricut

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 0C (windchill -5C). This morning it is cloudy and -1C (windchill -2C). Today is supposed to be a mix of snow and rain with a high of 7C. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door to shovel snow but what I dealt with was ice. I scraped and chipped part of the driveway, small sidewalk and front step. It was quite the job and I ended up having to salt some spots as the ice would not move using the ice chipper. It wasn't pleasant outside as it was cold and windy. The wind chill was -14C. I was glad to get inside the house and warm up. 

While I warmed up, I got all the ingredients out to make Cheese and Broccoli soup. I prepped all the ingredients and then made the soup. While it simmered, I cleaned up the kitchen and then had a lovely bowl of hot soup for lunch. I have containers in the fridge to enjoy while our weather decides if it is going to be winter or spring. 

Sewing

I took a picture of the sleeve lap/placket on the doll's blouse. It is tiny and I got both of them and they look so nice. 

I decided that I would make the cuffs longer on the doll's sleeves after trying the blouse on 3 other dolls. It was too small on them. I cut the pattern in half, added 3/8" and then trued the top to be smooth. 

I hand sewed the facings down on the doll's blouse and then picked the cuffs off the sleeves. I am ready to start over again. 

Crafting

I decided to fire up the Cricut. I wanted to remember how to use the machine as I have a lot of reindeer candy holders to make. 

My first project was to make daughter's new puppy a Christmas tree ornament. The cutting out was easy as was the weeding. Getting it onto the ornament smoothly is harder. I took my time and worked slowly peeling the initial and name off the transfer paper onto the ornament. I added black gingham ribbon. I am pleased with how it looks. 

Feeling braver and a bit more confident, I decided to cut out some of the reindeer pieces from the craft paper. I had a few issues and wasted a bit of paper. In the end, I got 10 reindeer and a whole pile of antlers cut out. I need to cut out 20 eyes and I can make the first 10. 

If my friend doesn't want them, I will sell them at the craft bazaar in November. 

Knitting

The picture of the socks I showed yesterday were from the day before. This is the picture I should have put up. 

I knit on them last night. I knit the heel flap, turned the heel, picked up the gusset stitches, and knit 5 rounds on the sock. 

Thoughts

    The ice on the driveway did melt and by late afternoon it was clear and dry. There is still frozen snow on the deck but it should be gone sometime today. We are going to have some warmer wetter weather for a few days and then it will cool off again. It is March and the weather can be nasty here this month. 

    It was nice to step away from sewing for a few hours and play with the Cricut. I will be spending more time doing crafts as I do enjoy it. Most of what I will make will be for friends and myself. I know it won't be a lot but it will be some. I also looked at the memory book a tiny bit. I am going to spend some time on it as I need to get it finished and sent. 

    Though I have been keeping the house clean, I am going to start doing extra cleaning over the next two weeks. I need to wash windows on warmer days, vacuum under the couches, and do some mopping where Rosie can't go. It is time and I am looking forward to getting it done once again. 

Today

I am going to sew today until it is time to go out and help set up the hall and peel potatoes for a dinner tomorrow night. I want to knit tonight. 

Until the next time............................................

A Day Out Shopping

 Yesterday was dull and foggy with the temperature dropping all day. It went from 14C at 2 pm to 3C at midnight. This morning there is snow and it is -4C (windchill -10C). Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 1C. 

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law and I went to Dartmouth yesterday. The drive was very foggy with lots of mist in the fog. It was like that until we got home where it was just dull and grey. 

We had a great time shopping. Our first stop was Ikea and we wandered the Market Place for well over an hour. I bought a bath sheet, face cloth, and hand towel in navy blue. I will be getting more of them as I love how they look in the bathroom. I also got a cutting board, zip bags for daughter, a black out window shade for my bedroom, and LED taper candles. We saw some beautiful kitchen items in dark blue and daughter-in-law got an oil bottle and a small jar with a lid. I really want to go back and look again. 

Our next stop was at Old Navy where we looked at the clothes and then it was on to Michaels. I found the fabric section and it was nice to see what they had. Having fabric in Michaels in Canada has been a big surprise for us. 

Some areas were bare and I think they may have sold a lot of solid cottons. I did have a quick look and then got what I needed; paper for a craft project. 

Our last stop was for daughter-in-law to have her osteopathy appointment. I sat in and we had a good visit. Food, baby, fun things we do are always discussed. 

We got home mid afternoon and I was tired. I have not been sleeping well and yesterday I had a mild IBS like attack after being free of them for 4 months. I know what causes them - vitamins that I am supposed to take. 

Sewing

My only sewing was to thread the machine in royal blue and fix a strap on daughter-in-law's bathing suit. It was so dark and dull outside that my room was dull with all the lights on. 

I didn't look at much in the room other than it is a mess and that I need to do some more decluttering and purging in there. It is coming along slowly and I am making some big decisions in there. 

Knitting

I knit on sock #1 last night and I may have the leg finished on it. The yarn is so nice to knit that I do lots in an evening. I don't want to put it down. 

Thoughts

    It was great to head out and shop yesterday. I was very careful about what I bought as I am only getting what I need. Purging and decluttering means not bringing in items that I will just store and not use for a long time. Finding the blind was brilliant and after I hang it, I will add the bubble wrap to the windows for extra protection against the heat. 

    We had over an inch of snow fall last night and it is snowing lightly right now. I will be bundling up and shovelling snow this morning. It won't be a big job as the wind blew a lot of it off. The municipality has salted the roads but it doesn't look like they scraped them. They may come back to do that later on. I am sure anything they roll into our driveways will be pure ice or dripping with salt water. 

Today

I am going to shovel snow early and then make a pot of soup for the next few cooler days. I want to finish up the doll's shirt to the snaps and then do some crafting with my Cricut. I need to make supper. I will knit tonight. 

Until the next time...............................................................

Doll's Shirt Almost Done

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 3C. This morning it is raining and 10C. Today will be wet with a high of 10C. 

Lifestyle

I folded the laundry and put it away. An easy job but one I seem to put off for some unknown reason. A couple of small jobs were done in the kitchen. 

Then it was out to get groceries. It was fairly quiet so I was able to shop without worrying about crowds. All the food items I bought were on sale. I also picked up a new spoon rest. 

Once home, I put everything away. I have a bit of a stock pile that will last me for several months. I am hoping that I won't have to shop for another week. 

I did make myself dinner for last night and tonight. I decided to make chicken, rice, and a vegetable. It was good. 

Sewing

I did a lot of sewing yesterday. I worked on the doll's blouse and got the cuffs sewn before lunch. They were easy to get looking nice as I took my time sewing. 

In the afternoon, I focused on getting the cuffs onto the sleeves. First round I had the cuff on the wrong sleeve. I got that fixed and then got the 2nd cuff on. I did all the hand sewing on them. 

Next up was to do the hem and it was a case of serge the hem and then sew it up. Finally I tackled the gathering at the back. I was worried about that but I took my time and got it done without pulling out my hair. Handling a 1" piece of twill tape and gathering the center back to 3/4" was difficult. I drew blood from a pin when doing it. 

 A close up of the gathering at the back. 

I am a bit worried that the cuffs are going to be too small for the dolls. They do not close on this doll's wrist. I may have to take them off, draft the cuff pattern larger and redo them. I will finish the blouse and then think on it for a couple of days.  I just have to hand sew the front facing in place, add snaps to the front, and sew a button on at the top. 

When I needed a break from the blouse, I did a bit of work prepping a project for April. I took a few minutes here and there to cut some fabric, find a backing, and look at the lace for a ruffle. Once it is cut out, I will put it on the shelf ready to sew. It was what I needed when I was feeling a bit stressed with the blouse. 

When the doll's blouse is done, I am going to cut out the fabric for the next 3 projects. All are easy to make and should take me less than a week to make once they are prepped. 

Crafting

I spent some time getting Cricut up on my laptop and have an ornament ready to cut out. I have everything to make it so will take part of an afternoon and get it done. That will be one more Christmas gift made. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night and love the yarn. It is soft and easy to use. The pattern is also easy to remember. I am just over half done the leg of sock #1. 

I love this yarn and hope to buy more of it when I get more of the yarn in the stash knit down. 

Thoughts

    I measured my windows and I could not get the easy installation system I wanted. The window was 1/8" too wide. I did not place the order. I was disappointed and will now look for wide bubble wrap. 

     I looked at the quilting cottons spread out on 2 shelves on the shelving unit and may tweak how they are piled. I am happy to see all the fabric I have. Several piles are projects I want to make this year and some are waiting for me to get ideas of what I want to make out of them. As I get space on the shelves, I will move fabric around so that I can have the fabric on one shelf. Being able to see what I have has made me less stressed out and I am not digging through the fabric looking and making a mess. 

Today

I am off to Dartmouth with my daughter-in-law for some shopping. She has an osteopathy appointment this afternoon and we will be home after that. I don't think I will be sewing today but will knit tonight. 

Until the next time..........................................................

Working On Reclaiming Projects

 Yesterday was sunny and warm. The high got to 16C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 0C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 7C. 

Lifestyle

I was tired yesterday and had to force myself to move. In the morning I decided to do laundry and it is waiting for me to fold. I packaged the family pack of chicken breasts and then I decided to play with the flower arrangements in the bedrooms. 

I got the pale pink peonies in from the car and cut the stems apart. I worked on my bedroom arrangement first and I am happy with it. 

Later on I found a pink glass dish and put it on the table with the arrangement. When done that, I worked on the arrangement in the spare bedroom. I may have to find one more flower for it in a darker colour. 

The clock was a gift from Montevideo and I haven't put a battery into it yet. 

I looked for 3M picture hangers to hang one picture in my bedroom and found none. I need to get some so I can get my pictures hung up in the bedroom. 

I was basically done doing what I had planned and I wandered around looking for something else to do upstairs. There was nothing to do. I then decided to rest but not nap. I sat for an hour looking at ideas and making a shopping list. I also looked at blinds again for my bedroom as there is a bigger sale on. I need to get the tape measure out and do a proper measure as I can order the blind with a couple of upgrades for the same price as the blind with no upgrades. 

Sewing

I did not start the sewing machine yesterday. I would have made a mistake that would have upset me. I did look at the fabrics on the two shelves and got some inspiration. 

    1. I can make 2 mug rugs and a smaller table runner from a piece of winter fabric. I have everything for that. 

    2. I can see my fabric and when my eyes landed on a piece of navy grunge fabric, I knew I would use it for trim on place mats I have planned. 

My tiredness did lift so I decided to take the bias edging off some wide white eyelet for table runner. I don't know what I did right but the thread came off in one long piece. Two minutes and the job was done. 

I have pressed a bit of the lace and cut the top part off so it is 1/2" above the embroidery. I can gather it and sew it onto the winter table runner. 

I cut the lace I was hand sewing on to the purple cotton/linen blend fabric. I going to make something else from it. I have  left over purple fabric plus some cotton print to use for something fun. 

These two projects will go onto the list for April. I can think about what I want to do with the purple fabric while I am sewing March's projects. 

This week Sewing with Cinnamon is about using a small overall hexagon print fabric and doing a project with it. She gave two ideas; doll's jacket and quilt. I looked for fabric at one of the quilt shops and all they have is a Halloween print in a small hexagon print. I am thinking what I can do for this project using what I have at home. 

Knitting

I finished the toque and I will not be making it again. I do not like how few decrease rows there were at the top. 

I will do another hat pattern I made years ago as I do like it a lot more. It is thick like this one. 

I cast on the first sock using the Green of Wheat yarn. I got 15 rounds knit and love how the colours are working in subtly and how soft the yarn is on my hands. 

I am ready to start the pattern. It is an easy pattern which I haven't knit before. 

Thoughts

    I slept well last night. I was in bed early. I am hoping I beat the time change which had made me very tired yesterday. I wish we didn't have to do time change. With the possibility of 3 provinces not changing time, I am hoping that it will spread across Canada sooner rather than later. 

    The snow has really disappeared with the warm weather we have had the past few days. There has been water running in the ditches and I am sure the ground is soggy. We do have rain and snow in the forecast which means I can't get out to check my yard just yet. I will do a check from the back deck and from the side of the garage. 

    I just sat and figured out what I need to sew this month. I have been doing more purging fabric than sewing. I have several easy projects to make plus one craft project using the Cricut. I am right on track with my knitting. I need to focus on sewing a bit each day to get through all the projects. 

Today

I have to fold laundry and get some groceries that are on sale. I need to make some dinners for the fridge as I am out of meals. I hope to work on the doll's blouse today and get it almost done. I will knit on the socks tonight. A fairly quiet day for me. 

Until the next time...................................................................

A Long Day Out Of The House

 Yesterday was sunny and warm with a high of 15C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 5C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 16C.

Lifestyle

I did a few things before leaving for New Minas. I had to get the vacuum cleaner ready for daughter-in-law which meant putting things into a bag for her. I also did a tiny bit of tidying up. 

At New Minas, I went to Giant Tiger first. I got what was on my list plus a couple of other things. I also picked up a couple of things for daughter-in-law. No extra shopping as I needed to go to Michaels. 

At Micheals I went to see if they had the paper I needed. Not yet so I will look elsewhere. I did buy a bunch of peonies in a pale pink to cut apart for the house. They were on sale for 50% off plus another 10% off for seniors. 

My next stop was Walmart. I spent a lot of time in the store grocery shopping. I got what I needed plus some other items. I did look at a lot of things as I wanted to see what was available. It was past noon when I got out of there. It was time to go home. 

Once home, I got things put away and sat down. I got really tired due to time change and the house was warm and stuffy. I opened a window and didn't close it until 10 pm. 

To stay awake, I went to the local hardware store and got a paint pamphlet and two paint chips. I need to find one more paint chip so I can look for items for daughter's birthday and Christmas presents. When I go back for the last paint chip in her colour, I will get a few blue ones for me. 

I was out to visit my friend after dinner and we had a great visit. I got home late and know I will be tired today. But it was worth it as I feel much better mentally from talking with her about everything and nothing. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday. I did think a lot about the fabric in the stash and what I can sew it into. I also thought about some other projects I want to make which will need me to buy fabric. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night but I did wind the yarn for daughter's socks. 

I am looking forward to knitting with this yarn as it is very soft to the touch. 

Thoughts

    Thank you Carole for the idea of using bubble wrap. I had forgot about that one. I will have to look for some to put on my bedroom window. 

    The snow has really melted. The ditch has water running in it. The 6 ft piles of snow are now about a foot high. Most of the snow will be gone as we are going to get rain starting tomorrow. It is also going to be cooler which is okay. 

Today

I am going to have a quiet day today as I am tired. I have to do laundry and get a few things tidied up in the house. I may work in the sewing room after lunch and will try to knit tonight. I hope I won't nap as I am wanting to get my body in sync with the time change. I have been struggling with that. 

Until the next time................................................................