Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween



Life Is Crazy

Yesterday was a glorious sunny day with a high of 13C or 55F.

Lifestyle

I haven't been missing in action, I have been busy with work. On my days off, I have been driving around town with the Spousal Unit. Soon, he will be able to start driving short distances.
The Spousal Unit got a phone call on Wednesday and, when I came home from work, was decidedly upset. He didn't understand why he had to go for blood work and then start the immune booster IV therapy again. By Thursday noon, he was satisfied as he was told you get 12 months of this therapy and no one had told him or set up his next 6 months. The cancer clinic spotted the error and corrected it quickly.
Son and family's house sale fell through last Friday and they accepted another offer on Thursday. They spent a lot of time out of the house during the week due to showings. Son flies out today to live in Nova Scotia and Daughter-in-Law and Grandson will spend the weekend with her parents. They have open house today and tomorrow. If all goes well this time, they will be together again on Nov. 30.
The guest room didn't get purged yesterday as planned. The morning was spent waiting for the Spousal Unit's turn for blood work and then shopping. I did get a few things organized during the afternoon. There is a lot of stuff to be organized in that room, bedding laundered, and paper work to organize.

Sewing

Between the guest room, the sunshine, and the sewing room being heated up by the sunshine, I started to sew a book for the store. I had to take lots of breaks due to the warmth in the sewing room.

I sewed on snowflake buttons and used a layer of thin polyester batting (used for placemats) between the pages.

I have to put together two pages and then two more pages prior to sewing the book together. It will close with a button.
After I finish this, it is time to start Christmas sewing. I will be sewing like a crazy woman to get it all done.

Knitting

I am crocheting Daughter-in-Law a cowl like top. I crochet tight and used a hook that was 3 sizes to big. The top was too big so I redid it using a smaller hook last night. I have 3 or 4 rows left to do on the body and then I do the cowl neckline. It is a quick project.

You increase 5 to 6 stitches every other row so it curves.

The body is folded in half and your arm goes through the smaller opening. The cowl is attached to the top. The yarn is huge and a soft acrylic. It should keep her warm during the winter in a stylish way. I may make myself one also.

Today

I work today and am on the start of 5 days in a row. Sewing won't happen but knitting will. Grandson's socks need to be cast on and made. Evenings will be busy knitting up a storm.
Until the next time..............................

Starting Christmas Sewing Soon

We are experiencing lovely fall weather. A bit of rain here and there with sunshine in between. Even the temperatures have been in the low teens Celsius.

Lifestyle

Our street is basically finished. We love the new look now the landscaping is almost done. The turf is down and we now have to water it for the next two weeks. Pictures will come when I am home on Friday.
The store manager and I moved about 200 bolts of fleece trying to get that area organized. It is looking fabulous in all its organization. I also tidied up the tulle/organza area and the action wear. I have to say, my muscles were sore at the end of the day but I felt good.
This morning, I don't feel quite as good. My stomach is bothering me and I am worried that I have the flu or my body is getting ready for another large weight loss. I will survive this unnecessary feeling.
On my last day off, I decided that I will be purging again. We have just tossed stuff into corners this past year and it is time to get rid of the stuff and a bit more. I did our bedroom on Monday and took out a bag of trash from in there plus a few books for the thrift shop. I scrubbed and dusted the whole room and am happy with the results. Friday is the guest room and I may not finish it in one day. It is the mother of all catch-alls.

Sewing

The doll pyjama set is done and at the store ready to go out on display.

I am now moving onto Christmas sewing and will do some tutorials for Christmas Once A Month. I have most of the fabric and hope to pick up a bit more today.

Knitting

I finished a baby hat from Premiere Yarn's Fable series. I have to make a tassel for it, photograph it and put it in the store. It was a real easy knit. Next I pick up my crochet hook and start a Christmas present for Daughter-in-Law.

Today

I work an 8 hour shift and know I will come home and be in bed early. I didn't sleep too well last night so will need to recharge my batteries tonight.
Until the next time........................................

Doll Pyjamas Completed

The weather the past few days has been nice and sunny. Yesterday was the warmest day causing people to be outside enjoying it.

Lifestyle

The store has been busy and has taken up my time and energy most days. We have been going full speed ahead which is great. People are buying for Halloween costumes and Christmas sewing.
I am still loosing weight but more slowly now. Only .2 lb. this week. Though I am still eating properly 90% of the time, my body must be catching up to the weight loss. I am still walking lots and lifting lots of fabric bolts and rolls for my daily workout.

Sewing

I finished the doll's pyjamas. The top was fun to do once I bought the lace and bias tape.

The lace is actually a trim and stretchy. I didn't pull on it when I sewed it to the front pieces and sleeves. The single fold bias tape was then sewn on, folded over and stitched in the ditch.

I will be using this trim and application again as it was so easy to do.

I have since made the other slipper and the outfit is really cute on the doll. The house coat fabric is a bit of a pain and I have to hand sew the hem on the sleeves. When putting the house coat on the doll, the serging threads pull off as the fabric is slippery. It will soon be in the store on display.
Last night was staff appreciation and we were able to shop with the doors locked. Once the staff was taken care of, management got to shop and cash out. I bought two lots of Christmas fabric for gifts. Plus a piece of Malden fleece for a coat for myself. This fleece had been on the shelf in hiding for 3 years. We found it on Saturday. Now I will be focussing on Christmas gifts.

Knitting

I set the doll's scarf aside and am knitting a baby hat for the store. The left over yarn will be knit up after Christmas for the hospital.
I also bought yarn to crochet a top for Daughter-in-Law. She can wear it with pants and a long sleeve top during the winter. I am queuing up gifts for this Christmas and will have to knit/crochet most evenings.

Today

I am off work for the day and we have to get our flu shots. It is going to be a cleaning day at our house.
Until the next time.....................

A Doll Housecoat

Yesterday was a gorgeous sunny day with some clouds. We enjoyed the sunshine as we were out and about doing some things that needed doing.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit saw the eye doctor early yesterday morning for a check up. All is going well he was told. He did see a change for the good in his vision during the day and by evening he was steadier on his feet. Everything is clearing up and he can see letters not blurs. He returns for another check up and the scheduling of his other eye in two weeks.
We looked at a new vehicle yesterday and are thinking about it. We also took ours in to have it looked at and it will be repaired next week. I will be driving a rental for three or four days.
The work on our street is coming to an end. The landscaping is being done now and a tree sat on the road at our house for several hours.

It is now planted. We chose this one as its branches spread rather than go upwards.

Sewing

I made a housecoat for the doll. It is made from a reversible fleece that sheds like crazy. You shake the fabric after cutting it and there are bits of fuzz floating everywhere. It took a bit of thinking to get it so I didn't have to put in the shawl facing. It wouldn't have worked due to the bulk.

I serged the raw edges and it turned out fine. The yellow slipper is made from flannel. On the front of the slipper I want to put a round button for a decoration. There is a pair of pyjamas cut out also and I need to get some lace and bias tape to finish the top of the pyjamas.

Knitting

The hat is done except for the strings on the ear flaps. I will do them shortly. It fits much better than the first one. I also started to knit a scarf. When done, the rest of the yarn will go into the trash. I am sure there won't be much left.
Once done, I have to wind yarn and start Grandson's socks. I have two pairs to knit for him and would love to have them done for Christmas. As the yarn is light coloured, I will have few problems knitting on them at night.
I also want to knit a scarf for Daughter-in-Law. I found a pattern I like. It won't be done for Christmas but I can give it for next year. I have to do a gauge swatch to make sure the yarn is the right weight.

Today

I work for the next 5 days and it will be a busy one. I do want to try and finish the doll's pyjamas during that time but it remains to be seen. I do know I will knit during that time.
Until the next time..............................

Halloween Sewing Done

We have had some good rainstorms since I last wrote. It isn't as bad as the coast had but it leaves us going into winter with our land in good shape for spring. The temperatures have been warm which is nice.

Lifestyle

Life has been busy at our house. Between work and getting the Spousal Unit to his appointments, I have a bit of time to do other things.
The Spousal Unit had his first cataract removed yesterday. The surgery took 15 minutes and waiting took 1 hour and 45 minutes. He looked at a video about his surgery in that wait time. The surgeon is very efficient and owns the surgical center we went to. He did very well and was able to be out and about during the day.

Sewing

I made Grandson his trick or treat bag. He wanted a big one for the haul even though he doesn't eat much of the candy due to his diabetes.

I bought the fabric shortly after we put it out in September. The lining is equally as cute with bats on a green background; Grandson's favourite colours.

I mailed off the bag, Halloween quilt and wall hanging. I have some Halloween fabric left to make them something else next year. When gone, I'm done with sewing Halloween.
I cut out the housecoat for a doll. The fleece is reversible so I am having to think through the making of this item. The edges will be serged rather than faced (too bulky). There are flannel pyjamas to go with the housecoat and I want to make slippers too.

Knitting

I knit the hat for the doll and it was too small.

So, out came the next size larger needles and I am 13 rows from completion of a larger sized hat. Next is to make her an outfit to go with the socks, mitts, and hat.

Today

I am home for the day. We have been to the eye doctor and got a good check up and groceries. I have one more trip out the door and then I can focus on sewing and laundry.
Until the next time..................

Cut, Sew, Trash

We had a couple of days of cool weather and the storm that is hitting the west coast gave us warmer weather and moisture. Though not a lot of rain fell (.3") we had some wind and a high of 16C or 61F yesterday.

Lifestyle

Things have been very  busy around here lately. The Spousal Unit had his surgery, got sick from something and felt rotten for a couple of days. He is feeling much better now. The tape on his back pulls which is the only pain he has had.
I worked on Wednesday and got home exhausted. Not sure if I had hit the end of the rope of doing everything or if I was fighting the flu or a cold. Thursday I did a few things and then rested. Yesterday I was able to do more.
The work on our street is coming to an end. I had to park on the street Wednesday night and on Thursday morning noticed a car parked very close to mine. So close he did damage.

The license plate holder is broke and the way he hit the license plate holder, he cracked the bumper on the driver's side and broke the clips that hold two pieces together at the driver's light. We are in the process of getting quotes so the guy's insurance will pay for it and a rental vehicle. Made my day, not. What was upsetting -- there were no other cars parked on that side of the street when he parked in front of me. The driver gave the Spousal Unit his information and left without a care in the world.
In my anger, I cleaned most of the house. With no more dust blowing from road construction, I wiped up all the dust I could find, swept floors, cleaned rooms, and mopped some floors. Even the front porch got swept and scrubbed. It helped to remove the anger with the cleaning.

Sewing

I got a winter princess doll outfit cut out and the pattern was too big in my opinion.

I took the side seams in and then saw I made a mistake and threw it in the garbage can. I will try again later on when I am thinking straight. The fabrics I chose are hard to sew with so I have to rethink fabric choices. Ideas are starting to form.
I finished the binding on Grandson's quilt. It took me most of two evening to hand sew it down. But, they love it when I sent them pictures of it.  

The pattern is called Turning Twenty. The fabric was bought Nov. 3, 2014 and the quilt was made in no time flat. It sat waiting for me to find a long arm quilter. She now works at our store and did a lovely job of quilting it.
The back of the quilt is also quite charming. I used up all the left over pieces of fabric.

Next on the sewing list is a reusable shopping bag made out of Halloween fabric for Grandson's trick or treat bag. He doesn't eat a lot of the candy but enjoys going out to get it.

Knitting

The doll's second mitten is finished and fits the doll to perfection.

I started an ear flap hat for her to wear. Here is what it is suppose to look like. Mine will not have the pattern as the yarn is variegated.

I am going to knit a scarf and then sew her some clothes. Probably grey leggings and jacket with a top of some sort. I will probably order some Ugg boots for her to wear.

Today

I work today and tomorrow. I have Monday and Tuesday off as the Spousal Unit has cataract surgery on Monday and has to see the eye doctor on Tuesday. This is the surgery is so looking forward to.
Until the next time......................

Surgery #1 Done

Yesterday was clear and frosty and it looks like it will be the same today. I have to dig out the liner for my winter coat to wear over my hoodie. I don't mind this weather when the sun shines.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit had his back surgery yesterday. He was hungry and grumpy when he arrived at the hospital at 11:30 a.m. We had to walk to the new part of the hospital to pick up his ECG as it was "lost". The technician printed off a new copy and we headed to Day Care Surgery (aka the OR floor).
After doing all the paper work and giving everyone a good chuckle, he was ready to go for his surgery. It took about 45 minutes to remove the cancer cells and he spent some time in recovery. He told me he was disoriented in there but was fine when I saw him. At 5 p.m. they discharged him and he was feeling great. We had supper and he spent the night with stomach issues. He will be fine today as he get this when he comes to from the anesthetic. I work, he sleeps and I will crash tonight early.
You can tell I was stressed yesterday morning as I stripped the bed, washed the mattress cover, and vacuumed the mattress. When that was done, I emptied the linen closet and cleaned it all up and got rid of what we didn't need. I also folded some laundry and did the ironing. I didn't eat though which was good.

Sewing

When I finished up the cleaning, I cut the binding for the Halloween quilt. It is sewn on to joining the ends. I had to stop as I was tired and couldn't focus on that step. But I did find out the fabric I used on the back of the quilt and binding (spider webs) glows green in the dark. I am sure a little boy will be excited about that.
I got the fabric to make one of the dolls a housecoat and pyjamas. I can hardly wait to cut it out but must refrain until next week.

Today

I work and then have the next two days off. I plan on doing housework and sewing. Looking forward to two days at home.
Until the next time..........................

A Tiny MItten Competed

Yesterday was a cool day with a biting wind that made you shiver. I think it was the first day having that wind that made you think winter. This morning is cool with it being 2C or 35F at 7 a.m.

Lifestyle

We had a lovely turkey dinner last night that the Spousal Unit cooked. He baked a stuffed turkey breast roll with potatoes and carrots. We had fresh fruit for desert. It was a lovely dinner and I was thankful he made it for us.
We talked to Son and family last night. They had snow yesterday for their drive home from Lloydminster. They arrived home only to have to go out to the mall as their house was being shown. They have an offer on it after 5 days on the market. The conditions have to be removed by Nov. 4 and if that is done, they move on Nov. 16. Very quick. The real estate agent is still showing the house in case this offer falls through.
The Spousal Unit has surgery today to remove cancer cells from a brown spot on his back. He is fasting and feeling cranky. Don't blame him for a minute.

Knitting

I finished the mitten last night. Though only 10 stitches, the thumb wasn't as hard to knit as I thought.

They look a bit big and chunky on the next size needles, they fit the doll perfectly. I need to finish the other one over the next couple of nights.

Today

I am off work to take the Spousal Unit to and from the hospital from his surgery. I will do a bit of laundry and some cleaning today. I doubt if I will sew anything.
Until the next time.............................

A Mitt That Fits

It was cooler yesterday with a high of 10C or 50F. This morning it is 5C or 41F. We are now into fall weather with tomorrow calling for frost.

Lifestyle

I worked yesterday and was busy all day. But, it was a great day with everyone wishing customers "Happy Thanksgiving" and lots of smiles everywhere.
The Spousal Unit went out with friends to see their son play rep hockey and enjoyed himself immensely. He visited with friends he hadn't seen for several years. He was driven both ways by our lovely friend and he gave them more vegetables for their Thanksgiving dinner. He is feeling so much better from getting out of the house.
I weighed myself today and am down 39.4 pounds. The weight and I still parting company due to eating healthy and being active. I do feel so much better and my health issues are diminishing. One of my goals is to go off blood pressure medication.

Sewing

I am trying to lay out a pattern for another doll's costume. I have exactly one piece laid out on the organza. I really want to make it and sew a few other things over the next week to 10 days.
I am still thinking about my wardrobe but haven't decided on what to make for "now" due to loosing weight. But, I am thinking of when the loss slows down. I am getting close to being at Starting From Scratch with my wardrobe and it showed up on the Vivienne Files. I was so happy that my mind went crazy. Here is what my mind thought up quickly:

• Navy pants in Ponti di Roma (make them slim fitting)
  
• Navy t-shirt (have in stash)
  
• Navy jeans (with bling on them)
  
• Navy jacket from a sweater knit
  
• Light blue shirt

No patterns have been chosen just thoughts rolling through my head.

Knitting

I knit another mitten last night on a size larger needle and it fits the doll perfectly.

I have the thumb left to knit and I will be ready to start the second mitten.

These mittens match the socks I knit.

I am thinking black leggings and jacket, a top, and a hat. I'll have to buy some shoes for her to wear. Hiking boots or the doll version of Uggs.

Today

I work a full 8 hour shift so will have 3 hours to myself in the store to do some things I need to finish up. I would like to knit the thumb on the mitts tonight.

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





Happy Thanksgiving

It rained yesterday and we got 3/4". Snow fell at the higher levels and it was a pretty ugly day for drivers in the area. Today is suppose to nice as is tomorrow for Thanksgiving.

Lifestyle

I worked the largest part of the day in receiving and unloaded a lot of boxes of fabric and a couple of boxes of notions that had arrived. I also fixed two tables and cut fabric when needed. I was busy.

Knitting

I decided to knit a pair of mitts for the doll and am not sure if the prototype is too small.

It was very hard to put on the doll especially for a child. I will be knitting the next one on a size larger needle. From there I will make a decision.

Today

I work today and tomorrow. I pulled the Thanksgiving weekend by choice so others can spend time with their families. I am off on Tuesday.

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



Finished Projects

Our weather is turning to rain for a few days. It is a part of fall that allows the land to head into winter with enough moisture for spring.

Lifestyle

It was a busy day off yesterday. We had to head out early for appointments. The Spousal Unit for blood tests and ECG as he has surgery on Tuesday. I saw the dietician and got a good job report from her.
Our street was paved yesterday. It wasn't completed but what is done looks so nice. And no pot holes to dodge which will be nice.

Sewing

I finished the top and took it in without taking pictures. Will try and remember to take one of it on the mannequin in the store.
The pattern is nice to sew even though I chose a very hard design to match.

When I was able to sew it up without issues, it went together quickly. I am thinking of buying the pattern again and making a larger size in another fabric to wear now.
One of the dolls got a matching top and a name tag and she is now in the store.

Now on to other sewing - grandson's quilt, doll clothes, and my next project.

Knitting

I knit one of the dolls a pair of socks. They did turn out quite cute. I hope to knit a sweater out of the remaining yarn.

The heel is turned like real socks.

The socks don't match. I would have wasted a lot of yarn making them match. This yarn has a long repeat in it.
Next up is to wind the wool for our grandson's Edmonton Eskimo's socks. If there is wool left, the dolls get something out of it. I got my new double points to knit his sock with and look forward to starting them.

Today

I work for the next three days. I may start the doll's sweater during this time or I may wind the wool and start Grandson's socks. Time will tell as I haven't made a decision yet.
Until the next time......................

End of the Stupid Sewer Story

The Stupid Sewer finally figured out why she was having problems with the top. She was angry that other staff bought the fabric and sewed it up prior to her project being done. She was also angry that she would be dressed like other staff. So, she took the situation into her hands and cut the top down to a size 14 to wear when she looses all her weight.

With that done, she happily sewed the top and it is turning out lovely. Just the sleeves to add and it will be put into the store. And, the pattern will be thrown out and a new one bought later on if it isn't discontinued. End of the Stupid Sewer story.
Grandson's Halloween quilt came back from the long arm quilter and I am so happy to see it quilted. I think I started it 2+ years ago. The binding will be sewn down by hand in the evenings after it is applied on Friday. Pictures will be taken once it is done. I have to say that I will be finishing up my quilting projects over the next year.
The doll sock is coming along. I did knit the last 5 rows on the leg last night. Next is the heel and soon it will be done. I do love knitting these little socks.
I work the next two days and think little will be done in the sewing room unless it is Friday afternoon (I leave work at 4:30 p.m.). I don't like sewing at nights now as the room is dark. I have a light on the sewing table but until the room is renovated I won't put in extra lights.
Until the next time.....................

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

We are having a lovely fall. The highs are in the mid to high teens Celsius and the nights are still warm. We did have frost one morning. With a lot of sunshine, people are out and about doing things. 

Lifestyle

Much of the garden has been harvested. The potatoes and carrots will come in soon which means figuring out what to do with them. I guess we will freeze the carrots and eat the potatoes in a hurry.
The Spousal Unit has also been tidying up the front flower beds and getting everything ready for winter. He awaits his two surgeries this month, has next month off except for blood tests, and then has his second eye done and a MRI in December.
I am still loosing weight and am happy with my progress. I am still very active at the store. Though my steps are down a bit, I am lifting drapery fabric rolls as I discount that department. I am hoping that will be done by Thursday night and I can move on to other things.
We had a huge issue in our basement suite and I lost my cool. One tenant is leaving on good terms with us. He decided to move to another community to be closer to work and farther from his friends. The other tenant we evicted after I threw out a person who had no right to be in the suite and had drugs in there. We will clean the unit in early November and try to rent again in December. It was a huge learning curve for us.

Sewing

I decided that I can be a stupid sewer. The store project top has been a pain to sew. I didn't get pieces to line up so had to cut out more pieces. The dolls will have lots of tops, jackets, and sweaters out of the pieces I didn't get to use. I have to cut out one more front and then I can finish sewing it up. I will be a week late handing it in but that is okay.
My stupidity has put me behind in the doll's sewing. I have to make 2 more outfits for Halloween and then a bunch of other sewing needs to be done.

This is for jackets and infinity scarves for the dolls. I am thinking black pants, grey Uggs boots, hat, mitts, socks, and a top.

Knitting

I finished up the cream socks and put them on a doll. I have set up a variegated set of socks that will be shorter in the leg than the cream ones. I hope to knit a sweater out of the remaining yarn and then sew an outfit for the doll.

Today

I am off work but need to go in and fix some paperwork, see the respiratory therapist for my new CPAP machine, sew on my top and then head back to work and attend a staff meeting. Another busy day.
Until the next time.....................