Finishing Projects From Early June

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 23C. This morning it is cloudy and 12C. Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a high of 24C (humidex 29C). 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I did the balance sheet. It started out poorly with me not being able to balance the sheet. It was out 1 cent which I fixed. The rest of the entries went well and I got it done in good time as I had to do 17 days worth of entries. 

With time to spare, I put on a load of laundry and put chicken into the Instant Pot to cook. I then started cleaning two cupboards in the kitchen. One holds baking stuff and it does get dirty. I scrubbed it well and did the top part. Not too bad. Next I did the cupboard above the stove and the top of it. I finished the morning by shredding the chicken and wiping down the counter tops. 

Mid afternoon daughter-in-law and grandson arrived. Grandson sold the bike he has had stored at my place for a couple of years. While he dealt with it, daughter-in-law and I looked at the tubs of vegetables on the deck. There is a tomato on one plant. The size of pin head but it's a tomato. The other plants have flowers on them. Everything else is growing well and I will have to fertilize them soon. 

Sewing

I had an enjoyable afternoon sewing. I cut and made the binding for the strawberry quilt. The backing is cut out and I can look for batting in the box of scraps. 

I had watched part of a video on how to make the pyjamas for the rabbit. I was ready to start the pyjamas for my rabbit. I printed all the pieces and cut them out. The top is from a scrap of the strawberry fabric and the pants were from the main piece. I also cut out 1" wide bias binding (should have been a bit wider). Using what I had learned from the video, I got the bias binding on the bottom of the legs. I even hand sewed them in place. 

I also got the projects I was working on out and made a mug rug. It was fun to make. 

I even got the binding hand sewn on it. 

I also pressed the interfacing onto the lining of a snack bag and laid it out on the ironing board ready to sew when I have time. 

Knitting

I cast on and knit the 15 rounds for the cuff on sock #2. 

I am ready to start the pattern which is knit 6, purl 2. Something different this time. 

I picked up the stitches and got 8 rounds knit on the sleeve of the doll's coat. 

I did watch a video on YouTube last night. Knitty Knatty, her husband, and dog are traveling Canada and it seems their first stop was Newfoundland. It was a wonderful video which included several stops at local wool shops. I thoroughly enjoyed the video and hope to visit Newfoundland in the near future. 

Thoughts

    Our weather is going to be muggy for a few days. Nights will be warm which means the a/c may have to be turned on. We will have a couple of cooler nights and then more warm nights. Summer is coming and so is our humid weather. 

    I am working on getting the items I started sewing earlier done. It was fun to dig them out and start working on them yesterday. My goal is to finish them before the end of the month. It will be a bonus if I can finish the little quilt and the pyjamas. The remaining strawberry fabric will be sewn in July. I also enjoyed doing regular sewing and then some hand sewing. 

    I haven't sprayed deer deterrent for quite a while now. No deer have been in the yard which has surprised me. I will be starting again as it is dry and the grass is growing slowly. The deer will be looking for food to eat and the plants will be tasty for them. I am hoping the onions (getting large) and the marigolds (blooming like crazy) will keep them at bay for a while longer. The front plants will be eaten first which means I need to start spraying them again. 

Today

I am out with daughter-in-law to New Minas this morning. I will get what I need to make a large potato salad for Friday. Once home, I will watch more of the video on making the pyjamas, and sew a bit. I have to take grandson to his dentist appointment this afternoon. Tonight I will knit on the socks and doll's coat. 

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

A Strawberry Quilt Top Completed

 Yesterday was sunny and warmer with a high of 23C. This morning it is clear and 9C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 23C. 

Lifestyle

I was outside for just over an hour to water the plants. That turned into weeding the 8 vegetable boxes and the side of the house. I did water everything well. I noticed there are 5 volunteer tomato plants in one box. If they produce that will be a bonus. A lot of the boxes have volunteer petunias growing which will add colour to the back yard. 

Once inside, I cleaned the kitchen counters and put things away. My one cupboard to clean turned into a bank of 4 drawers. I took things out, vacuumed and wiped each drawer inside and out. Things were put back in neatly with only a couple of items being removed. I use everything else. 

I sat and rested when that was done and folded laundry. It is all put away. Some items I had inside for growing cucumbers were washed and put into the garage for next year. In all, I had a very busy morning. 

I was sore yesterday and hobbled about a lot. I put it to weeding outside. My SI joint tightened up and I got to release last night when stretching in bed. It was a good crack. I do have sore muscles from it plus some is from outdoor work. I will keep moving to strengthen everything. 

Sewing

I had a great afternoon sewing. I worked on the doll's a quilt and got the top finished. It is 20" square. I made 12 flying geese and have put the ruler away for now. 

I sat the rabbit on the quilt and it is going to be a big quilt for her. She will be able to snuggle in it when it is cold. 

I will be cutting out pyjamas for the rabbit first before deciding on which fabric will be the backing. I do want to bind it in the red fabric. 

Knitting

I wound the blue yarn into two balls and set up the first sock and knit 15 rounds on the cuff. 

I also knit on the doll's coat. I tried it on the doll at the finished length. 

It was still too short so I knit a couple more rows before knitting the 6 rows of seed stitch at the bottom. 

Thoughts

    Though I accomplished at lot yesterday morning, I was happy to be moving more slowly and enjoying each job I did. I also sewed slowly yesterday and really enjoyed that. It allowed me to relax and think about what I was doing and what I want to do next. 

    I covered the plants on the deck last night as it was supposed to be 3C in low lying areas (usually us). It didn't happen which was nice. The plants are now uncovered enjoying the sunshine. The tomatoes have blooms on them which is the reason I covered them. 

Today

I am going to do the balance sheet, some laundry, and begin tidying up the dining area. If I have time, I will clean on kitchen cupboard. This afternoon I want to cut out the pyjamas for the rabbit so I can decide which fabric I will use for the backing of the quilt. Tonight I will knit on socks and the doll's coat. A quiet day for me. 

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

Progress On The Doll's Coat

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 20C. This morning it is clear and 9C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 23C.

Lifestyle

I had a short time to work on the family tree and got my 5th great grandfather's family done. It was difficult to find who most of the children married. I did dig deep into a couple of marriages only to find that those people weren't my family members. The surprise was that my 5th great grandfather was born in Nova Scotia where is 11 siblings were born in the US. 

I was picked up by daughter-in-law early so we could eat lunch at their house. Then it was off to the city to watch grandson and his soccer team play. It was a good game with one score in the first half. In the second half, grandson played and it was exciting. Grandson passed the ball perfectly and they scored a 2nd goal. More great playing and then 3 different team mates tried to score a third goal but didn't succeed. The game ended 2-0. It was grandson's last game with this team and a great way to end it. 

On our way out from the soccer pitch I got to razz grandson. He had one shin pad and sock on. It was a good laugh as he stopped to take it off. We went home and I was happy to be home. 

Knitting

I did knit on the doll's coat last night.  I was able to get 20 rows done. 

Thoughts

    We had perfect weather for the weekend. Not too warm and sunny. The mornings were cool which was nice to be out and about for activities. We couldn't have asked for anything better weather wise. 

    Life will get back to more normal now that graduation is over. I will start cleaning as I left it over the weekend. I need to weed the boxes and water everything. And I want to enjoy what I am doing without feeling rushed. I enjoy working at a steady pace vs rushing. I can rush for a few days and then need to go back to what I like best - steady progress. 

    It is hard to believe that grandson will be leaving in a week to play soccer in Uruguay. I will certainly miss him as I enjoy visiting with him whenever I want to. I do wish him the best as he begins his life after graduation. 

Today

I am home today and have a list of things to do this morning. This afternoon I want to work on the doll's quilt and will knit tonight. The list is really long as I am starting back into my routine. 

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

Graduation

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 19C. This morning it is clear and 6C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 20C. 

Lifestyle

I spent a bit of time yesterday morning doing some cleaning up. It was needed. I enjoyed it as I felt like I had a bit of my routine back. 

I was over to family's at 10:15 am and we were off to the grad's church service. The church is on campus, stone built and over 100 years old. 

It was a special service as the Reverend was retiring that day. 

After church, everyone went over to the Recreation Center to take pictures of the grads. I sat at a picnic table and quietly rolled my sore spots. There was a quiet release and I was pain free and ready to go. I joined family and we visited with friends. I did take a picture of grandson wearing his grad outfit.

The boys wear this and the girls wear a white jumper with a red belt and their red jackets. They do not do cap and gown at this school. 

Then we went to the cafeteria for sandwiches and squares. More time to mingle with people and watch the grads enjoy their last day at school. 

The last stop was for the graduation and prize ceremony at the Recreation Center. There the 63 students walked across the stage to receive their graduation certificate, and other recognition that they earned. 

Grandson got his honour's pin and his lifer's plaque. We were shocked to learn that grandson also had the highest score in the Atlantic provinces on a chemistry exam he took at the end of April. This exam was compulsory for his class to take but other schools across Canada allow students to choose to take it. Grandson is the first person to win this award at his school. It allows him to apply to a very rigorous program at a university in Western Canada. 

It is interesting to hear what other students are doing after school life. Three or four boys are going to become RCMP officers, one boy has been signed to play hockey, two are going to universities in the US, a few are going to attend universities in the home country. One is going to trade school, another to become a veterinary assistant. Many are attending universities in Canada to take medicine, business, engineering, performing arts, and other disciplines I can't remember. 

We were home just after 4 pm. Tired with all the excitement, I sat and rested for a bit. After dinner, son and grandson came over to see if they could sign in remotely to the server at their house. They could and grandson was excited. He is going to work for son learning about computer sciences which he wants to take at university after a gap year.

Sewing

None done as I was out most of the day. 

Knitting

I did knit last night. The coat is coming along and I am now working on the waist part. 

It is very light in colour so I am expecting the bottom part will be darker as will the sleeves. I am making the bottom part longer this time as I want it coat length. 

Thoughts

    l really enjoyed the grad ceremonies. It is well planned and each student is recognized for their strengths at the school. They now move into the adult world and continue their education well prepared. Those who are taking a gap year have plans for the following year. 

   The weather was perfect for graduation. The sun shone and it wasn't hot. People enjoyed mingling outside visiting. In past years it has either been very hot or wet. This year it was "perfect" weather for everyone. 

    I am ready to start back on my routine tomorrow. It is time to get back to doing some housework. I have let it go and want to start doing some deep cleaning. I also need to weed the vegetable boxes as the weeds are growing as fast as the plants. I am looking forward to some quiet time doing things I need and want to do. 

Today

I have to get something for lunch and then am going with family to watch grandson's team play soccer. It is his last game with this team. We will get home after 5 pm and then I will sit quietly and knit. 

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

A Bit Of Sewing, A Lot of Grad

 Yesterday was sunny and warm. The high got to 17C. This morning it is clear and 7C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 18C. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door to make sandwiches early. We got the job done in good time and I was home by 10 am with a stop in town. 

I was out again to family's house by 2 pm. I sat in their office with son and daughter-in-law as 4 boys finished getting ready for grad pictures and prom. It was great to meet and talk to 3 of grandson's friends. 

We got to school in good time and the boys had pictures taken. The teacher who was doing pictures enjoyed working with the boys. They have some fabulous shots that they will enjoy for years to come. 

We visited with some parents and one boy I haven known for 2 years gave me a huge hug. His mom and dad flew in from the Dominican for grad. I also met other parents and visited with them. I also visited with parents I have known for 6 years. 

After pictures, we went into the cafeteria to have some fabulous finger foods and then there was the parent/student waltz. The grads then got on a bus and headed to Halifax for their grad party at a hotel. We stayed behind for a slide show of all the grads and drank a glass of champagne. It was home to have pizza for dinner. 

I am going to admit I was sore from so much standing. My back was the sorest as was the glute muscle. I would stand and then walk around to relieve the pain. I finally ended up sitting. I was in bed early as I was tired. I slept all night which I didn't expect. 

Sewing

 I decided to do some sewing yesterday morning. I sewed together all the strips and made the binding for the quilt. It is sitting in a pile on the cutting table. 

I also played and got 4 more flying geese made for the doll's quilt. They are so easy to make now that I have done so many. 

I now have enough for one side of the quilt. It won't take long to do the 12 geese for the other side. 

I am going to make an apron later on. I have the perfect combination of fabric for the first one. 

This one I will gift to daughter. I have enough of the print to do some other kitchen items for her. I will have to buy more of the brown fabric as I only have 1 meter. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night. 

Thoughts

    Yesterday's grad activity was very well done. Out of the group of 63 students, 4 started at the school in grade 6 and 3 more started in grade 7. These students are called lifers. The rest of the students came later with many coming in grade 11 to do their senior years at the school. A lot of the students will attend universities in Nova Scotia with a few attending universities in Ontario, one in the US, and some in their home countries. 

    It was interesting watching the students move out of the dorms while grads were having pictures taken. Boxes upon boxes of sports equipment was loaded into vehicles. Others were packing boxes of personal items to take home for the summer. Quite a few of the students leave their belongings in boxes which are stored for the summer while the dorms are cleaned ready for late August. 

Today

I leave here to go to family's at 10:15 am. We will attend the grad's church service, then have lunch in the cafeteria, and attend the grad ceremony. We should be home mid afternoon. I am going to relax, water my vegetables, and get ready for Sunday as I am going to watch grandson play his last game of soccer with this team. I do hope to knit tonight. 

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

Slowing Down With Hand Sewing

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 24C (humidex 27C). This morning it is clear and 12C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 19C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday, I had a busy morning. I was down the stairs to press and run the lint roller over the quilt. That took me a good 20 minutes. Then it was folded carefully and put into a bag to take to the long arm quilter. 

The drive to New Minas was uneventful. When I got to the quilt shop, they were excited to see the quilt and took all the information so it could be quilted. The long arm quilter hadn't arrived or wasn't coming in. I did find a backing for it that is a rusty colour. 

Once done at the quilt shop, I headed out to shop. It took longer than expected but I survived the ordeal. Walmart's parking lot is being paved and you can't get in one way so you have to go down quite a ways to turn around and come back to it. I did shop at Walmart and at Giant Tiger. On the way home I stopped at the other quilt shop to get a pattern. 

I had a short rest once I got home and then headed down stairs to tidy up the sewing room and vacuum. The floor was disgusting with lots of threads, fluff, and fraying stuff off the fabrics I used. I had 27 minutes left on the Dyson battery and used 25 minutes. I also got the screens into the two windows in the sewing room. That means moving furniture and climbing a ladder to get them in. 

Sewing

I have slowed down enough to think back on the quilt. The ideas for the quilt were found over time on Pinterest. I knew the panel was 42" wide and knew the blocks had to be 6" finished. The idea of having the V was from ideas I had seen on other quilts but it was more of a zig zag pattern. Once I got the blocks made and row of 7 sewn together, I knew exactly what to do with the dark fabric. I would do this pattern again as I do like it. 

After I cleaned the sewing room, I cut out the binding for the quilt. I now need to sew the strips together and press it ready to sew on when the quilt is done. 

I decided it was time to do some slow sewing and sat in the family room with it. I did take out the S in the embroidery I had done. Then I picked up the bag with the lace and hand sewed for an hour on it. It was good to do some hand stitching on it. I got the leaves stitched down on the 3rd part and am ready to stitch down the gold pointed part. 

Knitting

I decided to knit the doll's coat using one size larger needles. The tension is much better on this version. I am wondering if I wrote down the wrong size needles or if I am now knitting a bit tighter due to knitting socks on small needles. Who knows. I did get 20 rows knit on it last night. 

It is knitting up quicker this time as I know the pattern. I just have to remember to do the button holes. I had to unknit last night as I didn't do the 2nd one. 

Thoughts

    I am ready to get back to my old schedule where I can eat properly, do some housework. I have missed that part of my routine. Just slowing down mid afternoon and doing hand work yesterday afternoon was a lovely break from all the rushing and stressing I have been experiencing while making the quilt. 

    This weekend is set aside for grandson as he has graduation today and tomorrow and then plays his last soccer game on Sunday. He will continue to go to practices and training sessions until he leaves for Uruguay. I will probably go to his game but I don't go to his practice and training sessions. 

Today

I am going to make sandwiches at the hall shortly. Once home, I am going to do a few things and then be ready to go to grandson's school for grad pictures, reception and video presentation. I am not sure what time we will get home but if early, I will be knitting on the doll's coat tonight. 

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

The Quilt Top Is Completed

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 23C (humidex 25C). This morning it is sunny and 12C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 26C (humidex 29C). 

Lifestyle

I am exhausted even though I have slept well. The sewing marathon of making the quilt is over, the adrenaline rush is gone, and I am dragging myself around this morning. I will be back to normal in the next couple of days. 

I was out on the deck this morning looking at the vegetables. All are healthy and growing well. Even the flowers, onions and 3 tomato plants in the garden boxes are doing well. I will have to start watering them tomorrow as there is no rain in sight for the next 4-5 days. No deer have visited. One neighbour ran out with one dog at his heels to chase the deer from their yard. The dog barked a lot and they took off in a hurry through the area behind us. They may not be back for quite a while. 

Sewing

It was a marathon sewing day. I started at 9 am, stopped around 12:30, back at it just after 1 pm and finished at 3:30 pm. We have a quilt that is ready for the long arm quilter. 

This quilt was a lot of work as there were so many seams to match up. I had to make sure every block was the right size which actually happened (miracle). The center block was as straight as I could get it and when I started to put it all together, it was square. I did measure the borders and made sure they were the same size when I put them on. The quilt measures 53 x 84" which is a lot larger than I had thought it would be. 

I staggered out of the sewing room leaving behind quite a mess of threads and fluff on the floor and I am sure a lot of surfaces. The top needs the lint roller run over it and a final pressing done. This morning's job before I take it to the long arm quilter. 

I swore that I will not do this kind of sewing again. It took me 5 intensive days of cutting, sewing, and pressing to make. There was one day of laundering and starching the fabric. I was informed last night another one of these panels is arriving to make a quilt next year. I will be starting it in March so I can enjoy the process. 

I am quite proud of the quilt. I found the block on Pinterest and liked it a lot. I designed the idea of the pyramid from another quilt I saw somewhere on the internet. The idea was formed and I knew I could execute it after I made the block. I was excited to use the flying geese ruler family gave me for Christmas and it was a life saver. Looking at YouTube videos on how to use it gave me an easier way to make the geese with a bit more wasted material. I learned a lot in a hurry but am happy I did. No going back to the old way of making geese. 

Knitting

I tried the coat on the doll and am happy with the fit. 

I am going to knit it again on a size larger needle to see how it looks. If it looks too big, I will make it longer so it is a coat. I know this designer's patterns are ones that I have to work on to get the tension right. I knit more true to the yarn's given tension and she knits a lot looser. 

I will start the socks now that I am not exhausted after dinner. I need to wind the yarn into two 50 gram balls before I can start. 

Thoughts

    I am amazed at how limber my back/hip feels most of the time. It does get tired when I have to do a lot of the same thing, especially standing. I had thought I would have pain last night as I was up and down so much and then knelt on the floor to measure the quilt. I did have problems getting up as I was sore and somewhat stiff. 

    I have to spend some time in the sewing room cleaning up and putting the screens back into the windows. I want to get it neat and tidy so I can enjoy sewing the next projects on the list. I ignored the mess and by late yesterday afternoon it was annoying me. 

    I am going back to my old routine once again. I am going back to eating healthy, doing house work in the morning, sewing in the afternoon, and knitting at night. I want to slow down and enjoy doing things but stay active to be healthy. Once the next few days are done (grandson's graduation this weekend) I will be focusing on what I need to do. I have been thinking and will write about next week. 

Today

I have to use the lint roller on the quilt and give it a final pressing. Then it is off to the long arm quilter where I will find the backing, choose the design and thread so it can be done. I have to do some shopping before I come home. I would like to tidy up and vacuum the sewing room this afternoon, divide the ball of yarn so I can start knitting socks tonight. Though a busy day, I can move at a slower pace and enjoy myself some.

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

More Progress OnThe Quilt

 Yesterday was sunny and windy with a high of 20C. It did rain last night. This morning it is cloudy and 15C. Today is supposed to be clear off and be sunny with a high of 24C (humidex 28C).

Lifestyle

Yesterday started with a visit from daughter-in-law. We were suppose to peel and cut 40 lbs of carrots in the morning but weren't going to do it until 1 pm. We did it and it took 3 of us 1 hour to peel and cut carrots. 

I had dinner at family's last night and grandson told me he could be in Uruguay until the end of November. They leave on June 23. Son will be home in early September and daughter-in-law will probably go down in the fall. 

Sewing

I spent almost 3 hours working on the quilt yesterday. The first session was in the morning. I gathered all the geese and sewed them into blocks. By noon I had them sewn together and one block fully pressed. 

In the late afternoon, I finished pressing the blocks and got 2 rows sewn together. 

I am hoping to have it finished today. 

Knitting

Too exhausted to knit. 

Thoughts

    I am ready for this quilt to be done and at the long arm quilters. I have had to sew fast and in a way that I don't like to sew -- assembly line sewing. I have proved to myself that I can make a quilt quickly if necessary. But it has taken a toll on me. 

    I have stopped taking care of myself at the moment due to this quilt. I am tired and somewhat cranky from not doing self care. I have ignored a lot of things in the house which is not good. My eating has gone south and my stress level has gone north. The only thing that is good -- I am not having a lot of pain in my back and hip. It is actually feeling better than it has for a while. 

    I have decided that once this week is over with, I will be focusing on me. I will be slowing down, relaxing, and enjoying what I am doing. No rushing or pushing myself to the limit. I am going to eat properly, sew slowly, and enjoy myself every day. I want to do things that I have planned but do them in thoughtful ways and take breaks if necessary. I want to do a variety of things each day and enjoy myself while I am doing it. 

Today

I have a full day of sewing on the quilt with a quick trip to the grocery store for some food. My goal is to have the quilt done and ready to leave the house tomorrow. I probably won't knit tonight as I will be too tired. 

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

A Flock Of Geese Were Made

 Yesterday was mainly sunny with a high of 22C. This morning it is cloudy and 10C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun, clouds, and some showers with a high of 21C (humidex 25C).

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning started out with me doing laundry and then working in the kitchen. I did empty the recycling bin as it goes out this week. I then cleaned under the sink. I removed everything from under there and made a few decisions. The garbage can use to hang but it always fell off its flimsy hanger. I took out the liner which has a handle, took off the hardware from the wall and door and put what was left into the trash. I then scrubbed the walls and bottom of the cabinet and set about putting back items. I filled bottles getting rid of the empty containers. I organized items and put everything back in. I use it all. It is much cleaner and organized under there. I then washed the doors and the drop down drawer and called it done. I am pleased with how it looks. 

The appliance technician arrived around 10 am. He set about dismantling the freezer on the fridge. There were pieces on the counter and the floor. 

When he removed the back panel on the freezer, we had the Antarctic in my fridge. It was frozen solid. 

He knew exactly what to do and checked out one part that usually goes. It worked fine. It is a control panel under the left front of the fridge that may not be working. The fridge has been defrosted and the part has been ordered. Costly yes. But worth it. This technician knew what to do. Both of the others didn't strip the fridge this far back. The fridge has plenty of life left in it. Why the control panel died is a mystery as it doesn't happen very often. He will be back in about 3 weeks to check on the fridge and replace the part if necessary. 

The company that does the lawn maintenance was here before lunch and sprayed for weeds. I don't have a lot of weeds due to how healthy the lawn is. 

I walked down to my friend's and gave her 2 cucumber plants for her little vegetable box. We had a short visit before I came home to have lunch. 

Sewing

I spent over 3 hours in the sewing room. I put away a lot of the fabric that was residing on the cutting table. I then started to cut out squares and sewed them together. I was making all the geese for the bottom part of the quilt. I cut, I sewed, I pressed, and then I stood for a long time trimming the pieces. My final job was to cut the small rectangles in blue and the large dark end pieces. 

I literally hobbled out of the sewing room as I had stood too long trimming the geese to their right size. But, the job is done and I can now start sewing. 

I have to say the flying geese ruler is a life saver. It is accurate and easy to use. Using the Eleanor Burns method is quick and easy also. Once I got the hang of it, I was able to work quickly and efficiently. I did 48 geese yesterday afternoon. 

I usually don't do this type of batch sewing and had to force myself to stay on track. My brain kept wanting me to sew up the bits to make the final block. I struggle with this and know that I will struggle with it until the quilt is done. At least I know I can do it if push comes to shove. 

Knitting

I finished the doll's coat and now need to find buttons for it. 

I am glad that both sleeves came out looking the same. I was a bit worried that one would be darker at the cuff. 

I can now start knitting socks. I have to wind the blue yarn into to 2 balls so I can knit both socks at the same time. 

Thoughts

    I am glad that I found a good appliance repair company to work on my fridge. The other 2 didn't want to strip the fridge back that far. In actual fact neither one knew how to take the big basket out. I knew due to doing a google search. I know if it frosts up again, I will defrost it a day or two before he comes so it won't be frozen up like it was. 

    One of my cucumber plants does not like the sun. I gave it a small drink of water (soil was moist) and put up the shade again. It perked up once it was out of the sun. The other plant is doing great as are the tomatoes and peppers. I will be watering them daily as they are not in big containers and get a lot of sun. 

    I recovered from my soreness. I had a few cracks in my back when I stretched in bed last night. The main reason was from standing still and being slightly hunched over for a long time. I know it affects others who do the same thing I did yesterday. I also know I will never perfect the art of cutting sitting down. So I will have to do some cutting and then move.  Standing for an hour is too much for me to handle. It didn't help that I stood a lot helping the technician as he worked on the fridge. 

Today

My goal today is to clean two more kitchen cabinets and do a bit of laundry. I want to sew as many blocks together as I can this afternoon and start knitting on the next pair of socks tonight. It is a stay at home day for me. 

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

Progress On The Dog Quilt

 It was a wet cloudy morning the past two morning with some sunshine in the afternoon. The high yesterday got to 19C. This morning it is hazy and 6C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 21C. 

Lifestyle

First, yesterday I did not post as we lost power at 4:45 am and it was restored at 10:50 am. I was late to the game so didn't do a post. 

On Saturday afternoon, daughter-in-law and I went to Fisherman's Cove which is across the harbour from Halifax. It was founded about 200 years ago and is quite hidden from view by the Eastern Passage. Today the area has about 10 - 12 small buildings (fisherman huts) that people rent/own in which they sell crafted items. The buildings are brightly painted and have a board walk in front of them. 

When you cross the parking lot, you can walk part way around the ocean and there is a beach which allows people to walk into the water. It is natural habitat in which you can see a variety of birds when it is quiet. There is a pile of lobster traps at one spot which signifies the importance of fishing in the area. 

Daughter-in-law and I wandered through some of the shops and she picked up some gifts. I picked up some yarn from the yarn shop. We had thought that the yarn shop would have had a lot of yarn in it but we were disappointed. The Rolling Yarn Shop we buy from is has far more yarn in a smaller space. I did buy 2 skeins of yarn. 

The area around Fisherman's Cove is also interesting. You could see some fishing boats and a lot of lobster traps. There is also an Air Force base, the Auto Port, and some oil refineries in the area. It is urban but feels a bit rural. 

Yesterday was a mixed up day due to the power being off. I did fold laundry. It was difficult to do much of anything as it was dark and pouring rain. Once the power came on, I did some cleaning up and called it done for upstairs. 

Sewing

I have been working on the dog quilt. I am spending a lot of time trying to get it done and have the top part ready to sew onto the panel. 

I am now ready to cut the squares to make the geese for the bottom part. I have a better idea of what I am doing and will focus on cutting the squares before I sew. I also know that I have to sew the row of 7 blocks first and then move towards the one block. The dark strips can be cut out before I start sewing. 

Once I start sewing, I will focus on sewing the blocks for each row. It gives me a break from doing all the sewing, then all the cutting, etc. which my brain hates. It likes to do one block at a time which is the slow method so I have to push myself to do a lot at one time. For me it is exhausting mentally. 

Once the quilt is sewn together, I will decide if I am going to add a border of large flying geese to each side. If I do, I know that I will put a dark piece in the middle and reverse the geese. If I don't, I will add a narrow light border and then a wider dark border. It all depends on how the quilt looks when I get the bottom part sewn on. 

Knitting

Though I have been tired at night, I have pushed myself to knit on the doll's coat. 

It should be finished tonight. Then onto socks. 

Thoughts

    I really enjoyed going to Fisherman's Cove on Saturday. It wasn't overly busy as it had rained and was cool (14C). I am sure that it is busy in the summer as it is a real tourist attraction. 

    I am not sure what caused the power outage in our area. Shortly after that the area towards the city went out also. They got their power back first and then we were another 45 minutes to a hour later. The road was busy with people going to buy coffee and breakfast in the part of town that had power. 

    I was short on sleep as I woke up with a leg cramp just as the power went off. I didn't go back to sleep as my leg was sore. I was to go into the city to watch grandson play soccer but didn't go. I know sitting in the car would have given me another leg cramp. Staying home allowed me to keep it stretched out. I was also drinking electrolytes as I knew I was dehydrated. 

    I am powering through the quilt and am not enjoying the process as much as I would like to. I enjoyed the designing part but having to sew it quickly is not fun for me. I am spending around 4 hours a day so I can get it to the long arm quilter sooner rather than later. I am hoping I can enjoy making the next quilt a lot more than I am enjoying this one. One thing I do know - I can batch cut and sew if I have to. 

Today

I have the repair man coming to look at the fridge sometime today. I also have the company coming to do weed control. I want to clean under the sink as it needs to be done. I also want to cut all the squares for the flying geese and start sewing them together. I also need groceries. I want to knit tonight. A very busy day for me. 

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

Batch Cutting and Sewing Flying Geese

 Yesterday was mainly cloudy and warm. The high got to 25C (humidex 30C). This morning it is cloudy, damp, and 16C. Today is supposed to have shower with a high of 23C (humidex 28C). 

Lifestyle

I spent quite a bit of time outside in the yard yesterday morning. I got the tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers into the tubs on the deck. Flowers were put into pots at the shed. I put the rest of the tomatoes and flowers into some of the vegetable boxes. When I looked, one tomato plant on the deck was in bloom. 

I got out one hose and hooked it up to the tap. I worked hard to get it on tight and succeeded. Then it was a trip to the garage to get the adaptors so I could attach the proper spray tool to the hose. I watered all the plants. After that was done, I cleaned up my mess and went inside. I was hot and tired. I was also quite sore. 

I monitored the plants all day. We did have the sun shine for a while and I had to make a shade for the cucumber plants. They were drooping in the heat. But they look great in the evening when I removed the shade (a throw I use to cover plants when we have frost warnings). I did a brief check this morning and all the plants survived transplanting. Now to see if I can keep the tomatoes in the boxes from being eaten by the deer. 

All of the pots and trays are in the recycling bag ready to go this coming week. The pots the cucumbers were in are cleaned and ready to be stored. I have 2 cucumber plants to give to my neighbour tomorrow. That pot will be cleaned and they can be put away until next year. 

I didn't go outside in the afternoon as I knew I would get exhausted from the heat and humidity. I only was out for a few minutes to check the plants. I will have to say it was quite humid yesterday as the dehumidifier in the basement ran most of the day. 

Sewing

I spent 4 hours in the sewing room. I sewed squares together and trimmed 24 little geese. 

I repeated the process and made 16 big geese. 

I cut out some blue rectangles and sewed 4 blocks. 

I have another 12 blocks to sew for the top part of the quilt. I need to make them and sew the row of 7 blocks together to see if I need to add to the panel. Once the top is done, I get to repeat the process for the bottom. Geese will be flying north and south. 

I am not doing any other sewing until this quilt is done and at the long arm quilters. I want it at daughter's house by the end of July. 

Knitting

I was tired but I did knit on the doll's coat. The stitches for the sleeve were picked up and I got the 3 knit rows and 5 rows of seed stitch knit. 

I had done 8 rows of seed stitch and took out 3 as it was too much. 

Thoughts

    I was tired yesterday and had quite a bit of deep sleep last night. I was really dragging by 5 pm which indicated I was also having a sugar low. It took quite a bit of food to get it back up again. 

    My refrigerator will be looked at on Monday rather than Thursday. Hopefully it can be fixed in the next couple of weeks. I need to defrost it once again so it isn't iced up when the repairs are done. I will have to use the little fridge once again which is annoying. I have to shop twice a week when I use it as I can't keep a lot of stuff in it. 

    I was sore yesterday from doing the planting but it was more muscle being used. The ones that hurt the most ached but they aren't bothering me like they did. My SI joint isn't sore either which is good. I was worried about that when I went out yesterday. I know I can keep the boxes weeded if I do it slowly and carefully. 

Today

I am out shortly to make sandwiches at the community hall. When I get home, I want to sew for an hour and then will be out this afternoon. Daughter-in-law and I are going to the East Shore to look in a bunch of shops while grandson is at soccer training. I want to finish up the sleeve on the doll's coat and then pick up the stitches for the other sleeve this evening. 

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

Progess On The Doll's Quilt

 Though yesterday was sunny and hot, the wind made it feel cooler. The high got to 29C (humidex 32C). This morning it is cloudy and 14C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun, clouds, and showers with a high of 25C (humidex 28C). 

Lifestyle

I was out yesterday morning to have my hair cut. I was gone 1 hour and had to take the long way due to road construction. 

Once home, I did a load of laundry and did some tidying up. Not a lot as it was getting warm and I was closing curtains to keep the house cool. I did starch fabric in the morning which was a big job. But it is done and drying in the bath tub. 

I also went outside to water the pots and before I knew it 6 of the 8 boxes were weeded. I have left a bunch of small plants in them for now as I think they are petunias. In one of the boxes I didn't get to there is a tomato plant which I will leave. By the time I got inside, it was hot and time for me to cool down. 

After lunch, the company arrived to clean the house. Depending on how much water he had, he would do the back deck. By the time he was done, he had done the house, back deck and the shed. Everything is squeaky clean and shining. I am so glad it has been done. I can't wait to see family's house as they had it done in the morning. I know I will have the house done before I put it up for sale. 

I had very little pain yesterday. I am not sure why but I loved it. I was able to do things without a lot of pain for the first time in ages. Did I release a few joints without knowing it? The muscles are hardly hurting at all so they are not straining to protect joints. I am going to take it and enjoy it. 

Sewing

With the fabric starched and drying, I focused on the doll's quilt. I made two more 6.5" blocks and put them on to the block I had made. I then made 4 more small blocks that are the reverse in colour. I fiddled and diddled and am this far with it. 

I have 16 more alternate small geese to make and then I will add a border and finish it off. This has been a learning exercise for sure. I am ready to start on the dog quilt. 

Once the starched fabric is dry, I will start cutting out the squares to make the flying geese for the dog quilt. I have 32 blocks to make which means I need 32 large geese and 64 small ones. I will also need 64 small rectangles. A lot of cutting and sewing in my future. 

Knitting

I got the body of the doll sweater done. It wasn't hard to knit 6 rows and then weave in the loose ends. 

It actually looks better than I had thought it would. I like how it ended with the light colour of yarn. 

I will start the sleeves tonight. I plan on doing the seed stitch on the narrow part so it ties in with the waist band. 

I wound a skein of yarn into a ball yesterday. Now I have to take my scales down and wind it into 2 balls. I want to start them tonight. 

Thoughts

    I didn't plant anything yesterday as it was too hot. Even last night it was too warm to do it. I did put the plants out on the deck for the night and will do them today. I will be building tents for them so they have shade if the sun comes out. 

    I was in and out of the house a lot yesterday. I knew my limit as I am prone to heat stroke. I did walk the yard with the person who cleaned the house to do a final inspection. He was telling me how he is going to deer proof his garden boxes this summer. If the summer is going to be hot and dry, the deer will be moving around and eating flowers and vegetables to survive. Hence why all of us are trying to deer proof our places. 

    I did well with my eating yesterday. I am trying to eat really healthy and will need to go grocery shopping tomorrow. I will be using the small fridge more often than not until I find out about the big fridge. I may end up shopping twice a week. 

Today

My first job is to plant the flowers and vegetables into their pots. I would like to get out the rest of the solar lights. This afternoon I want to press fabrics and start cutting the squares for the dog quilt. Tonight I hope to cast on and knit the socks and start the first sleeve on the doll's coat. 

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