January's Progress

We are under a snow squall watch this morning with wind and wind chills of -13C. Yesterday it was snow and rain with nice temperatures. It will be a cool weekend and will warm up on Monday. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I spent between 1.5-2 hours cleaning our small living room. That meant moving the furniture, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and tidying up our stuff. Even the throws were laundered. I was happy with the results. 

Health

The changes in my eating last week has made a big difference. I lost 2.8 lbs this week with a monthly loss of 3.4 lbs and a total of 10.6 lbs. 
What have I noticed? 

• Cheese was hard to give up and I had one thin slice last night as a treat. I have to do a lot of self talk not to eat cheese but I feel better without it. 
• I was going to cut out high starch related foods except for bread at breakfast. I can get carbs from other food to keep my blood sugar on an even keel. In reality it didn't happen. But, keeping those starches under strict portion control made it possible to have them. If I have as much this week as last week and keep them under control, I may be able to have a second starch during the day. It may not be every day that I can meet my original goal but if it is 3 days a week, I will be happy. 
• It is hard work to keep health goals under control but I'm hoping I can keep it up. One thing I have to watch is blood sugar lows and eat on time. 

My knees are back to normal so the storms have passed. My poor back is still sore but that is a normal for me. I try to stretch it out on a daily basis. I will not let it limit my mobility. 

Sewing

I finished the shirt yesterday. It turned out cute as a summer jacket so I didn't put buttons on it. 

It goes nicely with the dress for spring, cool summer evenings, and early fall. The hat looks cute with it too.

I have more of the fabrics so may cut out navy pull-on capris with the bias plaid cuffs. I have a top I can make also in hopes I use up the plaid. Won't get the navy fabric used up this round as there is quite a bit left. 

In January, I sewed up 5.95 meters or 6.5 yards of fabric. My best sewing month for quite a while. 

Knitting

I worked on the black hat last night and thought I was ready to decrease. Had to unknit the decrease row as I was 5 rows short. The goal is to finish it this morning and work on the cardigan. I did do a couple of rows on it yesterday. 
In January, I knit 5 messy bun hats, a doll's dress and 2 doll cowls. I hope that I get the 6th hat done today. I'd be very surprised if I get the doll's jacket done before Feb. 1. 

Today

I am family's home to let in the cleaners. I will knit while I am there in hopes that I can finish the black hat and get more rows knit on the jacket. I hope to start another shirt for the American Girl doll. Once it is done, I will lay out the fleece blanket and work on it. 

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

A Fabulous and Profitable Day

It is cool outside today. There is a bit of wind which has a bite to it. The sun will shine. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning we headed out to Coldbrook with a stop to get my medication. We had a great trip to Coldbrook getting apples and books for the Spousal Unit. I did a bit of exploring in the grocery store which has more stores upstairs. It is a busy shopping center. 

Health

I am still trying to eat healthy. I continue to have portion control except for vegetables which I eat more of. I haven't eaten any cheese for 5 days and have kept the starches to just above a minimum. We will see what the scales say tomorrow. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon sewing a doll's shirt. I looked at the pattern and made changes. More hand sewing, some serging, and lots of pressing. 

I can see this being a western shirt and a jacket over a t-shirt. 

I am liking this pattern a lot and the lady who designed it graciously gave it to several of us for free. 

Knitting

While the Spousal Unit was finding his books I explored the shopping center and upstairs is a store that has a variety of things in it. One thing was wool and I found the red wool I could not get anywhere else. I got 2 balls of it as I have to knit the sweater I had to take apart. 
Last evening I knit and finished the test dress. I will make it again as it is well written. 

I will knit the long sleeved jacket that goes with it in white. 
I knit 4 rows on the last messy bun hat and am half done. I hope to finish it tonight and then weave in all the yarn ends and ship out. 

Today

I am off to Halifax for grandson's diabetic check up. When home, I will knit as I will be tired. We are doing a bit of shopping afterwards. 
Until the next time...............

Out To Paint A Dining Room

It is -5C this morning and we had a skiff of snow during the night. Our day time temperatures are to be mild until Thursday. Night time temperatures range from mild to cool. 

Lifestyle

We had a busy day yesterday. I started out the morning with tearing our room apart. It got vacuumed and dusted. The floors got mopped and the bedding changed. It is now clean and I'm not coughing on the dust. 
After lunch we headed over to help daughter-in-law paint the dining room walls. They had done the priming in the morning. I did all the cutting in and the Spousal Unit showed how to paint walls. It looks good in there. The room went from cranberry red (darker shade) to light grey. The room always felt dark and small and now it is light and airy. It feels bigger also. We had a lot of fun together. We came home and cleaned up the dining room and kitchen as we had dinner at our house. 

Health

After being brutal to my body yesterday by cleaning the bedroom, climbing short ladders, and crawling on the floor, my body feels great. Very little pain in my knees and hip. I need to do more of this. 
I am finding that I am doing well on my new eating habits. I am being mindful of what is going into my mouth. We had Chinese food last night and I ate mostly vegetables with a bit of the other food. The scales went down but I was sure hungry during the night. It woke me up twice. 
With this new eating regime, I am finding that I need an apple during the day. If I can go til noon without it, I do need it mid afternoon. I'm on a learning curve and recording my thought in my bullet journal. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday but I have downloaded another pattern to test. It is a published pattern that needs some tweaking. I will be looking in the stash for the fabric. The designer of this line lives in Nova Scotia (about an hour or less from our home). She sold her patterns to a lady she has worked with for quite a few years. 

Knitting

I got 8 rows knit on the black hat last night. Not half done but I got tired and had to stop. The test dress didn't get a row knit on it. It will be my focus this afternoon. 

Today

We will be out to check the paint job this morning and try to install a light in the dining room. If all goes well, we will be home by noon and I will putter in the sewing room and knit. If not, I will be painting more walls. I'm happy either way. 
Until the next time.........................

Mindful Acquisitions

Yesterday was a warm day but the temperature did drop from when we got up in the morning. The skies cleared and it was be cool during the night. 
This morning the temperature was -4C at 6 a.m. and it is suppose to get to 0C for our high. 

Lifestyle

We headed out shopping in the morning and got some groceries, yarn, and some beads for my scarf. On the way home we stopped at the fabric store. 

Health

Yesterday was my first day with no cheese. Did I miss it? Yes, at breakfast time but I made myself get over it. At 11 a.m. I had a sugar low and we stopped at a Farmer's Market. Instead of getting bakery items, I got us each an apple. They were very crisp and juicy. I was fine in 15 minutes. I am monitoring the what should I not be eating. It is hard but I'm getting there slowly. 
My one knee is much better after the storm blew over. The other one is puffy which means it has fluid on it. I have been massaging it, putting heat on it, and flexing it. The problem with having it sore is that I favor the knee and that makes my hip sore. This is not a new problem; I've suffered with it off and on over the years. 

Sewing

I bought 1.5 meters of fabric for myself at the fabric store. 

This fabric is for 2 doll's dresses. One will have the body out of the bees and the accent in the plaid. The other will be reverse. 

The second piece is a batik. I hunted to get a good match with the tweed yarn. The blue is in the batik but is hard to see. I am going to knit brown leggings, tweed sweater, and make a parka to go over it. I need to buy some boots to go with it. I want all this fabric sewn in February. 

Knitting

Besides the two balls of the above yarn, I bought black sparkle yarn for the last messy bun hat. I got it cast on and the ribbing done. 

The doll's dress is done but too short. I am doing a few extra rows so it will be at the top of the knee. I will work on it tomorrow with the hopes of finishing it. 

Today

I am going to do housework. I need to get the upstairs cleaned up as we are swimming in cat hair. It is going to take me a few days to do so I will get at it this morning rather than put it off. 
Until the next time.........................

The Storm Has Passed

Yesterday the storm hit. The temperature rose to 14C or 57F, the wind blew and it rained in the evening. Today is cooler at 7C but it is calm with chances of drizzle. 

Lifestyle

I did a lot of sitting yesterday. I was exhausted, sore, and felt ill. By yesterday afternoon, I felt less ill and did get up and move around. This morning, I feel better. 
Son and grandson arrived at our house mid afternoon. Grandson played with Elliott and gave him treats. Near the end of his visit, he barricaded the way into the living room to give Elliott treats if he got out. This is what happened. 

He escaped pronto when he heard the pantry door open. We  had a good laugh at his escape route. 

Health

I have been working on my "why" for weight loss and it goes along the line of moving better, being healthier, and enjoying life. It keeps changing as I work on it. 
I have also been changing up my eating habits. I spent some time thinking about what I have been eating and what I need to eliminate from the food list. Two items stood out immediately -- bread and cheese. 
I am now eating 1 slice of bread a day and can have another grain if necessary (rolled oats in meatloaf last night). I am getting enough carbs from fruit and vegetables and can have some dip for my vegetables if I want. 
Cheese has been leaving my diet for a bit now. Though I like it for a protein, it is a food the upsets my digestion tract. I finally laid cheese to rest yesterday. Do I miss it? Yes. Cheese on scrambled eggs and vegetables binds the combination together. But I will survive and have it once in a while as a treat. 
I am going to set up my reward plan for weight loss. I have to come up with a 10 lb. loss reward. Maybe a new bullet journal. 

Sewing

No sewing yesterday. I did think and am looking at ideas for a farm theme with a twist. I need to go to the dollar store and get 2 ceramic bunnies to photographing outfits with. 
I am also wanting to sew a kusput for the dolls. I have ideas up my sleeve for what I want. It could come from the stash or I may have to buy a piece. The whole outfit I am thinking about will take time to sew and knit. But it is achievable. 

Knitting

I finished hat #5 and am happy that I am down to knitting one more. 

These are the 4 that will be barrel racing prizes in August. 

The last one will either be black sparkle or light denim. I'm still thinking of getting the denim for a sweater for myself. I do love denim. 
I also worked on the doll's dress and did quite a bit of unknitting due to me missing yarn overs or doing the last few stitches wrong. I have about 10 rows left to knit. 

I am not happy with the yarn as it had some lumps and knots in it and when I looked at the bodice, two stitches has grey thread in it. It was spun right into the yarn. I have two more balls of this yarn to use up and I will move on to another brand that I like. I will make this dress again as it is a lovely pattern. 
The test pattern has a 3/4 sleeve jacket that I will make in a white yarn that came from Mary Maxim.  The jacket will be kept for an outfit, especially if I knit the dress again. It might just become a staple for dresses as there is a short sleeved version. 

Today

We are heading out to shop and on the way home I will stop at the fabric store to look at their new fabrics and buy a couple of pieces towards the farm outfits with a twist. 
Until the next time...............

Another Storm

The weather is mild. 8C at 7:30 a.m. and it is suppose to get to 12C today. With this warm weather we are to get high winds and rain. Another storm from the south west. 
Last night it snowed a bit as the weather warmed up. It is half gone now and will probably be gone by noon. 

Lifestyle

Home

The cube unit was moved into the sewing room and the family room is now clean. I will be bringing up the vacuum cleaner hose so I can start cleaning the upstairs. It is time to start deep cleaning aka Spring cleaning. 

Health

I am feeling much better now that the storm is here and that I have put a lot of heat on the sore joints. I am hoping that I will be pain free enough to start walking. 

Sewing

Rather than sew, yesterday, I spent the time putting away the doll clothes into the bins I bought for the cubes. 

I sorted the clothes into sewn, knit, shoes, and items I may want to sell. I did a bit of a display on the top set with this one being my favorite. 

The doll's vest I made has buttons on the front and I think they are a bit big in proportion. 

I found the stickers I used for buttons on the last vest and will do the switch. 
Daughter bombed me with fabric pictures at the local fabric store and there are two pieces I want. One has bees on it, the other seems to be a bit of a check. A dress for the dolls. 

Knitting

The 5th messy bun hat is almost done. Eight rows to cast off. I'm to the point I need to find the yarn for the 6th one and I do hope to ship them off by the end of the month. 
I am waiting for another pattern to test knit. A lady put out a pattern with a dress, skirt, and two simple sweaters. I chose to test the dress. I started it in Astra's baby pink and I am liking the pattern so far. 

At this point, I was ready to knit the 3 rows for each sleeve which I did and now have it looking like a bodice. It is an easy knit with good instructions. I know I will have to make a slip for this dress as the skirt is lacy. 

Today

I am not sure what I will get done today. I should focus on the kitchen and start cleaning it up. I should sew a bit and knit. It is suppose to be a wet day so my walking may be all in the house while doing housework. 
Until the next time........................

Doll's Vest Completed

It has been cool and windy here. It is suppose to start warming up and be 11C and raining tomorrow. Right now it is -9C and clear. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit was in to give blood as it is his 3 month check up. We go in to see the doctor when he has it done 3 months from now. 
The Spousal Unit and I got the cube for the dolls and their belongings done yesterday. As we used glue on the screws when adding the legs we left it to move into the sewing room today. Once in the room, I'll do a quick vacuum and then move stuff upstairs to start cleaning the cat hair and fluff on that level. 
The storm coming in has certainly left me feeling sore and cranky. My knees hurt so bad whether standing, walking, sitting, or lying down that I finally put heat on them. It did help and I walked some in the evening when they stopped hurting so much. 

Sewing

Between being needed to help on the cube (I put glue on the screws), I worked on the vest for the doll. I got it done and am happy that I don't need to sew velvet for a long time. 

I've sewn 5.7 meters of fabric to date and have 1.5 meters left cut out to sew by the end of the month. I also have to work on grandson's fleece blanket. 

Knitting

I finished the doll's cowl and need to steam it before putting it on the doll. I'm keeping the left over yarn as I have another ball and may have enough left over to knit a hat for the dolls. 
The 5th hat is moving along and I'm about half done. It will be finished tomorrow night and then I can think about the last hat I want to make. I'll look at yarn tomorrow.
I am going to test a pattern for a designer. A dress with a lacy skirt on it. I have pink Astra yarn set out for it and need to get the needles out and cast on the stitches. Maybe this afternoon. 

Today

The plan is to cut out the interfacing for the one doll shirt and move everything to the ironing board. I want to lay out the fleece blanket so I can work on it. The cube will be put into the sewing room and the family room will get its last vacuum before moving the hoses and attachments upstairs. Starting Friday, I want to clean the upstairs as Elliott has a layer of cat hair on all the floors. 
Until the next time...........................

What A Day!

The winter storm they forecasted has come and gone. We woke to -13C and it started to snow. By 11 a.m. we had 4" of light and fluffy snow on the ground. 

By 11:30, it started to rain and the temperature started to go up. By mid afternoon it was pouring rain and at 9 p.m. it was 11-12C and still raining. There are few small lumps of snow in our yard this morning. The temperature is 7C and falling. We will have it cold tonight. 

Lifestyle

We had the snow shoveling crew in to do the driveway. That was a surprise. 

The Spousal Unit went out to help them get the job done. We appreciate their help. 
I made dill buns yesterday. I used some pickle juice, chopped dill pickles and dried dill. 

Not our favorite as they had very little flavor to them. I'll stick with herb or plain buns. We like those the best. 

Sewing

I started on the velvet vest. I really do not like cotton velvet. It hates to cooperate when I sew the seams. It took me almost 4 hours to get this far. 

I'm ready to sew the lining into the vest. It will be slow going as I have to pinch and pin the seams to make sure they are even. 

Picture from group on Facebook

I am loving this idea and have an idea tickling in my brain. I need to work on my February sewing list by the end of this week. 

Knitting

Messy bun hat #4 is complete. Two more to go and I can ship all 6 to BC. 

With no light on the yarn, the colored shiny threads don't show up very well. 
Once done, I will go back to knitting my scarf and set up another project which could be doll related. 

Today

Housework this morning and then sewing. This evening I will set up hat #5. I'm hoping to be done them by Jan. 29. 
Until the next time.............................

Dream....Goal....Plan

Diary of a Journal Fanatic

A fabulous starting point. 

What is my dream?

Or rather my dream areas? 

Jan. 1, 2019

• Health
• Home
• Sewing
• Knitting

What was in these areas on January 1, 2019?

Health
Loose weight, start walking, and stay well.
Home
Keep our house and yard tidy. Purge what we don't need and do some renovations that need to be done. 
Sewing
Work more on sewing up the stash. This will include a blend of crafts, people sewing, and doll sewing. The goal is to sew 50 meters this year. 
Knitting
To knit down more of the yarn stash doing a wider variety of projects. Doll knitting allows me to learn new techniques which is great. 
We both want to explore more of Nova Scotia as there is so much to see. 

A fabulous start but I need to break these down into steps so I have a goal.

Goals

Health

• To loose 30 lbs this year. That is under a pound a week. 
• To walk 3 times a week increase the distance to 3-5 km. 
• To keep my thyroid monitored 4 times a year (every three months). I am doing this already but it needs to continue for good health. 
• To use my bullet journal on a weekly basis.

Home

• To have the house neat and tidy and nicely decorated
• To paint the basement ourselves and hire a painter for upstairs.
• To change the moulding and add crown moulding

Travel

• Take a trip to Newfoundland.

Sewing

• To sew down 50 meters of fabric a month. That is 4 meters per month but I'd like to aim for 5-6 meters a month as I know there will be slow months.
• Purchases will be mindful. That means I can buy fabric to finish projects or to make something special. 
• To complete 
• Couture Sewing Academy
• Design Academy
• Pattern Academy
• To work on testing for designers of doll clothes

Knitting

• To knit down the stash. 
• Sell or gift items I make to use up the stash. 
• Knit up the left over yarn for the dolls
• Learn how to fair isle knit and to steek. 
• To test knit doll clothes designs.

How will I back this up to make my dream come true?

• Stay focused
• Have mini goals and plans
• Think monthly

January is 2/3rds gone. 

• Health has been hard as I had a couple of issue
• Home needs some cleaning but not hard to do
• Sewing has been on track and I need to plan for February
• Knitting has seen me buy yarn to knit for someone (paid knitting). 

February

• Health - loose 2.5 lbs, begin walking for 10 minutes, do bullet journal, thyroid blood work.
• Home - clean the house in the mornings once again. I need to focus on one room to deep clean it and do some decorating. 
• Sewing - Doll clothes - 2 outfits, 1-2 grocery bags, .......
• Knitting - work on my scarf, learn how to do fair isle knitting, finish up some wool scraps into doll items.

I'll report back on Feb. 1 with what I did do in January. 

Yarn Found

Though it has been sunny for the past two days, the weather has been getting colder. This morning it is foggy and -12C. We are under and rain and wind warning as a storm passes through today. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday daughter-in-law and I went to Dartmouth to shop. We did up Walmart and Ikea. I wanted to get another cube and put legs on it. This cube is for the dolls; clothes in bins on the bottom and they will sit or stand on the top. 
While at Ikea, we wandered around the store as it wasn't too busy. We looked upstairs to get ideas for the legs on the cube and then enjoyed walking our way around to the Marketplace downstairs. We both enjoy snooping in that area and my find of the day was this lamp. 

It reminds me of the old oil lamps. Ideas are floating as to where I can put one in the house. 
Elliott as been sitting and sleeping more with the Spousal Unit in his chair. Last night he showed us the life of luxury. 

He is such a funny cat as he was sleeping with me on the couch and before that he was sleeping on the back of the couch. 

Sewing

The last bag awaits its cording and it can be put away. 

These are great for large scraps. I want to make one the next size up (called Project Bag). I have ideas in my head on what they would be used for. 
The sewing room has been tidied up ready for me to sew doll clothes. I need to cut the interfacing for one doll's blouse and the lining for a vest. Once done, the fleece can be laid out and prepped for tying. 
The vest will be sewn first. I want to do some extra steps on it such as a lot of hand basting (running stitch). The last vest I made out of cotton velvet frayed where I trimmed the seams so I won't be doing that. I may stitch it with the tiny zig zag stitch I use on knits. I know it will be extra work, but I want this one to be well done. 

Knitting

Yarn is being stocked again at Walmart (YES!!) and the ball of yarn I wanted was in stock (as it was in Kamloops). 

I cast on for a hat and got it half knit by bedtime last night. 

The shiny colored threads show up nicely in this hat. Two more to knit after this one and I'm done this batch. 
Once done, I am hoping that I can get back to my scarf. It was suppose to be January's wardrobe project but I did loose the war on that one. It will get done as will other projects I have planned. 
With the hats, there is always yarn left over. I have been crocheting cowls for the dolls so I can toss the tiny bits quickly. The only yarn I have lots left over from is the jeans colored yarn. I have enough to knit the Gotz dolls messy bun hats. These items will go into a tub of miscellaneous items so I can add them to outfits I will make in the future.  

Today

We are staying close to home with the weather system that is coming in. My plan is to sew, knit, and make dill buns. 
Until the next time............................

Sewing and Knitting On A Cold Day

Yesterday, the temperature got colder by the hour. It went from about -6C to -13C this morning. The plus side has been a lot of sunshine which we do enjoy. We are suppose to get a storm that will last Sunday and Monday.

Lifestyle

I spent the morning over at family's as they were out and the house cleaners were coming. I didn't get a lot done here but our house can be done over the weekend. It really isn't dirty, I need to just do some tidying up. 
I did make a stew yesterday but it wasn't ready for supper. We will have it tonight. 

Sewing

I made another bag yesterday and have one more to make. 

It took me about 90 minutes of focused sewing to make it. I can actually make it from memory allowing it to go faster. And it put me at 5.05 meters sewn to date. 
I also spent some time finishing up the Couture Sewing Academy hand stitching sampler. My sampler is done. 

I certainly learned a lot doing the sampler. There is a product called tiger tape that you can lay on your fabric to help you space your stitches evenly for the overcast stitch. Very cool for perfect stitches. 
Burdastyle showed using pinking shears to help you get nice spacing of stitches plus you are using two seam finishes that aren't bulky. 

They also showed going back over doing a second overcast stitch for less fraying of the fabric. 

And this fabulous page on hand stitching. 
On to lesson #2 today. 

Doll Clothes Idea

This started some tickling in my brain. I want to order boots for the dolls and an outfit based on this has me thinking. I can knit or sew leggings and add a sweater with a nice collar on it. The pockets are the only thing that I haven't figured out yet. 

Knitting

While waiting for the cleaners, I had a marathon knitting spree and did a bit more in the late afternoon at home. The third hat is being reknit and is looking great. 

I am 10+ rows above the ribbing which is what is done in the picture. I hope to have it done tonight. Then onto the blue one. 

Today

I have some housework to do, sew the last bag of the batch I cut out and knit. I am hoping to clean off the cutting table and lay out grandson's fleece blanket so I can start on it. That means getting some interfacing for a doll's shirt cut out also. 
Until the next time............................

Out and About Exploring Coldbrook

Though yesterday morning was cold, it did warm up to -3C and was sunny until late in the afternoon. This morning the temperature was -7C and clear. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday we were out and about until 1:30 pm. We drove to Coldbrook to the used book store. The Spousal Unit loves that store and we found books by an author he wanted. 
Next up was a trip to Scotian Gold. This is a store for farmers. We roamed in the first store and our big find was apples at a great price. The unusual find was egg cartons for people who sell eggs. The second store was mainly for horses and pets. In the spring, they will open their greenhouses behind that store. 
After lunch at Subway, we headed back to New Minas. We had a short stop at Home Depot and got groceries at Walmart. We took a bit of a back road trip to get to the freeway. It was a wonderful outing. 

Sewing

I am thinking about buying another cube for the sewing room. I'd love to have it on it's side on legs so I can store the doll items in tubs on the bottom row and accessories on the top row. The dolls can be on the top. 

Knitting

I worked on the white messy bun hat. Two rows short of casting off. 

Next up, ravel the grey sparkly hat out and reknit it a size smaller. 

Today

I'm planning on making herb buns, sweep the cat hair off the floor upstairs, sew a bit and knit. I have to go to WW tonight so looking forward to see how much I have lost. 
Until the next time.......................

Success!

Today is another cold sunny day. The temperature was -14C at 6 a.m. With the sun shining, it will be a lovely day to be out and about. 
The sun is setting about 5 p.m. and here is a picture from last night. 

A bit dark but the setting sun was glorious. It stayed light for about 30 minutes after the sun disappeared. 

Lifestyle

Home

I did a few things around the house yesterday in the cleaning department. I did do some cleaning in the family room and the part I did looks neat and tidy. 

Health

I am continuing to monitor and track what I eat. I really want to know how much I lost this week when I weigh in tomorrow night. 

My big accomplish was to make buns yesterday. They fit into my eating plan if I have low point foods with them. (Bun and chili) or if I eat low point foods for breakfast and lunch. 

I got the recipe from Favorite White Bread Recipe from Brown eyed Baker. A big hit at dinner last night. There are two buns left for dinner tomorrow night. Next up, same recipe but adding herbs to the mix. I like this recipe as it is made with the dough hook in the mixer. I also have the carbs worked out so grandson can have them too. Success in many ways. 

Sewing

An almost dry day in the sewing room. I cut out the pieces for the drawstring bag in black cotton I had laundered. I decided to vacuum and clean the family room. 

Knitting

The blue hat is finished to weaving in the ends. It fits me to perfection. I started the white hat last night and got quite a bit done. 

The markers show I knit 20 rows last night. A couple of nights and it will be done. Then to redo another hat. 

Today

We are heading out to Coldbrook to a book store, then do a bit of shopping, having lunch out and heading home. I'm not sure what we will do when we get home. 

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

A Successful Day

This morning it is 14C and clear. Another cool day in Nova Scotia. Yesterday was sunny all day and today should be a repeat. One thing we noticed was how much longer the days are. Rather than it being dark at 5 p.m., it was light out at that time last night. YES!

Lifestyle

Home

Yesterday, two loads of laundry were done as I balanced the books/did the budget. On a snowy day this week, I will pay the bills. 
I am noticing that I need to sweep/vacuum more often. Elliott has a layer of cat hair on the floors in less than a week. 

Health

Last night we had a slow cooker roast beef with gravy. The meat was tender but coarse grained. Flavor was excellent though. I now can cook left overs with a new dish on Thursday. 
I ate within points again and am hoping for a good loss Wednesday. I'm trying to move around the house more. I am doing a lot more on the basement stairs. 

Sewing

I am almost finished the hand sampler. I have a hemming stitch to do and it is the first time I have ever done it. I need to google it to see it done by a right handed person. 

It isn't spectacular but there is a lot of time hand sewing in that sampler. 
I finished the second bag yesterday. When closing the turn through opening, I used one of the stitches I had done on the sampler. I had to redo it as I sewed the lining to the main fabric. Double practice. 

Both bags have fabric ties and I do like them. I'm going to have to be creative for the ties for the next two as I don't have fabric for them. 
Yesterday I saw this lovely table runner on a friend's facebook page. 

I fell in love with it. Color scheme is perfect though I'm looking for more denim blue. It is called Winter Cabin. You have to subscribe to get the free pattern. I'm not a huge quilter but I love this and am going to make it. 
I am also wondering if we will see this new line of quilting cottons this spring. 

Knitting

My research worked. I knit this denim colored hat in the next smaller size using the needles called for. 

I'm two rows from casting off. It is a lady's medium to perfection. The white hat has be taken apart and I will start it tonight. 

I can move forward as I know the number of stitches to cast on, how many rows of ribbing and how many rows of pattern to do before decreasing. I am happy. I have one more to take apart and reknit and will think about the last two. I'm behind now but know I am making the proper sized hat. 

Today

The plan is to clean the family room; dust, vacuum, mop. This afternoon, I will sew on another small bag until we leave for supper with family. 
Until the next time...............................

Messy Bun Hat Fiasco

We are having some cooler weather. Yesterday's low was -12C and today it is -11C. The high temperature yesterday was -9C compared to 17C a year ago. Today, the sun is shining. 

Lifestyle

Home

Yesterday I went to Sackville to do the grocery shopping. That was all I did as we needed nothing else. The trip home was a reminder of driving in the north. Flurries and wind had the snow whipping across the highway, something I saw a lot of in the north. 

Health

I got out the measuring spoons and cups and have been using them quite a bit. The scales are down today and I'm hoping that will be my Wednesday loss. 
Dinner last night was ribs. I used a mix on them and baked them for 90 minutes in the oven. Delicious. We will have the left overs on Monday and left over roast from today on Tuesday. 
The Spousal Unit is doing well on the puzzle. He has been working on the inside part. I help when I have a few minutes. He has it about 1/4 done as of last night. 

Sewing

I am working on my stitching sampler for Couture Sewing Academy. While working on it, I have come to realize the running/basting stitch is a useful one when putting together items like velvet and lining. I also did a very tiny running stitch on the top of the pleats of the doll's kilt I made. I hope that I will slow down and do more of these stitches when sewing doll clothes. 

The first bag I made has new drawstring ties made from fabric. They are perfect. The second bag has been turned and needs about an hour of work to finish it off. Then it will be starting the third bag. 

I love a good starting point for a doll's outfit. This one is no longer available but I saved it anyways. 

As I look at it, it has the 1/3, 2/3rds proportion. When I look next, I see added detail that is in correct proportion to the size of the doll; the ruffles. The starting point for me is jeans, t-shirt with crystals on the neckline, and some sort of short sweater. There is a knit sweater similar to this one which has a lacy pattern. But, it could be a short sweater that has details added to it. I'll be working on this one. 

Knitting

The earth tone hat is too big. I am thinking they are all too big. I am not sure and started to research. I have no record of the first hats I knit Daughter but I think I may have picked up a size smaller needle. I hit the internet and after an extensive search I found out that my hats are probably 2" too big around. They need to stretch some to fit well. I have started a jeans colored hat in a smaller size and will keep an eye on it. If it fits better I know it is the right size, if not, I'm going down a needle size. When I know what I am doing, I will rip out the other hats and start again. 

Hat Calculator was very helpful as was Knitting Math 101.

Today

I have a bit of housework, laundry, and budget to work on and then it is sewing and knitting. My day off from the housework. 

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