A Day of Cleaning

Though we are having sunshine, we are also having it cooler with temperatures in the freezing department. There even was snow flurries yesterday morning. The sun has some heat to it if you stand in on the south side of the house.

Lifestyle

Yesterday we were alone so I took the day to clean the kitchen, living room, and dining room. Though I didn't get it all done, I got a lot done. After sweeping up a ton of dirt, dust, and Elliott hair, I got down on my hands and knees and washed floors.
While doing the kitchen floor, I washed the lower cabinet doors and toe kick. Even the appliances got wiped as they were dusty. The dining room was easy to do. Wash and wipe the floor dry, move the table, and repeat. The living room wasn't as easy as I had to dismantle the fireplace, wash it, buff it dry, and reassemble. I scrubbed the hearth and then did the floor. There was a lot of cement grit and gobs on the floor. It looks so much better.

Thursday's picture

You can actually see the dirt on the floor and everything looks dull and dirty.

Friday's picture

Everything pops when it is cleaned up. Even the floor doesn't look too bad but will get washed again when the room is being set up.
I am looking at the living room and how to organize our stuff. I knit and watch TV at night and need to organize it all into a basket. I am sure I will be successful but it will take some time to figure it out.
I keep looking at what is in the basement and I need to deal with it. I will get it done I keep saying. I need to act and not talk.

Sewing

Though I had no time to sew, I did do a bit of looking at ideas for a coat for the St. Patrick's Day dress. I will do a short swing coat and trim it a button at the neckline.
I have to wash some fabric and trace a pattern to start my next store project.

Today

I work the early shift and would love to come home and do a bit of organizing in the living room. I will set it up before I go to work so I will do it when I come home.
Until the next time............................

St. Patrick's Day Dress Completed

Though the weather has been nice, it has been a bit cooler during the day and below freezing temperatures at night. They have called for snow flurries daily but none has materialized. It may today and the clouds are pink.

Lifestyle

Most of the house is done and ready for me to clean up the dust and cat hair. There is one area in the living room that needs painting and we can have the house to ourselves.
Yesterday the fireplace was finished and ready for painting. That will happen on Saturday. 

The whole mantle cost us $13.50 as we used the old mantle and a piece of primed MDF we had on hand. We bought a piece of trim after the Spousal Unit had blood work done in the morning.

I will be washing the floor around the fireplace preparing it for the painter. Then we move back into our space. We can hardly wait.

Sewing

As we were having the fireplace done and a few other small jobs completed, I decided to sew the doll's St. Patrick's Day dress. It was an easy pattern to sew up.

Butterick 6001 Retro 1956

I chose not to add any trim to the dress as the cotton had a nice print to it and could/would have been hard to match up. I did finish most of the seams using a 3-thread overlock stitch on the serger. Worked perfectly and I will continue using it for all the doll's clothes. The ribbon I chose is an organza ribbon that matched perfectly.

The dress is a bit long so I am considering making a netting/tulle crinoline for under the dress. I have enough fabric left to make something else -- maybe a short coat to wear over the dress when going out to parties. There is a cute coat/jacket included in the pattern. This outfit gets a necklace that will be longer in length. It is clear crystals with tiny green beads between the crystals.
Next is to make the jeans for the doll's SWAP. I need to get them done and off the list.

Today

I am home and plan on grocery shopping and then cleaning house with several loads of laundry on the side. We are alone today so I can clean house.
Until the next time.....................

Project Pyjama Bottoms Done

Yesterday was another sunny day and this morning it is trying to snow. It is February and this is our weather.

Lifestyle

I have been super careful with what I have been eating since Sunday and I know I have lost 5 or more pounds. Add all the walking I have done (6 miles yesterday alone) and I know I will get back to my late November weight soon.
Though the renovations tipped me off my good eating habits (take out food is the worst thing for me) and the stress levels were so high it turned to anger, I am happy that I didn't continue on with where I was going. I am feeling calm which means I am feeling better emotionally and physically. I really want to say I have lost a total of 50 pounds by Easter or two weeks later when I see the dietician. That will be 2 pounds per week which is healthy.
I had a bit of fun with Elliott yesterday morning. He sleeps on our bed under the throws. I kept pulling the throw back to take his picture and he kept ducking back under. I finally got a picture of him.

He sleeps under the throw on our bed between 5 and 7 hours every day.

Sewing

I finished up Grandson's second pair of pyjama bottoms yesterday and they went together like a charm.

They will be mailed tomorrow and he should have them on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Next up on the list is to make a St. Patrick's Day dress for one of the dolls and a light weight jacket for me. I will wash the fabric tomorrow.
I did buy a piece of fabric yesterday and will be making a top out of it. I have to wait for the Burda pattern to arrive so more on that later.

Today

I am at work and want to iron the doll's dress fabric before I go.
Until the next time..................

Shopping For the Dolls

It was a lovely day with a high of 10C or 50F. We enjoyed putting out the garbage yesterday due to the warm sunny weather we had.

Lifestyle

The stone ledge came for the fireplace and work has begun on it.

I was a bit worried about this stone as the picture (which is all we had to work with) showed it as black. But, it is full of shades of grey which is perfect. We both love it.
Once I got over my anger and became calm again, I started to eat better. I have been loosing weight and hope to reach the goal I set for April. I know most of what I was going through is a mind set, I really have to set my mind to being calm and looking after myself.

Sewing

I serged all the seams on the second pair of pyjama pants yesterday morning. They are ready to be sewn together this morning.
I did a bit of shopping before work yesterday and bought these fabrics for the dolls.
For Lady Lily's Afternoon Tea Dress.

Dress #1

I chose this lovely stripe in a quilting cotton. It is gorgeous fabric and will by perfect for the dress. I bought the last of this lace so will have to order some more. To go with the dress is cream coloured pearls for a necklace.
Dress #2

I found this cotton after Daughter showed it to me. She bought some with a black and white dot for a shirt. The necklace is black with almost a clear bead. The lace is

For the other tea dress

I chose an aqua print with a fabulous lace. The pearls for the necklace are white.

The lace is from the store's bridal selection and we looked at every single one before choosing this one.

The last piece I bought is to make a Laura Ingalls Wilder dress and it is gingham with a blue ribbon. I will see what I make for a simple necklace if I can find a cameo.

I also bought one pattern so I can make some colonial outfits.

I am excited to start sewing doll's outfits again. I did wash the cottons for the St. Patrick's Day and Easter dresses so will begin them shortly.

Today

I work a later shift as we have a staff meeting. I won't be doing much when I get home but hope to sew the pyjama bottoms before I leave for work.
Until the next time....................

Historical Doll Clothes Ideas

Though it snowed around us yesterday, we had sunshine and clouds during the day. What was nice -- we all drove home in the daylight at the end of the day.

Lifestyle

Though we still have the contractor's tools in the house, I arrived home feeling calm and relaxed. The end is near which is probably helping me keep this frame of mind. I ate well yesterday and felt good. I want to keep this going as I enjoyed this feeling prior to the renovations. It is a mindset that I need to work on. With it comes weight loss and a more energy. I want that back.

Sewing

I didn't sew on Grandson's pyjamas last night as I wanted to clean up the kitchen and finish up the laundry. I was also a bit tired from work. We did some extra tidying up during the slow spells.
I did spend a few minutes looking at fabric for doll clothes. I have decided to sew both historical and modern clothing for the dolls and will try to alternate the period. I have it set in my mind to make this dress as my first historical outfit.

I want to buy a stripe cotton, lace, ribbon and pearls (necklace) for this outfit. Then I will buy black patent baby Jane shoes to go with it unless I choose a light colour and then it will be white shoes.
Another dress I want to make is this one.

For this outfit, I will look for a small print cotton and lace and will also make a pearl necklace for it.
I am quite excited to make these two Edwardian style dresses. First I have to make the St. Patrick's Day dress which I am looking forward to doing.

Knitting

I finished the doll's shawl last night and did 5 or 6 rounds on the socks. I will continue to knit the socks and try out a couple of new ideas from an e-book I am looking at. I need to find a cute green button for the shawl so it matches the dress.

Today

I am at work today and I plan on knitting on the socks tonight.
Until the next time...................

Anger to Calm -- A Good Feeling

It was more cloudy yesterday and cooler. It got to 4C or 33F and the draft/breeze was cold. They say we had snow and rain but that must have been at the higher levels as we didn't have any at our location.

Lifestyle

We headed out shopping early yesterday and met a friend. We had a good half hour talk with her as we haven't seen her since we left Ashcroft.
Once home, I decided to clean the fridge before lunch and then sewed. After lunch, I did laundry and cleaned up more in the kitchen. Just one lower cabinet and drawer left to clean and I am basically done. Another garbage bag of pure junk to the trash can. I think I got rid of 5 bags to the trash and one bag for charity.
I spent some time reflecting and dealt with my thoughts. Stress had turned to anger and I had to let go of it. The guys have done nothing wrong and I have to focus on the positive -- the house looks amazing. I have to let go of what I won't be doing in the future and focus on what I can do in the future. It is hard to let go of some items but I will do it. Maybe not as happily as I should but I will be happy when it's gone and I don't have to look at it. I am hoping that I will feel calmer and happier with those thoughts dealt with. Next on the list is to look after myself once again.  

Sewing

I sewed yesterday in the sewing room and it was delightful. I got a pair of pyjama bottoms done for Grandson.

The second pair will be sewn this week and both will be sent to him for a belated birthday present. Along with 2 books.
As I went downstairs to iron and measure, I looked at what is left in the basement that needs to come upstairs. I am really wondering if I need to keep it all or give a lot of it away. I am thinking I will keep what I really want/need/love and release the rest of it to a thrift store.
Two of the dolls are going and I hope a friend will take them. I will give here the patterns I have two of so she can sew for her grand daughter. Two will go to charity with small wardrobes and I will keep two. I love the two I am keeping. It was a difficult decision but one I had to make.
The doll's stash will continue to get small amounts of fabric in it. I want to sew more clothes and eventually market them. I plan on doing a wide variety of clothing from all eras. Some I will keep, others I will sell. I also want to take a couple of course on designing doll clothes. I am excited about this plan.
Garment sewing will be mostly projects. I hope to make one item or outfit a month for the store with a goal of 16 to 20 items in the next two years. All must coordinate so I can have a nice basic wardrobe. I have a feeling I will be letting go of some of the fabric in the stash. I know what I really want to keep and the rest will have to go.
I am adding jewelry making to my hobbies and hope that I can do some jewelry for the dolls. I have to talk to a friend to see if we can meet up so I can learn more. I do want to keep the supplies in one small shoe container. Yes, this is to be a small hobby.
I am happy with my plan and we will see how I do when I bring everything upstairs.

Knitting

I sat and knit last night. The first time in a long time. I did 12 rounds on the socks and got 2/3rds of another shawl knit. It was lovely to work on those projects again.

Today

I am at work and I am looking forward to being there. I do hope to serge some of the second pair of pyjamas after dinner and knit on the shawl.

Cleaning Up the Mess

Yesterday morning was cool at -2.4C or 28F but the high got to 8.9C or 48F. The sun was gorgeous and the house was bright all day.

Lifestyle

I was busy yesterday with cleaning and decluttering. It started in our bedroom where we moved more furniture and I swept and washed the floor. I can start loading the extras in our closet now.
Next stop was the sewing room. I cleaned up the last kitchen chair and the two are ready to reside in the dining area after that floor is washed. Next, I sorted through two large bins of scrapbooking stuff. I literally went through the two tubs and tossed a large bag full of pure trash, put what I didn't want and is still good in another bag and got all the pictures into one tub plus two small bags. I want to do three to four simple albums. When I finished that job, the remaining part of the floor was swept and washed.
While cleaning up the sewing room, we did some cleaning in the kitchen. Some cupboards got cleaned and items moved around so the mixer could go into its own cupboard. It has been residing in the sewing room for the past month.
The last stop was the front entry and the remainder of the hall. I swept, dusted, scrubbed and got all the shoes in the hall closet. Also got a few things on the shelf. We are waiting for the coat hooks to be put on. Then I scrubbed the floor and put a chair and a mat in the front entry. Just needs a pictures to complete the simple look I am going for. I put a few things in the broom closet and scrubbed the floor. Waiting for hooks in there for the broom and mop to hang on.
I was tired when I got all that done. But I was happy to have it all clean and tidy.
We did talk about the outside work that needs to be done and will be doing it more slowly. I think that means we will be here for a few years.

Sewing

With the sewing room floor scrubbed clean, I moved the sewing machine cabinet to its proper spot.

I set up the serger and started to sew Grandson's pyjama bottoms. The first pair are serged and I have started to sew them together.
I spotted a new line up of cottons at work. One piece in particular jumped out at me -- a lilac and off white stripe. I want it for a doll's dress and it has been niggling in my mind for a few days now. I plan on doing some 1900-1920's outfits for the dolls. There is also some cranberry faux suede I love and will be buying a piece of it to make a coat and hat with white fur trim. To buy -- black patent baby Jane shoes. Ideas ran in my head while I cleaned the house and I did have time to do a bit of research.
In the meantime, I will have to sew up the two doll's dresses for St. Patrick's Day and Easter. Both will be done using retro patterns.

Today

I have to grocery shop, finish the laundry, and clean the bathroom. I want to finish one pair of pyjama bottoms for Grandson so I can work on the other pair a couple of nights this week. I start work tomorrow for four days. I have enjoyed having these three days off.
Until the next time.....................

Vogue 9123 Coat Pattern

Yesterday was a lovely warm day with a high of 14C or 58F. There was quite a bit of heat in the sun which was nice. This morning it is cool -- like in freezing. -2 or 28F.

Lifestyle

Part of the day was spent washing hardwood floors. That meant on my hands and knees washing and wiping them dry. The amount of dust and dirt was on par to the amount of work that has been done in this house. We had kept it swept but it quickly got dusty again. I will continue to wash and wipe floors until they are free of dry mud dust.
I have to say, that no one room has had its floor completely scrubbed. Our bedroom is 2/3 done and I had to go and wash the guest room floor and got it half done. The box spring and mattress is on the clean part of the floor. Then I moved to the sewing room and got 75% of that floor washed. The sewing machine cabinet now resides in that room. What I wanted brought up is now upstairs. YES!! The rest we can move up on our own.
There is still some work to be done but the end is drawing nearer. We are now claiming most of our house and setting up the rooms.

Sewing

I got the coat and infinity scarf completed. The pattern is Vogue 9123 and the scarf is my own design.
The coat is made out of upholstery fabric as we were challenged at work to make something unique out of this fabric. I chose the simplicity of the pattern as upholstery fabric is somewhat stiffer than garment fabric.

• Upholstery Fabric
• Kasha Lining
• Soutache trim
• 5 buttons 

I spent quite a bit of time making sure the plaids matched and am happy I took the time (almost a whole day) doing that. It made for a more professional looking coat (or as one of the employees as the store said "Where did you buy this coat?")
The sewing of the coat is easy but it lacks jacket tailoring techniques. It does not have a back stay (which I would do the next time)nor sleeve headers. I set in the sleeves as shown and notched out the fullness so the sleeve head was smooth. A light pressing and they looked professional. It also does not have you finish the front facing nor trim off the lining underneath the front facing. Removing the lining was important as I did not want too much bulk in the front seams.  I also put a soutache trim on the raw edge to add a more professional look to the inside of the jacket.

 The hemming took the longest as I did them by hand. The buttons I chose suited the jacket to perfection.

I would make this coat again but not in upholstery fabric.

The infinity scarf is made from another upholstery fabric called sable suede. I have sewn a lot of rodeo queen dresses from this fabric and it is soft and supple; perfect for a scarf. I used my own design with one change. Instead of using 2 different widths of lace, I chose one width. Doing this meant a lot of hand sewing when I did the last step. Well worth the extra hour it took.

 Next to make is pyjamas for Grandson. They will be a fun project.

Today

I have to wash more floors and sew on Grandson's pyjama bottoms.

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

 

Soon To Have Our House Back

It is warm outside this morning. 4C or 39F. This warm weather will have the snow melting like crazy. All I can say is wow.

Lifestyle

The house renovations are coming to an end and we will be happy to have our house back. The work should be done early next week and I can clean up the house.
I have done a bit of cleaning in the kitchen but there is still more to go. I need the towel rack installed under the sink. I still need to have renovation stuff removed from one cupboard so I can clean and put kitchen items into it. It has been a slow process as I have been tired with a lot of lifting, climbing, and walking at work.
The guys talked about bringing all our belongings upstairs and I said only the bed and my sewing cabinet. I can bring the rest up after I clean the upstairs. Once the house is done, I may get professional cleaners in once a month to clean the house. We will have to see how that goes.

Sewing

With the prospects of having my sewing machine upstairs again in the near future, I am hoping to sew for 20 to 30 minutes some nights of the week. These sewing evenings will not be complicated items but more along the lines of:

• reusable grocery bags
  
• pillow cases
  
• cushion covers

All are easy items that I can work on and relax. I will be happy to be able to cut out the pieces for these items. All of the items are to be made using fabric from the stash.
On my days off, I will work on projects and the projects can spill over to night sewing if it is easy to sew. I will leave the complicated sewing to my days off.

Today

I am working until 6:15 p.m. and then will have three days off. I hope to have the discounting done today.
Until the next time.....................

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine Doll Outfit Complete

The day temperatures are above freezing and are below freezing at night. So it has become a thaw and freeze situation with the snow we accumulated. Probably better than having it warm day and night and water flowing everywhere.

Lifestyle

I have been busy discounting at work and moving a lot of bolts of fabric and packages of bedding. About 200 pieces yesterday alone. My body is aching but there is more to do today.
I got pictures of the kitchen after I did some cleaning. It is fairly easy to keep clean now we have the first layer of dirt off.

The window will have a mini blind put on it to keep out the hot summer sun. The blue light on the dishwasher says its finished cleaning.

Still waiting for the dish towel hanger to be hung under the sink. That will keep the towels off the counter.

The stove and pantry area.

The fridge and beverage/charging area (which we both love). I will be adding red as an accent colour in the kitchen.
We both love this room as it has lots of counter space, is open for us to move around in and is light and bright.
Cherie, I may end up hiring a cleaning company to do the last clean after I reload the rooms. That way they can do both up and down stairs. I will be doing the first cleaning as I reload the rooms.

Sewing

I had a few minutes to take some pictures of the doll at work.
The back of the dress doesn't show the low part of the skirt due to the stand.

The necklace is on and it is perfect with this dress.

And the whole outfit.

Next is to make the St. Patrick's Day dress. The dress will be floor length and will have a shawl and necklace also.

Today

I am at work and have about 90 minutes by myself to put out drapery rolls and garment fabric. Then it will be discounting some more.
Until the next time............................

The Coat Lining

It was lovely and warm yesterday and it made us so happy. We had a high of 6C or 42F. In the early evening, it rained a bit and then we had another 1 cm of snow fall. We were lucky as other places had freezing rain.

Lifestyle

The sanding is done and we now have to wait for the dust to settle. It will be a case of cleaning and dusting for the next few weeks. Soon we will have our home back to ourselves.
Last night, I cleaned some counters, drawers, the black sink (which was grey with dust), the microwave, and the stove. The dust was in every crack and corner and it took quite a while to get rid of it all.

The trim in this house is big and bold and we love it. Though every window and door stands out, the front door looks so grand with this trim.  

Sewing

I worked a lot on the coat yesterday. It isn't finished but it is almost done. Tough an easy pattern, there was a lot of work to it. But first a look at the coat as it looked on Thursday night.

When I finished Thursday night, the facing was pinned to the lining ready for the soutache braid.

Yesterday, the lining and front facing were sewn down 1/8" from the raw edge. Then the soutache braid was zig-zagged down.

And the lining was trimmed back to 5/8" from the stitching.

The sleeves were sewn into the lining and then it was put together. Lines matched up.

It is now ready to be hemmed and button holes made.

I can't wait to see it finished (in a good way). I feel I have rocked the drapery challenge and my challenge to do some high end techniques.
Matching the vertical plaids was the most time consuming part of this project. Having the lines match from the sleeves to the body was a real thought process and I did draw quite a few lines on the pattern I traced. Well worth the time and effort.
The soutache trim was another technique I wanted to use. I was not thrilled finding out the front facing was left with a raw edge and having three thicknesses of heavy fabric in the front seams. So what I did was perfect and gives the coat a better appearance in the front. Both inside and outside.
When I inserted the sleeves, I hand basted them in prior to machine stitching them. No pins to worry about and I knew the gathers were in the right place and not shifting around. I cut V notches where the fabric rippled in the seam allowance of the sleeve so it would lie flat. A careful pressing and they look perfect.

Today

I work and then will have to do more cleaning in the kitchen when I get home. We have three days of no one working so that will help me get some things done.
Until the next time.......................

An Update on the Coat

It snowed yesterday. A lot. Like over 4" of the stuff. It quit about 5 p.m. and nothing since, thank goodness. But we could get more today.

Lifestyle

The end of the renovations is in sight. We are down to seeing the end of the tunnel. A lot of small piddly work that takes time but is needed for that finished look. Yes! Yes! Yes! We are both so tired of having every square inch of both floors dirty, messy, or both.
The Spousal Unit had his IV immune booster yesterday and has two more to go before he is finished. He will be happy not having to sit in a small room by himself looking out a window at the scenery. It does get boring.

Sewing

I sorted the doll's patterns yesterday and got them filed. I have to find another small batch that needs filing and I will have that job done. I have a lot of them plus quite a few on the computer that I have downloaded.
I worked on the coat and it is turning out nicely. The outer part is sewn and the plaids match up near perfectly. I got the lining cut out and all but the sleeves sewn up on it. It was time to get a second opinion so out into the snow storm I went to get it.
The lining is cut exactly the same as the coat and there is a front and neck facing cut out of the outer fabric. All are three pieces of fabric (coat, lining, facing) are sewn together at the neck and front. Too much bulk for this coat and I had to think this through for several hours to get it correct. Finally I laid the sewn facing on top of the lining, pinned it down and decided on what to do.

• Stitch the outer edge of the facing to the lining.
• Sew soutache braid to the outer edge to hide the fact it is unfinished (yes the pattern tells you to leave that edge unfinished).
• Cut the lining back to the stitching and sew the new and improved lining like you would in a normal coat.

Before I can sew the lining in, I have to attach the sleeves. After the lining is sewn in, I will trim the seams, press, and hem. After that, button holes and it will be done. Then the infinity scarf needs to be sewn which is an afternoon sew.
Next on the list is to sew Grandson's pyjamas. They will be a fun project to do. I will need to set up the serger to finish the seams. What I like -- lots of straight seams.

Today

I am at home and need to finish laundry and sew on the coat. I will take pictures of it so  you can see the process I am taking on the lining.
Until the next time...........................

Another Project

It snowed again last night with a good 2" of new stuff on the ground. It is still snowing at 6 a.m. The good thing is -- it's dry snow as the temperature is -11C or 12F. We will be going back to a mess as the temperatures are to go above freezing supposedly tomorrow.

Lifestyle

We are coming to the end of the renovations. The stair well has been painted and the kitchen will be painted today. Then it is trim, blinds, and a few other little things that needs to be done. Then I can clean and sort and get our house back in order. The transformation is exactly what we wanted.
As we get closer to the end, I have started to visualize how I want the rooms to look. The living room will get 4 new chairs (out with the couch and love seat). I have 3 new throws for in there (2 grey and 1 red) and will probably get another grey throw as we don't have any red ones left. I want to add red and white pillows to the chairs to add a pop of colour. No floral prints are permitted as we have a more lodge look. It is harder to find what I want than I thought. But it is coming along in my mind.

Sewing

Yesterday I had another project handed to me.

View E for the lady's apron in a navy and white print with lace that will have navy ribbon threaded through it.

The yellow apron for the doll in the same fabric with (hopefully) a tiny version of lace and ribbon on it. And, no bows on these aprons. Plus, the doll needs a plain dress to wear with the apron. These have to be done by the end of the month.
The coat pattern is really simple to sew but I have to do an adjustment as the outer fabric is a drapery fabric. When you make the coat, you make the lining exactly like the coat and then sew the front and back facings together and sew it on. The bulk will be something unreal and the facing isn't finished at all. So, I plan on sewing the facing to the lining and trim it with a soutache braid to cover the raw edge. After that, I will cut away the lining under the facing. The reviews have sating bias put on the raw edge of the facing and then hand stitch it to the lining. I am trying something new.

Today

I am off work and we leave soon for the hospital for the Spousal to have his IV immune booster. I have to pick him up at noon. In between I am going to sew on the coat.
Until the next time....................

It's Cold Out There

It is cold out there this morning. -20C or -4F at 5 a.m. and a bit colder at 6 a.m. There is suppose to be more snow fall in the next 36 hours. Then there is to be warmer weather starting tomorrow. We are not as bad off as the coast where one community has had 30" of snow fall.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit had a quiet day by himself yesterday. He got the dirty/dusty blinds off the living room window and vacuumed the floor. I need to wash the windows prior to them being painted.
As much as I am itching to reclaim our house, I can't as we still need the kitchen and back entrance painted. That means more dust. Am I sick of dust? You bet I am.
I am finished my orders for this month and will start the discount list today at work. I am ready to go at it and one of the ladies will be moving fabric around because of it. We will laugh as I do it.

Sewing

I have two projects to sew for work. One is the coat which I will work on for three or four hours tomorrow. When that is done, I have a jacket to sew. In between I need to sew Grandson's pyjamas. I will be busy on my days off. Next week I have three days off so will get a lot of sewing done then.

Knitting

The doll's shawl is a bit snug so will be increasing to 70 stitches the next time. I will be starting the next one tomorrow night.

Today

I am working my 5th day and will be relaxing tonight.
Until the next time.........................

A Doll's Shawl

I was noticing this morning that there are snow warnings out for some areas. We had snow last night and the wind has blown it around causing some drifting. The temperature is -10C or 14F with a wind chill of -20C or -5F. We will be having more of this weather during the week.

Lifestyle

Part of the kitchen floor had to be lifted as the tiles were not sticking. The subfloor has some sort of waxy/oily film on it. We hope that adding a cement base has fixed the problem. It certainly created more dust in the house.
The TV is hung on the wall above the fireplace. I'd like to get a bigger TV but this one will do for now.

Sewing

I was going to do a bit on the coat last night but was very tired.

Knitting

I stayed awake long enough to finish the doll's shawl.

I added a rhinestone button and the opening is big enough to slide over the doll's head.

The pattern is easy. I used a knitting worsted yarn by Red Heart called Sparkle Soft using 5 mm needles.
Row 1: Knit 2, yarn over, knit 2
Row 2: Knit 2, yarn over, knit to end of row
Repeat row 2 until desired size (mine was 65 stitches) and cast off.
Sew a button on one corner and use an increase hole for the button hole.
This is just the increase part of a dishcloth. I am making at least one more shawl for another outfit but I can see making more in the future.

Today

I am working again today and will be going in early to finish setting up the sale we started last night. Got most of it done but need to do some fabrics and signs.
Until the next time........................

Plaid Coat Progress

Though the flakes were small, it was snowing when we went to bed last night. There was another inch on the sidewalk this morning making a total of about 5". It is clearing off so we may have sunshine like we did for part of yesterday.

Lifestyle

We had no one working yesterday at the house. The Spousal Unit shovelled snow and put the door handles on the linen and broom closet doors. Today we have Adam back and I think he wants to fix the kitchen floor where the tiles aren't sticking properly to the subfloor.
At work, I helped do some displays and then spent some time on an order. One more to go and I am caught up for the month.

Sewing

The plaid fabric for the coat is cut out and I have enough fabric left to make a bag. I would love to put a flap on it so will have to spend some time on that. Ideas are floating in my head; latch closing, wool braid trim.
I have another doll's dress planned in a green with dark blue print cotton. This dress will be a long one. I will have another necklace made in green or blue and maybe gold. I will do it as a quick sew and then keep the extra fabric to make a top for another outfit.

Knitting

I set up and knit the shawl last night. It is an easy knit and I got about half of it done. I will show you when it is done. I have to make another one or two in case I need them for an outfit.

Today

I work today and will knit tonight.
Until the next time..........................

Snowing and Sewing

Yesterday we had 8 cm or 3" fall. The flakes were small and fairly dry which means the roads should be in okay condition. There were several accidents on one of the highways which means driving too fast. It was snowing lightly at 6 a.m. and is suppose to be like that most of the day.

Lifestyle

My goal to degrease the tops of the kitchen cabinets didn't materialize but the backsplash is on and grouted. After an inspection, the silicone bead can go on and we can proclaim it done.

Down from the sink is the microwave.

The window in this kitchen is large and we had to work around it. It lets in a lot of light which is nice.
Across from the sink is another cabinet where the coffee maker, kettle and charging station will be.

After cleaning the bathroom, I took a can of Scrubbing Bubbles to the hearth of the fireplace. It certainly removed a lot of ground in dirt and grime. Another application is needed before we redo the grout lines.

This was taken prior to me cleaning the hearth. The fireplace will be covered with black ledge stone. Excuse the mess as we have to put everything on the couches at this moment. 

Sewing

As the fourth body wasn't needed in upstairs, I headed downstairs to the basement. I put away the tub of doll notions and finished tracing the coat pattern.


Vogue 9123

Once traced, I started cutting out the fabric. The two fronts and front facings are cut out. The back is ready to cut out and only the sleeves and back neck facing need to be done. It takes a lot of time to make sure the plaid pattern matches at the side seams.
I also have to trace the t-shirt pattern for Grandson's pyjama tops and sew up his pyjamas for his birthday. I also need to set up the serger to do seam finishes on said pyjamas. Maybe it's a good thing the upstairs' renovation doesn't need the fourth body in the way.

Today

I am back to work today so work in the sewing will slow down. I will get home around 6:40 p.m. and there isn't much time to do a lot in the evenings. There is no renovation work being done today.
Until the next time..................................