Not Enough Yarn

 Yesterday was cloudy with a high of 12C. This morning it is cloudy and windy and 13C. Today is supposed to be wet and windy with a high of 16C. 

Lifestyle

I had a tough day yesterday. My Covid injection site was red, hot, and very sore. My muscles ached and I was tired. My body was in fight mode and I could feel it. 

In the morning, I did what I could to keep the house clean and rested when I was not able to keep moving. Little things were done which does help keep the house tidy. 

In the afternoon, I rested until mid afternoon when daughter-in-law showed up with a few Halloween decorations. We hung them on the garage and front door. We have a pumpkin to hang later this afternoon. This is the least amount of decorations we have put up for Halloween. I think I see a new trend happening. 

Sewing

I did go downstairs and cut out the blouse pattern. I found a piece of red stripe fabric I decided to use. I also pulled out all the white broadcloth I had in the tub. I was upset to find it has red splotches throughout both pieces. I found enough white to use for the blouse. 

I laid out the pattern pieces and cut out the fabric. 

As I cut out the blouse pattern, I made a decision to go through the doll's fabric and get rid of what I know I won't use. I am going to slim down what I have and buy what I want to sew for the dolls. I know I will buy white fabric as I need it. I will also wash the broadcloth to see if the red splotches will come out. 

Knitting

I did knit while I sat and rested. I had knit this pattern as a test pattern and I have the original plus the updated pattern. Both state you need 25 grams of yarn. 

I am not finished the left front piece as I have to cast off 6 stitches and then knit 20+ rows for the neckband. I do not have enough yarn for the back and other front. I think it was something we had let the designer know about which she did not change. The pattern needs 40-50 grams of yarn. I will be digging into the yarn to get out Paton's Coastal Stripes to knit this vest. 

I do like this pattern. The baby cables are perfect for a doll's vest. The V front and arms holes are perfect and lie flat. The colour of the yarn was going to be a starting point for another wardrobe for the dolls. 

I will wind the yarn into a ball and put it into the bag of yarn I want to give away. 

Thoughts

    Though we are under a rain warning, we are not going to get the storm like Halifax or other communities along the Atlantic coast. There is going to be wind and heavy rains here. The rain is expected to be done this afternoon but we will have wind for the next couple of days. It will give people something to talk about. 

    The deer came back and trimmed the bush by the front door. I wasn't overly surprised but I do know I will have to spray it next year to keep them away so it will grow for their late fall feeding. I am sure they are nibbling away at everyone else's plants in the area. 

    Daughter-in-law told me she had 3 cardinals and a hawk in her trees yesterday. We don't often see cardinals so are hoping they are going to move into their area for the winter and then nest there in the spring. They have a lovely green belt on their property for them. They do have hawks and bald headed eagles land in their trees to hunt in the field behind them. 

Today

I am off to the community hall to help set up tables, etc for the dinner we are cooking tomorrow night. Once done, I need to do a few chores if I am not too tired. I need to get out the buckets for the Halloween candy and be ready for the kids to come. 

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

Socks Completed

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds; mainly clouds. The high got to 11C. This morning it is cloudy and 4C. Today is supposed to have more sunshine with a high of 14C. 

Lifestyle

I left for my Covid vaccine on time and it took forever to get to the doctor's office. I went down one street and was stopped by a traffic controller. They were working on paving the street. I turned around and headed down a side street. The next street had signs saying construction ahead. I went down 2 more streets and finally turned onto the street that takes me right to the doctor's office. It had a traffic controller with a stop sign. Once again, I turned around and parked the car in a store's parking lot. I walked to the doctor's office. Total time getting to the doctor's office was almost half an hour. I was in the doctor's office less than 5 minutes for the vaccine. Only one person was ahead of me. 

Once home, I had another cup of coffee and sat to see how I would react to the shot. I was fine so I got up and put a load of laundry into the washer and dryer and folded 2 loads of laundry. All put away also. Then it was time to unpack and repack the suitcase. 

I had an early supper and went to the community hall to help daughter-in-law get things counted and onto trolleys for the dinner on Saturday night. We were done by 6:30 pm which was great. I came home as there was nothing left to do. 

I had the reaction to the vaccine around the time I left for the community hall. The injection site was quite sore and there was a sore spot under my left shoulder blade. I was also starting to feel tired. This morning I feel fine though the injection site is still quite sore. 

Sewing

I ordered a blouse pattern for the dolls using a bonus coupon for it. 

I am not sure if I will make it in a navy or pink stripe fabric. I need to decide so I can cut the pattern out before we leave. 

Knitting

I did knit in the afternoon and got the socks finished. They were fun to make as I enjoyed doing a bit of a pattern on them. 

There was 22 grams of yarn left so I decided to cast on a vest pattern for the dolls. I was able to knit 1 rows on it before bedtime. 

The pattern is fairly easy to memorize though there is a baby cable thrown in every 4 rows. 

I will probably knit the grey blend one on the plane as this one is to help me pass time before we leave. I am not starting socks and will knit doll items. 

Thoughts

    I spent a lot of time rearranging my suitcase yesterday. I moved things, rolled clothes into tight sausages, and I think I have it sorted out. Packing a rain coat was a challenge as it is bulky. I got it in with very little room to spare. 

    We are watching Hurricane Melissa very carefully. At the moment she doesn't seem to be touching down in Nova Scotia but may hit a small part of Newfoundland. We are to have heavy rains and wind starting tomorrow morning and ending sometime late tomorrow night. I feel for those in Jamaica who lost everything. 

    I was surprised to see that the paving company decided to pave the whole length of the street (four long blocks) that has a lot of traffic on it. The wait times were long as they were putting hot asphalt at the intersections and it had to set up before traffic could drive on it. People were frustrated as they tried to get to appointments on time. Hopefully they will be done before I have to go back to the hairdresser and doctor's in almost 2 weeks. At least I can park off street and walk to those appointments. 

Today

I am home today unless I need to get something. I want to print the pattern I bought yesterday and cut it out. The company that does the lawn will be here to apply the last application of fertilizer. I will knit tonight. 

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

Almost Done The Socks

 Yesterday started out wet and ended up mainly cloudy. The high got to 10C. This morning it is cloudy and 8C. Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a high of 12C. We are under a special weather statement for Friday. Lots of rain is in the forecast. 

Lifestyle

I went to New Minas with daughter-in-law in the morning. She needed to find out how much chemicals to put into the hot tub now that it is fixed. We then went to Walmart where I did some grocery shopping and she looked for a sweater. 

Our next stop was Value Village. She dropped off a bag of donations and we were surprised at how much stuff was in their outside bins. A huge amount of yarn had been donated. Like three to four times what I have. We went inside to see if we could find a sweater but had no luck. We wandered through the books, looked at the china, and left. It was an interesting tour of the store. 

Our last stop was Dollarama. I got a three items and daughter-in-law got some items for the community hall. After that we had lunch and headed for home. I was very tired from the treatment I had yesterday. 

Once home, I put away all my stuff and crashed on the couch with heat on my glute and SI joint. I actually fell asleep for about an hour. When I woke up, I put a load of laundry on and got it into the dryer. It just needs to be folded and put away. 

Sewing

None done yesterday. I am debating on how much more to add to the Edwardian wardrobe in the blue colours. I may add one more top and then think about another Edwardian wardrobe in another colour way which could go with the one I am working on. I can use the patterns I want to make it for it. I am going to sit on it for a couple of days. 

Knitting

I did knit last night and am ready to knit the toe on the sock. 

There is going to be enough yarn left over to knit a doll's vest. This is where the idea of another Edwardian outfit came from. I have fabrics that match this yarn. 

Thoughts

    We are expecting a lot of rain on Friday. Anywhere from 1 to 2". We think that there won't be a lot of kids out trick or treating due to the weather. What ever candy is left will go into the freezer for next year. 

    I was really surprised at how tired I was after a morning out. I walked a lot in stores without pushing a cart which is one of my goals. I can say that my glute really rebelled against the treatment I had. It is still rebelling but not as bad as yesterday. I will survive this. 

    My weight has stalled for the past week but I am loosing inches. My clothes are starting to fit bigger once again. I am going to do a couple of weeks of very strict eating to see if I can loose a bit more before we leave. I know I will be trying to eat healthy and will be out walking most days. 

Today

I am out for my Covid vaccine first thing this morning. Once home I want to fold laundry, tidy up the kitchen, do garbage, and see what else I can get done before I crash from the vaccine. I am hoping to help daughter-in-law at the hall tonight as we prep for the dinner on Saturday. I do want to finish the socks today. 

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

A Doll's Shirt Cut Out

 Yesterday started off wet and then it was just cloudy. The high got to 12C. This morning it is cloudy (rained most of the night) and 9C. Today will be cloudy with a high of 12C. 

Lifestyle

I did up a few chores before going to osteopathy. Quick little chores that need doing each day. I even made jello which I love. The drive to Sackville was lovely. Not much traffic and the road was basically dry. 

I had a good osteopathy session. The glute in my right leg was tight and hurt as she worked on it. She also worked a bit on my SI joint. The good news is that my hip is still straight after not having any treatments since mid April. We are both very happy about that. 

Once home, I sat on the heating pad to see if it would help my glute. It was very sore. It helped but it will take a day for it to get over the treatment. 

My Fitbit arrived after 3:30 pm. I opened the box to find that they sent me a brand new head. I put it on the charger and it started to charge right away. It was charged in just over 30 minutes. I noticed it told me to download the app (new head) so I added it to mine and it took quite a while to update the app. I am now happily wearing my Fitbit. I really missed it a lot. 

Sewing

I spent an hour in the sewing room. I chose the fabric for the shirt with the gigot sleeves. A piece I had stashed away 7 years ago. 

I laid out the shirt pattern and cut it out. I did the sleeves separately so I could get them laid out exactly the same. It was a fun challenge. 

I have one shirt pattern left to print and cut out. It is the same pattern as above but with regular sleeves. Then I have to wait to get the remaining patterns, one each month until the end of December. 

Knitting

I decided to figure out patterns to take with me. I know I will knit a doll's vest on the plane. I am looking at sock patterns as I would like to try a new pattern. 

I picked the yarn for the doll's vest. I am trying to use up the mini (25 gram) skeins that family got me in England. I wound it into a ball. 

I also got my knitting needles sorted and have a bunch to take with me. I still need one more pair as I want a project to knit on the way home. I have the yarn and a pattern already chosen. 

I did knit on the socks last night and am 2/3rd the way done the gusset. 

I am deciding if I want to start testing knitted doll patterns again. I am almost ready and will see if I am when we get home in January. 

Thoughts

    Though I was sore after osteopathy, I got up and moved quite a bit to see if it would help. It didn't hurt me and I was able to be busy and active. At one time I couldn't do that. 

    Our storms have been circling around us in an anti-clockwise direction. The circle is wide open but we only see it if we are getting a hurricane. I am sure the storm on Friday will be the same as Hurricane Melissa is heading our way. We will get rain even if she heads out into the ocean. 

    A friend has asked to fix the velcro on her horse's boot. I am not sure if I can fix it or not but I am going to give it a try. 

Today

This morning I am off to New Minas with daughter-in-law to get a few more things for our trip. After lunch I will do laundry and some tidying up before I work on the next doll's pattern. I will knit on the socks tonight. 

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

Hacking A Pattern

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 11C. This morning it is wet and 6C. Today is going to be quite wet with a high of 10C. We are under a weather statement for significant rain fall. 

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law was over in the morning and we went over all of my lists for travelling. We also went through my back pack and suitcase. The last job we did was to figure out the numbers on the walking sticks. We did it and they are now packed. 

I also did quite few things. One was the balance sheet. Only two entries that should have gone smoothly. But no it didn't. I couldn't get the keys to work. A good search and I found that I had somehow hit something and turned on the mouse keys. Turned them off and was done in a few minutes. I cleaned up the paperwork and the table when done.

I moved items from one cupboard to another to see if it will help the drain pipe in the one cupboard. Then it was to get the Instant Pot out and make chicken broth for soup. I put in big hunks of carrots, celery, and onion with a chicken breast. I usually chop the vegetables up but this worked well. I have enough broth and cooked chicken for two dinners. I just need to add vegetables and noodles or rice. 

Sewing

I decided to cut out and play with the shirt pattern I am going to make for the Edwardian outfit. I printed 4 copies of the shirt front as I was going to gather the shoulders on this shirt. My first attempt was trashed. It was terrible, but I had done some things correct. I hadn't forgot everything I had learned.

I moved from the family room to the dining room table so I could look at information on the computer. The second attempt took a bit of adjustment but I got it done. I followed instructions from Pattern Academy and Sewing From Cinnamon. 

I am not sure why you cut one line through the neckline but the hack states to gather the neckline slightly when attaching the collar band. I am assuming it is to keep the stripes straight when cutting out the pattern. This shirt is ready to cut out. 

The second shirt will have the original front piece as I have another hack for it. I may start with it as this shirt has a two piece collar and a sleeve placket. There is a hack involved with this shirt also. 

Knitting

I sewed the two buttons onto the sweater I had made a while ago. I found 2 the right size after looking through the whole button collection. I also found small buttons for the Edwardian outfits. 

I sat and knit last night and finished the leg and the heel flap. 

The design is on the underside of the sock. 

Thoughts

    I had thought of only taking my iPad but I need my laptop as we will be gone for 6 weeks. I use my laptop for a lot of things including writing my blog. I have a Mac Air which is light weight. I packed it in the back pack when we went to Sweden. I will also take an iPad as I store all my knitting patterns on it. 

    We are to have rain until late tomorrow morning. Our next rain will come on Friday. How much we get depends then on what route Hurricane Melissa decides to take. We still need a lot of moisture in the ground to get the water table back to normal. 

    I have to figure out what I am going to take for needles, yarn, etc. for knitting while I am gone. I would like to knit on the plane so will have to figure out what to put in my backpack and what will go into the suitcase. 

Today

I have to do a few small things before I leave for osteopathy at 11 am. I am still deciding if I will do some shopping after the appointment or if I will come directly home. If I come home, I will pin the pattern on to the fabric and start cutting it out. Tonight I will knit on the socks.

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

A Bag Was Repaired

Yesterday was that mix of sun, clouds, and rain. The high got to 12C. This morning it is cloudy and 3C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 12C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was another tired day as I had not slept well due to IBS issues. I did push forward and got a few things done. Laundry was done and I got clean sheets on my bed. I also swept all the floors getting the areas the robotic vacuum cleaner doesn't get to swept. It was a lot cleaner than I had expected. 

I sat and watched a rain storm roll in around noon. The sky got dark and it rained quite heavily for about an hour. Another good rainfall to help put moisture into the ground. 

I had a nap mid afternoon as I was quite tired. It was enough to get me through the rest of the afternoon. I did sleep well last night so am hoping that I will be a lot more alert today. 

Sewing

I had to fix an insulated bag for daughter-in-law. The zipper and binding had come off and about 4" had ripped on one side. I sat and looked at it and figured out how to fix it. 

I used some fusible tape I had bought for fusing batting pieces together. I love that stuff for repair jobs. I couldn't fuse it on but I clipped it in place and zig zagged the ripped pieces together using a single layer. When I had done 4 or 5 rows of stitching, I folded the tape up over the stitching and did another 2 rows of stitching to hold it in place. Then came the task of sewing the zipper back on both sides and then attaching the binding (trim?). I took my time and the bag looks great. From the outside you can't see where I did the repair though you can see some of the fusible tape on the inside. Total time spent was an hour. Not too bad. I took it over to their place during the rain storm. 

Knitting

I did knit yesterday afternoon and evening. It took 2 tries to get the right number of stitches on the needle due to me being tired. I did a lot of knitting as the pattern is so easy to follow. 

These socks will be done before I know it. 

Thoughts

    My dishwasher was making a funny noise last night. I figured out that the drainage hose was under the lazy Susan and I spent quite a bit of time getting it back into place. It is not the best set up but it is how it was put in when the house was built. It is working fine now and I will do some work on it again today. 

    I do know what gave me the IBS attack. It was fabulous tomato soup I ate at noon on Friday. I will eat it again as it is so delicious. It was worth the attack. 

    I finally got the app for the headphones to work. I had to watch a video and then read someone's very clear instructions. I just have to figure out how to connect them to my computer. I need them to watch videos while we travel. 

    I am going to have to get busy so I don't sit so much in the afternoons. I need to create a couple of projects (sewing and crafting). I am finding that I am bored having got all my projects done. Working on the bag yesterday made me realize that. 

Today

I need to do the balance sheet first thing. Then I will clear off the table. I need to work on the drainage hose for the dishwasher. Then I need to figure out a project or two to work on in the next couple of weeks. I will knit tonight. 

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

A Day In The City

 Yesterday the fog came in fast and thick. Once the sun was out, it burnt off and we had a lovely sunny day with a high of 16C. This morning it is damp and 8C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with showers this morning. The high is supposed to get to 14C. 

Lifestyle

My plans changed in a minute. Rather than be at home, daughter-in-law picked me up and we went to the city. Our first stop was Costco to return running shoes. Our wander through the store was to look for certain frozen vegetables. took a side trip to look at lap tops, head phones that I bought for the trip and daughter-in-law bought some clothes. Her big score was a hoodie lined with sherpa. Too hot for me but perfect for her. 

Our next stop was at the sporting good store to return another pair of shoes. We had a quick peek at shoes but there was nothing. Lunch was next and we had a delicious tomato soup, salad and bread. I ate the soup, 2/3 of the salad, and 3/4 of the bread. I was stuffed. 

We then went to the Wholesale Club where we buy in bulk and large sizes. Fun and games as we got a trolley that was interesting. Put items on one end and the wheels couldn't touch the floor on the other end. We got what we needed and were out of there in good time. Our last stop was to a jewelry store where daughter-in-law picked up some items she had repaired. 

Once home, we stopped at the community hall and put food into the freezer and cupboards and I was taken home. Daughter-in-law had enough battery to get her home. We cut it close. 

I played with the new headphones after I charged them. They work perfectly but I can't get the app to show them. I have to some searching on that today. 

Sewing

None done yesterday as I got home mid afternoon and was tired. I do have to repair a bag for daughter-in-law. 

Knitting

I did figure out how many extra rows I had to knit before I knit the toe on the socks. Sock #1 is finished. 

I am ready to start sock #2 tonight. 

Thoughts

    It was gorgeous out yesterday. We just wore t-shirts and were very comfortable outside. We will have cooler and wet weather for the next 5 or 6 days so we enjoyed the warmth yesterday. 

    I walked a lot yesterday and didn't use a cart for support. I did well having no sore or stiff SI joint. I think I have become dependent on using a cart in stores. I can't rush but I can walk at a steady pace which is an improvement from last year. 

    I tried a new recipe for dinner and I won't be making it again. If I hadn't used a flavoured sausage, it would have had no flavour at all. I will add some flavour to tonight's portion. I have a similar recipe that has more flavour but takes a bit more time to make. I made this one as I was tired from the vaccine I had. Live and learn. 

Today

I have to launder the sheets this morning. I want to sweep the floors to remove any dust from the areas Rosie can't get to. This afternoon I will try to fix daughter-in-laws bag. Tonight I will knit on sock #2. A very quiet day for me. 

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

A Tired and Achy Day

 Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day with a high of 18C. This morning it is clear and 6C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 16C.

Lifestyle

I was tired and achy yesterday. I found it hard to do things which is normal after the vaccine I had. I survived it and all I have is a sore spot at the injection site this morning. 

The company that does the care of the lawn was here in the morning. He loves to visit with me so we talked about the storm we had and how my lawn is recovering from the drought. I have one more application of fall fertilizer and the lawn will be ready for winter. 

I alternated sitting and doing easy jobs like folding and putting away laundry, tidying the kitchen, and making my bed. I really wanted to sleep so after lunch I laid down for a rest. I lasted an hour before I got up and headed to the bank. I wanted to buy money for our trip. They don't bring it in. 

Once home, I decided to work on a couple of things for the trip. I am working on an emergency contact card to carry with me. I also have started a list for a first aid kit. I have a couple of things in it already and need to buy some items for it. Blister packs are high on the list. 

Sewing

I didn't do any sewing yesterday. I have printed off the shirt pattern I want to make. I still have to decide if I will do the fitted or loose fitting shirt. The loose fitting shirt will allow me to add pleats at the front and a bit of gathering at the back. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night and am almost ready to start on the toes. I was too tired to figure out if I need to knit more rows (like 3 or 4) to get the correct length. I need to get out the socks I have made in this size and do some measuring. 

Thoughts

    I got notification that my Fitbit has been repaired/replaced and has been handed over to the carrier. I should have it early next week. The turn around time has been fast which surprised me. 

    It was so warm yesterday that I had the living room window opened until 9 pm. The sun was quite warm and it heated the house up a lot. It is a treat to open windows near the end of October. 

    I have been having a lot of cravings this past week. I am not sure what I am craving as it seems to change daily. I do know it is sweets which means I am tired/stressed and seeking comfort foods. I hope the cravings will be gone soon as they are annoying me. I know what I am craving will cause me to have flare ups in my knees and SI joints. 

Today

I don't have a lot planned for today. I need to launder my sheets and do some cooking for dinner tonight and tomorrow night. I may spend some time cutting out the pattern pieces for the shirt and start pinning them onto fabric. I do know I will knit tonight. 

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

A Slow Day

 Yesterday was a lovely sunny day with a high of 18C. Last night, we had storm move through. This morning it is cloudy and 12C. Today is supposed to be sunny and 17C.

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law arrived yesterday morning for a short visit. She was gone after having her tea as she had a list of things to do. 

I got ready and headed out a bit early to get my RSV shot. If they were sticking to a tight schedule, I would do my grocery shopping first. But they weren't so my neighbour administer the vaccine. We had a short talk and I went to do my grocery shopping. 

While grocery shopping I experienced a hot spell and then a few minutes I was cold. The vaccine was working. I headed home with my groceries, put them away, and sat on the couch. I was done for the day. I am achy today but that will go away. At least I am now protected. Two vaccines down, one more to go. 

The storm that came in was quite the storm. The wind came up and it rained a bit around 8 pm. Then a lull. Then the main storm hit. Wind, thunder, lightening, and heavy rains went on for about an hour and then it was just rain. At one point, I looked out the window and I could see the rain being blown across the road both on the ground and in the air. The lightening was spectacular for us. The sky lit up making it look like early evening. The thunder moved in close to us but not directly on top of us. We haven't had a rain like this for a long time. 

Sewing

I was downstairs to the sewing room to see if I could figure out if I had enough fabric for the quilt. I got the print ironed and measured. I don't have enough. I am short 4 blocks. I am thinking of looking for another print and alternating the two prints and then using them here and there in the small blocks. 

I need to order starch as I want to starch the fabrics. I probably won't get it starched before we leave but I may surprise myself. 

Knitting

I did knit on and off during the day. It was a slow knit but I did finish the gusset decreases. I am now starting the foot. 

This sock will be done in the next couple of evenings. 

Thoughts

    The vaccine hit me a bit harder than I had expected. I was forewarned it would happen. I will be slow today as I have a lot of sore muscles. I will be more prepared next year for what I will experience. And next year I get the vaccine free. It is an expensive vaccine but I think it is necessary =to have. 

    My lawn gets limed today to help the ph balance which went up due to the drought. It is a perfect day as the lawn is wet and the aeration should have helped put the moisture deep into the soil. The lime should seep deep into the soil; at least I hope it does. 

    I found sugar free lozenges to suck on while flying. Son told me I don't need to bring any food as we can get food in the lounges and will be fed on the plane. He said the food was good and I can get bottled water to drink while on the plane. 

Today

I need to see if I can buy Uruguay pesos for our trip. I have the washer rewashing laundry I did yesterday and forgot about (thanks vaccine). I am not sure what else I will get done today but I am hoping to keep busy. I do know I will knit tonight. 

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

Researching Edwardian Shirt Sleeves

 Yesterday started out raining, cleared off with lots of sunshine, then clouded up and rained again at dinner time. The high got to 16C. This morning it is cloudy and 7C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 18C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I started off typing up the minutes from a meeting and sending them off via email. Next up was to do the balance sheet. I had set aside plenty of time to do it and was done in good time. No issues or mistakes. Everything went too well which is unusual for the balance sheet. 

Once the balance sheet was done, I put everything away, cleaned up the table and proceeded to clean the bathroom and kitchen. I was done my chores in good time. Actually I was done with time to kill so I took out garbage and recycling. 

Mid afternoon, I went over to see my friend. Her sister is visiting her for a week. We talked about a lot of things and really enjoyed our visit. I came home for a late dinner and was happy to have had a nice afternoon out. 

Sewing

I spent a couple of hours in the sewing room. I cut out the dress which I think is going to be cute. 

I spent some time researching sleeves for a shirt for the doll. I wanted to find out if they wore full sleeves in the 1900's. They did. I decided I am going to make a shirt with gigot (leg of mutton) sleeves on it. I am following along what was done on Sewing With Cinnamon. I am going to use this sleeve pattern which was designed to fit a couple of shirt patterns. 

I am thinking of using the muted print fabric for the shirt. I have navy striped fabric for another shirt with slim sleeves and a few other pieces being audited for two more tops. I am trying to add a bit more colour to the wardrobe. One fabric is pink striped. The other may be a cream coloured fabric with tiny red rose buds on it. 

I set up the stash file for 2026 and have filled in the fabrics I have cut out and will sew starting in January. At the moment it is a reference so I won't forget the amount of fabric I have cut for each item of clothing. 

I have decided to take a break from cutting out the doll clothes and figure out a quilt for son-in-law. It is a simple pattern where each block consists of a 12" square and 2 - 6" squares. This is the pattern I am going to use. 

It will be a simple quilt to make and so far I have decided on making as shown. It will be 48" wide by 72" long. I can decide if I will add a border when it is done. I may have to do a bit of adapting the pattern to get it cut out from the fabric I have. This is going to be a cutting challenge for sure.

Knitting

I knit on the socks yesterday afternoon and evening. I got the heel flap done, turned the heel, picked up the gusset stitches and started knitting the gusset. 

These socks are so easy to knit and I am enjoying the process. I think it is the simple pattern that keeps me knitting for longer periods of time. 

Thoughts

    The fog has rolled in which means we will have sunshine most of the day. I enjoy the bright sunny days of autumn. 

    The lawn was aerated yesterday. This is to help the fall and winter moisture soak into the soil and help the lawn recover from the drought. The last job is to apply lime which also will help the lawn recover from the drought. 

    I have done a lot of digging through the doll's fabric stash. I am surprised at how much I have used up over the last couple of years. Once the Edwardian wardrobe is done, I want to work on a few modern pieces which are winter oriented. It may be a ski jacket and pants, a pullover sweater, and leggings. The idea is developing as I have all the patterns to make this mini outdoor fun capsule. 

Today

I have my RSV shot this morning. I need to get a few groceries also. I want to do a bit of cleaning before I go. I am hoping I can play with the quilt this afternoon but it depends on how I react to the vaccine. If not, I will rest and knit. I am being flexible this afternoon. 

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

Figuring Out A Pattern Hack

 Yesterday started out cloudy, then was sunny, and finally turned cloudy. The high got to 17C. This morning it is raining and 14C. Today is supposed to have rain this morning and a mix of sun and clouds this afternoon. The high is to get to 17C. 

Lifestyle

We are having a thunderstorm this morning. The lightening is lighting up the skies and the rumbles are saying it is not that close. It won't last long. 

It was day 4 of sandwiches and we were done just after 9 am. We are done with sandwiches for a while. 

Once home, I made cooked some mirepoix, put it into the crock pot, added cooked meat, seasonings, and tomato sauce. It cooked all day and was delicious on rice for dinner. 

I also took out the garbage and recycling, cleaned the kitchen, and went to put gas in the car. By then it was almost noon. 

Sewing

I cut out the lining for the doll's coat. I thought I had about 1.5 meters of this nice lining. It isn't Bemburg lining but just as nice. I have 3 meters of it. 

Next up was to decide on a dress pattern. I knew it had to be in the mid 1910's and had a few patterns to decide from. I was wanting to do some changes to it and add a different collar. 

The whole dress and collar search was very stressful. I couldn't find the pdf for the collar. I couldn't find the dress to go with the collar. Nothing was matching up and I ended up having an IBS attack. I had to sit down and relax as I knew I would be sick from all the stress. I started to think as I sat quietly. 

I wondered if I had the dress and collars I had tested for the designer. I did. I found the dress pattern and decided to make it again. I carefully scrolled through the collar pattern I had and lo and behold, it had all the pieces and instructions for 18 collars. So I had to do some back tracking and searching. Here is what I found out:

    *The numbers on the dress pattern has changed from when the collars were first designed. On the updated pattern it gives the names of the dresses the collars go with. I think that was a recommendation from the testers. 

    *The name of the collar pattern also changed from when I tested it to when we got the final pattern. This pattern has never been published. 

    *I have the 5 dress patterns that go with the collar patterns so I can do all the changes I want to when I start sewing next year. 

    *I looked at the designers pictures she has online and she. used a couple of the collar pieces on the dresses she made for sale. Looking at the pictures has given me some ideas for future wardrobes. 

I have laid the pattern pieces out on the fabric I want to use. 

I chose my collar which goes with the dress. 

The center piece will be cut out of the print and the rest of the collar will be cut out of the contrasting fabric. 

The fabric came from the doll's stash. I am digging my way through it. 

I am now researching sleeves for a shirtwaist I want to make. Another hack which is a common theme in this wardrobe. 

Knitting

I worked on the socks late in the afternoon and some in the evening. I have the leg done on sock #1. 

I love the pattern. It is easy to memorize and knits up quickly. I will do the heel flap and turn the heel and then start sock #2. 

I have decided to knit a pair of baby socks out of some left over yarn. These socks will go to my osteopathy therapist's baby. The wool is high end and soft for a baby. I hope to knit them on the plane. 

Thoughts

    I have an osteopathy appointment on Monday. The therapist texted me and allowed me to book an appointment before she put the word out to all her clients. I am so grateful that she allowed me to do that. 

    My Fitbit has arrived at its destination to be repaired or replaced. I am hoping it will be back here in the next week. I miss it as it pushes me to walk more than I do without it. 

Today

I have to do the balance sheet and minutes from a meeting I attended last night. I want to clean off the table and clean the bathroom this morning. This afternoon I will try to get the dress cut out and look at the blouse I want to make for the doll. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

Prepping for 2026

 Yesterday was mainly cloudy with a high of 13C. This morning it is cloudy and 8C. Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a high of 15C. We are to have showers during the night. 

Lifestyle

It was out the door to make sandwiches yesterday. That was day 3. I got to make the cucumber sandwiches and then cut and arrange the trays. We were done by 9 am. 

Once home, I sat and let my SI joint rest with heat on it. As I was tired it was acting up on me. But, I fought through it all. It was okay late in the afternoon. 

I played around with my packing/unpacking my backpack and suitcase. I am trying to get things organized so it will be easy to finish packing. I am making lists for the backpack in particular. The suitcase seems to be under control. 

I was up and down the stairs a couple of times in the morning and one trip I wondered if I would get up the stairs. I was so sore that I had to pull myself up. I wasn't happy. When I did the stairs later, I was fine. 

Sewing

I spent quite a bit of time pinning and cutting out the doll's skirt, coat, and hat. I was quite worried about having enough fabric for the coat but I got the hat cut out also. 

The hat is supposed to be made from a wool felt and only the brim is lined. I cut out enough of the crown to line the hat. It is easy to do. I am keeping the coat simple as the pockets are supposed to be the focal point. 

I also cut out the skirt and it was quick and easy. 

The left over skirt fabric has been put away for something else. I still have to print and cut out tops for this "growing" outfit. I also have to cut out a dress. 

Knitting

I wound two balls of yarn into cakes yesterday. I chose the "Peach Tea" colour way to make the next pair of socks. I also decided to knit socks that are plain with a lacy design up the outside of the socks. I got them cast on, the cuff knit and 8 rows of the pattern completed. 

The other colour way is the Nova Scotia plaid and I am looking forward to knitting them in 2026. 

I have been thinking about another sweater for the Edwardian doll's outfit. I have red and purple yarn in the stash I can use. I finally decided on this pattern. 

I tested the sweater pattern for the designer and liked it. I am ready to knit it once again. 

Thoughts

    I cancelled my subscription to Sewing With Cinnamon and I may join again in January. I found that I wasn't enjoying the content as it seemed more of what they wanted to do vs sewing outfits. But, in the midst of everything, there is a bunch of lessons I didn't see and are very useful. What I need to do is sift through the monthly lessons and find what I like. I still love to sew and knit outfits vs sewing a couple of items and calling it done. Most of the subscribers enjoy the couple of items as they sell their outfits. 

    I inventoried my sock yarn yesterday. I have it written down in a book and a goal for knitting that yarn up in 2026. I have 2 batches of left over yarn that I want to knit socks from and need to buy some nice black yarn for them. Yes, I will curse knitting black yarn. Next I need to inventory the sock weight wool and acrylic  yarn that I don't knit socks out of. I need to make a plan on what I want to knit from it. I know that I will make the above sweater. After that I need to look at my patterns and put on my thinking cap. 

    I had a great sleep last night. I slept 8 hours straight which means I was exhausted. I am feeling much better this morning and hope I have another good night's sleep. 

Today

I am out for day 4 of making sandwiches. Once home I have a small list of things to do upstairs and gas up the car. I am making a stew for 2 to 3 meals. I want to cut out the lining for the doll's coat and maybe get the doll's dress printed and ready to cut out. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

Starting To Cut the Doll's Wardrobe

 Yesterday was cloudy and damp with a high of 11C. This morning it is cloudy and 9C. Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with some showers this morning. The high is supposed to  get to 14C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was day 2 of sandwiches. I got to make the sandwiches which was different. I also helped daughter-in-law set up the hall for the celebration of life. I was sore when we left due to the extra activity we did. 

Once home, I got busy. I put the sheets into the laundry and while they washed, I swiffered the floor. It had some dust on it where Rosie the Robot can't get to. I also folded the laundry I did the day before and got it put away. 

About 2 pm, I decided to grab a padded envelope, the paperwork for the Fitbit and the Fitbit head and headed out to the UPS store in New Minas. I got there 15 minutes before closing and it is now on its way to be repaired. I did not stop to shop as New Minas was super busy. The main road was bumper to bumper with cars and the parking lots were full. Being Saturday, everyone was shopping. I headed home and the highway was also busy. 

My SI joint rebelled yesterday and I thought it was going to be a night of pain. I did stretch and got it to release. I sat on the heating pad and by bedtime the pain was gone. I know I alternated between movement and sitting yesterday which helped quite a bit. I am thinking about starting to walk most days to see if that will help. 

Daughter phoned me last night at 11 pm. Woke me up from a deep sleep. She wanted me to know that the dog quilt went for just under $1000.00. That shocked me. We had hoped it would raise about $650.00. The money goes to hospice. I do hope the person who won it gets many years of enjoyment from the quilt. 

They are now anxiously waiting for next year's quilt wondering about the design. Wait and see as I haven't designed it in my head yet. 

Sewing

I decided to pin the doll's skirt pattern on to the fabric. I pressed the fabric and got it pinned on before leaving for New Minas. 

I am going to cut it out and put it away for January. I will repeat for the coat and coat lining. This way I will be ready for sewing while keeping busy right now. 

Knitting

I took all the extra yarn that was on the couch and put it away. The left over yarn from the socks was put into the sell bag and the yarn I kept was put into its correct container. 

I sat and knit last night. I did a lot of counting as the shawl collar has you knit short rows with a wrap and turn at the end of the row. I got the coat finished to adding buttons. I am thinking of white ones.

Now to choose the yarn for the next pair of socks. I need to wind it and get started on them.

Thoughts

    I was tired yesterday and it would have been easy to sit on the couch all day. I pushed myself to do things and I am glad I did. It really helped me mentally and physically. The trip to New Minas was the spur of the moment decision which added some interest to the day. I knew it would be busy which is why I did not go shopping. 

    Our friend's house sold and the new people are busy cleaning and painting it prior to moving in. It has been very busy over there and I hope the new people will enjoy living on our street. 

    I made a list of the things that still need to go into my back pack (trip). Most of it I am still using at this time. A couple of clothing items can go in. The rest will be added the day of our trip. My next job is to go through my suitcase and make a list of what I still need to add to it. 

Today

I am back out for day 3 of making sandwiches. Once home, I am going to do a bit of housework, start the list for my suitcase and putter around. I want to cut out the doll skirt pattern, pin the coat onto its fabrics, and wind yarn for socks. Tonight I will set up the socks and start knitting them. 

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