Moving Forward

It was a beautiful sunny day yesterday. The temperatures are hovering in the high teens or low twenties. Perfect.

Hydrangeas, one of my favorite flowers. 

Lifestyle

After nearly 6 weeks or more of struggling with boredom/depression, I finally worked through my issues. I am happy to say I am feeling better and am enjoying life once again. This usually happens when I am not being challenged mentally. So I look forward to moving forward. 
I worked on the bullet journal and will be starting again in June. The month at a glance is in place. 

I have a couple of more dates to put in; one is when Grandson has his graduation from his school. Next year is a new school for him and his classmates. 
I then spent some time working on my weight loss charts. I reviewed my 90 Day Challenge and decided to start fresh. I put out 8 hearts for 8 pounds. We will see if I can achieve this or if I have to modify it. Easy to do; add or subtract stickers.  

I will keep a tally of the weight lost each month. I have a big goal I am working towards. 
"Why?" is always the question asked when you are losing weight. I was honest with myself and even gave 4 reasons for better health. This is related to me. Other people's reason are different. 

Then I did a meal planner. This allows us to figure out what we want for dinner each night so we aren't deciding the morning of. Following Weight Watchers allows me to eat and track easier if I have a meal plan. I track points in the app on the phone. 

And finally the week at a glance. I will keep track of what I want to do, have a place to put down my thoughts for the next week and what we need for groceries. I like this format a lot as I pack my bullet journal with me. 

I can write on little notes or right into the journal. The choice is mine. 

Sewing

The jacket is close to being finished on the Edwardian walking suit. Two buttons and snaps and it's done. I started on the skirt and after an hour got it right. I had to sit at the table with the pattern up on the computer. Even the addendum on pleats was a hard to follow. When I got it, it took me 15-20 minutes to get all the pleats done. 

The belt needs to be cut out and added. I should be done today. 

Knitting

The doll's sweater needs one collar knit and then sewn together and it will be complete. It will be done today. 

Today

Two projects will be completed and then I can look at June's projects -- finishing the Spousal Unit's shirt, two doll dresses, and two sweaters. If it is a good month, I want to start socks and maybe a Christmas item. 

Walking Suit Progress

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Warm and sunny. 

Lifestyle

We did the grocery shopping yesterday morning. It was time to stock the larder with foods that promote good eating habits. 
We bought chicken breasts which I decided to roast in the oven. I sprinkle a tablespoon of this rub on the meat and add 1/2 cup chicken broth to the cooking dish, cover and roast until cooked. 

We use this rub on everything. I only add 1/4 cup paprika and 1 tsp cayenne. 

When cooled, I shred the chicken, add another tablespoon of rub mix and 2 tablespoons of broth and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use. I love it for lunch. 

Sewing

I worked on the walking suit jacket yesterday. It is nearing completion. 

The sleeves were very east to sew. I put most of the fullness  towards the top of the sleeve. 

I'm making a note that the sleeves could be 1/2" to 3/4" longer if you want full length sleeves. All that is left is to hem, put the tiny buttons down the front and add snaps. I hope to cut out the skirt today and work on it. 

Knitting

I have the sweater ready to knit the yoke. I need to read the pattern as I do the decreases for the raglan sleeve. I should get it completed by tomorrow night. 

Today

I will be sewing and knitting as I need the two projects done  by tomorrow evening. I'm looking forward to the next projects -- the Edwardian one we will know tomorrow morning (sewing) and the knitting one is a sweater. I want to knit it twice and make two dresses to go with them. 
Until the next time......................

Road Trip

Yesterday was a lovely sunny day so we decided to.......

Do A Road Trip

It was impulsive and a lot of fun. The decision was to find a street we loved in Hansport, drive down it and look at the Minas Basin. We had driven this street last September while visiting and had looked at a house. We had also gone and looked at the Minas Basin. We had tried again on our own and couldn't find it. We were successful yesterday. 
We love the street with its old trees. It reminds one of something from the past. 
We stopped at the park and walked down to the ocean. The tide was in and it looked different than when were there the last time. The tide was out then. We looked at this area with a different lense than the last time. The basin was the attraction last time. This time it was the geography. 

Looking down the Minas Basin and wondering how far it was to Truro. A long ways - 50 miles. The part of the Minas Basin we were in is the South Bight and it turns into the Central Basin. Truro is in the Coquebid Bay section of the Basin. 

We were down by Windsor when taking our pictures. Hansport has a loading dock that is no longer used. It was being used in 2004 (and previous years) to load gypsum into large tankers. The tankers came in with the tide and had to be loaded to leave at high tide. 

High Tide May 28, 2018

We were there while the tide was coming in yesterday. Last time was during low tide. 

Low Tide (Sept 2017)

We enjoyed the spot and took pictures of some maple trees when going down the stairs to the sea shore. 

And after looking around from the bottom step we headed back up those stairs. 

In the park, we admired this old tree that is just coming into leaf. 

We drove home happy to have seen this spot again. 

Sewing

I worked on the Edwardian Walking suit (Ramble) and fussed and fiddled with the pleats until I was happy. The yoke was sewn and added so Laura could try it on. 

I now need to cut out one sleeve and three cuffs and hope to have the jacket finished today. 
The Spousal Unit's shirt got its second pocket put on and one pocket flap cut out. I'm moving along on it quite slowly. 

Knitting

I am almost finished the second sleeve and will soon be knitting the yoke of the sweater. I am hoping it will be done Thursday so I can add it to the Knit Along. It is turning out to be a good fit on the American Girl doll. 

Today

We need to shop for groceries and then I need to sew on the doll's jacket. The skirt needs to be sewn tomorrow. Time is flying by as I want it finished Thursday afternoon. Being a perfectionist makes it hard to meet deadlines. And, I have 11 teeny tiny buttons to sew on. 

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

Shirt Progress

Our weather has been interesting. It has ranged from frost to rain to sunshine. We have been told it has been colder at night than usual. Not complaining as Newfoundland had at least 15" of snow fall. 

Lifestyle

We have covered plants and put others into the garage for two nights in a row. Frost was seen yesterday morning but it was warmer this morning. We hope this is it for frost. 
We were out and about on Saturday morning to get a few things. We were lucky enough to see acres upon acres of apple trees blooming. It was busy with cars lined up due to the Apple Blossom Festival in New Minas. We got what we needed and headed home. Driving in New Minas is bad on a normal day let along when the traffic is heavy. 
Sunday was quiet for us. We did go and get a few items we needed but spent the day at home. 

Sewing

I have been working slowly on the shirt. The yoke is done. 

With the way I sew the shoulder seams, you do not see the shoulder seam at all. It is hidden. I love this and always thank Ron Collins for showing me this professional trick. 

One thing I have to do is follow the darker lines on the yoke front. The pockets and flaps have to match. It took me a bit to see this and it came to light after I had pinned on the first pocket and saw it was on the wrong side. The first pocket is now on the right side of the shirt and stitched down. 

I'm not sure why this picture is so dark. 
As I was sewing yesterday, I looked around the room and I really need to paint the walls. I do not like how dark the paint is plus I really do not like the color. Once done, I will rearrange the room to have a doll's corner. 
A internet friend of mine made this cute doll clothes rack using brass fittings and wooden dowels. I have seen it made with PVC pipe without the shelf on the bottom. 

She has three Gotz dolls hence three of everything on the shelf. Really too cute. I will get one made and set up a doll's corner in the sewing room. A table with a backdrop, the clothes rack, props, and the dolls. 

Knitting

I am knitting the Daisy Chain outfit again on larger needles for an American Girl doll. I have been asked to do it by someone who does not knit. The body is done and one sleeve is almost done. Knowing the pattern makes it go faster though I have had to unknit as I forgot buttonholes; thank goodness not many rows. 

Today

I have one quick outing today and then I can sew. I am ready to put on the second pocket and then start on the Edwardian walking outfit. I also hear laundry calling me. that means several trips up and down the stairs. 
Until the next time..........................

The Shirt is Started - Sewing People Clothes

It was a warm and wet day yesterday. We got to watch the sun shine and it raining at the same time. Today it is suppose to clear off and become sunny again tomorrow. 

Lifestyle

The plants in the garden are growing well and the beet seeds have sprouted. It is nice to know that we will have fresh pickings this summer. 
Grandson came over after school and had supper with us. We have so many good laughs with this child. His eyes sparkle and he gets this grin on his face that is delightful. He got to play with his friends outdoors of which he enjoyed immensely. 

Sewing

I spent a little over an hour in the sewing room yesterday. I worked on the Spousal Unit's shirt. I sewed the shoulder seams with wrong sides together. That allows the shoulder seams to be hidden by the yokes. 

Then, I turned under the yoke edges and pressed them down well prior to sewing them together right sides together at the shoulder seams. 

The yokes are now ready to go onto the shirt body and be  stitched down. I usually stitch around the neck and shoulder seams at 3/8" to hold everything in place. After that it is onto the pockets. 
I picked out the fabric for this weeks summer sew along. It is a green fabric that has a bit of a stripe to it. We are making an Edwardian Ramble costume. It is a walking outfit. 

Wren Feathers ramble costume

I will be making the skirt to fit my dolls. The jacket should be okay. 

Knitting

I knit Anna's bag to go with the sweater and had to rip out the flap. I hated the crocheted loop for the button. I did a button hole in the flap for it. The hat was another fun knit. I think I did row 3 of the pattern 3 times before I got it right. In the end, it looked really cute on Anna. I will be knitting this again to sell. 

And a close up of the hat. 

I picked up the Russian dress and started to work on the skirt. Before I got it into a round, I had 2/3rds of the stitches slide off the needle. I unknit 5 rows to where I had all the stitches on the needle. It took a bit to get those 5 rows knit and finally set up in the round to start the skirt. Lesson learned -- do the last row of knitting on longer cable needles so you can set up the magic loop before starting knitting in the round. In the end, I got 6 rows knit on the skirt. It is an easy knit. 

Today

More sewing on the shirt. Once the pockets are on, I will lay out the Ramble outfit as it has to be sewn by Thursday. I need to get thread to sew this outfit together. 
Until the next time........................... 

Frost Is Better Than Snow

Yesterday was warm, windy, cool and we woke up to frost this morning. Better than New Brunswick and Newfoundland where they got snow.

Lifestyle

We spent yesterday morning outside and completed planting all the flowers we had. We also gathered up the soil bags and prepared everything for recycling. 

The last job before lunch was to set up the fairy gardens. Even Elliott looked out the door to see what we were doing. 

This is the closest he has gotten to going outside on his own.
Last night, we covered all the flowers and put plastic bags over the tomato cages due to a frost warning. We have a couple more nights that could have frost. 

Sewing

Though I didn't sew yesterday, I did look at old posts on sewing the Spousal Unit's shirt. I am going with bias again. When I review the shirt, I will post links to those posts. 

Knitting

The pink sweater is done and Anna got to model it. 

It fits her quite nicely but I will add two more stitches to the back button band. 

It fits a bit tight across the back. The next time I knit it, I will knit and extra 4 rows (the pattern) so the sleeves are full length rather than the 3/4 length the pattern calls for. 
I am now knitting the purse and have the flap left to do and then sew it up to be done. After that, a hat. 
Next month's Knit Along is a cute sweater that I will partake in. It will go perfectly with the dresses I am going to beta test. 

Today

I need to pick up a desk, do some shopping and some housework. Then I can sew on the shirt. 
Until the next time..........................

Edwardian Garden Party Dress

I decided to take part in a Summer Sew Along for dolls. The theme is Edwardian, my favorite time period. I was in with both feet. Wren Feathers designs the patterns which are free for one day -- Thursday. After that you can buy them at her Etsy Shop.

The first pattern was an Edwardian Garden Party Dress. It was designed for a doll this is slim and 16" tall. The fabric is cotton/polyester lace that you would trim a child's dress with. She called for the lace to be 6" in width. For my doll, it had to be 8" in length. I could only find lace that was almost 6" in length. I would be doing a hack. 
I had to remove the bias tape from the top of the lightly gathered lace and iron it flat. Once done, I carefully laid the bodice pattern pieces out on the lace. When happy, I cut them out. As the instructions showed, I laid the pattern pieces out to make the bodice. I then laid out the fabric pieces to get them in the right places. The bodice is very fussy but not hard to do. I stitched them down following the scallop on the lace. 
The skirt hack came from a pattern I had. Using white cotton, I cut a piece 8" deep by 26" wide. I serged the hem and turned it up 3/8" and stitched it down. After that was done, I laid the lace onto the skirt so the shortest part of the lace came even with the hem. I spent some time centering the lace. That piece of lace was stitched in place using a zig zag stitch. The second layer was put at the top and gathered. Then the game got interesting. 
My first attempt at putting the dress together (bodice and skirt are gathered onto a waistband) was too small for Laura. I was going to leave it over night to think on but ended up taking it all apart before bedtime. 
I cut a new waistband 1" x 11" and gathered the skirt and bodice onto it. Perfect. The seams were finished and snaps added. I had what I think is a cute hack of the dress. 

I would do these different next time:

• add 1/8" to the bodice back so I have a bit more to turn under to sew the snaps onto. 
• finish the waistband by cutting two pieces of fabric 1" x 8". The second piece would sewn on to the bodice with the first piece and the other long side would be turned under 1/4"  and hand stitched to cover the raw edge for a nicer finish on the waistband. 

Next up is to make a flower crown using instruction from Dolli Diaries. Which flowers will be use?

Laura wants white roses like Charolette wore as bridesmaid at her Uncle's wedding. Only if I can find miniature ones will that happen. 

Pink Sky At Night

Yesterday, was wet and warm. At one point in the afternoon, it rained hard. Everything has been well watered which is nice. 

Lifestyle

Last evening when I went outside to take some pictures, the sky was gorgeous. Pictures never do it justice. 

Our street was busy at that time of night. Kids were out playing and riding their bikes. Adults were out with them. 
My main reason for going out was to take a picture of the solar lily I got for Mother's Day about 6 years ago. It is always somewhere to look at in the evenings. 

At this house, it is in the front by the walk way. We can look at it out the front windows. 

I was able to get a picture of it with the lights on. After a grey day, I didn't think it would come on. 
In the afternoon, Daughter-in-law and I went to the city to shop. We hit the masses in Ikea, Costco, and Walmart. It wasn't that busy at Christmas. We had a good time shopping and visiting. 

Sewing

No sewing yesterday but more thoughts are evolving in my head. I can sew them while doing the Spousal Unit's shirt. Beta tests on patterns. 
I got the American girl doll and she is in okay condition. I gave her a good wash and she wasn't overly dirty. She has two pen marks on her face which I am hoping will come off with acne cream. Her body has some felt marks on it but nothing drastic. Her limbs are loose and I will tighten them. If her hair doesn't soften with a shampoo and hot water treatment, I will buy her a wig. As of now, she can model the clothes I am making. 

Knitting

The sweater is almost knit and ready to sew together. 

Though the daisy stitch is a bit cumbersome to begin with, it does get easier as time goes on. The pattern is well written. I have a purse and hat to knit to go with the sweater and will sew white leggings. Then pink runners will be added to finish off the look. This pattern fits a Gotz doll. 

Today

After I do some housework, I will be sewing and helping with flower pots. A relaxing day at home. 
Until the next time........................

Tired But Happy

After a lovely stretch of sunny weather, it rained last night. It is a warm rain which is lovely. Better than the frost the night before. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit has been planting flowers and vegetables and it is starting to look nice here. We had to get up at 4 a.m. yesterday morning to cover plants with blankets, towels, and shopping bags as there was frost showing up on everything. We lost 4 tomato plants. 
We got up at 6 a.m. and I watched the Royal wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony in my opinion. We were both tired so it was nice to sit and do nothing but watch the wedding. 
The rest of the day was spent with family. We both went out and did some shopping in different directions. We love those kinds of days. We ended the day having ice cream near our homes and it was delicious. We went to bed early as we were both tired but happy. 

Sewing

I finished the outfit for Kate. It is called Show Time by All Dolled Up. 

I plan on changing the shorts into a skirt. The blouse is a good fit though it does take time to sew. 

From that one piece of fabric, I got two totally different outfits for the dolls. 

Now on to sewing a shirt for the Spousal Unit along with some dresses and white leggings for the dolls. 

Knitting

I did quite a bit of knitting while watching the Royal wedding. I stopped when I thought I needed to knit another buttonhole. 

I have since finished the pattern and have it set up with the sleeves. Ready to start the shaping for the sleeves and the henley opening. My plan is to knit the matching purse and a lacy hat. This outfit will be worn with white leggings and pink runners. The rest of the pink yarn will be used to make a different sweater and if there is enough left over, a coat. 
I got the longer length knitting needles for the Russian dress. I will be starting on the skirt shortly. It will be knit as I have time as I want to knit other items also. I also got very short knitting needles to knit a pair of socks for Grandson. I'm trying something new; another learning curve is in the making. 

Today

I'm not sure of my schedule but I plan on cleaning the front entry. I will stop if I need to if Daughter-in-law and I go to the city. It is going to be a flexible day. 
Until the next time............................

Projects Near Completion

After several days of sunshine and warm weather, we had a good shower last night. Today will be sunny and warm. 

Lifestyle

We were not going to do garden boxes this year but it happened in the end. The Spousal Unit found what he liked. 

We are now putting weed control cloth in the bottom of each one and filling them up with dirt. And plants and seeds have been purchased so the long weekend will be planting weekend. 
Yesterday we drove to New Minas to do a bit of garden shopping. On the way home, we saw what looks like apple trees in bloom. Spring is certainly here. 

Sewing

I am almost done the shirt I have been working on. It has gone together quite well. 

I just have one sleeve to set in, the side seam to sew up, and the hem to do. Then I have to decide on if I will do button holes or snaps. Now that I have done one of these, I may make another one later on. What I learned:

• Lace choice is very important. Though I like cluny lace a lot, I need to watch the edge that goes under the yoke. 
• Serge seams early on. It is a pattern that can have the serging done early on.
• Don't rush. I didn't and thought about each step and am glad I did as it looks professional on the inside. Except for the sleeve seams that I forgot to do. 

While sewing the Spousal Unit's shirt, I will be doing some doll sewing -- dresses that need to be figured out plus a summer sew along challenge. More on that later on. 

Knitting

I finally got the bodice done on the Russian dress. Forty-seven rows done. I counted the stitches on 43 of those rows. 

I am setting it aside until I get a longer circular needle to do the skirt. It is done in the round. I will continue on with the needle I have but will have to change when it gets too crowded. 

I am going to knit a doll's sweater for Anna and Laura. It is Daisy Chains. 

My yarn choice is Kai in this variegated yarn. 

I will probably add the purse and a hat. I will need to get buttons on Friday so I have it ready to finish up by the end of the month. 

Today

With the weather so nice, we will probably finish the dirt in the garden boxes. That way, we can start planting them and the flower tubs over the next week. I would love to finish the doll's blouse so I can start on the shirt and dresses. 

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

Mother's Day Fun

Yesterday the weather was sunny and warm. It got to about 19-20C. This morning it is 1C and foggy. The sun is trying to shine so it will be another nice day. 

Lifestyle

We had a slower day yesterday. The Spousal Unit filled the 6 balcony planters with dirt so they are ready for flowers. This photo shows what you need. 

I use this formula when I do all the pots but not with the hanging baskets. I just use spillers and fill the pots full. 
In the afternoon, we sat for a while in the sun and then we got the garden boxes lined up evenly on the lawn. They are now ready for ground cover and dirt. Next weekend is planting. 
We had dinner with family and then went for a drive to Panuke Lake. It is about a 10 minute drive and the road literally ends at the lake. 

The lake is 30 km long with a hydro-electric dam at the north end. There is also a protected area at the lake due to old forest growth. People have cabins around the lake and get to them by boat. 

Here is the boat dock that people use. We actually saw two boats use it. 

We walked a bit around the lake but it is very high this spring Daughter-in-law stated. It was a great area to see and so close to home. 

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room making the shirt for Kate. I had sewn the back to the side pieces and had serged those seams. Next up was top stitching them down. 

After that was done, it was time to do the the back yoke. I folded under 1/4" and basted it in place. 

I pinned the lace so the edge was under the yoke. I basted it down and sewed it on to the shirt. The fun was beginning. I picked it up to check and most of the lace did not catch. It literally hung down on the shirt. Ripped it out and after three tries got it stitched down. Lesson learned: Do Not use lace that has a crocheted edging that has holes on it. You have to zig zag stitch it down and not the look I wanted. 

What I do like is the points on the yoke match at at the seam line of the shirt. Nice drafting skills. 
I did a repeat of the front and it took several tries to get it attached properly. I also serged the shoulder and side seams of the front; I still need to do the back seams. 

At that point I stopped for the day. I will be putting clear crystals into the centers of the flowers on the yokes. This shirt calls for a bit of bling. 

Knitting

I did some knitting on the dress and am ready to start row 23. The dress has a tiny mistake at one sleeve -- I am short 1 stitch on the sleeve and had one too many on that side of the bodice. All is fixed up now and it is looking good. 

As this was a hard knit to start off with, I have not cast on another project. I probably won't until after I start the skirt on the dress. 

Today

I need to do some housework, sew on the doll's blouse, and help with the garden containers. I may even get to mow some lawn as tomorrow is to have some showers. 
Until the next time.....................