More Progress On The Doll's Dress

 Yesterday was cold and windy with a high of -2C (windchill -7C). This morning it is cloudy and -4C (windchill  -9C). Today is supposed to be cloudy with a high of 2C. 

Lifestyle

I started the morning off making cookies. That takes a long time so while I waited for them to cook, I cleaned up my baking dishing and wiped down counters. I still had extra time so I did a bit of research on Acadians in our area. 

The search was interesting and I learned a lot about their community, churches, expulsion, and clothing. There are areas that people agree to disagree. There are people who are trying to make sure there is a greater awareness of the Acadian people in our area. What the explosion did was to almost wipe out the history of the Acadians in our area. 

After I finished baking the cookies and doing the research, I headed out to shovel the front landing and little sidewalk. It was an easy shovel but I got really cold. The NE wind went right through me. When I went outside later in the afternoon, the wind was still cold and raw. 

My muscles and joints hurt most of the day but I made myself get up and move. I was stiff and knew I wasn't properly aligned. I stretched in bed and had a series of cracks. I did feel better after that and hope I am going to have less pain today. 

Sewing

I did sew for a while yesterday but found the light wasn't as good as I like it to be. I sewed the shoulder seams on the jacket lining and then cut a bias strip to cover the raw edge with. I really like that method of finishing seams. 

That piece was set aside and I cut out the sleeves. They are lined so I had 4 little darts to make and then sew them together at the bottom. When that was done, I serged the side seams and tucked the serger thread tails back into the serged part. I cut out the remaining pieces and looked at the whole thing. 

The sleeves are to be set in next. There is still a lot to be done on the jacket. 

I put the stomacher into the jacket to see what it looks like. 

It looks quite white against the fabric. I do not have linen in a colour that is closer to the cream colour in the print. I haven't decided if I will make a stomacher out of the dress fabric. 

My last job of the day was to empty the box of recycling and trash into the bins in the garage. That made me feel good when I took the empty box back downstairs so I can refill it again. 

Knitting

I did pick up the stitches for the gusset in the morning and got it knit last night. 

Three more evenings and it will be done. I need to start looking at what yarn I want to knit a hat. I have the pattern chosen. I also need to ravel a pair of socks to reknit. They are huge on me. 

Thoughts

    It snowed again last night and the municipality has salted the roads already this morning. I have to shovel the front landing and sidewalk and will do it later this morning. I have some drifting in there from the wind. 

    Yesterday afternoon I sat and thought about why I am so tired of winter. It really isn't winter, I am just blaming it for how I feel. I have felt mentally off for a while and some of it is isolation which is self inflicted. When I get out, I feel better. Some is boredom from doing the same things over and over. And some is from not eating properly. Lastly, some has been from the pain I've had from the weather systems going through. I am working through this and trying to make some changes in what I do daily. 

Today

I am going to clean the bathroom first thing and then I am going to do a bit of meal planning. I will sew this afternoon for a bit and I may cut out more reindeer to work on. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

The Start Of A 1750's Doll's Dress

 Yesterday was mainly sunny until around 4 pm when it clouded up and snowed. The high got to 3C. This morning it is cloudy and -2C (windchill -6C). Today is supposed to be cloudy with lots of snow flurries. The high is to get to -1C (wind chill down to -8C).

Lifestyle

My first job of the morning was to do the balance sheet. It didn't take me long to do and I made no mistakes. I have done well with another low spend month. I have settled into the "if I don't need it, I don't buy it". 

Next up was to do the entry way. I cleaned the inside of the front door and it wasn't too dirty. It is only used once or twice a day. I then did the door into the garage. The inside was dirty but then I go out that door up to 4 times a day. It took a couple of tries to get it clean. I then did the side facing into the garage. It was filthy. It took 4 tries to get it clean. There is one spot I couldn't do as I was getting cold. Next up I did the stairs and then the tiles at the entry way. They weren't too dirty as I had done it not that long ago. 

My other job was to fold and put away two loads of laundry. I got it done before noon. 

My friend and I were out for dinner at family's. We had a delicious leek and potato soup with buns. We got to experience their new sound system on their TV. We also got to look at how they are going to finish their basement. I was a lovely and exciting evening for both of us. 

Sewing

I took the box of batting out into the family room and sorted it out. There was a lot of small bits that I don't use. The pieces I can use were folded up and put back into the box. Most of those pieces can be used for small projects like doll's quilts. 

I also moved the box my sewing machine came in and swept behind it. I have that corner cleaned up. I also tidied up the table and peg board and it looks much better. I have a bit of paper work to do one afternoon. 

I pressed and then cut out some of the pieces for the doll's dress. I am making a short length jacket that was popular in the mid 1700's. This jacket requires a lot of marking due to the pleats that are made in the back and along the sides. 

I got the pleats done in the back and the yoke sewn on. 

I then added the jacket fronts. 

Next up I cut out the lining pieces. They are ready for me to sew today.

Knitting

None done as I was out until 8 pm. 

Thoughts

    I am still reading about the life of the Acadian people prior to their deportation. There is a lot of information that contradicts each other. I finally found a document that explains that each region had their own take on fashion which one person called costume. What surprised me was that fabric, lace, and stockings were available to people prior to 1755. Not every Acadian lady wove cloth or knit stockings using materials they grew on their farms. It is interesting to find information especially in our area of Nova Scotia. There was even a church here which was dismantled or destroyed when the English built Fort Edward on that site. 

    We had about 2" of snow fall last night. It barely stuck to the driveway and all I have to do is shovel the front landing and sidewalk. I am sure it is wet snow as the snowflakes were huge last night. 

    I did not hurt much yesterday. I do have some sore muscles and I am thinking about doing some yoga to help. I did one exercise while washing the entry floor on my hands and knees and realized I am stiffer than I thought I was. 

Today

This morning I have to make cookies for Wednesday. Once done, I will clean up the kitchen making sure all surfaces are wiped down well. I would like to start cleaning the desk in the sewing room and then sew on the doll's dress. I want to knit on the socks tonight. 

Pattern Prepped For Next Project

 Yesterday was cloudy and rainy with a bit of snow thrown in for good measure. The high got to 4C. This morning it is clear and -4C (windchill -7C). Today is supposed to be a mix of sunshine, clouds, and flurries with snow coming in tonight. The high is supposed to get to 3C. 

Lifestyle

I was sore yesterday. My right knee was swollen with fluid. It made both the knee and hip areas hurt a lot. I hobbled around all day with the pain. 

I was out to get groceries yesterday morning while a load of laundry was on. I thought the store was going to be busy but most of the people were paying and leaving. It was nice to go shop in an almost empty store. I was able to get what I needed and be home in good time. 

After a short rest due to pain, I decided to start cleaning the living room area. I moved furniture and vacuumed under it all. I mopped, dusted, and tidied up a lot. In 90 minutes I had the room cleaned. I did have to take several breaks as I was very sore. I realized as I started cleaning that it was going to go fast as the room is minimal in furnishings and easy to maintain. 

Early afternoon family arrived with a new lock for the door going into the garage. What should have been easy wasn't. In the end, son had to chisel where the dead bolt is in the door and hole in the door frame. This is where the stupidness of the house is. In the end, I have a new lock that I can lock and unlock using my phone, my finger, and numbers. I want to replace the door knob next which I should be able to do on my own. 

Daughter-in-law and I did a dry fit of the blind in my bedroom and it fits nicely. It will be done another day as we weren't asking son to do that after doing the lock. 

Sewing

The two drawers on the cutting table were emptied and only what was needed in them was put back in. One drawer holds zip ties and boning that I use when making historical doll clothes and the other one holds my cutting and marking tools and tape measures.

The sewing room was also vacuumed. I did move the cutting table so I could do under it. The whole floor was covered in fluff and threads. I didn't mop the floor as I want to get another part of the room cleaned up before doing that. 

I only got the doll's dress pattern cut out and taped together before family arrived. I am now able to press the fabric and start cutting out the dress. 

As I cut out the pattern I did not cut out any of the pieces that ruffles. This is a dress a rural lady would have worn and she didn't have the time to do fancy work on her dress. The embroidery on the stomacher is probably more than she could have fit into her busy days. 

Knitting

I got the heel flap done and turned the heel on the sock. I stopped at that point as I now need to pick up the stitches along the heel flap for the gusset. I had done enough for one night. 

Thoughts

    I thought and looked where to hang the big picture above my bed. I am going to find the center between the plugs and see if I like that. If I like it, I will put in the hanger. When I did some looking, the plugs are not the same distance from the ends of the wall. I am sure the one is in further due to the closet doors. Once the big picture is up, I can figure out where I want the other pictures in the room. 

    My plans to get the bathroom finished flew out the door this month. I have looked at curtains to cut up for the window and found one that may do. I haven't been to look at the towel bar, etc as I haven't had time. I am stuck thinking about pictures. I need to go browse one day and get what I need. 

    The weather forecast is for snow to start at 8 pm tonight and it is supposed to snow until sometime tomorrow. Then it will be "flurries" until Tuesday morning. I guess I will have a date with the snow shovel on Monday 

Today

I have to do the balance sheet first thing and then get laundry done and folded. I want to clean the stairs and front entry. I am hoping that I can get the doll's dress cut out and a bit done on it before I go out for dinner at family's tonight. I may get some knitting done tonight. 

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

The Last Zip Bags Completed

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 5C. This morning it is cloudy (snowed and rained) and 2C. Today we are supposed to have sunshine, rain, fog, snow, and a high of 4C. 

Lifestyle

I was out to make sandwiches at the community hall yesterday. I cut and put the sandwiches on trays. Once done, I was off to the bank to see if I had another tax form from them. None could be found. It was then home to let the accountant know. 

I did a bit of clean up but no cleaning. I didn't have time to get into moving furniture etc. I need a morning to clean the living room area as I have to move all the furniture. 

I did cook a pork loin. Well, it was 4 pork loins when I opened the package. I put mustard on them and then season well. Into the frying pan to brown and then into the oven to cook. It was delicious and I have enough for 2 or 3 more dinners. I am thinking of trying some in a stir fry tonight. 

Sewing

I did go down into the sewing room before lunch and finished one of the bags I had started a few days ago. I finished the 2nd one in the afternoon. 

While sewing the last bag, I figured out how to do them efficiently. I doubt if I will be making any more of them in the near future. 

I have been watching a new video series on cleaning your sewing room (Making Space to Make). The first 5 weeks was thinking about how you sew, your space, and what to keep. I know my sewing style but did reflect on it. I thought about my sewing space and am very lucky to have a large dedicated sewing room. When I found this series, I had already finished one UFO and I found one more that I am to finish in April. There are no more UFO's lurking in the sewing room. 

Yesterday's video was about reclaiming your cutting table. Mine had been a mess and I did spend some time getting things off it prior to Friday. After listening to the video, I am going to work on her saying "It can come to visit on the cutting table but it can't stay forever". With that in mind, I put a project into the April sewing tray and set about scrubbing the top of the cutting table. It was dirty. I dropped the leaves and cleaned the edges that were very dusty. I wiped the shelf off and then scrubbed the cutting mat. I laid out my next project. 

Before I start sewing, I have to clean out the two drawers where I keep my tools. I want to move the table and sweep and mop that area. I have to say I felt really pleased with what I had done when I left the room. 

I did do some reflection on how I am enjoying this way of looking at my sewing room. I started out doing Karen Brown's sewing room decluttering and for the first 2 years it worked for me. It was 21 days long and you tackled something different every day. It was a great beginning. In year 3 I lost interest. I wanted something more which included a slower pace and time to clean spaces as I decluttered them. I didn't do it this year and started decluttering the stash. 

When this series popped up in my Youtube feed, I decided to watch it. The first weeks I had doubts as it was slow moving. But it got me thinking. I wrote my thoughts down and I did as she directed. Instead of one UFO I had, I worked on projects I needed to do. I allowed myself time to think and yesterday I allowed myself time to deep clean the cutting table. Today I will do the little drawers. Sunday I can sweep and mop the floor. By next Friday I will be ready to watch the next video 

The biggest thing I am realizing is that I need to form good habits in the sewing room. They take time and I need to be consistent in doing them. I know I need less stuff in there to make it easier to keep tidy and clean. I am working on it knowing that I can form the good habits. If I can do it upstairs, I can do it downstairs. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks and got the leg done on sock #2. It was hard slugging at the end as I was tired and ready to call it a night. 

I still love the yarn and the pattern. These socks do knit up quickly but I need to remember that I don't need to push myself to have them done in a few days. I need to enjoy my knitting. 

Thoughts

    Clark is a Brittany Spaniel. He is a liver which means he is dark. She has his father who is a liver and the father's half brother who isn't. They are all pure bred. 

    We are bracing ourselves for the next storm. It is supposed to start snowing/raining tonight and snow off and on until Tuesday. March seems to have come in like a lion, moderated, and could go out like a lion. 

Today

I am out to get groceries this morning. Once home, I will try to start cleaning a part of the living room. This afternoon I want to tidy up the cutting table drawers and then begin on the next project. Tonight I will knit. 

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

Four Pouches Completed

 Yesterday was mainly sunny with a high of 2C. This morning it is cloudy and -2C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 4C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I had a busy morning. I stripped the bed and put the sheets on to launder. I then set about giving the kitchen a quick tidy up. Then it was on to the dining area. I wiped down furniture, dusted the pictures, and made sure the table was tidy and clean. I started vacuuming and as I did an area, I mopped it using Bona cleaner. The hardwood floors looked hazy so I use Bona to remove what ever it is on the floors. I ended up doing the small hall, dining area, and the front landing where the coat closet is. The floors are shinier and I am happier. 

I made the bed later on in the afternoon. I have the hanging strips and hooks for pictures in my bedroom. I need to figure out where to put the big picture. I am not sure if my bed is centred in the room or not. The room was designed to hold a king size bed. I am not even sure the light is centered in the room though I think it is. I will have to measure the length and find the center. Once the big picture is hung, I will then hang the other pictures. 

Daugher's new puppy is really cute. I finally remembered to download pictures of him. He will go into training when he is old enough and will do both ring and field competitions. 

He is the one I made the ornament for. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday afternoon and got 2 more bags done for daughter-in-law. They went together well even though I ran out of bobbin thread twice and top thread once. 

They are not perfect but they are done. By the time I had finished these, it was later in the afternoon and I had no time to start another sewing or craft project. 

Knitting

I cast on the stitches for the 2nd sock and got 35 rounds done last night. 

I was surprised at how fast it is knitting up. If I can knit most nights, it will be done by the end of the month. 

Thoughts

    I had a bit of stress yesterday as daughter was a bit stressed. I let her text and I asked questions. She calmed down and so did I. I am trying not to let her situation get to me but it does. She is having to make some hard choices right now and it hasn't been easy for her. I had some stress but no anxiety. I have come to realize I can listen and support but not be heavily involved. It is a situation that she and he has to work out. 

    I did not go out and walk the rest of my property yesterday. The back is wetter than the front. Looking out, I didn't see a lot of garbage but I do know there is a hub cap behind the shed. I know the lawn needs raking and seeded. Grandson can help with that next month. He can help me clean out the shed as I want to get rid of items from in there. I also need to sweep the floor and take a broom to all the walls and wash the windows. We will be busy. 

    I did a quick look in the family room and I need to get cardboard out of it. I can clean up part of the room as it is where I craft and isn't messy. The rest of the room will be done over time as it is where I sort and box the things I am decluttering. I looked at the sewing room and am waiting for today's video. I did remove the tubs from under the cutting table and put them on the shelving unit. I have the cleaner and rag ready to work on this area tomorrow. 

Today

I am out to make sandwiches this morning. I have to go to the bank and get some groceries. I would like to finish sewing the two bags I have partly finished and then do a bit of cleaning up. I will knit on the socks tonight. 

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

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