Gardening Fun

Yesterday was a cloudy day which was cool for spring temperatures. This morning is cloudy again and 8C. We could see showers this morning with clearing this afternoon. We have had a cool spring with the temperatures being 4-6C cooler than the normal. 

Lifestyle

We headed out yesterday to get the flowers and more soil. We got some at one place and more at another. If short, I will buy what is needed at yet another place. 
Once home, we did a bit of yard work. The Spousal Unit has the cucumber tubs at the shed door and small holes dug for where the roses go. He finished weeding a bed. I planted a dahlia into a pot. 

A begonia goes into the red pot and miniatures go in the bottom of the crate. I have two more solar light jars to put out on the front step. 
I got this lovely gerber daisy. I need to find a pot for it as it goes on the other side of the front porch. 

The front porch is done simply this year as we want to refinish the wood on the deck part. 
Son came over last night to install the plugs for the surround sound. He hooked up the TV and we now need to find the remotes. We can't remember where they are in the tubs in the sewing room. 

Health

I've eaten healthy for 3 days now and am feeling better. The bathroom scales say I'm down and I'm happy to know that I'm working on the next 5 lbs. 

Sewing

I did a bit in the sewing room yesterday. The doll's dress bodice pieces needed to have the bias line put on it. 

As I can only find my big rulers I used one of them. I put the 45 degree line onto the center front line (straight of grain) and drew the line on the diagonal. Simple as that. 

The plaid dress is ready to cut out. 

Knitting

I wound two more skeins of yarn while in the sewing room. That is 10 skeins of sock weight yarn to be knit up. 

I can't buy any more expensive yarn in this weight until I knit this up. I did look at the sock weight yarn I knit for the dolls and I have plenty of it for now. I will knit it up and store the items until I can sew outfits to go with them.
I knit on the Cables and Herringbone sweater last night and am back to row 19. 

Today

The goal is to start cleaning the dining room. I have it sorted out in my head what to do. I want to plant the begonia and the big pot on the front deck. In the afternoon, I plan on laying out the second doll's dress and look in one tubs for the remote. This evening I will knit. 
Until the next time...........................

A Long Nap

Yesterday was grey with very little, if any, rain. The sun tried to shine late in the day which was nice. Today is another grey day with some drizzle. The temperatures are not hot but not freezing. We will take it. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I finished cleaning the living room. It took me 2 full hours to do half the room. The furniture is now clean with 80% or more of the cat hair gone. The throws are washed and back on the furniture. The floor was scrubbed on my hands and knees. What do we like about this area? The minimalist look. No clutter at all. What do we need in the area? A container for my knitting so my project is contained. 
I realized that our house was well past my stress threshold while the basement was being redone due to the flood. It was full of our downstairs belongings. We tended to just dump items here and there while living in these conditions. I was shutting down to cope. I was ignoring the mess but it wasn't ignoring me. Cleaning up the garage made me realize how much I had shut down. Cleaning the living room made me realize how much I need to do upstairs to reclaim our minimalist look. I'm ready even though it will be a long process as I want to be thorough. I will be going through everything we own. There will be decisions to be made but I think I can handle that. 

Health

I have tracked for two days in a row and am feeling much better. Like our house, my eating needs to be minimalist. No extras; just nutritionally packed foods. 
My sleeping habits turned back lately. Up during the night as I couldn't sleep. Tired during the day as I sleep horrid. Yesterday afternoon, I napped for a good hour and then slept all night. I am hoping my horrid sleep habits are over for the time being. 

Sewing

No sewing yesterday due to the long nap I had. 

Knitting

I started on a doll's sweater, got to row 19 and saw the first button hole was in the wrong place (pattern error). I ripped it all out and did two rows. Ready to do the first buttonhole row correctly. I do love the pattern and it is a fairly easy knit. 
I did collect two more skeins of light yarn to wind. They didn't get wound but they are on the table to be done. 

Today

We are heading out to get flowers and a few groceries this morning. I would love to wind the yarn, launder the pieces of fabric I bought, and fold the laundry I did yesterday. Then knit and think about the tutorial for the next doll's dress I am going to make. 
Until the next time.......................

Another Day Out and About

Yesterday was a lovely day. The clouds did roll in but they didn't give us any rain. During the early morning hours, it did rain and it looks it is still drizzling out there. 
Elliott got some sun tanning in yesterday. 

He was totally relaxed while enjoying the rays. 

Lifestyle

We were out and about yesterday. We went to the used book store to return and get more books, to the greenhouse to get the last of the vegetable plants, Walmart to get the soil we love, and then home. I have to go tomorrow to get flowers. 

Health

I tracked and ate well yesterday. I am hoping that I had my two week rest and can now focus on loosing the next 5 lbs. I did need the break and now feel like I can continue my journey. 

Sewing

No sewing yesterday. 

Knitting

I got the hooded vest steamed and took pictures.

After we came home, I wound the 7 skeins of yarn into cakes. It didn't take long. I have 3 more skeins to wind in that weight and then the fine yarn can be organized. 

I did finish my scarf and it is ready to block. It isn't as long as I had thought it would be but it will be nice to wear with a jacket. The rest of the yarn will be used up at a later date. 

Today

The big job this morning is to finish cleaning the living room. While doing that, I can do a load or two of laundry. In the afternoon, I want to sew on the second doll's dress. I should wind the last three skeins of yarn also but that remains to be seen. This evening I will set up a sweater for the doll. I'm testing a pattern for another lady in another group. 
Until the next time...........................

Out and About

After a day of drizzle, grey skies, and heavy fog (during the night), this morning is sunny. We are enjoying it. 

Lifestyle

We headed to Bedford yesterday morning. We were looking for bagged soil and plants. Neither were found. The soil we want is scarce and the plants looked horrible. 
We are trying to figure out how to do our deck. We've looked at composite decking and found it is very slippery when frosty. We are now looking at a vinyl deck covering we used before. Choices!!

Sewing

I did not sew yesterday. But I did buy a bit of fabric. 

I want to get more of the collection to make several outfits.  I also got broadcloth to use for linings and some tracing pellon. I also got buttons for the two purple polka dot dresses. 

Knitting

I finished the hooded vest last night. 

It fits the doll perfectly. I will steam it a bit and do a photo shoot for the designer. 
I did get out the skeins of sock weight yarn. I need to wind them into balls and start knitting. 

The oldest yarn from 2012 and 2014. 

Newer yarn. The blue was bought in 2015 and the other two in 2018. There is still 2 more skeins bought in 2019 that need to be wound. 
When wound, I'm more inclined to knit it up. In skeins, I admire it. 

Today

We are out this morning to get more plants and look for soil. I'm hoping to get some of the flowers I want otherwise I have to do another trip. In the afternoon, I want to wind yarn. The blue in the bottom picture is needed to finish my scarf. 
Until the next time.........................

Clean, Then Sew

Yesterday morning it rained, none in the afternoon, and it rained during the night. This morning no rain but we could see showers or drizzle. It seems we get one nice day to 3 or 4 wet ones. Warm to cool overnight. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I decided to clean the living room as it was the dustiest area. I wiped the window casings, baseboards, and railings. I also cleaned the end tables and lamps and gave the chair a good wiping. Once that was done, I washed part of the floor on my hands and knees. Though only half done, that area is now clean. The rest of the room will be done tomorrow. When all is done, I will wipe the floor to make sure there are no marks on it. 

Health

I'm hold loosing weight this week. I couldn't get some of the foods I needed as they were sold out. Today I want to stock up on the missing foods in another town. 

Sewing

I finished the doll's dress in the afternoon. I was going to make a tutorial but gave up when the serger thread broke and I had to rethread the machine three times. After serging, I did the gathers and the third row of gathering wouldn't work right on one half. The gathering thread wasn't broken, it was just being stubborn. 

I am pleased with the dress. It fits well. The pattern is a good basic dress. 

I will be using this pattern to cut out another dress. 

Knitting

While cleaning the living room, I cleaned up the knitting stuff on the couch. What is used infrequently went back into its container. I have knitting needles to put away and will only have two projects on the couch. I should look for a basket to put them into so I can put them away if we get company. 
In the sewing room, I found the yarn winder and put it and the swift out on the cutting table. I will spend an hour winding yarn into balls. I have a lot of fine yarn that needs to be done so I can knit them up. I will start with the yarn to finish up my scarf. 

Today

We are hoping to go shopping for groceries and plants. It is time to plant the flower pots and to get the last of the tomatoes. We hope to have everything outside this week and haul it all inside every night. We should be able to leave it out after June 3. 
Until the next time............................

I Got To Sew

Yesterday was a warm and lovely day. The high got to 22C. Today is cooler, cloudy and rain is in the forecast. 

Lifestyle

I had to go out in the morning to help a lady's group and then the Spousal Unit went out to help family. We all went out for lunch. 
We sat outside for a bit in the afternoon soaking up the sunshine. It was nice and made us think of our big umbrella.

Sewing

I spent the morning in the sewing room cleaning off the sewing cabinet (onto the big rack) and setting up the sewing machines. I raised the height of the cutting table to 36" which is much easier for cutting out. I also set up the ironing board. 
Once I had what I needed, I cut out a doll's dress from Butterick 6265.

I was a bit skeptical on the fit as I had made it for another doll a couple of years ago. The fit looks big on View C (blue dress). 
I spent some time working on a technique for sewing the bodice and was happy with the results. I used a lot of steam to help the bodice seams look sharp. 

The bodice fits perfectly and I am pleased with that. I didn't do any adjustments to the pattern when I did one fitting. 
I have to do the skirt next and the dress will be done. 
I made this one in March for the Gotz dolls. It inspired me to make one for the AG dolls. 

I have another .5 meter of the fabric in the stash that I will use for something that isn't a dress. 

Knitting

I have finished the body of the hooded vest, picked up the stitches for the hood and have knit 8 rows on it. I have a lot of knitting left to do on the hood. 
I want to knit boleros for the purple dot dresses in white yarn I have in the stash. They are on the list to knit after I test knit a doll's sweater, finish my scarf and do grandson's socks. 

Today

This morning I have a couple of loads of laundry to do and I want to start cleaning the living room. I'm not sure if it will all get done as it is the dirtiest area from the construction. In the afternoon, I will sew on the doll's dress. I would love to get the skirt sewn onto the bodice. 
Until the next time............................

We Have Our Basement Back Again

Yesterday was a lovely warm sunny day. Today is warm and wet. 

Lifestyle

Our day was busy. The restoration came to clean the basement and reload it. As I had done most of the cleaning, they did a quick clean, finished up the areas I didn't get to and then they moved everything down. It looks like moving in day once again. 
The Spousal Unit mowed the lawn in the afternoon. He got most of it done but found it very wet going. We've had a fair amount of rain lately. 

Health

I tracked everything I ate and my activity. I find I feel better when I'm on track. Though this is a lifestyle, my journey includes eating mainly healthy foods. The treats are not the best thing for my body. I am going to limit them to once or twice a month. 
I did a lot of lifting and stairs yesterday. I have pain but it is getting better. I stretch a lot and do take breaks. Not sure what is causing it as I pressed my knee and the pain went up and down my leg. I'm thinking arthritis as it is the knee that has bothered me a lot. 

Sewing

The sewing room looks like a wreck but I'm happy all my possessions are down there. 

This area will be the last to get sorted out. I don't have a desk yet so I can unload tubs last. 

My first job is to clean off the sewing cabinet and set up my machines. 

I will get the table set up, the ironing board up and then sew for an afternoon. 

And this area can wait also. The tv is working so all is well.

Knitting

I did knit on the hooded vest and am almost done the left front. I got another pattern to test and am looking forward to starting it in a few days. 

Today

There is grocery shopping to be done and I want to start cleaning the garage. It is time to clean it up and give it back to the Spousal Unit.
Until the next time.............................

The Work is Done

Yesterday was cloudy but not a drop of rain fell. The sun shone in the evening. The sun was shining this morning and there was frost on everything. 

Lifestyle

The plumber arrived yesterday and got the job done in a couple of hours. The electrician arrived in the afternoon and did his magic. The work is done and team is to be here to clean and move us back into the basement. 

Health

I was to the doctor's to get the results of my blood tests. My A1C is back in the normal range (down from 6.5 to 5.8), my thyroid medication is perfect. I've lost 13 lbs in the last 3 months on the doctor's scales. My kidney function is down a bit and my blood pressure is up a bit. I need to keep myself in good health. 
I did go to Weight Watcher's last night In two weeks I gained .2 lbs which is called maintain. I was thrilled and it has me back on track to being focused. I'm not going to meet May's goals but that is fine. Life intervened. 

Sewing

I did no sewing or thinking of it yesterday. My new to me doll arrived. She has never been played with and she is beautiful. 

She is American Girl Marie-Grace, with Isabelle eyes and a Blaire wig. Truly a one of a kind in my books. 

Knitting

No knitting yesterday. It was a hodge podge day that didn't allow for knitting time. Not even in the evening. 

Today

The team will arrive to clean the basement and then start moving our belongings downstairs. We will help the team where necessary and I'm sure there will be discussions on items that need to be elsewhere. It has started already. 
Until the next time.....................

Moving Ahead (We Hope)

Yesterday, we had some heavy periods of rain. In between, it would brighten up some, then become dark, and buckets of water would come down. In the late afternoon, the sun shone, the wind came up, and it rained off and on all night. 

Lifestyle

The insurance adjuster phoned yesterday and we had a long talk. Our talk resulted in the restoration company getting back on track with a project manager and someone else calling to set up the final stages of the job. With our contact people on holidays, everything had gone south. 
The electrician is to be here today, which has been confirmed. The plumber is suppose to be here but no confirmation. Once their jobs are done, there will be a clean and the crew can move our possessions downstairs. All I have left to do is find out what we can replace two of the three items that were destroyed. Harder than I thought. 
I did put up the blinds in the family room. One blind needs a bit of attention due to a ring breaking. The cause was sun damage. I will try to locate the rings today or tomorrow or ???? I do have a package. 

Health

I am stretching and applying heat to my back and hip. Some improvement but it does come back when I sit too long. 
I ate well yesterday and had some points left over. I will get weighed tonight and take my gain. I let the stress over power me and I know that it was out of my control. My first slip since January. 

Sewing

Moving stuff to the basement is almost overwhelming. When we packed up, it was crazy and I have what I kept in separate areas mixed up. I am sorting as I go through things and putting them into boxes and bags in a somewhat orderly way. I know it will take a couple of weeks to get everything organized. On the up side, I can purge some more as I put it away and do some reorganization. There is some good from all of this. 

Knitting

I spent some time dressing the doll yesterday in the sweater/jacket I test knit. I love the fit of the sweater on the doll and know it will be in rotation for doll outfits. 

The scarf has a delightful pattern and I took one picture to show it. 

I then fixed it up so the ends were folded over. I love it. 

I can see knitting this knee length in grey with a colored scarf -- pumpkin, fuchsia, green. I could add a hat to the mix and it would be perfect. 
I did start the next test pattern in a cotton yarn. I love the colors and the pattern. 

I will try it again in an acrylic yarn if I like the end result. Once done this, it is back to knitting the items I have yet to finish -- grandson's socks and my scarf. I'm getting there slowly but surely. 

Today

I have to go to the doctors, get prescriptions filled, pack more stuff and put it into the sewing room, and get weighed tonight. Quite a busy day. 
Until the next time.........................

More Cleaning and Moving Items to the Basement

Sunday was warm and sunny. Monday is warm and wet. We knew it was coming so we prepared for an inside day. Today is suppose to have showers but still warm.

Lifestyle

The family room is clean and I'm happy that job is done. The shop vacuum got put under the stairs and 2 nails in a board holds the hose so it isn't in a pile on the floor. The door is closed until I get what I need to hang two items and a tub to put two items in boxes into. 

The bathroom got cleaned to the bathtub and toilet. I did climb up and scrub the window. I'm putting a flower arrangement up there. 

The window lets in a bit of light as it is under the deck. I've decided to use teal and yellow in the bathroom.

But, first we need the plumber to hook up the sink and toilet. 

After a bit of a rest, we took two items to the basement and put them into the sewing room. Once done, I cleaned our bedroom as best I could. 

Health

I'm trying to get myself back on track to eating healthy. I followed the plan to perfection yesterday and I felt much better. 
I'm having issues with pain in my right hip and leg. I have now put heat on it and am stretching it many times during the day and night. Part of the reason it is so bad is I couldn't walk around and up and down the stairs during the renovation time. This weekend I did the stairs up to 10 times a day. It hurt so stretching and heat is the best treatment at this time. 

Sewing

I am happy that we are starting to put the light items back into the sewing room. It says we are ready to claim the downstairs once again. 
I'm buying another cube and legs like this one for the closet.

I can put a lot of notions, trims, etc. into tubs and keep the closet more organized. It also keeps everything safely off the floor. 
I was too tired and busy to find inspiration for sewing yesterday. 

Knitting

One test pattern is complete and I need to steam the scarf and dress the doll for photos. I'm pleased with it. The scarf is 15 stitches wide by 176 rows long. I will knit as close to 200 rows if I knit it again as this one is just works for winding it nicely around the doll's neck.
I knit on my scarf during rest time and I ran out of yarn 3-4 rows from binding off. I have to find my swift and wind the second skein of yarn to finish it up. I am going to crochet one row of single crochet around the cast on and bind off rows to help it lie flat. It curls as every row is knit (circular knitting). 
I cast on another test pattern. It is a vest with a hood. I got the first row knit and it is the same distance around as the sweater I knit. 

Today

The goal today is to empty most everything out of our bedroom closets and store them in the sewing room closet. I think I will set up a box to put items into so I can claim some of my shopping bags back. I can also sort and purge if necessary. 
Until the next time............................

Cleaning and Organizing

We are having a lovely day with warmth and sunshine. It certainly makes us happy. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I started to clean the family room. I wiped, swept and washed about half the floors. I crawled under the stairs to figure out how to organize that area. 
In the afternoon we had our grandson over to help the Spousal Unit put together two more garden boxes. After they were set up, lined with plastic, and had a bag of dirt put in each one, we got two more bags of dirt for each box. Now we need another brand of dirt to finish them up. When all was done, we then headed out to buy dinner to have with Son and Daughter-in-Law as they spent the day working around their pool. Grandson and I got it all done and it was fun.
This morning, the Spousal Unit and I hauled down everything that goes under the stairs. It is all in plastic tubs or up off the floor but two boxes. I will get a shallow tub to set them into. The wreath bag and a fall sign will be hung up. 

We have a couple of cans of paint and the shop vac to store in there. I have to think of a way to hang the shop vac hose. The tools can be stored in a plastic tub. 

Sewing

I have the sewing room cleaned up and the door handles on the doors. I gathered up all the tubs of notions, etc. and put them on the shelf. 

There is nothing on the floor as a cube on legs is going into that space. It will have tubs of stuff stored in it (8 of them) and the top will have trays of projects to be sewn. I am very happy with what I have got done. 
I'm still thinking of ideas to sew with the fabrics I have in the stash. My latest inspiration is Belle. 

The pattern I like is this one. I may add the ruffle at the neckline. (Or I can draft my own).

I can see yellow shoes, bag, and a simple sweater. The sweater could be in a variegated yarn. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night as I was tired. I read my book and fell asleep on the couch. I need to get out the yarn and needles to do a gauge swatch for the new pattern. I also need to cast on the scarf and start knitting it. There is over 100 rows in it. 

Today

This afternoon, I will continue to clean the family room and get it ready for the company to move our belongings back into it. I will have the bathroom and utility room to clean after that. I'm hoping tomorrow it will be done. I feel my OCD kicking in the closer we get to being done. Moving our belongings in will fill chaotic and unorganized. I am hoping I can let it go and know I have to finish up the organization when everyone is gone. And then I have the upstairs to deal with when it is empty of the extra stuff. 
Until the next time..............................

Restoration Almost Done

We've had everything but snow. There was snow at the higher elevation though. Last night there were heavy periods of rain and we are to get more today.  

Lifestyle

The contractor has arrived and gone and his part of the basement. Here are pictures of it about 70% done. 

We love the simple plain trim we chose. It is giving us the look we love. 

The family room will need a color added to it to give it life. 
Elliott went to the vet for his annual check up. He is in good health and we are to try and take a pound off him. He is at the top of his normal weight range. He was cranky afterwards due to his needle. He also got an application to ward off any fleas that he may get. He goes back in 6 months for a dental check up even though his teeth look good now. 

Health

I was to the hospital to give blood for my yearly check up. I was tired from not sleeping well so came home and had a good nap before lunch. My body hates to give blood and I have to deal with mild shock afterwards. A part of my life. 

Sewing

The sewing room now has all of its trim on and we love it. 

I will have to make sure I add a pop of color to this room also as I have a lot of white furniture. 

I am still playing with outfit ideas for the dolls. The rule is to use what is on hand. My inspiration is Dumbo. 

This outfit is based on the plaid fabric I bought and want to make a simple dress from. The plaid will do the talking on this dress and could have a red ribbon belt on it.

I will knit a red bolero for it and use a red button to close it. 

Add a red and yellow necklace, white shoes and you would be ready to go to a performance under the Big Top. 
It's fun to think of ideas using the fabric in the stash. 

Knitting

I was asked to do another test and this designer has lovely sweaters and dresses that are easy to knit. The sweater has a lovely ribbed collar on it and 5 buttons down the front. I'm knitting it in a teal wool. 

The sweater is now completed. I need to trim the woven in ends of the yarn but my scissors are missing. And, I'm getting ready to do another test pattern. While I wait, I will knit on the scarf. 

Today

The plan is to clean the sewing room, put on door handles and move the items that belong in the closet down there. I won't be able to do it all as I need to buy a couple of tubs to store some items in. I'm moving forward to help get the move done quickly. 
Until the next time...........................

Tired of The Mess

Yesterday started out sunny and it got cloudy by 11 a.m. and rain shortly after lunch. It is still raining this morning. Not heavy rains but those lovely spring rains. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday we had our hair cut and then took it easy. I think we have had a touch of the flu as we are feeling better. With the house in such a mess, we are also feeling tired of coping with it. It is starting to drive us nuts as we can't do much of anything. 

Health

With not feeling well, I'm not going to get weighed tonight. I am usually exhausted by 4 p.m. and hate the thought of going out. I will watch what I eat for the next week and see what the results of my blood tests are on Wednesday. I hope to eat properly and maintain over the week. 

Sewing

I went around the dining and living areas and picked up all the loose sewing/crafting stuff and put it away. I got a basket from the garage and put the leggings into it. It is ready to go downstairs. I also put the sewing into another basket, some fabric and patterns into a box and called it a day. I will put the dolls into the box as they will be safe in there when stuff is moved downstairs. 
I then allowed myself to think about what I will sew and knit for the dolls. I'm thinking of using this for inspiration.

Found on Pinterest

I have yellow eyelet for the dress (yellow for the lining also). It will be the basic sleeveless dress pattern. I have red yarn to knit a sweater and will buy some buttons, one of which will be a bee. The flower buttons will be used at another time or on the dress. The bee button will become a broach on the sweater. I will have to get a pair of red shoes to complete the outfit. If I make a hat, it will be yellow eyelet with a red ribbon on it. One of the flower buttons could be used on it. 

Knitting

The scarf is 20 rows to completion. I'm happy with how it is coming along. I will set it aside for a couple of days and knit another test pattern. Another sweater with a collar. Not sure of the color yet but the scarf will be white. I will use the scarf in another outfit for winter. The sweater will be included in a fall outfit. 

Today

We are not sure if the contractor will be here today with the trim. As it is raining, and the trim hates water, I foresee it just won't happen. Elliott goes to the vet for his yearly check up and I need to check and see if the downstairs vanity counter top is in. A bit of a busy day though I will knit when there isn't much to do. 
Until the next time..............................

An Off Day

Yesterday was cloudy and gray until after dinner. Then the sun shone like crazy. Today started out sunny but we are to get rain by noon. 

Lifestyle

We were both cold and cranky yesterday. Not sure why but it was an off day for both of us. Could be living in cramped quarters with nothing going on in the house. 
The contractor called and he wants to be here by Friday to start installing trim. That helped us perk up a bit knowing we will see action in the basement soon. 

Healthy

I'm waiting to see what my thyroid is doing. My aches and pains are almost gone but I'm feeling tired behind the eyes. I've had such a good run with feeling great that I'm sure I'm going low. Such is my thyroid. My weight is also bobbing around and it will show up on the scales Wednesday. 

Sewing

I got the vast majority of the sewing put away. Just lace trims and sewing machine left to go plus put some fabric into a plastic bag to make it easier to haul downstairs. I can also put some into baskets that have dried out. 
I am also going to get the fabrics ready to start sewing once the sewing room is set up. I have a couple of tutorials I want to do. 

This outfit is still on the top of the list using a basic dress pattern (I can tutorial the bodice). I have enough lavender yarn to make a simple sweater with a cute white button on it to go with the dress or a second one as I have enough fabric for 3 dresses. 

This dress may have a red sweater with the red buttons on it. Or it may have a knit bolero to go with it. The dress will be the same pattern as the above one. 

Knitting

I did a lot of knitting yesterday and have 38 rows of beads done. Fourteen rows of beading left to go and it is finished. 

A close up of the beads. 

There are 28 stitches per row that I have to pay attention to and the rest of the rows are plain knit. Once done, I have grandson's socks to knit prior to starting new projects. I keep repeating this to myself as I knit. No new projects until these ones are done. 

Today

We have to get our hair cut and then we can do what ever we want after that. I'm going to put stuff into baskets for moving back downstairs. Can you tell I'm ready to have the basement back again. 
Until the next time...............................

Sewing Is Being Put Away

Though today was suppose to be sunny (bright pink sky last night), it is cloudy today in preparation for the rain tomorrow. The last couple of days have been sunny but with a cool wind. 

Lifestyle

On Saturday we headed out to Coldbrook to look at the plants they have in the greenhouse. We bought two varieties of tomatoes -- Roma and beefsteak. They did not have grape tomatoes so we headed to the other greenhouse and got them. We did go to the library before heading home. 
Yesterday, we had Mother's Day breakfast with family and headed home to get flower delivered from Daughter. 

The Spousal Unit planted potatoes, carrots, and beets in the garden boxes while I did some clean up and finished a knitted project. 

Health

I have been tired this week. Not sure if it is tired of waiting for the basement to be finished or if my thyroid is acting up. I'll know next week after I see the doctor. I've been waiting for my thyroid to slow down after many months of being slightly over active. 

Sewing

I have the vast majority of the sewing put away. The rest will be done today. Though I enjoyed sewing, having everything out adds to the disaster and makes it hard to move around. 
I bought another doll last night. Her red hair was what sold me. 

The doll is Marie-Grace, her eyes are Isabelle, and her hair is Blaire. She is gorgeous but quite a combination. She is traveling across Canada from the city where I was born. 

Knitting

I finished up the test knit. I am meh about it. Could be my yarn choice as the pattern is really nice. 

I used what was required and went down a needle size. It fits bigger than I like. If I make it again, I'll use a finer yarn and do a gauge swatch. I cleaned up the yarn and mess made by weaving in the ends. I got out the scarf I was knitting on in January. I put it away to do a lot of other knitting and finally it is back on the list to finish. 

I'm over half done and still love it. I will keep knitting on it until I am finished. At the moment, I have no doll clothes to knit. One is perking in my mind but I'll leave it there for now. When the other project is complete, I will be knitting the doll's sweater and a scarf for Daughter. I want to see how she likes it for riding. 

Today

The goal is to finish tidying up the sewing stuff and put it away into their storage spots. After that, I want to work in the basement doing door handles, switch plates and whatever else I can do. I also need to go and buy groceries sometime today.
Until the next time.............................