Downton Abbey Day

Yesterday was another lovely fall day. Sunny most of the day with a high of 18C. The temperature at 6 a.m. was 6C. The frost warning was removed from the weather forecast. Today is to be sunny but cooler. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday daughter-in-law and I went to see the movie "Downton Abbey".

It was spectacular with gorgeous costumes, lovely music, and the fabulous actors. Mr. Mosley gave us one good laugh and Lady Grantham and Mrs. Crawley kept us well entertained with their comments. Edith and Mary seemed to be on the same page and Tom Branson found a new love. 
We were in the "posh" cinema with high back seats that leaned back while you watched the movie. That was a shock when I settled down to watch the movie. I thought I was going to fall over backwards. 
After the movie, we did some shopping and then had a family dinner at their house. It was one fabulous day. 

Sewing

I posted the to do list for October. I have an extra project on the table to do a rolled edge on the serger. Other than that, I'm ready to start the list and have a bit of fun. 

Knitting

I got the yarn to finish the messy bun hat and knit 5 rounds on it. I'm ready to start the decrease rows this evening with hopes it goes smoothly. I'd love to complete it as it is such an easy knit. The next one is going to be done using a circular needle and the magic loop. 

Today

I have house work this morning, sewing this afternoon, a trip to the post office to get a box to ship items to daughter tomorrow, and knitting tonight. In all a busy day. 
Until the next time.............................

October's To-Do List

October is right around the corner so it is time to post the To Do List. 

The Goal

• To have fun sewing projects in the sewing room. Keep the stress and anxiety down to a minimum. 
• It's okay not to sew every day. Taking days off is good. 
• To use up fabrics on the fabric shelves and not buy any fabric for October's to do list. Interfacing is permitted for bags as I only buy 1-2 meters at a time due to its bulk. 
• To start sewing for next years fair and to continue making bags for sale.
• To use the embroidery component of my sewing machine once a month.
• To knit mainly worsted yarn. The doll projects use a lighter weight yarn. I've been knitting down the Downton Abbey yarn for them. 

The Sewing Room

This will be hard for me to do as I love to enter the room and sew. But to get the room back to minimalistic, I need to deal with decluttering and organizing.

• Order the desk for the sewing room so I can put away items that are floating around in the closet and room.
• To sort through a drawer or bin or ?? for 10-15 minutes before each sewing day. 
• Decide what to keep and what to toss or give away and do it. 
• Keep the task small so it will be done and not ignored.

Sewing

Fall Fair Sewing

• work on drawers and chemise for doll's outfit
• Do in good muslin. Take time to do each part carefully. This is the tiny sew. 
• Winter reading pillow - snowflake, polar bear fabric and plain blue. I have everything, but the pillow form, for this project. I dug deep into the stash for the prints as I've had them for about 4 years now. The plain was bought for a bag I made in August.

The embroidery for the pocket

Bags

• Daughter's lunch bag - navy blue plaid that has everything I need. I'm making my own piping for this one which I love to do. The interfacing is on the shelf. (Done Oct 3, 2019)

• Bag for friend using dog fabric which has everything I need for it. There is a piece of rust fabric for piping.

Extra

• Red lobster fabric (2 napkins)
• Bonus - Cowboy Rag for daughter (Done Oct. 3, 2019)

Anything else that gets sewn will be a bonus. The focus will be on the red lobster fabric as this is UFO.  

Knitting

The goal between now and January 1 is to knit worsted weight yarn with a doll item or two as I test for designers. I'm choosing patterns I am familiar with so I can knit them quickly and easily.  

• Finish jeans messy bun hat. (Done Sept, 30,2019) 
• Reknit pink messy bun hat (fall fair entry) and use up remaining yarn for a scarf. 
• Test pattern for Pixie Faire and private designer (done Sept. 28, 2019)
• Messy bun hat that has been ordered. (Done Oct. 3, 2019)

If I have time to knit more, the focus will be on a hat and scarf for another gift that would be on November's list. 
Here's to October being a productive month. 

Less Stress and More Fun

Yesterday was a gorgeous sunny day with a high of 22C. It rained during the night and is 15C this morning. Suppose to be 18C with showers today. Frost warning for tonight. 

Lifestyle

I made a double batch of Baked Potato and Cauliflower Soup for dinner last night. It was delicious and we had it with grilled cheese sandwich. There is enough for one more dinner and maybe lunch. 
We were out for the afternoon to watch Poles and Barrel racing. We enjoyed our time watching the events. It went on into the early evening and is on all day today. 

Health

My IBS has settled down a bit which is nice. I have caught a cold which isn't. I will survive this. 

Sewing

It was to be a fun and relaxing session in the sewing room yesterday. No stress or fuming about things. I went down with a time limit of 45 minutes in the sewing room. It was a timed session as we were leaving before 2 pm for the barrel racing. I had a list that I could work on but was under no pressure to finish. I could finish up on Monday. I took no pictures as I was saving the space to video to send to daughter. 

• The dolls were all dressed and lined up on their cube. Having 6 is a perfect number for that cube. I'm happy to remain at the number. 
• The cutting table was cleared off and items put away in their proper containers. I am amazed what I collect on that table and am blind to; lace and buttons in particular. That tells me I have too many of these items. 
• I pulled out tubs for October's projects and put everything I could into them. One project, one tub; fabric, thread and pattern if necessary. All but one is done and the pillow tub needs a zipper (I know where the zipper is in the stash). The tubs are in a cube to keep them separate from the stash. Much nicer than stacked up on the cutting table or in piles on the shelves. I pull out the tub, put it on the cutting table and work on it. 
• The doll's fabric I had stored in the above tubs is in the closet. I will pick away at a bit each month for the fabric that is designated to a pattern and use other pieces for testing. 
• I played for a few minutes on the serger but need to reset a needle. The goal is to practice 3 thread seam finishes on curves. 

I was very happy with the result of yesterday's time in the sewing room. I was focused and relaxed while working in there. There are fun projects along with necessary projects (which I'm looking forward to make). I feel like I am meeting my goals of tiny, embroidery, sell, and gifts. I got everything on the list completed and wasn't stressed out doing it. Success!

Knitting

I knit up the second mitt and am ready to take pictures. A cute pattern and easy to knit. 
I did tidy up the couch a bit and need to take items back downstairs and put them away. I will keep what I'm knitting for October upstairs in a bag for easy access. 
While in the sewing room, my last project on the list was to unwind the messy bun hat I made for the fall fair. It is in a ball ready to be reknit in October. Further down the list as I have commitments to do first. 

Today

Daughter-in-law and I are out to the Downton Abbey movie and then some shopping. I have 3 things to get on my list. 
Until the next time............................

A Few Decisions Made

Yesterday started out cloudy, the wind came up and blew the clouds away. It turned out to be a lovely sunny day. The high was 18C. This morning, it is clear and 7C. Beautiful fall weather. 

Lifestyle

Though I was tired yesterday, I pushed through day 1 of paper work. I have 3 more days of it in the books. The day slid away quite quickly as I was immersed in what needed to be done. 
I wasn't as cranky as I had thought I would be as I was in my own world and ignoring everyone (including the cat) and everything. I didn't think about much until late yesterday afternoon. 
We took the prizes to the barrel racing last night. The bag, the shirt and a little drawstring bag are gone from the house. I'm thinking towards next year and see what I can donate. Such fun to give to people who love what you make and donate. 

Sewing

I was in the sewing room briefly to get yarn and needles. The stash was trying to taunt me by making me feel anxious and guilty. I told myself to settle down. I'm dealing with it as I know there is just way too much for me in that room. 

• I've decided to keep track of the fabric I'm sewing up just to see how much I have sewn from now until the end of the year. I will put in any purchases. I know this won't be a true picture as it will only give me an idea of what my output is. I need to know what my input is to get a true picture. Every piece purchased will be recorded starting in January. I start fresh each year.
• Another decision I made is to photograph each project to put onto the monthly accountability list and find something to put it into so I can grab it to sew. That should include fabric, cording for piping, fabric, zippers, buttons, etc. 
• The last decision I made yesterday was to put variety into my sewing. Fun, need to, and a bit of doll. The large fabric amounts will be sewn with less tiny amounts. 

I'm feeling good with this plan and may be able to sew up more fabric than before using a lot more of the stash. 

Knitting

My foray into the sewing room was to get yarn for another messy bun hat and yarn to knit doll sized mittens. The purple yarn is for the next messy bun.

The remaining yarns will stay upstairs and be knit into messy bun hats before the end of December. I have a couple of things to make that are on the to-knit list. 

One doll sized mitten was knit in less than 2 hours. A fun pattern that was easy to follow as it is well written.

Today

I have to make a pot of soup for dinner tonight, clean up a bit and head out to the barrel racing this afternoon for a couple of hours. I won't be sewing but I will be planning what to put projects into. 

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

Sewing Room Reality Check

Yesterday was slow to warm up but when it did, it got too 22C. The clouds left and the skies were clear. Last night it rained and this morning the temperature was 14C. Rain is in the forecast today. 

Lifestyle

I didn't feel like doing much yesterday and as the day progressed, I became more and more cranky. It was time out for me and I laid on the bed in the dark and quiet for a good half hour trying to figure things out. 
I slept poorly during the night trying to resolve things and I think I have it under control now. I'm not feeling sorry or being too harsh on myself. I'm being honest; brutally honest. A reality check.  

Sewing

The sewing room was not stepped into at all yesterday. It was the area that was making me cranky and miserable. I've been tying myself in knots in that room and have had several anxiety attacks. I had/have made it into a stress place after spending several weeks happily sewing in the room. There are a few reasons for this. 

Reason One - The Sewing Room

I love my sewing room. It is huge and set up comfortably. With a big room comes big dreams and I have my own big dreams on setting it up. But, I gotten sucked into other people's dreams of how big and what they want in their spaces. I read about how they organize their rooms to hold a lot of inventory. And the ideas put forth are worth a million dollars. A wealth of information. But are they me? 

I took a step back to ponder that question when I read about two or three ladies who sew in a corner of a room with minimal amount of sewing aids and stash. I've been moving slowly away from minimal to too much. 

Reflection brought forth

• We all have dreams for our space and we need to follow our own dreams. I love other people's dreams but need to remind myself that they are not my dreams. I have to learn how to admire their dreams while keeping my dreams true.
• I want to have a minimalistic room where I don't feel stressed or anxious when I walk into it. I have a very low stress threshold and the first place it shows up is in the sewing room. 
• Keep clutter to a minimum. I love looking at empty spaces, well organized areas, and everything in its place. I'm the most creative in these kinds of places.

One of my goals is to get rid of the "too much". I need to work on that which is more than the reducing the fabric stash.

Reason Two - The Stash

I wonder if the stash is getting reduced, staying the same or growing in total yardage. I've bought more fabric than I should have. Some have been mindful acquisitions and others have been unnecessary. When I thought about this, I set up a no-buy September (2 weeks) and I've been 75-80% successful. I set up an accountability list to help me stay focused for the last 2 weeks of the month and it has been helpful. These are working and will remain in place.
But yesterday, I couldn't face the sewing room due to the stash. It seemed as if it was taunting me. Getting on my nerves. When looking at it, I felt anxious and panicky. I'm over my stress threshold big time with my stash, trims, etc.
Reflection brought forth 

• I am not sewing enough large items using fabric from the stash. I'm buying more than is necessary. I'm also sewing too many small items - doll's dresses, and small bags. I want to sew up every square inch of the fabric. I have to let go of the bigger scraps. 
• I have done a lot of repetitive sewing; all doll clothes or all bags or use up that fabric. While sewing for the fair, I did a variety of items and enjoyed it to the fullest. I was happy. From that experience, I learned to make sure I have a variety of items on the monthly accountability list. 
• The items I plan on making need to use up the stash. I've harked on this a lot and I need to move forward to do it consistently. Put the fabrics to be used onto the accountability list. Whatever it takes to get the fabric used up. 
• Keeping track of the stash. So far I've mainly tracked what I've sewn and not what I've purchased. Not a good idea for me. Starting now, I will be tracking what I buy and what I sew. Give myself a true picture of how much I am actually decreasing the stash. That will show up next year.

Reason Three - The Dolls

I love my dolls and have made a big decision about them. 

• I will only have 6 dolls. One will eventually get a new wig. All will be models and I will just enjoy them. 
• I will not be selling my doll clothes. If someone wishes to buy something I will set it up through PayPal or e-transfer. If my pile keeps growing, I will be forced to sell the items I've made so they don't use up the space set aside for the dolls. 
• I'm cutting back on how much I am going to sew for the dolls. Right now I have two outfits planned to sew and knit over the next year. One will be sewn, one will be knit. 
• I will continue to sew and knit as a tester. I'm hoping to sew and knit as much as possible with the stash. These outfits will be put with a doll to give away to a child in need.

Knitting

Knitting is not a reason I am stressed. I seem to be able to buy what I need to finish a project and then go back to the stash for the next project. I seem to have that under control at the moment. I decided to work my way through the worsted weight yarn to make hats and matching scarves. Easy knitting at night. 
I finished up the yarn on the hat and do need to buy one more skein. I know there will be enough of it to make a scarf for one of daughter's friend. 

I hope to get the yarn on Sunday and in the mean time I will test a mitten pattern for a friend. It is a doll size so won't take too long to knit up. 

Today

It is paper work day and I won't move from the dining room table until it is done. This evening we will take our prizes to the barrel racing so they are in the office when they start tomorrow morning. If I can, I am going to set up the doll's mittens. 
Until the next time............................

A Messy Bun Hat To Make A Set

Yesterday's temperature was 17-18C making it a fall day. This morning the temperature is 11-12C and is cloudy once again. 

Lifestyle

After making sandwiches at the hall, the Spousal Unit and I went out to get thread for the pillow project. He sat in the car while I got thread and bees wax. The rest of the day was spent at home. 

Health

I am back on track eating mostly what I was before. I've lost some weight and hope to continue doing so. I'm also tracking what I am eating and am feeling better. Next week I hope to be back to Weight Watchers. 

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room working on the doll's drawers. I am using Thimbles and Acorns Unmentionables pattern. I will finish the pair I'm on as I'm seeing how I will sew them for the final version. This pair has a tricot stitch (S stitch) seam finish and I'm not thrilled with it. There is still fraying at the raw edges. I know my OCD is kicking in when thinking about seam finishes. 
I plan on cutting out another pair and work on getting the seam finishes right using the serger. I'm going narrow 3 thread and doing it slowly down the curved seams. When I'm satisfied, I will cut out the drawers from the cotton muslin. It washed up soft and is ready for the final version. 

Knitting

I decided to make a messy bun hat to go with the scarf I finished on Tuesday night. I cast on (twice) a messy bun hat in the dark denim yarn. The first time I did it on the recommended size needles but it was not knitting to gauge. I went with the size of needles recommended on the yarn wrapper. By bedtime I had knit 22 rows. The picture was taken earlier when I had knit 14 rows (10 rows of ribbing and the pattern's 4 rows).

I grabbed the messy bun hat I had knit for the fall fair and tried it on. It is way too big and I knit it on the needles recommended in the pattern. I will be unraveling it and redoing it on smaller needles. I have enough yarn to knit the scarf to make a set. 
I have decided that I will be knitting up the worsted weight yarn this year with a few test items as necessary. It is time for a change and knitting hats and scarves will be fun and easy. I have enough yarn to be busy for several months. 

Today

It is a home day with kitchen cleaning, tomato saucing if tomatoes are ripe, sewing and knitting. A day where we don't have anywhere to be. 
Until the next time.......................

Take Two Hits the Trash Bin

Yesterday was cloudy, grey, and somewhat muggy. We had a bit of rain fall during the day. The high got to 22C and this morning's temperature was 15C. We had 1/4" of rain fall during the night. There could be showers today and then it will clear off for the next several days. 

Lifestyle

I took the reading pillow to the library yesterday morning and they are going to have a draw for it at the end of October. They were thrilled to receive it. 
Shopping was next on the list and I got home by 11 a.m. We are stocked up for a bit. 

Health

I decided to eat according to my plan from months ago. Everything was recorded so I can reference back to what I consumed. I also started a different probiotic, one for IBS. All is calm at the moment which is nice as it's been 18 hours since my last attack. 

Sewing

I did Take Two on the doll's drawers and they hit the trash can. They were almost the death of me as nothing was going right. Take Three will happen with the seams being whipped stitch (finish). I am also trying a different pattern. 
I did play around with the pillow I want to sew. I got out the threads and found a great match. 

I need to buy at least one spool of thread maybe two. While I whip stitch the raw edges of the bloomers, I will stitch out the pattern for a test run. 

Knitting

I finished the scarf last night and it turned out great. 

I will start a messy bun hat to go with it. I'm sure daughter will like it for this winter. 

Today

I'm out this morning at the hall helping make sandwiches, then would like to go to get the thread and then home to work on the doll's drawers. Eating will be highly monitored today with no onions on the menu. I'll try them one day in about a month's time. 
Until the next time.............................

Thinking About Fall

Yesterday was another warm day with a high of 27C. There were clouds which helped make it feel cooler. The temperature this morning is 17C at 7 a.m.; 18C at 6 a.m. There is to be rain today with a high of 22C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I made another batch of tomato sauce. While it was cooking away, I cleaned one half of the kitchen. One set of cupboards, the fridge, and the pantry got scrubbed clean. It is time to shop as the fridge is empty.  The floor was swept but not scrubbed as the rest of the room needs to be cleaned and the tomato sauce needs to be finished. 
We went and watched grandson play soccer last night. The trees are starting to turn color and I am wondering if we would have a great show of color this fall. 

As we sat there, three groups of Canada geese slowly flew overhead looking for a place for the night. They were heading due south. 

Health

I ate a lot more healthy and carefully yesterday. Portion sizes were smaller and I tried to keep foods that irritate me off the list. I will be working on eliminating a few items from the list so I can loose weight. I have a list of foods I can eat that are healthy and I will have them. 

Sewing

Napping took precedence over sewing yesterday. But, I did think about what I want to make for the fall fair next year. The cushion was the focus yesterday so I can get it done as I have everything in the stash fabric wise. 

I'll do another reading pillow. This time I'd like to put embroidery on the pocket (grey snowflake).
While trying to get inspired through Pinterest, I decided to look at what embroidery files I have at Embroidery Library. I got this snowflake design in March 2017. I probably was going to embroider something using the above prints. 

I know I have one or two shades of the blue/teal and the silver threads but I may have to buy the third shade of blue/teal. I will be doing a trial run of this one to see how it works out. 
I did a bit of research on seam finishes for the doll's drawers. French seams were not used until the mid 1890's so I'm historically incorrect doing them. The most common finishes were whip stitch, Hong Kong, flat felled, and turn under and hem. I may be whip stitching dolly drawers while embroidery is stitching out. 

Knitting

I worked on the scarf last night and have a good inch or two left to knit before I start the garter stitch border. I'm going  to make sure there is enough at the back of the scarf so it tucks nicely down under the coat. 

Today

I am going to get groceries locally, work on Take Two of the drawers, and knit. I was going into the city but decided against it as I need to get a few things done here at home and it's not worth it going in just for groceries.  
Until the next time..............................

Last Day of the Fair and No Pictures

Yesterday was a lovely warm day with a high of 25C. The temperature this morning is 19C. We have a storm coming as today will be another warm one with a high of 26C and a humidex of 31C. We are suppose to get showers starting tonight. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was spent at the fair. We had a long day but weren't quite as tired as on Friday. We spent quite a bit of time in the arena where it was cool.
The first classes weren't to our taste so we didn't pay much attention to them. We enjoyed the poles which were younger people learning the sport and we cheered them on. 
The same competitors teamed up with a dog and trainer. When the the competitor completed the poles, the dog did an agility course using their equipment. We enjoyed that a lot and I tried to get videos. My phone was full and I had to spend time deleting pictures and apps. It was frustrating. 
Next up was the heavy horse pulls. We were impressed with how much these horses can pull and the winning team pulled over a ton. The owners do no push them beyond what they can do. We missed the oxen pulls which were up next. It was time to head back to the buildings to pick up our items. 
The Spousal Unit talked to a person about the apple industry while I collected my entries. I was asked to compete next year and I said I would. We donated our winnings back to the fair towards prizes next year. 
In all, it was a great two weekends and we will be back at it next year. 

Health

It's back on the eating properly wagon. We have eaten well sometimes and horribly others. I did stay away from onions but have an inkling I'm sensitive to some high fat dairy products. It's time to track what I eat and get back to eating healthy all the time.

Sewing

When talking to the ladies at the fair, they were very encouraging that I enter lots of sewing to help keep the entries from being removed. I have my list and will be working on it over the next 11 months. The goal is to sew as much from the stash as possible. 
One of my goals is to enjoy the process when sewing and to think about how I can make each project the best I can from design to completion. What designer features can I use, what couture sewing techniques can be incorporated and how can it be adapted to be better. I'm thinking of this being a journey rather than a race. 

Knitting

I worked on the scarf last night and it is now in the round. 

I have about 4" left to knit before I do the 8 rows of garter stitch border. I'm loving this scarf/cowl. 

I find this pattern relaxing to knit and watching it take shape is exciting. I can see another one or two being made this winter. 

Today

I'm planning on making more tomato sauce while cleaning one half of the kitchen. I hope to work on the doll's drawers this afternoon and get Take 2 started. Tonight will be knitting on the scarf.
Until the next time...........................

Take One - Doll Drawers circa 1850

Yesterday was a warm day here with a high of 21C. There was a wind that helped to make it feel nice when outside. The low got to 7C. Though there was a risk of frost we didn't see it. Today is to be hot at 27C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning the bathroom was fall cleaned. It got a really good cleaning and the floor was scrubbed on my hands and knees. Even the bath tub that is never used got a good cleaning. There is a lot of white dust here. That room is ticked off the list and the kitchen is next. 
We were happy that we didn't go to the fair yesterday. At 5 p.m. we drove by on our way home and the place was full and people were lined up at the admissions gate. A good place to stay away from. We are happy that the fair is busy and doing well. We do like this fair and will continue to go on a yearly basis. 
The temperature dropped quite quickly last evening so we covered the tomatoes just in case we were an area to get frost. It didn't happen which was good. 

Sewing

I worked on the doll's drawers yesterday. 

I added 1/4" to the seam allowances on the pattern and the front turned out perfect. Doing the french seam in the center front was very easy.

When it came to the center back, I had an issue. I am not sure what was wrong but I ended up with an overlap that wasn't to be there. I'm not happy with that seam. 
The legs were easy to do but I need to tweak the order I do things in a bit. The waist band was to be sewn on with a raw seam showing. I did it so the seam was enclosed. 

I did not add the lace to the bottom of the legs as this is a muslin. 

The length of the drawers is long indicating they are early 1850's. To be historically correct, the drawers would be two pieces held together by a draw string at the waist. 
I will be cutting out the pattern again to work on the center back seam. My thought process is to do the opening first and then sew the crotch seam afterwards. I am also going to shorten the legs by 1/2". Otherwise the drawers fit the doll well. 
I have to say it is easier not to do the french seams due to the extra steps taken to enclose the raw edges. But, the end result is fabulous.  

Knitting

Nothing done as I was too tired to think about knitting. 

Today

We are back at the fair today to watch the oxen pulls and to pick up our entries. I am not sure what time we will go but we don't want to be too late as the parking lot could be full. We have to haul a tub with us of which I hope to store in the hall until it is time to pick up our entries. 
Until the next time............................

Another Day At the Fair

Yesterday was a gorgeous warm day with a high of 25C. The low this morning was 18C and it is sunny today. Though they say cooler today (22C for a high), it will probably be warmer. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday we headed to the fair and was at the beef barn by 11:00. The Spousal Unit wanted to let them know he was around to help. We left after a short talk and walked across the grounds to get lunch. 
When it was time for him to go to help, I stopped and talked to Nova Scotia Power about buying power during the night, weekends, and holidays at 50% off. We will be getting that assessed in the near future. We are on track for being power conscious. 
I went to the arena to watch the horse events and knit. I left early as it was too quiet and very boring for me. I don't understand a thing about the jumper/hunter event. I wandered to the beef barn to see how the Spousal Unit was doing (he was bored but doing okay) so I went over to our favorite seating area and visited with people and knit. I met a lady who loves genealogy as much as I do. 
I love to attend the dog show and took it in. One of the dogs doing the course was a try-colored Britany Spaniel. He was a delight and a true Britany. He saw his friend over at the arena and took off to see him not finishing his course. 

He was born in BC in a town called Lumby. 
We have decided to only do one day of the second weekend next year -- Sunday as there is oxen pulls. The events we like are on the first weekend so will attend the two days of the first weekend (Friday and Saturday). 

Sewing

I traced two doll patterns for drawers yesterday morning. I now need to add 1/4" to the seam allowances for french seams. Both are historically correct; one being earlier than the other. I will be photographing the progress as I'm very interested in making them. 

Knitting

I don't have many rows left until I will be joining the scarf into the round. The pattern is Escarpment Cowl and is free on Ravelry. A couple of nights of knitting will probably have it done.

Today

It is housework this morning with a couple of loads of laundry and sewing this afternoon. An easy day after being so tired from the fair yesterday.
Until the next time.................................

At Long Last - The Shirt Is Done

We had a lovely day after the fog lifted at around 10:30 am. It was sunny and warm. The high got to 18C. The low this morning is 4C with no frost. But the frost could show up as the sun comes up. It is suppose to be warmer today with a warmer night. 

Lifestyle

We were busy at the hall in the morning making sandwiches and were done by 9:15 a.m. That gave us lots of day to do things. 
In the afternoon we went to the fabric store. While there I spoke to a lady who was looking at fabric I had bought the last time I was there. We chatted a bit and I found out she lives near Kamloops. We chatted about people we both know and had a wonderful visit. We both think we did a class or two together when I lived in Ashcroft. The two couples were heading home and had been to Newfoundland to visit family and then touring a bit of Nova Scotia. 
I have decided to keep make an accountability list for house cleaning. I need to spend a good week getting the house back into shape. I've been remiss due to the fair, making tomato sauce, and having IBS attacks this week. I ate a sausage on a bun at the fair last week and have suffered ever since. There was something in it that was not agreeing with me. 

Sewing

I spent the morning in the sewing room finishing up the western shirt I started way back on February 15. 

Though there is some tweaking to do with the pattern, I'm pleased with the end result. 

It is ready to go to the barrel racers for a free draw. 
The aim of going to the fabric store was to get a piece of fabric for piping for daughter's lunch bag. We settled on polka dots. 

The fabric looks like this. 

I also found a piece for daughter. It is cream and soft sage green. The pattern is really  cute also. 

My list for October is taking shape. I'm sure I can get more done than I've planned but I'm not going to over do it and feel like I failed. I can add to the list if necessary. 

Knitting

I set aside the doll's sweater to knit a scarf. I'm shipping it to daughter to see if she likes the style and then knit her a one more. 

The edge of the scarf closest to the bottom of the picture is the neck line. It needs to be 20-21" across before I join it into the round. Maybe tonight I will be ready to do that. 

Today

We are off to the fair for what I hope is a short day. I am taking my knitting with me and will sit somewhere and work on it. 
Until the next time.........................

A Great Day In the Sewing Studio

We've been having a few cooler days with the high yesterday being 15C. It cleared off in the evening and the temperature is 1C this morning. You can see frost on the roofs this morning. It was also very foggy when I got up at 6 a.m.

Lifestyle

We were out for hair cuts in the morning. We talked about no pumpkin races this year as the pumpkins used to paddle across the lake only got to 50% of their huge sizes. Cause - cool spring and Hurricane Dorian. We hope that the group who puts on this wonderful event comes up with something else to do that day. 
With the frost warning, the Spousal Unit and I were out after supper covering the tomatoes. We did a good job this time as we had less plants to cover with all the blankets. 

Sewing

I spent more time in the sewing room yesterday than usual as I was on a mission. I sewed up the last muslin for the My Life As A........doll. The fit is good. 

That project is now done on the September Accountability List. 
I got the western shirt out and worked on it. I had to find the buttons (on the ironing board), do some test button holes, serge the hem and turn it up, mark button holes and make them. The shirt is ready now to have the button holes cut and the buttons sewn on. A good press and it is ready for the barrel racing next weekend. Pictures next time.

Knitting

I worked on the doll's sweater and got 15 rounds knit on the sleeve. I am over half done it and will continue to work on it daily. I am setting it aside to knit a scarf for daughter. It is an easy one but I want it to go in the mail on October 1 (free shipping Tuesdays with Canada post in October). 

Today

I am out this morning helping at the community hall. Once home, I will do the buttons on the shirt and press it. I am thinking of going to the local quilt shop as they have new fabrics out and take pictures of daughter. We will be out covering the tomatoes again tonight as we have another frost warning. 
Until the next time...............................

A Busy Day in the Kitchen

Yesterday was a cool day with a high of 14C. The sun did shine some, it rained some, and the wind blew and was cold. The cloud coverage overnight was good as the temperature dropped to 8C. Today is to be warmer but there is a frost warning for tonight. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was spent making and freezing tomato sauce. There was 2 bins of grape and 1/2 bin of Early Girl tomatoes ripe and needed to be dealt with. It ended up being an all day job. 

I ended up with 23 cups of sauce which was 11 bags for the freezer. I was done the job (and tired) by 4:30 p.m.
The Spousal Unit has pulled all the grape tomato plants from the garden. It is time to just protect the Early Girl and Roma plants so they can be harvested and made into sauce.
Elliott had a hard time settling down for his long daily sleep. He was all over the house trying to get settled. Even the chair was not really comfortable. 

By 7 pm. he was tired and cranky. Hopefully he will have a better day today. 

Sewing

As it was an upstairs day, I brought up the doll's bodice pattern, traced off new copies and cut out the next muslin. 

It is ready to sew today and I'm hoping the last one. 
I also made another design board. 

This may be sewn in October as I have everything on hand plus the undergarments I'm making will go perfectly with this dress as it is historically correct. 

Knitting

I did another 5 rows last night on the doll's sweater. I have to start doing more rows to get it done as I want to knit Daughter a scarf for her birthday. 

Today

We are out to get our hair cut and then back home where I will sew up the doll's muslin and get it off September's accountability list. It will be nice to have a bodice pattern to fit the My Life As A......doll. I can move forward from there if I choose to make clothes for these dolls. I am thinking of it to donate to a group as a fund raiser. 
Until the next time............................

Thoughtful Purchases

Yesterday was a lovely fall day. The high was 18.5C and the low was 11. This morning, the temperature was 12C and we had had a shower. There is a risk of frost tonight so we must get prepared. 

Lifestyle

I headed into Bedford in the morning to get groceries and to look at a few other things. I was home by 1 p.m. which was fine with me. 
The Spousal Unit weed eated the yard and mowed the lawn. We still look at the dreaded hedge knowing we need to finish it up. 

Sewing

I know it is to be No Buy September. I was into Fabricville looking for specific fabric for the doll's underclothing that I want to make. All the spring and summer fabric is gone -- in storage or shipped out. The linen I found was too heavy, the batiste too light. I bought a piece of muslin (less than a meter) that I am hoping will launder to the right weight for the dolls undergarments. It felt okay on the bolt. I also bought some interfacing that is hard to find plus some hard to find trim. I also got the third piece of fabric for daughter's lunch bag for her birthday. It has to be made and shipped during October. 

The dots will be the lining. I need one fat quarter for the piping. I am calling these thoughtful purchases. 
I also went to Michael's to look at ideas for more belts. I found two I liked and have shared them with others. 

The bottom one would have to be restrung as I hate the fish line. A bit of thought and all would be well. 
The bodice pattern for the non American Girl doll was cut out and sewn. It fits well around the torso but is too low under the arm. 

I fixed the pattern and am ready to try again. I'm hoping this is the last adjustment. It has been fun doing this though and has really had me thinking and using what I know. 

Knitting

I made myself knit 5 rows on a doll's sweater last night. Tonight it will be more than 5 rows. I want to get this project done and off the list. It has been lingering way too long as have the other projects on the list. 

Today

The goal is to make another batch of tomato sauce. Even if it is only 4 more bags, it is 4 less cans we have to buy and we haven't wasted the tomato crop. I will do the next muslin and hopefully trace the pantalettes today and do the adjustments on them for french seams. 
Until the next time..........................

A Busy Day

Yesterday was warm and muggy. The high got to 22C with a humidex of 25C. It didn't rain all day which was nice. Today is to be cooler but the humidity is going to be higher. We need a good wind to dry us out. 

Lifestyle

The heat pump has a dehumidifier setting that keeps the house cooler with less humidity. We ran it on that setting all day. It was nice in the house with the basement being a bit cool. 
We were both tired but we pushed through the day. The Spousal Unit worked in the garden and is cleaning it up. It is starting to look like fall out there with the plants maturing off. 
I spent the morning making tomato sauce. I boiled down the tomatoes, sieved them, cooked down the watery mass to the right thickness, and froze it. We got 4 bags with 2 cups in each bag. There is more to go but not for a few days as they need to ripen.

Sewing

I spent the afternoon in the sewing room working on fitting a bodice pattern to the dolls. The bodice is big on the doll when sewn as is. 

I took the back in 1/2" and the front showed up really baggy. 

I folded the front in half and sewed a 1/8" seam and it fits well. 

I now have a bodice pattern for a sleeveless dress and will be sewing up a final muslin tomorrow. 
I have been spending a bit of spare time (while the tomato sauce cooks down) looking for ideas for a child's dress. I would like to do something cute but different. One idea did come up that will meet the criteria of having sleeves. 

I love the little bit of contrasting fabric on the sleeves. The polka dot fabric is refreshing. I do have a pattern that I can use and this idea requires I buy the fabric for it. I'm okay with that though I do need to do a bit of snoop shopping before all the summer fabric disappears. 

Knitting

Still no knitting as I'm burnt out. I will try to knit a few rows each night to finish the UFO's though they may get set aside to do a project for a birthday present. 

Today

I am heading into the city to shop. We need quite a few things and I want to do a bit of snoop shopping. I'd like to be home in the early afternoon to cut out the bodice in preparation to sew it tomorrow. 
Until the next time................................