Working Through My Projects

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of -3C. This morning it is clear, calm, and -6C. Today is supposed to cloudy with snow flurries and a high of 1C. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door early to go shopping in Bedford. I fuelled up the car and cringed for a minute at how much that would cost. Gas prices have risen a few times this month. I haven't put gas in the car for a long time. The drive into Bedford was really nice. The sun was shining, the road wasn't busy, and I did a lot of thinking. 

Once in Bedford, I took the 2 bags and 2 boxes to the thrift store and got them unloaded. Off to Walmart to get some things on my list. The store is being renovated and everything has been moved except for groceries which I wasn't shopping for. I really had to wander around finding things but I got it all. 

Next stop was Michaels where I got crafting paper. It has been rearranged also. I did do some snoop shopping but only got what was on my list. 

My last stop was at Canadian Tire. There I got 2 containers of screws for the blind I am having put up in my bedroom. I didn't even look around in the store but noticed it hadn't been rearranged. 

I as home just after 12 noon. The drive home was also nice. I did notice where there was some flooding from the rain we had. There was still snow in the trees. 

Once home, I put away everything I had bought and sat on the heating pad. My muscles were sore but the joints weren't. With the storm gone, I was in recovery mode. 

Here is the recipe for the cookies. It is a very old recipe from my mom's cookbook. I remember her making them when I was growing up. I make a half batch as they do make a lot of cookies.

My one biggest tip when making these is to make them by hand and not use a mixer. I have found using a mixer makes them spread out a lot when cooking. 

Sewing

I did sew for 2 hours yesterday afternoon. I got 2 small zippered bags made. Knowing how to do them made the process go faster. I also didn't box the corners as they don't need to stand up. 

I have 2 more to make and that job will be done. It is a fun job as I don't have to watch a video to make them which takes a lot of time. 

Crafting

I bought enough craft paper to make more reindeer candy holders. I decided that I should glue the antlers onto the ones I had cut out and get them out of the way. It was an easy job to do and I enjoyed myself. 

The colour of the paper is a lot darker than the picture shows. My next job is to cut out the eyes and get them glued on. Then I will cut 10 more holders and repeat the process. 

Knitting

I finished sock #1 last night and it was a joy to knit. The yarn is so soft and the pattern so easy to follow that I hated to put it down at 9 pm. 

I will cast on sock #2 tonight. 

Thoughts

    I had a less stressful day yesterday. Daughter is feeling less stressed which helps me. She told me she is very organized in what she needs to do and is prepared to move forward. I think I feel stressed when I get only part of the information and then I think she is floundering. But she isn't and that allowed me to relax. I slept well last night which is what I needed. 

    I walked part of my property yesterday picking up broken shingles. They are not from my roof (different kind). I also picked up a large nylon drawstring bag that was tucked into a corner of the house. All went into the garbage can. I looked at the ditch but can't clean it out yet. I have a blow up Santa in it which came from someone's yard. Grandson comes home next week and I will hire him to do some cleaning up with me. 

    Spring is coming very very slowly. The trees have just started to wake up. We have no leaves out, no flowers blooming. Though we are further south than a lot of places in Canada, we get spring later than most places. I am waiting for the daffodils to bloom in the yard across the street so I can see colour. That won't be until after Easter. 

Today

I am home today so will be cleaning the dining and living room areas. I want to sew the 2 remaining bags and, if I have time, cut out the eyes for the reindeer. I want to start sock #2 tonight. I would like to walk the rest of my property as I know I have a bit more garbage to pick up. It depends on the weather. 

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

Sock #1 Almost Done

 Yesterday was cloudy and rainy.  The temperature dropped all day with it getting down to 8C at 4 pm. This morning it is clearing off and -4C (windchill -11C). Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 0C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I made cookies to go with sandwiches we make on Friday. 

These are the left over ones that daughter-in-law gets as they are her favourite cookies. While the cookies baked, I folded laundry and cleaned up the baking utensils, bowls, and cookie sheets. The kitchen was left clean. 

The rest of the morning was spent reading a document that I had to see if everything discussed was included in it. I added some things and emailed it back. 

I spent the afternoon at the community hall helping with the bar. There were about 50 people at the gathering which was great due to the wet weather. The people were very nice and they had a great time. I enjoyed working the bar a lot with this group. 

Once home, I sat on heat as my muscles were sore. It was from everything reacting to the storm coming in. The barometric pressure did not start to rise until late afternoon. It bounced up and down before that which makes me sore. 

Sewing

I did not sew but did find out the size of the bags I need to make. I will need to get 2 more zippers as I will make 4 small bags as I have enough fabric cut and interfaced for that. 

This week, Sewing With Cinnamon shows how to make trim using left over fabric, cutting it into strips, and finishing them using a decorative stitch on your machine. I like the idea but know that a rural Acadian woman would not have had that on their outfits, even their good ones. I am not doing that to the outfit I am making. The embroidery on the stomacher will be the only decorative piece on the dress. I would add lace but it was probably very expensive to purchase. Knitting lace was not done as most women only knit using the knit and purl stitches. Yarn over to make lace had not been discovered. It is interesting to research these things when making an outfit a lady in the 1700's would have worn.    

Knitting

I did knit last night and have finished the foot and the first 9 rows of the toe. 

Hopefully it will be finished tonight. 

Thoughts

    I am not sure how much rain fell but it came down hard for many hours. I am guessing a good 3" or more. The shed two lots down had water around it and running into it. That only happens when we have at least 3" of rainfall. When I left for the hall at 1 pm, the ditch in front of and at the side of the house had a good deal of water running in it. Everything was draining well from all the lots which is good. 

    I did not sleep well last night. I have been worrying about some things more than I should be. I need to let go of it all and move back to the calm feeling I had. I have let my stress level rise and this is not good for me. I need to do some deep thinking over the next few days. 

Today

I am going to load up the car and head out to get rid of it and do some necessary shopping. I want to be home in good time so I can, hopefully, sew this afternoon. Tonight I want to relax and finish sock #1. 

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

A Bit of Sewing and Knitting

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds. The rain started around 4 pm and it got warmer as the day went on. At 9 pm it was 11C. This morning it is raining and the wind is blowing hard. It is 15C. Today supposed to be wet and windy with the temperature dropping to 8C this afternoon. 

Lifestyle

I got a load of laundry on first thing and then set about cleaning the bathroom. It was in need of a cleaning though it wasn't really dirty. Just a good maintenance clean. I vacuumed the floors and mopped them. The room was done before I knew it. 

I moved on and cleaned the kitchen. Counters were scrubbed, the Keurig was cleaned, walls and cupboard doors and drawers given a good wipe down. The floor was vacuumed and mopped. It wasn't too dirty but about right for a room where you are busy in. 

I did go out to get toilet paper (on sale) and a couple of items I needed. It was a quick trip as I had things to do. 

In the afternoon my friend came over. She needed her tub of zippers as she is finishing some bags to put into a craft sale in April. She brings her dog, Daisy, with her. They had never seen Rosie the vacuum working and Daisy got onto the back of the couch to watch it. She was ultra focused on it. 

She wasn't looking out the window but directly at the robot on the floor. My friend was impressed with the machine and as it scooted by her she told it it could come home with her and she'd pay it more than I did. We had a really good laugh over that. 

Sewing

I had a very short period of time to sew. I cut out two more zipper bags and got them interfaced. 

These ones will not be boxed as they are to hold cash. I will be taking them with me today to see if they are too big. Once I know the size, I will make them up quickly.

Once the 4 bags are done, I have to make piping plus a doll's outfit. Then my list plus 3 extra items will have been made in March. 

I have started to think what I want to make for April, May, and June. I have April's list done and am thinking about what I would like to make in May and June. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night and have over half of the foot done. 

I hope to be done this sock by Saturday. I can't wait to see what it will look like when off the needles. 

Thoughts

    I was sore yesterday as the weather system was coming in quickly. I kept moving even though my joints were saying not to. By noon the pain was easing and I am back to normal this morning. I know that sitting down is worse on the sore joints than standing up and moving about. 

    The storm we are having has put us under a wind warning. I did get out the portable generator and plugged the cpap machine and lamp into it. We had no power outage overnight. Most of the power outages are in the Halifax area with around 15,000 customers without power at this time. 

    When I came home from Uruguay, I thought the dehumidifier was worn out. It never came on unless I turned it off and then back on again. Then it would only run for a few minutes and shut off. It came on two days ago and ran for 24 hours. The house has been very dry until then. The humidity rose enough for it to work once again. 

Today

I have to fold laundry and make cookies this morning. This afternoon I am helping out at the community hall. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

Working On My Sewing List

 Yesterday was more sunny than cloudy with a high of 2C. This morning it is cloudy and 0C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 7C. We are under a rain warning with rain starting tonight. 

Lifestyle

While breakfast was cooking, I folded the towels and put them away right after I ate. It was good to have that job done so quickly. 

I did the balance sheet next and it went quickly. No mistakes, no issues. I had it all put away in good time. 

My last job was to wipe down all the kitchen counters. They felt dirty and in a couple of spots they were. I didn't go overboard with much more as I start cleaning today. 

I was out to help make dinner for a group at the community hall. I was over mid afternoon and then later on. I got home at 7:30 pm. It was a small dinner with 38 people. 

Sewing

I did sew both in the morning and afternoon. My first job was to put two projects into bins to sew in April. I then pressed two flannel fat quarters and straightened the edges so they were neat and tidy. I hemmed them into doll's blankets. Not a big job but one I needed to do. 

They are now folded and put into the tub with the quilts and other doll blankets. I have 4 done and 9 more to make for the dolls. 

I cut out two more zippered bags before lunch. I also had to find the video that I use to install the zippers. I dug around and used up pieces of interfacing in the stash and only had to cut two pieces from the new interfacing I bought. I got it al on before I went upstairs for lunch. 

I installed the zippers in two stages after lunch. I did struggle a bit as I was relearning how to do the tabs and get those zippers in properly. By 4 pm I had them in and was happy with the results. 

The next step is to attach the lining pieces and then I can finish them in no time flat. These are the last of the bags I am making as I have used up the fabric I had set aside for them. If I have something left over I will make a few more as I have some fabric I can use for linings. 

Once these bags are completed, I have 2 pieces of piping to make and my list will be done. At that point, I will start to make placemats using the left over quilt fabric. I will also have to work on a project for Sewing With Cinnamon. 

Knitting

I did not knit last night. I was too tired to even look at it. 

I looked at my yarn stash totals. I have knit 5 balls (full and part) of yarn which is 319 grams. I am getting close to having knit 1 pound/450 grams of yarn. The socks I am knitting plus 35 grams on the next project will bring me to that amount of yarn gone. 

Thoughts

    I was sore yesterday from the storm coming in tonight. Both my knees and a few muscles hurt and Tylenol didn't help at all. I am still sore this morning but I will have to keep moving like I did yesterday. As soon as the storm comes in, the pain will subside and I will be back to normal. 

    I am starting to think what I want to sew and knit in April, May, and June. Some ideas are emerging. I am struggling with coming up with some ideas of what I want to sew. t is when I am struggling with ideas that I want to get rid of the stash on the shelving unit. Knitting is a bit easier as I am knitting socks and hats at the moment. I Strangely enough, I don't have the urge to get rid of my yarn at the moment.

    I have mentally set up a schedule for cleaning over the next two weeks. I have allowed myself days off when I need to be out getting some things plus a rest day here and there. When the upstairs is done, I will do some cleaning in the basement. Hopefully, it will be warm enough in April that I can clean the garage. 

    I did move the stash shelving unit from the wall and cleaned under it. It wasn't that bad as I had swept under it last week but there was still some fluff and dirt that I got cleaned up. 

Today

I am doing a load of laundry and cleaning the bathroom. If there is any spare time, I will go to the grocery store for a couple of things. This afternoon I want to finish the two bags and look at fabric for piping. Tonight I will knit on the sock and see how much I get done. 

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

Redid Cuffs On Doll's Blouse

 Yesterday it snowed and then was cloudy. The high got to 5C. This morning it is cloudy and -1C (windchill -5C). Today could have flurries with a high of 2C. 

Lifestyle

I was shocked that the flurries which were forecasted turned into a heavy snow storm for 4 hours. We got a good 2" of snow before noon. 

The flakes were huge and wet and fell softly to the ground while I watched out our windows. 

Yesterday morning, I laundered towels and 2 cleaning cloths. I decided to cut back on the detergent, use hot water, and add vinegar as the fabric softener. I used the sanitize cycle on my machine which runs for 2.5 hours. The two cleaning cloths came out white which surprised me. The bathmats look whiter but age is against them. Everything had no smell which I was told to expect. They were softer. I will do this method and add Oxiclean to the washer once or twice a month. I usually wash towels on cold water using cold water detergent and no fabric softener. I use dryer balls instead as I don't like the smell of dryer sheets. 

I was out yesterday afternoon to help set up the community hall for a dinner tonight. Three of us got it done in just over an hour. It included setting up tables and chairs, putting on table cloths, and setting the tables. We also counted out plates for the dinner and pie and got them ready and covered. 

I did shovel the slush out of the driveway. I had done 2 passes before I left so I could see the driveway. Once home I shovelled the mess into the ditch. I enjoyed being outside in the fresh air and it was fun to push the slush down the driveway and hear it hit the water in the ditch. By 5 pm most of the driveway was dry and I was happy. 

Sewing

I sewed in the morning as I knew I was going to be busy in the afternoon. I made the new sleeves and attached them to the sleeves. I took my time and all went well. 

Adding 3/8" to the sleeve was just enough. The blouse is done except for the snaps which I am still waiting for.

I cleaned off the cutting table and put away fabrics I will not be using for a while. I found another UFO and decided to cut it out and do some pinning. 

It is a hooded cape to go with Anika's Nova Scotia plaid dress. I will be bundling it up and putting it away to make in April.  I still have to make 2 doll blankets, 2 pieces of piping, and something for rhythm in Sewing For Cinnamon. I can't do anything extra projects until these are done. I can think but I can't do. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night and the gusset is finished. I am now on the foot part. 

I cannot believe how fast these socks have knit up. The yarn is a delight to knit which is one reason I can knit for longer periods of time and the other reason is I was ready to knit socks once again. 

Thoughts

    Son is going to order me a smart lock that he will install between the house and the garage. If I like it, I will have one installed on the front door. He is to install an app on my phone for them. It is time to upgrade from the cheapest locks to better ones. 

    I am planning the next couple of weeks so I can get the house cleaned. I have to go to Bedford on Wednesday to shop. I want to take the boxes and bags of items to the thrift store and have them out of the house. I need to go to 3 stores and then it will be home. 

Today

I am going to sew this morning as I need to be community hall this afternoon. I don't know if I will knit tonight as it depends on when I get home. 

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

Playing With The Cricut

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 0C (windchill -5C). This morning it is cloudy and -1C (windchill -2C). Today is supposed to be a mix of snow and rain with a high of 7C. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door to shovel snow but what I dealt with was ice. I scraped and chipped part of the driveway, small sidewalk and front step. It was quite the job and I ended up having to salt some spots as the ice would not move using the ice chipper. It wasn't pleasant outside as it was cold and windy. The wind chill was -14C. I was glad to get inside the house and warm up. 

While I warmed up, I got all the ingredients out to make Cheese and Broccoli soup. I prepped all the ingredients and then made the soup. While it simmered, I cleaned up the kitchen and then had a lovely bowl of hot soup for lunch. I have containers in the fridge to enjoy while our weather decides if it is going to be winter or spring. 

Sewing

I took a picture of the sleeve lap/placket on the doll's blouse. It is tiny and I got both of them and they look so nice. 

I decided that I would make the cuffs longer on the doll's sleeves after trying the blouse on 3 other dolls. It was too small on them. I cut the pattern in half, added 3/8" and then trued the top to be smooth. 

I hand sewed the facings down on the doll's blouse and then picked the cuffs off the sleeves. I am ready to start over again. 

Crafting

I decided to fire up the Cricut. I wanted to remember how to use the machine as I have a lot of reindeer candy holders to make. 

My first project was to make daughter's new puppy a Christmas tree ornament. The cutting out was easy as was the weeding. Getting it onto the ornament smoothly is harder. I took my time and worked slowly peeling the initial and name off the transfer paper onto the ornament. I added black gingham ribbon. I am pleased with how it looks. 

Feeling braver and a bit more confident, I decided to cut out some of the reindeer pieces from the craft paper. I had a few issues and wasted a bit of paper. In the end, I got 10 reindeer and a whole pile of antlers cut out. I need to cut out 20 eyes and I can make the first 10. 

If my friend doesn't want them, I will sell them at the craft bazaar in November. 

Knitting

The picture of the socks I showed yesterday were from the day before. This is the picture I should have put up. 

I knit on them last night. I knit the heel flap, turned the heel, picked up the gusset stitches, and knit 5 rounds on the sock. 

Thoughts

    The ice on the driveway did melt and by late afternoon it was clear and dry. There is still frozen snow on the deck but it should be gone sometime today. We are going to have some warmer wetter weather for a few days and then it will cool off again. It is March and the weather can be nasty here this month. 

    It was nice to step away from sewing for a few hours and play with the Cricut. I will be spending more time doing crafts as I do enjoy it. Most of what I will make will be for friends and myself. I know it won't be a lot but it will be some. I also looked at the memory book a tiny bit. I am going to spend some time on it as I need to get it finished and sent. 

    Though I have been keeping the house clean, I am going to start doing extra cleaning over the next two weeks. I need to wash windows on warmer days, vacuum under the couches, and do some mopping where Rosie can't go. It is time and I am looking forward to getting it done once again. 

Today

I am going to sew today until it is time to go out and help set up the hall and peel potatoes for a dinner tomorrow night. I want to knit tonight. 

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

A Day Out Shopping

 Yesterday was dull and foggy with the temperature dropping all day. It went from 14C at 2 pm to 3C at midnight. This morning there is snow and it is -4C (windchill -10C). Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 1C. 

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law and I went to Dartmouth yesterday. The drive was very foggy with lots of mist in the fog. It was like that until we got home where it was just dull and grey. 

We had a great time shopping. Our first stop was Ikea and we wandered the Market Place for well over an hour. I bought a bath sheet, face cloth, and hand towel in navy blue. I will be getting more of them as I love how they look in the bathroom. I also got a cutting board, zip bags for daughter, a black out window shade for my bedroom, and LED taper candles. We saw some beautiful kitchen items in dark blue and daughter-in-law got an oil bottle and a small jar with a lid. I really want to go back and look again. 

Our next stop was at Old Navy where we looked at the clothes and then it was on to Michaels. I found the fabric section and it was nice to see what they had. Having fabric in Michaels in Canada has been a big surprise for us. 

Some areas were bare and I think they may have sold a lot of solid cottons. I did have a quick look and then got what I needed; paper for a craft project. 

Our last stop was for daughter-in-law to have her osteopathy appointment. I sat in and we had a good visit. Food, baby, fun things we do are always discussed. 

We got home mid afternoon and I was tired. I have not been sleeping well and yesterday I had a mild IBS like attack after being free of them for 4 months. I know what causes them - vitamins that I am supposed to take. 

Sewing

My only sewing was to thread the machine in royal blue and fix a strap on daughter-in-law's bathing suit. It was so dark and dull outside that my room was dull with all the lights on. 

I didn't look at much in the room other than it is a mess and that I need to do some more decluttering and purging in there. It is coming along slowly and I am making some big decisions in there. 

Knitting

I knit on sock #1 last night and I may have the leg finished on it. The yarn is so nice to knit that I do lots in an evening. I don't want to put it down. 

Thoughts

    It was great to head out and shop yesterday. I was very careful about what I bought as I am only getting what I need. Purging and decluttering means not bringing in items that I will just store and not use for a long time. Finding the blind was brilliant and after I hang it, I will add the bubble wrap to the windows for extra protection against the heat. 

    We had over an inch of snow fall last night and it is snowing lightly right now. I will be bundling up and shovelling snow this morning. It won't be a big job as the wind blew a lot of it off. The municipality has salted the roads but it doesn't look like they scraped them. They may come back to do that later on. I am sure anything they roll into our driveways will be pure ice or dripping with salt water. 

Today

I am going to shovel snow early and then make a pot of soup for the next few cooler days. I want to finish up the doll's shirt to the snaps and then do some crafting with my Cricut. I need to make supper. I will knit tonight. 

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