Family Is Here

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

Lifestyle

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

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

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

Knitting

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

Today

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

Bodice of Dress is Done

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

Lifestyle

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

Sewing

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

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

Knitting

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

Today

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

Doll Dress Begun

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

Lifestyle

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

Sewing

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

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

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

Knitting

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

Today

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

Renovation Day 1

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

Lifestyle

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

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

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

Knitting

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

Today

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

A Doll Jacket Done

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

Lifestyle

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

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

Sewing

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

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

Knitting

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

Today

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

LED Lights

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

Lifestyle

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

Sewing

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

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

Knitting

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

Today

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

A Bargain

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

Lifestyle

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

Sewing

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

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

Knitting

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

A Sock Gusset Done

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

Lifestyle

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

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

Knitting

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

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

Today

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

Sewing Room Reno Started

We are having fall weather. Someone yesterday said we would have a green Christmas but you never know in our area. It may or may not happen.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit was in the sewing room yesterday and he got the valance over the window off.

The frame needs to be removed and a piece of gyproc put on. Though not a huge job, it certainly changes the room making it feel bigger. The nice part is: I can still sew in there.

Sewing

I didn't sew last night as I was sore from work. I spent 6.5 hours ordering notions and it was a lot of work. I pack an iPad and scanner and am hunched over a lot. I also have to put notions back in their proper spot and end up sitting on the floor organizing racks. But, that job is almost done and the next orders are paper ones and I don't sit on the floor for them.
I did wander in and out of the room several times admiring the Spousal Unit's handy work.

Knitting

I got both of the heel flaps knit on Grandson's socks. That was a total of 60 rows (30 per sock).

Next is to shape the heel and pick up the gusset stitches. Another evening's job. I am breaking the parts of the socks down into evening jobs so I can get them done prior to his arrival.

Today

I work today and will knit this evening. I wonder what will be done in the sewing room tonight.
Until the next time........................................

Gussying Up the Sewing Room Began

Yesterday was a grey cloudy day which was cool though warmer than the average temperature. We keep reminding ourselves of the date.

Lifestyle

We headed out the door early to shop and after we arrived home, I set about doing housework until mid afternoon. It was a lot of hard work but I am glad it is done.
The young fellow is arriving on Wednesday to start the renovations. First the bathroom and then the sewing room. After that, the bedrooms, living room, and kitchen. Most of it is paint, doors, crown moulding, and trim. I can hardly wait.

Sewing

Nary a stitch was sewn yesterday as I cleaned out the sewing room. All I can say is WOW!! Everything in that room is now in the basement. I pretty much looked at everything and need to make some decisions (a few but not a lot).

I pushed the table back after I cleaned it off but it will come forward during the renovations. The valance over the window will be removed, the room painted, doors put on, and trim added.

Even the ironing board is cleaned off. The closet has a few items in it that I am sewing for Christmas.

The closet can be cleaned out quickly when the time arrives.
The only mess left is the sewing machine cabinet. I ran out of time as we had to buy a battery for the truck.

I can now spend some time sewing the dolls' clothing and making Christmas items.

Knitting

The legs of the two socks are knit and I am ready to start the heels.

I plan on knitting on them most evenings so they are done prior to Grandson arriving. They need to be off the radar as they are one of his Christmas presents.

Today

I am back to work for the next four or five days. I do hope to sew a bit and knit during the evenings.
Until the next time....................

Progress In All Areas

Yesterday was cooler but still the high was double the normal high for that day. Today is cloudy and it is suppose to be wet.

Lifestyle

The doors are in and completed. I have to get batteries for the dead bolts so we can program our entry numbers in.
The front door is really nice and we will paint the trim white in the spring.

The house will be painted a light grey to help the door pop out and make a statement.
The back door is cheery and allows light into the basement stairwell. Happy with it.

I was to the doctor in the morning to have my blood pressure taken and to get a prescription for more medication. My blood pressure was 132/64 and I am off the medication and will have my BP taken in two weeks. I hope I am off for good as it makes another health goal met. If not, I will continue to work on getting off that medication.

Sewing

I got two fleece jacket cut out, sewn and ready for the lining and collar.

I hope I can finish them both this week unless I am too tired after work or the room is too dark to sew in.
In the afternoon, the Spousal Unit and I moved all the fabric and books that have been residing in the living room and our bedroom to the basement suite. I looked at every piece of fabric and it all stays. There isn't as much as I thought there was; the boxes make it look like more.

Knitting

The second sock has 20 rows knit on it. I put in a 100 watt LED light bulb into the lamp and WOW I can really see every stitch so much easier. I need to buy 4 more so both lamps give off lots of light and brighten the living room.
I found the yarn (in the stash) for the doll's cowl and my plan is to crochet it on Boxing Day.

Today
We need to grocery shop, do some laundry and then I want to sew on the doll's jacket. I also need to haul some stuff out of the sewing room to the basement so the Spousal Unit can start the renovations in that room.
Until the next time................................

Renovations and Sewing

It is hard to believe it is November with the lovely warm weather we have had. The warmest was Tuesday with a high of 21.5C or 71F.

Lifestyle

I am on day 2 of three days off. Day 1 was a busy day as we got our new exterior doors installed.

We turned off the heat as the door opening looked like this for several hour in the morning while it was raining. The house is completely aired out now.

The door is installed and there is lots of outside air. The person who installed the door spent a lot of time making sure it closes with a finger.

Done and ready for the handle which was put on in the dark. The back door is at the same stage and we love it.

These door certainly brighten up the two entry ways.
Inside renovations will begin as soon as the young fellow we hired can get here. We start with the bathroom and the vanities are ordered.

We need to order tub, toilet, tile and taps. Paint colour will be gray.

Sewing

I made the 10 Minute Table Runner using this tutorial. There is no use reinventing the wheel when I found the tutorial was very well done.

I took my time doing the points and top stitched them in place.

I started the doll's lambskin fleece jacket and have to take out the sleeve. Put it in the wrong armhole and as this fleece has a right and wrong side, it is noticeable. Hope it is done today.
The pattern for the lobster bibs is made. After much hunting, I found the pattern at Embroidery Library. The tutorial on how to tape it together is here. I rounded the corners off at the bottom by measuring up and across the square ends 3" and then using a plate as a template.

I had to retape the pattern to make sure it was 17" across (it was 1/2" narrow). I am now ready to make 8 lobster bibs.

Knitting

The first sock has 4 rows left to knit on the leg and I can start the second sock. I like to knit each section of the sock at the same time. It works for me.
I found this cute cowl to crochet for the dolls.

I made the same cowl for Daughter-in-Law and was delighted to find this pattern. I have the yarn in the stash and it will become a part of the Doll SWAP.

Today

I am off to the doctor's and then will be working at home for part of the day and then out to do a few other things for part of the day.
Until the next time..............................

Socks

We have had some amazing weather the past few days. Warm days and nights which is not usual for this time of he year. We are appreciating it greatly.

Lifestyle

I have worked since Friday afternoon, had a late night, and three busy days with a huge sale at the store. My mood has ranged from anger to frustration to elation. I survived it and am moving on.
Daughter-in-Law and Grandson are coming from Nov. 28 to Dec. 3. It will be so nice to have them with us before they move to Nova Scotia.
Elliott has been his usual self and has enjoyed having access to the basement suite where he runs around some each day.

We have to get him into the vet and weighted. We hope he has lost some weight as he gets less food than he did before his last visit.

I lost 1.1 pounds this week and am happy about that. I am creeping my way down to 20% of my body weight gone and the 50 pound mark.



Sewing

I am planning the lobster themed items in my head and will start them on Wednesday. The bibs are to be 26" long so I will need to buy the clear laminate for them today. I will be putting together the bib pattern so I can cut them out.
The doll's Christmas dress fabric is washed and ready to be ironed. I hope to cut them out during my three days off. It looks like I will be a busy lady.

Knitting

I set up Grandson's socks and have knit 20+ rows. The lady who dyes the yarn calls the collection "Hat Trick" and this colour way is for the Edmonton Oilers hockey team.

 The writing underneath is the pattern for his socks. After I finish the legs of both socks, I get out the Craftsy class on sock making to do the heel. So easy to knit these socks as the pattern is TNT (tried and true).

I still have to knit him his Edmonton Eskimo's socks. I know I can get them done before Christmas.

Today

I work today and hope to do a bit of ironing this evening. It depends on how tired I am. I am adapting to the time change.
Until the next time...........................

Preparing for Christmas Projects

Yesterday was a lovely warm day with a high of 19.3C or 67F. We enjoyed the lovely day as this is November and our temperatures are usually 10C cooler.

Lifestyle

We had a busy day both at home and around town. We shopped and went out to the compost center. The Spousal Unit drove both ways and was tired when we got home. We saw where people can drop off their pumpkins which I called the pumpkin graveyard. I am sure they will be composted in a week or so.

To end his day, the Spousal Unit mowed the lawns for the last time this year.
Daughter-in-Law texted to say the house has sold and she and grandson are packing. They will be coming over to see us when the house is empty and we will put them on the plane to Nova Scotia. We certainly will miss them a lot but plan on going out there next year for 10 days.

Sewing

I finished the Minion pillows and I need to box them up to ship next month.

I am now planning my first Christmas project. I have some of the fabrics and the list for the rest is done. You can see the whole line of fabrics here. The ones I have are:

I need to buy the light background feathers and the brown pine cones. The goal is to make 8 placemats that look like this one.

All the fabric I bought is washed and pressed. The rest will get done in the evening after I buy it. Then I can do a tutorial on it as there is no pattern for this set.
I got carried away searching and found this wonderful Pinterest page for table runners and placemats. Another page for a placemat pattern that has countless opportunities. And colour block placemats and napkins which I will be making.
But I woke up last night thinking about the lobster fabric and getting those pieces done. They will be first on the agenda.

Knitting

I finished the Crossbody Cowl last night.

When worn it looks like this picture

I knit a few rows on the doll scarf and then set up the first sock for Grandson. It seems as if Christmas gifts are in full swing in our house.

Today

I work the closing (9:15 p.m.) shift so I plan on doing some housework prior to going to work. That way, I can do some laundry at the same time. Nothing exciting at our house today. I work the next 5 days so I know I will knit and launder fabrics.
Until the next time.........................

Starting Christmas Sewing

Though cloudy, it was warm yesterday with a high of 13C or 55F. This morning, it was 10C or 50F when we got up and it is suppose to be sunny with a high of 17C or 63F. That is warm for this time of the year.

Lifestyle

We waited in anticipation to return the rental car but the company is still working on ours. The Santa Fe I get to drive is a lovely vehicle with heated seats and steering wheel.

I did take a picture of the front of our house. The new tree has no leaves left on it.

I stood out in the middle of the street to take the picture. There was a quiet moment with no traffic. We do have plans for the outside -- painting it grey with white trim and putting faux rock where the wood siding is.
We did a look through the basement suite yesterday and I will be getting the cleaners in to wash the walls in preparation for the next renters. The only repair is a light (renters paid for a new one) and the baseboards need painting as there is some scuffing (normal wear and tear). Otherwise it is clean, so clean we could put renters in tomorrow.
The guest room is purged and I am now washing the bedding. There is some items to go to the thrift shop and that will be done next week. I am still storing three feather duvets in that room but it will be down to two once the room is done. They do take up a lot of room.

Sewing

I finished the book and took it to the store for display. I forgot to take pictures of it. It turned out really well.
I finished another Minion pillow for Grandson. There is one more to sew and they will be done.

While sewing, I washed the Christmas fabric in preparation for sewing up a multitude of items. There is still more fabric to be washed today.
While at the store, I got the fabric to make two dolls Christmas dresses (cotton) and short jackets (lambskin fleece).

Knitting

I had the Spousal Unit help me wind yarn last night. We had a pretty good mess going on and were at it for 90 minutes. But, I have two cakes of yarn to knit Grandson's socks. I didn't set them up last night but knit on the doll's scarf instead. The crocheting is at a halt as I forgot to get another skein of yarn yesterday. I will get it today as I need to get patterns on sale.

Today

We have to shop, then I have to do laundry, and sew up the last Minion pillow. That will allow me to start Christmas sewing. Lots of ideas going through my head right now. I start work tomorrow for 5 days in a row and it is a big sale for the first three days.
Until the next time.........................