New Year Eve Day

 Yesterday was sunny and cool. We didn't see 0C until evening when the temperature started to rise. The temperature this morning was 5C. It is cloudy and it has rained. 

Lifestyle

I did a bit of housework in the morning as I'm trying to keep up. We also put out a lot of garbage as it is garbage day today. In all, we did okay. 

I worked on the puzzle the Spousal Unit has been doing for quite a while now. I got one piece of the sky done and got it hooked up at the top. That was a stroke of luck. It is a case of put in pieces and remove them to put them into their proper spot. The colors were driving me nuts. I did about an hour before I quit for lunch. 

There were 3 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. Two are related to schools and the third is a close contact of another case. We now have 25 active cases of the virus, the lowest in quite a while. The exposure sites now include stores I shop in. I will have to monitor those stores for the next while. 

Sewing

I got out the green fabric and tried again to put the pattern on it. I removed the sleeves, cuff, and placket to cut out on white. I have enough fabric and did a little Snoopy dance of happiness. 

The empty spaces are for pieces that need to be cut out twice. The other piece of fabric can be put away for something else. 

Knitting

I started to look at the daisy stitch sweater, particularly the sleeve. It looked short. And it was. The sweater is short and too small around. And, if I continued, I wasn't going to have enough yarn. I raveled it out and wound it back into a ball. I will use another yarn and larger needles and start this again. It will become a slow knit for 2021. 

I started a new pattern for messy bun hats. I will only make one as the pattern is simple but time consuming. 

The design is gorgeous but knitting in the back of the 2nd stitch and then in the back of the first stitch only to do the same purling on the way back is time consuming. I have 23" of this to do. It is the band around the cap which will be knit afterwards. The yarn is cotton/acrylic and quite splitty. 

Today

The goal is to do some housework, pin the pattern onto the fabric and cut the dress out. We are going out for dinner at family's and I may knit on the hat tonight. 

Happy New Years and until the next time............................................

July To December Review

 We had a wonderful summer as our family bubbles burst and the Atlantic Bubble came into existence. We went up to 14 days at a time with no new cases and the cases we did have were from people who came in outside the bubble. We could relax, enjoy ourselves a bit more, and visit. 

Our neighbor redid our back deck. He is priceless as he did it exactly the way we wanted it done. We enjoyed the deck immensely until we put away the furniture as a tropical storm came in. We still enjoyed hanging over the railing enjoying the sunshine after that. 

The garden was a success with us getting way too many tomatoes (again). They didn't grow as tall but they produced more than the previous year. We did smoke and froze bags of Roma tomatoes for chilis, spaghetti sauce, and lasagna. We had fresh peas, a lot of green beans, and cucumbers. Another successful year in the garden. 

We went to Truro on sunny afternoon in the fall and it was a great trip. We will go back again in 2021 to explore more. 

Sewing

I sewed a lot between July 1 and Dec. 21. Just over 40 meters. My grand total for the year was 86.9 meters of which I was thrilled about. I did buy fabric this years but it has been the least amount ever. I did make doll clothes, reusable grocery bags, pillow cases, masks, and pajama pants. I hit some brick walls when sewing as I was running out of ideas. I was wondering if I should quit testing patterns but am staying as I do enjoy it. I still have questions on what to do with all the clothes I've made. Sell? Keep? 

I did buy 2 more dolls and have a third one in transit somewhere. I will have 12 dolls when she arrives which is probably my limit. 

Knitting

Knitting continued to be my escape. I knit hats, and doll clothes. My last project was unraveled last night as I didn't have yarn and I need to go up a needle size. Yarn bought was 1 skein. 

Conclusion

Though we had a wonderful summer and fall, having more restrictions again in November was somewhat hard. There were days of negativity and anger but we managed to keep the reason why this was happening in our conversations. We are happy the vaccines are here and will wait our turn with patience and gratitude. It's winter and we are use to hunkering down a lot when its cold and ugly outside. 

When I hit the brick wall while sewing, I decided to think about what I will do in 2021. A lady said she was going to do a year sewing what she had. I thought that was a great idea. It will help me use up the stash buying only what I need to do a project. I also decided to sew more of the doll's stash as it is overflowing from its allocated bins. 

Knitting will continue on and I may have to get a bit of yarn later on in the year. I've used a lot of the sock weight up but I want to use more of it up before I buy. The other weights are well stocked so I keep knitting away at them. 

We know we will continue to see restrictions for the best part of 2021, we are hoping that they will ease off towards the end of the year. Keeping ourselves and others safe will still be a priority so we will start 2021 wearing a mask, washing our hands, and social distancing.

Working On A Doll's Dress and Frustration Hits

 Yesterday's weather was interesting. It was sunny and then it clouded over and got really dark. Very little rain fell. It turned cool and the wind blew in from the northwest and we woke up to -6C this morning. The wind chill was -12C. The sun is shining which is nice. 

Lifestyle

I was out shopping in the morning and then home to a quiet boring morning. I did get a message one parcel had arrived at the post box so right after lunch I went and got it. We opened Christmas presents from our daughter. We were spoiled once again by them. 

We listened to the briefing on the virus in our province yesterday. There were 33 cases reported over the 5 days we had no reporting. Twenty-eight are travel related or close contacts to those cases. Five are under investigation and they are the worrisome ones. One person is in the hospital but not in ICU. We have been asked to continue to be diligent of which people are in the province. 

Sewing

The last of the pants are hemmed and ready for delivery. It is nice to have them done ahead of time. 

I cut out the pattern and taped it together. I then took it over to lay it out on the fabric. Frustration arose and I had to look for another piece of fabric. 

I decided on this one. I posted my frustration onto a doll forum and some comment made me think. I may have enough of the green as I was trying to get the sleeves and collar pieces on. They are to be white. So I try again. 

Daughter gave me this piece of fabric for Christmas. 

I see a doll's dress made out of this. She also gave me more thread and I'm going to try a rolled hem on a doll's dress using the red, navy, and red/navy variegated thread. Ideas are going through my head with it. 

Knitting

I worked on the sleeves last night and am now decreasing the sleeve cap. Still about 25 rows to knit but I am making progress. 

Daughter sent 6 balls of yarn I bought. They are lovely and will make nice messy bun hats, a hat and scarf for me, and what ever else I can think of. 

Today

I am going to start cleaning up from Christmas and get ready to have New Years Eve dinner at our house tomorrow. I want to pin the doll's pattern onto the green fabric again and will do more knitting tonight. 

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

A Bit of This And A Bit of That

 The weather has been cool and we've seen sunshine. Today it was 6C at 6 a.m., the rain is over and we could see flurries during the day. It is going to cool off again. 

Lifestyle

We have been tired and wondering why. I think we haven't enough air movement in the house. I turned the air exchange onto high, opened our bedroom window a bit and we felt better. I do need to get new filters and have a third filter cleaned. 

I've been keeping the house clean, doing laundry, and relaxing a bit more than normal. I haven't read but will get to it one day. I also haven't had a day of doing nothing either. 

The only one being lazy is Elliott. He had a feed of turkey on Dec. 27 and last night and this was his position for both evenings. 

He doesn't move a muscle until its treat time at 8 p.m. He then comes alive.

There were 13 cases reported over the 4 days of holidays. The cases are linked to other cases or from travel outside the Atlantic provinces. 

Sewing

I have hemmed 2 pairs of grandson's uniform pants and can get a pair done in just over an hour. Not really exciting but it's a job that needs to be done. 

We hung the IKEA pegboard above my desk yesterday. I love it and want to get another one to put beside it. 

I'm going to move the shelf down so I can hang items from the clips. 

In my notebook of ideas, I have made a list of the items I need to get out for the Civil War dress I am going to make. The pattern is printed and ready to be cut out and taped together. 

Knitting

The body of the daisy stitch is done.

I will sew it together at the shoulder seams when the sleeves are done. I have not quite 1/2 of the first sleeve knit. When the 2nd sleeve is knit, I will know if I have enough yarn for the front band and collar or if I will have to knit it in a plain blue. My goal of finishing it by Dec. 31, 2020 may not be attained. So, I will begin 2021 with a UFO. 

Today

 I have a bit of housework to do, fold laundry, go to get my prescription, and hem the last pair of pants for grandson. I would like to get the items out for the Civil War dress today as I'd like to be totally prepared to start on Jan. 1.

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

Sewing Room Is Cleaned

 We had a warm Christmas and Boxing Day. We broke the record for the high on Boxing Day with a high of 15.2C. The wind blew, it rained, and at dinner time, it was 1C and snowing. This morning it was -1C and the sun is going to shine some today. 

Lifestyle

We had a quiet but lovely Christmas with family at our house. Stew was served for dinner and it was delicious. I had made buns to go with it. We got lovely gifts and played a game in the afternoon. 

Boxing Day was also quiet and we were by ourselves. With it raining hard and the wind blowing, we hunkered down and did a few things we wanted to do. 

We had no reports on how many cases of the virus and won't know anything until tomorrow. 

Sewing

I cleaned up the sewing room and wiped down all the surfaces. I lined up the dolls and I'm getting a lot of them. 

Jennie isn't dressed as her dress got put away by mistake. I will have to dress her again. 

After the room was cleaned, I ironed some fabric for the dolls. All was sent to me by daughter. The first piece is to make this outfit for Addy (when ever she arrives). 

Keepers Dolly Duds (Pixie Faire)

 And the fabric is this lovely green print that I really thought would go great with the pattern.

I have white fabric for the sleeves and collar. 

Before I can start this, I have 3 pairs of grandson's school uniform pants to lengthen. 

Knitting

I worked on the daisy stitch sweater and have the body almost done. The pattern makes a lovely sweater but it does take a lot of time to make. 

Today

I have some housework to do and then I will start lengthening grandson's pants. I hope to knit tonight with hopes of starting the first sleeve. 

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

Merry Christmas 2020

 

Merry Christmas to everyone. 

 The weather outside is cool this morning (-5C) but it is to warm up so we can have record temperatures and rain on Christmas Day. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I made two batches of buns, cleaned up some of the house and rested a some. I was tired and starting to feel cranky. 

Part of the crankiness came from parcels not arriving as expected. At first I was told it was parcels shoved in a warehouse in Montreal and forgotten. But it turns out there is such a back log of parcels at Canada post sorting facilities and less staff on the floor due to social distancing. One facility has 100 trucks waiting to be unloaded. One of the parcels I have been expecting has a delivery date of Dec. 29 and the other is "item delayed". Add the doll into the mix, we will be able to celebrate Christmas later on again. I did calm down about the parcels and it is what it is. The lesson learned -- get Christmas shopping done by the end of October for out west, order gifts for here by mid November, and sew all year for Christmas. 

The number of cases of the virus yesterday was 4. Of the 7 reported the day before 5 were in the province and two outside of the province. 

Sewing

I did the tabs at the top of the blog. I'm ready for 2021 and what it might bring. I am going to start a notebook of ideas of what I want to sew this coming year. What is put down may or may not be sewn. There will be other ideas put in also as I want to add Christmas gift ideas, what I need to buy and what ever else comes to my mind. My "To Do List" only shows what I plan on making that month which will be different than what goes in the book. 

Knitting

I knit 8-10 rows on the back of the daisy stitch sweater before my hands cramped up. I'm getting there slowly and surely. 

The notebook for sewing will have knitting projects in it also. I have a lot of yarn in the stash so am hoping to knit items using it up. I'm going to do a bit of inventory after Christmas. 

Today

I was out to do the last of the shopping. Today is clean the house day, wrap gifts, and knit. I won't be writing for the next day or two. 

Merry Christmas, stay safe, and healthy. 

 

January to June 2020 Review

 Who would have thought that 2020 would have been what it is. What started out as normal in January, turned to questioning the virus in February to us being locked down in March. 

We were of the last provinces to have the virus recorded. It was expected to happen as other provinces were already having cases on a daily basis. The cases rose and one nursing home was hit hard with the virus. They had about 50% of the deaths in wave one. Testing was ramped up, we were told to "Stay The Blazes Home" which became our provincial mantra. It was a tough few months for everyone.

As we were all trying to follow the restrictions, we also had to experience a mass shooting. Twenty-three people died as the result of this. To top it off, two more people died in unrelated accidents outside of the province. What a blow it was to the province. The saying "Nova Scotia Strong" came into existence. I have to say that Nova Scotians are very strong people.

As the curve of the virus flattened and we could breath a bit easier, we were attacked by a Ontario doctor on Nova Scotia's handling of the virus in the one nursing home. That upset me as other provinces were having their wrecks in nursing homes and didn't get attacked like we did. It was then that I heard, once again "Only in Nova Scotia".

The gardening bug hit and we had problems getting plants. In the end, we got everything but leeks. There was snow at the beginning of June so the garden got planted late. We also got our front door landing done by our wonderful neighbor. Social distancing was the name of the game while it was being done.

Sewing

As we were at home except for weekly drives until the long weekend of May, I sewed daily. I sewed up a lot of the Christmas fabric I had, made bags, masks, doll clothes, piping, a reading pillow, and what ever else I could think of. I even took a couple of weeks off from sewing and I still managed to sew 46.6 meters of fabric in the first 6 months. 

I think I sewed every test pattern that came out and some were fun, others were wrecks. I learned a lot during that time. I sewed using mainly stash but, once the fabric stores opened, I did support them buying some fabric. 

I placed an order for snaps and sewing machine needles and they came from England. I bought thread at Walmart. I was running short and needed to stock up. I was also preparing for the second wave.

Knitting

I knit for the dolls doing new and old patterns. I also knit a child's sweater learning how to use gauge to figure out the number of stitches needed. It was a lot of fun. I also knit messy bun hats, scarves, and a dog sweater in those first six months. I actually bought very little yarn during that time. 

Knitting became a sanctuary for me. I was able to escape from the world in the evenings. 

Conclusion

Though 2020 took a wild turn from what we know as normal, living with covid in the first 6 months had its ups and down. I had to monitor our mental health closely and made sure we got out for weekly drives. That helped us a lot but there were still moments when it was explosive in our house. It was hard not to visit with people unless from a distance of 6 feet or more. It was hard not to see family. It was hard but we learned to adapt. 

As the curve flattened and the number of cases decreased, we did venture out to shop. We used curbside pick up, early morning shopping, and left stores if we felt uncomfortable or unsafe. We wore masks, used hand sanitizer and practiced social distancing. It became our new normal.

The most exciting day was when we could have a family bubble. We went for dinner at our family's house to celebrate. What we ate didn't matter, it was being with family that mattered. They were wonderful to us in the 6 weeks we didn't go out by getting the things we needed.

By the end of June, we were back outside doing things, living our new normal, and being grateful every day. 

Part 2 next week.

A Drive In The Sunshine

 Yesterday started off with a bit of rain, then cleared off and the sun shone. It was so nice to see the sun again. This morning it is 1C, it has snowed a tiny bit and we could have flurries and sunshine. It is to be cold tonight and then warm up. 

Lifestyle

I made buns yesterday and today they could be going into the compost bin. I think I put in less water than the recipe called for as the dough was very stiff. I will start off with one batch and probably make 2 batches today. 

Last night I also made another batch of butter tarts. I got everything ready before dinner and they were done in excellent time. 

The Spousal Unit and I went for a mental health drive yesterday after lunch. We needed to be out in the sunshine. We've done the route before but we saw new things yesterday. It certainly lifted our spirits. 

There were 7 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. They are in two health zones and are related to other cases or travel outside the Atlantic provinces. 

Sewing

I was in the sewing room briefly to get Lea. I spritzed her hair with water and brushed it. It looks great after that. 

I am getting ready to remove some tabs on the blog and add new ones for 2021. I have my ideas written down and am ready to start once the room has been tidied up.

Knitting

I dressed Lea in the last dress I knit. She happily modeled it by the Christmas tree. 

I need to give the dress a shot of steam before I put it away. 

I have one front of the daisy stitch sweater finished. I'm now ready to start the back. My goal of finishing it by the end of the year may not be met. This is a labor intensive pattern. 

Today

There will probably be 2 batches of buns being made, some housework done, and gifts wrapped. I am waiting for parcels to arrive but am not going to hold my breath. I will knit tonight. 

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

Last Project For The Year Completed

 Yesterday wasn't as wet as we had thought it would be. There was about 3/4" of rain fell, lots of the snow melted and the high got to 5C. This morning it has dropped from 3C at 6 a.m. to 1C and it has alternated between rain and snow. It is going to be that kind of day.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I folded the laundry and put it away. It is nice to be caught up once again. Other than keep the rooms tidy, I didn't do a lot of housework.

There were 2 more cases of the virus reported yesterday Day 3 of the same number. Hopefully it will continue to be small numbers over the holidays. 

Sewing

I headed down to the sewing room before lunch and started on the pajama pants. I was worried that the stripes wouldn't match. I was really worried as they didn't match on the inside leg but thrilled when they matched at all the other seams. 

When I took the next picture, the side seam wrinkled a bit showing it didn't match. But, it does. 

It was great to end this year's sewing on a high note. I used up 6.9 meters of fabric in December and my total for the year is 86.9 meters. About 75% was from the stash which makes me happy.

The sewing room is closed and ready to be cleaned. I will also spend some time putting together January's projects so I can pick one to make on Jan. 1.

Knitting

I got the buttons on the dress but not pictures taken as it was so dark outside all day. I will try to do it today. 

I also knit on the daisy stitch sweater and am ready to start on one of the fronts. It was great to get that far last night though I had some pretty good cramps in my hands from it. 

Today

I've been out already to shop and the store was busy. I have to start buns soon and may get another batch of butter tarts made this afternoon. We will go out for a quick shop this afternoon and will be home until next week. I would like to start wrapping presents also. 

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

Working On The Last Project

 Yesterday started to get warmer and by this morning it was 3C at 6 a.m. It rained during the night and we are expecting up to 2" of rain in the next 24 hours. Add in the snow melting, there will be a lot of water in the ditch. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I washed the kitchen floor and cleaned our bedroom. I am now at the point of just keeping everything tidy and wiped down. 

We did see sunshine yesterday and Elliott took full advantage of it. 

For the second day in a row, there were 2 cases of the virus reported. Hopefully the numbers remain low in the province. 

Sewing

I spent well over an hour cutting out grandson's pyjama bottoms. I know the plaid will match across the front and back body but am not sure about the side seams. I worked and revised until I think I got it but it remains to be seen when I sew them up. 

When the pyjamas are done, I will tidy up the sewing room and prep for projects for 2021. I know fabric needs pressing, patterns need printing, and projects need listing in a book. I may sit down and work on the couture sewing class and enjoy it for a bit. 

Knitting

I forgot to look for buttons yesterday. My mind was on the pyjama pants. I did work on the daisy stitch sweater and am getting close to dividing for the fronts and back. It will be the only project until I get if finished. 

Today

The goal is to fold laundry, sew the pyjama pants, and knit. It looks like it will be a quiet day.

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

Project Done, Project Begun

Yesterday warmed up some as it got to almost 0C. Last night was -2C and we are warming up more today. It is going to rain starting tomorrow night. We can say good bye to the snow. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was cookie making. I am still having problems with the recipe and will need to add more flour next year. The moisture in the air is affecting the recipe. 

The recipe is old -- 50 years old for sure and a favorite in the family. When done, I cleaned up the kitchen in preparation of doing the final touches on Sunday. 

There were 2 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. One in the northern health zone and one in the central health zone. 

Sewing

I traced grandson's pajama pattern yesterday. I made the leg length 2" longer. The pen I used was horrid and I had to change pens part way through. I stopped when I got the tracing done so the ink could dry. 

I am ready to order a bunch of embroidery designs. I am looking forward to doing more embroidery next year. I am hoping to do one project a month, two if possible.

Knitting

I finished the dress and am ready to sew the buttons on it today. Lea is excited to be the model of this dress. The pattern has been submitted for publication but I will send the designer a picture of Lea modeling it.

I also did 3 rows on the daisy stitch coat. I'm slowly getting this one done and will focus on it for the rest of the month. This pattern has also been sent in for publication

Today

Housework this morning, delivering cookies, cutting out pajama pants, and more knitting tonight. Another day of hunkering down. 

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

Almost Finished A Project

 On Thursday it warmed up and it snowed most of the day and well into the night. Friday was warmer and we had a couple of flurries and then it stopped until during thw night when we had about 1/4" fall. Today is to be about the same (0C) with a chance of snow flurries. 

Lifestyle

With snow on the ground, I decided it was time to make butter tarts. I don't usually make them but decided I would this year. 

They have 45 carbs in them for grandson if he wants to eat them. They are in the freezer ready for Christmas.

The Spousal Unit went out to shovel snow off the driveway. He got some done and I told our lovely helpful neighbor that he could help a bit later on. I heard a snow blower going and looked out. Another neighbor was using the snow blower we gave him and yet another neighbor was shoveling with the Spousal Unit. It was amazing what wonderful neighbors we have. 

I did 4 loads of laundry yesterday. What a big job but it is done. No other housework was done though.  

We are enjoying our Christmas decorations and here they are. 

There were 7 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. All in the central health zone and all traced. Our latest tragedy has been a scallop boat sunk in a storm and the fear is no survivors. One of the crew's body was located, the rest remain missing. Such sadness so near to Christmas. 

Sewing

Grandson's pajama fabric is washed and dried so I can begin tracing the pattern tomorrow. I need at least 2 days to make the pants, maybe part of the third day. Once done, the sewing room will be officially closed to be cleaned. 

The containers I showed the other day are being made and some are really cute. The outer fabrics range from cotton to a fabric similar to adia cloth to drop cloths used by painters. Most lining fabrics are craft cottons. I am going to be making these over the next year and have given myself permission to buy what is needed to make them. They will be my Christmas sewing.

Knitting

I worked on the dress and have it almost done. 

I am hoping it will be done and photographed on Sunday. It is such a sweet dress and very easy to knit. Then it is back to the daisy stitch jacket.

Today

It is cookie day. I make ginger cookies every year. While they cook, I will finish cleaning the kitchen. I need to work on grandson's pajama pants, knit, and deliver cookies. 

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

A Busy Productive Day

Yesterday was another cold day. The high got to -5C. This morning it was -10C when we got up at 6:30 a.m. It is suppose to get a bit warmer today (-3C) and snow for until Friday morning. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was house cleaning and the bathroom, stairs and front entry got done. It is nice to see the house being tidy and clean. 

At noon I was reading about condensation on windows. We have it on ours due to the house being tightly sealed. I went to the site that makes our ventilation system and it has been wonderfully updated to include information on how to maintain the system. With much swearing, I got the front panel off ours and <gasp> one of the filters was filthy dirty. Both got removed and washed. I put them back in until I can get new filters for the unit. There was equally as much swearing putting the front panel back on. 

Mid afternoon, I decided to finish up the decorating and the house is done but a couple of tiny things. Here is the tree. 

The bottom row of lights weren't working but I got that figured out at bedtime. 

Under the tree is Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore. They have been in or on our Christmas trees since the early 1980's.

I enjoyed decorating and will add more pictures over the next few days. 

There were 4 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. All are in the Central Health Zone. The restrictions that have been in place will continue to Monday and then there are new restrictions in place for all of the province until Jan. 11. That allows for (hopefully) safe visiting over the holidays. 

Sewing

The reusable grocery bag was worked on and the outer part and handles are done. I am ready to start the lining. When done, I just have grandson's pajama pants to make. Hurrah. 

Once done, I will do a clean up and prepare for 2021. I will end the year with printing a couple of patterns, pressing fabric, and hemming grandson's school pants.

Knitting

I knit on the dress last night and got a few rows done before my hands cramped up on me. This project may be done by Sunday as it is a fairly easy knit. Then I will focus on the daisy stitch sweater and try to finish it up by the end of the year.

Today

It is kitchen cleaning day and I hope to have it done in good time. It isn't overly dirty as I've been keeping up on it. I would like to finish the bag and knit more on the dress. We will not be going out unless it is to shovel snow and get Elliott a bag of food. 

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

One Fast Trip

 Yesterday the weather got colder all day. The wind blew and there were snow flurries/showers for the better part of the day. This morning it is -9C with a wind chill of -16C. It is to be cold today. 

Lifestyle

Looking at the weather forecast for the next few days, I decided to do a fast trip to Bedford. I was gone for 2 hours and 20 minutes. I did a fast trip into Walmart for items I needed and didn't get in New Minas and then to Fabricville to get what I needed for grandson's pajama pants. It can snow all it wants to as I only need to get groceries locally. 

There were 6 new cases of the virus reported yesterday and all are close contacts of previous cases. Though the vaccine has arrived, we all must continue to be diligent until we are told it is safe to relax. 

Sewing

I spent a good part of the afternoon in the sewing room cross hatching this fabric for a reusable grocery bag. 

The thread color was a perfect match. It won't take long to finish the bag now the cross hatching is done. The lining will be plain in color. 

Julie and Lea came in from their period of isolation. The poor souls were happy to come in from the garage. 

Julie has not been played with much as her hair is in it's original style. Her clothes have a couple of stains on them which I am hoping will wash out. Her shoes will be great for modelling. 

Lea has been played with a bit more. Her meet outfit is missing and her hair needs to be sprayed with water and brushed. 

I am looking forward to having them model some of the outfits I will be sewing. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night as my brain was tired. 

Today

Housework this morning, hopefully finish the bag this afternoon, and knit tonight. We are hunkering down for the next couple of days due to the weather. 

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

One More Christmas Gift Done

 We have had some very grey dull days. The temperatures have been cool also. Today it is suppose to get cooler (-11C over night). The wind is blowing. We could see an improvement in weather by the weekend. 

Lifestyle

We have been busy. On Sunday afternoon, daughter-in-law and I went to the city so she could get a few things they needed. One store was busy, one was curbside pick up and the last was quite quiet. Today, I am heading in to get a pattern and a few items I needed and then it is shopping local. 

I have been cleaning up the house and have started Christmas decorating. I put out the items I sewed earlier this year and they look great in our house. 

I made 4 table toppers similar to this one. Two are on the end tables in the living room, the one on this server and one on the table. 

I set up the Christmas tree ready to decorate and put the tree skirt on it. 

I also made the cloth on the shelf underneath for Santa's Village to sit on. It is nice to have coordinating items for Christmas. All that is left to sew is place mats.

The number of cases have been under 10 daily and are in different health zones. Yesterday was 5. There is still a lot of testing being done as the health authority wants to identify asymptomatic carriers. Fortunately for us, there is no stigma attached when getting tested. 

Sewing

I got a reusable cloth shopping bag done for friends. Once the cross hatching was done, it was easy to finish. That is until I got half of the hand sewing done. My hands cramped and I had to limp to the finish line. 

The next bag will get started today. I need to dig out the fabric and let it talk to me this afternoon. 

Knitting

I knit on the dress last night and am happy with the progress. It is a lovely knit and well designed. I'm extremely happy to have tested for this designer. 

The sweater has been published but I am keeping on knitting it. I can only do a limited number of rows a night due to my hands cramping. But, it will be a lovely sweater when done. 

Today

I am heading into Bedford this morning to get a pattern for grandson's pajama pants, some tracing pellon, and buttons. I will do Walmart for a few things and hope to be home mid morning. This afternoon, I want to play with the next bag and knit tonight. I hope to get a tub of decorations up and do more decorating. 

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

Getting Ready For Christmas

 Yesterday was sunny and cloudy. It was also cool with a high of about 4C. It rained some overnight and the temperature is 5C this morning. It is suppose to get to 12C today. 

Lifestyle

On Friday we headed into Dartmouth for the Spousal Unit's check up with the dermatologist. It was an excellent visit. He had one basal cell lesion killed with nitrogen and was told his next visit is Nov. 2021. 

On our way out of the area, I got into the wrong lane. I had to turn left and was annoyed with myself. It was going to be easy. Turn left and get back onto the road again. Did not happen as I had only one way to go -- across the bridge to Halifax. I was annoyed and a bit lost. Once I got going I sort of knew where I was. Found a street I knew and went down it for a bit before I pulled off to get a route to take home. Found one and we did the route around the Bedford Basin (Halifax side) to Bedford and then home. It was a lovely drive in the end. No one was hurt, we saw some neat things, and arrived home safely. 

Yesterday, we headed out to do our last out of town shopping. We went down the valley to get a few items, apples, and books. We went back into the town to shop at one last store. That was the biggest gong show ever. I don't like that store on the best of days but yesterday I acquired a real hate for it. Or maybe it was due to the fact it was busy. We are done shopping out of town and can get everything else we need locally. 

The number of cases of the virus remain below 10 but are scattered around the province. 

Sewing

I haven't sewn for 2 days. I will have to spend the next 10 days in the sewing room getting the last of the Christmas sewing done. 

I am finalizing my plans for next year. I've looked at the full and over flowing bins that I store the doll's fabric and trims in. A bit of a reality check. The plan is to sew it up before I buy more for the dolls. It has been so easy to buy a half meter of fabric for them and stash it away. 

After I finish sewing the Christmas gifts, I am going to look at the cottons and decide what to make next year. I know I want to make an apron, a couple of little girl's dresses, and a few other items for the fall fair. I would love to use what I have in the stash. I do have a feeling that I may have to buy a bit here and there to complete a project. I'm going to let that happen. 

In all, I have my 2021 to do list almost ready to post. 

Knitting

Though I was tired last night, I did knit on the jacket over the dress. I only made 1 mistake and caught it quickly. I'm nearing 40 rows completed. I am hoping to have both of them done before the end of the year. 

I am also thinking about what I will knit next year. I have a new messy bun hat to knit and daughter will get the first one. I also want to crochet a neck warmer. I don't crochet often but this pattern has intrigued me and I got it for free. There will be lots of doll items knit; both test patterns and ones I like to have to complete an outfit. The goal is to keep my hands busy in the evenings.

Today

This morning it is clean upstairs, sew Christmas presents, and knit tonight. A stay at home day for us. 

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

Progress Made On The Reusable Grocery Bag

 Yesterday was another cool day. The clouds did leave and we had some sunshine. That was nice. The high was 2.1C. This morning it is 0C and we could see a high of 2-3C. 

Lifestyle

I spent the morning climbing up and down a step ladder cleaning the window above our front door. I also scrubbed the side window and the living room windows. The floor in the window area of the living room (bay window) was scrubbed. I am slowly getting the room done. It is a case of working on it daily and seeing how far I get each day. My idea of decorating on Sunday may not happen until Monday or Tuesday. 

There were 4 cases of the virus reported yesterday. It is day 6 of cases under 10 which is good. We are being very diligent as one never knows where the virus may be. There are cases throughout the province. 

Sewing

I got the quilting (cross hatching) done on the reusable grocery bag. It didn't take as long as I had thought. 

I used up the last of the soy batting I had on hand and a lighter colored thread than I would have used. I am pleased with the results though as I am using what I have on hand. 

The coat pattern I was going to test has been sent to be published. It was up for 5 days which is not a lot of time. I will make the coat and cloche in my time as it is a busy time of the year. There will be a dress pattern put up also and we will see how long that timeline is. I hope to get it tested. I know the lady who publishes these patterns has several more to be tested but we need time to test these. It is hard when you live with restrictions and can't shop for the fabric as it is in an area you're not allowed to be in at this time or the doors are closed to in-store shopping.

I found two dolls, books, a couple of outfits and two dogs for sale in a community near us. Will be looking at them tomorrow and in hopes of buying the lot. I'll decide what to do with the extras (books to the library? and clothes sold??)

Knitting

The picture I wanted to put up yesterday would not load so I took another picture. It works.

I knit more on it last night and have the sleeves on waste yarn and am now working on it as a dress. 

I also worked on the other test pattern and am about 15 rows from dividing it into the 2 fronts and the back. I keep working on it 4-6 rows at a time. I've let the designer know that I may not make the deadline of which she keeps extending. 

Today

I am going to do a bit of housework this morning as we have to leave just before noon for a doctor's appointment in the city. We won't be home until later in the afternoon though we are not stopping to shop. We are only allowed to see the doctor as it is in the restricted area. Not sure what else will happen today. 

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

Next Project Begun

 Yesterday was another cool day with a high of 1C. It was dull grey day which was kind of depressing. This morning it is 0C and they say would could have a flurry or two this morning. Another cool grey day with a high of 3C.

Lifestyle

We had our hair cut in the morning and were home in good time. The Spousal Unit said he was tired and slept a good portion of the day. I sat quietly and monitored him as I'm sure it was a case of depression from 1) the weather we've had and 2) him not being able to be outside much. He woke up feeling much better than he did. 

I did a few little things in the house after he woke up. I'm getting ready to clean the rest of the house so we can decorate on Sunday. 

There were 6 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. All are in the Halifax region. The number of active cases has dropped to 71. 

Sewing

As the basement was warm, I went down and cut out a grocery bag from the remaining purple fabric. The outside of the bag is this fabric. 

I plan on quilting it. The lining is half the outer fabric and half plain purple, which I sewed together after I cut it. Once the quilting is done, I should have the bag done in no time flat. 

Knitting

I worked on the doll's dress (test pattern) and have 20 rows knit. I quite like the pattern. The picture won't upload at this time which is frustrating. 

I also knit 4 rows on the other test pattern and have 26 rows done. I do it after I do the dress so if my hands cramp up, I'm not worrying about not doing my quota each night. 

Today

I have to do a bunch of cleaning today. Turn off the heat and work in a cool house. I'm also going to sew and knit. 

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

One Gift Done, Three To Go

 Yesterday was cool with a high of 3C. There was wind and some rain though not very much. This morning it is 0C, cool, and windy. Both mornings have brought snow. 

Lifestyle

Monday was a stay at home day with housework. I am slowly getting the house cleaned up. Yesterday I was out at 7 a.m. to shop and arrived home with low blood sugar. It really left me tired as I had to work at getting it stabilized. I did get the laundry all folded and put away. I also napped a lot. 

The main road we come into our place on is being repaved. It will be nice when it's done but we have to be flagged through when coming in or leaving. I'm sure they will be done by tomorrow. 

On Monday, there were 4 cases of the virus reported and yesterday 7. The virus is present in 3 counties now. With the restrictions in place, it is hopeful the numbers will remain below 10. 

Sewing

I finished the bag and it is kind of cute. I won't be using the embroidery design again. 

I found another idea (under Craft tab) for another year. I do like this one also. The link for the post is here and I will add it to the Craft tab.

From Facebook

These are not drawstring closed but left open but the idea is great. And the fabric choice is delightful. The designs can be from a variety of sites. 

I got the right embroidery files for the doll's ornaments and may get them embroidered out today. I want to see how they turn out. 

Besides a test pattern, the embroidery, I have 3 Christmas gifts left to sew. I am getting to the end. 

Knitting

I worked on the daisy stitch jacket yesterday and am half way up the body. I did 4 rows and stopped. 

I also cast on and knit another test pattern and got 10 rows done. It is on bigger needles and knits up fast. I do like the design and can't wait to start the cables. This is another winner. 

Today

We are out for haircuts this morning, and then it will be a bit of housework before sewing in the afternoon. Knitting tonight. It is another stay at home day. 

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