More Purging to Happen

Happy Leap Year Day

It is a beautiful clear morning for February 29 and it is suppose to be that way today. Yesterday was cloudy but the temperature got up to 11.5C or 53F.

Lifestyle

First thing in the morning, I cleaned up the kitchen and swept the living room floor. With that under control, I got ready for work and headed out to be at the store at 11 a.m.
I had told a co-worker I would help her do clean up. I wasn't sure if it was going to be a lot of fabric or sweep the store's floors. I had a few bolts to put away and then I swept the floor. It was dust bunny heaven in there. But, with almost an hour to sweep, I was able to sweep under displays and around tables. My last job was to empty garbage.
The store was busy but not super busy for an Ultimate (50% off everything) Sale. We were able to put away all the fabric we cut by the end of the day. I always feel good when we leave the store clean.
I think the Spousal Unit is showing good signs of improvement. His colouring has improved and he ate a bit more yesterday. He is concerned as he has lost a lot of muscle mass but that will come back over time.

Sewing

I had thought more about the fabric in my stash and have to get back to purging more of it. That happened while I was cutting fabric for a person and looking at the crepe a lady was purchasing for scarves. I will buy a piece of crepe for a summer top and then look again when the fabric is purged and I have sewn up a bunch of it.

Today

I am home on another day off. I have to do more housework, take the Spousal Unit to the library, and sew. It will be nice to have another day off so soon.
Until tomorrow........................

Explore 2016 Review

Yesterday was a gorgeous day with lots of sunshine and a high of 14.2C or 57.5F. We both enjoyed the sunshine all day long and the Spousal Unit went out and stood in it.

Lifestyle

It is hard to believe that it is the end of February. Life has been super busy for the past two months and I decided to review Explore 2016.

• I haven't got out to walk the trail yet but I have done a lot of walking at work. Up to 5 miles or more on some days. I have also done a lot of lifting and stretching and it does feel good to do that.
• The Spousal Unit had a great January and he ended up puttering in the front entry closet. He was looking great. After his last treatment in February, things took a dive. He had a new side effect from the chemo and then got an infection. He looks much better after taking 5 antibiotic pills so we hope he is on the mend.
• I didn't loose much weight, if any, in January. The old thyroid did its thing and slowed down for part of December and all of January. I was tired and cranky from that. I started to feel better at the beginning of February and decided to monitor what went in my mouth. I have lost 10 pounds. No treats, one snack on work days, and I am feeling much better.
• I worked a lot of hours in January and February. The hours seem to be reduced for the time being but may go back up as we are now short two employees.
• We have made a decision to have a friend (professional painter) to paint the upstairs of our house when he has time. As he paints the rooms, we will do the trim, doors, and update the closets. We will hire someone to put in the new front and back doors this spring or fall.

 I am very thankful that we have a fairly well organized house. I am still trying to get more items purged and will continue to do so as time goes on. Having our house like this or better allows both of us to focus on ourselves and other things we want to do.

Sewing

Garments

I have sewn some this year and it has thrilled me.

• I got two knit tops done for myself and they are in the store. I will probably wear both of them as they are a start to my wardrobe.  
• I did a spring version of the Plaid Meets Lace scarf in crepe for a co-worker and will do one for myself.
• I remodelled my work t-shirt. I usually don't like doing this type of work but I did enjoy the process once I got started.
• I am working at purging my fabric and took a bunch to a co-worker.
• I started making the Spousal Unit a shirt. Here is the proof.

It takes a long time to lay out a pattern that has yokes, pockets, cuffs and plackets on the bias. And it takes extra fabric to do it.

Crafts

• January and February craft items got made and posted. I enjoyed making both projects. March's project is cut out and ready to make.
• One advent calendar is made and the second one needs a couple of afternoons to finish up. Two wine bottle bags and one gift bag were done after I posted the January ones.
• I have been purging the Christmas/winter cottons. It is amazing how much I have on hand.
• I have decided to make some 18" doll clothes. I am starting with this pattern

• I am working on a photo album for Grandson and I want it done in March so I can take it over to him.

It has been great to review what I have accomplished to date. I have realized that I have been buying less fabric and trying to sew it up in a timely fashion. I do have some Christmas fabric to sew up for next year which I can live with. I have fabric for 2 pairs of leggings and a scarf for myself and two remnants of fleece for vests for our grandson.

Today

I am working for 5 hours though I am going in early to help a co-worker clean up. She helped me out last fall so I need to pay it back. Tonight is Downton Abbey and possibly talking to our family in Edmonton.
Until tomorrow.......................

A Trip To ER

Yesterday was a partly cloudy day, especially in the afternoon. The sun shone what I saw of it in the morning. The high got to 8.8C or 48F.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, the Spousal Unit arrived out in the kitchen looking for white squares that were being used around his neck. They were suppose to be put into the garbage (it was garbage day) and he couldn't find them. He kept saying he had been looking for them for a week. I really thought he was loosing it with a high fever. When I took his temperature it was, basically, normal. I told him to put out the garbage and look for those white squares later on. (Those squares are non-existent)
When he looked and acted normal I told him we were going to the emergency ward. I was exhausted from lack of sleep. He was exhausted from the pain in his neck. The combination meant for us to see a doctor. We headed out to the hospital. The ER was busy, over full, and I internally thought I was going to be there until 9 p.m. We got a wonderful doctor who ordered blood tests and an X-ray. By 1:00, we were leaving the ER with a prescription as the Spousal Unit has an infection in his glands. I got the prescription filled and the Spousal Unit has relaxed. Thus, everything I had planned on doing was trashed. I had a late lunch, an early dinner, and went to work.
It was quiet at work as there is a big sale today. From about 5:40 p.m. on a co-worker and I started to clean the store in preparation for the sale. We cleaned up behind all the tables, got the paper work ready, organized a section of fabric, and put out signs. When done that, we washed cutting tables and rearranged some displays. When we left at 9 p.m. the store looked great and we were proud of what two of us can do when working as a team with a goal.

Today

I am off work and have to get caught up on shopping and cleaning. I slept well but am tired so will have to pace myself and have a nap this afternoon. I would love to put pattern to fabric if there is enough time.
Until tomorrow...............................

Work Shirt Altered

It was another beautiful day for the end of February. The sun did shine and everyone is outside enjoying it. The high got to 9.5C or 49F. More warm temperatures seem to be coming our way.

Lifestyle

As I had to work from 1 to 9 p.m., I sewed. The Spousal Unit rested as his neck is bothering him. I may end up taking him to emergency to get it checked out.
At work, it was slow so we cleaned up the store. All the fabrics are put away, tables cleaned, drapery rolls tidied up, and several tables set up. New fabrics were put out and we left tired but happy.
Changing my eating habits has paid off. I am down 10 pounds since the beginning of February. I will continue to monitor portion control and keep the sweets to a minimum. I have a loose goal for March and it is to see a new set of numbers.  

Sewing

The sewing room was lovely and bright with the sun shining in. It was wonderful to sew in there. I finished up the t-shirt that I wear to work.
As there were holes in the stomach area, I added a layer of fabric to cover that. It is longer than the t-shirt and overlapped at the front to be fun. Lace was added for decoration. It got put on the sleeves and, yesterday, I put the last piece around the neckline. I grabbed the left over trim from the scarf I made and sewed it onto the shirt and then added some sewing charms.

It meets the requirement of altering the shirt.

Today

I work from 5 to 9 p.m. so basically have the day at home. I may end up taking the Spousal Unit to emergency and, if time, I will lay out his shirt pattern. If not, I will nap as I  am a bit short on sleep today.
Until tomorrow......................

A Crepe Scarf is Made

Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 10.5C or 51F. We enjoy each lovely day as we still have March to live through. It can either be a lamb or a lion or both.

Lifestyle

I headed out to work yesterday and got to do both cash and cutting. My day ended at 2:30 as it was slow. I did some shopping and headed home.
Vivian, this is for you and for others who wish to look at the Bullet Journal. I looked at the video several times prior to setting up our journal for house renovations. It is a quick resource that we still go to and I will start again when we begin doing the upstairs.
Our journal is designed for our needs and I used one of two journals I bought at Costco. The journals were there when I looked at the beginning of February.

The beginning pages gives us phone numbers and then an index.

From there each month was set up the same except for the plant sample page. It was an extra for future reference.  

I did add some personal items to the journal part but it was mainly to keep track of what we did in the house. The paint chips are for future reference.
At the end of the journal is an envelope where I keep the receipts. That was wonderful for when we had to return or exchange items.

Sewing

I bought some items at the store yesterday. I have enough supplies to make myself another plaid meets lace scarf and then I decided to make one out of crepe for spring/summer. A co-worker chose the fabric and trim as it is for her. She started with this print and we moved from there.

We added the plain coloured crepe to it.

 When I got finished, it certainly has a spring overtone.

And on the dress form.

Total time spent was about 2 hours. She gets to set it up in the spring fabrics today.

Today

I am going to do some shopping, get the Spousal Unit's shirt pattern out, and head to work from 1 to 9 p.m.
Until tomorrow.......................

T-shirt Re-Designed

Yesterday the sun shone and the temperature got up to 6.8C or 44F. It was cool out there if you weren't in the sun. Today the temperature is hovering at 0C and it is suppose to be as warm as yesterday. The sun is suppose to shine.

Lifestyle

I did laundry, a quick grocery shop, sewed, and knit. It was a slower paced day for me. I did enjoy it though I have been feeling slightly off.
This morning I got up and my back is sore. It actually really hurt and has been coming on since Monday. I ignored the signs and it has really come on strong. It will take some time to heal.

Sewing

I worked on my t-shirt that I got from work. Holes formed in the stomach area from the cutting tables. It happens at home also. I really lean into the counter tops at home.
I had bought it some time ago and it matches the t-shirt perfectly colour wise. I also bought some lace to jazz it up a bit.
The t-shirt is a tube, the fabric is flat. I spent a lot of time thinking this one through and came up with this design.

It wasn't too hard to do. I put interfacing on the hem and turn back piece to give it more body for when I put on the cotton lace. What lace was left over was put on the sleeves. I put about 3" in the garbage can.

Knitting

I knit a toddler's sized toque over the past two days. A very easy knit with enough yarn left over to knit a second one without the dog's head.

Today

I work a full day at the store. Not much will be done at home unless I set up the second toque.
Until tomorrow................................

A Work In Progress

Yesterday was a glorious day after the fog disappeared. It was sunny all day long with a high of 11C or 52.5F. It stayed clear all night and we have a low of -4C or 25F this morning at 6 a.m. We should see more sunshine and a bit cooler temperatures today.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I spent some time dusting and cleaning our bedroom. It is much cleaner but still needs a bit more work done to be perfectly clean. And the window needs washing inside and out. A good project on a sunny day.
At work, I was at cash for my 4 hour shift plus I had to cash out last night. I put away zippers when I could but it was steady with customers. We had a rush of theater students in getting samples. They really don't know what they want! The last student left after the store was closed.
I have been monitoring myself the past week with eating and portion control. I do take cheese and Skittles to work for hunger and low blood sugar. I eat the cheese on the way home and haven't touched the Skittles when doing a 4 hour shift. Snack consists of some cheese, rice crackers, and a few grapes on a longer day. It is keeping the low blood sugar at bay. If I work hard, I do eat the Skittles but also try to eat the cheese to hold the blood sugar up longer. It is working out for me. At meal time, I am eating less and feeling better. I am happy with the results to date. I am not keeping track of what I eat or my glucose count until March 1. I have to see the diabetic dietician in April so need to be able to tell her how things are going.

Sewing

Crafts

The wine bottle bag is ready for ribbon. I had no time to buy the ribbon as I went right to cash and didn't leave the post until 5:50 p.m.
I took a bit more in on the bottom of the bag and won't be doing that again. It shortened the bag just a bit too much for my liking but it does work.

I have to look at the ribbon to see if I can get the cuff colour. If not black will have to do.
While working on the bag, I have decided to make some little triangle pouches for March's craft.

Garments

I started fixing my red work t-shirt. It has holes at my waist from rubbing against the cutting tables. This is a work in progress. I am adding the same colour in another knit to make a longer body and may or may not cut off the t-shirt. The added piece will wrap around the t-shirt and overlap on the front. I am thinking of adding a couple of buttons to hold it shut. I want to put lace around the bottom edge and up the opening. Around the neck and sleeves I will add more lace. From there it is questionable what I will do or if I will do any more.
The next big sewing item is a shirt for the Spousal Unit. The fabric is ready to go and I just need to thread up the sewing machine. I am looking forward to sewing something in plaid.

Knitting

I decided to knit a toddler's toque and am almost ready to start decreasing for the crown. I will show it when I am done.
The wool for the scarf will be used to make samples for my knitting courses. I hope to start back on them again soon. Once the afghan is done, I will start back on my courses.  

Today

I am not working today. The plan is to do some housework and laundry, sew, go to the library, and relax and knit.
Until tomorrow......................

A Found Treasure

Yesterday was another warm day for us. It got to 8C or 47F. What I did notice yesterday was how long our days are getting. I drove home in daylight at 5:15 p.m. We are getting 10.5 hours of daylight now. Yes!!!!

Lifestyle

As I didn't have to work until noon, I puttered around the house in the morning. We even went out to see if we could see our friend running but were too late.
At work, we were short a person and it was busy. We didn't stop until 3:30 for our breaks. Then it slowed down enough to get a lot of the fabric put away. It ended up being an enjoyable day.
I have been watching what I have been eating, feeling less stressed, and enjoying myself. With the Spousal Unit feeling better, I have been looking after myself more. As a result, I have lost 5 pounds in the past week. It is rolling off me which tells me I am doing well with portion control and attitude.

Sewing

My puttering included hauling the Christmas cottons to the spare bed and sorting them. I have about 50% of it in the "to go" pile. As I was sorting, out came a pattern for a topper that I love.

I then found the fabric and out of it fell my first embroidery experience. I will be making two toppers from the fabric.

I did the embroidery 10 to 12 years ago when I got my first embroidery machine. I just need to find time to make it.
I got the wine bottle bag done to top stitching the top, stitching the casing, and sewing the pull through seam closed. I was thrilled with the progress.
Knitting
I have been playing with the square knitting needles and a scarf pattern. I do love the needles but hate the scarf pattern.

It may look nicer in a variegated yarn. So, I am ripping it out and using the yarn for something else.
Today
I am home until 1:30 p.m. and work until 5:45 p.m. I will see what I get done this morning; maybe finish the wine bottle bag.
Until tomorrow................................

Navy Top Completed

Yesterday was a beautiful day. The sun shone until mid afternoon and the high got to 11C or 52F. There was plenty of movement outside; people walking, running, and biking. The Spousal Unit stood outside by the house and enjoyed the warmth radiating off the stucco. This morning it is just below freezing but the sun is shining and it looks beautiful out there.

Lifestyle

I headed out to work and came home. I asked to have my days at work for the week checked and I had worked 5 days and couldn't do any more. I was happy for the day off. It was great to cook us dinner last night, not worry about things, and enjoy life.

Sewing

I took the garment fabrics I had sorted out and gave them to the young lady who attends university. She hugged me and was so excited to receive them. I am happy she likes them and they are gone.
I got the navy top done. It wasn't hard to do though I thought the hem would be a pain. Once the long stitching thread was removed, all went well.

I will never sew the lace again. What remains is going into the trash can. It just wasn't my fabric. The knit fabric is nice and light and I may pick up one more piece for another top. I am also looking for a cotton knit in navy.

I want to make this version of the pattern. It is more me.
I did get the lining sewn for the wine bottle bag. The outer fabric has the cuff sewn on both pieces and the button hole put in. It had to dry after I gobbed Fray Block on it. An hour should finish it up.

Knitting

I am so enjoying the square knitting needles. The scarf was ripped out as I was short a stitch. I am almost back to where I was. The pressure of trying to do that left me tense and I had a hard time relaxing to sleep. Drat on that. Pictures of it later when I have another pattern set done.

Today

I work from noon to 5 p.m. I would like to do a bit of sewing before I go and do more on the wine bottle bag. We talk with our grandson tonight and afterwards I would like to knit and watch Downton Abbey.
Until tomorrow.................................

Square Knitting Needles

Yesterday's weather was cloudy and then sunny. The high got to 8.3C or 47F. We have been either at or above our average high for this time of the year. Our low temperatures are still hovering at or just above/below freezing which is slightly warmer than the average. This morning, the sky is clear and the sun is just coming up.

Lifestyle

I didn't have to work until 5 p.m. I headed out to do some grocery shopping and decided to visit with a friend at her work place. She has been wanting to show me all the new things that have come in. I did buy some sewing trinkets and will be making a small pin brooch to wear to work.
In the afternoon, I had a short rest and Daughter and Son-in-law showed up for a visit. They left shortly before I had to leave for work.
The Spousal Unit enjoyed his visit with the family and was quite busy talking. After he ate dinner, he napped most of the evening away. He was tired but very happy to have been mentally stimulated.
I put away zippers last night. I got 2 bags done. At the end of the night, I hand grabbed all the fallen zippers from rack and put them away. There are two bags of zippers left to put away. I am certainly learning notions working at cash.

Sewing

I didn't sew a stitch yesterday. I did try to make the little pin but I need small needle nose pliers. I will take it out on the floor and do it in a quiet moment.

Knitting

While visiting my friend, I picked up a ball of wool yarn and a pair of square knitting needles. I have started to knit a scarf to see if I like the knitting needles and how they affect my tension. I love the square needles so will be buying more of them. Not sure of my tension but I have a feeling I need to knit on half size smaller (metric) needles than the pattern calls for. I will put the scarf onto other needles and do a swatch this coming week.

Today

I work a full 8 hour shift. As I am tired I know that I will be coming home, eating, and going to bed early. I need to make sure I don't get over tired. I also plan on working at a slower speed today. I can't afford to be sick.
Until tomorrow...................................

A Working Day Off

Yesterday was another warm February day with a temperature of almost 6C or 42.5F. We had a trace of rain and then it cleared off and was a nicer day.

Lifestyle

I headed into the store to return the Broom Hilda name tag and pick up a couple of pieces of fabric. I got to work for 4 hours and was off at 1:30 p.m. and back at 5 to 9 p.m. (One staff member was at the hospital with her mom all day.)
In the morning I worked at one cutting table putting away fabrics, sorting through notions, and prepping new fabric to go on the floor. One co-worker had a dizzy spell from her vertigo and had to be sent home. I am glad I was there and let her have the easy jobs while I did the hard work.
In the evening the manager and I had a work-a-thon. We moved fabric, did tables, and cleaned up the discounted and bargain fabrics. At 8:45, we were exhausted and sweaty. I actually lost 1.5 pounds doing that job and I drank 3 bottles of water in 4 hours. I have to say we were proud of ourselves getting so much done.
While I was off, I took the Spousal Unit to the library. He isn't driving as he gets tired easily and worries that he won't be quick enough making decisions. He happily got a bunch of books and came home tired. He sat on the love seat and read. His stomach wasn't the best so he ate very little yesterday.

Sewing

I went in to get fabric to fix my store t-shirt. That is twice I have done that and came out with nothing. That tells me that this t-shirt is going to be basic with the bottom replaced with a knit fabric I bought and some lace added to it. It seems to be the end of the story.

Today

I am off work until 5 p.m. I need to do laundry and buy a few groceries. If I am lucky, I may sit down at the sewing machine. Or I may have a nap so I am ready to work hard.
Until tomorrow.....................

BroomHilda

Yesterday was a day of both sunshine, clouds, and some showers. The high got to 5.6C or 42F. Today is suppose to be somewhat warmer and wetter.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I cleaned the kitchen. It is so easy to do as everything has been purged to just what we need and in its proper place. The only item that is out of place is the Spousal Unit's bag with the thermometer, wipes, and paper in it. We kept track of his temperature on a regular basis after chemo. Soon it will be put away.
I swept a lot of dust bunnies up as I also did the majority of the floors. There was a goodly amount of Elliott fur in it. He is constantly shedding being an indoor cat.
I forgot my name tag at home and had to wear this one.

Not a single person commented on it.
The Spousal Unit had a good day yesterday. He ate well and was thinking of things to do. This morning, he had a huge sweat when he went back to sleep after I got up and is feeling exhausted. I am sure he will feel better as the day progresses.

Sewing

I serged the seams on the second sleeve of the top and got the side seams sewn together. It is ready to be put into the top. Getting that done was a bonus. I do hope to finish it by tomorrow afternoon.
I will then sew up the wine bottle bag and start on a shirt for the Spousal Unit. While cutting it out, I hope to fix the t-shirt I wear to the store. I am still figuring out what to do with it.

Today

I have a day off but have to return the name tag and pick up some cotton for the t-shirt. I do want to sew on the navy t-shirt also. The Spousal Unit wants to take the china cabinet to the glass shop to get some of the glass replaced if he feels well enough. At this moment, it may not happen.
Until tomorrow...........................

Feeling Off

It was a gorgeous day yesterday. Though foggy when I went to work, it burnt off during the morning to give us sunshine and blue skies. I was so happy to see the sunshine while at work. The high got to 8.1C or 46.5F. Today, it is suppose to be cloudy and wet.

Lifestyle

I headed out to work with a very sore tummy. I thought it was nerves so swept the floor to relax. It didn't work. I started to sweat and thought I was going to be really sick. I cleaned up drapes, shower curtains, pillow covers, and some bedding. It kind of passed and I waited on customers feeling somewhat better. It did pass near my lunch time. The afternoon was better though I did not have the energy I normally have. I was tired from dealing with what-ever-it-was-I-had.
I had three people I knew arrive in the store. I had short visits with all of them. It was great to see them. One lives in Kamloops and two are wanting to move into the city for the same reasons we did.
The Spousal Unit is feeling better and eating more. He is bored and with that comes him being cranky and short tempered. Hopefully he can do something soon. I do think he had a side effect from the chemo but I am thinking he had the flu also. The combination of both made it worse for him.

Sewing

We have a lot of wonderful fabrics arriving in the store. Out of all of it, there is only one piece I really love and will buy to line a purse with. Most of the garment fabrics coming in are not in my colours. They are lovely fabrics though.
The Vivienne Files had a beautiful picture of a red cardinal on her post today. She built a very nice miniature wardrobe around it. I loved it and it is almost what I was working on for my second column. Black, white, and red. I am holding back on it so I can finish up the navy column. Trying to figure out how to make it work in the summer. I look at the fabrics and a plan is working out.

Knitting

As I was exhausted when I got home last night, I didn't even look at the afghan. I wrapped up in my blanket and watched TV. I will try to work on it again on my day off.

Today

I work a 4 hour afternoon shift. YES!! I want to do some housework this morning and then head out to work. I don't cash out tonight so I expect I will be at a cutting table.
Until tomorrow......................

Knitted Scarf Done!!

Yesterday was a grey dismal day. The fog or mist hung around all day. For a short period of time, like 30 minutes, you could see the sunshine trying to come through the fog and then it lost the war. The high was approximately the same as Sunday. Today we are to see more sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Lifestyle

I hustled around in the morning to do laundry and some housework. I have to say having things in their proper place helps when cleaning up. It is mostly wipe counters, clean bathroom and mop floors. I still want to do a bit more purging and will probably do it when each room is painted. I have little energy right now. Part of that is from the grey weather we are having. It is sapping the energy right out of me. The other part is worrying about the Spousal Unit.
The Spousal Unit is starting to feel a bit better though his stomach does bother him. He isn't eating a lot of food at the moment and I have to push him to get calories in via ginger ale. It seems as if evenings are his worst time.
We talked to our grandson last night. He is doing quite well on his insulin pump. His numbers are a bit high at night and they are trying to figure that out. Otherwise his daytime numbers are great.

Sewing

I got the first sleeve into the navy t-shirt. That meant I had to serge the side seams and the hem of the sleeves and the hem of the body. The sleeve went in really nicely and I serged the armhole seams. At that point, I decided to stop and finish it up on Thursday. One thing I do not like about this top is the lace. It looks nice but is horrid to sew. Next time, if there is one, I will use the body fabric or a crepe for the godets. I do plan on sewing the other view in an expensive knit fabric.
I also cut out the wine bottle bag and have the outer parts interfaced. There is enough of the gold topper fabric to line the bag with. That means the few small left over pieces will be trashed. I only have to buy a piece of ribbon for this project. Not too bad.

Knitting

I decided to finish the scarf. It has set long enough pinned to the ironing board. I used stitch markers to pin the ends together, started sewing the one end at the ironing board and then moved to the living room to finish it up. It took about 30 minutes to sew together as I wanted to do a good job.

This scarf is very long so it will be worn in three loops.

I do love the pattern and the lace.

The colour is certainly faded in this picture. Would I make it again? Maybe but I know it will be a project I would work on over 6 months. It is a very time consuming.
I also dug out the afghan I am doing for a co-worker. I got another strip joined on. One more to go and then I can start on the borders. I will not be doing this kind of work for anyone else. This was special. In the future, I want to work on what I want to knit.

Today

I work an 8 hour shift. Most of it will be at cash as I cash out tonight. Nothing will be done at home unless I pin the last strip onto the afghan. That might happen while I watch one of the shows I record on Tuesday.
Until tomorrow..........................

There Is A Theme Here

Yesterday was another warm day though not as warm as the previous day. Having 5.8C or 42F in mid February is wonderful. It did rain at noon as I had to run out and get my water bottle in it. This morning, the temperature is just above freezing and we are to see a repeat of yesterday for temperature and showers.

Lifestyle

Yesterday I headed out to work early as I was on cleaning duty. I cleaned and scrubbed for 45 minutes. The only thing I won't do is other people's dirty dishes. I didn't get the store swept so will do that on Tuesday.
When I went to cash, I found out we only could take cash. Our debit/credit portion of the tills was down and no matter what, the assistant manager could not get it up. All of the customers were fabulous about our problem. They would go get cash before or after they picked up their items. They waited patiently in line as we helped customers if they had to put items back. All I can say is Kudos to the people who shop in our store. You all rock.
The highlight of the day was when a lady came up and said she new me. I didn't know her at all. After a bit of chatting, I found out she is the sister of a teacher who taught in Pouce Coupe when I was the principal. She had visited the school once during my year in that school. We had a great chat and she went home to call her sister to let her know we had talked. A small world.
The Spousal Unit is feeling better but his stomach is still upset. He has less metal taste in his mouth but has a lot of gas that is bothering him. He is tired and sleeps a lot which is good. He is sleeping much better at night now. We both are hoping he is on the road to getting back to normal and gaining his strength.

Sewing

I started going through the Christmas fabric in the sewing room. I still have some sentimental attachment to it. Kick me in the butt as I shouldn't have that attachment to it. A small game plan is forming.

There is a fair amount of the cardinal fabric. Like a couple of meters of it. I plan on making one each gift and wine bottle bags out of it. If there is enough of the tree boughs I will make a 15 minute table runner out of that and then give the rest away.

These two pieces will be the gift/wine bottle bags. I may make a simple place mats out of the rest of it though I will have to look at other fabrics for the borders. It may or may not exist in the stash.

Another set of gift/wine bottle bags and the remaining has me stumped. It may become backing for the place mats. If not it will have to go to the thrift shop or to a friend who quilts.
You will notice a theme here. If it has cardinals in it, I bought it. I am a sucker for fabric with cardinals. Big time sucker.

The last pieces are 2 fat quarters and 1/4 meter strip. I plan on making a wine bottle bag out of it. It is quite elegant fabric which I picked up so long ago that I don't remember what I was going to make out of it. It probably was for a gift bag due to the small amount I purchased.
That is as far as I got before going to work. That is about 1/8 of the Christmas stash. And, it doesn't include what is bagged up as kits or what I bought for our house.

Wardrobe Planning

I have to quickly pick up the fabric for two scarves. One in the red/black/white plaid and the other in a navy/purple/white plaid. Both will have white lace on them. Both are for me and I hope to knit mitts and hats to go with them.
I haven't looked at the fabric or patterns very much. I really am trying to stay away from it at the moment. I need to sew up what I have purchased and then look again.

Today

I am not suppose to work. I want to do laundry, some housework and sew on the top. I need to finish the top so it can get hung in the store. For a break, I will cut out the wine bottle so I can sew it later on this week. If I get called to work, I will not get any of the above done.
Until tomorrow.........................

Christmas Once A Month - February: Child's Apron

The second Christmas Once A Month craft is a child's apron.

Supplies:

1 yard/meter of fabric makes 2 aprons
1.5 yards/meters 3/8" or 9mm twill tape (white, cream or black) per apron
Apron Pattern https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzroyj7hEFR_TXhHOGpwMEg1M3M/view?usp=sharing
Large eyed blunt needle

Making the Pattern:

Print off apron pattern on 8.5 x 11" paper

I added 2 more pieces of 8.5 x 11" paper to the piece I drew and taped them together with paper tape (found in the pharmacy section with bandaids).

Measure down 23" on the fold side from the top of the apron and make a mark. Then measure across 10.25" from that mark for the bottom width of the apron by drawing a line.

From the side of the apron, line up the line to the bottom of the apron and draw the line.

You now have the apron pattern.

Layout of Fabric:

As I am using a stripe fabric, I spent time making sure the stripes lined up vertically and that the thick pink stripe was in the center. I was able to get 2 aprons out of a 45" width of fabric.

With an overall print or plain fabric, fold the selvage edge of the fabric to the center for each apron. Don't throw away the scraps as we will use the in another project.

Lay the fabric on the fold and pin down using either pins or weights.

And cut out the pattern

I used my original pattern saving the paper one for future reference.

Sewing the Apron:

Machine baste all the cut edges 1". If your machine doesn't have the marking for an inch, you can machine baste 1/2" from the cut edge. I used a darker thread so you can see where I machine basted. The top, bottom and sides I did 1/2" and the curved I did an inch.  

 

Fold down the top of the apron 1/2" and press. I made sure the stripes matched. Remove basting thread and fold over again. Pin in place.

Stitch close to edge using a slightly longer than normal stitch length (3.0 vs 2.5 on my machine). Back stitch at beginning and end.

Repeat on the side seams and then the hem.

Next is the curved arm part. I did it two ways and found the second method easier. Fold the cut edge to the machine basting and press.

I did pin it to hold the seam in place. Fold and press again.

And then stitch in place. You have made the casings for the twill tape.

Give the apron a good pressing. Using a large eye blunt needle, thread the twill tape onto it.

 Starting at one side seam, thread the twill tape into the curved casing.

Making sure the twill tape isn't twisted, thread it from the top through the second curved casing. 

No need to make sure it is the same length on each side at the moment.

Fold the apron in half so you can start making the tails of the twill tape the same length.

I did it so the neck loop was huge and then pulled the tails until I thought the neck loop was about the right size.

Knot the ends and you are done.  



I hope you have as much fun making this apron as I did.