Down and Done

It is -14C, clear, and very little wind this morning. I am happy about no wind but they say it will pick up again. We can enjoy the sun until Sunday when we get snow. 

Lifestyle

I started to clean the kitchen yesterday. I wiped and scrubbed as I moved around the countertops. Drawers were emptied and cleaned, shelves were the same. I got about half the kitchen done and am happy with the results. 

Health

It paid off tracking  all the food and eating with portion control. I was down 1.8 lbs last night. A total of 7.2 lbs for the month of February. I met and exceeded my February goal of 4 lbs lost. I'm on a roll to meet my mini goal for the end of March. 
I have been owning my issues and moving on which has helped. Tracking each meal and all my activities has also kept me on track. And making my health #1 is worth it. 
For what it is worth, I have not bought any WW snacks as they are expensive and, to me, a bandaid for having snacks. I actually weigh and eat potato chips on special occasions and I budget my points for things like pizza, chicken strips and fries. I have no real cravings for chocolate at the moment so I'm letting those food choices be non choices. I feel in tune with my body. 

Sewing

I spent 3.5 hours in the sewing room finishing up the test pattern. It was a well drafted pattern that I enjoyed sewing. It had a combination of couture sewing techniques and using the serger to finish the seams. The only issue I had was the cap which got straightened out before I cut it out. 

I would love to find a daffodil pin or earring to hold the shawl together in the front. I'll look when I go shopping. I did spend time choosing my fabrics and the only poor choice was the blouse and cap fabric. Beautiful fabric but a tad stiff. It is batik white fabric. I'd use something softer if I make it again. 

I love the skirt fabric. It is cotton but looks rustic. 

And without the shawl. I sewed two pieces of lace together to go down the front. I don't have to test another pattern until the end of March. 
Today is the last day for Design Academy. I can go back and look at the videos and do what ever is left when I have time. I can join in to the discussions when the class is open in the fall. I ordered Pattern Academy and am looking forward to starting it tomorrow. I am ready as I do have lots of ideas rolling in my head. I'm going to work on what I designed at the beginning of Design Academy. 

I will start off making the capri length leggings as I have the pattern for them. No use redesigning something that works well. I'm going to play with the pin tucks and do pleats. I'll be sewing up scraps of fabric I don't care for before I cut into my good fabric. 

Knitting

I finished up the cowl last night. I won in the chicken yarn contest and had about 24" of yarn left over. 

I have to say it isn't the prettiest cowl when done and lying on the couch. It looks like a triangle but it certainly will keep my neck warm when worn under a coat or jacket. 

The back has a small part where it is joined together and knit in the round. It keeps the cowl on your neck without having to deal with the ends of a triangle. 

This is a free pattern called Escarpment and there is a link to Ravelry to download the pattern. I will be making this scarf again for Daughter. 
I knit 5 rows on grandson's socks and have 10 rows left to knit before I start on the heel flaps. 

Today

I will continue cleaning the kitchen and hopefully will get it done. If not, it will be finished tomorrow. I plan on cleaning up the sewing room in preparation on finishing the western shirt, beginning Pattern Academy, and cutting out two basic doll dresses to see how the skirts act in different fabrics. 
Until the next time.................................

Random Thoughts While Keeping Warm

Today is another cold windy day. We are so over this and are waiting for the weather to warm up in a couple of days. I'd really appreciate the wind going away as the temperatures are not that bad. It's the wind that is making it so cold. 

Lifestyle

Between our shopping trip locally, I got the dining area of the house cleaned up yesterday. It was great to have it looking good again. 
Shopping was cold but we did it. The Spousal Unit got some carrot seeds and talked to a lady about her greenhouse. He wants one here so he can putter around in it in the spring. 

Health

My body seems to want to be in a holding pattern. The scales moved down slightly this morning. I have been tracking everything and hope I have a small loss this week. Weigh in is tonight. If it is the same, I will be okay with that. I have a goal I want to meet it by the end of March. 

Sewing

With the cold weather, I have been sewing some every day. Yesterday I worked on the sleeves of the blouse for the test pattern. One was inserted and the other one will be done today. I hope I can finish the blouse this afternoon. 
I was looking at some wardrobe ideas for me. The Vivienne Files hit it on the nose color wise for me; black, denim and white for the basic colors. I can add grey to the basic color mix if I want to. I'm thinking down the road. 

Design Academy

 I worked on my notes yesterday and added more. I need to do more sketches but they will have to wait. What is evolving is my brand; what I want my doll clothes to look like. 

• Designing a collection of basic patterns that can be adapted to give a wide variety of looks. 
• Using couture and basic sewing sewing techniques. Use my serger only when necessary. 
• Adding hand knit items into the mix. 
• Using a variety of fabrics.
• Adding some embellishments to some outfits. I'm going to try distressing denim but not sure if I will like it. 

The key is to have real clothes that fit the dolls. 

I am now ready to take Pattern Academy. I am a bit nervous but will use ideas I have, adapt patterns in my pattern stash, and design items that I want to make for the dolls. I have another course I want to take from an Australian designer as she shows how to  adapt basic patterns. 

Knitting

The scarf is just about done. I am casting off and should be done today. More on the scarf when I am done it. Then it's back to socks.

Today

I will be sewing and knitting today along with cleaning the kitchen. It's time to wipe out some cupboards and drawers. 

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

Wind, Wind Go Away

We are in the grips of winter again. Sunday it snowed most of the day and we woke up to rain on Monday morning. Then we had flurries and wind during the day. It stopped in the evening except for the wind. It snowed and blowed last night. This morning, it is clearing but the wind is still blowing. 

Lifestyle

After ignoring the house for a couple of weeks, I decided I needed to do a deep cleaning for the next couple of weeks. Yesterday, I tackled the living room. All the furniture was moved, everything dusted and cleaned and the floor mopped. I put away a lot of knitting items as I was getting into overload on the couch. 

Lifestyle

I was to the doctor's yesterday morning. My thyroid medication was reduced. One of the tests was different this time which means I am producing some of what is needed to keep my thyroid functioning on its own. My blood pressure is normal so we are happy with my medication dose. I'm hoping to reduce the dose as I loose weight. 
I plateaued again this week so am going to increase my protein to see if that will help me loose weight. 

Sewing

I'm working on the blouse for the test pattern and am ready to cut out and set in the sleeves. I'm learning new tricks all the time. Using paper has been wonderful to sew tricky pieces. I'm going to try some cheap tissue paper also. I'm finding I can be more accurate and keep the shape much better than without the paper. 
I am almost finished Design Academy. I need to finish my notes and then think about the designs I want to do. As I go along I am ready to work on both the designs and the construction. Seam finishes, unique design elements such as using a wing needle, pin tucks, and more are calling me. I want to try minimalism, linings, homage and ever so much more. These I will incorporate into the next course - Pattern Academy. 

Knitting

I have joined the scarf into the round and am knitting away. I am watching the amount of yarn left as I need to do 8 rows of garter stitch to finish it off. A couple of thoughts have come out of this pattern; using one size bigger needles, and make sure the yarn is very soft. I'm going to do the next one in an acrylic yarn. 

I love how the increase stitch is done. It gives a very unique look to the center front of the scarf. 

Just before I joined it into the round. 
When the scarf is done, I'm back to knitting socks for grandson. I have to get them done before I can go back to my scarf and another project for the dolls. 

Today

I plan on super cleaning the dining room this morning, get my medications and a few other stops while out. I would love to finish the blouse today if at all possible. 
Until the next time....................

A Full Day of Sewing

It was a snowy day yesterday but it cleared off in the afternoon. It snowed again early this morning. The weatherman says snow again Sunday evening. It is still cool out (-8C) with some wind and snow flurries.  

Lifestyle

We had a lazy day yesterday. The Spousal Unit felt off -- tired and out of sorts and I was just tired. Other than a bit of snow removal, we stayed inside and did our thing. 

Health

When I'm tired, I want to eat. I beat the demon yesterday but it was hard. I did drink more water. With a good night's sleep and determination, I hope to loose at least .5 lb this week. 

Sewing

I sewed on a new doll's outfit yesterday as I'm testing a pattern. I did the shawl which is out of a lovely checked homespun. Then onto the skirt which is red cotton with a homespun look to it. The skirt has a yoke and lower skirt. The lower skirt is pleated. My brain and my hands were not cooperating and it took me over an hour to get 12 pleats in correctly. The skirt is ready to be hemmed and have the waist band completed. Next is the apron which is cut out. 
In the afternoon, I focused on the western shirt. I removed the printed button panel and put on a plain one. The shirt looks much better as shows better proportion between the plain and print. I got the collar sewn on and am ready to trim the neck seam and hand stitch it down prior to top stitching. 

The sleeves are yellow and the cuffs are the print. I'm quite happy with this shirt and my first attempt at sewing it. The next one will be easier. 
I also worked on the principle of surprise and delight for the course I am taking. I am going to work more on this when doing doll clothes -- fun linings, ribbon or fun fabric for inside waistbands, a bit of lace or tulle somewhere. Even bias where you least expect it add an element of surprise. Adding where you least expect it -- the back of the doll clothes. It made me think if I was going to do more zippers in doll clothes so I can add more to the back. I'm still thinking on it. 

Knitting

I knit quite a few rounds on grandson's socks late yesterday afternoon and last night. It was easy to just keep knitting. I'm 15 rounds from starting the heel flaps on both socks. 

Today

Today is grandson's birthday and I have to make him his favorite salad -- greek without the olives. I need to get a few items for it. I hope to sew on the doll's outfit a bit as I would love to start cutting out the blouse and cap soon. I need to get the outfit done early next week so I can start housework again. 
Until the next time............................

Never Say Never

The weather has been cold and the windchill has made it colder. It warmed up a bit and it is to snow all day.

 Elliot does question our weather at times. Especially the cold. 

Lifestyle

Cabin fever started to arrive and we took off Tuesday for a day out to Coldbrook for apples and books. We got a few other things and explored at a nursery. Found some things we wanted and makes you want spring to arrive sooner rather than later. 
We have been talking a bit about different places and their locations here in Nova Scotia. One place was Amherst. I said my 2nd great grandfather was born near there. That led me to reread some information I had on his family. When we moved here, I was asked if we had family roots in Windsor. I said no, they had never been here. Well, never say never. My  3rd great grandfather was captured in the early 1790's in the US, brought to Halifax and mustered out at the end of the war in Windsor. He must have been stationed here during the war. Two of his boys lived here in this area in their adult years. They lived across the Minas Basin at Parrsboro while growing up. 

Health

I was down another 1.2 lbs for the past two weeks. I have now lost 16 lbs. I've been tracking well, watching portion control and moving some. I really need to get my butt in gear and do more walking, even if only indoors. 

Sewing

I worked on the western shirt yesterday afternoon and got it ready to sew on the collar. 

Daughter suggested I try the yellow band on the front. 

I have a feeling I will be changing the print band to a plain band today. 
I finished up, or so I thought, the section on fabric. I'm going to have add a bit more to it as I found this cute idea on Pixie Faire. 

Not one piece of cotton in it. Such a perfect outfit for fabric and inspiration. 
Next up is surprise and I am so happy to be working on that one. I have a week before I start the next course and I need to keep moving forward and quickly. 

Knitting

I have not knit for 2 nights. One night was family tree research and last night was exhaustion. I could barely stay awake. 

Today

I will be starting the doll's pattern I need to test and then switch over to work on the western shirt. I will put a load of laundry on and save the housework for next week. 
Until the next time...........................

Four Stressful Hours = 1 Doll T-Shirt

This morning is another cool one with the temperature being -11C. We won't see any 0C weather for a bit as there is another snow storm coming in. The weather will be milder after the storm; at least we hope so. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was Heritage Day in Nova Scotia. Many of the businesses were closed so family could be together for the day. We did venture out in the afternoon to return books to the library and a dish to family. 
While at family, we did grandson's experiment on friction. You push a chopstick into a bottle of rice for 3 crunches. See if you can lift the jar by the chopstick. Do it with the other end of the chopstick. Then try other chop sticks. It was a simple but great experiment on friction. We were successful with all the chopsticks but one. It was a thin metal one. He will be set up on Friday for grading and viewing. 

Health

I finally broke the plateau I was on for the past 10 days. It was a great feeling to see the scale down this morning. Let's hope it is reflected on the scales tomorrow night. 
I have been eating properly and monitoring portion control carefully. Though WW is a lifestyle change, it is also a diet and one has to follow the rules to loose weight. Portion control, exercise, and self care are the three things I take from this. I do well if all three are in place. 

Sewing

I spent 4 stressful hours in the sewing room yesterday. I decided to conquer the t-shirt saga for the dolls. I read the following that was helpful:

• sew using paper underneath the fabric for more stability. You could use tear-away stabilizer also. 
• do not use paper in the serger. It won't come out of the seam. 
• lay pieces back on the pattern to see if they are the right shape and size. Steam back into shape and trim if necessary. 
• use lots of steam and your fingers to work the fabric back into shape. 
• handle the knit lightly in the machine. Forcing it stretches it out of shape. 

So, armed with my found knowledge, I cut out another t-shirt and labored over it. I used 3 pieces of paper while sewing. 

The neckline barely stretched and I was thrilled over that. The sleeves and bottom hem both stretched about 1/4" due to the serger. It pulls/stretches the fabric. 
I put on crystals to jazz it up and add a bit of a surprise element. 

I am pleased with the results. 

I have figured out that I need to buy a new plate for my sewing machine. One that has a tiny hole for plain stitching rather than the wide one it comes with. I will get it when I take the machine in for servicing. 

The back fits well. 

I will tackle grey leggings next to go with the t-shirt. I do hope that the next t-shirt doesn't take as long to sew up as this one did. I left the sewing room with sore shoulders and neck. 

Knitting

Grandson's socks are coming along well. I have knit almost 2/3rds of the leg on the second sock. Soon it will be heel time. 

Today

It is hair cut day and we are heading out to get apples and maybe books. I want to stop and get paint chips for my design book. Nine days and I start a new course. Yikes. I need to get busy.
Until the next time...........................

A Shirt is Coming Alive

It is cool, clear and calm this morning. The forecast is calling for flurries so we wait and see what Mother Nature brings us. 

Lifestyle

Housework was minimal yesterday as I wanted to sew and think. I also spent time on the puzzle with the Spousal Unit. I got a piece sorted out for him and it took me a while to do it. 

Health

I've tried everything to break this plateau and I'm still on it. It is frustrating but I need to remind myself it will break. Today will be minimal eating day to see if that helps. 

Sewing

I headed down to the sewing room early to sew and think. I worked on the shirt itself and found a small error. I have to trace one piece again as I have two sizes on it. Once I got the shirt sewn to the shoulder seams, I worked on the yoke. 

I got some issues worked out on it and really like how it looks. A bit blah but I knew the piping would help it out. I made 4 meters of piping and started to put it on the yokes. 

It certainly changed the appearance of the shirt and the piping becomes the focal point. I've been sewing doll clothes for too long and tried to sew the yokes down on the very edge. I really don't need to move the needle over to get it close. I also did a second row of stitching but it doesn't show as the thread is the same color as the fabric. 

The back yoke. 

Next up is to interface the front bands and collar pieces. I'm ready to tackle that part today. 
While sewing, I thought a lot about fabrics, the part I'm studying in Design Academy. One of the comments was about using cotton and moving away from it if we want to make realistic looking clothing. How true that is. Cotton has its time and place. I will use up mine appropriately even if it is my go to fabric. And, a lot of the patterns I test call for cotton. It seems to be everyone's fabric choice. 
With the dolls, I have been struggling with knits. They stretch out of shape. I'm digging out a piece of knit I have that is scraps from a friend's project. I am going to cut out the pattern I have modified and sew it up using paper underneath to see if it stretches out of shape. Another trial version of the pattern. 

Knitting

I spent some time knitting on the second sock. It is coming along well. I will keep at it on a daily basis so I can finish it up this month. 

Today

The goal is to do the front bands and collar on the shirt and fool around with the t-shirt for the dolls. I also need to write up color and think about what I want to put in my design book. I also have to think about fabric choices to put in my book also. The goal is to move away from using only cotton fabrics. Conquering knits is my other goal. 
Until the next time..............................

A Sewing Day

The sun is shining but it is cooler today. The wind will make it feel cooler than it actually is. But if the sun shines, all will be good. 

Lifestyle

It was a quiet day at our house. I did some housework and then headed to the sewing room. With all the rain we had, it was an inside day for us. 

Health

I seem to have hit a plateau. My weight is the same and I've even started to eat a bit more. Back to smaller portions today. A bit frustrating but I will get past this. 

Sewing

Yesterday's job was to cut out the western shirt I want to sew and sell. 

The yellow is cut out except for the sleeve which I need to play with. I will sew and serge the fronts and backs and yokes and then make the piping. When done, I will have used 3.5 meters of fabric. 
In Design Academy, I have finished up Color and I am working on Fabric. I have several things to overcome with fabric; my fear of knits and fancy fabrics. I am working on my fear of knits and will be trying out one idea I found one designer uses - paper underneath the fabric. I keep telling myself I can conquer this. Fancy fabrics will come but I hate the fraying of those fabrics. 
I have a cute piece of polyester fabric in the doll's stash that I am going to make a basic dress out of. I want to see how it works compared to the cotton I normally go to when sewing the basic dress. I will try to knit a jacket to go with it. 

Knitting

One sock is done to the heel. 

The second sock is cast on-- green for the cuff and 4 or 5 rows knit. 
Today
I am sewing today and working on the western shirt. I have one piece to trace so it is the correct size. That will take a few minutes and then I can serge and sew to my heart's content. 
Until the next time.........................

Projects Done and New Project on the Table

We have gone from 6-8" of snow on Wednesday to rain this morning. We woke up to 8C and a lot of the snow has melted. Not all of it but quite a bit. The ditch is running quite well so I'm sure a few boys will enjoy playing in it today. 

Lifestyle

On Thursday I headed out with the masses to get my blood work done for my thyroid. I see the doctor on Wednesday for the results. 
It was shopping day yesterday. Daughter-in-law and I headed to the city to do our run together. It was a fun day as we weren't rushed. We did a lot of wandering around looking for clothing. I did find a new zip up hoodie to replace my worn out one. 

Health

We didn't have weigh in this week so I am slugging away at eating properly and tracking activities. I even went out and shoveled snow -- the worst part of the driveway was mine. It was deep, packed, and heavy going but I got it done. 

Sewing

I did the second collar for the dress and it is equally as cute. 

With that done, I put the pattern away claiming it a success. 
I spent two part days working on grandson's fleece blanket and completed it. I have set up the western shirt to sew next and will look to see if I have something to start for the dolls. 

Knitting

I finished knitting the doll's sweater. The pattern matches the pink dress I knit. 

I used Premiere Fable yarn from the stash to make this sweater. I have now used Astra, Paton's DK wool, and this one and they have all knit to the same tension. Very happy and will make it again. 
I have been working on grandson's socks. The technique I am learning is to have no jump when I change colors. When you start the first row of color you continue on as before. When you start the second row, you slip the first stitch and proceed. After that you knit or purl every stitch. Works perfectly. 

At this point, I have done 60 rows and have 15 or 20 rows left to go. Then I cast on the second sock which will be reverse to this one and knit it to the heel flap. My crazy way of knitting socks.

Today

I will be doing some housework and then working on the western shirt. I will pin and cut out and then start making the piping. I'm looking forward to making this shirt. I also have to work on my Design book and get it caught up to date. I'm pretty much on track with the lessons but needed pictures for the book. I got them yesterday. I may look for a magazine when I go shopping later next week. 
Until the next time..............................

Snowfall = Sewing

It is snowing and blowing out and has been since 4 a.m. The system came in but not as quickly as they thought. The snow is turn to snow pellets and then to freezing rain this afternoon. It's going to be an inside day with a lot of business closed. 

Lifestyle

With the storm coming, I went out and did some shopping yesterday morning. This was what yesterday looked like. 

Health

I have made good choices this week keeping my points to where they should be at each meal. The scales at home are down but it is the scales at the meeting that count. I have a feeling our meeting is cancelled due to the weather conditions. Not updated on the internet yet. I may have to wait another week to find out how I have done. 

Sewing

I was busy with the doll's outfit yesterday. I had ended Sunday with the dress completed but no buttons on the front.  

It was lacking a focal point. Buttons went on and it looked much better. 

Yesterday, I started out the day sweating over button holes. I got them made and buttons put on the back.  I made the first of two collars for this outfit. It really makes the outfit in my opinion. 

Side view and you can just see the buttons. 

And a close up. I have to change the button on the little pull/tab so the hole are going the same direction as the buttons on the dress. 

Knitting

I worked on the doll's sweater, got the sleeves knit and it joined. I also got 6 rows of pattern done. It is another nice pattern and a great one to go with the dress and sweater/jacket I made. 

Today

I want to make the second collar for the dress and begin working on grandson's blanket. A big stew is cooking in the crock pot.
Until the next time ..............

Sunshine and Grass Yarn

Our weather has been cold, not brutal like other parts of Canada, but cold. Add in the wind and we are enjoying wind chills as cold as -20C. We have a storm coming in with snow, ice pellets, freezing rain, and rain prior to it warming up for a couple of days. 

Lifestyle

The house is almost clean with the rest being done today. I keep going around and around and around doing things and it is staying cleaner. 
Yesterday, I baked herb buns and the consensus was awesome. Here they are before going into the oven to bake. 

A delivery was made to go with soup for lunch. 

Health

I have been eating well but my weight has stalled. It went down some more and then went up a bit. I'm sure my body is trying to balance itself from the big weight loss on Wednesday. 
My hip has been sore from the weather system coming in. It will settle down in the next 48 hours. It is part of me that has happened for years. 

Sewing

I have been slowly making the dress so I can test a collar that goes with it. It has been fun to try out a few new techniques. I did use the 3/8" bias maker for the trim on the sleeves. It took a couple of tries to get it right. I also did some sewing of tiny pieces using paper scraps under them. It worked as it held the pieces in place while sewing. 

I am ready to pleat the skirt and add it to the bodice and upper skirt. 
Though this dress will have snaps on the back, I am planning on practicing small button holes. It is something I want to perfect. 
I have been looking at doll outfits for harmony. What I think goes well together may not be what others think. It comes down to personal preference. I plan on working on harmony using up some of my orphan fabrics I bought for the dolls. I can use rick rack, ribbon, lace, and other items to make simple but cute items for the dolls. My favorite designer is still my inspiration to help me achieve harmony. 

Knitting

Grandson's socks are cast on and they remind me of sunshine and green grass. 

I have to set aside these as I have another pattern to test. It goes with the last one I did. I wonder how it will work for the Gotz girls. Hopefully it will. 

Today

I have some housework to do and then sew on the doll's dress. I'd like to finish it but that remains to be seen. I know I won't be rushing as I want this to be a nice outfit. 

Inspiration and Focus

While yesterday got to 7C, today the temperature will get to -7C. Not only is it cool, but there is a biting wind blowing with gusts. A good day to be close to home. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I did a bit of housework before heading downstairs to the sewing room. I was on a mission. In the afternoon we headed out to get apples and I needed a piece of fabric for a project. 
We did go to the library and Elliott was very keen on the book the Spousal Unit brought home with him. 

He must have smelled another cat on it as he spent quite some time smelling it. 

Health

We are both eating quite healthy and I am doing more measuring and weighing of what I eat. I have eaten with in the healthy eating zone for nearly a month now. It is paying off. 

Sewing

Yesterday I went through all the doll's fabric. There are some nice pieces in the mix but some are orphans. Those I will try to make into dresses for sale. Simple easy items that don't cost a lot. Some pieces need something to go with them to make an outfit. Others are complete for outfits. And I found a piece of fabric I thought I had lost. I have decided to keep all the fabric and will sort it more over the next few days to complete outfits, needs fabric to go with it and what I'll make that's quick and easy. 
I also cut out a doll's dress from the Edwardian era from a favorite designer. The trip to the fabric store was to get a piece to go with it as I am testing a collar to put on it. I now have all the fabric and the button for the loop. 

I have a favorite designer of doll clothes. She lives here in Nova Scotia. I have not personally met her. I decided to study her doll clothes for inspiration while I am doing Design Academy. When I look at outfits like the above one, I become inspired by how she incorporates so many elements of design into one piece of clothing. The other thing I picked up was to get out my bias makers and use them on the doll's dress I am making. Looking at her pictures will help me get through Design Academy. What I learn here, I want to take with me to sewing adult sized clothing. It's not hard, I just have to have focus and inspiration. 

Knitting

I am still knitting on my scarf. I get between 2 and 4 rows done a night. I still need to set up the second project. Yarn is out and I need to get the needles out.
I finished up the denim sweater but only got one picture taken. I hope to do more today as it isn't dark outside. 

Today

We are doing a bit of shopping locally to get us through the week. I will be sewing on the doll's dress trying out some new techniques while testing the collar. Knitting will be the scarf and I do hope to set up the next project. Housework will be minimal for today. 

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

Thoughts On Doll Clothes Fabric

We have had freezing rain during the night like they forecasted. The temperature is suppose to hit 8C and rain. It is to cool off with chances of snow flurries starting tonight. 

Lifestyle

Our driveway and car has a coating of ice on it. It is quite slippery out there though the roads have been heavily salted. Inside until just after lunch for us. We don't have to be out this morning. 
Yesterday I did some housework getting the two bedrooms and the bathroom tidied up. There was white dust on the furniture and some on the floors. 
I did put away some yarn that was on the couch and have been looking at my yarn. I really would like to knit faster but it isn't. My knitting speed is moderate. 

Health

I was hungry yesterday afternoon and had to eat a few cashews. I had 6 halves and it helped. We had grandson for dinner and I ate well. All food was tracked and under points for the day. The weight is still coming off but a bit more slowly. I'm fine with that. 

Sewing

I spent quality time on my course yesterday. I have to draw another jacket for the rhythm and repetition. I did this one as I am wanting to make this jacket at some time. 

If I choose a small print, I could do more of a kangaroo pocket rather than a large pocket. The print fabric would be the hood lining. 
The next drawing will be in a green color with a fur collar. Playing with ideas. 
I will be spending some time doing a pattern test. The dresses we have to sew before we do the collars are published. My inspiration photo is this one. I love how the focal point is the button on the tie slide. 

It will be fun to work on Edwardian style doll clothing again. 
One of the things that hit me in this course was a statement of buying everything you need for an outfit at one time. This is, to me, true for both human and doll outfit planning. I have been doing more planning with fabric for my wardrobe but am hodge podge with the doll's fabric. I am going through the doll's fabric and doing a sort. I need to put what goes together in a tub and figure out what to do with the rest. I will take some of it with me to buy fabric to go with it as I truly love it but other pieces were for simple dresses only. It was where I was when I purchased it. 

Knitting

The denim sweater/jacket is done and blocked. When dry, I will add the button and do a photo shoot for my design portfolio. 
I am almost half done my scarf and need a second project to work on. I will start on socks. I need another fix of sock knitting. 

Today

We have to go out once it warms up but otherwise it is housework, sewing, and sorting fabric. I hope it is bright enough to do a photo shoot. If not, there will be another day to do it. 
Until the next time........................

A Good Week

The weather is all over the map. We have had it warm, wet, snowy, and cool. Today is cool with a high of 1C and tomorrow is to have a high of 8C. At least it isn't minus double digit numbers for now. 

Lifestyle

I have been doing the necessary housework each day but need to focus on sweeping and mopping the floors to remove any cat hair that is collecting. 
The Spousal Unit has been doing a puzzle that was driving him (and me) nuts. As it was being done, we found several pieces in the wrong spot. They fit perfectly both piece size and color. It was finished yesterday after thinking we had missing pieces in two spots. 

A new puzzle is out and we have done the border except for one piece. He's on his own now to work on the interior. I will help out for 20 minutes a day. That's all I can do at a time. 

Health

I'm getting it right with my eating. Portion control, weighing where necessary, and keeping my points less than I should eat paid off. I lost a whopping 4.2 lbs this week. It was ready to come off. I'm waiting to see if my thyroid is over active and I'll have my medication reduced. I think it may happen. 

Sewing

The fleece blanket is now ready to have the strips cut to tie. I will start that today. I have just over 2 weeks to do it in and I can only do so much at a time. 
I am enjoying Design Academy. I have to spend time this morning sorting out my pictures for my sketch book. I have the pictures for the first two lessons done and need to do the third lesson. I will get the pictures printed (2 for each lesson) and add them. 
What I am finding is that people do no respond a lot to the lessons so it is hard to see what others are doing. I have more response from another group. They are certainly cheering me on. 

Knitting

I am almost finished the denim doll's sweater/jacket. I have the sleeves to sew up and then block it. 
I did not knit on my scarf last night but will continue it tonight. My next project will be socks for DGS. I need to wind the yarn into a cake. The doll's next outfit will be leggings. I want to start them as I have a wonderful idea in my head for an outfit. 

Today

It is an at home day. I will sweep the floors and clean the bathrooms. The fleece blanket will be worked as will the course. We have grandson coming for dinner and the evening which will be fun. It will be a busy day for me.
Until the next time...................... 
Until the next time...........................

I've Been Busy!

We have finally come out of the cold snap. Yesterday's high was 5C and the low was 2C. Today we expect to see 8C. With the warmer weather comes rain showers but I'm okay with that. 
Though, we were on the edge of the Polar Vortex, the cold, moist wind that came across the New Minas chilled us to the core every time we stepped outside. I am a wimp to say the least. 

Lifestyle

I have cleaned up the house. I have gone around and around making sure it is clean and only have to do spot cleaning this week. Next week, a bit deeper in our bedroom. Vacuum rather than sweep up the dust and cat hair off the floor. 

Health

I put a few more things in place this week. I was not getting a blue dot for tracking as I was eating too many 0 point foods. So I did some thinking and here is what I am doing:

• Eat low points for breakfast and lunch
• Have a bit of starch/carbs for dinner 
• Portion control. I even weighed the spaghetti before and after I cooked it. 
• Reminder that 0 point foods are not 0 calorie foods
• Leave just enough points over so I get a blue dot. 

Wednesday will tell if I am doing it right or not. 

Sewing

I laid out the fleece blanket and started cutting off the selvage edge. I pushed it to one side and traced a shirt pattern for western wear. The next item on the list is to trace a Jalie t-shirt before I buy the Pamela Perfect T shirt. 

I have been working on Design Academy through Pixie Faire. It is for doll clothes. I am on schedule and ready to start a new unit on the 7th. It gives me time to work on other things. 

I did a design board for the course which I want to follow through to the next course on pattern making. 

This was my first idea which was using just pictures I found. I found fabric and yarn to use. I felt it was a good start. 

 Next I did a drawing of what I wanted to make.

From there, I started to knit the sweater in a lovely denim heather wool yarn from the stash. As I moved through the lessons, I changed the look of the top.

I really want to add a pop of color. I'm really thinking yellow for the top and sweater/jacket. 

Knitting

I am working on the blue sweater for the outfit. I'm ready to start the sleeves. I also pulled out my scarf and am knitting it. As of last night, I am a row short of 1/3 the way done. 

Today

A bit of housework, folding laundry, budget, some sewing and knitting are on the agenda for today. 

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

T-shirt Failure

Yesterday we were under a snow squall watch and watch we did. At one point, we said snow storm. Very little snow was on the ground due to the wind blowing. I think the only snow to remain was from the worst squall we had. This morning, there is snow on the ground from a "squall" that went through last night just because we are still under the snow squall watch. In actual fact, we are at the edge of the polar vortex which is causing us to have this kind of weather. 

Lifestyle

Elliott showing his sweet side. He's been in a biting mood lately due to the weather. 

Yesterday morning I knit at family's house while the housekeepers were there. It was a productive time. At home I did some minor housework, not a lot but some. 

Health

I continue to eat well and track what I eat. I'm using the app more to earn points for prizes though I only like the journal the best but will save up for the USB power bank at this time. 

Sewing

No sewing yesterday as I wanted to finish up some knitting. I'm going down to sew today as I really need to work on a couple of items. It's time to think of a sewing theme for the dolls. 

I did try on my grey t-shirt that I made. It is too big and fits me weirdly. 

• The front neckline is too low and needs to be taken in at least one size for 3" down the center front. 
• The back too square and it also needs to be taken in down the center back by one size.
• The shoulder seams are too narrow for my broad shoulders and I would have to add an inch to them at the neckline. It would help raise the center front up.
• I added too much under the arms which is the easiest fix of all. 

It needs way too many adjustments to fit properly. I'm just not sure that I want to that many adjustments on a simple t-shirt to get a TNT pattern. I will try it again when I have lost more weight.

I have another pattern out and will lengthen the sleeves on it to 3/4 length. I will test it out to see if it will be a TNT pattern. I do have to sit down and read the instruction sheet as it has some good information in it for adjustments. 

Knitting

I finished the black hat and wove in the yarn ends on all the hats. Ready to mail this afternoon. 

I have the doll's jacket ready to knit the body and then I can sew up the sleeves, put on a button, and photograph it for the tester. Then it's back to my scarf. 

Today

Housework in the morning and sewing in the afternoon. I hope to finish up the doll's knit jacket tonight. A busy day but it's too cold to do things outside. 
Until the next time............................