Yesterday was a lovely warm day. I shut off the furnace, opened the windows and aired out the house. With a high of 9C or 48F, I just could not resist doing that. I love the smell of the fresh air at this time of year.
Lifestyle
I was so tired when I got up yesterday morning that I could not function. I had breakfast, went back to bed and slept until 11:00 a.m. I felt so much better when I rolled out of bed the second time. I was exhausted from working three 8 hour + shifts in a row. Though cash is easy and I enjoyed cleaning, getting home at nearly 10 p.m. the last two nights was difficult. I've been worrying about the Spousal Unit as he is having his usual side effects from chemo (sore joints), he also has been running a bit of a fever. Up to almost 38C (near we are going to the hospital temperature) and dropping back to near normal (37C) an hour later. The combination made toast out of me.
Sewing
I worked on the Susie pouch after I got up. The zipper got put in before lunch. I have done this method before where you do the lining at the same time.
Once the zipper was completed, I really had to follow the video carefully. After a couple of fumbles I got the side seams done for both the outer and lining fabrics. The video shows machine sewing the lining open shut. I hand sewed mine.
I filled it with items I can use at work. I just need a nail file and clippers.
I do like this little bag but I don't like the fabric I chose for the pleats and the top for the zipper. It is very stiff and had a coating on it. I would use the craft weight pellon the next time as it certainly adds body to pouch. I am going to try using some batting to see how it works.
I finished up the second pouch in about an hour. I love doing two items as it seals the process in my head.
Three fat quarters, some craft weight pellon, 2 zippers and 1 meter of lace makes two pouches.
Today
I am working from 8 a.m. to noon. Then I am heading up to get prescriptions filled and home to do a few things. I do have to change the thread in my serger so I can start store project #2.
Until tomorrow....................
Yesterday saw sunshine and clouds. The temperature got to a high of 7.8C or 46F. This morning it is sunny and 4C or 39F at 7 a.m. and it dropped to 1.4C or 34.5F at 8 a.m. We are suppose to see lots of sunshine with a high close to yesterday's high.
Lifestyle
I worked another 8 hour afternoon/evening shift. I found that I was really tired by the end of the shift and that cashing out was hard. The other lady cashing out has a terrible cold and couldn't think either. We got it done in the end.
The store was very quiet from 6 p.m. on so we focussed on filling up displays. When that was done, two co-workers set up fabric tables and I started to sweep the floors. The area around the till was super clean when we left and two tables were done. We were happy with our progress.
I checked the schedule and I don't have the late shift again this month. Yes!!!
Sewing
I quickly sewed up the two side pieces for the second Susie pouch. Once I had done the first one, the second one was easy to make. What I don't like about the fabric ~ the light colour has a rubberized coating on it to make it a shiny silvery colour. When I went through 2 layers of it, my machine stalls. I have to wait until it allows me to sew again.
Other than shorten the second zipper, the two pouches are ready to be completed.
I am still thinking about our bedroom and how I want it to look. When I was cleaning up, I found a pair of grey/soft white plaid drapes that had been returned. I spent a lot of time drooling over them thinking how I can fit them into the room. Will the teal stripe fabric go by the wayside and I use plain teal and some lovely plaid cotton in our room? I am really thinking on this and will put a hold on the drapes. We are putting up room darkening blinds and I think the drapes will be a great addition to keeping our room cool in our hot summers.
Knitting
I finished steaming the scarf and it is now ready to be sewn together.
I love how the pattern laid nicely and the ends were shaped to match. I have to say the yarn was a gorgeous wool to work with. This scarf is really long and will be worn doubled.
Once done, I will finish up the afghan I was working on. I need to get it done so I can work on something new.
Today
I am moving slow as I don't have to work. I hope to work on the Susie pouches, have a nap and maybe do some housework. I am not pushing myself today as I am tired.
Until tomorrow......................
Yesterday was cool with the temperature hovering at 0C or 32F. The low was -2.8C or 27F. It is 3C or 37F at 8 a.m. this morning.
Lifestyle
We shopped, I sewed, and I worked from 1:00 to 9:30 p.m. I had an 8.5 hour shift in front of the cash register. When it wasn't busy, I put away returns and then cleaned the space behind the register. Shelves, window ledges, and counter tops all got done. My hands were black!! When it was quiet in the evening, I cleaned up the thread and dusted the case and then dusted counter tops where the notions are. It was really dusty and needed to be done.
Sewing
I started the Susie Pouch yesterday. I got the pattern here. When you add it to the shopping cart you get a pattern with a link to her video instructions.
After cutting out all the pieces using just quilter's rulers and rotary cutter, I snipped the center of the 2.5" side at the top and bottom as she states in video. Then the 6" x 2.75" pieces were sewn together having 7 pieces per side.
Next the seams were pressed open.
At this point, I had to watch the video to see how to make the pleats. So easy when you know. I folded the seam allowance
and put that seam at the notch of the light piece and pinned it at the top and bottom.
The other side was done the same way.
The lining pieces are cut out and interfaced. I am ready to start the box pleats for the second pouch. I am making two at the same time so I can send one as a gift to Daughter-in-law.
I found this picture of a bedroom that I love.
I bought a piece of striped fleece (very thin) to make two pillows for our bed. I would love to find/make plain pillow covers for the bed and then get a duvet cover in white for our bed. A headboard in a darker grey would be perfect. I am thinking this one through as I want some shots of colour in our bedroom without making a quilt.
Today
I work from 1:15 to 9:15 p.m. I am sure there will be a lot of cash and doing notions again. I do hope to sew on the second Susie pouch before I leave for work so I can finish them on my days off.
Until tomorrow....................
Yesterday was cool with quite a bit of sunshine. The low temperature got to -6.6C or 20F. The high got to 1.5C or 35F. Around 3 p.m. it started to snow lightly and by the time I headed home, the world was white. Everyone was driving slowly as one didn't know if the roads were wet or icy.
Lifestyle
I worked an 8 hour day. I went in a bit early and swept the floors. We are getting a lot of sand tracked in and I find it a way of mentally preparing for the day. I cut fabric for 3.5 hours and then did cash until closing. I had to stay and cash out. I enjoy this combination as I can help customers on the floor and then work notions when cash is slow. I got a lot of bias and hemming tape and piping put out.
We got to use the new cash registers yesterday and they are so much easier to use. No validating, no punching in numbers for cards. No pulling your hair out to do a void. I do like these tills.
The Spousal Unit has had a pain in the right side of his torso after this last batch of chemo. He wonders if it is from the medication or from sitting on our couch. He slept on our bed yesterday morning and when he woke up, Elliott was head butting him off the bed. He did have a second bout of pain and slept the afternoon away on the couch. He now waits to see if his joints will start to ache. The upside ~ no more side effects for quite a while.
Sewing
Crafts
Though I didn't do any sewing, I did think about the Susie pouch. I have looked at fabric at the store and finally remembered I had some left over from making Daughter-in-law's knitting bags. I think there is enough to make a couple of bags.
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| Outer bag fabric |
I have enough fabric to make the lining so all is well. I just need to buy lace and zipper for a second one and all that fabric will be used up.
Garments
I found the plaid I like for the camp shirt for my navy column. It is pale blue with a navy stripe in it. And it is cotton. The first plaid I found had a lot of wool in it which would be itchy against my skin. I will buy it today if it isn't busy.
Today
I am home until noon and work from 1 to 9:15 p.m. I am hoping it is half time cutting fabric and half time doing cash. It is the last day of this sale so it will either be crazy busy or dead quiet. I am thinking of working on the Susie Pouch this morning. It keeps talking to me loudly after I pulled out the fabric.
Until tomorrow............................
Though lovely and sunny yesterday, the high got to 1.2C or 34F. This morning, it is cool at -5C or 23F. Snow is in the forecast for this afternoon.
Lifestyle
I dropped the Spousal Unit off at the hospital and went grocery shopping. I also got some mail posted and the vehicle gassed up.
After eating lunch, I fell asleep watching TV. I also had a nap in the evening. I know I am coming down from the stress of all winter plus knowing we don't have to do chemo for about 5 years.
The Spousal Unit slept during his chemo due to the bag of Benadryl they gave him. He woke up groggy, unable to walk, and a bit confused. The nurses helped him get going. He read and played games on his iPad to pass the time away. Last evening, he started to ache which is normal for him. He will feel miserable with his aches and pains for another week to 10 days. Then he will start to gain his strength back.
Elliott has been doing his thing again. He spends time hollering to be let into the basement suite and when no one responds, he throws a fit. He has also been taunting the Spousal Unit by sitting on his side of the loveseat. Last night, he was totally relaxed on his blanket.
Sewing
Crafts
The Advent calendar is folded and ready to be quilted on the machine.
The binding is ready also.
Garment
I am trying to take part in the Spring 6 PAC by doing a navy column with light blue and turquoise accents. It is a part of my wardrobe plan. If I plan on making 6 items, I have to sew two items each month. It may not happen as I have to do other sewing also.
I finished tracing the top pattern, laid it out on the fabric and got it cut out. I was really surprised at how much I got done yesterday.
I do like the lace inserts.
You cut out four inserts and sew one to each side of the front and back. When you sew up the side seam, you sew down the inserts to finish it. This top is also a raglan sleeve with a neck band. The sleeves are hemmed. My goal is to finish it on my days off. Next on the list is a shirt for the Spousal Unit and leggings for me. Oh, I have to finish the Advent calendar also.
Today
I work a full 8 hour shift so I won't be doing much at home. As I have to cash out, I get home later so it will be TV and bed.
Until tomorrow.......................
Yesterday started out snowy, then it rained, and, by last night it was relatively nice. This morning it is cool at -4C or 25F. The sun is suppose to shine today.
Lifestyle
We had to head out to see the Oncologist yesterday morning. Parking is such a pain at the hospital that I thought I would miss the appointment. But I got lucky and after three trips through the parkade, I got a parking spot.
The Oncologist came into the room grinning from ear to ear. The Spousal Units lymph count is down to 0.1 with normal being 3. He has chemo today and then it is back to blood work and doctor visits as before. We left the hospital grinning from ear to ear. The Spousal Unit will feel tired for 6 months but he can look forward to planning what he wants to do outside. YES!!!!
I worked a 4 hour shift and did cash. I am being left more on my own though there is always help nearby. I also got trained on the new cash registers and they are fabulous. I got to try lots of ideas from two of the other employees. I helped cash out last night which is the least favourite part of doing cash. I do miss working with the other ladies so I am hoping I will be able to work both areas each shift.
Last evening, I realized how much stress I have been under and was extremely tired. I fell asleep on the couch and woke up stiff and sore. I am hoping that life will be more relaxed.
Sewing
Crafts
I have the Advent calendar pinned and ready to quilt. I also cut the binding strips, sewed them together, and pressed them. This project is almost ready to complete. I have to make a pocket for the back and do the little pieces to put on the tree. I expect it will take me most of the month to finish.
Wardrobe Planning
I didn't have any time to trace the next top but I did get the fabrics for it and a shirt for the Spousal Unit laundered. I had no time to look for fabric for a camp shirt for me. Maybe later this week I can look.
I am really firming up the navy core four. It has changed a bit from what I had thought.
- Navy leggings in a denim knit
- Navy leggings will become jeans I have on hand
- Navy knit top with lace godets
- Navy knit top with short sleeves
I haven't found a fabric I want to use for the second pair of leggings. To the above I will add
- white knit top with short sleeves or a blue crepe top
- blue plaid camp shirt
That will give me a good start to a wardrobe. I will have to add some accessories such as a scarf and purse.
Today
The Spousal Unit is getting his last dose of chemo and while he is getting that, I will go grocery shopping. While waiting to pick him up, I will trace the pattern out and maybe even get it laid out on the fabric. It is my day to move slow.
Until tomorrow...........................
Yesterday the weather was something else. It snowed and it rained due to a moist system coming in from the ocean. It certainly wasn't warm at 2.7C or 37F. This morning there is more snow on the ground, it is snowing lightly, and the temperature is at the freezing mark.
Lifestyle
First thing in the morning we headed out to the hospital for the Spousal Unit's blood work. After we got home, I did a few things before going to work.
At work, it was busy. There were 104% more sales compared to a year ago. I did cash until the cutters needed their break, cut fabric, and took my break last. Then back to cash. I was nervous as it was my second time doing cash and I wasn't supervised. I did okay with a lot of apologizing for being slow.
The young couple have moved in and we can barely hear them. Once in a while we hear the little one but otherwise it is quiet.
Sewing
Crafts
I have the advent calendar backing taped to the cutting table, the batting and topping placed on top of it. It is half pinned together. Once done, I will remove it from the table and quilt it as I have time. I need to start my next project for the store.
Garments
I am ready to start my next project and am ready to get going on it. I really needed the break after the red top as I pressure myself to be perfect.
Wardrobe Planning
I keep fine tuning my wardrobe to fit my life style. The Vivienne Files help keep me focused. This year she is going to put together a collection each month based around 6 scarves. That means 6 different coloured outfits to look at monthly and two of those outfits fit my colour scheme perfectly ~ navy blue and black.
For the navy blue column, she has used light blue and turquoise as accents colours. I do like both of those. For the black column, she has used red as the accent colour. I do like red. This has my mind dancing. I don't need to tweak my plan a lot. I just need to get busy and sew it up.
Today
We have to see the doctor this morning and then I work from 1:45 to 5:45 p.m. I will be learning how to use the new cash registers. I am hoping that I will get a balance between cash and cutting as I do like to interact with the customers at the cutting table. Cash is like a rest for my body. I am hoping that I can finish pinning the advent calendar together.
Until tomorrow..................
