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