Monday, May 30, 2016

An Update

It has been wet and cool since I last posted. We have had almost an inch of rain fall and below normal temperatures. Today is suppose to be warmer with a good dose of sunshine as we move to hot temperatures by the end of the week.

Lifestyle

Life has been busy. The Spousal Unit still has some fluid on his lungs. The pneumonia is not gone. He is not a happy man about that as he has to rest some every day. His paper work for cataract surgery is moving forward. He has an appointment to be measured for a new lens the day after his birthday. He is happy about that.
I have a new position at the store and more responsibility. It is interesting as I am learning new things all the time.

Today

I am off work and I hope to do a bit of sewing while I do laundry. But first there is a doctor's appointment for the Spousal Unit. I will also have to drive him so he can do a few things also.
Until tomorrow..........................

Friday, May 27, 2016

Doll's Sleeping Bag

Yesterday was a wet day with a high of 20C or 68F. We had .33" of rain fall, most of it in the afternoon and evening.

Lifestyle

Life has been busier than normal. There have been changes at work and my hours have been increased as have my responsibilities. More on that another day.
The Spousal Unit has had a couple of more appointments. His first was to the ophthalmologist. He has cataracts. His right eye is the worst and because of that he can't drive until after he has surgery. His file has been expedited and he has chosen to go on the cancellation list plus have 6:30 a.m. surgery. He is determined to get back to normal. For me, it means I do all the driving.
He also had a chest X-ray to see if there is no fluid left on his left lung. I really don't think so as he has plenty of energy and is eating well.
I am doing well with all the changes and am trying to keep rested and not stressed. So far so good.

Sewing

I did make a doll's sleeping bag using some scraps from the cushion cover and broadcloth. It is ready for the lining to be hand sewn to the zipper.
It isn't really fancy but it is cute.
Next on the list is to clean up the sewing room and start on the table topper and napkins.
I remembered to download the free Friday pattern from Pixie Faire. It is a house coat and I will be making it in flannel.

Today

I work the late shift and then work Saturday and Sunday. I won't be posting until Tuesday prior to leaving for a 2.5 hour drive to the cancer clinic for the Spousal Unit's check up.
Until the next time............................

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

The Tent Is Complete

Yesterday started out cloudy and dreary and ended up sunny, warm, and humid. The high was 24C or 75F. This morning is suppose to be sunny and this afternoon we have chances of showers.

Lifestyle

In the afternoon, we visited with friends and saw their new home. The two boys (ages 10 and 7) were excited to show us around. Their lot is close to the highway and very noisy outside but you hear none of the noise in the house. It is very well constructed and they love living there. The boys have a 2 minute walk to school and there are lots of children to play with.
Swans at the Wildlife Park
We ended our visit by going to the wild life park with them. We wandered around for over an hour before we left. The Spousal Unit was getting tired.
We all enjoyed the bears though I only photographed the grizzlies.
At the brown bear pen, one of the young bears was playing in the pool cooling off. When he got out of the pond, he and the other young bear played a game of chase. Such fun to watch.
The peacock was wandering around by the building and ignoring everyone and eating bits of food on the ground.
We saw eagles, owls, deer, buffalo, coyotes, and a wolf to name a few. It was a great day.
When we told Grandson about our visit, he wants to go the park to see all the animals. We will take him for sure.

Sewing

The tent is done. I spent quite a bit of time getting it done and snapped some pictures before taking it to the store.


The base was covered with two layers of the batting before it was slipped into a pillow case of green broadcloth. I said I wasn't sewing the opening together ~ well I did  plus a pleat to make it fit tight. I sat at the dining room table talking to the Spousal Unit as I sewed. Doing the buttons and tying on the tent was easy.
I am happy to  have it done and am pleased with how it turned out.
I started cutting out the sleeping bag but won't make it until tomorrow. I have to unpick the zipper and ribbon as I put it on the lining piece. I also want to cut out some triangles from the left over cushion cover to sew onto the sleeping bag for a design.

Today

We head out so the Spousal Unit can give blood for his check up next week. At home, I need to try to do a bit of housework prior to going to work at 1:15 p.m.
Until tomorrow...................................

Monday, May 23, 2016

Modelling Doll Clothes

Yesterday was another cool day with a high of 16C or 61F. It also rained a good 1/4" in the afternoon and probably more in some areas of town. This morning is a bit warmer than yesterday morning and there is more rain in the forecast.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning seem to float away and before I knew it, it was time to leave for work. It was fairly busy at work though we had a few much needed slow spells.

Sewing

I tried the outfits I have almost finished on the doll. I need to add snaps to the pink outfit and make a t-shirt to complete the look.
The next outfit needs snaps on the jacket and a t-shirt.
The idea of making these cute clothes is quite appealing. I have a box of fabric to sew up as I got most at heavily discounted prices.
Once these two outfits are done, I want to make some dresses. I have cotton and organza for them. I may have to buy some ribbon to complete them.

Today

I am not working so want to finish the tent before we go see friends east of town. That way I can deliver it on our way.
Until tomorrow.....................

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Two Very Busy Days

Yesterday was cool and wet in the morning and then the sun came out and it warmed up but was well below normal temperatures. It is cloudy again today. As one person said "Typical weather for the long weekend in May".

Lifestyle

After working until 9 p.m. on Friday night and a full day yesterday, I headed to bed early to catch up on my sleep. It was very busy at the store and we all left tired and sore. But the store was cleaned up both evenings in preparation for the next day. Such great team work.
The Spousal Unit worked outside in his shop yesterday afternoon cleaning up and removing a dog house that was built into it. He said he wasn't too tired last night but we will see what happens today. He is happy to be feeling so much better since his bout of pneumonia.

Sewing

I haven't stepped into the sewing room for 2 days. The base for the tent sits waiting to be cut down to a smaller size. The fabric to cover it with is in there also. It calls to be finished but that won't happen until tomorrow. When done, I will clean up the room and start the next quick and easy project. I need to do them to de-stress from sewing the tent and to get some store projects done.
I also have to sort through the doll clothes fabric and organize it so I can have an outfit in the making at all times. The patterns are being organized into file folders for easy access. I am hoping it will all fit into a banker's box. If I don't shut my eyes to fabric, it may not. I found a couple of pieces of flannelette for pyjamas I loved.

Today

I work from 12:15 to 5:15 p.m. I need to do a bit of housework this morning and clean up the tent pattern.  
Until tomorrow......................

Friday, May 20, 2016

The Tent!

Yesterday's weather was unusual. The wind blew and it was cloudy with some sunshine. Should you wear a jacket or shouldn't you was the question of the day. The high got to 19C or 66F and that was about 4 p.m. By 5 p.m., it started to rain and by midnight we had 1/4" of rain fall. This morning is gray and wet. It was raining when I got up at 5:30 a.m. and quit about 45 minutes later. It looks like it will be a dismal day. 

Lifestyle

While I was doing the last of the laundry, the Spousal Unit mowed the lawns. After lunch, we took the lawn clippings to the mulching place and did a bit of shopping.
Back home, the Spousal Unit phoned our accountant about the non compliance of our GST account. I phoned the given number about the GST issue and had it closed as we no longer own the business. With that done, we breathed a sigh of relief. No more worries about that.

Sewing

I worked on the tent yesterday and it has been a beast of a project. I read and reread the instructions and followed them explicitly. When all was done, the base was too small for my tent. In the pictures below, I folded the sides under to get it to sit on the base and it is still too big.
I have to do one of two things: look for a larger sized foam core board and cut the base at least 4" bigger or use a piece of Styrofoam insulation for the base. Either way, I plan on gluing the fabric to the board rather than sew the fabric and fight to hand sew the opening together.
It is really a great tent but I am not happy with several things. Raw seam allowances was one. I spent at least 2.5 hours hand sewing bias tape onto the raw seams to hide them.
I also think the side dowels are in the wrong place and should be down lower. If I can get them out, I will try them in the casing just above the trim.
The doll fits inside nicely. I am going to have to make a bunch of notes on this pattern before I put it away. I did accomplish what I set out to do ~ use two cushion covers and get an alpine look using the trims a co-worker and I chose.

Knitting

I have decided to sew up the doll sweater as a vest after I block it. The sleeves will be unraveled for socks. I did get out larger knitting needles and tried to set up the next sweater. After two attempts I quit. Not enough stitches on the first attempt and having the ribbing out of alignment on the second attempt. At that point I quit.
Today
I work the late shift so a going to look for large sized foam core board this morning. I will do a bit of housework as I work 2 more days before I get a day off.
Until tomorrow (I hope)..............................

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Is the Sweater Too Small?

Yesterday was a cooler day with a high of 22C or 71F. Today is suppose to be cooler and damper. It is cloudy and looks like it could rain.

Lifestyle

We had to head out in good time yesterday morning for the Spousal Unit's ultra sound. Parking at the hospital is a pain but we got a spot and it was free. Someone gave us their stub. Yes!! He was done in less than an hour which was great. After a quick fast food breakfast, we did our shopping and came home.
In the afternoon, we had to go out again and on this trip, we found out the Spousal Unit can get his chest X-ray a 5 minute drive from the house. That is so nice as we don't have to drive across the city for that. Another YES!!
The front and back yard are looking super.


The weiglia bush we planted last fall has a lot of blooms on it this year.


 All the plants but two were planted this spring. One of the flowering bushes was saved from the mess and the other one planted last fall. Lots of space between the plants as they do grow to be quite large.
The backyard is so much better than when we arrived last year. The lawn was redone last summer and the apple trees removed.

We still need 8 to 10 bags of mulch to finish up this part of the yard. The two newest fairy gardens are done and I need to have a couple more pots of flowers in one section.

In all we are happy with the results and I have to say the Spousal Unit did most of the work.

Sewing

I worked on the tent yesterday and have the ends sewn in. I even have the seams covered with white bias tape I had in the stash hand stitched on the two back seams.
The front piece will be done this morning and I can go get the last of the supplies. Yes, I feel crazy spending so much time on the tent.

Knitting

My partner in crime decided to sit on the back of the couch to watch me knit. A first for him. He usually tries to sit on my lap when I knit.
I did finish up the sweater and tried it on the doll. It fits to perfection but I am afraid it will not go on once it is sewn together.
The pink shoulder closes with two buttons. I do plan on finishing it and seeing if it works. If not, I will go up a needle size and redo it. I have enough yarn for another sweater and the socks. The sweater and socks will look great with black pants and skirt. I may unravel the sweater and make a hat to go with the outfit. Thinking, thinking.

Today

I am home again today so want to finish the tent and do some house work. It is doable, I think.
Until tomorrow............................

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Another Rose Bush Bloomed

Yesterday was another warm day with a high of 26.5C or 80F. Not as warm as expected but still lovely weather. Today is the start of cooler and damper weather.

Lifestyle

I worked a full day and it was fun to be cutting at one of the tables. Between cutting, putting away fabrics and tidying up displays, I started to inventory notions to be returned. It was a busy day.
The Spousal Unit claimed he had a boring day. Nothing to do. So he read and napped which is helping him get stronger.
Cherie, the rose is called Midas Touch. We chose it as we liked to have a variety of different roses in the flower bed. We have been choosing plain and variegated blooms for this small rose garden.
This rose we chose as it reminded both of us of the rose Daughter bought me 6 years ago at our previous home.
Rose Daughter gave me in Ashcroft
I loved that rose bush and love this one also. To date we have pink, yellow, variegated red and the variegated yellow/red roses in the rose bed.

Sewing

I didn't get any sewing done yesterday but did buy some yellow fabric and tulle for doll's dresses. Also got a couple of zippers, lace, and cording. I am working my way through my list of items I need for more projects I have on the table. Right now I have three craft items for the store,  2 small project bags and 2 reusable grocery bags to make. Most take one to two afternoons to complete. All are gifts for friends and family.

Knitting

I worked on the doll's sweater and am ready to knit one shoulder seam together. I need to watch a tutorial on how to do that. I am thinking one more evening and the sweater will be ready to block prior to be sewn together. Then the matching socks will be knit.

Today

I don't work today but we head out shortly for the Spousal Unit to have an ultra sound on his spleen. Then it will be shopping and home where I will sew on the tent. I may have to head out again to get the remaining supplies for said tent. A busy day for us.
Until tomorrow.................................

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Seeing the Light at the End of the Tent Tunnel

Yesterday was another warm day with a high of 27.5C or 81.5F. Our nights are cool but in the double digits most of the time. We open the windows and air out the house every night. We did have clouds roll in and heard thunder. We got a bit of rain but nothing to talk about. Today is suppose to be warmer and then we get another cool spell with some moisture.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit spread out the last of the 6 bags of mulch we bought on Sunday. We have to buy an edging before the rest can be completed. Two more rose bushes need to be purchased and, after that, we can focus on the shop side of the back yard. Progress is being made.
The first of the rose blooms from our new roses. Hopefully there is another one to pick today or tomorrow. We have both plain and multi coloured roses. We are being careful as to what we buy as we can only have 6 roses vs the 12 we had at Ashcroft.  

Sewing

I took an hour at noon to watch the Great British Sewing Bee. I thoroughly enjoyed the first episode and do agree with others that the first project was a tough one. Matching bias front and back on a simple top. I see that the judges talked more about creativity, fit, and finish in this episode, especially during the skirt challenge.
Heather, that doll's tent is labour intensive. Though I was in and outside during the day, I spent a lot of hours on it. Not quite a child's dress but getting near it.
I read and reread the instructions as I thought I had missed a piece but I hadn't. Then I started to sew the last of the bias around the windows. The shades were next and I cut the outer fabric from the second cushion cover and lined it in the broadcloth.
More reading, finishing the back, and I finally pinned the back triangle to the tent in preparation of sewing it down.
At that point I quit as I had pinned and unpinned it three times before I got it the way I wanted it. I'm still debating if I want to put the ribbon trim on the bottom of the sides of the tent. That is for another day.
I am at the stage where I need to buy the dowel, the foam board for the base and 6 buttons to tie the tent to the base. So glad to be near the end of this project.

Knitting

I did knit late yesterday afternoon and evening. I finished the back and cast off the left shoulder. I started to knit the front and got 10 rows done. It may get done this week though I will have to block it prior to sewing it together. While it is being blocked, I will knit the matching socks. Then it will be onto socks for our grandson and finishing up the afghan for a co-worker. I need to focus more on getting that project done.

Today

I work an 8 hour shift and hope to knit more on the sweater tonight.
Until tomorrow...............................

Monday, May 16, 2016

Labour Intensive Doll Tent

It was quite warm yesterday with a high of 28C or 82F. Though there was a light layer of clouds over us in the morning, it was gone in the afternoon. Today is suppose to be as warm or warmer than yesterday.

Lifestyle

We headed out early to get more mulch and ground cloth for the back yard. We also brought home another rose bush. Two more rose bushes left to buy and that area will be done.
The Spousal Unit spent the day putting down the mulch and planted the rose bush. That meant lots of resting and a nap when he was done. He is feeling better and antsy about not having a lot to do.
I got three loads of laundry done and spent some time outdoors admiring the backyard. We talked a bit about his shop but the carport needs to be cleaned up before we can look at the shop.

Sewing

I worked on the tent and I am sure I sewed enough stitches to have made a simple child's dress. It seemed to go on forever.
This is one half of the tent and the other side needs the white bias tape sewn to the window. Then both sides need to have the trim put along the bottom where the white line is. Once that is done, on to the next step.
I photographed the fabric I am using to make the doll clothes.
The above fabric is an expensive faux suede and will be used to make either coats or western pants and vest. Maybe both. I need to make enough to sell to recoup the fabric and keep one item for my model.
This is a piece of chambray and the lace is from a spool of lace I found on the floor in the store. I will be making a couple of dresses out of it.
The light weight denim and chambray are for jeans, jean skirts, tops, and shorts. I am hoping enough will be left over for a jeans jacket.
The store had a blitz sale on notions that have been on the shelves for two years. I bought Daughter, Daughter-in-Law and myself the small items (only one grouping is shown). The scissors were on for a good price so I got them. The scrubby was bought at another store. A whole bunch of stocking stuffers are purchased.
I will make each a small bag to put the items into.

Knitting

I worked on the doll's sweater last night and finished the second sleeve.
I also got the body of the sweater cast on, the ribbing knit and several rows of plain knitting done. The body is half done at this point. I will knit socks and, possibly, a slouch beanie to match the sweater. I will sew black pants and a skirt for a set to sell.

Today

I am at home today. I want to sew more on the tent and get closer to completing it. It is labour intensive. I also have laundry to do and have to be out for a bit also.
Until tomorrow.......................

Sunday, May 15, 2016

A Small Sewing Plan

Yesterday was another lovely day with a high of 26.6C or 80F. This morning is cloudy and warm but I am not sure how hot it will get. Depends on if the clouds blow away or not.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was day three of working and day two of a big sale in the store. I worked cash all day though I did get the chance to cut for a couple of people late in the afternoon. I do enjoy cutting for people.
The Spousal Unit hit boredom yesterday. He got all the small chores done in the yard and had nothing to do. Good I said as he could rest. Rest he did but he felt antsy.

Sewing

I haven't sewn for three days as I have been working. I have bought fabric for the 18" AG doll clothes and have a bit of a denim wardrobe planned. But, I need to:
  • finish the doll tent
  • sew the table topper and napkins
  • sew a reusable grocery bag in a Navajo print
  • sew a bag using a maple leaf fabric in red/cream
In between all of that, I will sew the doll clothes.

Knitting

Nothing done but look at it for three nights. I will get back at it again. A person can't knit and nap at the same time.

Today

I am home for the day and need to get a few things for the back yard. The Spousal Unit wants to finish up the rose bed. I have a lot of laundry to do and I really want to sew.
Until tomorrow....................

Friday, May 13, 2016

No Stitcher's Guild For Me

Yesterday was cooler with a high of 20.5C or 69F. I wore my jacket in the morning as it was cool. Today is warmer as we move towards another hot spell.

Lifestyle

It was a busy morning. While I did the grocery shopping, the Spousal Unit mowed the back lawn. He put the bags of lawn clippings into the truck. We took them out to the compose center. That was our morning.
At work, we did a huge variety of jobs getting ready for a 3 day Ultimate sale. When we left a 9 p.m., the store was ready and I was tired and sore as were other co-workers.
I am, once again, having problems with Stitcher's Guild. First on the computer and then on the iPad. Every other site opens for me. I am not getting my fix this morning.

Sewing

I did go in early and buy the rest of the fabric for the tent. I still need to get the dowels and foam board. That will happen on Sunday. I also bought some denim cottons for doll clothes. The goal is to make the clothes and knit some items to go with it. I will have to find white wool for socks and sweaters. And maybe a denim colour yarn also. A good friend and I are going to have fun playing with the clothes after I finish them. Most of them will be for sale. I will keep a few for my doll.

Today

I work 9 to 5 p.m. Other than kitchen clean up, nothing will get done. Sunday I can sew again.
Until tomorrow..........................

Thursday, May 12, 2016

More Trim On The Tent

Yesterday was a bit cooler and windy. You wore your coat and then took it off. Storm clouds blew over and around us and we even had a small shower or light rain. They are calling for more of the same today.

Lifestyle

In the morning, I cleaned up the kitchen to shining and then did the dining room. It was so nice to have everything looking nice in that part of the house.
After lunch, we headed out to the doctor's office. I got my prescriptions filled and by blood pressure medication has been increased. I do need to get back on my diet and start walking. The doctor isn't worried at the moment as I have been stressed with the Spousal Unit's health.
The Spousal Unit's visit was longer as the doctor had to set up referels. He has to have a chest X-ray near the end of the month to see if he is pneumonia free. He also has to go in to the hospital and have an IV for more immune booster. He goes in every month for 5 months. Then he has to see a specialist for a brown mark on his back, an ophthalmologist for his eyes, and another specialist for a small benign growth on his brain. They don't think it will grow but they do want to watch it. For such a healthy person for so many years, he is getting his "tune-up" now. He came home and had a nap after all that.

Sewing

I spent a bit of time doing the top trim on one side of the tent. It took me a bit of time to figure out what I wanted.
I wanted the trim to pop and it did. It looks washed out in the above picture.
Yes I changed the thread three times to sew down the trim but so worth it. The other side of the tent is now marked and ready to stitch and have the top trim put on.
I also did a small test piece on mitring corners for the table topper and napkins. I did okay but will use this tutorial. This is part of the Canadian items I am making to display at the store.

Knitting

I got the first sleeve of the doll sweater done and the second one is half done. I spent some time looking in my bin of sock wool and found two balls of this lovely soft wool. I can't buy this brand any more.
 I laid it on to the pants and I think it will work for a sweater, socks and hat.
And up close.
I have to be careful that I get other projects knit as I am enjoying knitting doll clothes. Once the first sweater is done, I will work on socks for our grandson.

Today

I work the 1 -9 pm shift. I have to grocery shop as I work three days in a row and then the Spousal Unit wants me to take the lawn clippings to the composting place. That will be my day prior to work.
Until tomorrow............................

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Knitting and Thoughts

Yesterday was another lovely day with a high of 23.5C or 74F. This morning it is partly cloudy and thunderstorms are in the forecast.
Lifestyle
I spent a goodly amount of time cleaning the living room. I dusted some more, washed the floors under the couch and loveseat and found the remote. Blankets were shook outside and all looks lovely in that area of the house. As we moved the furniture, the Spousal Unit and I talked about new furniture. Once again we are talking about 4 chairs and 2 to 4 footstools.
I took a peek into the guest room to form some ideas of what I want that room to look like. The walls will be grey, the trim and doors white, and the headboard will be black. The white faux wood blinds will go and be replaced with new shades. I want to get a white duvet cover for one of the down duvets and then add teal to the room. Pillows and afghan for sure. Now to find the fabric and yarn. Ideas are perking away.
I worked for 4 hours last night and got 2 hours to put away some notions and to put some of the overstock into a box to return to one company. YES!!! After the staff meeting, my team tidied up the tables of fashion fabric. We got almost all of it done. Another YES!!
The excitement of all that was gone after I read that a good friend passed away from cancer. He was a person I had so much respect for in the teaching world. My heart goes out to his wife who is also a good friend. I have a lot of fond memories of him.

Sewing

Not much got done in the sewing room yesterday. I did get my little list figured out to finish up the tent and will get most of it today and tomorrow. I need to finish up this project as we need to do both maple leaves and Navajo print projects for the store. I have two or three to make which will take me a few weeks to do.
My wardrobe plan has been set aside at the moment. I need to start eating healthy again and start walking a bit in the morning on my days off. The Spousal Unit being sick threw me off my game plan and I am still worrying about him doing too much. Yesterday he mowed the front lawn rather than wait for someone to do it on Friday. He was quite tired when he got done. I worry about a relapse.

Knitting

I started to knit a sweater as part of an outfit but the colour way isn't right. The pink is not blending in with the colour of the pants and jacket I had made.
I've had this yarn in the stash for about 8 to 10 years. I bought it from a craft store in Dawson Creek. It was expensive yarn and I had thought of making adult socks from it. Never happened. But, I can make a pair of navy or black pants and it will look great with it. I will add socks and a beanie in the same yarn. If all goes well, I will add a fabric jacket and have a mini wardrobe for the doll.
On my way to work (early) I stopped in to visit the newest yarn shop in Kamloops. It is literally a 5 minutes drive from work. I fell in love with the shop. The lady has it well arranged, clean, and bright. The yarn is delicious and I will be buying some wool from her. Ideas are churning in my head.

Today

I am off work today and we have to see the doctor. Me for prescriptions, the Spousal Unit for a check up. I want to clean up more this morning and the dining area is my target area. I may start another project also but am not sure. It is a time factor as I work the next three days.
Until tomorrow......................

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Socks For Doll Are Done

Yesterday the weather was a mixed bag. Sun, clouds, and rain. The high was 20C or 67.8F, which is a normal temperature for us. This morning it is sunny and cool.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit go some more of the vegetable plants planted yesterday and found the fertilizer we use in the shed. I would love to take everything out of the shed, sort it again, and do what needs to be done in there so it could be organized. Not happening at the moment. The Spousal Unit is not strong enough to help me out.
I did a few things in the house and then settled down to sew. The tent was really on my mind. As I sewing, I did some thinking about this house. It is on hold for the moment as a friend is going to paint it for us. I am wanting to purge some more items in preparation so am going to have to plan my days off wisely. I am going to have to look at each room and decide on how I want to finish each room up after it is updated and painted. I start with the guest room according to our friend.

Sewing

The tent is coming along nicely now. I put the trim on the front and back and it looks much better.
It stands out and makes a bit more of a statement.
The main part of the tent is large; larger than I thought it would be. I cut it out of a piece of black cotton I had on hand. The lining is lime green broadcloth like I used on the front pieces.
I stitched 1/4" out from the window openings to hold everything in place prior to cutting them out. There are green ribbons attached to the bottom. I have marked the next row of stitching with a piece of dressmakers chalk. There is still one cushion cover remaining and I am thinking of using it for the roll up/down curtains for the windows. I still need to buy some screening, doweling, and a piece of foam board for this project. But it feels good to be this far along as it is more labour intensive than I thought it would be.

Knitting

I set up the second doll's sock last night and had it done to grafting the toe together before bedtime. I finished them this morning.
I am thrilled with the socks and will be using this pattern to make more.
I will make mostly the knee high length though I can see a few pairs of the regular length being made also.
Next are the mittens.

Today

I work from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. as we have a staff meeting. I plan on doing some housework this morning; laundry and moving the couches around to find the remote and wash under those pieces of furniture. I saw a layer of dust under there looking for the remote. Not what I wanted to see. I may do a bit of sewing on the tent if I have time.
Until tomorrow.............................

Monday, May 09, 2016

Sewing and Knitting Doll Style

It was cool yesterday. The high got to 22.9C or 73F That was 10C or 17F cooler than the day before. No rain, just sunshine and wind. It was a jacket sort of day.
Lifestyle
I did some housework prior to sewing. Floors were swept and mopped and a bit if tidying up done. The Spousal Unit did the weed eating and mowing of the back yard before he settled down for a 2 hour nap. It was one of those easy days in our household; one of which we needed.

Sewing

I started to take apart the first cushion cover and ironed on some interfacing to give it some body. The front of the doll's tent got cut out and sewn but at 4 a.m. I decided I hated it and took it all apart.
First, I had sewn 5/8" rather than 3/8" seams and that was annoying me. Second, I am not sure if I like the white bias trim or if I will put the other trim on it. Third, the top triangle needs to be lined which I forgot to do.
It won't take long to fix these mistakes as the hardest part was cutting out the pattern. The cushion covers are not the nicest pieces of fabric to work with, especially when you choose the cheapest ones in the store.

Knitting

I finished the doll's sock. It is really cute and I am pumped to knit the second one.
These socks are knit just like people socks. I turned the heel, picked up the stitches for the gusset and decreased them and knit the foot. Then the toe was decreased and I grafted them together.
After the second sock is done, I will block them and prepare them to sell. The pattern is Cozy Feet Knitting Pattern and very well done. Once I got the tension swatch done, I followed the pattern which gives you the number of rows to knit for each part of the sock. A very well written pattern.

Today

I am home all day and plan on doing laundry and sewing. I hope to set up the second sock to knit on this evening.
Until tomorrow..........................