Two Place Mats Completed, Two Tubs Sorted

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 9C. This morning it is cloudy and 6C. Today is supposed to be wet this morning and cloudy this afternoon with a high of 14C.

Lifestyle

I headed out to New Minas and got one Christmas gift which was on sale for 40% off. I then went to Home Depot and bought more paint plus a Christmas LED projector. While in the paint department, I met two ladies who live about an 8 minute drive from me. One of the ladies was buying paint for her cupboards and the other one was going to paint them for her. We had a lovely discussion on fixing up our homes at our age. 

Once done my shopping, I headed for home. I had a lovely drive both ways and enjoyed it very much. The fall colours are almost gone but there is still enough to make it look pretty. Soon it will be bare. 

Sewing

I went down fully prepared to put the binding on the second placemat only to find it was on. I pinned it in place and spent part of the afternoon hand sewing it down. 

When done, I spent some time organizing the beads more. I know I could let go of some but will do that the next time. At the moment, I may need them if I make another Renaissance outfit. I do know all the beads will go when I stop sewing doll clothes. 

The next tub I hauled out was the flannel for doll's pyjamas. I did a hard start on that. Some of the flannel is saying it could be backing for quilts so it sits until I decide if I will use it or donate it. What was put back into the tub will make pyjamas for the dolls. 

The last tub I played with was the largest and full of fabrics for fancy dresses, tulle, and winter coats. I sorted, I folded, and I know I kept more than necessary. But, what I kept along with the flannel fits in one smaller tub. The big tub is empty!!

I was mentally tired when I got that job done. I still have to put three pieces of Halloween fabric into the donate pile as we have decided that we have enough Halloween decorations. Then it will be sorting through the tub of cottons and a basket of miscellaneous fabrics. When done, I will have two medium sized tubs of fabric for the dolls and a small amount of fabric for doll quilts. 

My last little job was to figure out how to use up the last of the pink and white fabric daughter sent me. I will be making her an extra large hot pad. I have enough fabric for the hot pad and binding in pink and the backing in white. What is left over will go to the quilting group. I have the batting also so this is a happy project. 

Knitting

I knit on the doll's sweater until I ran out of yarn. 

I am going to set it aside and decide if I will buy another skein to knit me socks and finish the sweater or if I will not finish it. Decisions, decision. I will cast on another sweater and knit it next. 

Thoughts

    I am slowly getting Christmas presents bought. It has been hard this year as no one has said what they wanted. I am grasping at straws. I do have an order to place at Amazon but am still short on gifts. I have sat quietly thinking and will be doing two more shoppings and call it done. Gift cards will be added to the parcels going west. 

    I was surprised at how easy it was to let go of the doll's fabric. I am still thinking about the fabrics I set aside for backing on doll's quilts. One part of me says use it as I have it and the other part of me says to let it go. I wait and see for a few days. The rest of the fabric will be boxed ready to be donated or sold at the garage sale. Once done the fabrics, I will wash the closet floor and put the few tubs back in there. I will add the tub that I am putting the doll's quilts into. 

    I am still working on my thoughts and plans for 2025. It is hard as I know what I want to do but some of the plan keeps changing. I am struggling as I want my work spaces to be minimal, tidy, and calm to work in. I think part of my struggle is trying to figure things out while I am decluttering, cleaning, and trying to finish up projects for gifts. I will continue to work on it as I don't need to have it posted until mid December. 

    I am also struggling on how to balance sewing, knitting, crafting, and housework. I also want to find time to just relax and enjoy doing nothing or very little. I have always been busy and want to know that I can do nothing if I want to. It will come as I get closer to my goal. I know keeping busy is good for me mentally. I think what I am looking for is to be able to do things knowing that I can do them vs having to do them. I am also working through this as I get my thoughts in order. 

Today

I am going to paint the wall in my bedroom this morning. This afternoon I will work on the large hot pad and will knit tonight. It is a stay at home day as nothing is open here on Remembrance Day. 

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