Limited Internet =Frustration

We are coming to the end of the year and it has certainly gone by quickly. 

We have limited internet at our house until January 4th. They think our fibre optic box is dying which means we get internet on our phones and iPads. No tv or internet on the computer. It is annoying as it limits me to what I can do on my blog. First and foremost no pictures. 

Lifestyle

We are slowly getting over our colds. It was a nasty one that left us feeling horrid for 24 hours. I was worried that the Spousal Unit would get pneumonia again but he didn't. That was a bonus for  us. His immune system is stronger thanks to the IV immune boosters. 

We have been busy with getting ready for the  kitchen  and living room renovating and have spend a lot of the past two days tidying up. The top cupboards and the pantry are now scrubbed and reorganized. That was two bags of garbage out the door. The living room was cleaned up and items put into the bedroom and sewing room.  That was another bag of garbage out the door.  

The linen closet was emptied and I found the charger for my SAD therapy light. I was thrilled to find so I charged up my therapy light. I still haven't found the charger for my camera. I keep saying it could be found as we keep sorting through boxes. 

We are both finding that we love this attempt at having less in our lives. 

Sewing

SWAP means sewing with a plan. I am making 11 items of clothing for two dolls that can be interchanged to give lots of outfits. I am doing it over at Stitchers Guild.  
My goal this year is to sew as much of the fabric  in my stash  as is humanly possible. Lots of the cottons  are to be made into simple items, others a bit more complicated. My stash is starting to annoy me and when I'm annoyed I feel stressed. I hope that I can set aside 30 minutes 3 nights a week to sew and then couple of hours on my days off. 
When I come to sew for myself, I will start watching the Craftsy classes I purchased and make slopers for myself.
I will also keep sewing for the dolls. I need to figure out how to store the outfits I make. I will end up selling them down the road. I want lots of outfits when I do that. 

Knitting

I am trying to finish knitting a doll's scarf so I can start a new project. I have joined a KAL or knit a long to help me use up my yarn stash. My new project will be a pair of socks for Daughter in Law.  Each month we get a challenge and this month was to make something using an old pattern or old yarn. My yarn stash is such that my oldest yarns  are 6 years  old at the most. I have knit most of my older yarn prior to moving  here. 

Today

I work the late shift so I plan on doing some housework before I go. I may get lobster bib number 3 ready to cut out. 
Please excuse any errors as I am having problems getting back to fix them. 
Until the next time........................

Less Is More is Back In Our Lives

It is -1C or 30F this morning and the temperature is to get to 0C or 32F. We are to have flurries again today.

Lifestyle

I worked yesterday but felt like I was just there. I have a nasty cold and it was my worst feeling day. I did work on the notions (help from a co-worker) after I did the Sunday books. I survived and made it home to rest.
The cold has settled in my chest so I know it is going to take a while to get over it. My body was fighting it but exhaustion caused the cold to win.
Though slowed down with colds, the Spousal Unit and I are trying to get the house back to normal and seem to be focused on the less is more theme again. We celebrate every time we take a bag of garbage out to the bin.

Sewing

The Spousal Unit got all the shelves in but one. I think the bottom one is not level so will have to show him that.

I have to remind myself as I fill those shelves, that less is more.
I plan on laying out projects to sew and work through them. I am not buying much in the line of fabric so I can get what I have down to a small amount. I need to stay focused on the plan.

Knitting

I started the doll's cowl and am doing the collar now. It could have been finished last night but I was tired and not focusing very well. Hopefully tonight. I have a second one to make.

Today

I work the early shift and then will be off for two days. Those two days off are fully planned with cleaning and a bit of sewing. My goal is to finish cleaning the upper cabinets in the kitchen and wash the floors in the sewing and spare bedrooms.
Until the next time............................

A Busy Two Days Off

The temperature has cooled off some overnight but it is suppose to be warmer over the next few days.

Lifestyle

My Christmas gift to myself was a cold and I was so nice, I gave it to the Spousal Unit. We are both feeling tired and achy from it.
We did have a lovely Christmas day. We did Skype with family in Nova Scotia and opened our gifts in front of each other. That was a lot of fun. We had Christmas afternoon and evening with Daughter and Son-in-Law's family. Thirteen of us sat down for dinner. We had a lot of laughs and enjoyed it very much.
December 24 was spent cleaning up the dust in the bathroom and getting it ready to use.

From there I cleaned up our bedroom. I washed the floor on my hands and knees and wiped it down. It was the only way to get all the corners cleaned up.

Yes, Elliott is sleeping under the blanket

I don't have anything new out as there will be more dust and I am keeping them free of it.
Lastly, I started washing the floor in the sewing room and we set up the Wi-Fi on the shelving unit. As a result, we have no TV and, at times, no internet. I have to call for help as all I did was take out one cord and replaced it in its spot.
On Christmas morning, I started cleaning up the kitchen. I moved three top cupboards around and scrubbed them clean including most of the crown moulding. I need to scrub the pantry and the rest of the crown moulding. Once the base cupboards are empty, we are ready for the kitchen to be renovated. Those two days resulted in 2 bags of garbage taken to the bin.

Sewing

I have looked at the sewing stuff in the basement and know I need to purge. My head cold has kept me from thinking through the process of how and why. The Spousal Unit can hang the shelves for me now the closet is clean.
I keep looking at what I have to sew and the list is getting longer. But, once we load up the room, I will start sewing again. Most are simple projects that I should be able to whiz through.

Knitting

Son, Daughter-in-Law, and Grandson subscribed me to a yarn group called Yarn Box. I got the first two skeins of yarn on December 23. It is the lovely mossy green yarn I spoke of in the last post.


I started the doll's Sagittaria Crocheted Cowl this morning. I have the first four rows done and am looking forward to watching it progress this evening. I  have to make two of them for the doll's SWAP.

Today

I am working and then will crochet this evening. I am trying hard to get over this cold and would like it gone asap.
Until the next time........................

Merry Christmas To All

It is warmer out with temperatures just below freezing. We were under a snow warning yesterday and had 12 cm or 5" of snow fall. The roads were in poor condition and there were many accidents.

Lifestyle

The water is fixed and the front yard will probably need repairs to it in the spring. The city's job not ours. It is nice to have it quiet after a long day of noise on Wednesday.
The three bedrooms are done except for painting the doors. It is looking better than I thought it would. The rooms slowly transformed from outdated to up to date when the trim went on. We did crown moulding for the final finishing touch.

Yes, it's the sewing room and no, I didn't get a chandelier.

I have to wash floors and reload each of the rooms. Our bedroom is the worst as all the furniture is coated with mud dust. But, I am looking forward to purging and tidying up all our stuff and putting it away.
Our friends who are doing the work are gone for a week which will allow us to tidy up the rooms that are done. When they come back, they have the front entrance, living room and kitchen to do. More changes are coming our way.

Sewing

On Wednesday and Thursday, I sewed a grocery bag for the manager of our store. I did this project back 8 years ago and loved the embroidery, hated the bag. So, I woke up during Wednesday night and redesigned it. No pictures but I will be making another one or two soon. It is a great gift that used up fabric and thread from the stash.
The sewing room will be reloaded over the next week. I am going to be sorting through that mess in the basement. I really feel like a hoarder of fabric and I know I have less than most people do. The renovations did it to me again and I realize that we both need less in our lives.
After I reload the sewing room (which I will be sorting), I am going to sew up some simple projects. There will be grocery bags, infinity scarves, a few doll clothes and the lobster fabric. It will be a time to refocus on what is important to me -- weight loss and a new wardrobe.

Knitting

I haven't knit a stitch since finishing Grandson's socks. Way too much dust floating around to have expensive yarn out.
In the mail, came a package and when I opened it up, there was two skeins of yarn in mossy colours. I did not order it and there was no card accompanying it. It is lovely and oh so soft and I have a project for it.

Today

The store is closed and we all have 2 days off. I have some grocery shopping to do and then it will be house cleaning for the rest of the day. I am looking forward to getting a huge hunk of it done.
We both wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
Until the next time...............................

Moving Along With Renos

It is warmer out this morning with temperatures just below freezing. It also snowed last night which is not exciting as the roads will be slippery. Such is life with this weather.

Lifestyle

Renovations are continuing in the house. The bedroom walls are now covered with plastic ready for the ceilings to be painted today.

That is the sewing room with the walls clad in plastic.

The closet and entry doors have been installed and they look great.

Yes they are also clad in plastic and will be painted later.

It will be so nice to have the bedrooms done but I must be patient.

Yesterday, the Spousal Unit noticed water in the snow by the road. He called the city to report it and thought it was caused by a water leak. In no time flat, there were 7 or 8 vehicles, a back hoe, and a pumper truck at our place. Yes, there is a water leak and it has to be repaired.

While talking to the city workers, he found out the value of our house has gone up by quite a bit, the entry to our rental unit is fabulous, and they loved our small front porch. Our rental unit is a mother-in-law suite (not legal like many, many others in our city) but we won't have a problem getting it legal when ever the city decides to open the door to that process. There will be literally thousands of applications to be gone through and units inspected for safety and parking. There are very few places to rent in this community. We will be renting ours out again in February.

Sewing

I have not done anything in the basement. I do have a fleece throw to finish up. Once done, I will get back to sorting more stuff in that room.

The cabinet that stores my sewing has green fabric baskets in it. I have decided to take them to the store for display and buy linen coloured ones. That way I can decorate the room with a splash of colour.

Today

Is day 4 of working and then I get a day off. I will keep busy at work today and my day off will be busy getting items for the renovation and then doing a bit of Christmas sewing.

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







Simple Sewing Ideas

The temperature is -12C or 10F. A lot warmer than yesterday when the coldest temperature was -21C or -6F. We had over an inch of snow fall since yesterday and it is going to be a mess starting Monday when the temperature hovers near freezing.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit had his second cataract surgery done on Thursday and all went well. His vision is improving daily and he sees the doctor again on Jan. 3. On Friday, he went in for his IV immune booster. He is appointment free until Jan. 3 and happy about that. 
Friday night I was worn out. I had hit the exhaustion level as I have been on the run now for a year. I did nothing after supper but read and slept. It was better than snapping heads off.
The bedroom half of the house is ready to have the ceilings painted and the second coat of paint on the walls. I am pretty certain the kitchen will be taken apart before Christmas. I feel it in my bones.
I have been cleaning up the notions and yesterday the job was finished. As one girl cleaned up the laces, I washed down cutting tables, shelving units and organized items. It was a big job but it looks great now.

Sewing

The sewing room has its first coat of paint on and then skim coated to remove the imperfections.

I am thinking of how this room will look when finished. So far it is making me happy.
I got the gifts done for my co-workers and am happy with them. They are time consuming though.

I did not get all the lobster sewing done. I did not have the time or the energy to do it. It will be done though as I want to get it off to Nova Scotia in January.
I found this lovely mug rug and want to make some of them also. They will use up some of the Christmas fabric I have.

I will do a tutorial on them later as I have to guess at the size. I found one clue to help me out.
I am slowly working my way through the sewing room stash. I put all the notions that I use regularly into beige baskets. Then I turned my attention to the fleece I have. One piece is ready to be wrapped -- a blanket for Daughter's dogs. I trimmed it up evenly and removed the selvage. The second panel has been started which is a blanket for Daughter to put in the living quarters of her horse trailer. The other pieces have been folded for the closet. Two pieces are for vests for Grandson, one piece will be pillows for the living room and the other three pieces will be turned into adult vests; one for me and one for Son-in-Law.
My goal is to put together my ideas for the fabric and sew. Many projects will be simple ones, others will be a bit more complicated. I want to sew down the stash as it is annoying me. I want to move on with my sewing.

Today

It is day two of five working days for me. I am in early to do the books and then open the store and figure out what we will do. The store is looking clean and organized though we need to keep it looking that way.
Until the next time.....................

Progress in Small Steps

Though the low got to -20.5C or -5F during the night, it is warmer this morning at -17C or 1F. The trend is suppose to be warmer by the weekend with it getting to 0C or 32F on Monday.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit is getting ready for his second cataract surgery tomorrow. Eye drops four times a day in preparation. Then on Friday he has his IV immune booster.
Our friend is getting close to putting plastic on the walls and then spray painting the ceilings in part of the house. Then the walls can be painted. So looking forward to that.
I am still feeling cold and like a slug so sewing and sorting at night has not been done. I did head down stairs yesterday morning and grabbed two baskets, dumped the contents out and put my winter gloves, scarf and toque in one and other one is for the Spousal Units winter items.

They will sit on the shelf in the front hall closet. That little clean and sort resulted in several items going into the trash bag, one item gifted, and one item put in the basket to be set up when the house is done.
The fabric item in one of the baskets is a perpetual calendar I made 8 years ago and used in our last house. It doesn't go in this house so I gifted it to the manager where I work. It goes in her house perfectly.

I love it when I can gift something I don't need.

Sewing

At work, we have to do a quilt block for Canada's 150th birthday. We drew to see which province we had to do. I got Ontario. After some research I decided to do loons, the Canadian Shield, sky, and a tree. We actually found all the fabric yesterday.

Today

It is day 5 of working and I am hoping to get more done in notions. I could be done what I planned on doing which will be great. Tonight I have to sew, no excuses. I am behind.
Until the next time.....................

The Sewing Room is Progressing

It is cool out there still. We are having lows around -19C or -2F. The wind has changed from the west (cold weather coming) to the east (we could warm up soon). This morning, the temperature is -16C or 3.2F up 5F since 2 a.m.

Lifestyle

We see that Nova Scotia had snow and our grandson is enjoying it very much. He has hills to sled on; a first for him.

Mom and Dad aren't so thrilled as they have a lot of driveway to shovel.
We now have 9 pot lights in the kitchen/dining area of the house and 4 of the 6 have been put in the living room. You can certainly see all the dirt and dust but we can read without eye strain.

The mess of everything continues to stress me but I know it is useless to keep everything clean. I learned last night that the kitchen will be dismantled soon. That means I have to move our kitchen downstairs. The part that juts out towards the table will be removed and the cupboards will be put against the wall to open up the area more. The floor will be tiled, back splash put on and the ceilings and walls painted.

Sewing

The sewing room has officially had its first coat of mud put on the walls to smooth them up. Our friend thinks they painted the walls with a cheap brush there are so many lines on the wall.

The area will be sanded and another coat put on to make sure all is smooth.

Once the room is sanded, our friends can finish up the hall closet/ Then the walls in the three rooms and the hall will be draped with plastic and the ceilings spray painted. After that, the walls can be painted.
I didn't sew last night as we had to go out for a bit but I did take pictures.

I do have a lot to sort out but it isn't as much as the last time.

Both times we have moved the sewing room to the basement, I have literally had to pull everything down there in a hurry with no organization. I really hate that.

I hope tonight I can get down there and sew and sort. It would be nice to get a few things done.

Today

I am working today and will be in the notions part of the day. Tonight I would love to sew and sort.
Until the next time....................................

One Bag of Garbage

We had a good snow storm yesterday with 7 cm or 3" of snow. We have about 4.5" of snow on the ground now. The temperature warmed up yesterday but it is going to be cold for the next few days. The temperature isn't bad, it is the wind that makes it really cold.

Lifestyle

I finished up discounting the drapery rolls in my section and it is looking neat and tidy. I didn't find any more fabric I liked so will be getting the one I did find to make two pillows for our bedroom. And, I found the duvet covers for the bedrooms and a shower curtain; all discounted. We are moving ahead.
The Spousal Unit finds out the time of his cataract surgery on Thursday. He starts his drops tomorrow in preparation. He is looking forward to having both eyes done. His Christmas present this year he said.

Sewing

After supper, I headed down to the basement and turned on the fireplace. As the embroidery machine did the next gift, I hauled over the tower of drawers and tidied it up. I took out a small garbage bag full of stuff I no longer use or need. Most of it was worthless stuff I had collected. Now the likes are together and I am happy. Next is to grab something else and sort through it. I'll take a picture before I start sorting tonight.

Today

I am working a full shift and will probably clean up notions. Tonight I will be doing one more gift and sorting through more of my sewing room stuff. I am enjoying the process now that I have started.
Until the next time..............................

Snow, Cold, and Decor Ideas

It is snowing again and is suppose to snow most of the day. When it stops, we will have sunshine and colder weather. At the moment, we are continuing to have cold weather for the next week.

Lifestyle

No work was done yesterday by the contractors. The Spousal Unit did a bit of work in the living room after he shovelled snow off the driveway. His job again today-- shovelling more snow.
My diet has been off lately due to the cold weather and the stress of renovating. I find that I do not enjoy the mess, dirt, and dust that comes with renovating. It sets my nerves on edge. I also find that I am on edge not having control of the situation. I am surviving but it is hard especially when I have to make snap decisions. We won't talk about the dust and dirt and how it makes me feel.
This winter, I have felt the cold more so than other years. I am trying to drink more hot liquids to keep me warm but I still am cold.
At work I am discounting rolls of drapery. It means that I handle almost every roll in one section. I call it my arm and shoulder workout. It is neat to see all the drapery and upholstery fabric (high end stuff) and every once in a while I find something I like.
But, there was a piece of fabric from the lower end drapery fabric that caught my eye. I loved the blues in the flowers but wasn't sure of the back ground colour. I don't like yellow tan.

I brought home a piece we found in the freebie box and put it against the bathroom wall. I like it but still how will it work in our bedroom for cushions on the bed. Was mulling it around when I discovered a roll in the section I was working on.

The background is the same colour as the walls which is the weak point of the fabric. I would have liked it lighter. But the white and denim blues were perfect for our bedroom. I really can see this as pillows on our bed with white bedding. Ideas are mulling in my head on how to do our bedroom. We will see what rolls I pull today that can go with that fabric or even replace it.

Sewing

The sewing machine and iron are set up and ready for me to sew/embroider. No picture but I promise I will be taking pictures as I sew and sort down in that space. My evening spot for the next few days.
The chandelier I like has halogen bulbs so now I need to see if I can replace them with LED bulbs. If not, I will have to look for another light fixture.

Today

I am working and hope to sew tonight. Everything is ready for me to get busy.
Until the next time.......................

An Empty Sewing Room

It is still cold in our neck of the woods. We had a low of -14.7C or 5.5F and a high of -9.2 or 15F. There is a wind or draft and it snowed last night. This is to continue for the next week and maybe longer.

Lifestyle

I had yesterday off work and spent all day running around getting things we need for the renovation or for personal use as I start work for 5 days today.
The bedroom/hall half of the house is ready to paint except for the hall closet opening. It needs to be made wider and I am sure it will happen this coming week while I am at work.
We have pot lights in kitchen/dining area of the house and we need three more put in to finish that area up. Next will be the living room.
Though we have been renovating for less than a month, I am tired of the mess. I am looking forward to organizing the household when all this is done.

Sewing

The sewing room is empty and the floor has been washed. It seems funny to have everything downstairs.

All of the Wi-Fi is in a tub and will be sealed with plastic while the room is being skim coated and sanded. Once again, it will be stored in the shelving unit in the corner.   

 The closet will have the shelving unit put back in and I do hope there will be less fabric, books, etc. on the shelves. I will be sorting my stuff while embroidering downstairs. This closet will have doors.

 Where the ironing board goes and there will be a new door.

Where the cutting table will go. I plan on getting new blinds for the window (as I will be doing for the whole house).
While getting renovation items, I did look at chandeliers and found one I liked. I will get it next month if it meets my light bulb standard (LED and daylight). If not, I will be looking for something else.

Today

I work all day and I do hope that I can set up my sewing machine in the basement and start sorting out my sewing stuff. I need to get it organized prior to it going back into the sewing room.
Until the next time..............................

Plans Are Progressing

It remains cold here in our neck of the woods. I will drive warm today as the heater is fixed in the car. So happy for that as it will remain cold (near 0F) for the next week.

Lifestyle

The bathroom is coming along and is looking lovely. A row of subway tile has been put around the tub and the trim and baseboard is on. Pictures when it is done.
We had our staff dinner last night and it was fun. The food was good and the conversation lively.

Sewing

The sewing room will be dismantled starting today and I will be sewing in the basement until the room is done. I am looking forward to having the room spruced up. I will be going through all my stuff to organize it and I may purge some of it.
I have been looking at the Vivienne Files Twelve Months, 12 Outfits and love the red, black and royal blue capsule. It speaks to be more than her other colour choices. I can see how I can make it my own and enjoy wearing all the pieces I will make or buy. Even my favourite blue jeans will look good in the mix.

Today

I have the early shift and will be home in good time. I expect I will be hauling some of my sewing room items to the basement tonight and tomorrow.
Until the next time...............................

Embroidery Fun

It is -14C or 7F out there this morning and we are in for 7 more days of cold weather. Not certain if I like this weather or not. I feel cold most of the time.

Lifestyle

We take the car in today to get the heater fixed. It is going to be a juggle as I work at 9:30 am. It will be nice to have heat again as it is cold driving in this weather.
The bathroom is coming along and will soon be done. I do love the choices we made.

I can hardly wait to see it finished. Bedrooms are to be painted next.

Sewing

I have 9 Kleenex holders done and have 7 more to go. I have figured out an assembly line to get them done in a hurry.

They are all out of linen and I will have used up the yellow when done. I have some of the dark natural and a piece of white linen left.
Next is to sew up the lobster fabric and get Christmas parcels shipped to Nova Scotia.

Knitting

The socks are done and I have nothing on the needles. I need to come up with a project to do for a couple of weeks before I start on the Doll's SWAP items.

Today

I work and then it is our staff party. Nothing will be done in the area of sewing or knitting.
Until the next time............................

It's Cold Out There

It is cold here with the temperature saying -8C or 18F at 6 a.m. It was warmer yesterday and an inch of snow fell in an hour and then it was sunny. The sign colder weather was arriving.

Lifestyle

We put Daughter-in-Law and Grandson on the plane early Saturday morning. We were sad to see them go but they are together as a family starting their adventure in Nova Scotia.
Elliott has discovered he loves to play on the plastic covering the floors. It makes noise and the more noise at 5 a.m. the better. This morning he played with his big elastic band on the plastic and drove us crazy. He lost weight (300 grams or 1/3 pound) in the last two months so activity will help him continue loosing.
The Spousal Unit has the valance off the window wall in the living room. It makes the room look fabulous. He has to remove the wood and prepare it for the crown moulding.
I had hoped the bathroom would be painted yesterday but it wasn't. It will be done today. Looking forward to having a new bathroom.

Sewing

As I was tired on Saturday night, the Kleenex holder I made was turfed into the garbage. I didn't sit and watch it and the stitching stitched the opening closed. So I begin again today making a bunch of them and watching to make sure all goes well.
While the embroidery machine is working, I will clean up my sewing room and put items in the basement. I am storing it all down there until after it is painted. I do have to sew to get Christmas gifts done so it is going to be interesting how I will have to dance to the painter's tune.

Today

I am off work and embroidering, cleaning, and getting a few other things done.
Until the next time..........................

Doll Dresses Done

We are starting to have some cooler weather -- actually it is suppose to get down to -13C or 9F on Tuesday night. The heater in the car is not working so it will become a priority to get it fixed as quickly as possible.

Lifestyle

We were up at just after 4 a.m. to put our Daughter-in-Law and Grandson on the plane to Nova Scotia. We had a great visit with them for five days and now they need to be together as a family. We will be going out there in the fall to visit with them and explore Nova Scotia.
The bathroom is coming along nicely and could be painted today. That will be exciting and we will see if I like the colour we chose.

Sewing

I spent yesterday trying to get the doll dresses done and I did succeed.

The doll in the red dress is from Sears and she is shorter than the one from Walmart by a good inch. I will only be buying the dolls from Walmart.

With their jackets over their shoulders.
I also set up the embroidery machine and started making Kleenex holders. I have one made and one in the garbage.

I am using up linen I had in the stash.

Today

I work and then hope to make another Kleenex holder tonight. I have to sit in the room to make sure the opening doesn't get stitched closed.
Until the next time....................

Family Fun

It is snowing this morning and we have a small amount on the ground. It will probably be gone by day's end.

Lifestyle

We have been enjoying having our Daughter-in-Law and Grandson visiting us. We have had fun with the house renovations. First we did paint samples.

We put these colours up in three areas of the house and made our decision. It may change as I am waiting to see what it looks like in the bathroom.
The second thing we did was to look for cupboard doors to match the rest of the kitchen. Store # 4 and we lucked out. The kitchen reno will be less than we thought. Yes!!
Grandson has become quite the reader and I caught him and the Spousal Unit reading one afternoon.

I was to the doctor's yesterday and my blood pressure is 128/64 and am off my blood pressure medication for good and will be checked in January. That is another goal checked off my list. I am excited.

Sewing

I snuck into the sewing room and finished the doll's dress to the snaps.

Next is the red dress and then onto Christmas gifts.

Knitting

The socks are ready to have the toes grafted together. One evening and I will be done them.

Today

I need to get a few groceries and work on the red dress for the second doll. I need to get the dolls into the store.

Family Is Here

It was a lovely day with a high of 5.2C or 41F. That is warm for this time of the year. The snow level has come down but there isn't any on the ground in the city.

Lifestyle

The bathroom is coming along nicely. The floor is exactly what I wanted.

It is hoped that it will be done next week.
Daughter-in-Law and Grandson arrived last night and we were so excited to see them. We said they were the perfect Christmas present and it would have been absolutely perfect is Son was here also. We put them on the plane for Nova Scotia on Saturday morning.

I had several weeks of stress and it showed on the scales. I decided that I had to take care of myself and I have shed the extra pounds. Am ready to work on meeting the 50 pound loss. Hopefully by Christmas.

Knitting

I knit like a mad woman on the socks and am ready to do the toes. Maybe I will knit after Grandson goes to bed and get them finished.

Today

I work the early shift and get home early. I look forward to visiting tonight.
Until the next time......................

Bodice of Dress is Done

It is raining this morning and there is snow up where we shop. The rain will wash all the snow away as it is suppose to be warm. But, cooler than yesterday.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a busy day. We measured all the kitchen doors and are waiting for a quote on how much it will be to replace them.
I washed all the sheet rock dust off the floors and they look nice now. That should last until today at the earliest and tomorrow at the latest. But, I can say they were clean on Friday.

Sewing

I worked on the bodice of the doll's dress when I had time. I got it completed.

I tightened up the elastic in the sleeves so they fit closer to the doll's arm. The skirt is sewn ready to put up the hem, add the lace to the bottom, gather and attach. Then, on to the red dress.

Knitting

I unknit 12 rows on the first sock and it is now ready for the toes to be done. I started on the second sock and got several rows knit on it before I fell asleep on the couch. With the fireplace on, I got warm and nodded off.

Today

I work today and for the next five days. It is going to be crazy busy with renovations, prepping for Daughter-in-Law and Grandson's arrival and working. I shall survive.
Until the next time......................

Doll Dress Begun

We are having some warm late fall weather. The temperatures are higher than normal and it has felt good. We are looking at snow flurries over the next few days and that is to be expected.

Lifestyle

The bathroom renovation is coming along nicely. The floor needs to be scraped before the tiles are laid. The tub is in place and there is a second plug-in. Life is getting good.
When the guys looked at putting in the tub, they decided to raise the entry into the living area of the house. They took out 14" of wall and made it higher by 6". The height of the entry way wasn't as high as a standard door. It looks more open now.
Daughter-in-law and grandson arrive on Monday for 5 days. We will put them on the plane for Nova Scotia on Saturday morning. It will be an adventure for them to live back there and we will miss having them in the next province. But, we always said we would not interfere with our children's lives. On the up side, we will be visiting them next fall and discovering Nova Scotia.

Sewing

I made a quick tree skirt and stocking from a fleece panel. Very easy and quick to do.

It will be hung in the store and hopefully someone will purchase it and a panel of stockings. We don't need a large tree skirt or stocking.
I started on the doll's dresses and have the first bodice done.

I want to sew some tiny buttons down the front of the dress to glam it up. The sleeves are ready to sew on the bias tape for the elastic, hem, put on the lace and insert. Once done, I can do the skirt and move on to the second dress -- same fabric in red and gold.
The doll's shoes for the dress are on her feet and they are quite cute.

Knitting

I have knit the first foot and need to measure it. If long enough, I start on the second foot. I got behinds due to exhaustion but it won't take me long to finish them up. May not before they arrive but I can knit after Grandson is in bed.

Today

I am off work and we have to shop, measure cabinet doors, and do laundry. I do need to sew on the doll's dresses too.
Until the next time............................

Renovation Day 1

The weather has been grey and cooler. No more snow but a bit of rain. I have to say, I hate the cloudy grey days we can get.

Lifestyle

I worked until 9:15 p.m. on Friday night, was back to work the next day at 8:30 a.m. and did a 9:15 a.m. shift yesterday. I did nothing much at home as I was tired. It takes me until Monday to recuperate from the late shift. 
Adam arrived yesterday and started the bathroom renovation. The bathroom was functional but dated. We used it but hated it. So the guys started working at removing everything but the toilet and one sink (that was a 10 foot counter top).

We are putting in two vanities with a space between them.

There will be a new acrylic tub and a new toilet put. Tiles will go on the floor. We are moving ahead.
Adam and the Spousal Unit also looked at the kitchen and they think we have hardwood floors under part of the kitchen. All I can say is WOW!! It makes the renovation that much easier.
The Spousal Unit was tired last night as he tried to keep up. He dozed in his chair all evening and slept all night. It is good for him to feel this way. He will do it again today and be happy and tired when I get home.

Knitting

The socks are proceeding nicely. I knit 30 rows on the foot of one sock and have 25 more rows to go. Then the other foot, two toes and I will be done. I may get it done this week if I knit every night and make no mistakes.

Today

I work day 4 of 5 and then we will see if I get a schedule change. We have a big sale in the store next weekend and all three management people should be there for it on Friday.
Until the next time.................

A Doll Jacket Done

With the cool damp weather yesterday, we are now prepared mentally for winter. This morning it is 1C or 34F and it could get to 6C or 43F. Plus the sun could shine.

Lifestyle

 With our heads in renovation mode, we headed out to look at bathroom fixtures, electronic stuff, and flooring. It was an hour of fun.
We bought everything but the recessed plug-in for the TV to be hung above the fireplace.

We are even having two phone charging areas in the house.

Sewing

I did some sewing yesterday on the doll's jacket.

If you are out the least little bit on the collar, it is noticeable. I redid that collar three times to get it to where it is now. Onto the second jacket which I hope will be easier to finish.

Knitting

The gusset on the second sock is done and I am happy. I will start on the foot tomorrow night unless I fall asleep on the couch.

Today

The Spousal Unit goes in for his IV immune booster, I get a hair cut, and then I work from 1:15 to 9:15 p.m. A very long day for me.
Until the next time...........................

LED Lights

I had a shock this morning! It was snowing when I got up. The top of the vehicles are white but everything else is wet and dark and ucky. We can't go from lovely fall to winter in 24 hours.

Lifestyle

We spent 8 hours with Adam, who is going to do our renovations. We started in the bathroom, then talked about the rest of the house. Doors, TV hook up above the fireplace, trim, baseboard, kitchen and............ what ever else came up. The what ever else included 10 pot lights in the kitchen/livingroom area.
We ended up our session Skyping Son about what we needed for the TV hook up. There will be some cutting done from lower down to above the fireplace so we can put in 4 HDMI cords and a plug in. That way, our TV box, Xbox, Apple TV and DVD player can be attached to the TV and sit on the antique gramophone by the fireplace. We are happy with that arrangement. Our Christmas present this year will be a new 60" TV.
At the end of the day, we were tired and hungry. We ended up having Chinese food delivered and that isn't the best choice for someone who is watching what she eats.

Sewing

As you can probably guess, nary a stitch was sewn yesterday. But, the room was cleaned up and I dusted and scrubbed the floor. Then, I put the furniture back into their proper spots. It looks great. I had been muttering to Adam about the poor lighting in the rooms and he said to use LED light bulbs and see how that works. So we grabbed two and put them in the sewing room light fixture. What a difference it made to that room. There are virtually no shadows or yellow glow in the room.

This picture was taken after dark and I was amazed at how bright it was in the room.

Knitting

The sock is unknit and ready for me to do the gusset again. I will be 2 days behind plus I won't be knitting Friday night as I work late. Yes, you can hear me gnashing my teeth.

Today

I have to get some shopping and laundry done today and then I plan on sewing on the doll's jackets. The first lining is laid out and pinned down.
Until the next time.....................................

A Bargain

We had rain yesterday and we are now at the beginning of our cooler weather. That means single digit numbers and near freezing at night. We enjoyed the lovely weather and appreciated it lasted to mid November.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit has the window area of the sewing room completed and is ready to start in our bedroom. New rules in there as we are going to sleep in that room and the destruction is on my side of the bed.
At work, we built Christmas trees using tomato cages, mesh and other items that are discounted in the store. It was a lot of fun and we had several good laughs. The management trees:

Sewing

At work, I cleaned up the Bargain Center as there were a bunch of bolts on the floor. I found an expensive lining (black stripes on an off white) and bought it for 1.00/meter. It is amazing what you find when you clean up the back areas of the store.
I bought the dolls .5 meter of black faux leather and am going to make them leather leggings or skinny jeans. They want black knit tops and a lace duster to go with it. As they can't get black boots they have settled on black ballet flats. The inspiration came from Stitcher's Guild.

The large picture shows the lace but I will be buying what I can find in the store. Sorry dolls.

Knitting

I knit the first sock's gusset and then the second sock. Today I am unknitting the second sock's gusset. Mistake at row one. That's what happens when I'm tired.
Today
I am off work and I have to help tidy up the sewing room, talk to the fellow who is doing the renovations, and sew on the doll's jackets. They need to be finished.
Until the next time...............................

A Sock Gusset Done

We are still experiencing some lovely fall weather but it seems as if cooler weather is coming.

Lifestyle

The ordering is done and I am now going to work in the yarns. The plan is to reorganize them completely so like weights are together. I know I won't finish today but I can get a good start on it. Plus it allows me to look at the yarns to knit a hat for the doll. I need a specific size yarn for that.
The Spousal Unit continues to demo the valance area of the window in the sewing room. It is now ready for a piece of gyproc.

Elliott has had some fun running around on the plastic lying on the floor. You can hear him making the plastic move.

Knitting

The socks are coming along according to my plan. I turned the heel and picked up the gusset stitches on Sunday night.

Last night I reorganized the stitches on the needles of the first sock and got the gusset done. Every other row has a decrease stitch on each side.

Today

I work again today and will do the gusset on the second sock. I have Wednesday and Thursday off so will be sewing up a storm getting the doll clothes sewn plus working on the socks. I have to finish the socks and hide them before Grandson arrives.
Until the next time...........................