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