One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Yesterday was cold in the morning and the north wind made it feel colder. There were snow flurries through out the day but nothing much. Last night, the temperature was -9C at 9 pm and -7C this morning. Tonight is to be -15C and snow is predicted for tomorrow; enough to have a warning. 

Lifestyle

I headed out for blood work yesterday morning and the wait was an hour. It was busy, busy, busy. Had been since 6:30 a.m. It was quite the place not to be though no one seemed sick. 

Sewing

I got messaged that the files I've been testing and not working have been pulled. I stitched out the ones that did work and am ready to start sewing the blouse and skirt. While the stitch out was happening, I got one half of the binding hand sewn down on the second Christmas table topper. I can finish it up during February's embroidery session. One step forward.
I got February's list up and have only 1 doll test pattern planned. I see one Canadian designer had 3-4 more patterns sent in for testing. Two coats/hats and one romper for sure. I'm hoping that these patterns come out one a month as I'd love to test each one. 
I also have one embroidery design to stitch out and will have to buy enough fabric for 2 wall hangings (same amount needed for 1). The wall hanging is Valentines but the plan is to buy plain fabrics to show case the embroidery. 

Knitting

I am unknitting the scarf. I found 2 mistakes when I increased. I will probably get it unknit tonight and then start from that point tomorrow. Two steps back. 

Today

I'm out to get groceries this morning and then a couple more times. I plan on doing a load of laundry and some sewing. I'd like to say I will get the doll's outfit done but I'd be surprised if I did. More unknitting tonight. 
Until the next time........................................

Embroidery Issues Still

Yesterday the temperature dropped all day. Slowly but surely and this morning it is -10C with a windchill of -16C. We had a few flurries during the day but not enough to really see. 

Lifestyle

We were out yesterday morning. I had to get sewing notions and the Spousal Unit needed to go to the library. 

Health

Though I am not going to stop doing Weight Watchers, I have chosen to cancel my membership. Though I like the group, I personally felt I wasn't getting enough from the meetings to warrant the monthly fee. I will try for three months on my own and then will do it digitally. I will go back to the meetings when I'm closer to my goal. 

Sewing

We went to the fabric store so I could get a large spool of white thread and needles for the machine. Interestingly enough, I can't get universal needles in 75/11. Only 70/10. I can get embroidery needles in 75/11. I bought 2 pkgs of them plus 1 pkg of 70/10 titanium needles. I will try them on the lace that just won't work. I didn't buy any fabric as I'm too caught up in this test pattern. I need to think about the Valentine's file and may go with non Valentine fabrics. Textured white fabric and something with red for the binding. 
I spent my sewing time doing embroidery files. The files I want to use on the blouse will not work. Even the new ones the designer sent me. The other designs work perfectly. Go figure that one out. I have a feeling with the first design, my machine can't/won't get everything aligned properly and when I wash the stabilizer out, the threads come apart. During this time, I've used up .25 meter of fabric and over a spool of thread. Nearly a large spool of thread. Time to move forward and do what I can and sew up the blouse and skirt. We can sort out the other embroidery afterwards. 
With this embroidery not working, I'm not getting the Halloween sewing done. I will quietly put it away until March. I'm sad but these things do happen. 

Knitting

I worked on the scarf and am ready to start knitting in the round. 

I'm enjoying this knit a lot. I will probably have a part ball left over to make something for the dolls. Maybe a sweater. 

Today

I will have blood work done this morning. This afternoon, I will sit and watch the embroidery machine do its thing on the sleeves and front placket of the doll's blouse. Knitting tonight. 
Until the next time..............................

Embroidery Issues

We are moving into another cold spell. This morning is -4C and tonight we could see -12C. We then warm up to 0C by the weekend. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday, I mopped the dining area floor and then cleaned the stairs. Both areas look much better. 

Sewing

I spent my afternoon stitching out lace on the sleeves and button band. It was a disaster. 

I did everything right but I used the wrong needle. This is to be stitched out using a 75/11 universal needle not an embroidery needle. Sewing thread is finer than embroidery thread. Today, I try again using fabric in the stash. I'm saving the test fabric for when I have the problem sorted out or when I give up. 
I did cut out the blouse and skirt pattern and marked the darts. It's ready to sew when I get the lace figured out. Hopefully this afternoon. 

Knitting

I knit up a storm and finished the hat. I love this pattern and find it a relaxing knit. 

I cast on the cowl and started to knit it. It takes a bit of getting use to as the increases are a bit different. Once I get into the swing of doing them, I'll be fine.

You measure the bottom part (where the yarn is hanging out of) from needle to needle before you start in the round. For this scarf, I'll do 18" rather than 20". 

Today

I am getting ready to take grandson to school as son has had surgery this morning. I'm on call to pick him up after school. This morning, I will be out to pick up sewing needles and more thread for embroidery and will be working on the lace this afternoon. If successful, I will start it on the proper fabric as soon as possible. Tonight is knitting. 

Starting A New Project

Yesterday was quite a nice day with some sunshine, a late afternoon shower and a high of 5C. This morning it is -3 and snowing lightly. The deck is white, the streets are salted, and we could see the sun sometime today. 

Lifestyle

I spent the morning cleaning both the bathroom and the kitchen. I even vacuumed all the floors. All was done in good time and I was able to relax a bit before lunch. That meant the reusable bags were taken out of the dryer and folded ready to go back into the car. 
I've changed one more thing in my diet (though I'm not following WW at the moment). I stopped using Mio in my water. It seems it was an irritant; or the sweetener was as my IBS has settled down a lot since stopping it. 

Sewing

I tidied up the cutting table a bit as it was annoying me. The Christmas fabrics are back on the shelf for another month. I got out fabric to make a doll's blouse (test pattern) and there is enough for the blouse and a skirt. I'm going for an old fashioned look. 
I set up the machine to embroider the lace collar. I used an expensive stabilizer as called for and got all started. About 3 or 4 minutes into the stitching, I had an issue. So, I redid the hoop with cheaper stabilizer and it stitched out without an issue for 90 minutes.

While the lace collar stitched out, I hand sewed down the binding on one of the end table toppers. I'm playing thread chicken with this as I don't think I have enough thread left to finish the second one. I will need to buy another spool of light grey thread to finish up the rest of the grey Christmas fabric. I've used a large and a small spool of grey thread in the past year of sewing. 

Knitting

I spent some quality time on the messy bun hat last night. I am almost ready to start decreasing the top.

I love the yarn. It is so nice to knit. I love the colors and how nicely they blend together. It has been such a lovely knit. I have the Escarpment scarf to make with the second ball of yarn. 

Today

I will be cleaning the dining area, hall, and the stairs. Then it will be sewing on the doll's outfit. Tonight I hope to finish the hat and start the scarf. Another day at home. 
Until the next time...............................

A Christmas Sewing Day

Yesterday was wet, grey, and warm. The low was -1C and the high was 8C. The snow is going, water is running in the ditch, and you'd think spring was around the corner. I will tell you it isn't. It is going to be cool with chances of snow next weekend. 

Lifestyle

On Saturday, I headed back to another part of the city with daughter-in-law. It was the soup and meat run. We had a great morning together. The men went the opposite direction and we met up for lunch in our own town. It was a wonderful day. I did nothing when we got home which is fine. 

Sewing

I spent Sunday sewing. All day in the sewing room. I called it Boxing Day Sewing. I worked on the Christmas items and enjoyed myself immensely. 
The first item I sewed was the topper for the shelf on a table. The tree sits on top of the table and I put something on the bottom. This past Christmas it was Santa's workshop (Lego). 

It is pretty plain with just the snowstorm fabric but it will show case what ever I put on it. I didn't want something that was a busy print. 
I then sewed up the second topper for the end tables in the living room. I also made the binding and sewed it on both toppers. I'm ready to hand sew down the binding. 

At this point, I have enough light grey thread to hand sew the binding down. I need to buy another spool of that color thread as I have more grey to sew next month. The binding will be sewn down as designs are stitched out for a doll's blouse. 
I have sewn 9.85 meters so far this month. I still have to sew a doll's blouse and a Halloween wall hanging Jan. 30-31. I am happy with what I have sewn this month. 

Knitting

I have been slowly knitting away on the messy bun hat. I do between 4 and 8 rows a night and then read. I have almost 2" left to knit before I can start decreasing. 

Today

Housework this morning and sewing this afternoon. I need to get the free standing lace done for the test pattern. I will hand sew while the machine stitches out the lace. 
Until the next time.................................

More Christmas Sewing

Yesterday was another lovely day. The high got to 3C. It was -8C this morning but is to warm up and rain tomorrow. 

Lifestyle

I headed out to do shopping and was home by 1:15 p.m. I got everything I needed. 

Sewing

I headed down to the sewing room by 2 p.m. and spent 2 hours sewing. First up, I finished the tree skirt. The gimp was a bit of an issue when I started to sew it down. And then it didn't align nicely at each end. No one will see that as it goes to the back of the tree. 

I started a topper for the Spousal Unit's end table (living room). His matches the tree skirt. 

I have since put flannel between the front and backing and did channels down the grey fabric. I also stitched in the ditch around the grey part. I will decide on if I will do a row of stitching around the border. 
I did not have enough of the border fabric for my topper so I am going with this fabric for borders. 

I'm not sure if I will bind mine in the check and his in the berry fabric. I have to showcase it to see if I like that idea. I do plan on Christmas sewing on Sunday. My time has been cut short so I need an extra 4 hours to complete what I'm doing. 

Knitting

I am knitting daughter-in-law a messy bun hat. The yarn is a cotton/polyester blend and very nice to knit. I puttered at it last night and am doing well on it. 

I bought the yarn for daughter's dog's sweater. It is next on the knitting list. 

I'm set up for a couple weeks of knitting. 

Today

Daughter-in-law and I are going to Bayer's Lake and Halifax to do the big shopping. Meat and soup. We enjoy doing that together. When I get home, I hope to sew on my table topper for a bit. Then it will be knitting tonight. 
Until the next time................................

Sewing Thoughts

Yesterday was another lovely day of sunshine. The high got to 5C. The low got to -3C during the night. We are to have another day with sunshine but more clouds. 

Lifestyle

I cleaned our bedroom yesterday. Quite a deep clean with the floors being vacuumed twice and washed once. Dusting was done and all is fresh in there. I could feel my allergy to the dust raising it's ugly head. While cleaning, I did 5 loads of laundry. 

Sewing

It was the start of three days of Christmas sewing. I worked on the tree skirt for our 4 ft tree. I stopped when I pinned on the lace and was 3" short. 

I had a lot of fun making this skirt. I did a rolled hem on the ruffle. The ties are red gros grain ribbon. The lace is something from the stash that I thought was long enough. I'll look for something today. 
I have a new doll's pattern to test so it is being slotted in the list to start on Jan. 26. There is embroidery so I am excited to start this project. Fabric will be from the stash. 

My Sewing Thoughts

As it is almost the end of the month and I've been working on a new plan, I've decided to do a small review. I know that I am not the norm when it comes to the stash of fabric. I'm actually quite the opposite. But, for those who have and love a stash, I understand your need for it as much as I understand my need to not have it. 
My Stash is not huge by any stretch of the imagination. I call it medium in size with maybe 250 yards of fabric on the shelving unit. I do feel stressed with my stash. It is time to sew it up into useful items. It is how I feel. I'm not stressed over sewing it up/down as I'm enjoying the journey each month. I'm more stressed that it is sitting idle on the shelves. I've really thought a lot about it this month.
Progress has been made and a plan has evolved over how many years. I'm thrilled with my current plan as I am focusing on the stash rather than feeling I'm failing and soothing my ego with buying more fabric. I've moved towards using SMART goals and having a to-do list of items I want to make. Nothing on the list is a must do but a want to do. I smile each time I tackle an item and have something to show at the end of a day or two of sewing. 
SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound. I've worked them into my goal this year. I've gone from very broad goals (exploring) to having more specific goals. This year, they are quite specific and achievable, especially in sewing. 
Though a lot of people may not like goals, I need them. They are a part of who I am. I make to-do lists all the time. When I did my first sewing to-do list last summer, it was wonderful. I was more focused than I had ever been. I look back at it and it was a list of items I wanted to sew and was a great starting point. When building my sewing goals for this year I did a lot of talking with a lady and used this format to get what I wanted to do done. 
My goal To sew up/down the stash - 50 to 100 meters a year until it is gone.
Why am I doing this?- To be able to buy and sew new fabrics. The fabrics I own are getting old and need to be sewn into their planned projects. The orphans will become projects as I do research. 
How will I do it?- I keep saying 1 meter at a time. But it is thinking about what I want to sew. I make a to-do list. It pretty much started out as a long list of items I wanted to make. This year, I added categories and I can slot them into days of the month if I choose to. I keep focused on the stash and the list. I think about the next month towards the end of the current month. I start making a list of what I could sew from the stash. From there I finalize it before posting it. 
What will I do/sew?- I chose to sew up/down the quilting cottons first. I have 30 meters of Christmas fabric, 10 meters of Halloween fabric and I don't know how much of other. I really wanted to sew up most of the Christmas and Halloween fabrics this year. After a good discussion with another lady, I got a plan. Christmas sewing 3 days per month (23-25), Halloween 2 days on the months that have 31 days. I also decided I wanted else to sew; doll outfits, piping, reading pillows, and reusable grocery bags over the year. All help to sew up/down the stash. And they all make me happy. I look forward to designing and creating every day. 
I'm not depriving myself from buying fabrics but I have to have a place to slot them into. Yes, sew them up fast. I can also buy what I need to finish a project. This has kept me a happy sewer. At the moment, I feel like I'm in a win-win situation. 

Knitting

I started a messy bun hat for daughter-in-law. The yarn is a cotton/polyester blend. It is quite nice to work with and the multi colors are looking great. I've almost done the ribbing. This is relaxing knitting project and am using up yarn daughter gave me for Christmas. 

Today

I'm off to the city to shop. I'll start in Bedford and may end up in Dartmouth. I want to be home by 1 p.m. to Christmas sew for a couple of hours. 
Until the next time..................................

Two Projects Completed

Yesterday was warmer with a high of -3C. The sun shone and it was lovely outside. This morning the temperature is -3C and it is to get to a high of 3C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was hair cut day so we were out for a bit. We had to go to get Elliott food after we were done. We were both tired as we hadn't slept well the night before. But we lasted without a nap until bedtime. 

Sewing

I fiddled and diddled with the pattern and got three extra snowflakes embroidered on the wall hanging. Once it was done, it was an easy task to finish. I was done by just after 3 p.m.

I have everything ready to make another one on Jan. 26th. Same thread colors but I'll mix it up a bit. I also have 3 snow buttons to put on the extra snowflakes. 
While hunting for plastic circles to hang the wall hanging, I found the kitty buttons. I popped one onto the Market Tote. 

It really finished the bag off. 

Knitting

I spent the time and finished the child's sweater I was practicing on. I'm quite pleased with the end result and learned a lot. 

Overall, it looks balanced for a small sweater. I like how Cheryl Burnette walks you through each step. Some you need to watch several times to get the technique (unless I'm dense headed). She does leave out bits and then mentions them in the next video. I need to work on sewing up the side seams so the decreases match perfectly. I have one ball of yarn left and I found a toque pattern to knit. It will go on next month's list. 

Today

I was going to go into the city but I'm not. Not sure of the weather (freezing rain mentioned). I'll do housework and start sewing the Christmas fabric I cut out. Knitting will be a messy bun hat. 
Until the next time....................................

Embroidered Wall Hangings

We have had cold weather the past few days. Yesterday's high was -11C. The nicest part was the sun shone all day. Last night the temperature went down to -16C. It should be sunny and warmer today.

Lifestyle

This week has been busy. The Spousal Unit had to give blood  for the cancer clinic. Yesterday I had to go in to respiratory therapy for my C-Pap machine. All is great there. Today is hair appointments. 
I've taken a week off from Weight Watcher's. I needed a week to relax and enjoy some extra foods. I will start again tomorrow watching what I eat. I am tired but do have my blood works done next week. 

Sewing

I've been working on this month's embroidery project. I sat and designed and my first project was a flop. Second try and one letter was off. Third try and I'm ready to either add 3 buttons or 3 more embroidered snowflakes. 

The fabric is to be cut 3/4" to the right of the W and the same to left of the snowflake. Top and bottom will be the same; 3/4". I will back it with fabric and bind it like a quilt. I have fabric left to make another Snow wallhanging. 
While I was playing, I did February's wall hanging. 

I may have to buy fabric for this one as I don't have any Valentine fabric. 
I also am playing with this design as I love the Tweet birds. 

The colors haven't been fixed up yet so it does look a bit dingy. But the idea is there. I'm going to have fun with this one as I have time. 

Knitting

I got the buttons for the sweater and need to sew them on. From there I can do the buttonhole band and collar. Then on to the next project - a sweater for daughter's dog. 

Today

Out for hair appointments and then working on the wall hanging. Knitting tonight. 
Until the next time.......................................

A Lot of Great Neighbors

Yesterday was a snow day. It snowed most of the night and  all day until about 5 p.m. They say we had 11.5 cm of snow which is almost 5". The temperature went from -12C to 1C. This morning, it is -3C and it is suppose to get cooler. 

Lifestyle

Our neighbor was out snow blowing early and the next thing we knew, he was doing our driveway. What a great surprise. I headed out to shovel the driveway where the snow blower can't go. The Spousal Unit swept off the car and I got a lot of the driveway done. 
The Spousal Unit went out to clear the deck. A wide pathway and the stairs for easy access. Before he knew it, another neighbor and his two small children were helping him. Another surprise. 
The third surprise happened in the afternoon. Bang went the garage door and daughter-in-law was clearing our driveway. After she was done, the Spousal Unit threw salt on the driveway. 

Sewing

After finishing the Market Tote, I hauled out the strips of fabric used in the piping. I made 3 meters of piping for daughter. 

I wound it up and it is ready to be put in a small bag. 

I still have a fat quarter of the fabric and will make more later on. I want to make 2 more lengths of piping and ship a box of fun to her. 

Knitting

I watched the video on weaving in the ends on the sweater and got that done. I did learn a few things. Next up, I figured out and cast on the button band. I knit it and am ready to sew on the buttons. I have the buttonhole band and collar left to knit and I'll be done. A great learning curve. 

Today

The Spousal Unit goes for bloodwork this morning then it's home to do a few things before I start on an embroidery project. I'm sure I will be stressed out before the afternoon is over. It is all about placing the two patterns onto the fabric to make one design. I will knit tonight and do a bit more on the sweater. 
Until the next time....................................

Wave Pocket Market Tote

It is done and here is my review of the bag. 
Pattern Used
The free pattern was found sometime ago at https://sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/wave-pocket-market-tote
The fabric used was bought at a quilt shop. I found the cat fabric and then laid fabrics with it until I got what I wanted. 

The fabric for the piping came from the doll's stash. I needed something to spice the bag up a bit. 

A short description on how you made it/problems overcome/etc.
The pattern is a bit hard to follow in spots and I wanted to do a few changes to it. 
I made my own piping and followed the instructions for sewing it onto the pocket. Great instructions for that. 

I did the back pocket as per the instructions but changed the front pocket. Instead of sewing a seam down the center front, I added a magnetic snap for a larger pocket. 

I reinforced the fabric with a square of interfacing before adding the snap, covered it with a piece of fusible fleece before adding fusible fleece to the bag. 

The inside pocket is practical. I opted to use my handles on the bag as the pattern's were not finished to my standard. I followed their instructions for attaching to the bag. 

Progress On The Market Tote

The snow quit yesterday morning but the wind blew until sometime during the night. Then it cleared off and got colder. This morning it is -15C with a wind chill of -22C (which it has been for almost 24 hours). Today is to be cold and sunny with snow starting tonight. 
We didn't complain much about the weather yesterday as parts of Newfoundland were under blizzard and storm surge warnings. The wind did get on our nerves but we kept a positive attitude. 

Lifestyle

No shoveling yesterday. The wind kept our driveway clean from snow. I did do a bit of housework but was tired so did rest a lot in the morning. 
Elliott was cranky yesterday morning. He laid on our bed making angry noises due to the wind. He finally crawled under a blanket and slept until mid afternoon. He woke up in a better mood. 

Sewing

I worked on the Market Tote. (This link should work.) I put on the magnetic snap on the front pocket. 

I reinforced the back of the fabric with interfacing and then covered the back with a bit of batting. Once done, I put the iron on fleece on the inside. 

I do like the bigger pocket in the front for a cell phone. 
The sides are now pinned together and I can start sewing the bag together. I'm hoping to get the bag done by Monday. 

The next decision is whether to put piping on the handles. I have to wait until I get to that step in the instructions. It seems doable when I read the instructions through for the first time. 

Knitting

Yesterday was knit up the side and underarm seams of the sweater. I watched the video first and then rewatched and did the sweater. Not perfect but not bad for my first try. Next up is weaving in the ends. 
Once the sweater is done, I will have to buy the yarn to make daughter's dog a sweater. It will be a fun knit in acrylic yarn. Color will be a dark teal heather. 

Today

I'm not totally sure what is on the agenda as grandson could be here for tutoring. If not, housework, sewing, and knitting. 
Until the next time..................................

A Nasty Day Today

Yesterday we had snow and last night the wind came up. Today we are experiencing snow showers and high winds. It is not a pretty day. 

While watching the snow blow, I actually lost sight of this house which is across the street from us. 

Looking down Underwood. The visibility was poor. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit went out in the afternoon to clear the driveway. As soon as he was out the door, the boy from across the street was over to help. He mimics the Spousal Unit and it was a delight to watch them clean the driveway. 
I did sweep floors and do a bit of housework. I rested a lot as I am not feeling 100%. It could be my thyroid needs a boost. 

Sewing

I got the last picture of the dress. I puffed up the sleeves. 

I also spent some time fooling around with the embroidery program and have the wall hanging planned. I will do it on one piece of white fabric with a snow border. There will be two hoopings. Goal is to do it the 27th to the 29th. 

Knitting

I sat down to start the second sleeve and when I looked at the first one I saw that I had picked up 10 stitches wrong. It stood out like a sore thumb. So I ripped out the sleeve and redid it. It is finished and I have started the second sleeve. Am I upset that I've knit this pattern, ripped it out, and knit it again. No, as I am learning a lot from my mistakes. 
My next pattern is picked as there are no patterns to test. A dog sweater for daughter's dog. I will have to buy yarn for it but that is fine. I'm thinking Paton's yarn in an acrylic so it washes easily. 

Today

I would like to say I'm full of energy to do a lot. But, I'm not. I plan on having a nap and doing some sewing. Knitting and that is about it. 
Until the next time...................................

Market Bag Started

Yesterday we had flurries most of the day. Big fat flakes that fell heavily and then tiny flakes that you could barely see. The temperature rose to 0C, which was lovely. It is -4C this morning. Snow will begin at noon and the high will be -2C.

Lifestyle

While I cleaned the kitchen, the Spousal Unit went out and sprinkled salt on the driveway. It was really icy and a bit dangerous. After lunch, he put out more salt as it was warmer. At 4 pm, he went out to clean the driveway as all was ready. The boy across the street came over to help him. At 9, he is a great help. He enjoyed lifting huge hunks of ice and throwing them in the ditch. The cherry on the top was jumping into the ditch when it was done. With his help, we have a clean, ice free driveway. 

Sewing

I put the ribbon on the dress, took the pictures, looked and the sleeves are flat. 

I have to redo the photos today. I did a picture showing the drawers I made. With a bit of a tug on the legs, I'm quite happy with them. 

I also started the Market Bag. I read each step twice and did the sewing carefully. This is the first bag I've made without interfacing the outer bag. I'm a bit worried and may go back and do it. It is also the first bag I've made with 1/2" seams. 
I spent a lot of time sewing on the piping but am pleased with the results. I did sew one pocket onto the bag. 

This is the bag back. With the pockets, you stitch down the center front and then 4.5" in from the sides. On the front, I will only sew 4.5" in from the sides and put a magnetic snap at the center. I'd like to have a bigger pocket in the middle. 

Knitting

With more calculations, unknitting, knitting again, the first sleeve is done. I did knit 4 extra rows (no decreases) to get the length I wanted. Overall, I'm pleased with the sleeve and ready to start the second one. 

Today

With snow and cold in the forecast, it's a home day. The goal is to start cleaning the dining/living/entrance way. Sewing in the afternoon and knitting tonight. Hot tea to keep warm. 
Until the next time...................................

Knitting Thoughts on the Child's Sweater

Yesterday was a grey cool day. No snow, very little wind, and a high of -2C. This morning it is snowing lightly and -4C. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit has been working at getting the ice off the driveway. He is half done using salt and a scraper. 
I headed to get weighed in and was down .4 lb. Not a lot but I will take it. I've been tired lately so am wondering if my thyroid medication needs a boost. It could also be the grey weather causing me to hibernate. I did the shopping and was home before 1 p.m.

Sewing

I bought buttons for the red knit dress, ribbon for the Victorian dress, and some cream colored lace. Lace is so hard to find here that I buy it when I see what I want. This lace is for the remaining fabric left over from the test pattern. 

Knitting

I decided to watch The More is Less Right Formula for the sleeves. I calculated, I drew tally marks, I pulled out my hair and then realized I was doing something wrong in each of the steps. 

1. I had two too many stitches to pick up for the sleeve. Of course I did when I just listened to what Cheryl said. I didn't put the thread or stitch markers in the right row. When I got that figured out, I picked up the stitches for the sleeve and it was perfect. 
2. I knit the sleeve only to realize I had to decrease way more rows. I recalculated, looked at my numbers and had one wrong number in the formula. When I plugged in the right number it worked out perfectly. 

I've learned a few things along the way that is not mentioned in the course as you go along or which I may have missed or misunderstood.  

1. When marking the armholes mark row one of the second set of numbers. I should have knit 39 rows and then marked the next row; the first of 35 rows I had to knit. 
2. When finishing up both the back and front, end with an even numbered row. That means when you pick it up to knit the shoulders together, the yarn is at the start rather than at the end. 
3. When cutting the yarn for the back, leave a very long tail. You will use this tail to knit the shoulders together and cast off the back neck. I would say a tail of 36" would be plenty. 
4.  I don't know how I'd do the formulas again. Would I listen to her first and then plug in my numbers or do it as she does it. I replayed that part of the video so many times. I recommend you figure out the number of stitches to pick up first and do that step to completion. Then work on the decreases next. I did a lot of chicken scratching and will have to tidy it up for the second sleeve after I get the first one knit. 

If I knit this sweater again, I will know more about the process. I will follow the videos as I learn how to do other necklines. My goal is to knit myself a V neck sweater. My next sweater will be a size 1 V neck sweater to get the ideas correct in my head. 

Today

I am planning on doing laundry, clean the kitchen, sew, and knit. As it is snowing, I'm not going far. Only to the library to pick up a book I put a hold on several months ago. 

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

A Piping Kind of Day

Yesterday was a dull grey day that was cool. Not cold, just cool at -4C. Our biggest obstacle was the ice. Everything was coated and hard to remove. Today is to be warmer but we have snow coming. 

Lifestyle

While I did some housework, the Spousal Unit chipped away at the ice and then threw some salt around. We would love to get the ice gone before the snow but I don't think it is going to happen. We have very little warm weather this coming week. 
The roads are in great shape when I was out to get some groceries which is nice. The traffic is moving fast this morning so the roads are dry. 

Sewing

I did some easy sewing yesterday. I made piping which was .3 meter of fabric used up. The total amount of piping was 2.7 meters. 

This was the first one I made. All I could see was it with denim. Amount of piping was 2 meters. 

The second batch of piping was more with 2.7 meters. 

Another denim shirt daughter said. 

The blue fabric used to showcase the piping has been cut into piping (half of it). I have just over a meter of piping made and more to go. It is for the Market Bag I'm going to start tomorrow. 

Knitting

I started to do the three needle cast off on the sweater and took it apart and redid it. It is done. I spent the rest of the evening reading prior to starting the next step. That will be the sleeves. 

Today

I'm off to Weight Watchers and to get a few things in the city. I want to be home in good time. I'm not sure what I will get done in the afternoon. More piping? Knitting? Who knows.
Until the next time................................

Test Pattern Completed

With 14C temps on Saturday, most of the snow melted. What was left was the bigger snow piles. Yesterday morning we woke to rain which turned to snow which turned to freezing rain. There is almost 2" of snow on the ground with a layer of ice on top of it. 

Lifestyle

We ventured out about 3 pm to have dinner at the family's house. I helped grandson with his science fair project. We got the last paragraph fixed up. That young man has good ideas and just needs some help getting the reading flow right. 
When we came home, the car had a coating of ice on it. I got it scraped off fairly easily. The roads were good as they had been scraped and salted. 

Sewing

I spent most of the morning and part of the afternoon in the sewing room finishing up the test pattern. A lot of sweat went into the skirt which didn't want to fit. I pleated it twice to get it to fit. I got it on at noon. I did all the hand sewing and snaps in the afternoon. 

It needs a cream ribbon at the waist. 

This pattern really stretched me and I'm glad that I took my time to sew it slowly. It is full of details that kind of scared me at times. I kept saying "One stitch at a time" as I sewed. 

Next up - something easy -- piping. I want to sew a few meters of it for a day or two. Then I want to start a bag. On the list is another Victorian era dress which is a lot easier to make. 

Knitting

I got the front of the sweater knit and then sewed the shoulders together. I looked and the third stitch from the beginning was dropped. Undid it and am ready to start again. 
I love how Cheryl Burnette cast off the shoulders. She used a crochet hook. I tried it and it is easier than doing a 3 needle cast off. Look at Part 6 on this website.

Today

Housework, a bit of shopping, and some sewing is in the books. Then knitting tonight. 
Until the next time.................................

What Weather Haven't We Had?

Yesterday morning's temperature was -17C at 6 a.m. By 9:30 a.m. it was -5C and by noon it was 0C. The temperature rose to 4C at 8 p.m. It was 5C this morning (6 a.m.). 
We had some rain with a bit of snow mixed in it and the snow has begun to melt. The deck is almost bare. We are to get rain today and tonight it is to turn to freezing rain. The weather has been nearly everything you can imagine in the past three/four days. 

Lifestyle

I was out yesterday to help at the community hall. We also went out after lunch to do a few things also. I was feeling like I was coming down with a cold and rested the remainder of the day. 

Sewing

I was in the sewing room before lunch and got the padded hem piece on. I need to sew a row down the center and thread 2 pieces of heavy yarn through the two channels. 
The lining is ready to sew into the bodice and the pleats in the skirt are pressed and stitched in place. I should have it finished on Monday at the latest. 
I will launder the fabric for the bag so I can sew it up next. I have to find a piece of fabric to make some piping. I'm sure I have some in the stash. I'm looking forward to making this bag as it will be a fun bag when done. 

Knitting

I'm enjoying knitting the child's sweater. With the rounding up, it is slightly bigger than the measurements given. I checked the row gauge and it remains at 7/inch. The width is a bit bigger due to rounding up. I may round down the next time. 
The back is done. The front is knit to the cast off for the placket and I have 3 rows knit on each side of placket. Next is the neck shaping which I am looking forward to. I probably have a week of knitting left on this fun project. 

Today

I want to sew on the dress and get quite a bit done on it. I also want to knit. I am not doing a lot as I will rest to keep this cold at bay. I do feel better this morning so am hoping I slept it off last night. 
Until the next time.................................

And It Snowed

Yesterday was a day of snow. It started at 7:30 am and stopped about 7:30 p.m. A good foot fell during that time. Today is going to be cooler and windier with little or no snow. 

Lifestyle

I did laundry and some housework yesterday morning. The Spousal Unit went out after 4" fell and started shoveling the driveway. He came in and did more in the afternoon. 
When he was finishing up, neighbors came in and helped get it done. 

They even did the back deck citing we needed two ways out in an emergency. This lovely crew was out again last night clearing another neighbor's driveway just before they got home from work. 
This morning another neighbor was over and snow blowed the roll of snow in the driveway. We get a roll every time they plow, which was done during the night. We live in a wonderful neighborhood with great people around us. 

Sewing

I decided to sew in the sleeves of the test pattern. When done the first one, I had sewn it to the front waist of the bodice. I took it out and got them both in. The sleeves are now ready for me to put the band on the sleeve edge. That will be interesting. I'll photograph the process. I'm really sewing slowly on this dress. I have to cut out the skirt and waistband. The waistband has to be 1" longer than the original pattern. 
I got this fabric for a Market Bag I plan on making. 

The plaid is the lining and other two are the outside of the bag.

There is a hint of blue on the cat's face between the ears hence why I got blue fabric. 

Knitting

I got the doll's dress done to putting on the buttons. Mine are too big. I will get smaller ones on Wednesday. 

I started on a child's sweater and am following Sweater 101 by Cheryl Burnette. I had already done the gauge swatch so I filled out the worksheet, did the calculations with her using my gauge and got started. I did the ribbing wrong so had to cast on again. If you plan on following her class, read the written instructions carefully about the ribbing. 
I got the ribbing done and am working on the back. I will be knitting in thread at 5.5" to mark the armhole start. This has been a good project to do after several doll patterns. 

Today

I am hoping to get out to the post office this afternoon. I have a package to mail. This morning is housework and I hope to sew the arm bands onto the sleeves. Knitting tonight. 
Until the next time.......................