Making A Compact Carrying Bag

 Yesterday started off sunny and then was overcast by late afternoon. The high got to 14C. It rained hard during the night. This morning it is clear and 6C. Today is supposed to be mix of sun, clouds, and showers with a high of 12C. 

Lifestyle

I spent some time in the morning figuring out a menu plan for 1 week. It took me some time but it wasn't hard to do. I decided to try one new recipe to see if I liked it or not. I made a shopping list and went grocery shopping. 

The new-to-me meal was Mexican pizza. It is made using wraps placed in a pie plate and layering taco sauce, shredded chicken, peppers, onions, salsa and cheese on the wrap. The recipe I found said to add a wrap on the top and cook in the oven. I did cover the pie plate and let it cook. I will say it was flavourful but very messy to eat. The wraps do not allow the food to sink into it so I had food sliding off the wraps. I will not be making this again using wraps. Maybe using pizza dough. I will use the leftover wraps to make lunches. 

The rest of the meals this week are ones I have made before. I am also going to friends for Easter dinner on Sunday. We usually have a dinner once a year at their place. I am bring the dinner rolls that I will make on Saturday. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday and started to sew the Compact Carrying Bag. I had problems with the written directions as my brain didn't understand one part when sewing seam allowances. I found it on YouTube and sailed along while watching the video. 

I did baste the what she refers to the neck edge. That is the rounded part which you do in 2 parts -- the front of the bag and the back. It was confusing as I worked from the center front to the shoulder seam allowance. I had to focus on it as I kept getting confused. I had to rip out one seam as I had sewn fabric into the seam allowance. I did find basting that seam very helpful. The creator of the bag did state this was the hardest part of the bag. 

Once the neck edge was done and the curved part clipped, I turned it right side out and rolled the edges so I could press it. You can barely see the pins I used to keep the edges sharp. 

I am now at the stage where I need to sew the bottom seam, box the corners and finish it off. 

I do like this bag but would make it about 2" longer the next time. It will fold up nicely to put into a purse to be used if you need a bag for something you bought when shopping for a few things. In reality, I have a bag similar to this one in my purse at all times. It was given to me as a gift and I love it. I use it when I shop for a few items as I don't have to bring in my big bags with me. 

Knitting

I looked at the socks last night and started to knit on them. I was short a stitch on the heel and found I had dropped one when I slipped it. I had to unknit the sock back to the heel and then pick up the gusset stitches and get back to where I was. That was my evening of knitting. 

Thoughts

    I tried a new recipe and it didn't work so I need to figure out what else I can try. There is the option of using pizza dough for the Mexican pizza. I can also try salsa chicken. I would shred the chicken before I added the cheese. I would serve this over rice. 

    I am still watching the economic climate. The latest talks about tariffs on pharmaceutical drugs is somewhat worrisome. How will it affect the economy not only for Americans but for Canadians? Will there be shortages like there was during the pandemic? Will the price of prescriptions go up? Will over the counter products go up? At the moment, I can't find any answers only speculation. As I read and listen, I realize it is complicated to figure out due to many factors. 

Today

I have to get a couple of meal items on to cook. I am making stew without potatoes so I can serve it over rice or mashed potatoes. I am also going to cook some chicken to shred. I have to go out and pick up my new glasses today. I want to finish the bag and knit tonight. I may even venture outside for a bit but to soak up the sunshine. 

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