Using More of The Stash - Placemats

Yesterday's weather was wet with periods of darkness. It brightened up in the afternoon and we had no rain all night. Today is cloudy with showers expected during the day. A cool Canada Day weekend for sure. 

Lifestyle

It was a day of folding laundry, cleaning up the kitchen and doing a bit of grocery shopping. 
Our garden is growing well with the potatoes taking the lead for being the fastest. 

They are growing an inch or two every day. We sure hope they are growing potatoes under the ground as fast. 
The roses are producing also. The Spousal Unit picked three for the house and left one to open a bit more before picking it. 

The white rose is a flora bunda and the red is a hybrid tea. 

And the one outside. 

Health

I took some time yesterday to think about why I am feeling glum and stressed (I've clenched my jaws until my teeth hurt and didn't sleep well last night). A few things came to the surface. The weather has been one. The other is Facebook. Shall we say, I'm cleaning house as it's time to move on. I'm feeling better about what I've done. 

Sewing

This tutorial has had me thinking about place mats. I sat downstairs and figured out the sizes of the fabric to make an 18 x 14" placemat. The red fabric is 21.5" x 17.5" and the white is 15.5" x 11.5". I followed the tutorial as written and I got what I wanted. I used fabric I've had in the stash for almost 3 years. I bought it for a project that never materialized so am using it for placemats and napkins. 

I did not use any interfacing or batting as I wanted thin placemats. They are what I had expected. I will make 3 more and 4 napkins in the red fabric. 
Upon doing a bit of hunting I found this picnic placemat tutorial. I will be making 4 of these using the lobster fabric (I have lots of the red and less of the white). My size will be 16 x 12 and may cut the pieces 16.5 x 12.5". Instead of turning them as instructed, I may just bind them. The remaining red fabric will be used to make bags as I want this fabric gone. It will take some time as I need to start other projects soon. 
I also laundered the baking for the cardinal wall hanging. I found a piece in the stash to use. Though it doesn't match, it won't be seen at all. I need to buy painters tape to stretch the backing onto the floor and pin the batting and top to it so I can quilt it. 

Knitting

I worked on the test pattern and am ready to do the third button hole and then the sleeves. 

The bodice of most knit dresses are similar when knit from the top down. The fun begins when you do the pattern on the skirt. As I looked at the bodice, I wish I had thought to knit 3 rows of beads at the front neckline. I will do that if I knit this dress again. 

Today

I may go outside this morning and clean the weeds out from our hedge. It's time to do it and I am thinking it will have to be done between the rains that are forecasted. I would also like to sew the second lobster placemat and prep for the remaining two. 
Until the next time..............................

Well Aged Fabric Projects

Yesterday was one of those days where it started out dark and then brightened up. There was a lovely thunder storm with lots of lightening. This morning it looked like fog was rolling in and 45 minutes later the sun is shining. We will see rain today though. 

Lifestyle

I did housework yesterday morning with a side of laundry. Both levels are done and I was happy to see it done. 
Elliott has been all over the library books that the Spousal Unit brought home yesterday.

He stood up at the end table sniffing them several times. 
I got the big TV set up so we can watch YouTube videos on it from my iPad. It's great to see the details when watching the videos. 
Late in the afternoon, we went to a local horse shop and got most of the items to fill the boot bag. 

 I need to go back and get vet wrap and to the grocery store for a tub of candy. I've contacted the barrel racing association to donate it for a prize. 

Sewing

After cleaning up the sewing room, I hunted for a piece of fabric I wanted to attach to a painter's canvas. I found it and cut it out to the size I wanted, serged the edges and began stretching it onto the canvas. 

I am over the moon with how it looks. Perfect for winter when the cardinals can be seen here in Nova Scotia. 
I will be following this video to do the corners the next time. She does it really neatly. Mine are good, hers are great. 
I took the left over piece of fabric and made a table topper for the Spousal Unit's parents' gramophone. All of that cardinal fabric is used up. I sewed it like I did the napkins. 

I also got out the wall hanging and looked at it. I need to finish it up as I did the piecing 10 years ago. 

There is even the fabric for the binding. 

It is time to finish the three UFO's in the stash. There is a quilt to donate to a seniors home, an Advent calendar, and the above one. One every two months so I can have them done by the end of 2019. The latest - June 2020. 

Knitting

I set up another test pattern last night. This time it's a dress. If the designer keeps using the weight she has for the last several patterns, I will get a bag of yarn used up testing for her. I'm doing a dusty rose color this time. 
I have been knitting these outfits on straight needles which I don't like. I love knitting on circular needles. I have a tiny circular needle in the same size but the cable is almost too short. I bought one with a longer cable in ChiaGoo. I am totally in love with them. The needles are wooden but with a sharper point. The cables are thicker and do not curl up. The yarn does not catch where the needle and the cable meet. They are a dream to knit with. 

Today

Other than fold laundry, no plans have been discussed. It is the Canada Day long weekend and I'm not partial to driving with the traffic so heavy. A discussion a bit later on will put a plan in place for today. 
Until the next time.........................

Nap Day

Yesterday was cool with a high of 18C. We had a shower late in the afternoon. This morning it is 13C and we are to have more showers during the day. We even heard a roll of thunder this morning at 7 a.m. 

Lifestyle

We headed out to the library yesterday morning and that was the extent of our activity for the day. I sat down on the couch to knit and promptly fell asleep for 45 minutes. The Spousal Unit had a small sleep then and a good one mid afternoon. One late night and we are useless. 

Sewing

I did launder the fabric for the Spousal Unit's shirt and the two bags. It is ready to be pressed after I clean up the sewing room. Which is suppose to be today.

Knitting

I finished the Bella Bolero yesterday afternoon. I love this little sweater. My learning this time was weaving in the yarn ends using this website. 

The red of the bolero is deeper/bluer than the ribbon. It also covers up the bias bodice so I may not use it. I have another idea for using it. 
I knit on the purple sweater and got one sleeve done. 

Now to set up the second sleeve and work on it. 

Today

I will be doing housework and getting ready to set up July's sewing. I'm looking forward to being organized both upstairs and in the sewing room. 
Until the next time................................

Another Bag Planned

Yesterday was a cloudy and warm day with a high of 22C. We did have a shower or two but nothing of any importance. Today is another cloudy day and it is 14C at 6:30 a.m. We could have showers again.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was hair cut day and we did a bit of shopping afterwards. We went to an area where we had thought to live and are so glad we didn't. The houses are duplexes and very close together. 
The Spousal Unit went to the city with Son and grandson in the afternoon to watch the soccer game. The home team won and he seemed to enjoy himself. 
I enjoyed myself at home and finished reading a book over the course of the afternoon and evening (between knitting and napping). This book was based on a true story and was a very interesting story about Budapest during WWII. It shows how life worked behind the Iron Curtain. 

Sewing

I headed out to Avonport after lunch to get some fabric to make a couple of boot bags. I had the lining and one piece in the stash. 

They were busy in the shop and I had to wait for a table to lay my fabrics out on. I gathered bolts that I thought would work. After a bit of time and texting Daughter, I came up with this combination. 

I got 6 compliments on this combination while I was playing. It was the winner. I did talk to a lady who kept telling me to make and sell cloth grocery bags. She loved my design and how unique they were. 

Knitting

I knit on the Bella Bolero yesterday afternoon and evening (between a good nap). I have it about 2/3rds done. It went faster than I thought it would. 
I have also signed up to test a doll's dress pattern. It will be a busy July for me with testing and a Join Along. 

Today

I will do some laundry which will include washing July's fabric. I would love to do a bit of cleaning in the sewing room and knit. We are both tired today due to a late night. Might just have to have a nap. 
Until the next time.........................

A Finish Projects Kind of Day

Yesterday was another lovely day with a high of about 24C. It did cloud over late in the afternoon so we opened the windows and enjoyed the fresh air. Today is cloudy with a chance of showers.

Lifestyle

I was outside a bit yesterday enjoying the sunshine and watched the Spousal Unit mow the lawn. He has the yard in terrific shape right now and I'm being lazy about weeding the hedge. In actual fact, I'm leery about that hedge. I got a prickle in my finger from it and I finally got it out yesterday after it got infected. 
I didn't do much in the line of housework yesterday and set my heart on finishing two projects. 

Sewing

I finished the reusable grocery bag yesterday and love it. 

Daughter calls it a boot bag as barrel racers can put their horses' wraps and boots into it. Or they can use it for groceries, or what ever. I plan on filling it and donating as a prize to a local barrel racing. 
My next bag will be of this fabric. 

It goes with me so I can find a stripe fabric to go with it. It is going to be fancier on the front. Stay tune as I design away in July. 

Knitting

I started off the morning by knitting the collar on the Hudson Bay Coat (known at the Swinging Canuck Coat) and part of the afternoon weaving in all the ends and sewing up the hems. 

I learned a few things while making this coat. Weaving in the ends takes a long time and I should learn how to weave them in as I go. The second thing I learned how to do was sewing up the hem. I need to make sure that no stitches show on the front and check every couple of stitches. 

 I need to knit this one again and make an outfit to go with it. 
I am almost finished the first sleeve on the purple sweater. Decrease row and 8 rows of ribbing. I'll keep plugging away at it as I have to knit a couple of other items and set up the July Join Along. 

Today

We get hair cuts this morning and the Spousal Unit is going into Halifax to watch a soccer game with Son and Grandson. I may head out to get fabric for the next bag. I'm going to have a lazy evening on my own. 
Until the next time.............................

Using Up 10 Year Old Fabric

Yesterday was cooler but sunny. It was nice to have one day like that. Today is warmer and will be sunny. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I hustled around and got the house work done in a hurry. We headed out to find ties for the tomato plants. We found some items that will work at a green house. Came home and Son found some on the internet and ordered them for us. On the up side, we got out and did something. We will return the items and find something else to buy there. 

Health

My weight hasn't moved for 2 days but that is okay. It has come down over the week though. I do have to watch some foods when eating - spices in particular as they will upset my system a bit. I'm slowly getting back to eating all foods. 

Sewing

I sat at the sewing machine and finished quilting (called cross hatch) of the cotton to the batting. It was tedious but not exhausting. 

This is being called a boot bag and I'm filling it with goodies for both a rider and horse and donating it to the barrel racers for a prize. I will have the bag finished in 3-4 hours and will start buying to put into it. I have enough fabric left to make 3 more bags and will do it over a period of time and hang them in the closet ready to donate as needed. The boot fabric has been in the stash for 10 years and has been moved 3 times. 
Next up is a shirt for the Spousal Unit. I have to launder the fabric first and have it ready to start on July 1. I am going to work a doll outfit or two out of the scraps. 

Knitting

I worked on the Hudson Bay blanket sweater and have started the collar now. 

Only 14 rows to go and then I weave the ends in and hem the bottom, sleeves, and collar. I really like this pattern and will make it again. Once done, I will go back to the purple sweater and then start a red bolero for the plaid dress and hat. 

Today

After doing housework, I want to sew the bag and knit on the doll's sweater. I also need to get the next Join Along ready to post on June 29. Need to go over the wording to make sure it is what I want and is correct. 
Until the next time............................

Another Beautiful Day

Though windy, yesterday was a sunny, warm day. The temperature got to 24C which was lovely. Today is going to be warm and sunny. 

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law, grandson, and I went to the city yesterday morning. It was a fast trip and we were home by 12:30. After unloading the car and having lunch, I rested. I'm not sleeping well at night as the house gets too warm. We had a lovely BBQ dinner at family's house to celebrate a late Father's Day. In all, it was a great day. 

Health

I ate a bit more than usual yesterday but my weight is coming off slowly. I'm pleased with being back on track and eating healthy. 

Sewing

I did not go into the sewing room yesterday. I wasn't in the mood so would have made mistakes. It didn't stop me from thinking of the cowboy boot fabric while I was resting. I'd love to pair the flower fabric with it but there isn't enough of it. 
While shopping, I did get two peg boards from Ikea. One is for embroidery hoops and the other is for items near the ironing board. I will get a third one when I set up the desk area. 

Knitting

I did knit yesterday and have the first sleeve done and am ready to knit the second one today. No pictures yet as there is so many yarn ends that it looks like a mess. It should be done in a couple of days. 

Today

I need to do some housework and then sew. I want a good night's sleep so we can go out and explore tomorrow. It is time to do something rather than be at home.
Until the next time..............................

A Western Grocery Bag

Yesterday started off gloomy grey but it improved to sunshine and warmth. The high got to 21C. This morning is warm at 15C and there are clouds in the sky.

Lifestyle

We didn't do much yesterday. It was a quiet day where the Spousal Unit went out to check on his plants. He reported more seeds (beans, carrots, and beets) are coming up. 
We are going to do the front porch area this coming month. I need to make a list and get it ordered so we can pick it up. With both of us working, it should take us a day to redo. 

Health

I ate well yesterday and within my points. My weight is going down so I hope to be near where I was when I last went to WW in May. My knee hurts off and on and I continue to stretch it and walk the stairs to help strengthen it. Lots depends on the weather as usual. 

Sewing

I hauled out the fabric to make another grocery bag. It had talked to me when putting it on the shelf. 

I got it cut out, the handles interfaced, folded and sewn in no time flat. I reached for the craft interfacing on the bottom shelf and there was none. I thought for a minute and reached up and grabbed some batting. This bag will be quilted. 

When done, I will have sewn 5.9 meters of fabric in June. A good month for me.

Knitting

I worked on the Hudson Bay sweater and got the body finished. The first sleeve is about half done. I'm quite liking the pattern and hope it fits the doll well. If it does, I will be making another one. 

Today

I'm off to the city with Daughter-in-law and want to get a couple of peg boards for the sewing room. Groceries and a stop or two at garden centers. 
Until the next time..............................

And It Rained

Yesterday was one wet day. We had 3.25" of rain fall with 1" falling in 40 minutes. This morning it is windy but no rain. I'm sure we will see a few showers before it clears off. 

Lifestyle

We both watched the rain fall yesterday. The ditch was running. Our neighbor's shed flooded twice during the afternoon.

Our basement stayed dry. 

Health

I've been watching what I've been eating and trying to stay within points. It feels great to be back on the wagon of healthy eating. 

Sewing

I headed down to the sewing room early and put away a lot of the fabrics in tubs. I have some items to look after and then I can start looking for a desk. I'm thinking Ikea. 
In the late morning and all afternoon, I sewed on the doll's sun hat. I finished it in the late afternoon. 

I wanted a ribbon on the back of the hat and after some deep thinking figured it out. 

This outfit is coming together nicely. 

The hat pattern is McCalls 6451 View C. I have my own take on finishing it so no seams show. 

A lady I know when living in northern BC loves to quilt and she has been making runners to go on a cabinet in her home. Her latest make has me wanting to quilt some. 

Has me thinking about what I could do in our house. 

Knitting

I bit the bullet and got started on the Hudson Bay blanket sweater. It is an easy knit. I got the first 17 rows done and am ready to divide the sleeves from the body. I'm sure I will be done it in 3 or 4 more settings. Then it will be back to the purple sweater.
I have been asked to set up a Join Along for July. I'm working the details out now and am looking forward to hosting it. I won't do a prize but may surprise everyone at the end with one ( a gift of a pattern of their choice). 

Today

I'm not sure what I am doing at the moment. I can go to the city to shop or shop locally. With the weather changing for the better, I will have to decide. If I shop locally, I will sew today as I need to make a shopping bag to get my totals up to 5+ meters this month. If I go to the city, I will look for a few items I need for cobbling doll shoes. 

Christmas Napkins Done

Yesterday was the first day we had a humidex reading. The humidity was high enough to make it feel 2-3C warmer than it was (24C). The clouds rolled in and it started to rain last night. We had a good 1/2" fall during the night. It is suppose to rain all day today.

Lifestyle

I headed out to get a few groceries yesterday. After I got home, we then headed out to the library and the doctor's office to see if my lab requisition was ready (it wasn't). We got home in the late morning. 
On our trip into town, I stopped and took pictures of this Golden Chain tree. It didn't bloom last year but it is gorgeous this year. 

I also took a picture of white rhododendrons.

And I think I saw a yellow flowered one also. 
In the afternoon, the Spousal Unit mowed the lawn and put the grass clipping into the potato plant box. The yard is in great shape and all that is left to do is weed the hedge. 
We picked the first rose from our roses bushes. This bush was planted about 3 weeks ago and is doing well. The other bushes are coming along also. 

Health

I've had two successful days of eating properly. I've tracked everything and have not snacked between meals. The aches and pains are diminishing and I've been walking around more both inside and out. I'm happy to be back on track. 

Sewing

I finished the last napkin yesterday. It was nice to get them done.

I used my tutorial and adjusted the size a bit so I could cut out two napkins from the width of the fabric. 
I cut out a sun hat for the dolls as I am wanting to make the plaid dress into an outfit. 

McCalls 6451

I took my time making sure the brim and the crown center fronts were on a red line of the plaid. I need to cut out the top again as I forgot to put the center of the circle on the red line. 

The under part of the brim matches the outer part as I did fussy cut the pieces.

Knitting

I've almost finished the first sleeve on the purple sweater. It has been a long haul and I'm setting it aside to knit another doll's sweater. I need a break from the pattern before I do the second sleeve. I have tracked everything in my book so I can do the sleeves the same. 

Today

Laundry is on the agenda for today and lots of sewing. I would love to put away fabric this morning while I do a couple of loads of laundry and sew this afternoon. 
As of 8:30 a.m., we have had over 3/4" of rain fall. 
Until the next time.............................

Back On Track

Yesterday was a gorgeous day -- sunny with a high of 27C. In the late afternoon, a black cloud showed up and slowly passed over with no moisture. This morning it is 11C with very little dew. It may be raining tonight. 

Lifestyle

Elliott decided to have a nap with the Spousal Unit. When I looked, he had his paws folded up. 

He is such a crazy cat. 
Yesterday morning I did a bit of clean up and then had the day to myself. It is nice to have the upstairs clean and tidy. 
The Spousal Unit went out and weed eated the rest of the ditch. Just the hedge left to weed and the yard is tidy. I will get at it after the rain storm. 
We sat outside on the deck going over, once again, about what to do with the deck. We are in agreement that we want white metal railing. But the boards still giving us thoughts. Do we remove all the deck boards and replace them with a composite? Or do we sheet the deck and put down a vinyl such as DuraDeck? We continue to talk about it but will need to act. 

Health

With my issues resolved, I tracked my food yesterday. It was good to be back on the wagon eating healthy and having portion control. I will now set my goals for July. 

Sewing

As I had a couple of extra hours to sew, I worked on the napkins. I was able to start the last one when I stopped for the day. It will take about 45 minutes to finish the last one. 
Next up will be a grocery bag and a doll's coat and hat. 
The Spousal Unit picked out his shirting fabric as I will make him a shirt in July. I need to pick out a pattern or two for the dolls. 

Knitting

I worked on the doll's sweater last night and am over half way done the first sleeve. I'll keep plugging away at it but I need to knit another sweater also. I will be starting it tonight. 

Today

This morning is grocery shopping and the library. This afternoon is finishing the napkins and putting away fabric. I want to get ready to purchase a desk for the sewing room and that area is full of fabric in tubs. 
Until the next time...............................

June's Test Pattern Completed With Modifications

Yesterday was another lovely day with sunshine. The wind kept it feeling a bit cooler than it was which was nice. Today is to be warmer with cloud coverage. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday the Spousal Unit weeded more the ditch. The grass is long and heavy but the new weed eater is doing a great job. We adjusted the lawn mower yesterday and the Spousal Unit found he was running it as a mulcher in the bagger mode. The lawn was drier and everything worked well. 
I am trying to keep the upstairs tidy and cleaned the bathroom. It is easy to keep clean now that I've finished all the scrubbing. 
Last evening we took grandson to his soccer practice. The bugs were happy to see us. On the way home, we treated grandson to an ice cream cone. 

Health

As I've been feeling much better, I have started back on my diet. I will introduce some of the foods I was eating back over the next week. I will attend WW next week as this week is getting back to it week.
I've started doing more stretching to ease the tense muscles in my back due to my knee being sore. It is helping some.

Sewing

I finished the test pattern skirt.

I removed the waistband and left front piece. I had to unpick the hem and remove a bunch of serger thread. I made the front piece a bit wider (and will make it wider the next time) and sewed it back on. I put on the waistband and then finished it. About 90 minutes to do all that. 

I will make this again and will make the left front piece even wider. It is a cute skirt and would look great with a top and sweater. 

Knitting

No knitting last night as we were out. I am going to set up my next sweater today as I need to get it done. The one I am working on will be knit on also. I need to get it finished by the end of the month. 

Today

I will do some tidying up and some sewing. If there is time, I'd love to put away more fabric. 
Until the next time............................

Lupins Are In Bloom

Yesterday was another lovely sunny day. The high was 25C and it was 13C this morning. Heavy dew on everything which means another lovely day (no dew usually means rain here). 

Lifestyle

I finished the spare room yesterday and washed all the floors upstairs. To end the cleaning spree, I swept the stairs to the basement and cleaned the front entry. Now to keep it clean and tidy. 
I spent an hour outside helping the Spousal Unit clean the lawn mower. He did it twice while mowing the lawn, and was quite upset about it. I used the cleaning feature and it helped some. What worked was putting it into the stow a way position and taking the hose to it. I put the nozzle on and got it cleaned up. Our lawn is very thick, lush, and hard to mulch. Mowing can't be the width of the lawn mower (22") but 1/3 of that width. If not, it will continue to plug up. It takes longer but it is what it is. 
On a short drive to get supper, we saw the first lupins of the year. They are so beautiful.

Lupins grow huge here and there is purple, pink and white ones. They are not native to the east coast and are classified as an invasive plant. We will take them as they don't kill the grass as some invasive plants do.
On our trip into town we saw a lot of trees in bloom that didn't bloom or had few blooms on them last year. The frost at the beginning of June last year did a huge number on the buds. This year, the trees and bushes are loaded and lovely. 
Down the street from us is a power pole with a hanging bracket on it. Someone hangs a basket on it for everyone to enjoy. 

There are other brackets on poles in the Crossing but people don't use them. We will enjoy looking at this until it freezes. 

Health

My issues have all but disappeared with a bland diet. I will start again on my diet tomorrow if all goes well today. My aching knee was better yesterday but stiff this morning. I will get it loosened up with walking about. I'm not feeling as exhausted as I was. 

Sewing

I worked on the test pattern skirt yesterday and it was too small. I couldn't figure it out as the pattern looks the right size. I ran up to read the pattern and I had turned under a piece that shouldn't have been. I have to take off the waistband and the one piece and redo it. I will do them a bit bigger as I like to have some extra fabric on a wrap skirt. I want to be done today. 

Knitting

No knitting last night. I was tired and read a book instead. 

Today

I want to clean the bathroom and tidy up a bit. I need to do a load of laundry. Then it's downstairs to sew on the skirt. It is to be warm today so no outside work for me. I will try to do some tomorrow morning when it is cool. 
Until the next time.................................

Testing A Doll's Skirt Pattern

Yesterday was warm and humid and today it has rained, gloomy, and dark. It has since brightened up and is suppose to clear off for the next few days. 

Lifestyle

This morning's entertainment was watching the gravel put on the shoulders of our street. There were enough people here to say we had overkill. Seven with shovels and rakes along with trucks, packers, etc. They were done in 2 hours. 
Yesterday the Spousal Unit used the new weed eater and I also gave it a try. Powerful and light weight. Most of the ditch on our side has been whacked off and the road side needs to be done. 
Grandson was over to show us his prizes from year end ceremonies at school. He was on the honor roll all year and got the honor's tie to wear for the remaining years at school. He also got a bronze pin for community service. We are proud of him as this has been a big learning year in a new school and environment. 
I worked a bit more on the spare bedroom. I have the window left to clean and the floor to wash. 

Health

Though I haven't been taking turmeric supplements for 5 days, I still have some ups and downs with my stomach. I have to watch what I eat and keep it bland for a few more days. 

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room working on a doll's skirt. It is a cute pattern but sewing the pleats into the front can be an issue. 

One thing I will do the next time is to fray check the little area you notch more. I did put a tiny drop on but it wasn't enough. 
I have to add the waistband next, do the seams, hem, and add buttons and snaps. I could do two clasps on the front rather than buttons. Thinking about this. 

Knitting

The first of the test sweaters is done. I did a bit of a steam on it and it is a bit big. I'll throw it into the washer and dryer to see if it becomes smaller. If not I will knit it on smaller needles the next time.

The second test sweater is now coming along nicely. I had to pick up the stitches for the first sleeve 4 times. It was me, not the pattern. I'm ready to knit the 20th row. I hope to have it done soon as I need to start another sweater. I also need to prepare a Join Along for July. 

Today

I am hoping to finish up the spare room and wash all the floors. This afternoon will be spent sewing. I want to finish up the skirt so I can resume sewing the napkins. Tonight I will knit on the sweater. 

In and Out and About

Yesterday was a lovely warm sunny day. The high was 24C. This morning it is 14C, and cloudy. We've actually had a sprinkle of rain already this morning.  

Lifestyle

On Thursday I scrubbed the master bedroom. It didn't take as long as I had thought it would. I started on the spare room yesterday and got part of it cleaned. 

As I cleaned up I decided I need to do a bit of decorating in the room. I need to get the fabric and sew the items up; table toppers and pillow cases. 
In the afternoon, we went to New Minas and got the Spousal Unit a new heavy duty battery operated weed eater. With a coupon, he got a weed blower for free. Two for the price of one. The old one was light weight and 7 years old. It had done its job well but the weeds in our ditch are just too much for it. The motor burnt out. 

Health

I am hoping that I'm on the road to recovery. I've been watching what I am eating and things are calming down. My weight is up a bit so I now need to focus on that once I'm nearing normal again. 

Sewing

I spent some time looking for a piece of fabric which I haven't found. I'm hating having the fabric on the shelving unit but it is what it is for now. I need to start sewing faster. 
I have found another doll pattern to test. I found fabric for it and will start it today. 

Knitting

I finished one test pattern last night. 

I need to steam it a bit, put it on the doll, and take pictures. I got row 1 knit and row 2 started on the purple sweater. Hopefully it will be done by the end of the week. I have another sweater to knit after that. It is a Hudson Bay blanket pattern. 

Today

I'm doing some cleaning and then sewing. I will be knitting today as well. Another busy day. 
Until the next time............................

Looking For A Piece of Wool Fabric

Yesterday was a warm sunny day. The high got to 22-23C and it was 11C this morning. We had the windows open all night. Tonight we are to get rain. 

Lifestyle

I did a bit of tidying up yesterday morning and then went and got grandson. He finishes midmorning as he is writing exams. We had lunch out and that kid can eat. He left after lunch to study for today's exam.
In the afternoon, the Spousal Unit and I loaded the car with puzzles and books for the library. It is good to get them gone. We then got a few groceries, some garden supplies and home. 

Health

I did a top load of wrong foods yesterday to see if I would have issues. Yes and no for that. As I was taking my medication this morning, I wondered if the turmeric pills I take for joint pain could be an issue. Googling showed it can be. So I swore that I had taken them and today is the last day. I will be going onto a bland diet for a week to see if it helps. If it is IBS related, the food I will eat will fit into the elimination part of the diet. Let's hope I have gotten to the bottom of the problem.

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday but I did put some of my fabric onto the shelving unit. I'm looking for a piece of fabric for a doll's outfit and haven't found it yet. 

Knitting

I did knit yesterday and got a few more rows done, a couple unknit and reknit. I have to be very careful and count the stitches at the end of each row. If I don't, I find I have missed a yarn over throwing my count off by 1 or 2 stitches.

Today

I have to start cleaning our bedroom this morning and then unload some more tubs onto the shelving unit. I also want to sew 2 more napkins today. I have to knit tonight and would love to get 4-6 more rows done on the test pattern. 
Until the next time.....................................

Kitchen Is Done

Yesterday started out sunny, became cloudy and it rained 1/2" last night. The high got to 23C and our low was a lovely 12C. Today is clear, sunny and windy. It is suppose to get to 24C today. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit was out in good time to weed eat the front of the yard and to finish mowing. It looks great out there. His other job was to cut the old moulding into smaller lengths, bundle and get them ready to take out to garbage tomorrow. 
I finished cleaning the kitchen yesterday and it is so nice to have that room done. It amazed me how much dust got inside the cupboards. I scrubbed the floor on my hands and knees. My other job was to fold laundry and put it away. 

Health

With the storm coming in, I had a day of suffering. My knee ached which in turn made my hip and ankle ache. It eased off during the night but will take a bit more time to be completely gone. 
I have been trying to figure out my gastro problem. I know what triggered it and now need to figure out how to calm my system down. I'm going to try something out diet wise. I also know that stress has kept it going also. And that stress is both self inflicted and being over my stress threshold. The combination has been doing me in. Upstairs is coming along nicely but the sewing room is another story. 

Sewing

I had an hour yesterday morning and I headed down to put some items away in the sewing room. The room has kept my nerves jangling (stress). I got the serger thread put away along with the other items I keep in that drawer. I hauled out the yarn tubs and started to work on the next size yarn. I got a bunch of it sorted out. Finally, I started to deal with a box and a bag of stuff that needed to be dealt with. Yikes!! I got the pattern drafting material into a shopping bag. I have a basket that I am putting doll patterns and other items into. That will be sorted out later. I need a desk for jewelry making, doll patterns, and pattern making. I did fairly well in the hour that I had. 
I'm also trying to figure out what I want for a desk. I can go with a desk I like or I can go with something I don't mind and add a filing cabinet and a set of drawers to it. It's called Ikea. 
In the afternoon, I worked on the napkins. I got two more done for a total of 8 napkins. Four left to make and that project is done. 
Next up is a test pattern and I need to find the fabric, change the thread on the serger and fly at it. I may have to buy buttons if I don't have black ones in the stash. If I do, I may buy lime green ones. 

Knitting

I knit 2 rows yesterday and gave up. I sat with heat on my knee when all the jobs were done and read a book. I hope to continue knitting today. 

Today

I am going to wipe down the hall into the bedrooms (short), pick up grandson from school mid morning, have lunch out, and try to sew two more napkins. We also need to get some groceries. If I can do it, I will search for the fabric for the test pattern. It's in one of the tubs but which one? Who knows. 
Until the next time.....................................

A Busy Day on Our Street

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day with a high of 24C. There was some wind which helped make it feel a bit cooler. This morning is 9C and there will be rain this afternoon and evening according to the weather forecast. 

Lifestyle

I continued cleaning the kitchen yesterday. The cupboards got a good wiping with some being degreased. Nothing was tossed as we use everything. The stainless steel was polished. The oven needs to be run on clean but that won't happen at this time. 
The Spousal Unit mowed the lawn and was done by the time the lawn company came to put lime on. The soil here is acidic and lime neutralizes it. 
The biggest item of the day was paving our road. It is a dead end road which needed the end fixed for turning around. Yesterday all the equipment arrived. It was quite the show having all the big equipment on a short street.

 The grey house (gable end seen) is the last house on the street. Taken from the front of our house. 

Everything was backed down our street. 

Work was done by 7 p.m. and we have a shiny new street that wasn't in bad condition before. The end of the street needed paving where the work was done so they did the whole road. 

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room. I did a bit of sorting and put away a few items. I am moving slowly as I have to sort and decide on what I am doing with my stuff.
I got all the napkins cut out and 2 more sewn. It takes about an hour a napkin but worth it as they look great. 
I found a new grocery bag pattern and am going to get it. I like the fact that it can be folded up and it has straps to help it stand up at the check out. 

Knitting

The purple sweater has the first sleeve stitches picked up. I can start knitting on it. I had to wait for good light to do it. The little spaces are tiny and somewhat hard to find. 
The other sweater has been knit to row 21. Only one small issue and that was easy to fix. It is a cute pattern and an easy knit. 

Today

I will finish up the kitchen today and fold laundry. The bit of extra time will be spent in the sewing room tidying up and sewing. Not as hard a cleaning day today. 
Until the next time...........................