Painting and Finishing Projects

 Yesterday started out wet and then was cloudy with a high of 12C at midnight. This morning it is 15C. Today is 14.5C. We are supposed to have a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 19C. 

Lifestyle

I got everything ready and started to paint the first part of my bedroom. It was great being back to painting walls. It took me less time to paint than I had thought. Start to finish was 90 minutes. 

It should take less time to do the second coat as I am more ready to start. The impact is as great at the moment as there room is big. I think when I do the wall with no windows or doors on it, the transformation will be more noticeable. 

I was out right after lunch to do the chore I forgot to do on Monday. It took me longer to drive there and back. But, it was warm outside so I enjoyed the time I was outside. 

Sewing

I finished hand sewing the binding down on the table runner. 

It is ready to wrap around dishes. 

Just as I finished the table runner the phone rang and the long arm quilter let me know the Scandinavian quilt is ready to be picked up. It has been 6 weeks since I took it up. I am assuming they have been very busy doing Christmas quilts for customers. I hope to pick it up on Thursday. 

Knitting

I also finished knitting the sock and they are ready for me to weave in the loose yarn at the opening and toe. 

Next up is a doll's sweater that I will pair with a skirt I want to make for it. A change of yarn size and needles before I tackle another pair of socks. 

Thoughts

    As I sat and hand sewed the binding on the table runner, I realized how good an idea it was to set aside craft bazaar sewing and crafting until after Christmas. I am not going to stress over things I don't need to make right now and focus on those items I do need to make. My knitting for Christmas is done so I am free to knit what ever I want to. 

    Once I finish painting my bedroom, I will not paint again until January. I need to clean the house and prep for Christmas. I will also be busy out and about so no use stressing over something that can wait until January. 

    I was pleasantly surprised at how little my hip hurt yesterday. I think I am progressing in getting the muscle groups relaxed. If I keep feeling like this, I may not need to worry about my hip other than to keep it relaxed and working well. 

Today

Today I need to do the 2nd coat of paint on the walls I did yesterday. I also need to get outside and do what I can in the yard while it is warm out. If I have time, I want to cut out 2 placemats for daughter's sewing machine and maybe start sewing them together. I will weave in the ends of the socks and start knitting tonight. 

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

Two Projects Almost Completed

Yesterday was sunny and cool with a high of 6C. This morning it is raining and 3C. Today is supposed to be wet with a high of 10C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I sanded the patches in the bedroom, cleaned up the mess and washed the walls and trim that I am going to paint first. 

The walls were a bit dusty and dirty but I have kept them cleaned over the years. It will be nice to have the grey so the room is light and bright. 

Once I was done, I was out to get groceries. I got what I needed and when I went to pay, the check out has new software. Why? Maybe an upgrade. I came home got everything put away and had lunch. 

I did do laundry between washing the walls and during lunch. I still need to fold it but the job is done for another week. 

I checked the weather last night and it said we were having a snow shower. I looked out and nothing was happening. It was cool and damp enough for a snow shower but it never happened. 

Sewing

I worked on the table runner yesterday. The binding was sewn together and onto the runner. I sat in the family room and hand sewed down almost half the binding. 

I did lightly starch and press the fabric to make daughter 2 placemats for her sewing machines to sit on. The fabric is hanging ready for me to make them once the table runner is finished. 

I watched a few videos done by Pin Cut Sew and found she had some good items to make. She shows her items on YouTube and you can buy the patterns for a small amount of money. A couple sparked my interest. Large hot pads and oven mitts were two. 

Though I plan on taking part in a craft bazaar, I have decided to slow down on making items for it until after Christmas. At the moment I am wanting to get some things made for gifts and a couple of items for the dolls. Once Christmas is over, I will start sewing my ideas once again. 

Knitting

I knit on the sock last night and have it ready to start doing the toe. 

They should be done tonight and then I can knit a doll's sweater before knitting more socks. When these socks are done, I will have knit 9 pairs of socks this year. I may get the 10th pair knit before the end of December. 

Thoughts

    My decision to set aside craft bazaar sewing/crafting is to get a bunch of items made and packed for presents. I do not want to stress out doing too many things. If I have time, I may cut out craft bazaar items and bag them ready to sew. I am hoping to batch sew so I can build inventory quickly. 

    Our weather is a bit crazy. We have two warm days and then it will be back to normal temperatures. It makes it hard to prune the rose bush as it needs cooler weather. I may take one afternoon on the weekend to do everything and hope it wasn't the wrong decision. 

    My hip wasn't too sore after climbing the ladder yesterday morning. There is soft tissue soreness which I am working on using some exercises and heat. It is more annoying than painful. This fall I will be looking at new runners and am thinking of a different brand. I like the ones I have but am ready to see if there is another brand that I like a bit better. 

Today

My plan is to paint the area in my bedroom I have ready. Once done, I have to go into town to do something I forgot to do yesterday. This afternoon I would like to finish the table runner and maybe cut out the placemats. Tonight I will finish the socks. 

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

A Table Runner Is Quilted

 Yesterday was sunny with a few clouds and a high of 5C. This morning it is clear and -2C. Today is suppose to be sunny with a high of 7C. 

Lifestyle

I did the balance sheet yesterday morning and for some stupid unknown reason I forgot to enter one receipt. Nothing would balance and I was frustrated until I figured out said stupid mistake. I was then able to finish October, do the receipts for November and pay a bill. I was glad to put that job to bed for another week. 

I laundered my bedding and when I made my bed, it hit me how much I love white bedding. It makes me feel calm and relaxed. The cotton sheets I have are still very white as I have figured out how to wash them using detergent, oxiclean and hot water. I may have to get winter sheets as I am finding I am cold in bed. The hunt is on for a good set of white winter sheets. 

I did the patching on my bedroom walls. Less than I had thought but the walls are now ready for a light sanding and washing. I am ready to start painting once again. 

Elliott did not adapt to the time change yesterday. He thought it was death by starvation as he wanted to eat on his old schedule. His food dispenser was on the old schedule. He meowed and annoyed me when he thought I should feed him. I rest the time on his feeder and hope that will help him adjust today. 

Sewing

I spent 2.5 hours in the sewing room quilting a table runner. It is a simple one to go with the placemats, etc. I made for daughter 2 years ago. 

I cross hatched it 1.5" apart which is closer than I usually do it (2"). It is really nice though. It is 14.5" wide by 40" long. When done, I cut out the binding so I can finish this project in the next two days. 

Though I need to cut out some projects that I want to make, I have to make daughter 2 placemats to put under her sewing machines. Those are to be done next. I will starch the fabric before making them. This is a project where I may have to buy a bit of fabric but I am hoping I won't have to. She may have sent me enough fabric to do it. I am working on one project at a time to get a few things ready to send to daughter. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks and got the gusset done and 4 rounds on the foot. 

The socks are still looking similar in how the yarn knits up. These are fun socks to knit. 

They should be done in a couple of more nights. 

Thoughts

    I am going to have to focus on Christmas items for the next while. I have to sew for daughter and finish up the memory journal for friends. My afternoons will be busy alternating between the sewing room and the family room getting projects completed. 

    Our weather is cooled off once again but will be warm for a few days this week. One morning I will be out to cover the garlic and trim the rose bush. I will cover it a bit later on. I also have to put away a hose. Getting closer to having the yard ready for winter. It is a slow process for the last few things that need to be done. Slower than I had thought. 

    I am hoping that I can get my bedroom painted this month. Every time I look at it, I see a big job as it is a big room. I have to look at it in parts -- how much I can paint in two or three days. I also have to make sure that my hip is not over worked and rested every couple of days. I know once I start, I will get into the groove and keep on painting. 

Today

I am going to prep the first part of the bedroom to paint. Then it will be out to get groceries as I am running out of some of the basics. This afternoon I want to work on the table runner and starch the fabric for the placemats. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

Enjoying A Slow Day

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 6C. This morning it is clear and 0C. Today is suppose to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 6C. 

Lifestyle

I headed out to the craft bazaar at our community hall. It is small but there were some great items for sale. One lady told me what I needed to do so I can join next year. Another lady and I talked about her doll clothes and about Keepers Dolly Duds who is a doll clothing designer who lives in our area. I got contact information for next year and I hope to join them. 

Once home, I puttered around. The box of fabric scraps daughter sent me are sorted and ready for me to take down to the sewing room. I knew I had to do jobs that were easy as it was rest day. I puttered around putting spaghetti sauce into freezer containers and cleaning up here and there. It was good to move slowly and take it easy.

Sewing

Some of my rest time was spent packaging the mug rugs I had made. It was nice to sit and put ribbon and tiny decorations on each pair of mug rugs. 

My sewing for the day was to hand sew the back of the last set I made and put them into the tub. 

After lunch, I did another set of mug rugs that were cut out. I decided to try silver thread for the quilting and like it a lot. 

They are also wrapped and put away. At the moment I have 9 sets for sale. More to come. 

After I finished the mug rugs, I cut out and sandwiched a table runner for daughter. It is 14.5" wide by 40" long. It is now ready for me to quilt and bind. Once it is done, I will cut out several more projects. I have fabric out for two doll's outfit, bags/mug rugs. I am ready to start more projects. 

Knitting

I knit and unknit the heel on the sock twice. I did pick up the gusset stitches and am knitting the gusset now. 

Thoughts

    Though I bought nothing at the bazaar, I learned a lot talking to some of the vendors. The lady who sells the doll clothes told me to make some simple outfits with knitted items included. She said it would be different than her booth as she does more detailed work. Another lady said to make, make, make and do a few bazaars. I will need to stay focused if I am going to do one bazaar next year. 

    It was wonderful to be home most of the day. I really enjoyed being by myself doing what I wanted to do. I enjoyed being out with daughter-in-law a lot but it was time for me to rest both physically and mentally. 

Today

I have the balance sheet to do, start prepping my room to paint, and do a load of laundry. I want to sew on the table runner this afternoon and knit tonight. A day at home with Elliott. 

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

Christmas At The Halifax Forum Done

 Yesterday was a mix of sun, clouds, and showers. The high got to 18C. This morning it is cloudy and 6C. Today is suppose to be cloudy with a high of 7C.

Lifestyle

We were off fairly early to Christmas at the Halifax Forum. We had to drive to the University of Dalhousie to pick up a student first. The trip to there was uneventful. From there to the forum, we went through a big construction zone. It was interesting as I got to see where the ships unload and where the naval base is. There was construction around the forum which made it hard to get to the buildings. Daughter-in-law let us off and went to park about a km away. 

Inside the forum, it was busy. I left our neighbour and the student to shop as they were stopping at every booth. I knew standing and waiting was going to make me hurt so I slowly wandered through the booths. I did the first building and bought one item. I also stopped and talked to one of the exhibitors as she was selling doll clothes. She knows one of the designers I have tested for. We had one wonderful talk about her and sewing doll clothes. 

I then went into the second building where I met daughter-in-law. We knew there were 2 booths in there that we wanted to go to. The first was the yarn booth in which I have knit several skeins into socks since finding them last year. The wild  purple socks are from their yarn. They saw the picture and I am to sent them pictures once the socks are done. They have never seen the yarn knit up. I bought 2 skeins of yarn from them. 

The blue is for daughter-in-law and the tan is for daughter. I am now set until I can get more sock yarn later in the spring/early summer. 

We bought some Christmas ornaments at another booth and had them personalized. After that it was wandering and looking. Our friends caught up with us at that time or should we say we found them. I stood and waited for a bit and had to start walking around as my hip was starting to get sore. 

Daughter-in-law and I then took off to look through the last 2 buildings. We found one booth that we enjoyed looking at the mugs with crazy sayings on them. We bought nothing and finally decided to leave. We walked down to the car which was lovely. We took our time and talked about the fairy houses we saw in some of the trees. We moved the car to the grocery store near the forum, bought ourselves lunch, and texted our friend to say where we were and that we were ready to go. They arrived about 30 minutes later. 

While we were sitting in the car waiting, there was a lot of sirens -- police and fire trucks. We soon found out when we left. Roads were blocked and we could smell propane or natural gas. We had to take detour after detour to get to the university. What is normally is less than a 10 minute drive was 3 times that. When we left the university to come home, the route we took was crazy. The street lights were out and every intersection was a four way stop with lots of people not knowing what to do. We kept turning left to get closer to the harbour and finally got to where we wanted to be and we had street lights. The rest of the trip home was quiet which is what we needed. 

Daughter-in-law and I have decided we will not go this craft bazaar next year. Instead we will go to some small ones close to home and one bigger one about 20 minutes from us. It isn't worth going to the city and fighting the traffic and crowds for a few Christmas gifts. 

Sewing

I picked up the box daughter sent me. Inside was the shirt I am to embroider, a panel for a quilt, and the fabric for placemats for her sewing room. There was also a bag of fabric scraps which I sorted through. Most will go to the quilter's group my friend is a part of. Some will stay for doll quilts. There was a lot of ribbon with paw prints on them. I guess I will have to figure out bags for pet's Christmas gifts. 

Knitting

I did not knit last night. I was too tired to think about knitting. 

Thoughts

    The forum has about 375 exhibitors in it. There is a lot of talent showcased and I am sure they do well over the 3 days the bazaar is on. I looked at the ornaments that have vinyl on them using a Cricut. It gave me ideas for what I can do with the ornaments I have. Other booths didn't interest me as I don't do their crafts. But all were beautifully displayed. I realized how much equipment these exhibitors have to haul around when setting up at bazaars. Even the small booths had a lot of items used for setting up their displays. 

     I was thrilled that my hip didn't hurt as much as I had expected it to. By moving slowly through the buildings and not standing too long I was able to keep it from compressing and hurting. Even the long walk to the car was okay. I did stop and stretch once on our way to the car. I was tired when I got home but more from how far we walked and from the crowds. Not from the small amount of pain I had. Hurrah for that. 

Today

I am hoping to go to the small bazaar in our community this morning. I want to snoop around and ask questions. Once home, I need to do a few things upstairs and then try to sew a mug rug or two. I would like to knit tonight. I am having a more quiet day today with most of the day being alone. 

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

Halloween Is Done And Dusted

 Yesterday was warm and sunny with a high of 23C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 7C. Today is suppose to be cloudy and 19C. 

Lifestyle

I rested quite a bit yesterday as my body said so. I made a big pot of spaghetti sauce for dinner and cleaned up afterwards. I spent a lot of time alternating between doing a few little things and sitting on the couch. 

The hedge was trimmed yesterday morning. I wondered what the sawing noise was on our street. I looked out and the guys were busy trimming it up. They did a fabulous job of it. 

I was over to family's to pick up daughter-in-law at 3:30 pm. She was coming to my place for Halloween. We had to decorate and we were keeping it simple. As she hauled up the tub and 2 items, I swept the floor in the garage. We set up the card table and got to work doing a more simple design this year. And we had a blast doing it. 

There is a 6 ft skeleton that was going to the dump last year. We kept him for one more year. I got my wagon out and sat him in that. I had to tie his head up as it is broken. We set a small strove light in the wagon so he could be seen. 

Many years ago before we moved here, I made grandson and daughter-in-law a wall hanging and we hung it up. 

And the table had the table cloth I whipped up a few years ago and the wall hanging we use on it. 

We had some lights out on the driveway so people wouldn't fall and a light on the house that showed red blood dripping down. Time to set up -- less than 30 minutes. The pictures are blurry as the sun was shining in causing a weird reflection. 

The skeleton was a hit. The kids loved it. One couple put their baby in the wagon with the skeleton and took pictures for her first halloween. She was so placid and touched the skeleton smiling like crazy. 

I took a video of the skeleton later on. 

We had between 250 and 300 kids come to our place. Our street was somewhat blocked off so it was a walk only area. The 55+ area behind us could not block off the street into their area but did have some people act as traffic control to keep the area where they handed out treats safe. We were done and dusted with daughter-in-law home before 8 pm. The evening was warm and we sat in the garage wearing sweat shirts. 

Sewing

None done. 

Knitting

While resting, I did knit. I got the heel flaps done and started to turn the heel. 

They are still matching which is exciting. 

Thoughts

    I was somewhat sore yesterday. I did a lot of stretching to get the muscles stretched. I had some cracking when stretching in bed last night. One was my right knee. The other was in my hip area. 

    Daughter-in-law and I did a bit of a purge of Halloween decorations and we are getting it down to where we can handle what we have, decorate in a hurry, and still have it look great. I used the Makita flashlight to shine down the driveway for safety. That will be used in the future. What we didn't use, we put into the yard sale pile. We found out having less is more as people enjoyed the creativity vs the amount of items put out. 

    Elliott is mellowing out. He allowed me to pick him up and take him out into the garage to see the trick or treaters come up. He wanted back in as a bunch of kids came up at once. But he wasn't panicking, he just doesn't like lots of kids at once. 

    I am ready for a quiet week as I have been busy with so much lately. I need to get the last few things done in the yard. I want to sew and paint. I have missed doing things as I pace myself to be out and about. I enjoy being out but I also enjoy being at home. 

    We change to standard time on Saturday night. I hate changing time and wish we would stay on standard time year round. The one big thing I loved about living in Dawson Creek was not having to adjust to the time change. I am going to be going to bed early tonight and tomorrow night in hopes that my body will adjust to the change. This one is the hardest on me as it is for many other people. 

Today

We are back into Halifax today to the big craft bazaar. It is held in 5 buildings. I will be pacing myself. Once home, I will be putting heat on my hip. I hope I can knit tonight. 

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

A Day Of Shopping

Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 10C. This morning it is cloudy and 12C. Today is suppose to be cloudy with a high of 18C. 

Lifestyle

It was off to Ikea yesterday. We arrived in good time and spent 2 hours in the store. We wandered the upstairs looking at all the displays of rooms. I do enjoy looking at them. By the time we went to the Market Mall, I was sore. We wandered through that area getting what we needed. That was another hour. I was aching by then. We had lunch at Ikea and then left. 

The next stop was a sporting good shop and I got a pair of slides to wear outside. I can take off my slippers and put them on when I need to get something. They are not for walking distance in, just around the yard and to the neighbour's. 

The last stop was Costco. Daughter-in-law had to get meat and we were in and out in good time. At that point we were done and ready to go home. 

The bright fall colours are gone. I noticed that the Eastern larch (tamarack) are turning yellow and are starting to loose their needles. We are certainly are in the middle of fall here. The Canada geese are still around and will be here for a while longer. The weather has been cool but we have a few days of warmer weather before it is cool again. We will have warm days like today into December. 

Once home, I helped a bit getting the car unloaded at our neighbour's and then walked home with my purchases. I did get a few things I wanted. I put out the recycling for pick up this morning and crashed on the couch. I did have a nap and woke up feeling better but still sore. I am a bit sore today and will rest as it is out tomorrow to the big craft bazaar. 

Sewing

None done yesterday. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks and got the leg done and the heel flap started. 

I love how these socks accidentally match. It is fun to knit them as I wonder how well the foot will match. 

Thoughts

    I did a lot of thinking both in the car and in Ikea yesterday. As I wandered around, I realized that I love how the rooms are set up. They are full as they have lots items displayed that they sell. But the lines of the furniture are clean and simple. A lot of the items in the market mall have simple clean lines which I do like. I enjoyed looking at the Christmas items and bought a string of miniature lights for inside. Most of the Christmas designs are very Scandinavian and not my style. It was fun to look at them but I have what I want for my home. I did buy new candle holders and led candles for upstairs. I have them in black with the old style candles. 

    I am still thinking about sewing and crafting. I am dealing with my fantasy self and trying to get my thoughts in order. There has been a lot of mulling over what I want to do and what I need to let go of. The process is slow going as I have to really think it through. I have thought through my knitting as I know what I need to knit in a year. Most of the supplies I have are used on a regular basis -- knitting needles do need to be gone through as I have changed brands. The old ones can be donated to the thrift store. I need my swift and winder for skeins I buy. I will look at the yarn before the garage sale and get rid of the yarn I will not knit. I know that I can get rid of 50% in some bins. 

Today

It is rest day for me. I will make a pot of spaghetti sauce for dinner and help with setting up the garage for tonight. I want to knit on the socks and maybe sew a bit. I have to be ready for tomorrow as I will be walking a lot at the craft bazaar. 

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