Purging More Fabric

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 20C. This morning it is clear and 8C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 22C. 

Lifestyle

I was over to check on my neighbour's house as I saw an outside light on Friday night. It was a motion sensor light so someone or something (deer) triggered it. All was good. 

Once home, I decided to look at the fabric in my sewing room. I focused on the quilting cottons on the one shelf. I took it all out and started to sort it into keep and donate piles. I put about 10 pieces into the donate pile and the rest went back onto the shelf. 

I did keep some Christmas fabrics but not a lot. The big pile on the left hand side is for piping and it will be made into piping plus something else. There is a small pile in front of it for piping also.

What really hit me was how little I have left on that shelf. When I first got the shelf, that shelf was full and the excess was on the bottom shelf. The bottom shelf has a few pieces of fabric on it. Those pieces are going to be sewn up this winter. 

How did I feel when I left to have lunch? Happy. I am slowly getting the quilting cottons gone; donated or sewn up. 

Crafting

I did work on the memory book. I cut the paper inserts and got them put in between the pages. It helped me focus on what I needed to do. The first page required me to colour and I enjoyed that. I knew what paper would be for the background and got the page done quite quickly. 

The next page was almost the death of me. I finally decided to use an idea from the first signature. I couldn't measure if you paid me to but I made it work. The only given was the comic strip I wanted for inside the booklet. 

The cover was easy once I found what I wanted to use. 

And the bottom holder was also easy once I stencilled the paper. 

I called it a day at that point though I did think about the next page. I have a tiny book on the Nativity to put into that page. I need to figure out what I am doing to get that page to look nice. 

Knitting

I wound a ball of yarn that I had bought in Moncton, New Brunswick. I loved the colours in the skein. 

I set up sock #1 before dinner and knit for a bit on it. By the time I went to bed it was coming along nicely. 

The pattern I chose is simple but effective. It gives the sock some texture which I like. 

Thoughts

    Though I am enjoying working on the memory book, I will be getting rid of all the Christmas paper, etc. once it is done. I will look for some items in small quantities to do a book for daughter. I know I will have to do some searching for what I want as it will be a gardening book. Not as big as the one I am doing. I have learned my lesson.

    It was announced last night that the wildfire west of us is now under control. It has been a long time coming due to the drought conditions we have had. We are, once again, under a no burn ban as we are still very dry. 

Today

I am out shortly to make sandwiches at the community hall. Once home I want to put away the garden hose and then empty my fridge so I can turn it off. It will be replaced on Tuesday and I want to make sure it is defrosted and dry before it goes. I hope to work on the memory book this afternoon. I am out for dinner at family's as we need to book our hotels and get travel insurance bought. I may get to knit tonight. 

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

An Afternoon of Crafting

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds. The high got to 22C (humidex 30C). This morning it is clear and 13C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 20C.

Lifestyle

It was muggy yesterday and it felt horrid when you stepped outside. I ran the a/c off and on all day. I also emptied the dehumidifier in the basement as its tank was almost full. While I waited for the house to cool off, I started a load of laundry. 

With the house cooler, I could turn off the a/c and work on the balance sheet. I got it finished with only having to find one mistake. It took a while to do as I had a lot of paper to go through. I did pay one bill. 

I decided to dust the sewing room before l ate lunch. It was dusty due to all the fabric I have cut. I did get it all done. After lunch, I took the vacuum cleaner downstairs and vacuumed the floor. The room is now cleaned up and I can do a bit of tidying as time goes on. 

Crafting

I sat at the paper crafting table hoping I could get inspired to work on the memory book. I had looked at a lot of pictures, thought about what I wanted to do in the memory book. I wasn't feeling over inspired. I started on one page and before I knew it, I had finished signature 2 and completed the last page in signature 1. 

This was the hardest page for me to do and I tackled it first.

Once it was done, I was on a roll. The last page I did was this one which I was looking forward to doing. 

With 2 signatures completed, I spent a bit of time thinking about signature 3. I need to cut the plain paper so I can start thinking about what I want. I have some pictures and other items that I can use in it but have more to find. I may have to buy some single sheets of paper for decorating as I am running out of paper. 

In all I had a good afternoon working on the book. I am further ahead than I thought I would be at the end of day 1. 

Knitting

I sat and knit on sock #1 and it is finished. 

I have the next skein out and will be winding it today. I am going to do a pattern on them. I need a break from all the ribbing on the last several pairs of socks I have made. 

Thoughts

    Canada Post went back to the picket lines yesterday leaving many parcels stranded somewhere. The workers are not happy with some of the cutbacks that will be happening to delivery service. I am monitoring this as I need to ship a parcel to daughter and may have to use Purolator to ship once again this year. 

    Though I enjoyed paper crafting yesterday, I did miss creating something in the sewing room. I was going to make bucket hats which may still happen. But I won't be buying fabric this weekend as both stores are taking part in Shop Hop. I will try to get to one of them on Tuesday or Wednesday. In the meantime, I will continue working on the memory book. 

    One of the things I plan on doing in 2026 is tackling a fat quarter bundle which has 14 different flannel prints/plaids. I have decided to make each one of the dolls a flannel blanket. Simple and easy; cutting and hemming only. This will be a quick sew for me. 

Today

I need to get a few groceries this morning and then do some housework. This afternoon I want to cut the plain paper for the 3rd signature so I can start planning what I need to do. I need to wind yarn so I can start a pair of socks tonight. It is going to be another quiet day at my house. 

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

One Sock Done

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 21C. This morning it is raining and 20C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun, clouds, and showers with a high of 22C (humidex 29C). 

Lifestyle

I spent the morning working on several items. I cleaned the kitchen as it was getting a bit messy. I also pulled out the stove so I could clean the sides of it and the cupboards and vacuum the floor. When I vacuumed the rest of the floor, it was quite clean. Rosie the Robot does a great job of vacuuming the floors. 

The next job was to pick the jalapeño peppers. I got the middle sized stainless steel bowl filled to the top. 

The peppers will continue to ripen and turn red over time. I pulled the plants from the planters and put them away in the shed. I swept the deck once again and put the deck table on its side. The only job left to do is to put the hose away and finish up some weeding. 

I did a load of laundry, folded it, and put it away. The fastest I have been for a very long time. I do have one load of new clothes left to launder and I will be caught up for a while. 

Sewing

I did not do anything in the sewing room yesterday. I had a nap instead. 

Knitting

Sock #1 is done. I spent the whole evening knitting on it. 

Hopefully sock #2 will be done tonight. 

Thoughts

    My nap was mainly time resting and thinking. I needed to think about a lot of things and move back to living calmly rather than feeling stressed. I have got myself back on track and have decided not to stress over things but deal with things directly. 

    I had thought of buying a Dyson fan for my bedroom. A video came up in my YouTube feed and I watched it. The person compared the Dyson fan I wanted to an oscillating fan like I have. The oscillating fan won for quietness (important for sleeping) and how much air they move on high speed. The Dyson fan won for having more speeds. For my bedroom, I will keep the oscillating fan I have and replace it with another one if and when it wears out. 

    The rain we had was wonderful but it was warm and muggy outside when I opened the door this morning. It is only going to get worse as the day goes on. I will put on the a/c to keep cool and be thankful we got the moisture we so badly needed. 

    I heard back from the osteopathy therapist. I am hoping I can get an appointment late next month but I am not holding my breath. If it happens great, if not I won't be disappointed. 

Today

I am going to do the balance sheet this morning and pay some bills. I am pushing myself downstairs to start tidying up the sewing room. I would like to work on the memory book this afternoon and knit tonight. Another day at home for me. 

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

Rabbit's Wrap Dress Completed

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 19C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 5C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 20C. It is supposed to rain tonight. 

Lifestyle

My SI joint was sore so I modified my to do list so I could put heat on it and do my exercises. I did have a crack which helped though it was achy all day. 

One of my first jobs was to go over and look at my neighbour's house. They are away and I was doing my check for them. Once that was done, I put away laundry. 

Next up I changed the light bulb in the hall. This light I hate to change as it always gives me grief. This time was no different. I dropped the washer that goes onto the bolt and had to get off the ladder to find it. Once I got back up and balanced, I finished the job. 

My last job of the day was to take a file folder of pattern pieces to a workshop for my friend. Usually you can't find a parking place within nice walking distance but yesterday I was able to park close by. I got that job done and came home. I was done with life and had a nap after lunch. 

I did get the garbage out to the curb and the flyers picked up. It was really lovely outside as it wasn't too warm and the sun was shining. I did enjoy being outside for a few minutes. 

Sewing

I finished the rabbit's wrap dress. It wasn't too hard to do. I did hand sew the bodice lining down. Attaching the skirt wasn't hard at all. 

I did put her hands in the pockets which was funny. 

I have officially used up all the fabric I bought between January and the end of March. And I have officially finished sewing September's projects and may not be sewing until January. We wait and see about that. 

Knitting

I got sock #2 done to the toe part and am working on sock #1. I think I have 17 rounds left to knit on it. 

I now need to figure out which yarn I will knit next. Maybe a skein from New Brunswick. 

Thoughts

    I watched the last of Knitty Knatty's YouTube videos on their trip to Canada's 10 provinces. They did a fabulous job of showing how beautiful each province is, the food they ate, and the knitting shops and breweries they went to. I am so glad they enjoyed their time in Canada. 

    I was verging on exhaustion yesterday. I had 3 nights where I was quite short on sleep. Yesterday came with moods; anger, crankiness, sadness, and more. It happens when I get overtired. I had a much better sleep last night and am feeling better. I will be pacing myself today to make sure I don't get tired by over doing it. 

Today

I have to get a few items on the deck put away so they don't get wet. I want to do some housework this morning. This afternoon I am planning on doing some work on the memory book. Tonight I will knit. It is an at home day for me. 

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

Tiny Pockets On A Skirt

 Yesterday was sunny and warm with a small shower. The high got to 23 (humidex 26C). This morning it is cloudy and 15C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 21C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was more productive though I was tired. I got the bathroom cleaned. I even mopped the floor. It was dusty in that room. Once it was done,  folded laundry and have most of it put away. 

I am having an issue with Rosie the vacuum robot. She doesn't go back into her charging station properly. Yesterday I caught it right away and gave her a push and in she went. I am not sure if the pad she sits on has moved some and she can't align with the charger properly. 

I was looking for something on the internet after I finished my to do list and came across a site that made me angry. People were criticizing some YouTubers. The comments were upsetting and after reading a few, I had to close the tab. If you don't like a YouTuber, then don't watch it. I have done that and each one I stop watching has been for different reason. 

Daughter-in-law and I went to see Downton Abbey last night. It was "cheap ticket Tuesday". We really enjoyed the show. The costumes were spectacular and the acting was great. How the story line progressed showed that this is the last of Downton Abbey as we knew it. The ending was perfect with the movie being dedicated to Dame Maggie Smith. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday. I sewed the ties for the dress. It was quite the job turning them right side out using a bobby pin. I finally figured it out after many attempts. They were pressed and pinned to the bodice side fronts. I then finished sewing the bodice together and gave it a good press. I was ready to start the skirt. 

Sewing tiny pockets on the skirt of the wrap dress was interesting. The pocket pieces are unusual in shape and a puzzle to figure out. I got them done and am happy with how nice they look. I serged the two ends and the hem and sewed them in place. 

Once I had done all that, I had a panic attack. How I had vision attaching the skirt put them on the back. The video I was watching didn't help until I saw how the skirt was gathered onto the top. I had forgot it was a wrap dress and, yes, the pockets were in the right place. Once I had that straight in my head I started to gather the skirt onto the bodice. 

The other half of the skirt is not gathered as I had to stop and have dinner early as I was going to Downton Abbey. 

Knitting

None done as I got home late. 

Thoughts

    My osteopathy therapist starts back on October 1. I will be reaching out to her to get an appointment before we leave on our holiday but don't expect it will happen. I know I can wait until January to see her. I will try to have 2 physio appointments before we leave. 

    My SI joint is sore this morning. I know it is from sitting in the theatre seats. I will be applying heat to it and doing some exercises to help it release. 

    My new fridge will be delivered on Sept. 30. I am eagerly awaiting its arrival so I can use a full size fridge again. It will be nice to have one that I can trust rather than worry if it will work. 

Today

I have to go out this morning and deliver some things to a store in town. Once home, I will try to do a few things which could help my SI joint. I want to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. It will be a quieter day for me as I am tired. 

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

I Escaped From Reality For A Few Hours

 Yesterday was sunny and warm with a high of 23C. This morning it is cloudy and 9C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 22C. 

Lifestyle

I did get groceries yesterday morning while it was quiet at the store. Once home, I put them away and headed over to see my friend. She is doing well and was packing to leave this morning. She will be gone for over a week.  

Once home, I had lunch and then fell asleep on the couch. I was not willing to deal with anything as I knew I was feeling low mentally. It has been 3 years since the Spousal Unit passed and the anniversary date always hits me. Sleeping is the way I avoid it. 

I was out to our community hall meeting last night which was good for me. I needed it and the drive I took before the meeting. I looked at how ripe the apples are getting. I heard they will be smaller in size due to the drought. 

Sewing

None done

Knitting

None done

Thoughts

    It was a rough day for me yesterday and I had to exit life for a while. It means I don't do much until I get over it. The last one I had was on his birthday. 

    I was a bit concerned about my oxygen level. It was below the normal reading for 2 days. This morning it is above the normal reading. I think part of it was dehydration. I am monitoring it carefully. 

    I have done a few things with my computer. All the old files are on the external drive and I have unsubscribed to over 60 YouTube videos. It was past time to do that. 

Today

I hope to get some things done this morning and sew this afternoon. Tonight I will knit on the socks. I am trying to keep busy as I do not want to have another afternoon of escaping the world. 

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

It Doesn't Rain It Pours With Things Happening

I am sorry this is late. My morning has been busy beyond busy. 

Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 19C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 4C (no frost). Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 20C. 

Lifestyle

I spent a good part of the morning cleaning up the deck. I got the umbrella into the shed. It is awkward and I had to balance it and hold onto the railing going down the stairs. I wasn't going to have it take me out on the stairs. I spent quite a bit of time cutting back the tomato plants and digging out the roots. The pots and poles were put into the shed. I swept the deck and it is done until I do the pepper plants. At that time I will also turn the table upside down. 

I did get warm sitting on the composite decking with the sun shining on me. I am also finding out that doing this kind of work is helping my SI joint also. Though it gets tired, it isn't hurting as much now that I am up and down the stairs, sitting and standing, and moving around. 

Daughter-in-law came over to see me before lunch. We had fun with my list and filled my back pack. I put it on and it is lighter than when I wore it to Sweden. I learned a lot about back packs on that trip. 

My friend came over to visit in the late afternoon. She told me her mom (98 years old) is not doing well and she will be heading to Ontario in the next day or two. Update - my friend's mother passed away this morning and she is leaving tomorrow morning. 

I covered the peppers again last night but there was no frost. Close but it didn't happen. I am trying to get the last of the peppers to turn red so son can use them. 

Sewing

I did some sewing yesterday afternoon. I got the wrap dress cut out and then did some tiny sewing. The strip of stripe fabric was added to the front pieces for decoration. That took some time as I had to do a lot of hand basting. It was worth it as it went on nicely. I got the fronts sewn to the back on both the outer and lining pieces. Then it was time to sew around the neckline. Job completed. 

I tried it on Anika the rabbit. I have it pulled over too far and it fits tight on her at the moment. 

The next job is to sew around the armholes. Then I can make the ties and attach them. Once that is done, I can work on the skirt. It is coming together easier than I thought it would. 

Knitting

I knit on sock #2 last night and have it done to the same spot as sock #1. 

I now know I have enough yarn for the socks. I have about 28 rounds left to knit on each sock before I do the toes. They should be done this week. 

Thoughts

   If it doesn't rain, it pours with things happening in my life. 

Today

I have been out to get groceries while it was quiet. I am heading over to my friend's to be with her for a bit. Then it will be doing a few things here (maybe sewing). Tonight I have a meeting at the hall. 

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

Outside Work Started; Bags Finished

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 15C (more like 18C locally). This morning it is clear, cool, frosty and 2C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 20C. 

Lifestyle

I started the morning out putting the sheets into the laundry. I left them to wash as I gathered my stuff to work outside. I picked up the tub of fertilizer and the container the cucumbers were in and headed to the shed. I moved a few things around in the shed, grabbed the bag of weeds and pulled it outside to start weeding around the shed. 

The first area was the back of the shed. I pulled weeds and pruned the rose bush. I will need to prune the rose bush again and cover it in late October. 

Next up I started on the side of the shed. I removed the solar lights and started pulling weeds. I also emptied the flower tubs and put the two smaller ones into the shed. This was a lot of work as there were more weeds to pull. But, it is done and I am happy. 

I carried the bag of weeds down to the garage and put it into the compost bin. I also took a bunch of pots down for the yard sale and some empty dirt bags for recycling. With everything locked up, I sat down for a rest. I was tired and it was nearly lunch time. 

I covered the pepper plants again last night. They have 4 blankets on them as the 2 I used the previous night were not quite enough. I did look at the deck and I am tackling it next. Then the side and front of the house and my yard will be ready for winter. 

I started to make my bed late in the afternoon but stopped. I had to have Rosie re-vacuum the bedroom. She had a hard time in the bedroom yesterday. She got stuck under the dresser and then under the chair. I helped her and she scooted back to the charging station not finishing the room. I had to clean her charging points so she could charge. I figured out how to make my bedroom as a separate room and sent her back to do it again. When she was done, I made the bed. I did learn how to separate my big space into rooms which is good to know. 

Sewing

I finished making two bags yesterday. It was a good session and I am thrilled they are done. 

Making the handles takes the longest amount of time. The actual sewing of the bag is easy and fairly quick to do. I didn't rush as I wanted to enjoy learning how to make them. I am happy that daughter-in-law found the pattern (video). 

I did sit for 5 minutes and sewed a button on a top before going upstairs. It was quick and easy to do. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night and got the gusset done.

I am ready to knit on the foot. I think I have enough yarn to finish both socks. If not the toes will be a solid black left over from the last socks I knit. 

Thoughts

    It was nice to get outside and do some weeding without getting overheated. It reminded me, once again, how much I love the cooler weather of fall. I feel more energetic and happier as I can be outside doing the jobs I enjoy. 

    I am in the process of cleaning up my computer. I started with my YouTube subscription list. Most of what I unsubscribed to was paper crafts and some decluttering videos. I am only doing a bit of paper crafting now and the decluttering videos are ones whose ideas don't work for me. My next job is to move a lot of files to my back up storage so I have a clean screen. I usually do that in December but will be doing it over the next month. The last thing I have to do is delete or move photos so I have less of them on my phone. 

    I am trying to remain calm and enjoy what I do. I am trying to make the jobs I don't like doing enjoyable. It is working most of the time. There are still things that stress me when I do them and other things I want to put off. I am working on alternating those things with things I enjoy doing. 

Today

I want to clean up the deck leaving only the pepper plants to ripen. I want the rest of the deck ready for winter. I want to do a few things inside so I am keeping up on the housework. This afternoon I would like to work on the rabbit's dress and tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

A Busy Day

 Though yesterday started off with a few rain drops, it turned sunny and warm. The high got to 22C. This morning it is clear and 5C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 19C. Risk of frost again tonight. 

Lifestyle

I had a terrible IBS attack for 48 hours and was tired yesterday. I know what caused it -- romaine lettuce I had for salads 2 nights in a row. Too much fibre in my system and it rebelled. 

I went to shop yesterday morning. First stop was Dollarama (Canadian version of the Dollar Store). As I walked in, I saw that they were putting out Christmas decorations in one aisle. Another aisle was packed with fall decorations. I avoided those aisles. I was looking for specific items. I found all but one. This store seems to run out of canned air on a regular basis and is slow to get more stock out. 

I went to shop for a few groceries also. It is close to the exhibition park and the streets and parking lots were starting to fill up. The gates weren't open but people were arriving to support the horse competitors. Last evening would have been busy as the grounds opened for the weekend. 

I picked peppers yesterday and got another container full. 

The rest of the peppers are turning red so I will leave them on the plants for as long as possible. I did cover them last night due to the risk of frost. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday afternoon. The bag I started was finished and the handles are done for the last 2 bags. The bag fabric was prepped and is ready for me to work on. I didn't take any pictures as my phone was upstairs. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night. The heel flap was completed and I turned the heel. I had enough light to pick up the gusset stitches and knit one round. 

I am pleased with how much I have gotten done on these socks. I am going to do the next pair in a pattern as I need a bit of a challenge and will have lots of time to make them before we leave on our trip. 

Thoughts

    Our hopes for a shower certainly left us disappointed yesterday. A small sprinkle and it was done. No rain this weekend which is nice for the fall fair. Not great for lawns, fields, etc. 

    I am hoping to get the bags done today so I can put everything for making them away. I will just have the dress to make for the rabbit's outfit and I will be done sewing. Then it is on to tidying up the sewing room, finishing a book, and cleaning under the stairs. Still a lot to do but I will get it all done. 

    It is coming up to the third anniversary since the Spousal Unit passed away. I still miss him every day. There are time when I wonder if I could have done more for him and there are times I blame myself for his death. It is usually close to dates like his birthday, Christmas, etc. I am feeling a bit of this right now and am trying to keep busy so I don't sit and get depressed about it. 

Today

The to do list is growing with small things that need to be done. One light bulb in the kitchen needs replacing, a button sewn on, begin packing items to see if my ideas will work. I want to do a bit of cleaning up on the deck also. This afternoon I am going to finish the bags and clean up the cutting table. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

Pin Tuck Top Completed

 Yesterday was another lovely day with a high of 25 (humidex 28C). This morning it is clear and 15C. Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a high of 23C (humidex 26C). 

Lifestyle

I was out in the morning to have a hair cut. It was trying to rain with little to no success. I was home an hour later. My jobs of the morning were to clean the kitchen and fold laundry. The kitchen got a good cleaning as it was due. I spent quite a bit of time making sure everything was super clean. Four items are ready to be put into a box for the thrift store. 

I folded laundry and got it put away. That job is done for this now. It wasn't hard to do. It is just something that gets put down at the bottom of the list and forgotten for a few days. 

It was humid yesterday and I really could feel it in the afternoon. We need a good wind that will move the high pressure system out to sea and give us some rain. We are starting to beg for it to happen. 

Sewing

I had a wonderful afternoon in the sewing room. I finished the pin tuck top for Anika the rabbit. It wasn't a lot of work and I had a great time finishing it. 

I enjoyed making the top but still wonder why it has a skirt on it when it will be worn underneath a wrap dress. 

The snaps are on and I am ready to start the dress tomorrow. 

As I had time before dinner, I decided to work on the next bag. I cut out the handles and got them sewn onto the main bag. 

There isn't a lot left to sew on this bag as the handles take longest to make. 

Knitting

I did knit last night and got the leg done on sock #2. I am ready to knit the heel flap. 

At the rate I am moving, I may have another pair of socks made before we leave on our trip. With it getting dark earlier, I seem to start knitting earlier in the evenings. 

Thoughts

    I enjoyed my sewing time yesterday. No rush, no pressure. Just calm and relaxed. Once I finish the wrap dress and the bags, I am done sewing unless I have to make something for the trip. I want to clean up the sewing room so it is tidy and ready for its big cleaning in January. 

    There is a chance of frost tonight and tomorrow night in low lying areas. I need to pick the peppers this morning just in case we get frost. We have a 50% chance at this time of the year. It is also time to start focusing on tidying up the deck and yard. I will do it slowly over the next few days. 

    The fog is rolling in quickly this morning. The conditions are perfect for fog; high humidity and cool. I like watching it come in and go down our street. 

Today

I want to pick the peppers and start putting things away into the shed. I need to do a bit of grocery shopping and go to the Dollar store. I hope to sew on the bags this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

Another Bag Made

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 25C (humidex 27C). This morning it is cloudy and 11C. Today is supposed to be more cloudy with a chance of showers. The high is to get to 23C (humidex 27C). 

Lifestyle

Yesterday it was back to New Minas to shop with daughter-in-law. This time it was to get items for our trip to Montevideo. Sunscreen, underclothes, socks, and other smaller items from Walmart. Our next stop was to return daughter-in-law's black luggage and get the bright blue set. A bit of snooping and we were gone. Our last stop was at Giant Tiger. I got 2 more tops and one of my favourite treats (like popsicles but less calories) was on sale for half of what I pay for them at the grocery store. We had one on the way home. 

My SI joint was much better yesterday; not nearly as sore as it has been. I did sit and rest it after we got home. Last night I stretched and had 2 more cracks. It is pretty much back to normal this morning. 

Sewing

I got a late start sewing as I almost fell asleep on the couch. It was too warm upstairs so I put on the a/c and headed downstairs. 

I cut out the body section for 2 more bags and have the fabric ready to cut in half for an additional 2 more. I used the scraps to make 2 handles and found a stripe fabric for the remaining handles. I sat down and sewed one bag. I only needed to refer to the video for the handle. Otherwise it was sewing and pressing. 

The fabric is Tilda's hibernation print and I bought it as I liked it. When I got it home, I didn't know what to make from it so it sat on the stash shelf waiting for its turn. The other piece I will make a bag with striped handles and gift it to daughter. The remaining 2 bags will be the solid blue with the mouse print handles on one bag and striped fabric for the other one. Then, the bags will be done. 

Knitting

I knit last night and now have 51 rounds done on the 2nd sock. 

I have to remind myself I have the first sock still attached to the ball of yarn and that I need to make sure all is set up correctly when knitting this sock. 

Thoughts (Sewing)

    I have done a lot of thinking about my sewing going forward. I stopped my brain dump as I needed to really think about what I want to do. I am moving away from sewing up the stash just to get rid of it. I am moving towards sewing what I want to sew and if it includes fabric from the stash that is a bonus. If it doesn't then I will get rid of the stash. That I decided on a while ago. 

    When I did the brain dump on what I wanted to sew, I realized that I want to make items that allow me to enjoy what I am making. I want to be able to spend time doing some research on an item, searching for the right pattern, and taking my time making it. I want to enjoy hand sewing which I love to do. 

    I don't want to pressure myself to sew 4 hours every afternoon just to make something. I want to have the option of not sewing and not feel guilty about it. If I want to do something else, I want to feel that not sewing one afternoon is not going to be the end of the world. 

    My first job in January is to clean the sewing room and take stock of what I need to have and letting go of the rest. While I am cleaning I want to sew a bit each day as a reward for doing the job. It may be using my sewing machine or it may be some hand sewing. 

Today

I am off to get a hair cut this morning and then will come home to do laundry and fold the load in the dryer. I want to do some cleaning in the kitchen. This afternoon I want to work on the pin tuck top and try to finish it. This evening I will knit on the socks. 

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

An Exercise On Tiny Sewing

Yesterday was sunny with a high of 24C. This morning it is clear and 9C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 25C. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door to New Minas to get my travel cPap machine. I saw a respiratory therapist to go over the machine and found out I had to buy a hose for it. The therapist helped me put the app on my phone and I can turn this machine on using the app. She also gave me two humidity packs for the trip. 

I did a bit of shopping and came home. My SI joint was sore and I could feel where it was out at the top. I was starting to get exhausted from the pain and not sleeping well. I did do my exercises in the morning and stretched in bed last night. I had 2 cracks last night and my SI joint is almost completely released. One more night and I may be fixed (or I hope). 

I took the bag over to family's and daughter-in-law filled it with items from the fridge. Other than reinforcing the handles a bit, this bag is a winner. It folds up small enough to fit in daughter-in-law's pant pockets and it can fit into a purse. Even son was impressed with it. 

Sewing

I did reinforce the handles when I got home and know that I will have to do it on the remaining bags. I have the fabric ready to make 2 more, maybe 4. I will send daughter one for her to use.

I started making a pin tuck top for Anika the rabbit. This is an exercise in tiny sewing. I successfully got the pin tucks to look good. Not perfect but good. I serged seams very carefully and sewed the shoulder seams together. I cut out the teeny tiny neck facing and sewed it together. I knew I couldn't serge the raw edge so I used the pinking sheers on it after stitching a row around the edge. I pinned it onto the top and hand basted it in place. 

I did fix the back part as the facing was to sit on top of the folded part. I carefully sewed it in place using a small stitch length. It was trimmed, turned back and pressed. 

Next up was more serging and getting the sleeves in. No pictures of that as it drove me nuts. I think I spent as much time inserting the sleeves as I did getting the top to that point. It may have been longer. It was a case of fiddling, pinching, saying a lot of things and then sewing. I gave them a good press and sewed up the side seams. 

The next job was to do the ruffle and it was easier. I got it hemmed and the lace sewn on it. 

At this point, I had no energy left so I tidied up and went upstairs. 

Knitting

I cast on sock #2 and got 21 rounds knit last night. This sock is knit from the outside of the ball. I can't move the ball around a lot as the first sock is still attached. I only do this when I know I will knit both socks at home. 

When I wind another skein of yarn, I will divide it into 2 balls so I can knit the socks from separate balls of yarn. It is easier to knit socks from their own ball of yarn. 

Thoughts

    I was in bed early last night and wasn't awake as often during the night. I had less pain so could sleep for longer periods of time rather than waking up constantly. Monday night's sleep was the worst as the SI joint was very painful even after it cracked. Hopefully this will be over and done with and I can sleep well and be more active during the day. 

    I decided to remove pdf files from my iPad. It was a job I had put off for a long time. While removing the files, I found a pattern I was looking for. I thought I had lost it but somehow I had put it on the iPad. I will be printing it off and using it when I start to sew in January. 

    I am slowly starting to get things ready for our trip. I have a huge list made and some things need to be bought, others need to be found, and decisions made if I need to make bags for items I will put into my suitcase. We still have to book our hotels and get travel insurance. 

Today

I am off to New Minas with daughter-in-law and when we get home, I want to cut out and start sewing 2 bags. I would like to have them done by dinner time. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

A New Grocery Bag Completed

 Yesterday was a repeat of the day before: sunshine and a high of 22C. This morning it is clear and 9C. Today will be sunny with a high of 25C. 

Lifestyle

I did the balance sheet yesterday with no issues. It is put away until Sunday when I will do it once again. 

I went down a rabbit hole when I started to delete emails after I finished the balance sheet. I went to see what info there was on my Newfoundland relations. Specifically my great great uncle's daughter. It was a goldmine with me finding out she and her husband had a son who died in action in WWII. I was also able to get into Newfoundland's census (1921 and 1935) which has been difficult. I found through one census that This couple had a daughter who married and lived with her husband at his parent's home which was next door to them. I put it all to bed once again as it was noon. 

My SI joint was better yesterday though I did have pain. Last night I did a backwards stretch of the leg and the SI joint released with a loud crack. It is almost back to normal though I do feel a bit stiff in my sacrum. It may or may release or loosen up. Only stretching will tell. 

The one jalapeño pepper plant has many peppers turning red. It is the only plant doing that which is strange. I will be picking the green ones so son can make more salsa and leaving the one plant to turn red. 

Sewing

I made the grocery bag. It took me almost 2 hours as I had to watch the video many, many times. I had thought it was done a bit differently but actually was quite easy to make. 

The blue fabric I bought about 5-6 years ago and the print came in a box from daughter. There was only enough of the blue for one bag and a piece leftover to make something for the dolls. There isn't a lot of the print left but it will be used for something. 

I did a lot of careful stitching on the bag handles as I am sure they are going to be strained when items are put in the bag. The side seams are French seams which allows it to be unlined. The bottom of the bag is folded up which makes it have a faux boxed bottom. 

The handles are only 8" in length which is short. I am sure they will work for what we need these bags for. They will be great to have when you run into a store for a few things as you can throw it in your purse. 

I now need to launder some fabric so more bags can be made. 

Knitting

I knit away last night and have finished the gusset and have 35 rounds done on the foot part.

I stopped there and will start the 2nd sock tonight. I am a bit worried about not having enough yarn for both socks. I weighed the ball and there was 116 grams of yarn which should be enough. I do this every time when I make larger sized socks.

Thoughts

    Our friends had a viewing on their house last night. Only 2 parties have looked at the house in 50 days. The market is very slow here. Inventory continues to be low but not like it was 3-4 years ago when it was so low it was hard to find a place to buy. If you blinked twice it was gone. Today buyers are in a better place to offer below listing price rather than be in a bidding war. 

    I have been watching for when my fridge will be delivered. It has gone from Sept 25 to Sept 22. I am happy it could arrive earlier than anticipated. I know I will have to empty the old fridge and defrost it before they take it away. It is still working but I do not trust it. 

    My neighbours just across the street from me have been playing pickle ball. They set the net up in the street and play. It is usually a parent and one child and they have lots of fun. They have also set up their hockey net and the youngest boy roller blades up my driveway to practice shooting in the net. Other children will bring their hockey sticks and join in the fun. It is great to see the kids out playing on the street now that it is cooler. 

Today

I have to go to New Minas to get my travel cPap machine. I want to do a bit of grocery shopping before I come home. I will launder the fabric for the grocery bags and start sewing a top for the rabbit. Tonight I will start on sock #2. It is going to be a bit of a busy day for me. 

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