Hand Appliqué Is Successful

 Yesterday was cloudy, windy and damp. The high got to 7C. This morning it is cloudy and 7C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 12C.

Lifestyle

I was out the door to make sandwiches at the hall. I got to make sandwiches and cut them as there was only 3 of us there. We loaded the car and I came home and sat on the heat pad as my SI joint was sore. It is still sore today and I may have to make some changes to how many times I do it and what jobs I do. 

I did fold laundry yesterday morning and put it away. I was glad to have that job done. 

I spent a couple of hours looking at pictures daughter sent me and doing an inventory of what was in the living room. It is put into the Scott's Schedule Inventory spreadsheet. We talked about who gets what, what is excluded, and what items to separate out from general wording as it will be disputed. I now have more pictures and will work on it today. It isn't hard to do and she has been great to give me information when I ask. 

I was out to family's to return mixing bowls and got invited to stay for dinner. It was a simple Friday night dinner -- hot dogs and potato chips. We had a good visit and I left early as they had to go out to the hall for a bit. 

Sewing

I worked on the stocking yesterday. After a small and successful attempt I got one paw pad to turn over a cardboard template nicely. I hand sewed it in place and used a fancy stitch to finish it off.  I had to sew very slowly around the oval to make sure it was in the right place. 

I repeated it for the 2nd paw pad of that size. 

I was so focused on getting the ovals on to the stocking I failed to see one is tipped in a bit. I still have 2 more ovals and the heart shaped piece to add to the paw and it will be ready to sew together. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night to let my arm rest. It is feeling much better when I knit every other night so I may start knitting every night soon. 

Thoughts

    I have been looking at videos to see if I can find one to make a tree skirt for daughter. I have found one I like but I have to figure out the yardage. The pattern is not available at this time. 

    Our weather is to warm up tomorrow and Monday. It will be nice to have sunshine once again. It does help warm the house and it also makes me feel happier than it does when it is cloudy and gloomy. 

    This tree is one I love. It is trimmed so it hangs over the road but it isn't in the way. Most falls it turns a vibrant red which makes it stand out from a distance. It is something small like this that brings some joy every time I see it. 

Today

I am going to do some inventory for daughter, clean the kitchen for movement and do some laundry this morning. This afternoon I want to sew on the stocking and tonight I will knit. A quieter day for me. 

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

Progress On The Stocking

 Yesterday was dull, grey, and wet. The high got to 10C. This morning it is cloudy, windy, and 5C. Today is supposed to cloudy with some showers and 8C. We had a storm named Josephine pass by us yesterday. 

Lifestyle

I was tired yesterday as I had slept poorly. I pushed myself to do things like clean up the kitchen, fold the laundry, put on a load of laundry, and deal with a bit of clutter. 

I was out at 11 am to have the tire fixed on my car. It was the same issue; leaking at the rim. The technician cleaned the rim really well and we hope it is now fixed. No charge as they were at fault. 

Sewing

I did work on the stocking yesterday. I printed out 2 more patterns and made a full stocking so I could cut out the fabric in a single layer. I was tired enough that I went looking for the 2nd full stocking only to realize that I hadn't made it. I did laugh at that. 

I cut out the back and front of the stockings which was easy. I then drew lines using chalk that disappears when you apply heat. I quilted the two pieces using glide thread in the colour Vegas Gold. It was perfect. A subtle contrast that didn't yell at the world. 

I really like how the stocking looks overall. 

I cut out one of the paw pads and glued it to a scrap of fabric that has fusible fleece on it. I set up my machine and did a test run on machine appliquéing it down. I need to do one more where I don't run out of bobbin thread. 

I did take my time and stitch slowly around the whole thing and it is quite nice except at the top where I ran out of bobbin thread. 

Knitting

I did knit 7 rows last night. I had to add a new ball of yarn about 3/4 of the way on the last row. 

Hopefully I will remember to measure it tonight before I start knitting. 

Thoughts

    I know my exhaustion is from not sleeping well which is caused by worrying too much about things. Yesterday I stepped away from it all as people have to do what they think is right. I know what I would do but it isn't always what they would do. 

    I did sleep extraordinarily well last night. I wasn't up once during the night and had plenty of deep sleep. I wish I could sleep like this every night. Unfortunately I don't. 

Today

I am out shortly to make sandwiches at the hall. Once home, I need to fold laundry and start making dinner for two nights. This afternoon I will work on the stocking and see how far I get on it. Tonight I hope to knit. 

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

Ditching The Jeans for A Christmas Stocking

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 13C. This morning it is cloudy and 5C. Today is supposed have rain with a high of 11C.

Lifestyle

My day started out with a few issues. When filling the car with gas I saw that the tire I had fixed was low once again. I drove carefully to the tire shop, had it filled, and made an appointment to have it looked at today. 

I got to the quilt shop a few minutes before the tea party was to begin. I knew all the ladies as we met last month and are guild members. We snooped shop before we went into the tea party. 

We had a great time admiring each other's work, talking about things, and laughing at funny stories. The owner told us there were 125 people voted and it was close. That is great as it shows we all did a great job of our placemats. Once I was done at the quilt shop, I went to Walmart to get a few things and to Winners to return an item. Then it was home. 

Sewing

I put the jeans to one side as I wanted to try out a new technique. My challenge with the Christmas stocking is to use the 10 degree ruler but not do patchwork. One step at a time.  I grabbed some old fat quarters from the stash and cut two of them up. I got 13 pieces cut and sewn together. 

I found only 2 fat quarters that were the same length. The third one was 2" shorter. I found 2 more in another pile at the end of the sewing day. 

What I found out is that you need an odd number of pieces when making a piece of fabric. With 3 fabrics you will need 5 of each to make 15 pieces. With 5 fabrics you will need 3 sets of fabric. 

Next I folded the fabric in half and it isn't square. I'm okay with that. 

I put the pattern piece on the fold and it was perfect.

My next job is 

    to put fusible fleece on the back of the fabric and quilt it.    

    to make two more copies of the pattern. I will tape the pattern together so I can cut it out flat. The third one I will cut out the paw pieces so I can use it when I fuse down the paw pieces to appliqué on. 

    to do a test run of appliquéing pieces onto another fabric so I get the look I want. 

I did buy the fabric for the paw stocking for the contest. 

The 4 fabrics are for the stocking body and I may use only 3 of them. The top dark is for the paw pieces and the cuff. The light is for the lining. I know I will need to find another piece of fabric next week to go with this so my wedges are alternating not only in colour but placement. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night as I let my arm rest. The weight of the afghan is making it sore so I am trying to rest it every couple of nights. 

Thoughts

    Yesterday was fun and I did enjoy myself. The ladies are avid quilters and I'm not. But it is fun to see what they make and talk about in the quilting world. Some of the ladies are very artistic and most are known for something -- the bargello lady, the halloween lady, etc. 

    I am slow this morning as I had to install new firmware so I can import pictures from my phone to my lap top. It took a bit of time for the firmware to work and the I had to do an extra step I found on google to get the first download to work. Upgrading is a painful process sometimes. 

Today

I am going to do some laundry, a bit of housework and then take my car to have the tire fixed. After lunch I will work on the stocking prototype and I want to knit tonight. A quieter though busy day for me. 

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

Doll Jeans Started

 Yesterday started out foggy, then sunny, and then cloudy. The high got to 15C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 2C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 15C. 

Lifestyle

I went down a rabbit hole yesterday morning. I decided to do a few minutes of research on the Spousal Unit's family tree. The person I chose was his great aunt. I started doing her children and then grandchildren. It was interesting as one of her grandchildren married a Doukobor (Russian pacifist group). He was a high school teacher and police officer. I found the research really interesting and wondered if the Spousal Unit knew about them as he did know about this person's brother. 

I did clean the kitchen to within an inch of its life. I scrubbed everything down really well and was pleased with how it looked. I then proceeded to cut up chicken to marinate for dinners and put on chicken to make broth and meat for soup. When done all this, I cleaned the kitchen up once again. And I did it again after I made supper. 

Sewing

I decided to make the Gotz dolls a pair of jeans. I actually cut out the pattern and got the pieces cut out. Another jigsaw puzzle. I had to read the instructions several times to understand what to do. I carefully followed them and got the fronts ready for the fly and fly cover. 

I decided to make the pockets next. You sew the design onto the pocket pieces with the pattern piece on top. You add the backing (right sides together) and sew them together. I like the method but I need to make another set. One line of stitching came out of the pocket when I ripped the paper off. I need to stitch from the cut edge to the cut edge and back stitch. Otherwise the method worked perfectly. 

The top of the pockets is folded down 1/4" twice and top stitched. 

I found out late last night I had won the table runner contest. I was shocked as I thought the one with the maple leaves would have won. 

I said I wasn't going to do the next contest which is a Christmas stocking. The staff want me to take part so I am thinking about it. My big question is do I need to make something no one needs and give it away. And what the heck do I make for a design. 

Knitting

I did knit last night and got 7 rows done. The ball of yarn is almost gone. 

Thoughts

    I am stunned that I won (once again) the contest for the table runner. They probably won't let me compete again (LOL). Thought it was a lot of work and got me frustrated, I am proud of the end result. It is traditional yet modern. 

    The tree behind my house has finally started to change colour. It is a mix of red, and green and should look amazing when it is fully changed. I am hoping it gets to that point this fall. 

Today

I have a couple of small things to do today before I head out to New Minas. I have to attend the tea party and get a few groceries. I may sew if I have time and I will see if I get to knit tonight. It all depends on how I feel once I get home. 

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

Placemat Completed

 Yesterday was sunny until late afternoon when the clouds started to show up. The high got to 13C. This morning it is cloudy, foggy, and 3C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 14C.

Lifestyle

I started the morning out typing the minutes of the hall meeting. No issues there. I just need to reread them and send them off. 

My issues started when I went to print the bank statement. My printer kept saying off line. I was up and down the stairs quite a few times. Each time I took items downstairs and put them away. Each time I looked at the printer it said the firmware needed to be updated. My issue was - I was running out of time as I had to be at the doctor's office at 11 am not noon as I had thought. I got out all my paperwork to do the balance sheet and left. 

I got to the doctor's office at 11 am and there was a small crowd waiting for their flu shots. I waited about 10 minutes and it was my turn. The fun began as the doctor's son said I was "normal". I ask what does that mean. The receptionist said it was because I was 65 I got the normal dose of the flu shot. I said let's try 75. She checked and said oops. And we laughed like crazy. I got the normal dose as the nurse said I had no major health issues. That made my day. 

Once home, I decided to google about the printer. I went down to see if it had the wifi password and it didn't. I entered that. It didn't print. I then googled how to update the firm ware. I did that. The printer printed what I needed. I did the books later in the afternoon. No issues there as it went smoothly. Getting there was the issue. 

Sewing

I sat downstairs and hand sewed the binding onto the placemat. I was done in a couple of hours and I do like the end result. 

I found this picture of another placemat that I like. I may make a couple of them using fabric in the stash. I wouldn't put in the pocket and I would do the piecing up each side or a plain strip of fabric up the right hand side. There are options for this placemat.

Knitting

I did not knit last night. I rested my wrist which flares up after knitting on the afghan. 

Thoughts

    I really have enjoyed the sunshine the past couple of days. It has been so nice to sit in a bright house and feel the warmth of the sun coming through the windows. 

    I have been following the election of municipal governments in the area I lived in when in BC. Ashcroft was just a glance and I knew who would win. The village next to it surprised me. The mayor came in last and his wife just got in as a councillor. There was a huge shift in people's thinking once again in that community. The Alberta referendum was interesting but all the numbers aren't in. The only thing known is that the people voted not to separate from Canada. 

    I didn't have the big reaction to the flu shot like I normally do. My arm is sore at the injection site but I didn't feel tired from it. I am happy that I was able to truck along all afternoon getting things done. 

Today

I am going to clean the kitchen and prep dinner this morning and put away a few things that I have put off. I want to sew this afternoon but am not sure what I will make. It really should be the doll's jeans. Tonight I hope to knit on the afghan. 

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

Nearing The End Of the Placemat

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 8C. This morning it is clear and -1C (windchill -3C). Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 14C.

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law and I headed to Bayers Lake to shop at Costco. I bought a jacket and a pair of leggings. We also got what was needed for sandwiches and a few other things we needed. 

Our next trip was into Halifax to shop at the Wholesale Club. We bought more stuff for sandwiches. Then it was on to Walmart which is beside the Wholesale Club. We split up and did our thing in that massive store. I got a few things I needed and daughter-in-law got what she needed. While getting some sparkling water I saw this pop. We drank the no sugar version while in Uruguay.

It has a very light cherry flavour. When I saw it at the grocery store near the place we stayed in, I bought it. If I ever see it with no sugar I will definitely buy it for a treat. 

We really enjoyed the drive home as it was sunny. The colour of the leaves were intense and gorgeous. I forgot to take pictures. This year has been one of the more vibrant falls I can remember for a few years. We are enjoying it while it lasts. 

I was over to family's to give daughter-in-law her receipts. They were enjoying the warm sunshine coming in their large living room window. I had been enjoying it coming in my house also. It was making our houses cozy and warm. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday afternoon. I stitched in the ditch around 11 red triangles and love how that turned out. I also made the binding and sewed it on. I am ready to hand stitch it down today. 

I have been looking at making some bargello that is different to the pattern we will be making next month. I have found 2 I like and am thinking on both of them. In the mean time, I have a few other things to make before I start learning something new. 

Knitting

I did knit 6 rows last night. The ball of yarn is getting smaller and we are now knitting the light part of the ombre. 

I still have a long way to go but it is now a length that is keeping me warm while I knit. 

Thoughts

    I was amazed that while walking in the stores only my knees got tired from being on cement floors. My SI joint was fine. It was while we were in the last store that I really felt them start to ache. After a rest they were fine. 

    It was so nice to have a full day of sunshine. Though it was chilly when outside I really didn't notice it as I was too busy absorbing the sun's rays. I am looking forward to some more sunny days this week. 

Today

I have to do my balance sheet and the minutes from the hall. Extra time will be spent tidying up my messy areas. I have to be at the doctor's office at noon for my flu shot and once home I will hand sew the binding down on the place mat. Tonight I will knit on the afghan. I know I will feel off tonight due to the flu shot. 

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

Table Runners and A Placemat

 Yesterday started out at 7C and it stayed at that temperature until 10 pm. It was a mix of sun and clouds all day. This morning it is clear and -2C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 8C. We could experience a wind chill today with the wind. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I was to New Minas and really enjoyed the lovely fall colours. I went to Walmart for a few things and then over to the quilt shop. I took pictures of the table runners and admired them. 

The first ones were appliquéd and interesting. 

The next ones were pieced and quilted. I did love the maple leaf one. Very well done. 

And the last one is embroidered and as it was the only one, it won its category. It has little mini lights in it. 

I did snoop around but bought nothing as I don't have a plan in my head for what I want to make for a spring table runner. 

I did stopped at the other quilt shop and found what I wanted for the class in November. The instructor works at the shop and said my choice of fabrics was great. I may be able to make 2 of them. 

Last night I was out to family's for dinner. It was delicious. I got home at 8 pm which is late for me. 

Sewing

I did sew on the placemat yesterday. I made more flying "cardinals" and then cut out the center piece. When it was all sewn together, I quilted the center part and am now stitching in the ditch around the cardinals. I am quite pleased with it. 

I am thinking of making a 2nd one. Who knows how much more I will make using this fabric. 

The fabric I bought for the table runner is from the same line with a couple of extra pieces added to finish up. 

I have enough of it to make two table runners. I wanted more blue in it but there wasn't enough choices in blue. I need to buy more fusible fleece, the backing and binding for it. I am also going to order a 9 degree ruler. 

Knitting

None done last night as I was out later than usual visiting family.

Thoughts

    I did enjoy my time out yesterday. When I left New Minas it was time to go as the traffic in town was getting heavy. The drive home was lovely but when I got into Windsor, the traffic was lined up until you couldn't see the end of it. Thank goodness there is a left turn light where I turn or I'd have been hooped getting home. 

    I have had 2 good night sleeps. No waking up either night. I am hoping that it continues for a few more nights. Maybe adding an extra blanket was the trick. I know I wasn't cold when I woke up this morning. 

Today

I am out to the city this morning with daughter-in-law to get supplies to make sandwiches on Friday. I may do a bit of snoop shopping in Costco for a pair of heavy leggings. If we get home in good time, I will continue quilting the placemat and cut out the binding if I have time. I do have to make dinner tonight and I want to knit on the afghan. 

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