New Medication

Yesterday we had a nor-easter and it was a wild one. The winds were howling and snow/rain fell most of the day. Over 200 000 people were without power yesterday morning. We had our power for which we were thankful for. Today is cloudy with wind but nothing like yesterday.

Lifestyle

I took my first water pill yesterday and ate carefully. This morning I am down 3 lbs, most of which will be water. My hands are not as puffy (I thought they were fine but they weren't) and my legs and ankles are much better also. I didn't realize I had so much fluid on me. I do feel better overall. 
This fluid retention started back when we lived in Kamloops. It wasn't much but it was there. I'm wondering if it will affect my thyroid medication. We shall see. 
I also watched what I ate yesterday. I'm trying to eat less points to help the weight come off easier. Not sure how this will work. 
I did a quick clean up of the house as I had to be out to get more medications and return books to the library. 

Sewing

I did not do any sewing at all yesterday but took a nap instead (wind kept me awake during the night). I have to finish up grandson's pajama bottoms and then make a reusable grocery bag. That will be another 1.1 meters out of the stash. 

Knitting

I worked on the sweater in the afternoon and evening. It is coming along. We are starting to make suggestions to the designer. 

Today

I have been busy with cleaning this morning and am ready to head down to the sewing room and sew in the afternoon. We pick up grandson and he is spending the night with us. 
Until the next time...........................

Devasting News

Yesterday was grey with a few showers. The temperature got to 6C which was nice. Today, it is raining hard, the wind is blowing and it is to be cool at 1C. We actually had a bit of snow fall and it could continue falling during the day.

Lifestyle

I was to the doctor yesterday. My thyroid is running a bit fast so I am starting to alternate between 2 different doses. Have done this before. My blood pressure is still up and my dose was doubled three months ago. I'm now on a water pill to see if that will help. I see the doctor in 3 months unless I have issues. 
Our daughter texted that their male dog died during a simple operation. We were stunned and then angry when we found out they didn't give him oxygen (forgot to turn it on). Simon will be sorely missed by everyone as he was such a goof ball. Always happy and always on the go.

Sewing

After a morning of running around, I headed to the sewing room to cut out grandson's pajama bottoms. I bought this flannel quickly as it was gone within a week of putting it out for sale. 

The flannel is cozy and warm and I enjoyed handling it. The back pieces are serged and I'm ready to start serging the front pieces. A couple of days and they will be done. 

Knitting

I crocheted this cute little shawl for the dolls. I want to make an outfit to go with denim colored one. 

I cast on the sweater body a second time yesterday. I made a mistake on the first row. While knitting the first row the second time, I counted out the pattern (2 purls, 1 knit) and got it right. I'm about 2/3rd the way done the ribbing. I will keep knitting away on it until it's done. Once done, I can start my scarf. 
Today
I have some housework to do and then it will be sewing on the pajama bottoms. We do have to go out and pick up my medication and return books to the library. Other than that, it's a great day to stay inside. 
Until the next time...........................

Moving Along With Everything

Yesterday the weather was wet. It rained off and on all day. This morning, it is warm (6C) and cloudy. Our weather watch is gone. 

Lifestyle

With the wet weather, I decided to spend the morning doing housework. The idea was to get the upstairs tidy. Surfaces wiped, floor swept and mopped, and items picked up and put away. It wasn't a project. The idea was to get caught up in the housework so I can do a bit more each day in getting the house really clean. I actually did succeed. 
The only room that got a good cleaning was the bathroom. I did the remainder of the house so it looks clean. I am ready to start a cleaning schedule. I hope to set the schedule up in the bullet journal. 
My pain level yesterday was virtually non existent. I was able to do everything with only a few twinges. It felt good. Today I am a bit sore between the shoulder blades but am hoping it will ease off as I do things. 

Sewing

After lunch, I hemmed grandson's school pants. They are done and delivered. When I got home, I started laying out the fabric for his pajama pants. I need to smooth the fabric out in preparation to putting the pattern on. The flannel is soft and lovely and I bought it over a year ago. 
I have no more flannel for him in the stash which is nice. I will have to buy him a piece for the next ones I make. 

Knitting

The second sleeve is done and the body stitches are cast on ready to start knitting. I am really liking the pattern and am thinking of how I can adapt it for the Gotz Girls. 
I am preparing to start my scarf. I will put it all into a small knitting bag so it is contained. I'll do the same for grandson's socks. 

Today

I am off to see the doctor for the results of my thyroid test and to get prescriptions. In the afternoon, I will work on grandson's pajama bottoms and then knit if I have time. 
Until the next time...........................

Test Knitting A Pattern

Yesterday, the weather was grey, above freezing, a bit windy, and no moisture. Today, we are suppose to get to 5C and have rain. The first of two low pressure systems is moving in. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday, I had some pain but was more tired than I have been. I slept in for an extra hour but roaming the house at night is keeping me tired. I refused to nap yesterday and slept better last night. I woke this morning virtually pain free. I will keep stretching during the day to keep the pain at bay. 
My eating habits were off yesterday -- tired and cranky does it to me every time. 

Sewing

I sewed a button onto grandson's suit jacket and took it over when I house sat while the cleaners were there. Next up is lowering the hems on his pants. 
I did finish a cute craft project. The left over fabric will be bagged to use for Japanese fabric weaving. I am looking forward to doing that in 2019.

Knitting

I am doing a test pattern for a lady. It is a cute pattern and page 1 of the instructions is well written and easy to follow. Too bad I got carried away and had to unknit 8 rows. 

I love the pattern and it is just knit and purl. I need to see where it fits under the arm of the doll and if too short, I will have to redo it in a larger needle size. 

Today

The plan is to clean house and hem grandson's pants. Actually 2 pairs of pants as he is getting a pair for Christmas. With rain in the forecast, I will enjoy being inside. 
Until the next time.......................

Black Friday Madness

Yesterday was cool but we had no rain or wind. The high got to 3C. Last night the temperature stayed around 0C. We get a repeat today with some sunshine thrown in for a good measure. We have 2 low pressure systems coming in starting tomorrow. 

Lifestyle

I am having great success with stretching. My soreness is under control and I rate it at a 2-3 most days. Yes!
My sleep habits have turned to bad again. I'm awake for at least 2 hours at night. I'm tired during the day, something I hate. 
I am trying to keep my eating under control. It is easy but not easy depending on what is happening. I will work hard at getting it under control and keeping it under control.
I went shopping yesterday and got quite a bit of groceries and some necessary clothes for us. I also did a bit of Christmas shopping. 
It was the continuation of Black Friday and it was busy. I did Michaels looking for yarn but it was pretty well sold out. The store was busy and I left buying nothing. It does happen to me. 
I did Costco and that was a 30 minute trip. I got what I needed and lined up at the back of the store. 3-5 minutes later I was 4th from the till. They had traffic control in place and were moving people through quickly. It really helped that they had every till open. 
After I finished in Dartmouth, I headed to Bedford. I went into Fabricville and had a good chuckle in there. I got what I needed (2 small items). The ladies who were cutting were having issues due to being busy. The cashier wandered off to ask a question of a cutter leaving a huge line up. Good thing a second cashier was called for. Two ladies behind me got a lesson on fusible batting while we waited in line. They were thankful for the help. It helped pass the time as we waited. 
I headed home glad to be out of the Black Friday madness. At home, I had a nap. Not good to break the sleepless cycle but I really needed it. 

Today

I will be putting a button on grandson's blazer and returning it when I go over to house sit for an hour. I want to finish the fun project and start on grandson's pajama bottoms. 
Until the next time.....................

Anthology Bag Done

Yesterday was sunny and windy. Though the temperature was above 0C, it was still cold in the wind. Mid afternoon, the wind quit and the temperature rose to 6C and we were out the door. 

Lifestyle

As the goal was to put up the Christmas tree lights yesterday, we thought it wasn't going to happen. The Spousal Unit came to talk to me and said it was lovely outside. I was ready to go in a flash. I climbed the ladder and got all the lights up around the garage and front door. Decorating is done. No one was hurt and no one died in the process. The sunshine was the best thing for both of us. 

Sewing

I headed down to the sewing room in the morning and worked on the lunch bag. I really wanted it done. Some one on a forum stated the link needed a password so I'm hoping this one will work. 
Anthology Bag
I worked on the tab and got it done with no issues. I put in the button hole after finding a button in the stash. I pinned it onto the bag and zig zagged it into place. 
The lining was made by adding a 3" strip of fabric to the top. I made the lining like the bag and when done I inserted it into the bag for a trial fit. I used the flashlight on my phone to see what was going on. 
The lining was too big. I had an idea it would happen so I took it out and sewed the triangles a bit deeper. The width was now perfect but the lining was too long. I started taking  the lining up by 1/2" and then crept it up 1/4" at a time until it fit. I removed 1" from the top of the lining and it fit perfectly. 

It is hard to see but the lining fits smoothly in. I do love the matching fabric at the top of the lining. 
When done, I was thrilled with the results. 

I am having fun with the scraps and what is left will be sorted out and the useless pieces tossed and the rest kept to do some Japanese fabric weaving. I will have to get the fabric as I have a wonderful idea rambling in my head. 
I have put the flannel and pattern on the table to cut out the pajama pants for grandson. 

Knitting

I finished crocheting the cowl for the dolls. I always struggle with the last row which is reverse crochet. I have enough yarn to knit a messy bun hat to match. If there is enough time, I have to knit another doll size messy bun hat and that will be two balls of yarn gone. 

Today

I am heading out to shop. We need more meat as we have only got chicken in the freezer. I have to get grandson's blazer (button repair) and pants (let hems down) so I can work on them. 
Until the next time..........................

Progress Made

Yesterday was cold and windy. The snow is dry so every time the wind gets blowing hard, you see it lift the snow and move it across lawns, up from ditches, and down the road. Pretty but not very nice to be out in. Today it is warmer out and will get to 4C. 

Lifestyle

I got the entrance and stairs done early yesterday. They were dusty and quite dirty. It has been a while since I washed the area though I have swept it several times. I dusted the window ledge above the front door and the ceiling fan also. We are clean until next week when I repeat the process. Hopefully it won't take as much time but I bet it will. It is a high traffic area into the house and garage. 
My idea to clean the bathroom became a quick wipe so it is presentable. I ran out of time. 
I tracked my food and had my pain under control for another day. Stretching is really helping. By watching what I eat once again, I lost weight. That made me happy. 
Last evening we went to Mamma Mia with son, daughter-in-law and grandson. The senior students at the private school grandson attends put it on. It was superbly done. The students and staff were dedicated to the project and it showed. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance. 

Sewing

I did work on the bag yesterday. The bottom seam of the bag needs to be pressed opened before doing the side seams. I found I had to be careful with the corners as the interfaced fabric is very stiff. Instead of measuring down 1.5" to make the corner triangle, I did just over 2.5" so the bottom is wide enough to hold containers. It was perfect. 
The handles had light fusible interfacing put on them and I did the handles by 

• folding in half 
• fold edge to center line on each side
• fold in half so all seams are enclosed and pressed well
• stitch close to the edge on both sides. 

At this point, I put the handles onto the bag. After pinning them down, I triple stitch zig zag them in place (I narrow down the width and length of the stitch). 

The bag is ready to have the tab and the lining made. 

Knitting

I decided to use up as much of the Jeans yarn as possible. I started to crochet a cowl for the dolls. I will knit a messy bun hat next.

I do like this yarn a lot and would love to stash some for a sweater for myself. It goes with my plan for a wardrobe. I'll give myself a month to make the decision. 

Today

The main goals are to put up the Christmas lights and try to finish the bag. Anything else will be a bonus. 

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

Playing With The Journal

Yesterday we had a lovely sunny day with only one snow flurry in the morning. It got cold in the evening and it is cold today. But it is going to warm up and hopefully the snow will disappear. 
Yesterday afternoon's snow storm. 

Yes it was quite the storm that lasted for quite a while. 

Lifestyle

I had one pain free day yesterday. I'm thinking it may have been due to stretching a lot in bed and then taking Advil in the morning. Going to work on this daily plus try to keep my posture good. 
I got my bullet journal out again. I tossed it into the bin of receipts when I was in pain and didn't want to deal with anything. I am trying to set up a page a day that will deal with 

• Health
• Home
• Sewing
• Knitting

I'm working on what I will do daily and see if it will help me move forward. Yesterday's home focus was on the master bedroom. It is now spotless. I did do the guest room and am happy with the we got the built in vacuum clean hose and attachments hung in the closet. Everything is put away. I'll add it to the Thursday list to keep it clean. It won't take much time to dust and mop. 
Health included tracking food, planning dinner, monitoring pain and drinking extra fluids. I also spent 20 minutes doing a puzzle. Though it was an ugly day, I felt pretty good about what I got done. 

Sewing

Yesterday I started working on the Anthology Bag (aka lunch bag). The pattern was copied and you can get it here.
As a reminder, the bag looks like this when done. 

To begin with, I laid out the fabric and started cutting it. I didn't think too far down the road but here is what I did. 

1. Top two fabrics are cut according to the directions. 
2. Third fabric is cut 6" x 15"
3. Handles are cut 4" x 23"
4. Lining is to be cut 16" x 15". I didn't do that so I will be adding a 3" strip to the top of mine. It will add something different to the look of the lining. 
5. Interfacing is cut the same as the outer fabric. Do not interface the lining. 

 Yes, that will probably be the top of the lining. I'm kind of liking my mistake. 
Once everything was cut out, I used my press to put on the heavy interfacing. This is the first time ever that I could use it without tripping the breaker. 

I laid the pieces out on the cutting table ready to sew. 

I started at the top and pinned the two together, sewed them, and then did the bottom piece. Once done, I pressed the seam allowances up as the directions stated and top stitched about 1/8" from the seam allowances. 

I ended at this point. 

Knitting

I ended up finishing the messy bun hat except for weaving in the ends. 

I  have decided to use up the rest of the jean colored yarn and knit and crochet the dolls a hat and shawl. A fun project to do.

Today  

Health continues with eating properly, monitoring pain, and moving. House is cleaning the bathroom and front entrance. Sewing is working on the lunch bag. We go out for dinner and then to watch Momma Mia. The seniors at grandson's school is putting it on and we are going as a family. So looking forward to it. 

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

Embroidery Software Frustrations

After a day of rain that turned to rain/snow we got a good 4 to 5" of snow last night. Everything is white. We will get snow today and tomorrow according to the weatherman. 

Lifestyle

I headed out early for blood work and had about a 45 minute wait. From there I went to refill my prescriptions and home until the afternoon. We got the prescriptions, made a doctor's appointment, got grandson's clothes and took the long way home. By then it had started to snow. Big wet flakes that didn't last long on the ground. 
In the evening, it rained and then turned to snow by 8 pm. Snow plows were out clearing roads all night. 

Sewing

The last pattern I tested is now for sale. 

I did enjoy making it as there was folding and flipping to get the front to look like it does. 

The flipped part is held in place with a belt that goes underneath. The D rings are for looks. 

I spent over an hour loading the embroidery software onto another laptop. I got it all updated but could not get the dongle to work. It kept saying the software in it is out of date. Not so. I hauled out the old laptop and used it in my frustrated state. 
The test pattern I am working on got the embroidery done. 

I don't always like metallic thread but there wasn't an issue with this spool. It stitched out perfectly. The rest of the pattern is cut out and only two pieces left to interface. I have started sewing parts of it. I'm hoping it may be done today, tomorrow at the latest. 

Knitting

I didn't knit on the messy bun hat chasing to read my book instead. But, I have been accepted as a pattern tester for Pixie Faire. I'm looking forward to that. 

Today

Hair cuts this morning, sewing this afternoon, knitting tonight. 
Until the next time.......................

Thinking of 2019

Yesterday we had snow once again and then, in the evening, it rained. There is still snow on the ground though I'm sure it is pretty rotten. There is more snow in the forecast for the next 48 hours. 

Lifestyle

I have been doing a lot of thinking the past few days. I'm getting ready for the new year and what I want to do. I've been reflecting on the past couple of years and trying to figure out what has worked and what hasn't. What will be my main word for the next year? I have pretty much decided and am working my plan for next year around that word. I am still focusing on

• Healthy lifestyle
• Painting the basement
• Sewing down the stash
• Knitting down the stash

I'm going to put my ideas into my bullet journal in a more organized way. I'm working on that; daily/weekly/both. 

Sewing

I had quite the internet search yesterday. I want to try a bag pattern and couldn't remember the websites they were on. I remembered that one of the designers had made something else and after 90 minutes of searching, I found the patterns I wanted. I can now do a test pattern later on. 
I hemmed grandson's pants yesterday. They take quite a while as I don't want the stitches to show and the crease needs to be gone. They were delivered yesterday afternoon. 
I also printed out the test pattern. I need to lay it out and start the embroidery part. I'm hoping I can use a smaller hoop as the part that is embroidered is not very big. 
From now to Christmas I need to sew in order:

• Lunch bag (I will post the pattern when I start)
• Pyjama pants 
• Grey t-shirt for me

If I get these done with time to spare, I will sew up the cut out projects in the basket. They need to be worked on over time. 

Knitting

I knit on the messy bun hat last night. I need to figure out how many more inches I need to knit before decreasing and binding it off. I do love the yarn and will use the left over yarn for a hat and vest/poncho for the dolls. 
I had hoped to go to the city tomorrow but the earliest will be Thursday due to the weather. I need the yarn to finish the toque I am started and ran out of yarn. 

Today

I'm heading in shortly for blood work, getting more medication, and then home to work on the test pattern. I need to get it done for the designer. 
Until the next time.......................

Messy Bun Hat Project

Yesterday was cool and sunny. It was actually thawing outside in the afternoon. The temperature dipped to -7C last night but is warmer this morning. They are calling for snow around noon today.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning we headed over to Son's to help put together his new work/table desks. Daughter-in-law and I did all the lifting and did the assembly with Son helping where he could. The Spousal Unit headed outside and trimmed a bush in the front lawn. 

Sewing

I am letting down the hems on Grandson's school pants. I got the first one let down, one row of basting done and the second half done prior to going out. 

Knitting

Last year I was upset over my tension. I was knitting tighter than I had ever in past. I spent hours doing swatches on the yarns I was knitting and figured out I needed to go one size up. I happened upon this chart in Pinterest and it has eased my mind. 

I mainly knit with carbon needles and they knit up tighter than other needles. I also notice that my knitting is always about the correct length when knitting. Now I know why. 
I worked on the Messy Bun Hat yesterday. 

My knitting book keeps me on track of the rows I have knit. If I use that yarn again, I have a record. I do refer back to projects prior to knitting an item. 

Though lighter than the yarn really is, there is a lot of light flecks in the yarn giving it nice depth. The pattern is showing up well also. 
At this point, I am about half done the hat. A couple more evenings will have it done. 

Today

I need to do some housework, get the test pattern started and finish hemming the pants. 
Until the next time...........................

A Big Craft Bazaar

After snow on Friday and a nicer day on Saturday, we are having a sunny cool day today. 

We had almost 2" fall on Friday and most of it is gone this morning. 

Lifestyle

We were out and about on Friday morning doing what needed to be done. We drove in town so we could go slower as we weren't sure of the highway conditions. The roads were in better condition in the afternoon but we didn't go out. 
Yesterday, Daughter-in-law and I went to the big craft fair in Wolfville. It is a big show in a hockey arena. Everyone talks about it. There was a wide variety of vendors from professionals to the common small bazaar people. It took us 2 hours to see it all (2 big busloads came from the city while were there). What did we notice

• The booze (as we called it) booths did a great business
• Food booths came in a very close second
• Booths that had nothing like anyone else had good crowds
• Prices of $5 denominations sold the best -- no change needed to be exchanged
• Square for debit/credit cards was available by a lot of vendors

What we didn't see

• Reusable grocery bags which is becoming a big push in our province
• Doll clothes

We had a great day and it has some thoughts going on in my head. 

Sewing

I fixed Grandson's tie and have thought about the next test pattern. I haven't had time during the day to sew. While the embroidery stitches out on the test pattern, I will hem Grandson's pants. This young man has grown almost an inch since August. 

Knitting

A scrubby dishcloth was finished. I have enough yarn to knit another one but not now. The yarn is hard on my hands (great for cleaning the dishes).

I have been asked to knit a messy bun hat for Daughter's friend. I looked for yarn that I do like (grey with multi colored flecks in it) and couldn't find it. While looking I found this yarn. 

The yarn has several things going for it. First it is soft. Very soft. Next it comes in jean colors. I chose the color that looks like new jeans. 

It has knit up lovely so far. I will be looking at this yarn again. 

Today

We are going to help put together desks for Son's office. The Spousal Unit is going to trim the bush in the front yard. It is jobs that need to be done and we are happy to help out. 

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

Christmas Cape Is Done

Yesterday was cool and sunny. The wind disappeared in the morning (thank goodness). Today is cool (-4C) and we are to get what they call "wintery mix". I suspect it will be rain, ice pellets and snow. We are under a snow warning. 

Lifestyle

The wind died down and I realized how it had affected me. I was tired, strained and down right grouchy. But it felt good not hearing the wind against the house. 
The morning was spent making a pot of potato-leek soup. I put in sausage to give it some protein. Very good dinner meal. 
I also vacuumed up Elliott's hair. I got out the built in hose and attachments and went at it. Furniture got moved and I gave the floors a good going over. I didn't do the stairs as I do them on my hands and knees. Today's job. 

Sewing

I was in the sewing room long enough to pick up the beaded sweater I knit a while a go. No sewing was done, I was just not in a mood to see if I could ruin something. 

Knitting

I knit on the Christmas cape and finished it. The beaded sweater is being unravelled. I will save the beads and knit the sweater again in a darker color so the beads stand out. 
The cape is really very nice and a simple knit. Cute. I fell in love with the stand up collar. 

It has one stitch that is purled all the way up the center back. 

It looks quite stylish with the dress. 

Today
I have the steps to clean, a tie to repair, a hat to start making, and a bit of house work to do. I do feel better than yesterday. 
Until the next time.............................

5 Meters of Piping

Yesterday was cold, cloudy and windy. The wind howled as it reached up to 90 km/hour. It was still blowing hard when we went to bed but it has since diminished to a light breeze. This morning is -6C with a windchill of -12C.

Lifestyle

We were out for a short period of time yesterday. It was cold. I did go to Weight Watchers and lost 1.4 lbs. Now to keep going on the journey. 

Sewing

I headed down to the sewing room in the morning and in 2 hours I had 5 meters of piping made. Enough for 2 shirts. 

In the past, I made custom piping for the rodeo tops I made. It gave a special touch to the outfits. As a result, I have a piping foot which makes sewing close to the cord easier. I have done it with a zipper foot also. 

Left to Right -- cording foot, zipper foot, narrow zipper foot

The other item I purchased was the piping ruler. I use this red one as it hold the cord I buy perfectly. The other one I own is perfect for tiny piping (doll clothes come to mind). 

The cord fits in the groove and you cut the excess fabric away with a rotary cutter. You can cut a piece of cardboard the width you want, push it against the cording and mark a line to cut with the scissors like here. I got the rulers to make the job easier. With that job done I can move on to test a hat for a designer. I have left over fabric from the skirt I can use. 

Knitting

I cast on and set up the Christmas Cape. It is an enjoyable knit from the top down. The designer is European and I love how she uses 4 different size needles in this design. The back of the pattern has a little design element going up the center back. I have finished 29/60 rows so should have it done tonight. I will be making this cape again to go with a couple of outfits I have planned. 

Today

I am going to make a crock pot of potato and leek soup, vacuum the house, and sew on the next designer's pattern. This one I actually have to set up the embroidery part of my machine. It can stitch out while I cut the pattern pieces. 

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

It Snowed

Yesterday was cool, windy and wet. We saw snowflakes falling but they melted before hitting the ground. Late afternoon it started to rain and the temperature started to rise. It got to 12C around midnight and the temperature has been dropping ever since. This morning it is sunny, windy and cool. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday we went to New Minas for my respiratory therapist appointment. Everything is under control and I go back again mid May. 
We did our shopping, had lunch and headed home. We stopped to see if the Spousal Unit's jeans were in. Not yet but I think the owner forgot about them. I have Daughter picking up an extra pair for him. 
We had a quiet rest of the day as there was no time to get going on a project. 

Sewing

I am successfully putting away items every day when I finish sewing. It is amazing how easy it is to do and how nice the room looks at the end of the day. 
I laid out the piping fabric yesterday and drew the first line at 45 degrees. I am ready to start cutting. I may even get it done today. 

Knitting

I cast on the next size larger Top This hat yesterday and knit until I ran out of wool. I need to buy wool to match and finish it off. A trip to Michaels is in order. I will put it away until that happens. Next up is the cape for the dress. The yarn is out and I have to get all the necessary needles to knit it. 

Today

I am going to focus on the piping this morning and then make Potato Leek Soup this afternoon. We have to go out and get apples and crusty bread. I go to Weight Watcher's also. If time, I will focus on the dining area and finish cleaning it up. 
Until the next time.......................

Tidying Up the Family Room

Yesterday was cool, sunny and windy. This morning it is cool but it is suppose to be a bit warmer than yesterday. We are definitely having fall weather here. A lot cooler than last year. 

Lifestyle

I checked the areas I cleaned and did some spot cleaning. I cleaned off the table though it isn't perfect. I will do more tomorrow on that. 
The main goal yesterday was to clean the family room and reorganize it. The Spousal Unit wants to do puzzles down there and we needed to get a better set up. 
The first job was to put LED bulbs into the pot lights. It helps the room overall but not in the puzzle area. We moved the table down closer to the bay windows. He needs a light on the table. He found this out when he started working on the puzzle. 

As we moved stuff around, I dealt with cleaning, sorting, and putting away or into the trash. 

The broom will go away once the stairs are cleaned and there is a bit of stuff on the blue tub to go away. The blue tub is full of stuff to go to the lady across the street from us. 
We are both happy with the layout and it looks huge. Once the walls are painted the same gray as the sewing room, it will look brighter. 

Sewing

I finished up the test pattern. It is a bit tight on the doll and the designer has since loaded up the next version that is larger. Once it is published I will add pictures of it. 

Knitting

Last night I finished up the infant sized toque. It uses up half of the yarn so I will knit another one. 

The second on will not have the topper on it. I have another one of these in green and will knit a larger size. One and done. 
I am going to see if I have enough of the soft grayish green yarn I knit the doll's dress from and make this cute cape to go with it. 

The designer is Cataddict and her patterns are free on Ravelry. It should be another quick knit for November. 

Today

I have to go and see the respiratory therapist just before lunch. We have a bit of shopping to do while in New Minas. It is kind of a messed up day so I may or may not get started cutting bias strips for piping. I need to make 2.5-3 meters of it. 
Until the next time................................

The Viipuri Dress Done

Yesterday was cool and sunny. It would have been a nice day to be outside but the wind was blowing from the WNW and it was cold. This morning it is -1C, sunny and some wind. It is suppose to be gusty again today. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday, I did some housework. It was time to start doing it on a daily basis. I cleaned the bedroom to keep the dust down. That included mopping the floors. I also did the bathroom and the kitchen. Not a project type of clean knowing that I will be doing the basics again today and tomorrow. It allows me to stop short of doing a major overhaul in the room I am working on and get more rooms tidied up. 

Sewing

I entered the sewing room and started to work on a test pattern. It was such a joy to be sewing again. I got the back of the test pattern done which included welt pockets. 
I spent 5 minutes putting things away in the sewing room at the end of the session. The cutting table has two projects on it that need to be done. One is piping for Daughter and the other is to finish up my t-shirt (cutting out new sleeves). 

Knitting

I finally finished up a dress I started knitting on June 28. The bodice was fun, the skirt was mindless when I got the pattern in my brain and the blocking was a nightmare. I did the normal blocking by spraying the wool and pinning it in place. The hem kept curling up. I tried three times and quit. I finally decided to use the steam from the iron and block it with my wooden press. Worked like a charm. 

Lily got to model the dress and she looked quite sweet in it. 

I have the same yarn in an off white and will try this pattern again using the new bodice pattern and the swirl skirt. 
I also finished up the shawl and it looks like the first one I made except that I knit it in one piece. 
I started knitting a hat that will go in to the donate/sell tub. It is a DMC pattern called Top This. I bought the kit when working in the fabric store and I'm sure you can get it somewhere. They come in a wide variety of designs and colors. 

I got 5 rows done last night. 

The pattern states to use a circular needle but I ended up digging out the double pointed as I am making the smaller size. I don't think it is going to take long to knit up. Next November project is coming together. 

Today

I have a bit of upstairs house work to do and then I am going to do some work in the family room. The LED bulbs go in and I will move the puzzle table down closer to the windows. The floors will be swept and possibly mopped. The Spousal Unit wants to start doing puzzles this winter. He has a good supply of them to do. The afternoon will be spent sewing as I would love to finish the test pattern. 
Until the next time................................

Sewing Room Set Up Complete

Yesterday was a grey and gloomy day that brought forth a bit of rain; just over 1/4". In the evening, the sun tried to shine through the thick grey/black clouds that it had a topaz and pink glow to it. Very eerie looking. The wind came up and it has cooled off to 3C. Snow flurries are in the forecast for this week. 

Lifestyle

I had another bad night of sleeping on Friday night and I had a headache and dullness that was annoying. Last night I slept better but not the best. The waking up for a couple of hours is getting to be a set pattern that needs to be broken. 
Sewing Room
It would have been easy to not finish the sewing room yesterday morning but I got on with it. It is done to the rulers and embroidery hoops. They will be hung on peg boards when I get them. 
I stood in the doorway to the room and took pictures anti clockwise. 
The sewing machine area is placed so I can see the door, ironing board and cutting table. Behind it is the tower of drawers. To the right side is the press, which I use for heavy interfacings. 

Across from the doorway is the cutting table. Behind it is the stash and a small table that has ironing supplies on it. I need to move it towards the ironing board. 

The closet is at the other end from the sewing machines. I need to do some adjusting on the doors as they do not shut tight. A minor job I can do today. 

Standing in front of the sewing machine and looking into the corner is the desk where I will do jewelry for the dolls. I need a light for that table as it is the dark (but brighter) corner of the room. 

The sitting area (which the Gotz Girls) reside in at the moment. I love having the comfy chair next to the book shelf. A small TV has been put on the top of the book shelf. 

The cube which holds all the yarn. Only one tub is empty and it will hold completed projects that I need to sell or donate. 

Sewing

I headed up to the fabric store to look for fabric for the Christmas gift. I found it after two tries of putting together black and white. 

I bought the following fabrics for doll dresses. In this store, you buy what you see if you like it. Fabric goes quickly up there. 

Lily gets to model a summer dress and Halloween project down the road. 

She has to get a new outfit soon. 

Today

It is a stay at home kind of day. I will be doing a bit of laundry, tidying up the house for an hour or two and then heading down to sew in the sewing room. 
Until the next time.............................