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..............................................................

Taping and Cutting Out Patterns

Yesterday was mainly cloudy but not gloomy. The high got to 13C. This morning it is cloudy and 10C. Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a high of 14C. 

Lifestyle

I was out to make sandwiches first thing. I got to cut and arrange the sandwiches on the trays. I also made the cucumber sandwiches. I was home just after 9 am. 

Once home, I started laundry and made a pot of spicy fish chowder. I enjoyed making the soup and have made is quite a few times. It is thick and hearty for dinners the next two nights. This chowder is not cream based but tomato based. It is a nice change from cream based soups. 

I emailed Fitbit and they returned my message. They said I would have to go to a site to get the labels. I looked in my emails and found it buried in one of their replies. I had read them carefully but the email didn't show the slips I needed. I now have them saved on my computer and printed. I will ship my Fitbit out on Monday. Here is hoping it will be back before we leave on our trip. 

Sewing

The number one job was to cut the ribbon and put them into the casings of two gift bags. That was done in a hurry and they are now put away. The small jobs hanging over my head are now done.

I spent some time looking in the doll's fabric stash. I hauled out two more pieces of fabric to go with the Edwardian outfit. One is a piece I truly love and hid it away. It is time to use it. 

The other piece is lovely also. I have used it several times when making doll clothes. 

I then started to cut out pattern pieces and put them together. I started with the doll's coat. I cut the pieces to make the gathered sleeves first. I then started to cut out the pieces for the rest of the coat. I started to get into a bit of a mess and had to stop and think. I found all the pieces for the lining and cut them and put them in a pile. I then laid out the pieces for the gathered pockets and started to sift through the pattern pieces to get what I needed. It took quite a while to get it all figured out. I haven't tossed any pieces left as I might need them. 

Next up I cut out the Laura skirt. It was only a skirt pattern so it went fast. 

The cutting table is set up so I can start in January. 

I know I will be adding one more pattern to the table at the end of the month (blouse). I am deciding on a dress to add and when I choose the pattern, I will add it. 

Knitting

I struggled getting the stitches picked up on the sweater. It took me forever and I was exhausted when I got done. 

The hard part is trying to get the right number of stitches on each side placed the same way. I got it done and will start the knitting of the shawl collar and front band tonight. 

Thoughts

    I have been tired lately and part of it is boredom. I am not sewing which means I have time on my hands every afternoon. I may have to start pinning and cutting out the doll patterns to keep me busy. I am sitting and watching too much TV which is not healthy. I need to be active and doing things. 

    We are now into fall weather. The leaves have faded and many of the bright coloured ones are on the ground. We will continue to have a mixed bag of weather conditions -- cool and cloudy to warm and sunny. Nights will be cool but no frost is being predicted for the next week. 

Today

I am out to make sandwiches (day 2 of 4) this morning. Once home I will do some housework, fold laundry, put away some yarn, and make sure my messy spots are tidy. This afternoon I will print and tape a dress and start pinning the coat pattern onto the fabric. Tonight I will knit on the doll's sweater. 

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

And It Rained

 Yesterday was cool and wet with a high of 12C. This morning it is cloudy and 10C. Today is supposed to be cloudy with showers and a high of 13C. 

Lifestyle

I took daughter-in-law shopping yesterday morning. Our first stop was the sporting goods store where I returned a pair of runners and bought another pair. Daughter-in-law bought herself a pair of runners also. 

Our second stop was Walmart and we did our shopping. I bought celery and she bought carrots which we shared. I got a few other things also. Our last stop was at the liquor store. We did a bit of snooping in there for fun. We were home by noon. 

After lunch, I chopped celery and onions and grated carrots for mirepoix which I use in soups. I have a tub of it. I also keep the chunks of celery that I can't chop up as I put them into the pot when I cook a chicken carcass for broth. 

Sewing

I have started to print the patterns for the doll's outfit. I got the gathered pocket pieces done and the coat is now printing. I want to rough cut them and tape the pieces together and put them into a pile on top of the coat fabric. 

I bought ribbon for the last two bags I made. That is on the list to do right away so I can put the bags into a tub to sell next year. 

Knitting

I did a lot of knitting yesterday. I got both sleeves done. I even wove the ends in on the sleeves. 

I read both the pattern and the knit along instructions carefully and started to pick up the stitches on the right front. 

I am taking my time as I find picking up stitches this way challenging. There are not many rows to knit though there are some stitches to pay attention to when making the shawl collar. I am happy that I decided to make this sweater using both the pattern and the knit along. 

Thoughts

    We had a good rain yesterday. It was nice and soft in the morning with a good hard rain last night. We really needed it and I, for one, wasn't complaining. The ground was bone dry at least 6" down. The downside of having the rain was how gloomy it was all day. 

    I am still waiting for the paperwork to return my Fitbit. I sent them an email asking when it will be sent as I am missing having it. The company was fast to start with but have slowed down since our Thanksgiving weekend. 

    I am still playing around with packing. I put things into the suitcase, take them out, rearrange, and drive myself crazy. I think I am trying to be over prepared. Yesterday I was fiddling with my backpack trying to get things organized so I can get at items during the long flights. I know I will be putting my back pack under the seat. 

    It was this day in 1897 that a fire broke out in Windsor. But due to gale force winds, most of the town burnt to the ground. Help came from Halifax, New Brunswick, and Boston. Within a year 150 new structures were built and Windsor was fully function as a town. I do know from visiting museums in the town some of the houses were not touched by the fire. The owners of one house helped build houses in the town. 

Today

I am gone first thing to make sandwiches. I am not sure what time I will get home as I think we have to make two batches today. I would like to do some laundry, work on getting the ribbon into the bags, and start rough cutting and taping doll patterns together. I will knit on the doll's sweater tonight. 

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

A Busy Day

 Yesterday started out cloudy and ended up sunny. The high got to 17C. This morning it is cloudy and 9C. Today is supposed to be cloudy with a chance of showers and 14C. 

Lifestyle

I was out to physio at 8 am. After a quick assessment, the therapist released the sacrum which was a bit tight. Then she worked on both SI joints. They were also tight. I did the gym exercise and had the electrical and heat therapy. I go back the first week of November for another session. I was much better than the last time and hope I will be a bit better next time. 

Once home, I did a few things. I prepped meat for a stew, cleaned up the kitchen, and wandered outside to see how the hedge was coming along. The guys were putting down the cedar mulch as the edging was done.  

I left for my flu shot after lunch and arrived at the doctor's a good 10 minutes early. There was a small line up and I was in and done in 10 minutes. The doctor's 2 sons were helping him and they make an efficient team. 

Back home, I was outside to clean the shed. I picked up the empty plastic bags and box and took them to the garage to be recycled. I swept the floor of the shed, tidied up a bit and am happy with my clean shed. I also picked up the empty bags from the mulch and put them into the garbage can the guys had for them. I went back out later to lock the shed and admire the hedge. It looks great. No phone so no pictures. 

I had a short nap as the combination of physio and flu shot knocked me out. I was okay with that as I had expected it to happen. I am always tired after physio as my therapist works we hard. Add the flu shot and I knew I would need a nap. 

Sewing

Nothing done as I didn't have time to print the patterns. 

Knitting

I finished week 1 of the knit along I had found quite a while ago and started on week 2. Week 2 was a bit of a challenge for me as I wasn't doing the bottom of the sweater the same as the instructions said. I was adding a wide white knit border above the bottom rows of garter stitch (knit the rows). It was in keeping with the picture I had found. My calculations were spot on and I finished the body of the sweater. 

Week 3 is the sleeves and I need to knit plain until I hit the cuffs and then knit them in white. That will be easy to do. I need to get a size larger needle to knit the sleeves. Like most people, my gauge is tighter when I knit in the round. 

Thoughts

    I was surprised at how many people were on the list to get the flu shot. Pages of them. The doctor would be busy until 5 pm. He gets to repeat this in 2 weeks when he gives the Covid vaccine. 

    I got my blood collection appointment done online this morning and as of now I am done with booking appointments. I don't have to keep putting them on the list every day. Now they go on the day I have to get them, which is every week from now until Nov. 14. 

Today

I am heading out the shop at New Minas and hope to be home in good time. I want to print pattern pieces, do some laundry, and clean up a bit more upstairs. I hope to knit tonight. 

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

Starting A Doll's Sweater

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 17C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 8C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 17C. 

Lifestyle

My first visitor of the morning was the company that does the fertilizing and weed control on the lawn. I talked to the person and he told me my lawn is coming along nicely after a very dry summer. Seeding will be done in the spring. 

Once he left, I headed out to do the grocery shopping. As I was getting into the car, I got a text message from the company who mows my lawn. They were at the house trimming the hedge and were going to do the edging. When I got home, we went over what I wanted, I unlocked the shed, and let them get at it. They had to buy bigger spikes to hold the edging in place. They got the old edging down and most of the hedge weeded by late afternoon. They will be back today to put down the new edging and finish up. I am pleased with how it looks. 

Once I got the groceries put away, I set about washing windows. They are done until spring. I then went under the stairs and started on it. I did not take out the tv boxes and some other things I have to keep and are tidy. The rest of the stuff came out. I let go of my poinsettia tree, outdoor Christmas lights, and a few things in the Christmas tub. I put the outdoor fall decorations into the sell/donate pile and used the wooden crate to hold a metal Christmas tree that holds tea lights and the outdoor projectors. I put what I was keeping back under the stairs along with the two crafting trolleys. 

I kept two empty boxes which I have to keep for another year. One is for the robot vacuum cleaner and the other is for the portable generator. I have 2 cans of paint to take to the depot as it is old and not usable. 

Once done under the stairs, I had a rest. My SI joint was not happy with me crouching so much but I was happy it was done. The rest of the afternoon I rested with some trips outside to enjoy the wonderful warm weather we were having. 

Sewing

Nothing done. I am ready to print patterns. 

Knitting

I did a bit of research on sweaters worn between 1910 and the  mid 1920's. I found these at the Vintage Dancer. 

The light blue and the green and white one caught my eye. I have a pattern for a shawl sweater for the dolls. 

I have instruction (knit along) to do it with a contrasting collar. I can knit a belt if I have to. So the fun began. I started with the navy yarn I knit the beret and scarf from. I did a swatch to get gauge.

It is very close with stitches per inch but a bit out on rows per inch. I am okay with that. I then cast on the stitches and started to knit using the pattern and the knit along instructions. I am going to admit I was having fun though going between the two on the iPad was annoying. But I was learning new things from the knit along. 

I have a few more rows to knit and week 1 of the knit along is done. I love Little Woolens patterns. They are well written and she has some great techniques. The person who did the knit along has good instructions and some great tips. I ended up the evening very happy. I needed something different to knit before I start the next pair of socks. 

Thoughts

    Yesterday was the perfect fall day. The sun was warm and inviting. I was in and out of the house many times enjoying the sunshine. These are my favourite days when I don't have to wear a sweater but I don't overheat. 

    With the hedge being done, I will be able to go to clean the shed some. I need to sweep the floor and move a few things around. It will be nice to have lots of open space to move about. Maybe this afternoon I can do that. 

    I got a call yesterday for making sandwiches. I will be out making them 4 days in a row starting on Friday. I know I will be sore which means I will have to do a lot of stretching to keep my SI joint released. 

Today

I am out shortly for physio and then home to do some things. I am back out at 1 pm for my flu shot. If I feel good enough, I would like to do a bit of work in the shed. Tonight I will knit. 

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

A Productive Day

Yesterday was sunny with a high of 15C. This morning it is cloudy and 4C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 17C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I made buns. I was a bit worried as my yeast is just out of date but has been in the freezer. It worked well for me and the buns turned out great.

We had them for Thanksgiving dinner last night. 

While waiting for the dough to rise, I set about doing chores. I cleaned the bathroom and did laundry. The laundry was folded and put away. I also scrubbed the kitchen windows along with the outside of the bathroom window. 

I had to stretch my SI joint once during the day to release it and then accidentally stretched it again last night and it released again with a good crack. I slept until 4:30 am. 

Thanksgiving dinner was at family's and we had a delicious ham dinner. Friends came over so there were 6 of us and we had a great visit. 

Sewing

I played around and made pictures of the patterns I would like to sew for the doll's outfit I want to make in 2026. The main outfit will consist of a skirt and one top for sure. I have included 3 tops and will pick one. 

The outer garments will consist of a coat which I will add gathered pockets and a cloche. 

I have all the patterns for this part of the outfit. 

I have 3 more patterns to buy before the end of the year and will probably get the two top patterns and the bicycle skirt. That way I can make several outfits for the doll. 

Knitting

I finished the hat yesterday. It was a case of knit, unknit, and then knit to the finish line. I am not sure what I did wrong but I certainly wasn't paying attention to my knitting when I realized I had done the decreasing for the top of the hat wrong. 

I am not sure what I will knit next. 

Thoughts

    Thanksgiving was quiet for us as we don't do a big dinner. We have in the past but have done less in the last couple of years. We are thankful for what we have and what we can do. There are no big sales or anything exciting happening in the area around our Thanksgiving holiday. 

    My IBS has calmed down in the past couple of days. I think it is because I am having less pain in my SI joint, eating better, and stressing less about getting ready for our trip. I feel like I am back in control of what needed to be done and have relaxed now that the jobs are done. 

    I have started to do some Christmas shopping for daughter and son-in-law. I have to ship them 2 boxes before we leave, one of which needs to have their Christmas gifts in it. I have told them not to ship me anything until January. 

Today

I have to get groceries this morning. Once home, I hope to finish the windows in the house and start cleaning up under the stairs. I have to figure out what I want to knit next. Tonight I hope to start a new knitting project. 

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

Planning A Doll Project

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 15C. This morning it is cloudy and 4C. Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a high of 15C. 

Lifestyle

First job yesterday was to do the balance sheet. It is frustrating when you have to move numbers from one month to another due to how the bank processes your debits. Shows I bought items on Sept 30 and they processed it on Oct 1. Once I had that done and my totals updated, the rest of the entries were a breeze. Done until next Sunday. 

My next job was to take some things downstairs and put them away. I did that and then decided to wash the stairs and entry way. Job done in no time and I am happy to say the upstairs is officially cleaned. Now to maintain it which I am doing with tons of reminders. I am hoping it will become a habit that I will do automatically. 

I decided to watch a series I found on Netflix. It is called Sullivan's Crossing and is filmed in Nova Scotia. Most of the scenes are around Mahone Bay but there was one shot at Fisherman's Cove and several scenes were shot in the Dartmouth/Halifax area. Netflix has 2 seasons of the show and I will watch what I want of it. The story line is good at the moment though there are some exaggerations. The last Netflix show I watched that was filmed in the Mahone Bay area was done in the 1800's and was quite good.

Sewing

I cleaned off the cutting table and looked at the doll's fabrics for inspiration for an Edwardian outfit. These are the ones I found but they may change. 

So far, the lighter blue is the coat, the darker is the skirt and the stripe is a shirt. The white is for cuffs and collars. We will see if I make any changes. 

I need to make a jpg of the patterns which will be next. I am slowly getting my ideas together. If there is enough of the lighter blue, I will make a cloche hat. What I need to find is fabric for the lining. I have a grey stripe lining fabric I could use. 

Knitting

I grabbed a part ball of navy blue yarn and decided to knit a scarf and hat to go with the Edwardian outfit. I made the scarf in a couple of hours in the afternoon. The hat was worked on last night and I am ready to decrease the top part now. 

This is a quick knit which I needed after knitting so many pairs of socks. 

Thoughts

    We are in the midst of fall here. Cool with frost warnings. It is almost time to turn on the heat but I am holding off for a few more days. I will start with heat in the mornings only. I let the sun shine in to heat the house during the day. Soon it will be time to run the heat mornings and evenings. I am enjoying the crisp weather we are having. 

    I have started to make a list of some meals I want to make for the next few weeks. I am trying not to go overboard as I want to leave only one or two meals in the freezer for when we get back. I also need to use up the meat I have in the freezer so am looking for recipes. I have been cooking very bland foods while my IBS was flaring up. I can now eat a wider variety of foods. 

    I hope to start cleaning under the stairs this week. I have looked under there and know it will be a big job but I have the time to do it. 

Today

I have to make buns for Thanksgiving dinner tonight. I will do a load of laundry and try to clean the bathroom. I would like to look for the video on how to bind the book and see if I can do it. I don't know if I will be knitting today or not as I don't know what time I will get home from dinner. 

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