April's Projects Started

 Yesterday was wet until late afternoon. The high got to 5C. This morning it is cloudy and -2C (windchill -7C). Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a high of 3C. 

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law came for a short visit yesterday morning and then I was out to have my hair cut. I was home by just after 10 a.m. It was down on the floor to do my exercises. Though I am still stiff, it is getting easier to do the exercises. I still have cracks which means joints are releasing and my muscles relaxing. 

As I was getting ready to go downstairs and finish cleaning the area of the family room I had started, I got a text from a good friend asking if I would do something for her. I was out of the house to get it done and didn't have a chance to work in the family room. 

Sewing

I did get to sew and worked on a table runner and mug rugs. They were fun to sew and are now ready for me to put binding on. 

The dark fabric at the top of the picture will be the binding. I am not sure if I will keep it, gift it, or sell it at the craft bazaar in November. The runner is big enough for a teapot, creamer and sugar bowl. 

While doing this project, I finished a spool of thread which was great. I did have another spool of that colour as I use it a lot. 

The cutting table is quite tidy. I do have a small pile of scraps left over from other projects and am deciding on what to do with them. The group I give them to may not be doing quilts after my friend moves away. I don't do scrappy quilts and don't know of any group that could use them. 

Knitting

I watched the video that goes with decreasing the top of the hat I was knitting. I am so glad I watched it as the lady explained why she does it this way. I sat and knit on the hat and got it finished. 

I now need to wind the balls of yarn from the socks I ravelled out and start on them. I will use the same pattern I did before but cast on less stitches so they fit me tighter in the leg and foot. 

Thoughts

    My back was sore yesterday and I was tired. I wondered if my thyroid is low. I am having all the symptoms, including back pain, and have to push myself to do everyday chores. I do have blood work near the end of this month and see the doctor in early May. 

    I pulled out the stakes that show where my lawn is when it snows. I thought it was time to put them away. I would love to put the salt away. I am not sure if that is a good idea as we get freezing rain tomorrow. We are hoping this is it for wintery weather. 

    I thought I saw a robin yesterday but I don't think it was one. Usually they arrive in groups of 5 or 6. This was a lone bird. 

Today

I have launder the sheets today. I want to do some cleaning in the kitchen before going downstairs to work in the family room. I would like to finish the space I started. I will work on finishing the items I started yesterday. I do have wind the yarn and start the socks tonight. 

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

Doll's Sacque Back Dress Completed

 Yesterday had snow and rain with the temperature dropping steadily all day to 1C by 5pm. This morning it is raining and 1C. Today is supposed to be rainy with a high of 6C.

Lifestyle

I did my yoga exercises and it is getting easier every day. I did have 2 or 3 cracks while doing them which means joints are releasing. I was very sore all day due to the weather system we are having. I pushed through the day doing small exercises to stretch muscles. 

My job yesterday was to start cleaning the family room. I finished cleaning the ledge (pony wall) and some spots on the walls. I cleaned the baseboards and furniture in the area I am focusing on. Cardboard from the blinds was put into recycling. Finally I was able to vacuum the floor and mop it. Part of the floor was clean and part was dirty. I didn't take a picture as I am not finished but I am happy with what I got done. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday and got the petticoat for the 1750's outfit done. It went together nicely for me and I did hand stitch the waistbands in place. When I put it on the doll, I thought you tied it up at the sides but you don't. You tie the back ribbons at the front and the front ribbons to the back. The skirt fits perfectly. 

The back looks nice and fits the doll well. 

I got notification that the snaps were to be delivered yesterday and they didn't arrive. When I checked this morning they have been delayed and should be here by April 6. I have to set this project aside while I wait for them. 

I am deciding if I will sell some of my dolls. I have 13 of them and do not make clothes for some of them. I am thinking of putting together a small wardrobe and selling one that I ignore. I think it is time to start downsizing the collection. 

Knitting

I knit on the hat last night and got the main part done. I have added the markers so I can start decreasing the top. I think there are 18 rows to do and it will be done. 

I have to go in and adjust what I will knit during April as I am ahead of schedule. 

Thoughts

    I pushed through yesterday doing everything I had planned even though I was very sore. The pain did subside in my knees first and then in my back which was wonderful. I did do some research on activity and one thing I found out was not to do bed rest. In honesty, I did want to go back to bed and rest but knew it wasn't the right thing to do. It was recommended to alternate between movement and resting which I did all day. I made sure I went up and down the stairs several times, stretched my body, and rested when I needed to. 

    Spring is coming slowly but surely. Some of the trees are starting to have their leaf buds swelling and are ready to open soon. I haven't seen the robins yet and am waiting for them to arrive. We have seen some Canada geese but think they may have stayed around here all winter. 

Today

I have to get my hair cut this morning. I am hoping to fit in my yoga exercises before I go. I would like to finish cleaning the area of the family room I started yesterday. I am going to work on a small sewing project today as I need to cook myself a good dinner. I will knit tonight. 

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