A Great Phone Call

It was cool this morning!! 1C or 34F at 6 am. All I can say is WOW. By 7 a.m. it was 4C or 39F. Yesterday looked like a beautiful day until the clouds rolled in and it rained. The temperature dropped considerably and it was dull and damp after that.

Lifestyle

I am off work today, the first Sunday in many, many months (unless it is a statutory holiday). It feels strange but I had best get use to it as I get every other Sunday off.
We spent the morning getting groceries and then did shopping for the garden. Mulch and most of the plants are bought. Happy to have found what we wanted. Just need to buy the seed potatoes and we are done. Even have a pot of chili on and it is before noon.
My cold is getting better and I am almost over it. I still feel weak from the fever I had over several days but I am on the uphill to being 100% again. Or I hope I am.
The Spousal Unit got a call from the oncologist and he doesn't have to have the next 6 month round of IV immune therapy. He is one excited man. It was a year ago that he was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. It has been a long road to recovery but he is feeling stronger every day and that is all we need to have. 

Sewing

I need to get sewing more so I buy less. I made the doll's hobo bag and I forgot to clip the curved seams. A bit of pull showing up.

I found the D rings and slider in the right size and will get them next week.
I decided to buy some black out draper fabric to make curtains for our bedroom and the sewing room for summer. Those rooms get a lot of sun as they are on the south side of the house.

I got a total of 5.4 meters for $13.50 - yes $2.50/m. They don't need to be beautiful, they need to be functional. I also slipped in these fabrics.

I am going to make a new style of shopping bag.

It has a flower button but I will use a large colourful button instead. Found in this book.

I also slipped in the light fabric to make two more for gifts.

And to round out the purchase, I got this for the dolls.

A dress I think. I loved it when a lady put it on the table. I see navy blue ribbon and a necklace with navy blue in it.

Knitting

The heel flap is started on the first sock and there is 19 more rows to go. I am reading Ann Budd's book on each step of the way. Wish I had the book when I started the socks but I will be using them when I knit the next pair of socks. I learn so much every time I read a new knitting book.

Today

This afternoon I am doing more cleaning up in the basement. I hope to get more stuff put away and get closer to having the basement cleaned up.
Until the next time.........................

A Tiny Hobo Purse

It was cooler yesterday with some rain. Enough to make Elliott hide his eyes from it all.

Lifestyle

Elliott and I were looking out the living room window at the rain early in the morning and we saw a male and female mallard duck waddling across our lawn eating grass. They flew away when the Spousal Unit rattled the gate to get the newspaper. This morning he is watching the crows on the neighbour's lawn.

After a busy morning of shopping for groceries, having my hair cut and putting a few more items away, I sat in my chair to knit. I fell asleep until it was time to Skype with our family in Nova Scotia. It told me how much the cold drained me. I also know the fever was fairly high as the skin on my lips blistered and peeled off. I am feeling much better today even though there is still some congestion.

Sewing

When shopping, I am always looking for ideas for the dolls. Yesterday, as I walked through the jewellery making items, I discovered this for a south western belt.

The textures are fabulous to go with an outfit I have planned.

I know there will be some left over pieces and I hope to be able to use them in a necklace.

I decided to cut out a hobo purse for the dolls. I used left over scraps from the grey/off white sable suede infinity scarf. The handle will be in grey but the purse is reversible.

I am ready to sew in the darts to give the purse shape. I am really hoping to find 1/2" D rings and a 3/4" slider so I can attach the handle to the purse.

I have decided to set up a wooden kitchen table in the downstairs living room and sew down there when it turns hot. I will have to haul down the iron and ironing board but I am okay with that. I am going to bring home a piece of black out curtain material to hang on the sewing room window. It won't be fancy but it will help keep the room dark and cooler during the summer months. I may have to do our room also.

Knitting

After a long break, I picked up the socks I started on January 1 and now have both legs knit. I am also reading Ann Budd's book "Starting to Knit Socks" and am learning a lot from her. Between what I know from Lucy Neatsby and, now, Ann Budd, I am hoping to knit nicer socks. I do enjoy learning new techniques.

Today

I am working the 1 to 9 p.m. shift and am hoping that I won't have to push myself too hard. I have to be in early on Saturday and do books and then have Sunday off.

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



The Last of the Doll Fabric (For Now)

It must be spring. The days are warmer as are the nights. We are starting to be near or at the average day time high and a bit warmer than the average low temperature. We are still having some rain but that is mainly in the late afternoon/evenings.

Lifestyle

With the nicer weather, the windows are being opened during the day and the house smells fresher at night. I love this time of the year when one can enjoy the windows opened and smell all the lovely smells after a long winter of blah.
The Spousal Unit went and got the lawn mower from the shop and mowed the lawns yesterday. He even took the clippings out to the recycle place. He wasn't even overly tired though he did rest afterwards.
I worked in notions Wednesday organizing the elastic spools, the lace, trims, and ended the day putting out ribbon hanks. I also did an order and have one more to go. I have to get overstock out before I can place that order. Maybe Friday night and Saturday morning. I am fighting a cold and, to date, I feel like I am winning.
We weighed Elliott on our bathroom scales this week and he has lost weight. He is playing more and harder and yells for food as he is hungry. But you can feel he is lighter when you pick him up or he jumps up on you.

Sewing

I haven't sewn a stitch but I have certainly bought fabric.
The store project is going to be a bride gown and will be displayed in June.

The trim and the shantung satin. I will use the shiny side of the satin for this project.

The lace and it is lovely with scalloped edges.

Her only colour is the teal blue beads to be put into her bouquet.
The other fabrics are to make outfits for a trip to the mountains. I am having lots of fun doing it. The whole idea jumped off the page when the boots arrived.

I found this fabric when cleaning up the bunk of Knitarama fabrics that arrives through the doors when we least expect them. There has to be a couple hundred bolts of them in the store and there are some amazing fabrics to be found in that area. This was a gem of a find. It is cotton and of medium weight. I got a meter to make the dolls t-shirts and a dress.

This quilting cotton came in as a part of a large group and I loved it from the moment it arrived. I didn't buy it until I this plan emerged in my head. A shirt and if I have to buy more, a dress for the dolls.

The satin looks grey in this picture but it is a lovely rich black. The dress is lined with black bemburg lining and there is tulle netting added to the bottom of the lining to help the skirt flare out. 

 The straps of the sleeves is beads on tulle. Not sure if I have enough to go around the neckline or not as this was expensive.

And to top off expensive is the lace trim to go down the side of the dress.

The last piece I bought was a fleece that had been residing in the store since 2013. It is for the doll's snowsuit.
As I have scoured the store looking at/for fabrics, I thought I was done for the time being. I have enough fabrics to sew up both the trip to the mountains and southwestern wardrobes for the dolls. But, I saw a purse/bag pattern and know the of perfect fabric for it. I may have to get it so I can make it for myself.
I spent yesterday cleaning up the basement and got all the fabrics upstairs. I also got some books, rulers, and the ironing board into the room. I just have patterns, more books, and a few other items to go through. I know what I am keeping and what is to go. I need to get boxes from work to put the items to go to the thrift shop into. Then I can haul it all away.

Today

I am off work again and have to grocery shop, get my hair cut and work in the basement. We will also be talking to our family in Nova Scotia. I go to work at 1 p.m. on Friday, work Saturday and have Sunday off.
Until the next time.........................

Doll Shoes

Yesterday was a beautiful spring day. The sun shone and the high got to 18C or 64F. The fruit trees are starting to bloom and the trees are showing green. This morning, it is cloudy once again with chances of showers.

Lifestyle

I had yesterday off and it was needed. I had spent three days pulling, pushing, and rolling about 1000 rolls of drapery fabric as I did price change. I stood to do the first three rows in each bunk and then had to sit on the cement floor for the bottom two rows. I was beyond sore and stiff when I finished each day. But the job is done and I can do other things like ordering.
My day off was busy. We shopped, did laundry, and hauled all the pop cans to the return depot. We had lunch out which was fun.
With the sun and warmth, we wandered in our yard pulling dead leaves and stalks from the lilies, looking for new growth on other plants, and talking about the jobs we need to do this year. It was a glorious hour outside and it certainly perked us up.

Sewing

I spent an hour in the basement cleaning up some more sewing stuff. I sorted through the quilt batting throwing out the small pieces I won't use. I have enough batting to finish up some projects and then I will buy it as I need it.
I opened up some more boxes and about 50% of the fabric went to the give away pile. The other pieces I will use.

• Yellow cotton eyelet for doll's outfits. I am thinking dresses with a few tops to go with coloured jeans or capris. I am thinking part of a wardrobe to go to a music festival weekend.
  
• Cream shantung satin for party dresses and Edwardian outfits. For the party dresses, I can add bright coloured ribbons and lace.
  
• Rust, cream, brown, and black cotton that has a southwestern look to it for a skirt. I see a rust or cream coloured t-shirt with it.

I have one box of knit fabrics to find and then it will be sorting out and putting away all the loose items. If I keep on it on my days off, I hope to be done soon.
The mail person arrived with a package for me. It was the doll shoes I had ordered. The two pairs of boots tickled me to death.

These boots are really cute. I had to figure out what I wanted to sew to go with them.

I am going purple. Purple jacket and pants with darker green mitts. The top will be lilac. The Spousal Unit said he would make a doll sled. It will be "Sledding At Sun Peaks".

These boots are way too much fun also. I am thinking an after ski outfit of a short skirt, jacket and cute top. I'd love to trim it up with some white fur on the jacket. I could also make a dress and coat for uptown wear. I could add an infinity scarf and mitts.
The remaining were white shoes and one pair of 1800's brown boots for an outfit I want to make.

Today

I am at work and hope to get the books and some ordering done.
Until the next time...........................

The Last Shopping Spree

It is sunny and clear this morning with a 6 a.m. temperature of 6C or 43F. Our day time temperatures are not that warm yet with temperatures ranging between 12C or 55F and 16C or 61F. We should be warmer than that according to statistics.

Lifestyle

I worked yesterday and we were run off our feet. People were coming in to buy for new projects as they seem to have finished old ones over the Easter weekend.
At home the Spousal Unit is talking about mulch, mowing lawns, and other outdoor projects/jobs he wants to do. He did prune the rose bushes over the weekend as the timing was right. He does them when the forsythia bushes come into bloom.

Sewing

I finished up my buying spree for the dolls. I will fast for a while as I need to finish cleaning up the basement and then launder some fabric and sew.

I bought these as they have been talking to me since last week. The solid colours are denim that were greatly reduced. Jeans and jackets will be made out of them.

This cute print is for a top, skirt and capris. It will go perfectly with the white denim I bought or it can go with some other white fabric to make a small wardrobe.

This piece of fabric will be used with both the denims under it. I have lots of it so I can make several items out of it.

This was the hardest of all to match but I loved it for a top and skirt. I will have to find a solid colour to go with it for jacket and pants. But, the purchasing of fabric won't happen until next month at the earliest.
My goal is to continue cleaning the basement and reloading the sewing room. I would love to just shovel it all into garbage bags and get rid of it but there is good stuff I need. I just need to get at it and get it done.

Today

I work and need to start ordering so they all go out at the end of the month.
Until the next time......................

Happy Easter

Happy Easter 

I am at home today enjoying the sunshine. It will be a busy day for us as I have housework to do.

Daughter gave me a bag of beads yesterday and here is what I kept for the dolls.

The rest will go to friends who also make jewellery.

I found more fabric for the dolls to make southwestern clothes. Most ideas are what we normally wear so they are easy to make.

I am ready to begin in the near future to get these ideas done.

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

A Shopping Spree or Two

Spring is slowly arriving. The forsythia has begun to bloom which means the rose bushes can be pruned. There are green leaves unfurling on the trees also but it is slow when you get frost some nights.

Lifestyle

I hit the exhaustion tree yesterday. I worked until 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday nights and slept poorly. I was a zombie by noon yesterday and by 3 p.m. I was asleep in my chair. In other words very little got done except for some shopping.

Sewing

I haven't sewn but I have shopped. Wednesday night was staff appreciation and I got some items I wanted at that night's discount. Mostly for the dolls. Saturday had a special on quilting cottons and I got some for the dolls and linings for reusable grocery bags.

Fabric

I got this cotton that looks like corduroy but isn't.

I also bought the rust coloured knit to make tops to go with the southwestern print.

The blue, brown, and rust are linings for bags and white is a denim for the dolls.

I have been looking at this print for three weeks now and finally got it for the dolls. Dress, top, and maybe a pair of shorts. 

I spotted this a week ago and see some summer items out of it. 

This one is for a bag plus the dolls. Think maxi skirt.

Jewellery

I went on a bit of a spree for jewellery.

A lot of crystals made it home with me as the price was even better than the red sticker price. I also got crimping pliers which I thought I had bought but didn't.

Then I hit the craft store and did more damage there.

I am going to be looking at making southwestern clothes and jewellery for the next while. Necklaces, belts, and clothing. I am looking forward to it.

Today

I am working a split shift. I have to do the weekly books and take a couple of hours off and return to finish them. The store is closed tomorrow and they must be done for pick up early Monday morning.
Until the next time..........................

Southwestern Ideas for the Dolls

We are still waiting for spring to arrive and it may be coming this weekend. The trees are slowly starting to unfurl their leaves and the grass is green. We haven't had frost for a few mornings now and the day temperatures are getting to the mid 50F.

Lifestyle

We have been busy but not overly busy the past couple of days. I set up the living room after the old furniture was removed. It looks much better.

When these chairs arrived, one was found with the leg missing. We did set it up but are awaiting for a new chair to arrive. The other chairs had one back not put into a bracket and a fellow had to come and fix that.
On my two days off, I did get the living room, dining area, and kitchen cleaned up.
I did not get anything done with our stuff in the basement. I was tired and couldn't handle it. So, it will be looked at on Friday.

Sewing

Sewing was documented in the previous post.
My last fun item of the day was to make a doll's necklace using the beads I bought on Saturday. I had a lot of fun working on it and coming up with ideas.

The necklace colours go well with this fabric so an idea started tickling in my head. I got out the beads and made a second necklace.

After that, I took my ideas further. An outfit for the dolls using the fabric and the bigger necklace. Pintrest gave me this.

And the pattern from Pixie Faire gave me this skirt idea.

I can lengthen the skirt and add fringe if I want to. The top can be done using two patterns I have. The belt can be done using flat stones, eye pins, and a clasp. Ideas are rolling in my head.

Today

I am at work today, tomorrow, and Saturday. I get Friday and Sunday off. I am looking forward to both work and days off this week.
Until the next time..............................

The Unmentionables

I had a bit of fun making a pair of doll panties yesterday.

• I bought a package of RTW panties in a girl's size 7. There were 7 pairs of panties for $7.00.
• I used these instructions of which you can download the pattern.
• The panties turned out cute and I am happy with the results of my first pair.

A few things I would do differently next time:

• Read the whole set of instructions carefully. They are long and the good information got lost in the talk.
• Make sure I remove the elastic at the top and lay the pattern onto the fabric. When cut out, replace the elastic at the top of the back and front prior to sewing them together. On my pair, I tried to stretch the panties to fit the pattern and the back is a bit short in the crotch.
• Be good and sure the right sides are together before sewing the crotch. You guessed right at my mistake.
• Make sure the seams are lying flat when sewing. I was so excited to be making these that I forgot to check.

With the pattern on tracing paper, I am ready to make more pairs of these when I need them.
Until the next time..........................