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.................................................................

A Christmas Place Mat

 Yesterday started out promising and then it clouded up and rained. The high got to 10C. During the night, the temperature rose to 15C only to drop to 11C this morning. Today is supposed to be cloudy with showers and  a high of 11C. 

Lifestyle

My morning started out late as I had to help daughter with an issue. It entailed me doing a couple of hours of research for her. It ended up she had to do what I had told her months ago. She did most of it and I hope she does more as it will help her in the immediate future. 

When that was over, I got the bed stripped and the laundry on. I moved the bedroom furniture and washed the floor. I was surprised at how clean it was so Rosie gets an A on her report card. When I made the bed, I added another blanket to it as I was feeling cold at night. I was a lot warmer last night though it was warmer outside. Tonight will tell the full story. 

I did put the pictures I had been looking at back into the storage tub. I really enjoyed looking at the pictures and it prompted me to do a bit of work on the family tree. The elusive still remain elusive but I did find a few bits of information on some family members. 

Sewing

I decided to work on the Christmas placemat challenge the quilter's guild has for the December meeting. Mine will have flying geese on it which I am calling flying cardinals. I made one mistake when cutting the geese and cursed myself for that. I made another one and carried on. The two sides will have the flying geese on them with a block of the white fabric (snow flakes) at the bottom. 

I spent a lot of time marking, sewing, pressing, and cutting accurately and it paid off. I am pleased with the two rows of flying cardinals. 

I will have to check my diagram for sizes and then cut them out so I can work on it some more. 

Knitting

I did knit 6 rows last night. No picture taken. 

Thoughts

    I was really tired yesterday as I hadn't slept well for a couple of nights. My energy level was rock bottom and I had to push myself to do things. I did have a good night's sleep and didn't wake until 5:20 am. I am hoping this bad spell of sleeping is done and over with. 

    I signed up to take a class in late November. I know have to look for fabric for it. I need 8 different fabrics and a small amount of each. It is going to be a bargello table runner and I am hoping to make 2 of them. I want to do them in Christmas fabrics. I am on the hunt for fabric ideas. I am really leaning towards the fabric I am using for the placemat as there is a lot of them at the quilt shop. 

Today

I have to do the minutes for the community hall meeting. I am going to go out to New Minas and look at fabric. Once home, I will work on the place mat as I want to see how it looks when the top is sewn together. I have to make a couple of meals today also. Tonight I will knit on the afghan. 

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

Going Down Memory Lane

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with lots of wind. The high got to 12C. This morning it is clear, frosty and 2C. Today is supposed to become wet this afternoon and night with a high of 10C. 

Lifestyle

I was late getting started yesterday but I did get the walls in my bedroom washed. I used the mop and went at it. They were dusty which is what I expected. I also washed the floors under the furniture I moved. I am down to washing the floors and cleaning the windows. 

I sat down to rest my SI joint as it was tired but not overly sore. While resting, we had a good power flux which shut down the everything. It was caused by the winds we had all day. 

I was going to sew yesterday afternoon but daughter asked me to go through the pictures looking for a couple she wanted. It was a lot of fun looking at the old pictures. My mom and dad were outdoors people and after they married they use to go to my dad's oldest brother's place in Alberta. Here is his "house" which was a cabin with a shed where guests slept. 

I remember sleeping in that shed as a child. It had no power and was pitch black at night. 

When my parents visited in 1947 or 1948 they were involved with the haying. My mom tried her hand at everything and ended up behind a team of horses on a mowing machine. 

My dad helped out also and had something to do with this piece of equipment that brought in the loose hay. 

I am sure we were involved with the haying when we went to visit my uncle. I do know we were outside all day only going into the cabin for meals. 

While growing up, we use to go on holidays throughout BC. One of our favourite places was outside of Merritt. I didn't realize my parent went there before I was born. Mom and dad took pictures of a small cattle drive in that area which I am assuming was near Nicola Ranch. This picture was taken in 1950 and the road was gravel. 

I spent about 2.5 hours looking at about 200+ pictures. I did find what daughter wanted and will scan them for her. 

Knitting

I knit 4 rows last night. I laid it out on the floor and took a picture of it. 

I am not even half done it but am loving it. It is big enough to keep me warm while knitting. 

Thoughts

    I am really tired right now. I have been sleeping poorly which I hate. I didn't nap yesterday but I haven't slept since before 4 am. Some of it is going to meetings at night and some is stress. None is pain as I have been almost pain free since Monday. 

    Yesterday's wind was really annoying. It kept up all day long and is bringing in a storm and then some cooler weather. Just as long as it doesn't snow. 

    It was a lot of fun going through the pictures from years ago. I was amazed at how often my dad's family visited us when we lived in the Vancouver area. My mom's mother and sister visited us once when we lived there. They had to travel from Nova Scotia whereas my dad's family came from Alberta and Manitoba. I do know they all came by train as we would go to the train station to pick them up. 

Today

I am going to wash my bedroom floor and fold laundry this morning. This afternoon I am going to put away the pictures and start on the placemat. Tonight I want to knit on the afghan. 

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