Done All The Testing - On To New Things

Yesterday was another cool, windy and sunny day. During the evening the clouds started to come in, the temperature jumped to higher than our daytime high and it is going to be warmer than expected. And showers will prevail. Spring is coming, slowly, but coming. 

Lifestyle

We had to head out after lunch to pick up two books that arrived in the library. It was a quick trip but one I needed as sewing was stressing me out some. 

Health

I have gone back to eating less higher point foods and more 0 point foods this week. The goal is to try to change it up so I continue to loose weight. I have to work hard to meet April's goals. They are attainable if I keep focused on them. 

Sewing

I finished the test outfit. The hat was stressful and I'm not sure why. I'd make it again. In actual fact, I'd make the outfit again as I now have the knowledge to fix up what isn't clear. 

It is really cute all the way around. 

Having spent so many hours sewing, I need to clean up the room before I move ahead on my next list.

• Finish western shirt and list it for sale. 
• Work on sleeve part of the sloper and get a top made. 

Knitting

I finished up the vest yesterday and got pictures taken of it. 

It turned out wonderful and I paired it with the Welsh costume. 

I can see this paired with a kilt and a simple blouse. As it is such a nice pattern, I know I will knit it again down the road. 

I set up grandson's socks back into the round and am ready to start decreasing for the gussets. They look more like a boy's sock rather than a boy's sock with a man's heel. 

I have my scarf to get out again and finish after I have the gussets knit. I need variety in my life. 

Today

I'm off to the city to shop. I'm thinking Bedford with a visit to Fabricville. I will knit on the socks today in hopes of having the gussets done by Sunday night. Then I can get out the scarf to knit on Monday. I usually do a couple of rows on the scarf and a few rows on the sock each evening. Variety. 

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

Nearing the Testing Finish Line

Yesterday was sunny but cool. The wind had a real bite to it. Today is suppose to be sunny and warmer. We can look forward to a few days of warmer weather even if it means rain is in the forecast. 

Lifestyle

With the need for a few things from the grocery store and a visit to the library, we did get out for a bit. Laundry was done and the house was tidied up a bit. 

Health

I was down another 1.2 lbs and was excited about that. March's goals were met and April's have been set. I had my treat night and will be back at it hard again for the next week. 
I am hoping that I can get out and walk a bit each day it is nice. I would like to start off with 20 minutes and increase my time. 

Sewing

I worked on the vest for the test pattern. The instructions were better as were the pictures. I had it done in about 3 hours. 
As I am detail oriented, I put a smaller button on the front as the big ones looked out of proportion. The vest is lined with mint green broadcloth. 

The faux belt is out of the stripe blouse fabric and I did the top stitching in the same shade of green. 

The pleats are really cute on the peplum and add interest to the outfit. 

Knitting

I worked on the vest and am almost finished. Just the neckband rows to finish up, sew it together and put on the buttons. Another pattern done. 
I did block the coatigan pattern and Lily chose to model it for me. 

It's a perfect spring jacket. I am not knitting anything more to go with this jacket as it was the learning curve. I will add a cute dress to go with it and put it into the sell bin. 

Today

I have to sew up the hat for the outfit and give my thoughts on the pattern. Then I'm free to sew what I want for a month. We have to go out and get library books that arrived. Tonight I hope to finish up the vest. I'm hoping that Friday will bring new projects for sewing and knitting. 
Until the next time........................

Part Two of Test Pattern Completed

Yesterday was sunny, cool, and windy. The temperature got to a high of 2C. This morning it was -7C at 6 a.m. and there is a bit of wind. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I did some housework before heading down to the sewing room. We both want warmer weather as there is much to be done outside and in the garage. 

Health

For the past 4 days I've eaten most of my points. I have been careful to watch portion control and have a mix of what is called 0 point foods with higher point foods. I'm doing fine and hope the scales show a loss tonight. 

Sewing

I sewed the skirt for the test pattern yesterday. The instructions are not the best and have to be read at least three times. I know what I will do differently the next time with the waistband. 

The front of the skirt is very simple and the back has 4 wonderful pleats on each side of the center back. 

I also like that the back hem dips down slightly. 

So far, this pattern is a keeper and I will make it again for sale. 

Knitting

Both socks now have the heel flaps done and I'm ready to turn the heel. That will be one short sitting after I reread the pattern for that. 
The test pattern has the back knit and ready to start the shoulder part. I could be done by Monday if I work on it every night for an hour. The designer is working on another pattern at the moment so I'll probably pick it up to knit. 

Today

I need to do a bit of shopping and some laundry. The vest needs to be sewn for the outfit and I hope to get it done today. If not, tomorrow. There is still a hat to be sewn after that. I know some of won't be done today as the time line was very short. The designer has realized that. 
Until the next time.............................

Busy In The Sewing Room

Yesterday the sky cleared and it was sunny, cool, and quite windy. Today it is -6C, so cold, clear, and calm. I'm sure the wind will come up again today. It is suppose to warm up again for the weekend. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit spent a bit of time outside putting the cover back on one of the plugs on the deck. I did the laundry. Not a lot of excitement at our house. 
Elliott moved around the house to get the sun and he perched no the arm of the chair late in the afternoon soaking up the rays. 

When he slid down into the chair beside the Spousal Unit, he was very hot. He loves the sun. 

Health

I have been tracking very carefully this week and eating more of my points. Here's to hoping I have a loss. I'd like to be getting closer to having lost 10% of my body weight which is April's goal. 
I returned the shoes and will be going to look at another pair twice the price. If they fit, I will get them for my inside shoes and my reward for my 20 lb. weight loss.

Sewing

I took a picture of the progression of the sleeves and will be ready to try Take #3 next week. The progression goes from right to left. 

I'm hoping I am close. I have a feeling the sleeves are too long but shortening is the easy part. Getting the cap of the sleeve the right size has been the hardest part. 
Between hemming grandson's pair of pants, I cut out and sewed the blouse on the test pattern. I quite like it. 

I really took my time on the sleeves and they did turn out well. 

Pattern Academy

I spent a bit of time looking at the last video and I am done Pattern Academy. I still have to do the slopers for the skirt and pants but they will come with time. 
I started to watch the videos on selling patterns with Pixie Faire and I'm a bit worried that I am a novice and will be turned down for doing basic patterns. I have looked to see what is offered and what isn't and what is missing are the items I would love to draft. I will see how my skills grow before committing to that. In the meantime, I will enjoy drafting and gaining experience. 

Knitting

I worked on the test vest last night and am almost done the left front. 

I love how the armhole is done with the edge done as a part of the process. The front is also delightful. Though there are a couple of mistakes in the pattern, it is an easy knit. 
I picked up grandson's socks and finished the first heel flap and started on the 2nd sock. 

I'm almost half done this heel flap and should be done in another evening. Then it will be learning (again) how to pick up the stitches along the edge for the gusset. 

Today

The plan is to cut out the suit and start sewing the skirt and then the jacket. I will also work on grandson's 2nd pair of pants so I can do the third pair this weekend. I do have 3 days to hem them in which is nice. 
Until the next time............................

Starting A Test Pattern - Edwardian Walking Suit

The weather has been crazy; wet, sunny, cool and warm. Yesterday the high was 10C, sunny and windy. This morning it is 0C, calm, cloudy and some snow flurries. 

Lifestyle

Elliott had a bad day on Thursday and he finally settled down in the sewing room to sleep. 

He's been back in that spot to sleep while I have been sewing. 
On Saturday, daughter-in-law, grandson and I headed into the city to do some grocery shopping. I returned the runners and I found a pair I like but at twice the price. I'm thinking on them. 
The Spousal Unit is always talking about carrots and how big he wants them to grow. While at one store, I saw these carrots and had to take a picture of them. 

Grandson's hand for a comparison. 

Health

I have been eating well this week and I hope I have a pound off. I ate a prime rib dinner last night that was delicious. I did the meat, daughter-in-law did the vegetables. The home scales say down. That means I have to eat carefully for the next few days so I can show a loss at weigh in. 

Sewing

I'm up to the third sleeve sloper which I need to trace and cut out to sew. I'm hoping I'm really close. I'll get pictures of how I did this. Totally crazy. 
I bought fabric for a test pattern. It is an Edwardian walking suit. I have the blouse ready to cut out on a nice piece of pale green and white diagonally striped cotton. The skirt, jacket, and hat will be in a dark green cotton. 
I have been thinking about doll clothes and have come to this conclusion:

• I will continue to work on the slopers for the Gotz dolls and build patterns for them. I have hopes that I can sell them down the road this winter. 
• I am going to sew up the American Girl and Gotz doll patterns I have and sell them. I'd like to start selling them this fall through Etsy. 

I am going to sew up the western shirts I have the fabric for, post them for sale. I may or may not continue making them. How well they sell will be the key to continue on or stop. 

Knitting

I am knitting on both the test pattern and grandson's socks. When tired of one, I pick up the other. The test pattern has about 30 rows knit and I will be doing another button hole soon. One sock has 8 to 10 rows done on the heel flap. 

Today

I get to sew most of the day. The house is clean and I just have one load of laundry to do. I'm a happy camper to be able to sew most of the day. 
Until the next time..........................

Take 3C on the Bodice Sloper

Yesterday was warm (9C) and sunny. The wind was cold though. It was 2C at 6 a.m. and it is now raining. No complaints as we have had a lovely sunny spell and will get another one again soon.

Lifestyle

We had grandson for a couple of hours yesterday morning. We had to go out to get Elliott food so we stopped at the feed store to visit with Mister, the cat. At the vet's, the cat was a no show as he was probably eating. 
When son got home from his physio session, the men went to the city to watch the new professional soccer team practice. They were home in the afternoon and had a great time in a heated room watching. 
Mid afternoon, we headed out for a drive down the Chester road to find the greenhouse the Spousal Unit wants to look at. He and son will go back for a good look on Sunday afternoon. 
Late in the afternoon, there were 13 kids out playing on our street. Eight of them were out for a walk with the day care provider and the rest were on bikes, scooters and a pogo stick. All had winter coats on with hats or hoods up. It was fun to watch them having fun in the sun. 

Health

I eat carefully and watched portion control much better. That is my main goal for this week. I'd like to meet my other goal so I must be good. 
My 20 lb loss reward was a new pair of shoes. 

I can't get my size, they are too wide, and I am returning them. I will have to look for another pair of shoes for in the house. I'm really disappointed as they are nice shoes. 

Sewing

I did a goodly number of bodice muslins yesterday. I am pretty sure I have used up a meter of fabric with all the muslins I have made to date. The last one is looking good. 

I slid on the first sleeve I drafted and it is looking pretty good. I have lost the pattern (garbage probably) but have an extra one in fabric to use as a sloper. I can start with that and tweak it as I go along. 
I have to test a pattern so I have chosen to do an Edwardian outfit. I hope to get the pattern today and then get the fabric. I have an idea of what I want and need to hit the fabric store. 

Knitting

I looked at grandson's feet and am I ever happy I ripped the socks back to start the heel flap again. I don't think I have to change much in the length I've chosen for them (34 rows vs 32 rows in his previous pair).
I am testing a pattern for a designer that I love to test for. I got the pattern and found the yarn but I don't have enough. So I start again in another yarn. I'm thinking red and pair it with a white shirt I made plus the plaid pleated skirt. I'm happy with the decision and can move forward on it. 
Today
I need to clean up the kitchen and spot clean our bedroom and the bathroom. I will sew on the latest muslin and work on the sleeve until I get the pattern. I will get the fabric either today or tomorrow. 
Until the next time............................

Take #2 of Doll Bodice Sloper

We are coming out of another cool spell with temperatures that are hovering around 0C during the day. Yesterday was the first day it got to 4C and today it is suppose to get to 8C. On the plus side, we have had lots of sunshine. Tomorrow, we get rain. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was bedroom cleaning day. I dusted everything and mopped the floors. It was nice to get it done but it wasn't overly dusty. I am trying to keep ahead of too much dust and fluff. 
I've decided that I will be doing an area a day to keep the house clean. It isn't that hard to do; I just need to focus on it. 

Health

Last night was weigh in and I remained the same as the previous week. My body needed a rest from loosing weight and I'm okay with that. I had my treats last night and am ready to eat properly for the next week. I'm going to tighten up portion control a bit this week as I am getting a bit sloppy with it. 

Sewing

I am coming to the end of Pattern Academy and it's time to turn my attention to slopers for the dolls I own. I watched the video twice on the bodice sloper and then decided to work on my sloper. I call it Take #2. 
The first thing I did was to make sure the back piece was wide enough at the back to fit the doll at the neck. I had quite the mess at one point when I decided to add a dart at the waist line. That worked. 
I cut out the sloper and made it up. I was able to get rid of the back darts and take in the back side seam by 1/8". 

The fit was good and I've left it alone for now. 
Next up, I looked at the armholes. My sloper was incorrect as the front hung over the dolls arm in the front. Corrected that and resewed the lines. 

When I folded up the seam allowance on the front piece, the belly button showed which was my goal. 

Looks good from the side. I walked out of the sewing room at that point as I was tired and ready for a break. I had accomplished my goal for that session. 
Take #3 will be drawn with no seam allowances on the arms, neck, and bottom. I will sew it up and see how I like it. Take #4 will have the arm holes taken in by 1/8". If I am happy with both of these muslins, I will proceed to the sleeves. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night as I needed to rest my brain from everything. 

Today

We have grandson here for the morning so will be going out for a bit after I clean the bathroom. This afternoon, I will work on the sloper for the doll. Tonight I will knit. 
Until the next time.........................

Warmer Weather is Coming

We are coming to the end of another cool spell. The days will be warmer (less than 10C) and the nights will be below 0C. As long as we see the sun, all will be good. 

Lifestyle

On Sunday, we had a great afternoon and evening as family told us about their trip to London. They showed us a video of the street they stayed on, what they did, and bought. It sounds like they had a great time. 
Yesterday we had grandson for the morning. He and I went out to make sandwiches at the hall and then we all went to the feed store. Grandson got to pet the cat named Mister and to visit with a dog. It was a fun time together. It helped him pass the morning away. 

Health

The weight is coming off slowly and I have been happy with my progress. My tops are getting big on me and my jeans are too big. I kept thinking my yoga pants fit the same as they have a lot of stretch to them. Yesterday when I pulled them up, the waistband kept going up my torso. A good sign I am loosing inches. 
Daughter-in-law made Leek and Potato soup for dinner on Sunday night. She used this website. The soup is found under 3 points. Daughter-in-law sautéed the leeks and onions in the butter before she added the flour. It brings out the flavors more. To make it a dinner meal, we had some crisp bacon and cheese on the soup and a bun. 

Sewing

I exhausted myself on the doll sloper yesterday. I put it on Anna and the front fits perfectly in width and length. The back is 1/4" to narrow but the length is perfect. After several hours I realized the armholes are not correct. They need to be trimmed out so I drew the lines on the fabric as to where they must be. The sleeves were a total disaster. They were too big to fit into the armhole and too small around the wrist. I fixed some on the sleeve but it is still too big. That is when I realized that the bodice sloper needed some adjustment in the armhole. While doing all this, I used up all the scraps of yellow broadcloth and had to dig out some blue pieces from the stash. My brain was fried and I had to stop. 

Design Academy

I got the pant slopers cut out and started on the first activity (pleats on the front sloper) and crashed. I was tired from working so hard on the bodice. I quit so I wouldn't make a drastic mistake. 

Knitting

The Coatigan got sewn together and the yarn ends woven in. 

The sleeves are 3/4 length which makes it a spring coat. I have to block it and add pewter buttons to it. 

The fit is good and I've written in what I need to do the next time -- 4 more rows of pattern onto the sleeves and bottom of the jacket. I will be making this again. 
I worked on grandson's socks and am thinking the heel is too big but he will grow into them. I have 7 rows of decreases left to do and then I can do the other sock to that stage. Then the foot of the sock. 

Today

I need to do some housework and then work on the pant sloper activities. I am leaving the bodice alone as I need to think about what to do. My brain is still mushy about what needs to be done other than print of patterns and see how they fit the sleeves to the bodices. I probably will leave it until next week when we do exercises on making slopers ourselves. 
Until the next time................................

The Great British Sewing Bee

Friday was a lovely day until late afternoon when the rain started. Yesterday was nice and warm but not overly sunny. Today is cool and sunny. We are certainly having a variety of weather. 

Lifestyle

We have been busy watching the snow melt. It is going nicely in our yard except where we shoveled it up into a big pile and is in the shade most of the day. We will give up watching that as the next 3 days are cool with little chance of thawing in my mind. 

Health

I am thinking of how to change up what I'm doing in meals. I am going to try less for dinner and a bit more for lunch. Though the scales say I am loosing, my body may need a bit of a change to keep the weight coming off. 

Sewing

I have been quietly watching the Great British Sewing Bee (Season 5). It has been a fun watch of which I have noticed several things this time around. At the end of this latest episode I came to these conclusions. The man who is left is a good sewer with a creative mind but I find he has a bit of an attitude. I don't dislike him but it's the first time I've seen that. His sewing ranges from awesome to not so awesome. One of the ladies is quite competitive in a very quiet way. She is very focused and does well in most of the tasks. The two other women go between doing well and not quite so well. It could be a close finish in the next two weeks. I watch it on Reddit and found it by googling Reddit and the Great British Sewing Bee Season 5. 
I drew up the top for this outfit for the AG doll. It won't take long to do it for the Gotz dolls. I made it short as in this picture.

Once I have it tweaked to what I like for a good fit, I will redo it with a longer length skirt. I know between the slashes will have to be wider to fit over the hips. I am really looking forward to getting this sewn up and the fit correct. 
Here is another cute dress idea that I can work on. I love the fabric choices which may be why I am in love with the dress. 

Pattern Academy

I finished up waistbands and facing plus pockets. I need lots of practice on these but it will come with practice. Next up is the pants sloper. I will have to draw a pants sloper for the Gotz dolls. I'm hoping it won't be too hard. 

Knitting

I finished the Coatigan last night. I had about 20" of yarn left over from the first skein. The second skein will be used to make the messy bun hat and a pair of boots. What is remaining will be used to knit another outfit and I will also use a skein of the natural colored yarn. It will end up being a complete outfit. 

Today

Housework and, if time, a bit of pattern work. We head over to the family for dinner and to hear about their trip to London. 
Until the next time.............................

Design Ideas

Yesterday was another sunny warm day. The high got to 9C and this morning it was 0C. Today is going to be warm with rain later this afternoon. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I was at our son's so the housecleaners could get in. It was a relaxing time watching TV with no one around me in the basement. 
After lunch, we headed to the library and then got the car washed. I need to clean it along the bottom of the sides as it didn't come right clean. It was very dirty and the spray just didn't get it all off. 

Health

We have been tired lately. Wake up tired, tired all day, and go to bed tired. Our house has been to warm day and night even with the heat turned down. I'm coming up with a plan to help cool the house off. It will include opening windows in the afternoon. 
I have been eating within my points and set a mini goal for the rest of March. It's tiny -- 1 lb for the rest of the month. Once my course work is done, I want to add some walking on nice days. 

Sewing

I've been looking at doll clothes with the idea of designing and sewing a fun top for the dolls. Today I saw what I had drawn up in Design Academy. 

I'm now going to change it up and make either a flared skirt or a peplum skirt. I don't want gathers as it has already been used by this designer. 
I love this idea also. I'm really thinking about how I can design this for the dolls. 

Pattern Academy

I did a couple of hours on skirts and got the yoke, tulip, and peplum skirt alterations. The skirt alterations are making me look more carefully at ideas for the dolls hence the above pictures. 
Next up on skirts is the tier skirt and I really am looking forward to that. I have this idea that I designed and had no idea how to go about getting the gathers right. I did figure out how to cut the fabric though. 

There is also the flared wrap skirt and it's on to pockets, waistbands and pants. Week 4 is wrap up so I have 15 days to finish the course in. 

Knitting

While at son's house, I knit on grandson's socks and got a good 12 rounds knit. I had to spend some time counting as I thought I had an uneven number of stitches when I needed an even number. All was fine. 
In the evening, I knit on the coat for the dolls. I have about 8 more rows to knit before I add the sleeves. I still have yarn left; not enough to finish. The extra yarn from the second skein will make the hat, boots, and scarf for the dolls and maybe mitts as there is a pattern out there. 
I found another sweater pattern I'd love to try. I am going to try it in a 3 month size using a finer yarn and smaller needles. I have yarn to spare to try this one out. 

Today

I have some housework to do, skirt patterns to work on and we leave this afternoon to pick up our family at the airport. Their 7 day holiday in London, England is over and we can't wait to hear about their experiences. 
Until the next time..........................

Another Lovely Early Spring Day

Yesterday was a gorgeous sunny day with a high of 6C. It was -6C this morning but the sun is shining for another warm day. Tomorrow it is suppose to rain.

Lifestyle

With the sun shining, we both stood outside on the deck and absorbed the sunshine for a good 5 minutes. The Spousal Unit then shoveled the deck and by dinner time it was dry. He's talking about putting a chair out there to sit on and soak up the sun's rays. We are happy that spring is arriving after a cold winter. 

Health

I lost .4 lb yesterday giving me a 20 lb loss. After loosing 12.8 lbs since the beginning of January, it was time for a small loss. I took it as the scale is going downwards and I met my mini goal. Next goal will be set today though I doubt if I will meet it until April. I need to break it down into 2 or 3 smaller mini goals. 

Sewing

I didn't sew again because I want to get my machine serviced and I was working on a sleeve sloper for the Gotz dolls. I used several sleeve patterns to get what I wanted and it is now ready to test. 

With what I have learned, I can now adjust the sleeve pattern so it will fit both the doll and bodice sloper. I'm doing part of Week 4 while doing Week 3. 
I have gone back and looked at what I designed in Design Academy. I know it is simple compared to what I know now but I am going to continue on with it. 

What is more exciting is how I can expand it. I found a fabric that blend in well with the colors I chose. 

I added some blue butter suede for a jacket. And I found some lovely yarn for a knit coat. See the yellow fabric (muslin broadcloth) at the top. I'm thinking a lovely eyelet dress and a yellow knit sweater. The possibilities are great as the dress can have princess seams and a flared skirt. 

Design Academy

Yesterday I did 4 of the skirt alternations. I am learning a lot and can see possibilities for down the road. The one example is the eyelet dress I talked about above. The flared skirt would be fun to draft and make for both the Gotz and AG dolls. 
I will have to purchase digitizing software so I can get professional patterns printed. For now, I am going to just draw them out by hand. It works for me, not for sharing or selling. Another learning curve. 

Knitting

I was able to find more of the Burgundy yarn and it will be here Friday or Monday. So, I continue knitting on the Coatigan. I will have to plan an outfit around it. 
A lady gave me the name of a yarn shop in Mahone Bay (45 minute drive from here) and they carry SugarBush yarn. It is the blue skein of yarn in the above picture above the white sandals. It comes in a lovely yellow shade that I would love to buy. I could do the lacy coat out of it.

The coat fits the Gotz dolls perfectly and I can knit it one size up for the AG dolls. Dreaming away with all my ideas. 

Today

I'm over to the family's house to let in the cleaners and out to the library this afternoon. Any time left over will be for Pattern Academy. This evening, I will knit on grandson's socks as I'm sure I will be out of yarn for the doll's coat. 
Until the next time...............................

A Day of Exploring In The Sunshine

Monday's high got to 9C and the sun shone for most of the day. The low Tuesday morning was -1C which was warmer than expected. The day was sunny and we had a high of 4C. This morning is -4C and clear. We are to have a clear and sunny day. 

Lifestyle

As the weather was so glorious yesterday, the Spousal Unit and I went for 2 drives. The first was to Wolfville to see if they had the yarn I need to finish a project. Alas, they don't. We did enjoy the drive though going the back way.
In the afternoon we headed down the Windsor backroad towards Chester and then came back to the road to Falmouth. We came home through Falmouth and the town of Windsor. We had done that route when we were either visiting or almost a year ago. 

Health

I was tired last evening. I think the change of time finally got to me. I was hungry, sleepy, and out of sorts. I didn't over eat as I monitored that carefully. 
My knees and hip are not as painful as they were. In actual fact, I'm almost pain free. Is it because spring is coming, my weight loss taking lots of pressure of the joints or my thyroid has quit attacking my body? Who knows but I will take pain free. 

Sewing

It was my day off from course work so I only went into the sewing room for a few minutes. I did absolutely nothing down there. It felt good to take a day off from everything. 
On Monday, I did the unit on sleeves. My laugh came at the end of the exercises. At the beginning we did a gathering exercise which I enjoyed. 

I kept thinking gathering ratios for skirts. When we got to the last gathered sleeve, they mentioned to look at the gathering ratios for gathering sleeves. Now I have something else to think about when manipulating sleeve slopers. 

Knitting

I picked up my knitting and worked on the Coatigan for the dolls. I finished up the sleeves and love how they look. The yarn is luscious and darker in color than this picture. 

I also knit the pocket backs and cast on the coat. I knit on it until I got tired that I was afraid I would make a mistake. 

The color is better in this picture and you can see where I added the pocket linings. I'm now ready to knit up the front to adding the sleeves. I won't have enough yarn but I will order some today. 
While at the wool shop in Wolfville, I found these two 25 gram skeins of yarn. 

There was only one of each as the others sold out quickly. They are to make short sleeved sweaters with. I want to pair them with chambray skirts or pants and jacket. Or twill. Both would look great with navy or white. 

Today

I have to go back and get a few items of groceries that I had forgotten when I did some grocery shopping yesterday. I want to get my doll fabric back into ship shape as I have it in the family room and kind of spread around. I also need to start on Week 3 early as I have to hem grandson's pants next week. It will be fun to learn about skirts and pants. Tonight is weigh in and I'm hoping for a small loss. The scales have dropped so here's to hoping. 
Until the next time..............................

Sloper Round Two

Yesterday was a lovely sunny day with a high of 3C. Late in the afternoon, clouds came in and we were to get snow during the night. Instead, we woke up to gusting winds, rain, and 5C. Totally unexpected. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday afternoon, the Spousal Unit and I went for a short drive. We got the neighbors a treat for clearing our driveway. They love Timbits. It was so nice to drive in the sunshine and be out of the house. 

Health

After much thought and determination, the scales were down this morning. I am eating carefully and tracking everything. If all goes well, I will meet my 2nd mini goal for March this week. My 3rd mini goal may not be met until April. I'd have to have 3 great weigh-ins to get to my last mini goal. It's a goal I really want to reach and I could get a charm for meeting another goal I hadn't thought too much about. Amazing that 2 goals met at one weight. 

Sewing

I did a second try at the sloper for the dolls. I had out several patterns to look at and then I started to draw using what I had learn in the first try. I got a sloper I do like. 

I ended up cutting out two fronts to get this look. It is too short but that was an easy fix. I had to trim some off the armholes and fix up my pattern. 

When I go to draft the sleeve, I will add seam allowances to the armhole and the neck to make sure. I won't be doing that this week. We learn how to do this in Week 4 of the class but I needed to do it now as it was tickling my brain so much I wasn't focusing on the course. 
This week, I need to clean the sewing room and work on the western shirt. It is calling to be completed. 

Pattern Academy

Yesterday I worked on bodice fullness and that was exciting. We mainly focused on pleats in the bodice as a whole and then on a curved yoke. I still have a lot to learn about pleats but I'm learning. After doing pleats last year in the Edwardian sew along, I thought I had mastered pleats. I did as long as someone else had done the magic. Now I need to learn how to do the magic. 
Collars were the next thing I worked on. I enjoyed drafting all of them. It is amazing how they come together when you least expect a collar to do that. 

Knitting

I am finding that I am tired at night and don't feel like picking up my needles. The course takes a lot of my energy leaving me brain tired. I will get back to it. 

Today

House work, then course work. I have gathers to do and sleeves to draw and alter. Maybe tonight I can knit a few rows. 
Until the next time..............................

Making A Sloper

Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 1C. This morning it is -15C. It is suppose to be 2C, sunny and then snow tonight. Then they are forecasting warmer weather. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday we headed out to the library, had a short drive in the sunshine and then I headed downstairs into the sewing room. I emerged and cooked a roast beef dinner. It was yummy. 

Health

My weight is doing the same thing is always does; stay the same during the week. I eat the same each day so am going to have to change it up some. 
We've both been tired in the afternoons and evenings. I think it has to do with the weather and not being outside a lot. We both keep thinking of spring and warmer temperatures. 
I got a top out of the closet that I haven't worn in 2.5 years and it fits. A bit snug but it will keep me focused to get it fitting looser. It's an Old Navy fitness wear top and fitted. 

Sewing

In the morning, I worked on a sloper for the Happy Kidz dolls. I reduced the American girl sloper to 90% as suggested by a friend. I lengthened the back and front and added seam allowances to the shoulder and side seams. I sewed it together for the first fitting. 

From the front it looks good but when I looked at the side, the arm hole was too low down.

It needed to come up 1/4". I started by pulling the shoulder up 1/4" and it fit much better in the arm. 

I sewed it in place and it is too short but that is fixable. 

But there is a bit of an issue in the front. Thinking time 101. 

I also think the shoulder seam is a bit too far forward. 

Back to ripping out the seams and resewing at the original seam allowances and marking where I need to raise the side seam closer to the underarm. From there I will draw it onto a new sloper and start again. I am enjoying the learning curve this is giving me. It is the same as making a sloper for a person. 

Pattern Academy

In the afternoon, I did 4 different necklines, how to do facings and adding a placket to the front or back of the bodice. 

Knitting

The second sleeve is cast on and 4 rows done. I didn't knit last night as I kept dozing off. 

Today

More housework needs to be done this morning. I want to work on the sloper for the dolls and then do 6 collars this afternoon. A busy day for me. 
Until the next time...............................

Is Spring Coming????

We are experiencing our first warm morning (-4C) in a long time. The sun is shining and the wind is coming in more from the south and it looks gorgeous out there. But.....it is suppose to get to -15C tonight. After that, it gets warmer. Is spring coming?

Lifestyle

Thursday, I took it easy and had a nap. I was a bit tired but knew I had to drive home from the airport so didn't want to be tired when we left. I was driving after dark which isn't my favorite time to drive. The drive went amazingly fast and I was only a bit tired when we got home. The hardest part was from the airport to Lower Sackville. I had been on that road a few times but not enough to know it from memory. 
Yesterday, I did the bookkeeping for the month of February and paid bills. Not exciting but I did it with only two small addition mistakes. I was done in record time. Since doing this, we really keep our spending under control. 

Sewing

I worked on the western shirt and I'm not as happy with the top stitching on the collar band. It is neat and even but the pale green thread shows up on the underside where I used yellow thread in the bobbin. It's probably time to get it serviced. I will get out my mom's Singer Featherweight to use while it is being serviced. 

Pattern Academy

I finished Week 1 and it has given me so much knowledge. When I look at clothing items, I see how they have changed up the slopers to get the garment the way it is. 
I have decreased the sloper for the AG doll to 90% and will add length and seam allowances to it and make a bodice for my dolls. It will be a start to see what needs to be done to get a good bodice sloper for them. I have some left over fabric from the western shirt that I can use for the mock-ups. 
I really enjoyed surplice (cross over) bodices as they are really neat to design. I love the idea of this one and will try designing it on my own. 

I love the buttons on it. High on my list of design items. 

Wardrobe Planning

I'm thinking new clothes as I loose weight. I have to get a few tops as soon as I loose another 11 lbs. It's down the road that I need to be thinking about. My main colors will be blue (denim/navy) and black. I've thought long and hard about the pants and have come to the conclusion ages ago that I will buy jeans in blue denim. I've added black jeans to the list to buy. I would like to make a pair of navy and a pair of black pants. That will be the bottoms taken care of. 
Tops are a lot harder to think about. I have lots of chambray to go with blue jeans. The patterns are bought for them. I have some colored chambray to make princess line shirts. And a piece of silk/cotton for a flowing top. I will muslin all those patterns. 
Now, it's time to think about the t-shirt pattern. I need to get Swedish tracing paper and get another pattern traced before I buy Pam's perfect t-shirt pattern. Once I get the shoulder seam and front correct, I can make the pattern smaller as I shrink. I'm hoping I have enough gray knit for 2 more t-shirt muslins. 

Knitting

I finished sleeve #1 of the doll's coat. I had to knit more rows to get the right length. I started sleeve #2 and am ready to do the cuff pattern. I'm hoping I will have enough yarn and if not, I hope the shop has more of it. I got it over a year ago. 

Today

I have a bit of housework to do and rub for the roast to make. In the sewing room, I will work on the sloper for my dolls and get the first mock up cut out. I'm looking forward to doing that. Then it's onto  facings, necklines, and 6 collars. That is part 1. Part 2 is adding fullness and Part 3 is sleeves. A very busy week coming up. 
Until the next time.............................

Sunny But Cool

Since the storm on Monday, we have had cooler, sunny weather. Last night about 1/2" of snow fell. It was -13C this morning. With all the sunshine we've been having, Elliott has been sleeping in sometime during the day. Yesterday was on our bed. 

Someone mentioned last night that we are to get an early spring. I'm not getting excited about it for another week to 10 days. We had the new moon last night and the weather should change in 3 days. That's why I'm waiting a week to 10 days. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday, I touched up the upstairs and cleaned the stairs up and the landing before the hand held vacuum clean died. I see I need to do a bit more on the stairs. 
The Spousal Unit put away the puzzle we had started as I don't have the time to help him with it. He was fussing about it so we will tackle it this fall. We did the border on another puzzle that was difficult enough. Too many pieces that were almost the same in cut. It took several tries to get each side done. 

Health

Weigh-in was last night and I lost another 1.8 lbs. I've lost 19.6 lbs. I met the first of my March goals last night. On to the next one. I have come to terms with how I am going to loose my weight and when I'd like to reach my goal. My main thing is to keep focused. 

Sewing

Yesterday I cut out the sleeves for the shirt. I spent a bit of time figuring out that the sleeve pattern I'm using needs to be a small rather than a medium. 

I will have to make the cuff a bit smaller to fit this sleeve. 

Wardrobe Planning

I'm in the very early stages of wardrobe planning. I want to wear out the items I have as I loose weight and then buy/sew what I need. One of the first items I want to make is a purse/small bag. I'm thinking of a couple of patterns. One will be in cotton, linen, or linen cotton blend. The other will be in a pleather. Both will be in black. 

Pattern Academy

I'm still working on yokes but only have 4 left to go before I start the surplice yoke. It really leaves me thinking about what I am going to be able to do when I am done. I know I want to do:

• basic bodice with pintucks
• basic surplice bodice (cross over)
• western shirt yokes
• high and low yoke on the bodice front and back with some gathering
• high yoke on the back and turn the lower part on the bias for plaids.

All of these are just using a basic bodice and doing some cutting and manipulation of the basic bodice. There is so much more to learn that I'm looking forward where I will take these yoke changes to. 

Knitting

I worked on the sleeve of a doll's coat and was short a stitch when I got to row 13. Back track to row 13 and found I hadn't increased there. First sleeve is now done and ready for me to start the second one. 

Today

I've done a bit of housework, got a load of laundry on and we will be heading out to the library to pick up a book. A bit of sewing this afternoon and some work on Design Academy. We are out tonight to the airport so no knitting tonight. 

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