Some Serious Thinking in the Sewing Studio

It was a warm and damp day yesterday. The snow is leaving us rapidly especially after a good rain last night. It is nice to see more grass and less snow. 

Lifestyle

We had a lovely slow Good Friday. The majority of the stores were closed and we enjoyed the time relaxing at home. 
Late in the afternoon, we headed out to Son's place for dinner. It was chicken enchiladas and carrot cupcakes which I ordered for my birthday dinner. It was delicious.
My birthday gift was peg board and accessories from IKEA. The start of getting better organized. Grandson gave me a diet orange coke. I will be ordering my next doll soon and, with the flowers from Daughter, my birthday was complete and perfect. 

Sewing

I pinned and cut out the aqua denim jeans. I got 2 pairs cut out and a third set of back pockets. They were sewn onto the shorts I am making. I can now cut out Kate's outfits from the cotton. Mind made up and with a little digging I may have all the items here except for the elastic. 

Knitting

The leg of the first sock has its 75 rows knit and set aside. The second sock has been cast on and 10 rows knit on it. There is no timeline for these socks but I would like to finish them in April. 
I dug out the yarn and materials for the Learn to Knit course. I am making a large gauge swatch. I want to measure it prior to blocking it and then after I block it. I want to feel the end product to see if I like the tension. If I do, I will start on the swatches which are smaller in size. If I finish them by the end of June, I will be happy. It is not a rush project as I want to do other knitting as well. When done, I will start a child's sweater (size 1) to learn how to adapt sweater patterns.
I am looking at sweater patterns and have ordered in one of Elizabeth Zimmerman's books. There is a sweater I love in it. Great to knit in the fall for cold weather. I am also looking at other sweaters to knit over time as well as doing a course on learning how to knit a sweater properly. I am looking forward to doing fun knitting and learning how to do knitting techniques.

Today

 The men are heading out to shop in New Minas. The ladies will shop locally and fool around with the living room furniture arrangement. I will try to knit some on the gauge swatch and the socks plus start cutting out a blouse for Kate. 
Until the next time...........................

Cheerful Flowers

Yesterday we saw a lot of sunshine and it was lovely. The wind was a bit cool but it didn't deter us. Today is suppose to be warm and wet. 

Lifestyle

We had a busy day in all at our house. We headed out early to get Daughter-in-law flowers as a thank you for all she does for us. We arrived as the store was putting out new bouquets so we had fun looking at what they had. 
I got a birthday bouquet from Daughter. It is lovely and on display in our dining room. 

My beautiful cut glass vase is still packed so I used a bodum canister for a vase. It looks quite good. 

Roses, lilies, daisies , carnations and more are in this arrangement. 

We walked around our yard after lunch and decided where we will put pots of flowers for this year. We love lots of punches of color so will be using quite a bit of red in the pots. Ideas are flowing and we are excited to start later in April. We will be doing landscaping at our Son's place also so will be happy doing what we love. 
The Spousal Unit happily moved things from the garage to the shed. We will put together the BBQ and once it is on the deck, he can start cleaning up his space and put things away. 

Sewing

I puttered in the sewing room and cut out a 2 piece dress for Anna and laid out jeans for both Anna and Kate. I still have to figure out what to make for Kate and will be looking at patterns today. The fabric for people clothing is ready and waiting on the table. 

Knitting

I finished winding Daughter-in-law's skeins of yarn and they will be returned to her tonight. She has some lovely yarn to knit up. I will now wind mine as needed. 
I knit on Grandson's socks last night. I have 5 rounds left to go before I start the other sock and knit the leg of it. 

I love the yarn as it is so soft to knit with but stands up to him wearing them for over a year. This is the Edmonton Oiler's colors which is part of the Hat Trick colors. I will be ordering it and the Edmonton Eskimo colored yarn (part of the Touch Down series). I have enough yarn to make him 2 more pairs of socks so will have a stash of yarn for his socks. 
April's knitting is taking shape. I have the red long sleeve sweater to knit and 2 slips for the dolls. 
I have decided to take the time and redo the Learn to Knit course before I decide on what I will do for other course work. Will I do a basics course and continue to work on knitting techniques or do a sweater course or both. What ever I do, I will have to fit my other knitting in so I can do fun knitting. 

Today

I will be playing in the sewing room. Cutting out doll clothes and knitting. It is damp and windy outside. 
Until the next time................. 

Knitting Projects for March Completed

It was grey and damp yesterday but there was very little wind. We didn't mind the weather yesterday after two days of sunshine. It is suppose to be sunny today with a high of 9C. Spring is slowly coming.

Lifestyle

The new chair arrived yesterday morning and I have had 3 minutes to sit in it. The Spousal Unit has claimed it as his. 

He loves it in front of the window as it is bright when he is reading. 
We changed the long cushion on the couch but we are thinking of having it made into a regular cushion and the support underneath made into an ottoman. 

Everything has tinfoil on it due to Elliott wanting to claw things. My goal is to paint this house in a griege color. Greige is a new color combination of beige and grey. 
We returned books to the library yesterday as all stores will be closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We are getting ready for the weekend. It was nice and warm outside even though it was raining. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday as I was busy doing other things. I did peek at the shorts I am sewing on and put the pins in the crop top pattern. 

Knitting

I spent some time in the afternoon knitting on the doll's blue sweater. The yarn is Sidar and the color is Blueberry Mousse. The color is no longer available. 

The sweater is Billie Premature Baby Jacket and is free. It is knit from the top down. I love the ribbing at the waist. 

If I wanted to make it part of an outfit with a top, I would go up a needle size. The pattern calls for 4mm needles and I used 3.5mm. 

I also finished the red short sleeve sweater with the beads on it. It was fun to learn how to add beads using a crochet hook. 

Next up is to make the cardigan for a sweater set. The twist on it is to make the front bands into an i-cord band. Saw it on a video by Lucy Neatby and have to try it. 

I will spend this weekend knitting on grandson's socks and cast the sweater on April 1. 

Today

I am hoping to sew the shorts and start pinning and cutting out April's projects. If the sun is shining this afternoon, I am thinking of going out for a short walk. I need to start walking every chance I get. 
Until the next time...........................

Spring Is Arriving

It was sunny for two days and we loved it. The temperature got to +10C and it was warm. Today it is cloudy and trying to rain. Just a light mist. I am sure this will help rot the snow. 

Lifestyle

With all the sun, we turned off the upstairs heat pump and opened the windows. The house smelled so good from that and we enjoyed it immensely. 

Elliott loves to sleep in the sunshine and will spend a lot of time moving around as the sun moves. 

When the windows are open, he loves to look outside and listen to all the noises. 
The Spousal Unit started to shovel the snow to the shed and it had a thick layer of ice on the top. He quit as it was heavy going. He went back in the afternoon to finish up and where the sun was shining, the snow has melted. The shady side of the house is still full of snow. 
I felt good enough that I cleaned the house over the two sunny days. Everything was moved and swept and dusted. It feels so much cleaner in here. The chair and ottoman arrive today and we are ready. Once it is here, I will clean the stairs. 
I am still fighting pain in my back due to the strained muscles. The shoulder only hurts when it is tired. I have eaten my way through the pain and will have a good gain tonight at Weight Watchers. I will start again tracking what I eat and getting outside to walk on nice days. 

Sewing

I got the cutting table cleaned off except for 5 skeins of wool I need to wind. I also swept the floor. As I was so sore, I sat and made Anna a pearl necklace and Kate a blue one. It was about all I could handle on Monday. 
Yesterday I pulled out April's projects. 

• 3 meters of shirting fabric to make the Spousal Unit a shirt.
• 2 meters of flannel to make grandson pj bottoms
• 2 meters of fabric to finish up the doll's aqua and peach wardrobe. 

I still have to make myself a t-shirt in April. 

Anna's peach/aqua wardrobe pieces have been decided upon. She will get

• aqua denim shorts and jeans
• aqua floral crop top with lace trim on the bottom and skirt
• a shirt or top out of an aqua and peach print.

This is where the idea came for the crop top and shorts.

It was a Pinterest find which I am taking my spin on. 

Kate's wardrobe is tickling in my mind. I know she will get

• aqua denim jeans and possibly a skirt
• shirt from aqua and peach print with a dress
• simple top from aqua floral print 

Once I get these items done (April sewing), I hope to make the girls Laura and Mary Ingalls' dresses. I am thinking I will do some vintage sewing for Kate and work on some pattern drafting for Anna. I will have to make necklaces for the vintage matching dresses. All in the collection so nothing needs to be bought. 

Knitting

I haven't knit for 2 full days. I hope to start again tomorrow and get the two doll sweaters done. That way, I will only have grandson's socks on the needles and I will cast on a long sleeve sweater for Anna. I plan on doing a rolled i-cord edging on the front of the sweater rather than knit button bands. I will do beads along the front and the bottom of the sweater. Will probably do beads around the wrists also. 

I have realized that I need to work on two projects at a time. More than that has me frustrated as I can't get to them all. Grandson's socks got set aside until the two sweaters are done. 

When the red long sleeve sweater is done, I will cast on knitted slips for under the vintage dresses. They are a simple pattern and I will get a ball of white yarn for them.  

Today

I hope to get the shorts completed and the crop top and matching skirt cut out. I have a bit of knitting to clean up and put away. Other than that, it is a day waiting for the chair to arrive. 

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

Bring On Spring

It is cool out there at -10C but the sun is shining. That and the warm temperatures are so exciting after the grey days we have had. Bring on spring, Mother Nature. 

Will Spring be here for Easter?

Lifestyle

When snow blowing on Thursday and shoveling on Friday, I, once again, hurt my right shoulder. It has been quite painful and I rested it with heat yesterday afternoon. Still sore this morning but I can do more than I could yesterday. 

Sewing

I finished up Anna's top yesterday morning. I do like the wrap dress at the tunic length and will be making it as time goes on. 

I sewed on buttons to complete all their outfits and they had fun modeling for me. 

Anna chose to sit for one of her pictures. 

They both put on their sweaters that I made for their dresses. 

Anna's fits her perfectly but Kate's is a tad large. Maybe it will shrink when washed. 
With the Easter outfits done, I will be cleaning up the sewing room and getting April's projects out. My plan is to make the Spousal Unit a shirt, myself a t-shirt, and finish the dolls' Spring 6 PAC. I got some new patterns for Kate for her part of the wardrobe. Still thinking about Anna's as I want to make a western shirt. 

Knitting

The red sweater has been cast off and the first sleeve has one row of beads knit into it. I need to try it on Anna and decide if I can make the sleeve 2 rows longer before I do the ribbing. 
The blue sweater has the second sleeve cast on and several rows knit on it. 
Grandson's socks have had 5 more rounds knit on it. I am slowly working my way down the leg. No knitting was done yesterday as my shoulder was too sore to knit. 

Today

My goal is to clean up the sewing room and put out April's projects. That includes getting out the patterns. If my shoulder allows, I may bead a necklace in blue for Kate. 
Upstairs will be tidied up and laundry done. We need to take a rocking chair downstairs so I will suck up the pain and help do that. I won't be knitting today as I want my shoulder to have one more day of resting. 
Until the next time...........................

Digging Out

Yesterday the weather was quite mild with some wind. We were told we had about 18" of snow fall during the storm. It seems as if the wind circled over our area causing the storm to circle and it kept dumping the snow on us. 

Lifestyle

We started the day out shoveling the driveway. It took us over an hour to clear off the heavy wet snow. You could almost see the water in the snow as parts of it had a blue tinge to it. People started digging themselves out about 6 a.m. so they could get to work. 

Sewing

Kate's top is finished and it looks cute on her. Though the pattern calls for knit fabrics, it worked out well using a cotton. 

She was quite happy to model it. Instead of velcro to close the back, I used snaps. 

Kate told me she can wear white sandals with this outfit and would love to see it with white capri leggings. 

I told her I hadn't seen white leggings in the store. 
Anna is waiting for her top. Same fabric but a tunic length of her wrap dress. She has less patterns than Kate has. 

Knitting

I have two of Lucy Neatby's DVDs on loan from the library. Yesterday I spent some time watching one and learned about i-cord edging and buttonholes. It is hard to decide which of her DVDs I wish to purchase first. 
The red short sleeve sweater is almost ready to cast off at the bottom. I have done one row of beading and have started the second row. 

The short sleeves will have the same treatment as the bottom of the sweater. 
Today
I have to help out at the hall this morning and then I will start on Kate's top. There will be some knitting done today also as I want to see the sweater completed. Once I finish the blue sweater, I will cast on the cardigan to go with the red sweater.
Until the next time......................

A Blizzard Near the End of March

We had snow yesterday. I imagine there was at least 12" or maybe more fell. The wind blew and there was some freezing rain. There is ice on some of our windows. 

Lifestyle

The beginning of the storm.

After watching the snow fall all day, we decided to clean off the driveway after dinner. We started out wading up to the shed to get the shovels and after a half hour of shoveling we got out the snow blower. Job done in another 30 minutes. We have to go out and shovel about 3" off the driveway this morning. We have been watching people dig their way out this morning using shovels and snowblowers. 

The wind blew and you can see it on the deck railing. A foot of snow at one end and 3" at the other end. The deck is full of blown snow. The debate is shovel or leave it to melt. I may shovel a pathway and do the stairs. 
I have to go out this afternoon and pick up a knitting DVD from the library and make doctor appointments for the Spousal Unit and myself. 

Sewing

I worked on Kate's top. I took my time sewing it together and putting in the elastic. I have the side seams, hem, waist gathering, and back closure left to do and it will be done. Then on to Anna's top and two necklaces.
I played with a back drop for the dolls. It is a roman shade in the family room. 

It works but I have to use the flash on the big camera as the lighting is horrid. The pot lights cast a real yellow light on the dolls. 
I have to clean off the cutting table after Anna's top is done so I can start pulling fabrics for April's projects. Two adult items are in the line up along with some doll clothes. 

Knitting

I am enjoying knitting when the weather is horrid. I worked on the red sweater and will get it done in the next couple of days. Then it will be onto finishing up the blue sweater. I have one sleeve to knit but put it down as I am thinking about it as it seems a bit small. I am still thinking of it as a longer top that closes to the waist. 
I have 30 rows knit on sock #1 of grandson's socks. 

It is an easy mindless knit at the moment. Round and round we go in K2, P2. I have a lot more rows to knit before I can start the heel flap. That is where I will learn a new technique for knitting that part of the sock. 

Today

We are going to shovel snow and then I will sew and knit. I hope to get this afternoon if the main road is plowed. It should be done sometime later this morning. 
Until the next time.........................

More Snow!

We are sitting and waiting for the snow storm to arrive. It is already 7 hours late. After a few days of lovely sunny weather, it was decided we needed another snow storm. Will this be the last one before spring arrives? Let's hope as everyone wants warmer weather. Everyone I know has sent Mother Nature a memo wanting spring to come.
*The snow started just as I am finishing up this post.*

Lifestyle

I have been cleaning the house once again. There is a white layer of dust everywhere and it needs to be cleaned up every couple of weeks. When I start this type of cleaning, everything gets done; bedding, baseboards, couch, etc. all get a thorough cleaning. As soon as the weather improves, we will get someone in to clean the heat pumps. They have a good coating of white dust on them which could be part of our problem. 
I headed out to Bedford on Tuesday by myself. I got to the Mall quite easily and got a few items from Fabricville and groceries from Superstore. I then put in the directions on the GPS and went to Walmart not far from the mall. I have been to that area twice before to shop but didn't realize it until I got there. I did what I needed and was home by noon. 

Sewing

Both of the girls have capri length leggings and they fit them very well. Though I folded down the waistband on Anna's an extra 1/8", they still come up to her waist. There is still one pair to be cut out of the black legging fabric. I will make them once I put black thread on the serger. 
I also cut out and serged a top for Kate. I am testing it for sale. I also want to do a short version of Anna's dress out of the same fabric. These are part of their Easter wardrobe and I am testing them at the same time. If all goes well, I may sell them with white capris, hats, and a bag. I am slowing down on the doll sewing as I am thinking of wardrobe ideas and will be working on that. 

Knitting

I am ready to knit the second sleeve into the jacket I made for Anna. It is tight so it may become a top. 

It buttons to the ribbing at the waist so will be cute with pants or leggings. The decision will be made once it is complete. 
The red sweater with the beads is now having the body knit. I will add a row of beads on the last knit row before I start the ribbing. The same will be done on the short sleeves. The next time I knit this sweater, I plan on doing the front similar to this sweater. I will lengthen the sleeves to the wrist. 

I may graph out the sweater and add the beads to the sleeves and the back. Ideas are rolling in my head to make this sweater. I'm thinking of a color similar to a pair of leggings I bought with a contrasting color of beads. 
While shopping, I found this yarn and will be picking it up to make Daughter and Anna each a messy bun hat. 

In the meantime, I need to finish two projects and work on grandson's socks. 

Today

More housework needs to be done, some sewing and knitting, and a bit of relaxing. The Spousal Unit is to go to Son's place to watch tree removal. 
Until the next time........................

Decision Time

It is still cool with wind. Our one good thing has been the sunshine for 2 days. Today is the last day before it starts snowing again. We have a warning out for two days of snow and then flurries. 

Lifestyle

I headed back to bed yesterday morning and slept for over an hour. I wasn't feeling well and thought I may have a touch of the flu. Once I got up the second time, I cleaned up some of the house. It was time to get rid of the white fluff and cat hair. 

Sewing

I started sewing capri length leggings for Anna. I folded the top down an extra 1/8" by accident so they will be low rising capris. I have enough fabric left in the leggings to cut out one more pair. I may do the longer length. 
I have been deciding on what to do about selling the doll clothes I am making. I have waffled between craft bazaars and an Etsy store. I have waffled between doing patterns and clothing. I am close to a decision and am leaning towards an Etsy store. 
The Etsy store allows me to reach more people and to sew for both American Girl and Gotz dolls. I can sell outfits or ensembles vs single items of clothing. I love to put together and sew ideas for the ensembles. It also allows me to design patterns for Gotz dolls. There are very few patterns out there for these dolls. I can choose to sell patterns or just sell what I design. The opportunities are greater with the Etsy store. 

Knitting

As I wasn't a huge ball of fire yesterday, I chose to knit. The sweater with the beads is now ready for a lifeline to be added. 

I added one more row of beads after taking this picture. I plan on adding beads to the bottom of the body and sleeves. The life line is added in case I need to unknit and add one more row of beads. I already have another idea for beads for when I do it in another color. The details are worked out already. 
I also chose to work on another sweater for the dolls. It is an easy knit. I am ready to knit 4 rows of ribbing and do the sleeves. 

Both of these sweaters will be a part of ensembles. The red sweater will have a cardigan in red of which I will add a row of beads to it. There will be black slacks and skirt to go with the sweater set. 
The blue sweater will be more casual. I see blue jeans, t-shirt with bling and a purse. Both are sized for Gotz dolls but are easy to make for American Girl dolls. 

Today

I am heading out to Bedford to shop. I want to be done shopping before the bad weather hits as I will be house cleaning, sewing and knitting while I watch what I hope is the last of the winter storms. 
Until the next time..............................

Stretching My Learning

We are still experiencing cool weather. Saturday was snowy with a north wind that went right through you. Yesterday was cool and sunny. It seems to be a bit colder than the normal temperatures. 

Lifestyle

Saturday was Dartmouth shopping day. The Spousal Unit went with son and grandson and bought a lawn mower. It is in the garage waiting for spring to arrive. 
Daughter-in-law and I went shopping. It was a big shopping for me and I will be set for another 6 weeks in some departments. 
We went to Ikea and found their peg board and accessories and I will be buying 2 to 3 peg boards and a bunch of their accessories for in the sewing room. We also looked at their organizers for the bathroom. Will be buying some of those also. 
Yesterday we went to watch grandson play soccer. When we got home last night, we mentioned that we were certainly out a lot the last few days. Very good for us be out and about. 

Sewing

Friday morning I spent sewing snaps and buttons on doll clothes. That job is done and out of my mind. I had put it off until I had enough to spend some quality time with a hand sewing needle. 
I added to the doll's stash by buying leggings and t-shirts from Walmart. The fabric is much nicer to cut and sew than what I can buy in a fabric store. All the items were chosen to go with wardrobes I am planning on sewing. 
Yesterday morning, I cut out leggings for Kate. I chose the capri length for spring and used a pair of children's large leggings. They were sewn up in no time and fit her well. I also cut out capri length leggings for Anna. They are ready to sew when I have an hour. There is enough fabric to cut out one more pair of capri length leggings. 
I bought a few more items to make doll necklaces. I found the pearls I wanted and got them. I also bought two pendants and some beads. 

Anna's favorite pendant was the horse and I made her a necklace. It can be shortened if too long to wear with her outfits. 

Knitting

Kate's white sweater is finished to the button. I have to get buttons for both their sweaters. I am waiting for a few days as I am knitting the short sleeved sweater for the twin set for Anna. 
This sweater has a twist to it. I decided to learn how to knit beads into knitting and thought this would be a good project to start with. It's small and won't use too many beads. I watched a Knit Picks video on knitting beads using a crochet hook. 

I had to figure out where to place the first row both in the row number and the stitches as the pattern has an even number of rows for the front. Once that was done, the second row of beads was easy. The third row was decision making as to add a bead at each end and I didn't. The next biggest decision is when to stop knitting in the beads. I have had the black beads in with my crochet hooks for 4 or 5 years now as I wanted to make a cowl with 800+ beads knit into it. Starting small was the right thing to do and yes I will do the cowl one day but it is a full winter's project. 
I set up a pair of socks for grandson using the left over Edmonton Eskimo's wool. The goal of these socks is to try a new heel idea. I have really stretched in my learning of techniques of knitting this winter. 

Today

Housework needs to be done and then some sewing. It will be cool and windy today so perfect to be inside working.
Until the next time..................

More Wool! Yikes

Yesterday morning was glorious; sunshine galore. In the afternoon, it was snow flurries and wind. 

Lifestyle

With the sun shining we decided to head out to New Minas in the morning. We had a few things to do but we really wanted to be out due to the weather being perfect. We were happy we made the decision to go in the morning. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon finishing up Kate's dress. It turned out fitting her quite well after taking in the side seams to 3/8". I know what I will do differently the next time I make it. In all it is a nicely drafted pattern for 18" dolls. 

Anna wore her new shoes that arrived two days ago. Kate's shoes have been in their bag for a year now. 
I also made Anna a necklace. The beads are a mixture of shiny and dull and were perfect for this outfit. I used clear seed beads between the larger beads. 

Next up is tops and capri length leggings for the Easter weekend. Anna wants a chain necklace to wear with this outfit. 

Knitting

One of our stops was to the wool shop in Wolfville. I wanted to buy Karbonz double pointed needles which they don't carry. Instead I walked out with yarn. 
This yarn I wanted as I love the color way. It isn't denim but so beautiful. The colour is Agave. I know it will go with some items of clothing I want to make for myself. I see a shawl to wear with a lovely blue faux suede jacket I have percolating in my mind. 

I will probably buy another skein of it next month. 
I also bought these two skeins of yarn to make Anna a petticoat and over dress. If I can reverse the colors, I will make two of each. 

These are not for sale items as this wool is expensive and you would never recoup your cost. 
I knit on Kate's white cotton sweater and have 10 to 11 rows left to finish the first sleeve. It fits her and looks nice with her dress. 
I also knit on the dishcloth and need to continue working on it at home and at Fibre Ops. I really want to start a new project even if it is another dish cloth. I have so many projects I want to knit. But I am a person who can only handle two projects on the go at a time. I am also a person who likes to use up every inch of yarn before I start new balls. I am trying to break that habit but it is really hard. 

Today

It is Fibre Ops at the library and I have a bunch of hand sewing to do in the afternoon. I also need to get groceries. 
Until the next time...............

After The Storm Thoughts

We survived the last storm. The wind changed from NE to SE or SW and it blew hard. Temperatures are to dip for a few days. Maybe the end of March will be a lot nicer. As someone said, we are getting our winter weather in March. 

Lifestyle

I had a nap yesterday afternoon. The wind banging against the house had exhausted me. I woke up feeling much better and ready to become a real person wind or no wind. 
I hit one mini goal at Weight Watcher's last night. I am down 15 pounds. The second one will be attainable if I keep focused. I continue to work on tracking the food I eat and keep talking positively if I blow a meal. But I still try to enjoy what I eat and not keep it to eating low calorie or free foods. 

Sewing

Kate's dress is progressing with the skirt almost done. I have to take out the side seams and restitch them at 3/8" vs the 1/4" the pattern calls for. It helps the dress fit much better. 
For their Easter outfit, I will be adding a top and capri length leggings to the mix. The leggings will be black and the top in a polka dot of the bright yellow and white. Once they are done, it's back to the spring clothes in the aqua colors. 
April's projects are niggling in my mind. There could be a t-shirt for me, a shirt for the Spousal Unit, and more clothes for the dolls. 

Knitting

Kate's sweater was huge on her. I stood back and read the information on the wrapper. The yarn weight is 2 not 1. I unraveled the sweater and knit it on a size smaller needles. Much better. I am ready to knit the sleeves once I sort my knitting needles out. 
I also knit on the dish cloth I have going for the Friday knitting at the library. It is time to get it done and on to the next project - another dishcloth vs socks for Grandson. I am itching to try out a couple of new ideas I have read about. 
I also hauled out the Downton Abbey yarn that had frustrated me back in January. I started out knitting a gauge swatch using the recommended needles. The gauge was off so I went up a needle. Perfect. Then I knit it in a smaller needle for a coat I want to knit. Perfect. The end result is I knit on one size larger needles than called for and new yarn needs to have a gauge swatch done on it. I have more Downton Abbey yarn which is finer than the one I swatched. I will be doing a gauge swatch on it as I would love to knit doll's dresses out of it. I have one idea floating in my head already. 

Today

As it is sunny outside, we may go for a drive and get a set of knitting needles for me. I want to look at yarn for a few minutes to see if they carry the color I am looking for. I need to sort my needles prior to us taking a drive. 

Recycling Beads From Lace Scraps

Yesterday's weather was much nicer and was really appreciated. Especially when you get a yellow banner at the top of the page saying "Winter Storm Watch". Today the banner is red and bigger as we will get the winter storm and high winds. Our third big storm since Christmas. 

Lifestyle

With a nicer day yesterday, people were out and about. Runners with and without dogs ran the trails in an area north of us. Families were out making snowmen and having snow ball fights. Everyone was having some fun before the storm rolls in later today. 
With the storm rolling in, I am having headaches due to the changes in air pressure. They come and go letting me know the storm is coming. 
Our bedroom was cleaned and laundry was folded. Monday morning housework it seems. I try to do some each day of the week so I can have the weekends off. 
Elliott loves green plants and was eyeballing my shamrock from the minute it arrived in the house. 

Said plant is now residing up high in the sewing room out of his reach. 

Sewing

I started sewing on Anna's dress and it is such a nice pattern that I almost finished it by late afternoon. I have to hem the dress and put on buttons. 

I shortened the dress by 1/2" and it looks quite cute on Anna. 

She quite like the length and is waiting for me to finish it. I have to get buttons for the front. I would love to find black flower buttons but may have to settle for white flowers. 

Kate's pearls were borrowed for the pictures. 
On Sunday, I trashed some small pieces of expensive lace. Why I had them is beyond me. I looked at them in the trash can and I dug them out. I pulled all the pearls off them to make necklaces. Recycling the beads let me not feel bad about throwing out the lace trim.

 There are enough small beads to make a longer necklace for Anna to wear with her black sweater. I will put clear seed beads between the pearls and will leave out the longer pearls. 

These beads are larger and most were left from Kate's necklace. I was able to add a few more to the stash and will start stringing them to make Anna a chocker length necklace. I hope to use the longer pearls in this one. Ideas are rolling in my head. 

Knitting

On Sunday, I set up the yarn swift to try it out. 

When I finished playing, I had done a lot of yarn cakes. 

The front cakes are Daughter-in-laws and the back ones (three) are mine. I have a shawl and socks planned. The socks will have a new heel idea incorporated into my pattern. The shawl will be a long term project doing only a few rows a day. 
The black sweaters got put into a bucket of cool water and left to soak for an hour. They are now blocked and drying on a towel. Two things were noted. The black wool left the water with a black tinge to it; they bled dye. The yarn is softer than before soaking. 
I started knitting Kate's white sweater out of cotton yarn. It is really nice to knit and is quite soft. In three hours, I was ready to knit the row where I put the sleeves on waste yarn. I hope to be knitting the sleeves tonight. 

Knitting the pattern the second time is a lot easier than the first. I know the pattern and white makes seeing the stitches easier. I will do this pattern once more in a denim colored yarn. Then it will be put away until I have more left over yarn to make another one. 

Today

I need to get some groceries first thing and clean up the living/dining room. Once that is done, I would like to finish Anna's dress and start on Kate's Easter dress. Knitting tonight will be on Kate's sweater. I am hoping this will keep my nerves less jangled with the wind we are expecting. 
Until the next time..................