Self Care

 Yesterday was a nice late fall day. The high got to 7.6C and the low this morning is -1C. It is suppose to get to 9C. We are actually having some nice weather before it rains tomorrow. 

Lifestyle

I crashed and burned yesterday. I have a very sore spot in on hip from bringing up the Dyson vacuum cleaner. I pulled something lifting it up the stairs to the landing as I felt it hurt. 

We were out to see the renovations at family's house yesterday afternoon. The cupboards are in and they look fabulous. They have done a nice job of choosing everything and it looks great together. 

There were 11 new cases of the virus reported and all but one are in the Halifax region. That one case is in the area where we go to buy some of our meat. 

We have put together a plan, are following directives, and I'm a wreck. Not sleeping well at night and my IBS has flared up again. It is stress and anxiety related. I am going to have a nap today to help calm down. 

Sewing

I didn't sew at all yesterday. I did do the list of what I need to sew in December. Three items plus hem the curtains. For knitting it is 2 items. If there is more time, I will do more, if not, I will be happy with what I get done. 

I sewed only 3.5 meters of fabric in November. Masks and doll clothes -- all small items. I have sewn 80 meters to date. December will be about 7 meters and I will be happy with that. 

My goal for 2021 is to use up more of the stash and to buy less. The store I buy from has a booming business and I can stay away until they either open the doors again for in-store shopping or the end of February. I am also putting together a list of items I want to make for the dolls, the fall fair, and for gifts. I can enjoy the process and relax rather than churn out items as fast as I can. 

Knitting

I finished the grey hat, the lady wants it and then I took it apart to make it longer. Only in my house does that happen. I will finish it today. 

Today

I am out the door in a minute to take grandson to school, then breakfast, out the door for son, and hopefully a nap. I am taking the better part of the day for self care and if I hem a curtain, it will be a bonus. 

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

A Good and Bad Day

 Yesterday was a nice late fall day. The high got to 8C. This morning it is 3C and the high will be 5C. 

Lifestyle

I got the wreath out of the basement, took off the old lights, put on the new ones, and hung it on the front door. After doing all that, I forgot to turn on the lights last night. I also got out the ribbon and big cones to put into the pot to give it the Christmas look. All is done at our house for outside decorating. 

The dyson vacuum clean got hauled upstairs so I could clean the furniture. We got the machine 12 years ago when we had dogs and it works wonders. I got half of the couch done yesterday using several tools and lots of patience. The blankets got laundered and are back on that part of the couch. Elliott isn't sure about this process as he hates that vacuum cleaner. 

I washed the curtains that I am to shorten and it was a disaster. The black out lining stuck to itself and I had to take it apart not only after taking it out of the washer but the dryer. I'll talk to daughter-in-law today to see if we go ahead and shorten them or if she gets new ones for me to shorten. One thing -- those curtains are really clean now. 

There were 14 cases of the virus reported yesterday with 3600 tests being done along with 670 rapid tests. I'm sure we will see more cases with so many tests being done. 

Sewing

I worked on the doll's dress and it went into the garbage can. I could not get the collar to work no matter what I did. It was where the two collars met at the center front. I had raw edges showing or they didn't meet. After several tries, it was time to admit defeat.

I kept the waist band that I had embroidered along with the ties. 

I have enough fabric to make another dress and will use this around the waist of the dress. Ideas are floating in my head but I do know I will use the basic dress pattern. I would like to add a simple sleeve to the dress so it is a winter dress.

I ordered two patterns online yesterday and downloaded them to look at. I am going to sew them up once Christmas sewing is done. There is a skirt, sleeveless top, and bibbed overalls/dress. I hope to add more to make them into outfits. 

I tried to order Addy yesterday and I'm getting a message about her accessories not shipping to my home address. I've emailed the company but know I won't hear from them until Monday at the earliest. It is Thanksgiving in the US. 

Knitting

I knit on the messy bun hat and am 8 rows from starting the decreasing rows. 

If the lady doesn't like this one, I am keeping it for myself. The next one is denim blue. 

Today

I am going to try and get the rest of the couch vacuumed this morning. This afternoon we are going to see the new cupboards in family's house and tonight will be knitting.

Sewing Room Cleaned Up

 Yesterday was a warm day. It hit you when you went outside. The high got to 16C. This morning it was 7C at 6 a.m. and it isn't going to get much warmer. 

Lifestyle

The masks got shipped out west. It was a nice drive into town to do it. We only stopped at the post office and then went home. No Black Friday shopping for us. It was a home day. 

There were 9 cases of the virus reported yesterday. A nice surprise for everyone but we have been told to expect the numbers to rise. There are 4000 people waiting to get tested and over 3500 were done on Thursday. The young people got praise for stepping up to get tested en-mass. The province will be sending out a mobile testing station to a community near us as they have found Covid-19 in the sewage. I appreciate what the government, public health, and citizens are doing to keep Nova Scotians safe. 

Sewing

I pulled myself off the couch and cleaned up the sewing room. I ironed the fabric I had laundered, swept the floor, put away spools of embroidery thread, and cleaned up the cutting table. And, the garbage went out. Two full bags of it.

As I was ironing the fabric, I was having fun thinking about which outfit to sew for Addy first. I am thinking it will be the Civil War dress in a green print.

I was inspired to work on the test dress I never got finished. I spent a lot of time getting the pleats right on the second sleeve and it is now sewn in. 

It gets pressed after being sewn in. It fits perfectly. It is ready to be hemmed and then I will read the pattern for the next steps (probably collar and lining).

At that point, I called it quits. I will work on it as I have time. It is almost time for me to finish up the Christmas sewing for family. I am looking forward to that. 

Knitting

As we listened to the update of the virus, I knit. I continued to knit until bedtime and got a lot done on the messy bun hat. It is half done.

I am going to continue to knit messy bun hats (new pattern soon) as daughter informed me I have 14 skeins of yarn coming. She called it hoarding and I'm starting to agree. I have part skeins left over and will knit some in the new pattern I got. It keeps me busy during the winter months. 

Today

It is another stay at home day and I need to focus on housework, sewing, and knitting. The Spousal Unit will work on his puzzle. 

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

This Round Of Masks Completed

 Though yesterday was cloudy and wet, the temperature rose during the day. The temperature this morning is 13C and the sun is going to shine. We are to get a high of 14C.

Lifestyle

I headed to the sewing room early to get a mask made. I'm glad I did but more on that later. 

There were 14 cases of the virus reported yesterday. Two of them are outside the Halifax region; one down in the valley and one in the north region. At the moment, we have hunkered down with only shopping locally. 

Sewing

I was down to the sewing room early and started the last mask. It wasn't my best but it is done. 

I spent a great deal of time choosing the thread colors and I am happy with them. I am not happy with the placement of the embroidery on the mask. 

The embroidery needs to be lower. The placement is my own mistake. I did not print out the pattern and place it on the mask to determine. I will be printing the design and another pattern piece so I can do this mask once again in January. Truthfully, I am my own biggest critic.

I am going to order Addy and she will probably not arrive until January. She is back ordered until Dec. 4. I am okay with that as I have other sewing to do first. 

Knitting

I knit and unknit on the doll's headband. I made a mistake and caught it before I got too far along the next row. 

I also cast on another messy bun hat. This one is shades of grey. The ribbing rows (9 rows) are knit and I am ready to start the pattern.

I will put the ones not sold into a box and sell them. I am thinking that I will knit up a lot of the yarn into messy bun hats and sell them so that part of the yarn stash goes down. It also gives me something to do in the evenings. 

Today

I have a parcel to mail, some housework to do, and the sewing room to clean up. Tonight it will be knitting. It is not going to be exciting for the next while but we will get through this being careful and safe. 

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

Embroidery On Masks

 Yesterday was cool and calm. We saw a high of 2C on the thermometer. This morning it is 4C, wet, and it will get warmer all day. We are to see it get to 10C during the night. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday we went to New Minas to get the Spousal Unit a couple of lamps for the puzzle table. We also go a bulb for my lamp. We were in and out of two stores and on our way home. 

My lamp that I use on the sewing machine cabinet is dead. In the garbage dead. The new bulb didn't help. At over 15 years old, I guess it has the right to die. I will return the new bulb the next time we go shop in New Minas. 

There were 16 cases of the virus reported yesterday; down 51% from Tuesday. No one is in the hospital. People were out shopping so they can stay home for the next 2 weeks to help flatten the curve. The new restrictions start today in the Halifax region and there is word we are to get more of them at a news conference today. 

Sewing

We drove by the quilt store yesterday on the way home form our short shopping trip. People are back to ordering and picking up at the shop. 

I embroidered a Christmas mask for our friend on the west coast.

The embroidery went fast after I chose the colors. I got the front seamed sewn so I could see it put together. I love it. 

I have a second design of snowflakes that I will make him a second mask to wear over the holidays and through the winter. I think he will be set for now. 

Once this mask session is done, I will spend a day cleaning the sewing room. I'm swimming in a mess trying to get things completed and shipped. 

Knitting

I finished the second messy bun hat and the lady is not liking the yarn she chose. 

I will start the grey one next and then a navy denim one. I will not cast off the grey one and send her pictures of it. If she doesn't like it, I will finish it as a toque for me.

I knit another row on the doll's headband before I went to bed. I will knit on it when I have time. 

Today

We are starting our stay at home spell. The weather has cooperated by raining. It will be housework, sewing, knitting, and hoping the curve will flatten. 

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

Mask Making Once Again

 The weather has gone from warm (17C), wet, and windy on Monday to cool on Tuesday to -8C this morning. There were even a few flurries yesterday morning. It is crazy out there. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I was out shopping at 7 a.m. It was very quiet with only 2 of us in the store but I got most everything and rain checks for two items. 

Housework is coming along slowly. I am down to the living room and I get to repeat it all over again. But this time I hope to include cleaning the basement a bit at a time. With the upstairs looking much better, I can start doing some deep cleaning in the basement. 

We are hunkering down for the next 2 weeks. There were 11 cases of the virus reported on Monday and 37 on Tuesday. All but 2 are in the Halifax region. Restrictions are such in there that we are being asked not to travel in and out of the region unless it is essential. Then it is in and out. Many places have shut down again and other things are being limited. Testing numbers are up as the health team is doing rapid tests now. 

There are now 4 cases in schools; the latest in a school in a community where we buy some of our meat. The school has been closed for the rest of the week. 

We are getting our wake up call and, though we have been following all the restrictions, we will be out less starting tomorrow. 

Sewing

Monday morning we went to the quilt shop to get some fabric. They had decreased the number of people in the shop and you had to leave your name and phone number for contact tracing. They have shut their door to in-store shopping unless your name is on a list (mine is) and you can shop by appointment only. I did a bit of stocking up in hopes I can last for a month.

I spent several good hours in the sewing room and finished 3  masks for a friend on the west coast. He is the manager of the dairy section in the store where we use to live. I had fun buying the fabric for these masks and did a lot of fussy cutting. 

The three masks have nose wires and adjustable elastics. 

Next up is 2 more masks with holiday embroidery on them. I want to ship them out on Friday. 

Next up - curtains that need to be shortened. 

Knitting

I have almost finished the second hat. 

I can start the 6 rows of decreasing and cast off. Then I see what I knit next -- another one of these or a new pattern. I also need to knit on the doll's test pattern. 

Today

We are heading down to New Minas to look for a lamp for the puzzle table. Not sure what we are going to get but it will be something. I would like to find a bulb for the light I use at the sewing machine and put it on the puzzle table also. Once home, I hope to sew and and knit. It is the beginning of us hunkering down. 

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

Another Test Pattern Completed

 Though yesterday had sunshine, it was cool. The high got to 3C. This morning, it is cloudy and 1C. We are to get to 13C and could see as much as 1" of rain fall before tomorrow morning. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was spent cleaning the bathroom, small hallway and front entrance. Bonus - the kitchen floor got swept and a load of laundry was done. 

Masks were delivered yesterday afternoon and we looked at the renovations being done to the upstairs of the family's house. It looks amazing with the new open plan for the kitchen, dining room, and living room. I love the wall color that was chosen. 

There were 11 more cases of the virus announced yesterday. All in the Halifax area. The places of exposure were listed and it is mainly restaurants, pubs, fitness centers and stores we don't go to. We are still deciding if I will go in or not; we are weighing the pros and cons. 

Sewing

I finished the dress and am happy with it. I fumbled my way through the pattern where there were little to no instructions and I'm impressed with how well I did. 

The center back only had 1/4" fold over and I like 1/2" when the bodice is not lined. It closes funny due to the lack of fabric. 

I did get the plaid to match except under one arm (bodice only). Not sure what happened there but it is frustrating. 

It isn't a pattern that I will make again. Most often I feel like this when testing a pattern unless I feel over the moon with the results. 

I'm now ready to start shortening drapes for family's bedroom. Measure, wash, dry, shorten. I have 4 panels to do so it won't take too long. I will have to clean the sewing room and cutting table for this project. 

Knitting

I knit away on the messy bun hat last night and could be 8 rows from decreasing. One more hat to go and then I can start a new pattern I got for free. Another messy bun hat that I will knit for daughter. I also have to knit on the doll's sweater and headband but I doubt it will be done in time for test deadline. 

Today

We need to go to the quilt shop for a bit of fabric, into our community for a couple of things, and then home for the rest of the day. I need to tidy up the sewing room so I can start curtains, do some planning, and knit. With the rain coming, it is a good day to be home. 

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

Working On Projects

 Yesterday was a lovely sunny day that gave us a high of 14C. This morning it is -4C and the sun is going to shine again today. It will be cooler though with a high of 3C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday I cleaned the bedroom once again. With Elliott loving to look out the window in our bedroom, I even cleaned his lovely marks off it. It was lovely to have the room cleaned up once again.

The Spousal Unit was outside in the morning raking the prickly hedge trimmings up. It was good to have him active for the morning. He was out with son in the afternoon for a drive. They went to a new winery in the Gaspreau Valley. He enjoyed the trip as it goes through agricultural country. 

There were 8 new cases of the virus reported yesterday and all were in the Halifax area. There have been 20 reports of exposure in that area which is scary. Restrictions begin tomorrow. New Brunswick reported 23 new cases yesterday and the province could move back to their orange level of restrictions. Have we let down our guard in the Maritimes? Have we become too complacent? Or are there people out there who don't care and will do as they please? With a person coming back with the virus to New Brunswick from a Mexican holiday, you can guess which one I am going to choose. 

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room and got one sleeve in the dress. I actually put it in twice as I had issues the first time. I actually missed the seam when sewing it the first time and had a big gapping hole.

I guessed at how to do the band on the sleeve. For me it was sew the seam to the bottom, turn up 1/4" and fold over to hide the seam allowance and hand stitch in place. 

I am waiting for the instructions on the neckline as there were none. If none comes in the next couple of days, I have a plan on how I will do it. More hand sewing.

I fiddled with the skirt and the front bodice seams and the skirt pleats line up perfectly. I will have to check the back ones before I sew the skirt on. With hopes of getting it done this weekend, I certainly missed the mark. 

Knitting

I knit a bit on the head band for the doll. I have 8 rows done now. 

The pattern is starting to show and I'm liking it. I will keep on knitting it between work on the messy bun hats. 

The messy bun hat is coming along nicely. I did a few rows last night on it and would like it done by tomorrow night. I still have a grey one to knit. 

Today

More housework, sewing and knitting. I need to get the Christmas wreath out, put the lights on it and hang it up. A short drive to family to deliver masks this afternoon. 

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

More Knitting

 Yesterday was warm but very grey. We did not see one ray of sunshine. The high got to 12C. This morning it was 7C when I got up and we are to have lots of sunshine and a high of 13C. Lovely fall weather. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning we were out to pay bills and then came home a slumped into our chairs. They dull weather sapped our energy. 

In the afternoon, I watched the update by the premier and chief medical officer. With the number of cases rising, them saying they will shut down the province and another case in one of the schools, I wondered what was coming down the tube. They have put restrictions on in the city and one county. We do not live in the area but have to follow the restrictions if/when we go into them. The two schools have been closed for 2 weeks for deep cleaning and to calm students, families, and staff in the province. A good call on the province's part. 

There were 5 new cases reported yesterday. There are no people in the hospital now which is great. 

Knitting

I knit on the hat and am half done. The variegated yarn is looking lovely but the yarn splits easily. It is not twisted. I just have to watch that I pick up each stitch without splitting it. 

Today

I have some housework to do and I would love to finish the doll's dress. I will also knit tonight. 

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

Trying to Relax With Sewing and Knitting

 Yesterday was sunny but cool. The high got to 2C. The temperature rose to 6C overnight and is suppose to get to 12C today. Not entirely sure why we will have 2 days of warm weather. 

Lifestyle

We were both tired yesterday. Tired and cranky to be exact. I'm sure the cause is stress and anxiety. We are not sleeping well and both of us are restless. I didn't do much other than a big load of laundry yesterday morning.

The Spousal Unit has been working on a 2000 piece puzzle. He's happy if he gets 2-6 pieces together in an afternoon. Yesterday he had a big run and was putting pieces together for a good 2 hours. 

The doorbell rang yesterday afternoon and our new neighbor was here to get the snowblower that we gave him. We haven't used it since our first winter here. He got it home and had it running in 5 minutes. We knew it worked and glad he has it to do his driveway. We enjoy shoveling ours and our friend uses his snowblower at the end of the driveway to clean up after the road is plowed.  

There was only 1 case of the virus reported yesterday but 1 person is in the hospital. The total number of cases remains at 23 as people are recovering. There were 9 more exposures listed late last night and it is creeping towards where I want to shop. Most happened over the weekend where grandson and I shopped on Friday; none have been posted with that date in that area. There was a 2nd case of the virus identified at one of the schools and it has been closed today.

Sewing

I did sew on the doll's dress very slowly yesterday. The jabot is done. 

I fiddle with the pleats to get them right reading the instructions several times while folding the paper pattern. The sleeves are cut out as are the plain bands for them. The bands are sewn on ready for me to begin inserting the sleeves. The neck band is also cut and folded. It was at this point I realized the bodice wasn't lined. I quit for the day as I wanted to line the bodice. I am not going to do it as it isn't called for. I have to serge seams before I do any more sewing.

Knitting

I did several rows on a test pattern (headband) for the dolls. It is the daisy stitch and I am using a variegated yarn. I have 2 rows of the pattern done and will need to knit several more before the pattern really shows. 

I also worked on the hat and got several more rows done. I'm quite happy with how the color is going on this one.

Today

I will be heading out to pay some bills this morning and then it's home for the day. I hope to do a bit of housework, sew, knit, and rest. 

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

Working on More Projects

 We have had our fair share of weather. Rain, snow flurries, sunshine, cold, and wind. Yesterday we had snow flurries, sunshine, wind, and cold. The high got to -1C. This morning it is -4C and clear. Another cool day for us. 

Lifestyle

On Tuesday I did the budget and paid bills. An all morning job as there was a lot of paper to handle. But it is done and I am happy that job is done. 

Yesterday we headed out to shop. We went to the co-op for apples, the book store for books and into town for groceries. It was a perfect day for it as the sun shone the whole time we were out. 

The number of cases of the virus is going up daily, there were 3 new cases yesterday and 5 the day before. The number of active cases is 24 as of yesterday. We did a bit of stocking up of groceries and will be monitoring what we need to do in the next while. I need to finish Christmas shopping and get more groceries.

Sewing

I worked on the doll's dress on Tuesday afternoon. It is coming along quite well. 

I have just pinned the skirt front to the bodice and will be tweaking it a bit. I'm ready to do the collar, sleeves, and lining. 

We were to the quilting shop yesterday and I got cording for piping and 2 pieces of fabric. I have to go back and get another two pieces of fabric and then call it quits for a while. I have a game plan in place for one gift. I will be ready to stay home and sew on a daily basis for the next several weeks. 

Knitting

I finished one messy bun hat. I'm quite pleased with it. 

I started the next one and the colors are amazing. The yarn is not plied and a pain to knit but I am perservering. 

I also started a head band for the dolls from a test pattern. I cast on the stitches and got the first two rows knit. Next row begins the daisy stitch pattern. I am not changing colors as the pattern shows but am using a variegated yarn for a totally different effect. 

Today

I am out for about 15 mins this morning, back to do laundry, sew this afternoon and knit tonight. We are home for the next several days. 

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

An Embroidery Kind Of Day

 Yesterday started out dark, windy and wet and ended up with some sunshine and clear skies. We are assuming we had over 1/2" of rain as it certainly rained very hard at times. This morning, it is 4C with clouds.

Lifestyle

It was a stay at home day yesterday. I did take grandson to school and was lucky enough to do it between down pours. It was too wet to do anything else. 

The phone rang last evening and our doctor called to tell the Spousal Unit that the surgeries he had successfully removed all the cancerous cells. We were very excited about that.  

There were 2 more cases of the virus reported yesterday and last night 2 more were reported in schools. There are 23 active cases in the province now and the warning is out that drastic measures will be taken if the numbers continue to rise. 

With that in place, the Spousal Unit and I had a talk about what we can do better and I will be finishing our shopping quickly. A bit online and a bit locally. We will be tracking where we go and will not be getting out of the car when going on drives. Our social bubble is small and we continue to wear masks, use hand sanitizer, and social distance when shopping. We are tired but we continue to do our best. It is stressful to say the least as added into our stress is family and friends who live far away from us. We are thankful they live in areas that are not experiencing huge cases of the virus. But we still worry.

Sewing

I spent quite a bit of time in the sewing room. The goal was to get the embroidery done on the test pattern. It was stressful getting them in the right places. I drew boxes, found the center point and worked from there. 

Once the first one was done, I was able to complete the other 4. I spent a lot of time making sure the dogs were on straight vertically and horizontally as well as getting the lines to match all the way around.

I ended the day by pinning the pleats in place and preparing them for pressing.

 Knitting

The messy bun hat is coming along nicely. I'm over half done now. 

It is hard to see the spiraling pattern on the dark yarn. It is nice though and gives the hat a lot of stretch. 

Today

I am planning on doing laundry and budget this morning and then sew this afternoon. I need to cut out the bodice of this dress, serge the skirt seams, and begin sewing it all together. Tonight will be another night of knitting. 

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

A Post But No Pictures (Now Has Pictures)

 We are having a rain storm today. The temperature rose to 8C overnight (from 2C) and the rain is coming down heavy and the wind is blowing it everywhere. It is dark outside and we are going to be inside all day. 

Lifestyle

I have been working on cleaning the upstairs and just have the living room and entry way to do. It is coming along and will get done. 

I folded the laundry yesterday morning and now need to check what I've bought as Christmas presents. I want to finish up that this coming week. I'm nearly done which is nice. 

Blogger is not allowing me to add pictures to my posts. I'm not sure what is wrong but I'm going to try on another computer this morning. What a pain. This is not the first time this has happened to me. Update -- It worked using Firefox brower.

The cases of the virus have been rising. There were 6 new cases on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Most are related to other cases which means people are not following the rules set by the government and health authorities. There were 21 active cases on Sunday with one good note -- no cases were in long term care homes and no one is in the hospital with it. 

Sewing

I've sewn 6 masks since Thursday. I have a couple more to make and I'm done. I kind of got carried away making them. 

Next up is to put away the fabric from masks and start on a dress for the dolls. Fabric has been chosen and I need to do the embroidery on the skirt. 

I was looking at a doll for sale in Halifax and after 22 hours of waiting, I got a response. It had sold. Didn't surprise me as it was a great price and in mint condition. I am getting ready to order Addy so she will be here for 2021's sewing. 

Knitting

I finished the dress and did a photo shoot. The dress is really cute and fits the dolls well. 

I am working like crazy on messy bun hats again. I have to knit 3 and a person will chose 2. The third one will sell fast through my daughter. 

There is another test pattern to knit but I'm not sure I will do it due to hat knitting. But, I have the pattern downloaded to knit a bit later on. I like it because it has 2 variations of a coat and a headband. 

Today

As it is raining, we will be staying home. I want to do more laundry, get the Christmas shopping list done, sew, and knit. 

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

Christmas Masks Begun

 Yesterday started off warm and by 8:00 a.m. it was raining. It cooled off all day and was raining at 8:30 p.m. last night. This morning it is 3C and it will remain cool today. Tonight it is suppose to rain again. 

Lifestyle

I headed downstairs and washed the sewing room floor. It was dirty as we wear shoes downstairs all the time. It was nice to have it clean and ready for sewing. 

We went out for a bit after I did the floor. We renewed our library cards; our first trip into the library since late February. There was one other person so the Spousal Unit had a quick look around before we left. We will go back another day so he can take out some books. 

Once home, I cleaned the bathroom and finished laundry. It was a busy morning for us. 

There were no cases of the virus reported yesterday. 

Sewing

I spent time in the sewing room cutting out two masks. I finished one and almost finished the second one. 

I have nose wires and put them in both of the masks. I also used the adjustable elastic and sewed them together rather than knotting. Next I will be cutting out one more mask from this pattern and make it up. After that, I will be making more masks using a different pattern. All are Christmas themed. 

I got another pattern to test. I will be using a plaid fabric and embroidering on it. I will start it on Monday as it will take time and I will have to work on masks at the same time.

Knitting

I worked on the dress last night and am close to finishing it. Three more rows on the skirt and then the sleeves. They are short so only 6 rows of knitting. I have enjoyed knitting this dress and can't wait to try it on one of the dolls. 

Today

Grandson and I are going into the city to do his Christmas shopping. I will be doing more of mine also. I hope I only have to go in once more and be done. Tonight I hope to work more on my knitting. I doubt if any sewing will get done. 

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

Another Warm Day

 Yesterday was another lovely day with more clouds and a high of 22C. We broke another record. We even had a humid of 24C which is unusual for November. The weather stayed warm all night and finally started to cool off this morning. It was 19C at 6 a.m. It is suppose to cool off and rain today. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I cleaned the kitchen and it is spotless. All the surfaces got disinfected as I was in that kind of mood. I washed the floor and it was dirty. You can't see the dirt on brown tiles. I knew it was going to be dirty as we've been in and out the back door a lot. I finished at noon. 

The Spousal Unit finished mowing the lawn yesterday and is hoping it is the last time for this year. We have never mowed lawns this late in the year. 

There were two more cases of the virus reported yesterday. They were reported as being close contacts of an earlier case. There are 20 active cases in the province. 

Sewing

I spent a couple of hours in the sewing room cleaning it up. I did a good basic job of putting things away and having things in their right places. I swept the whole floor and it was dusty and dirty. It is ready to wash and then I can sew. 

I looked in the closet at the doll's stash and I really need to sew more of it up. Daughter sent me 4 more pieces of cotton for the dolls and one will be on the cutting table before Christmas. I was going to make one pattern but I may do another one. I will have to purchase the 2nd pattern as I don't own it. My idea is based on this dress that Eve Coleman (Keeper Dolly Duds) designed and made. 

Keeper Dolly Duds Prairie Ruffles

Not only is Eve Coleman a fabulous designer, she is an expert seamstress as well. And she has a fabulous eye for color and pattern. 

Knitting

I happily knit on the doll's dress last night and I am liking it. I don't have a lot left to knit before I start on the sleeves. 

Once done, I will have to start knitting a cat sweater for daughter's cat. 

Today

The first job is to wash the sewing room's floor and then tackle the bathroom and clean it. I'm trying to clean the house once again as I love it when it's clean. I hope to start masks this afternoon and knit tonight. 

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

A Glorious Sunny Day

 Yesterday was delightfully warm with a high of 24C. The sun shone, the wind was warm and we thoroughly enjoyed it. This morning it is 8C and we are to have a repeat of yesterday. From here, it gets cooler. 

Lifestyle

After starting the laundry and rotating the mattress, we headed outside to hang the Christmas lights. Before lunch we got the lights up around the garage door. The postman stopped to tell us we were too early but we've promised not to put them on yet. After lunch, we did around the front door. I did a lot of cleaning this year prior to putting up the lights so everything is clean. 

The Spousal Unit mowed most of the lawn yesterday after we finished up the lights. It certainly did need doing again as it is healthy and vigorous. 

We arrived here 3 years ago today. It was warm when we landed in Halifax at 1 a.m. 

We had 4 reported cases of the virus. One was on Monday and 3 yesterday. There are no hospitalizations. We continue to monitor where the cases are and so far, we have not or do not go into those areas. 

Sewing

I finished the doll's outfit and I do like it. 

There is a lot to like about this outfit. The pattern is quite easy to sew, the ribbons add a cute contrast, and the hat finishes outfit. 

The trim on the sailor's collar is from the fabric and I used a bias tape maker rather than fold and press. 

I did line the hat as I am not a fan of the seams showing in the crown. It was easy to do. 

I am now ready to clean the sewing room prior to sewing masks. 

Knitting

I worked on knitting the test dress and am about half done the skirt. I am enjoying knitting this pattern as it is easy and the results are stunning. 

Today

As businesses are closed due to Remembrance Day, I will do more housework, start to clean up the sewing room, and knit. If the weather is warm this afternoon, I may sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. 

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

Easy Cables On The Dress

 Yesterday started out cloudy but warm and turned out to be sunny with a high of about 16C. This morning it is sunny and 8C at 6 am and 13C at 7:30 a.m. The high is to get to 20C or better. 

Lifestyle

I went shopping yesterday and got a few Christmas presents and a bunch of groceries. By the time I left (near noon), it was getting quite busy. I made one stop in Sackville on the way home and what I wanted was not what I had thought it would be. It was ugly. I will do a couple of other stores when I take grandson in on Friday. 

I was in and out of the house in the afternoon only to enjoy the sunshine on the back deck. It was lovely outside. 

The Spousal Unit is excited that the garlic has sprouted and the little green shoots are showing above the soil. They are covered with burlap to help protect them from the cold this winter. 

Sewing

I did not sew yesterday afternoon. I was too tired from a poor night's sleep. The hat remains unfinished. 

Knitting

I worked on the dress yesterday and the cables are quite easy to do. 

Each cable is to put the first stitch onto a cable needle in the front, knit 2 stitches and then knit the stitch of the cable needle. I have done 3 repeats of the cable and enjoyed the process. 

Today

Along with housework, I want to hang the Christmas lights as it is a warm day. I also want to finish the sailor's hat and knit on the dress. It is a stay at home day. 

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

Sewing And Knitting Progress

 Yesterday was a cool day with a high of 8C. There was no rain and very little wind. This morning it was 8C and it is suppose to get to 15C. Warmer weather for the next two days. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was spent looking at maps, looking at the family tree, and talking about our next trip to the Truro region. We finished up at noon. We learned that my mother's family came to Nova Scotia in the early 1800's to Pictou County and most of the family still remains there today. If they moved, it was to the States with my mother being of the few who moved to western Canada. 

There were three new cases of the virus reported yesterday. There are 20 active cases, the most since May. People are asked to be tested if they were in certain places but we have not been there. But, we are becoming concerned and will be doing less in the city if the numbers keep climbing. 

Sewing

I looked at my sewing room in disgust. What a mess. I got to it and started sewing the sailor's hat as it is the last item to be sewn on the test pattern. 

The pattern doesn't show the hat lined, but I am lining it. I just have the brim to sew on and then attached and hand sew the lining to cover the seam allowance. 

My next job -- clean the sewing room. Two days of it. And then onto Christmas masks. 

Knitting

I did quite a bit of knitting last night and have the dress ready to start the skirt. 

It will be slower knitting as the skirt has many vertical rows of cables. I will get it done though as I am enjoying how this dress looks. 

Today

I am off to the city to do some shopping. I may just go to Bedford as I can get everything there. I am hoping that most of the Christmas shopping will be done. I'd like to sew on the hat this afternoon but I am not sure if I will or not. Knitting tonight.

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

A Trip To Truro

 Yesterday was a lovely warm and sunny day. The high got to 18C they say but I saw 19C. This morning is cooler at 6C and it is cloudy. The high is to get to 10C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I cleaned our bedroom. I dusted, swept, washed and got rid of a lot of dust. It smelled cleaner in there last night. It took me a full 3 hours to do but so worth it. I need to wash all the bedding today. 

We decided to take a drive yesterday after lunch. We hopped into the car, set the gps for Truro and took a back road over there. It was an interesting drive as we have only been as far as Mosherville on that road. We went there a couple of years looking for ancestor's gravesites. As we drove, we could see the land looked good for agriculture and as we got closer to Truro, the farms got larger. 

We looked at the trees and saw an evergreen type tree that's needles were yellow. They are larch/tamarack and will loose their needles later this month and get them back in March. They are not a true evergreen tree. The fall colors have dimmed so we saw no fiery reds, oranges, or yellows. 

As we got closer to Truro, we saw a lot more dairy farms, and many old buildings showing this area was settled many years ago. We arrived in the town of Truro and it is a thriving community. It was known as The Hub as it is the way to get to Cape Breton, Halifax, and New Brunswick. After a quick stop at Tim Hortons, I reset the gps to get to Bible Hill. I thought this is where I was taken to in the early 1990's when I first visited this town. I was wrong. The Hill I was taken to is probably Prince Street or so I now think. I remember wanting to see the "old houses" and was told it was where the African Nova Scotians lived (in much harsher words). When we go back, we will look at other areas of Truro. But, we did learn that the Agricultural Campus (Dalhousie University) and the Department of Agriculture is found in the Bible Hill area. We also learned that it's fast access to the freeway at Bible Hill. 

We took the freeway home. It is a more boring drive but faster and easier. We arrived home tired but happy we did the trip. 

As I do the driving, I took no pictures. There were a couple of ancient barns I would have taken pictures of but only one told a great story. Most have been clad with metal and the one I loved showed some of the wood shake siding. 

We had 4 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. Two are related to travel outside the Atlantic Bubble and 2 are close contacts of previous cases. We have the most cases (20) since May 23. 

There was no sewing or knitting yesterday due to our trip and I was tired when we got home. 

Today

Laundry, sewing and knitting. A bit of housework while the laundry is being done. 

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