A New Dress

Yesterday was a hot one. The temperature got to 33C and with the high humidity, it felt closer to 40C. The wind was hot. The low this morning was 18C and the temperature is rising for another warm day. We didn't have a thunderstorm yesterday so the question is - will we have one today?

Lifestyle

We headed out to do a few things yesterday and it was like being in a sauna. People were complaining about it and you could feel it zapping your energy. 
As the deck was wet yesterday, I didn't go out and deadhead the petunias. This morning I got 3 of the 6 tubs done. I will get caught up tomorrow as those 3 took 15-20 minutes to do. Missing a day makes it longer the next day. 

Sewing

I decided to sew a basic dress for the Gotz girls. 

I may take the eyelet off the bottom and narrow it up. I'm thinking on it. I could also fold it up and make a faux pleat but the eyelet is very stiff. My thinking hat is on. 

Knitting

I did another 11 rows last night on the sweater. I've now divided to knit the left back. I really like the pattern and would love to knit it again. 

Today

It is budget day. I'm moving everything to the basement and doing it down there. I won't leave until I get it done. If you don't hear from me it's because I'm still balancing the budget. 
Until the next time.......................

Parcel Deliver and Lost is Found

Yesterday's temperature got to 31C and in the afternoon we had a good thunderstorm. Actually it was the best one we've seen since moving here. The temperature dropped to 21C and shot up to 25C after the storm was over. Today is suppose to be just as hot and we have a chance of another thunderstorm.

Lifestyle

I quickly cleaned the house yesterday and am pleased with how fast it cleans up. As soon as the weather cools down from this heat wave, I'll be doing a deeper clean. 
The Spousal Unit started watering the lawn yesterday and got 2/3rds done before it started to rain. He may have to start up again as we only had 1/4" fall. Not enough. 

Health

My symptoms are slowly going away. If I eat properly, it does better than if I add foods that irritate it. Hopefully it will be under control soon. I'm not complaining as it is better than it was two weeks ago.

Sewing

I did some clean up in the sewing room yesterday. I ironed 3.5 meters of cotton and put it away. I folded the fabric for the shirt I want to make for the Spousal Unit. The cutting table got cleaned up in hopes that I would be inspired to sew a doll's outfit. It didn't happen. 
I looked at fabrics, thought of patterns and nothing was clicking. Instead I grabbed the last two lobster placemats and sewed them up. Those pieces of fabric have been on the table most of July. Next up, 6 napkins.
I also fiddled around with a cute charging station. As I worked on it, I made a list of what I need to buy -- peltex and a grommet. 

Since the picture, I have put the fusible fleece on the black piece, made piping from a scrap of ladybug fabric, and have started to pin the lining and black together with the piping between it. 
A parcel arrived from Daughter and it is full of suede pieces for fringe. Here are some ideas for bags.
The Aztec or Southwestern look in turquoise has a nicely matching hunk of leather against it. A really close match. 

 And here it is with clay colored suede. Ideas are swirling in my head for this one. 

I bought the feather fabric to have on hand. I wasn't sure how I'd do it up but this green suede matches one of the feathers perfectly.

And, the hot pink looks gorgeous with this flowered piece. 

I got some good ideas perking in my head to start in August. 
I've also been looking for bag making supplies I had stashed. I finally found them yesterday and have a couple of new ideas forming in my head. 
Magnetic closures give me the chance to do another tab closure. Add magnetic closure and button and done. 

Handles in leather. I got these many years ago and kept them. The rest a friend got as she was into bag making and couldn't find them. 

And all of this. I'm trying a new way to attach handles on one bag using the rectangle rings. 

It was like Christmas when I found the tub full of these items and 3 acrylic bottoms for bags. 
I tallied up what I've sewn from the stash this month. 11.3 meters sewn and 5 meters given to Daughter for her shirt business. I've sewn 40.55 meters so far this year. The best I've ever done. 

Knitting

I knit yesterday while the storm was on. I got the body done and the sleeves added to the sweater. I'm now working on the decreases. If I have another go tonight, I'll be ready to divide the back. I'm enjoying making the cables and they are turning out nicer than I had hoped. 

Today

We are going out to do a bit of shopping and to the library. Then it's home to sew. I need to dig out the basic bodices and make a cute dress for the dolls. Maybe two dresses. That would use up 1.25 meters of fabric. All from the stash. That would be nice. 
Until the next time..............................

Bag #4 Completed

This morning is 17C with little to no dew. We could have rain this afternoon. Yesterday was warm with a high of 29C and today is suppose to be about the same. Tomorrow is going to be warmer at 31C. 

Lifestyle

We had grandson yesterday afternoon. He read for an hour, played with his Switch for an hour and was outside chilling out with friends for almost 2 hours. 

Sewing

I finished bag #4 yesterday. I put the piping on the closure tab and from there it was straight sewing. 

I kind of like this one myself but I think it is sold. 

The horse fabric is fabulous and I have enough for a Bendy bag or a feature on another bag. 
And the button. I am so over the moon I thought about this for the button. 

The next two bags are in the designing stage. South western. Turquoise and a print. 

Knitting

I did some knitting yesterday as the humidity in the house was lower (the dehumidifier was off all day). It felt good to do some knitting. 

Today

I am going to do a bit of housework and clean up the sewing room. I'm planning to sew something for the dolls but I need to clear off the cutting table so I have room to work once again.
Until the next time............................

Bag #4 Started

Yesterday was quite warm with a high of 28C and a humidex reading of 32C. It was cool last night at 13C of which we opened the windows to air the house. It is to be another warm one as the warm and humid air mass moves over us. 

Lifestyle

We had a fabulous dinner on Friday night. I spent the morning prepping the prime rib for the BBQ and the vegetables to roast in the oven. Once the prime rib is on the BBQ I'm glued to it making sure it cooks low and slow. I made a Greek salad and we had a wonderful meal with family. Dessert was ice cream cake and the neighbors came over to help eat it. 
Elliott had a tough morning yesterday. He could not settle down at all. He roamed around and got quite tired. He finally came into the sewing room and I covered him in a blanket on the comfy chair. A bit later he slithered out and laid on the floor (cooling off) and finally slept for many hours on the chair while I sewed.

Sewing

I was able to head down to sew mid morning and the first job was to sew snaps onto the yellow flowered doll top. I used a trick I found on Pinterest. Which I didn't save. It basically is condition thread by running it through beeswax. Fold in half and thread the loop through the eye of the needle. You now have 4 threads to knot. When you sew on a button you are sewing 4 threads vs 1 or 2. I did 2 passes on each hole the the snaps with out any issues. Very thrilled with the result and I will be using this trick all the time. 
I started a new bag. The fabrics I chose to use.

Fabrics are reversed but when I pull fabrics together I don't worry about that. 
The piping was made before lunch. A full 3 meters from a fat quarter.

Next came the design. I'm liking what I see on this one. 

I did spend some time getting the herd of horses in a good spot and I had to improvise on the back. 

We will call that a design element. I sewed a piece of the light fabric down the seam to hide it. The handles have piping on them. I had a thought about the button and it turned out perfect. 

I'm ready to do the loop for the button closure. It will have piping on it also. Once that is done, the bag can be constructed. The fiddly bits will be done and then it's the easy part. Sewing it together. 
I am ready to start a list of what I need to make Bendy bags from the scraps. I'm excited to start on them and reducing the scraps even further. 

Knitting

I did a couple of rows yesterday but the humidity got to me. Our dehumidifier is running non stop and my hands sweat while knitting. I'll try again today. 

Today

I have a load of laundry to do and I'll sew and try to knit. Grandson is spending part of the day here so we may do something with him. 
Until the next time..........................

A Day Out and About

Yesterday was somewhat cooler and we loved it. It is going to warm up again for the next week. This morning it was 11C which is lovely. 

Lifestyle

It was out and about yesterday. We decided to head out to a tack shop in Coldbrook to get vet wraps for the prize bag we have donated to a barrel race at the end of September. It is done. 

I also spotted this cute hat and may have to go back and get it for a gift. 

The next stop was the used book store. The Spousal Unit traded in his books for more and he found a new author. 
After that, we headed down to Kentville and up to Canning. We picked up the prime rib roast for the birthday dinner tonight. We also bought pork chops for dinner last night and they were the best we've had in a long time. 
The garden is doing well and we have both tomatoes and cucumbers growing. 
These are Early girls which will be great sliced on hamburgers. 

And grape tomatoes. Everyone will be getting free grape tomatoes when they ripen.

The English long cucumbers are growing also. 

The plants love their location as they get a lot of sun - early morning to late afternoon. 

Sewing

No sewing done yesterday. I am waiting for a box to arrive as it has ultra suede and leather in it. I'm thinking fringe on the next bag. 
The next doll outfit is brewing and I want to sew up the piece and toss the scraps. I'm looking at patterns so I can make it. 

Knitting

I didn't knit a stitch yesterday. The humidity made me tired so I rested after we got home. I read instead. 
I did find yarn in the store above the bookshop. I didn't buy it but have it for future reference. 

I need to knit down a bunch of yarn before I can buy this. 

Today

I'm busy preparing dinner for family. Prime rib on the BBQ, roasted vegetables, and a tomato/cucumber/onion salad. Ice cream cake for desert which we have friends coming over to share. 
Until the next time........................

First Draft, First Muslin

Yesterday had a couple of showers in the morning and then the weather improved. It wasn't as warm as it has been which was nice. The high got to 23C and this morning it was 13C. Windows were open all night. 

Lifestyle

We had our grandson yesterday and he was kept busy. We took the Spousal Unit out for lunch to Subway. 
The Spousal Unit also trimmed the tomato plants. They are doing so well that they had become too thick. We will have a lot of tomatoes this year. He also started to weed the hedge. Once the big weeds are gone, it will need to be done again as the small weeds are growing rapidly. 
I washed all the floors in the morning and did a load of laundry. All I need to do is tidy up my knitting on the couch and fix the couch blankets and the house is clean. 

Sewing

I did a bit of sewing yesterday. I cut out the pattern I had drafted at the end of March and sewed it up. 

I sewed up the bodice as I usually do but didn't attach the skirt so the seam is hidden. This is a muslin. Once I get closer to the final product, I will sew it correctly. 
The fit is good but there are some adjustments needed. 

• Lower neckline 1/4"
• Lengthen bodice to waist
• Make peplum longer and fuller

It was fun to try something I had designed and drafted. When I get this one right, I'll do one for the Gotz dolls. I'm on the road to getting something done I had visioned last February. 

It isn't exactly the same but close. I'm looking at pin tucks on the bodice and the peplum as I drafted. 

Knitting

After I had finished a book I was reading, I cast on the stitches for the body of the sweater I am testing. Row 1 is done and I'm ready to continue knitting. 

Today

We have to go get the prime rib for dinner tomorrow night and I need to buy groceries. I will be knitting but not sure if I will be sewing or not. 

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

Two Doll Projects Done.

Yesterday morning we woke to the rain and it continued on and off all day. We had fun seeing if the predictions of when it would rain next on the Weather Underground app was correct. Often as not, it wasn't but quite often it was close. It said cloudy at 8:30 pm and it was raining. Good for a chuckle on a dull grey day. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit went out to the garage and swept it up while I cleaned the fridge and shone the stainless steel. I also dusted the living area and put away extra knitting needles. We were done early so we chatted for a bit. 
Today is the Spousal Unit's birthday. We aren't celebrating until Friday. Then it will be a bbq prime rib dinner. 

Health

I added an extra serving of gluten to the menu yesterday with a bit of milk. Peaches were eaten so we see if it is a good or a bad day. I did look over what I should be eating and will be adding to the shopping list. Vegetables are fine but it's the fruit. I like a frozen mix with berries and cherries in it. It states no blackberries and cherries are not on either list. 

Sewing

I pushed myself (yes a bit of stress) to make an outfit yesterday. I needed to get the fabric used up and off the cutting table. All that was left was a ball of scraps that fit in my hand. 
The skirt is Oh Sew Kat's free pattern and the top is the bodice of the basic dress I make. I lengthened it 1/2" and should do it 3/4" next time. All I bought was the eyelet lace as I had none and it's hard to find in that width in the stores. 

I'm onto another bag next. The fabric is on the cutting table ready to go. 

Knitting

I sewed the buttons onto the test pattern sweater and did the photo shoot. 

It fits perfectly and is really cute. I'm pleased with the results though I may make another skirt to go with the sweater. 
I also worked on the next test pattern. I have the first sleeve done to where it is ready to go onto the sweater body and the second on is 8 rows short of being ready. 

I am enjoying knitting cables in find yarn. I have had very few issues with gaps before and after the cable. I must be doing something correct. It is also a tiny cable knit over 4 stitches. 

Today

We have grandson and he and I will be pulling weeds along the hedge. I have to wash floors today. I probably won't sew but will get some knitting done. 

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

A Bit Of Machine Embroidery

Yesterday was cooler so we did wander outside for a bit in the afternoon. There was a humidex which drove the temperature up by 4C. It clouded over and rained during the night. Cooler today with more rain. The lawns and plants will love that. 

Lifestyle

While the Spousal Unit was out tying up cucumbers so they will go upwards, I cleaned the house. I moved constantly vacuuming, dusting, wiping, and getting rid of stuff. By noon, I was done what I had set out to do and a bit more. It was nice to get it all done knowing that the house wasn't overly dirty. 
We wandered over to talk to our neighbor in the late afternoon and to cuddle their new puppy. He is so adorable and loves to stretch out and rub himself in the lawn. We left just as the crew arrived to pave their driveway. 

Health

I had a great day yesterday. On the down side, my weight is up a bit as I have been eating cheese for a snack. I'm going to have to try to figure out what I can have that has less calories in it for a snack. I'm really limiting what I am eating at the moment. It's a day by day call at the moment. 

Sewing

I cleaned up the sewing room and am ready for the next sewing spree. I even got the garage out of there and the floor swept. 
I tested an embroidery file for a lady. I thought my embroidery component was damaged by the flood but it wasn't. It is working fine. It was me. 

There is a narrower width ruffle plus the sleeves for the dress pattern I made. A nice combination for the dress. I will try to use the ruffles on other items as this type of edging is hard to find here. The plus, I can custom make it to match the colors in the outfit. 

Knitting

I finished up and blocked the one test pattern and will put buttons on it today. Then the photo shoot. I started the next test pattern and after a bit of an oops on needle size, I got what I wanted knit. 
There was an interesting discussion on the size of yarn and needles and it is interesting to see what people knit with. One lady loves finer yarn and smaller needles so her outfits look proportionally correct on the dolls. Another lady uses heavier yarn and larger needles due to ease of dressing the dolls. 
I'm the one who loves to knit with fine yarn and small needles for the dolls due to correct proportions. I've been really picky on fit since I started sewing/knitting for the dolls. But, being a tester has me knitting with sports yarn and larger needles. I have tested some really cute designs in that weight and they look great. My favorite is coats/jackets in that sports weight yarn. It's like us liking that worsted weight or heavier sweater. But, I like it to fit nicely and not look like it is a couple of sizes too big on the doll. 

Today

I need to clean the fridge and do some laundry. I should also dust the living area. This afternoon is sewing time. Knitting later on and this evening. I also need to do a photo shoot of the new sweater, hat, and skirt. 
Until the next time........................

Testing Done - Whew!

Yesterday was hot and muggy. The high got to 33C with a humidex of nearly 40C. In mid afternoon, the sky darkened, thunder rumbled and it poured rain. The temperature dropped but it didn't cool off. All day it was like walking into a sauna when you stepped outdoors. 

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law and grandson arrived after lunch and we walked the garden. The first carrot was pulled and eaten. So sweet. The grape tomatoes are growing quickly now and we are looking forward to the first picking in about 3 weeks.
The Spousal Unit reported that one tub of English long cucumber plants has 5 blooms on it. Time to start training them to grow up. 

Health

I hope I am improving as I have less stress on my plate today. I am not going to worry about things at the moment other than doing what I can/need to do.

Sewing

I finished up the test pattern and am thankful it is done. 

One of the stresses I have is flat cotton eyelet in a width suitable for dolls. I wasn't going to do any lace or trim on the dress but it was ugly without it. I found some trim in the stash and carefully zig-zagged it onto the neckline and sleeves before adding the elastic. Perfect. I had enough to add it to the hem. 
I had issues with the directions (as did others) and had to do some adaptions. The directions say to tie the 1/8" elastic to the 1/4" ribbon. Not in my sewing room. I stitched the ribbon on and figured out a better way for another time. 

My dress was suppose to be a maxi and I didn't have enough fabric to do the ruffle. So, I had to shorten it. The other issue was the bias binding at the neck. She called for 3 pieces, then 4 and I had to cut 5. It all worked out in the end.

The one neat trick was to add a button so you can button the dress together. It was ingenious. I may have to put mine down a bit further so the fronts are even. 
I now need to make a skirt that I cut out. I may clean up the sewing room before I sew it. I've got quite the mess down there. I can do some machine embroidery (eyelet) while I am cleaning. 

Knitting

I finished the sweater set I was testing for the lady here Nova Scotia. It needs buttons on it and then I can do pictures. It is cute. 
Next up is tidying up the knitting and starting the next test pattern. A really cute sweater. I'm doing it in off white so it can be worn with a lot of items. 

Today

This morning I am doing a bunch of cleaning upstairs and in the afternoon I will clean the sewing room while the embroidery machine stitches out some eyelet. Knitting will be set up for the next test pattern. 
Until the next time.......................

Stressed - Sewing and Knitting Issues

Yesterday was a warm one. The high got to 31C with a humidex of 39C. It was hot to be out in. This morning the temperature was 21C with a humidex of 27C. We could have rain today as there was very little dew. 

Lifestyle

It wasn't a day to be out and about so we stayed in and kept cool. Both the upstairs and downstairs heat pumps were on a/c to keep the house cool. 
Elliott loves his round scratching post. He rarely goes in it as he is too long for it. But yesterday he went in and had a rest. 

Another hiding place. 

Health

I was doing well until the stress of sewing and knitting caught up with me. Then I ate a tiny box of raisins and had a full blown IBS attack. I'm hoping that it will settle down today. 

Sewing

We got one peg board hung. And I got the embroidery hoops hung. Some are pretty dirty as the 505 spray I use to hold items in place gums them up and attracts the dirt. 

It looks pretty empty above it so I am going to make this sign to go above it. 

I also tidied up the doll's cube and started to organize it. No picture at this time as the dolls are not in a mood to model. 
I worked on the test pattern and did well until I started to sew. I had chosen a fabric that I liked, found matching ribbon and thread (bonus). I read the instructions and looked at the pictures. The fabric used in the pictures is dark and hard to see what she wants us to do. I serged seams early as I am getting anal about that. I have gotten caught a couple of times not doing it early. 
I got to the neckline and my stress level went sky high so I quit for the day. I did look at the pictures carefully and can see what she did - barely. I made a game plan for today.

Knitting

I finished the body of the sweater and love it. I picked up the first sleeve and started to knit. I'm ripping it out and starting back at row 1. I'm not sure what is wrong so I need to look at it carefully before I start up again. It could be something very simple as tying the yarns together to keep everything neat and tidy. 

Today

I have one tub to empty out and remove from the sewing room. Then it's sewing for the day. Last day to sew all day as I will need to clean house starting tomorrow. 
Until the next time..........................

Full Blooming Tomatoes

We are under a heat wave warning for the next two days. It has been sunny, warmer, and dry for the last couple of days. Yesterday's high was 28C and today is suppose to get to 30-32C. Nights will be warm which means a/c runs 24 hours a day. 

Lifestyle

After I got home from shopping, the Spousal Unit asked if I would look at the garden with him. The grape tomato plants were in full bloom. 

We are lining up people to get free tomatoes this summer. Especially grape tomatoes. 
I've been watching Fixer Upper reruns and I really shouldn't do that. I really want to fix up our kitchen and have it look more farm house. I can't change the cupboards but I can change the counter tops. I want to look at a farmhouse sink and if that doesn't work, I'll go with a colored sink. My inspiration is this kitchen from Pinterest. 

I'd love a shelf above the window and will ask about that when the contractor arrives to paint and do the work we want done. Though our house will be grey, this gives me lots of ideas on what I can do if I can't go with the farmhouse sink. 

Health

I'm slowly getting better. I am now on probiotics and it has helped in less than 24 hours. I am still on a pretty restricted diet at the moment but will start adding some of the foods I like in a couple of weeks. 

Sewing

I told the Spousal Unit that I want one peg board hung by the sewing machine today. It will hold the embroidery hoops for my sewing machine. That will get another tub out of the room. 
I have printed the test pattern and will be ready to work on it today. I will also look to see if I have fusible fleece as I want to test this bag. I bought the class Zip It Up on Craftsy so am following along as she makes one. First one will be made from the lady bug and black fabrics. Zipper will be red. 
I have printed out the test pattern for the dress and will start it today. I would love to have it done by Monday. With the heat wave, I'll work in the basement to keep cool. 

Knitting

I unknit 6 rows to fix the yarn issue and have gotten them reknit and one more row done. I want it done by Monday as I have another pattern to test. One I wasn't expecting. 

Today

Sewing and laundry are the name of the game. Too hot to do much else. Even folding laundry will be a chore as our bedroom will be warm. It gets a lot of morning sun and I even keep the curtains pulled. 
Until the next time...........................

Lady Bug Bag

I didn't post until later this afternoon as I had to get into town this morning for several reasons. The main reason was to find buttons to cover. And I did. 

I chose these ones not only for their size but for their weight. All I can say is WOW! I covered one button with a lady bug and it is just too cute. 

The button went together well. I did run a gathering stitch around the edge so it would be smooth and I had to cover the button front and back with scrap fabric to press it shut with pliers. No damage was done. 
I finished the bag off and posted it onto Facebook. We will see if it sells or not. 

The Front

The Back

I rested after that and knit, which is going to be unknit after dinner. Row by row by row until I get to where I can fix a yarn carrying up issue. 
Until the next time...................................

More Lady Bugs -- Buttons On A Bag

Yesterday was another warm one with a high of 30C. The humidex was 37C. Late in the afternoon, thunder rumbled quietly about and between 5 and 6 p.m. it poured rain -- 1/4" to be exact. This morning is 16C and quite refreshing. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit went to the hospital to give his blood for his cancer. 
I went out and looked at the vegetable plots and are they ever growing. They are lush. 
This is one box of tomatoes and they have been pruned. All are staked and are a good 3 feet tall. 

The potatoes have been growing like crazy. Most days over an inch. They are in bloom now and we wait for first new potatoes.

Health

One good day and one bad day. Relooked at what I ate and I have to give up some vegetables (broccoli) and carbonated water/drinks. Back to water, coffee, and tea. I have to buy more bottled water as our water has an off taste in it during the summer. I will get this figured out. 

Sewing

I had a good day in the sewing room. All came together well and it was a lot of fun. The lady bugs were delightful to work with. I even put a lady bug button on the back strap. 

Then I put two more onto one strap. 

The bag is now ready for the lining and a big red or black button. 

I'll be sad when this one is done but happy when it finds a new owner.

Knitting

I finished the hat to the test pattern. Really cute and I'm glad I changed yarn colors. 

I also worked on the Bella Bolero and am almost ready to cast off the sleeves and pick up along the front. Here's hoping my first and last stitch idea works for a tidy edge of picked up stitches. 

Today

I have to go to son's for an hour or so and then it's time to finish the lady bug bag down to the button. I will start the test pattern sweater this evening. 
Until the next time............................

Lady Bugs On A Bag

Yesterday was one of our warmer days with a high of 28-31C depending on which site I looked at. It clouded up in the evening and the temperature dropped to 18C only to rise to 21C this morning. Today is to be another warm one and then it cools off. 

Lifestyle

We headed out in good time to talk to a glass person about our china cabinet. It needs 4 panes of glass replaced. We then headed to get yarn and fabric. It was a morning out but not overly exciting. 
We got home at 11:30, had grandson for lunch, and then set about doing things in the afternoon. 

Health

I really changed up my eating yesterday. No dairy or sugar. Only 1 slice of bread (wheat/gluten). I felt much better and went almost 24 hours without an attack. Back at it again today. Lost 3 lbs also. 

Sewing

The trip to the fabric store was to buy fabric to go with the lady bug fabric I had in the stash. 

The lining will be a deep red. After laundering the fabric, I started to play. 

I then made piping out of one of the fat quarters. The handles got piping.

And the bag got piping. 

I have to say I had a lot of fun making the bag to this point. 
I also fixed the too small skirt for the Gotz dolls. I shortened the elastic from 10" to 9.25". Anna modeled it and stated she needs white capris and another top. 

Knitting

I wasn't happy with the color combination of the test pattern so I bought yarn for it. I took the skirt with me so I could get a good match. I'm doing white and lagoon (clear teal color). I'm ready to decrease for the crown and I love the color combination. 

Today

The Spousal Unit has to give blood for his 3 month check up. Then it's sewing time in the studio. 
Until the next time............................