Purse Completed

It is cool outside. Yesterday's high was -3C but the wind made it feel colder. It snowed most of the morning and part of the afternoon. Enough to make the driveway white but it was dry and blowing off quickly. This morning it is -8C with a windchill of -12C. The high today is -6C. Hopefully we will see the sun a bit today.

Lifestyle

Yesterday I spent the morning at family's and had a nice time with grandson. I knit some, we talked, and I looked at things on the iPad. I did enjoy my time there. 

When I got home, I was greeted by a whiny cat. Elliott was beyond himself. The Spousal Unit tried to put him to bed for his nap but to no avail. I tried and succeeded when I covered him up with a blanket on the couch. We haven't had a day like that for a very long time. 

There was 1 new case of the virus reported yesterday. It is in the area next to us. There is a story out about a couple who traveled to the US, got sick with Covid and he has been air lifted back to the province. He is in isolation in the hospital and she is should be home and in isolation now.  

Sewing

After settling Elliott down, I headed down to the sewing room to work on the purse. I got it finished to putting 2 large buttons on it. I don't have those. 

In the end I am happy with it and have realized that following the designer's cutting instructions will leave you frustrated. I will be making notes to myself for the next one I make.

I do like the lining fabric and have enough left to make a doll's dress. 

The sewing room needs to be tidied up and the floor swept as I've been busy sewing and ignoring the mess. It hit me yesterday when I went into the room. 

January's Review

• I completed all the projects I wanted to complete.
• All but one piece of fabric and one piece of fusible fleece came from the stash.
• I used my embroidery component of my machine twice this month. 
• I sewed 7.5 meters of which 1.0 meters was purchased. Six meters from the stash.
  

I am happy with what I got accomplished in January. 

Knitting

I worked on the sleeve yesterday morning and again last night. I am 10 rows from being done and will be ready to start the other one soon. 

Today

I have housework to do and then clean the sewing room. I hope to lay out the Civil War day dress today so I can start work on it tomorrow. Knitting tonight. 

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

Progress On The Purse

 Our weather has been cool and mainly cloudy. We do enjoy it when the sun shines. This morning it was -4C at 6 a.m. and -5C at 7:30 a.m. Cool for a few days and then warming up to snow.

Lifestyle

I was in the city on Tuesday with daughter-in-law for my dose of laughter. We did it again when buying her a desk that wouldn't fit in the car until unboxed. We did do Ikea and I got us a new duvet cover for the bed. 

I am wanting to embroider the pillow cases so haven't put them on the pillows; they are just draped on them. 

On Wednesday, we were out for a short drive and enjoyed a visit with family in their renovated upstairs. Yesterday we were out to get apples in Coldbrook which was a lovely drive for us.  

We have had very low cases of the virus lately (under 10 per day since Jan. 10). Wednesday was 4 and yesterday 0. One person is in the hospital. 

Sewing

After two days out of the sewing room, I was back in there yesterday working on the purse. I got the flap done and was thrilled with it. 

The purse is darker than this. I had to lighten it to see the details. I also got the handle on. I tried the designer's method and it didn't work for me so I did it the way I do my reusable bags. It worked perfectly. 

A test pattern came out and I want to sew it starting Sunday. I may not get it done before the updated version goes out for publication but it is a Civil War day dress. 

I am now waiting for 2 Keepers Dolly Duds' pattern to come out for testing. Both are mid 1900's style of clothing but cute. I am assuming late February and late March for these patterns. 

Knitting

I knit on the first sleeve of the test pattern. Not sure if I like the pattern on the sleeves but have to do it due to it being a test pattern. If I make it again, I will do the sleeves plain. 

Today

We have grandson visiting us for part of the day so I will do housework in the morning, work on the purse lining this afternoon, and knit tonight. We are home all day today. 

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

Fabric Basket Completed

 Yesterday was warmer (0C) and there was no snow. There is a wind giving us a wind chill though. This morning it is -2C and the high is to be 2C. 

Lifestyle

I cleaned our bedroom yesterday. It was very dusty which meant I was on my hands and knees wiping baseboards and washing the floor. All the furniture got wiped down well. All the bedding was laundered including the floor mats. My hip, back, and knees hurt when I was done but I chose to ignore it. It was nice to get that room done once again. 

The Spousal Unit had a rough day at the puzzle. I need to sit one afternoon and see what I can do. I'm worse at puzzles than he is. Besides, it is nice to spend some time together on the puzzle. 

There were no cases of the virus reported yesterday and there are 15 active cases in the province. The least amount since November. 

Sewing

I finished the fabric basket yesterday and quite like it. 

The outer cotton has been interfaced with both craft and fleece (both were lighter than I had thought). The lining was interfaced with a shirting interfacing. It really stands nicely. It has made me excited to make more to put Christmas gifts into for next year. 

I will do a tutorial on this later on. I'm still working out a few things at the moment. 

The purse will be started again tomorrow. I'm slugging away at it making decisions about what I will do differently the next time. 

Knitting

I worked on the sweater and am 14 rows from finishing the body. My right thumb decided to cramp up at that point. I really do like the pattern and will be making a pair of jeans to go with it. 

Today

I am off to Ikea with daughter-in-law. I want to buy a couple of jars for spice mix, a duvet cover, and look for a wooden spoon. Not a lot but I'm looking forward to snooping around the warehouse with daugher-in-law. I will knit tonight. 

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

Back Again

 It snowed 4-6" on Friday and since then there has been light snow falling. It finally quit last night. It warmed up to -1C and we should see 0C today. It will be cloudy though.

Lifestyle

I exited from life for a couple of days. I hit pandemic fatigue and was exhausted. I needed to veg out and recoup. It wasn't one thing, but a combination of things ranging from making sure we are safe, early morning shopping, checking exposure sites, and doing everything in a hurry to avoid crowds. After a good cry and a long talk, we are both working on self care.

Our number of cases remain low and we have seen 3 days with no new cases. We are doing our part which was/is the reason I've hit the wall. 

The Spousal Unit shoveled our driveway every day while it snowed. It certainly kept him busy and he got lots of fresh air. It was good for him to be active. There wasn't enough snow for me to help so I stayed out of his way. 

I spent my time cleaning the house. It was one way I could do something and not think. The kitchen and bathroom are clean and I keep up with their cleaning. Next is our bedroom. If we are staying home more, the house will be shining clean. 

I have lost 11 lbs in 3 weeks. I'm getting use to thinking about what I need to eat for each meal. We are eating more food I prepare and I'm monitoring foods that I think are triggers for pain and discomfort. 

Sewing

I started my bag and I'm not happy with the outer fabric. Too much polyester in it. I will finish it and use it. The pattern will be made again using 100% cotton. 

I also started my first fabric basket. I cut out a 13" square and used a 4 x4" design. A bit small for the basket size but this is a learning curve. 

This one is for us and I will find a plant to go in it for Christmas (artificial will do). I will use the next bigger design on the 13" fabric cuts. The finished basket size is 6 x 6". I will need to do another test drive next month. When I get things figured out, I will do a tutorial on it.

Knitting

I am doing a test pattern and able to use up some partly used balls of yarn. That is a bonus.

I've done more since this picture and have 20 rows left to knit on the body and then can start the sleeves. Then a hat. 

Once this is done, I will restart the daisy stitch sweater on 3 mm needles and buy another cable needle for when I need it.

Today

It is clean the bedroom day, finish the fabric basket and knit. I am also going to start the list of items I want to sew in February. We will be staying at home as we need nothing. 

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

Fabric Purchased

 The sun shone and it was calm but cool at -9C. The high got to -1.7C. This morning it was -9C again with no wind and the sun will shine this morning with clouds this afternoon.

Lifestyle

We got our hair cut yesterday morning and then headed to the quilt shop. We were home before noon. We watched the inauguration of Joe Biden. Being Canadian, it was interesting to see how different it is when we have an election. We learned quite a bit. 

We were both tired as we slept poorly but we got through it with a few minor issues. Boredom due to it being winter is and has always been an issue. We both feel better this morning.

There were 3 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. Two of the cases were either related to another case or travel. The third was an employee on one of the ferries from NS to Newfoundland. 

Sewing

The trip to the quilt store was to get daughter these fabrics. 

I should never look around while waiting for the pictures to go through. I ended up buying 2 fat quarters to make Addy an apron.

I also got some of this fabric to line a basket I'm making. The outside will be black. 

I am planning on embroidering a barn on the black fabric. I also bought .5 meter of fusible fleece and all the fabric has been logged into stash shrinker. I'm keeping track to help me not buy much fabric this year. 

I traced the pattern for my bag and will be ready to start it today. One step at a time with it as I want to do a good job on it. 

Knitting

None done last night as I was tired. 

Today

I will be doing housework, sewing, and knitting. It is a stay at home day for us. 

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

Projects Done, Projects Started

 Yesterday was cool with a high of -3C. The wind blew, the sun shone, and, when there were clouds in the morning, there were flurries blowing around. This morning is -9C and it is to be another sunny/cloudy day. 

Lifestyle

I did the run yesterday. It was the first time for me along in a long, long time. Prior to Nov. 13, when grandson and I went in. I did Dartmouth Dec. 20 as a fast trip with daughter-in-law. Yesterday, I got groceries, bathroom stuff, and yarn. I was home just after 12 noon. 

My weight has stayed the same for 5 days now. I feel my clothes getting a bit looser and I'm feeling much better on the whole. I'm tracking, measuring my food and there the weight sits. It will come off. 

There were 4 cases of the virus reported yesterday. Travel or close contact of another case. All in isolation as required. 

Sewing

When shopping for yarn, I got a new rotary cutter blade. It is nice to have a sharp blade again. 

My goal yesterday was to make daughter more piping and I did. Just over 3 meters of it in a pink fairy frost. 

It was cut out and ready to press and make. I did half of the pile and will do the rest a bit later on. On a slow day, I will cut another piece of fabric in readiness to make more.

I got the pattern out for the bag I want to make. There are a lot of pattern pieces that I need to trace onto pellon. That is the next job. Fabric was brought laundered. I'm ready to start. This bag may take me a few more days than expected as I want to do a good job on it. 

There will be a pause on the bag as on Jan. 24 I will be making a Christmas basket (trial run). I'm looking forward to that break as these baskets are new to me.

Knitting

I bought yarn yesterday. The first time in over 6 months (that was a ball of pink yarn). I needed something for the Daisy Stitch sweater, yarn for a sweater for a test pattern that is coming out and cream yarn to do another Hudson Bay blanket doll sweater that I would like to buy the pattern. 

I did sneak a peak at the yarn in Walmart and the stock is low. The same at Michaels. The yarns I usually buy have not been restocked for a while. Are there more people knitting or is yarn hard to come by?

I finished the hat and need buttons for it. I do not have enough buttons for it. 

It is a nice hat but I will not make it again for quite a while.

I started the Daisy Stitch sweater and need to restart it. I need to go down a needle size. This is a slow knit and will be interrupted several times with other projects. 

I also knit a swatch for a sweater for daughter's cat. I need to go down a needle size for it. Elliott was a real help and let me measure him last night so I can built the pattern for the sweater. 

Today we have hair cuts, then out to the quilt shop to look for fabric for daughter and home for the rest of the day. Not sure what will get done in the afternoon. Tracing the purse pattern? Who knows. 

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

Wall Hanging Completed

 After having 6.2C as a high for Sunday, we are now -6C this morning. We did have a mix of sun and clouds yesterday which was nice. The weather is to be cooler for the next few days but it brings more sunshine. 

Lifestyle

I spent Sunday morning with my head in the oven getting it clean enough that I can run the self cleaning part on Thursday. Yesterday the pot of pea soup boiled over so I spent quite a bit of time recleaning the top of the stove. Once that was done, I folded laundry and called it a cleaning day. 

The Spousal Unit has had a good run on the puzzle over the past couple of days. I admire and put in a few pieces also. He may get it done before winter is over. 

The number of cases of the virus are remaining low. Four reported on Sunday, none yesterday. Mostly travel outside the area or close contact. 

Sewing

On Sunday, I decided to do the embroidery on a small wall hanging (UFO). While it was stitching out, I finished the binding on a Halloween project I started early last year. 

It was a panel I picked up prior to moving here that was on sale for a good price. 

The stitching of the wall hanging went well until I got to the purple tulip. I picked up the wrong thread and stitched one tulip out using sewing thread rather than embroidery thread. I had to pick out the one flower (a good 2 hours) and redo it. I finished the wall hanging yesterday afternoon. 

The goal is to do one with the tulips in pastel colors. A gift for someone. 

Next up, a bag for me. I've got the fabric out ready to launder. If I have to wait to get something for it, I will do another batch of piping for daughter.

Knitting

I am ready to cast off the hat. I do not know what I had done wrong three times in a row. The fourth time worked like a charm. 

Today

I'm off to shop in the city today. Once home, I want to launder the fabric for the bag. I will cast off the hat tonight and think about what I will knit next. There are no new test patterns out at the moment so I'm thinking hard about what to cast on my needles. It may be a cat sweater of which Elliott will be measured.

Really!!

Untill the next time...................................................................

Doll's Dress Completed

 Yesterday was grey and cool. In the evening, the wind came up and it started to rain. Just over 1/2" rain fell by midnight. The temperature went up to 6C (from 2C) overnight and we could see rain/snow today as it cools off. The snow is almost gone.

Lifestyle

Son showed up to take the Spousal Unit for a drive to Home Depot in New Minas. He really enjoyed the time out even if he bought nothing. 

While he was gone, I tidied up the kitchen, cleaned the microwave, and shone up the dishwasher. I then turned my attention to the inside of the stove. I got the oven door scrubbed clean. Next up is the bottom of the oven. Once done, I can run the self-cleaning cycle. The racks will be cleaned by hand. 

After I got the stove done, we went out and ended our morning by looking at the tile work done at family's house. The whole place is looking amazing.

I lost 1.3 lbs this week for a total of 9.5 lbs. I am happy with my progress and am determined to keep at it. I will be happy with an average of a 1 lb loss a week.

There were 4 cases of the virus reported yesterday. Three are travel related and 1 is a close contact. 

Sewing

I spent a couple of hours in the sewing room and got the buttons sewn onto the dress and gave it a good press. I'm pleased with the results. 

And the buttons look good on the back though I wish I had matching ones. Using up what I have is my mantra. 

And Jennie showing off. 

I would make this pattern again as it is a nice pattern. 

After I was done with the doll, I cleaned up the sewing room. The sewing table got tidied up but the closet is still a mess. I will deal with it today. The next project is ready to start. 

Knitting

I knit on the hat last night only to find I have a mistake. I am unknitting now to correct it. I'm gnashing my teeth over this and will be happy when it is done. I will be knitting in silence until this is done. 

Today

It's a stay at home day. I will clean the bottom of the oven, fold laundry, work in the sewing room and knit in silence. Keeping busy while we stay at home. 

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

Frogging Part Of A Project

Yesterday the high got to 2C but the sun shone. It was so nice to have it that the Spousal Unit stood outside on the deck absorbing it. This morning it is -6C and we are to have rain later today. A grey day for us, once again.

Lifestyle

I started to clean up the kitchen, once again. It was scrubbing counter tops, wiping down small appliances, and wiping out a few cupboards. I also washed down some of the cupboard doors. I will continue in there until it is done. 

As we were both tired, the Spousal Unit had an hours sleep late in the afternoon. I rested during that time and did nothing. 

There were 2 cases of the virus reported yesterday. Though the vaccine roll out is going well, we will be a while before we get the vaccine. We continue to follow the rules and are staying home as much as possible. 

Sewing

Though tired, I did go downstairs and sew. I have finished the dress to sewing the buttons on the back and giving it a good press. 

I quite like it and am pleased with the results. I spent a lot of time figuring out when to serge the seams and when not to. It paid off as all the seams are done correctly. 

As this is done, I have to think about next month's doll project and write them down. It is now on to the last three projects on my list -- wall hanging, basket, and purse. 

Knitting

When I read the pattern last night to see which row I ended on, I had done a double seed stitch rather than a single. I had to frog the rows I had done. 

And start again. 

By bed time I had over half of the yarn I frogged knit again. 

I do like it better done this way. 

Today

I will be doing more cleaning in the kitchen, out about 11 a.m. for the Spousal Unit, sew this afternoon, and knit tonight. 

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

Two Projects Nearing Completion

 Yesterday was another grey day that had an afternoon snow/rain shower. The high got to 2C. This morning it is 0C, cloudy, and grey. 

Lifestyle

After a slow start and one cranky cat, I got the bathroom cleaned. I did a pretty good job with very little pain in my joints. For that I am grateful. 

Elliott was very cranky yesterday. He could not settle down for his sleep. He wandered, cried, swatted at me, and was truly miserable. He settled down in the Spousal Unit's chair and fell asleep. I covered him with a blanket and he had a good sleep. He woke up, popped his head out and snoozed after that. 

I truthfully hates these days as he becomes very time consuming. 

There were 6 more cases of the virus reported yesterday. All related to travel outside the Atlantic provinces or close contacts with another case. 

Sewing

I headed down to the sewing room after lunch and got the bodice of the dress done. I realized that the pattern hems are not 3/4" but less and it is throwing me off when I do the top stitching. Not sure why this is happening as most of this designer's hems are usually 1/4, 1/2 or 3/4". 

The other thing that got me was no front facing at the neck. Just serge it to finish. The sleeves were very easy to put in and I'm pleased with the results. 

Knitting

I got up the longer cabled needles and started to knit on the hat. Ripped it out as I thought I had a mistake. When I reknit it, the same issue. It's called row change in the round. I have 3 rows left to knit before I measure and see if it is the right length. 

With under 20 rows to completion, I am hoping it will be done by the end of the weekend. My question is -- what do I cast on next?

Today

I had a poor night sleep last night. My mind went to places it shouldn't have and I had a panic/anxiety attack. I am a bit tired today. I will start to tackle cleaning the kitchen this morning. I want to do a good job of cleaning it. This afternoon I hope to finish the doll's dress and knit this evening. We are staying home today. Again but we are okay with that. 

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

Back To Normal

The weather has been cloudy one day and sunny the next. The temperatures have been just above 0C. This morning the temperature is -1C and there are a few snowflakes falling. The high is to get to 3C. 

Lifestyle

I have been out of it with tiredness the past couple of days. Tuesday was near exhaustion with only 4-5 hours of sleep. Yesterday was recuperating from an IBS attack. I ate corn that wasn't cooked enough and it triggered the attack. This morning, I am fine. 

Sitting on the couch is actually no fun but when you have little to no energy, it is where I hunker down. I didn't sleep any, had a couple of tiny cat naps, and just kept to myself basically. 

Our cases are up and down. There were 8 reported yesterday with 3 of them being university students. The rest are related to travel outside the Atlantic provinces or close contact with a case. It seems that we are back to these types of cases again which makes tracing easier. 

Sewing

I haven't had a chance to post the picture of the bodice of the dress I'm testing. 

I got this far on Monday. The trim on the blue is a bit wide and I will make it 3/4" the next time. I did a lot of hand basting on the trim to make sure it wasn't going to shift on me. 

Knitting

I did knit some on the hat while I sat on the couch. The headband is done. I have picked up the stitches around the top, done the increase row and am ready to knit a couple of inches of seed stitch (Knit 2, Purl 2). 

This is not a hat I will make for sale and there is a chance I will never make it again. The band is way to hard to knit though the herringbone design is quite nice. Daughter will have a one-of-a-kind hat from me. 

Today

I have to start on housework again, sew this afternoon, and knit tonight. It is a stay at home day once again. 

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

Out To The Library Twice

 The weather has been repeating itself daily. High's of almost 0C with clouds. Last night it was colder with the temperature this morning -8C. We may see it get to 2C. Not the 14C we saw last year but warmer than it has been. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit and I were out the door for the library by 10 a.m. only to find it was closed. We went for a short drive but there was nothing new to see. We drove by the library on our way home and it was still closed. 

After lunch I checked the website and the library opened at noon. We headed out around 2 pm to an open library that was very quiet. When we left there were 2 staff members and 1 person on a computer. The Spousal Unit got a couple of books to read. 

We had no cases of the virus reported yesterday. It was a good feeling and we do hope the numbers remain low. 

Sewing

When I went down to the sewing room after lunch for an hour, I realized I hadn't cut out all the bodice pieces. I cut them all out plus the pieces from the contrasting fabric. 

I started to add the bias pieces to the outer bodice. The easiest one is done and in place. I can start the other one today and it will take longer. A lot of basting and machine sewing will be happening at the two corners that need to be clipped. All needs to be secure to hold it in place. Once that is done, it won't take long to finish the dress. 

Knitting

I knit on the headband and got more done before my hands started to cramp up. Probably another two nights of knitting and I will be able to start the hat part. 

I am not sure what I will be knitting next. I am waiting for a test pattern so what I cast on will have to be one I can set aside when it becomes available. 

Today

I have taken grandson to school already which is the plan for Mondays. I enjoy our short visits. We are going to Coldbrook to get apples and if all goes well, I hope to work on the doll's dress and get the trim on the 2nd front piece. Knitting tonight. 

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

The Skirt Is Done

 We are continuing with the cool weather. Highs are just below 0C and nights are cooler. This morning it is -1C and tonight will get to -5C. The wind is from the north and there has been no sunshine. Just grey skies. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I swept the floors and tidied up the kitchen some. I went down to get the broom to do the stairs and ended up working on the puzzle with the Spousal Unit. I did get a corner filled in. The stairs didn't get done. 

I have been off sugar and chocolate for a week. I've also cut back a lot on wheat and high fat dairy. I have less aches and pains, my IBS is settling down some and I feel better. Add in portion control, I've lost 8.2 lbs this week. A lot was fluid (detox) but it has really helped me feel better. 

There were 3 cases of the virus reported yesterday. It is nice to see low numbers but they could go up as students are arriving back for university. We continue to do our part to stay safe. 

Sewing

I spent my time undoing the pleats, pressing and putting up the hem on the skirt of the test pattern (One step back, two forward). I also did a 3 step stitch using red thread.

Once that was done, I pleated the skirt and gave it a good press. I'm ready to start the bodice. 

The red and white polka dot is for the contrasting under bodice, collar, tie, and bias trim. 

I did cut out the outer bodice pieces, the facings and the sleeves. I'm now ready to start cutting out the contrasting fabric. I see some hand basting in the books so the bias binding doesn't slip at corners. 

Knitting

I worked on the hat last night and by the time I quit I had 16.5" knit. Only 6.5" left to go.
 

I will be happy when this part is done. The way the stitches are done, my hands cramp up after 5-6 rows. The main part of the hat is done in an easy stitch. My hands will love that. 

Today

We are going to the library this morning so the Spousal Unit can get some books to read and we may go for a drive afterwards. This afternoon I will sew and tonight I will knit. Life is not exciting as we hunker down to stay safe.

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

Next Test Pattern Begun

 Yesterdays weather was better than Thursday's. We had a high of -0.7C but no rain. Just gray with clouds. A fair amount of wind also until evening. This morning it is -3C and quite calm. We could see some sunshine today. 

Lifestyle

I did our budget and paid bill yesterday. It took until after 1 p.m. I need to set a day aside each month to do this as this was 2 months worth. Not impressed with myself. 

Doing the budget means no housework gets done. It means I just sit and work at the computer. I do get up for breaks which is nice. But it leaves me tired.

I did nap yesterday afternoon. I said to the Spousal Unit to wake me up when dinner was ready. I woke up at 4:45 pm and he was asleep also. I had to make dinner which was difficult. I had low blood sugar and was a bit out of it. Was fine after we had dinner. 

There were 2 cases of the virus reported yesterday. Some restrictions have been modified and others have been left in place. Other than shopping, we've been home since before Christmas and are starting to get a bit cranky. We are close to needing a day out for mental health. 

Sewing

I started the test pattern by cutting out the skirt and serging the hem and back side pieces. I also started pleating it. 

I'm calling this practice as I have to remove all the pins and hem the skirt and do 3 rows of decorative stitching on it. Then I can pleat again. It won't be as hard the next time as I have the method figured out. 

Other designers are starting to put up new designs but I'm sticking to one pattern a month unless I have the time to do a 2nd one. 

Knitting

I knit on the messy bun hat and got several more rows done. It's a slow knit. 

Today

Some housework this morning and then sewing this afternoon and knit tonight. I'm monitoring mental health today as we may need to go for a drive tomorrow. 

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

Two Projects Done

 Yesterday was another grey day with a high of 1C. We had some rain during the day and wind. In the evening there was enough snow fall to barely cover our deck. This morning it is -1C and it will be another day similar to yesterday. 

Lifestyle

We enjoyed our day with grandson. He would do his zoom classes and then visit with us during his 15 minute breaks. He and I also treated up Elliott so Elliott was part of the French class. Once done, Elliott let me know he was ready for his long nap. French classes are hard work according to Elliott (who ate a lot of treats during class). 

The Spousal Unit is working on the puzzle and it is coming along slowly. He gets frustrated with it as he thinks he hasn't been doing all that well. But he has been. 

I have been eating well lately but my IBS is still bothering me. It could be the onions in the vegetable mix I eat. I'm debating whether I will continue eating them or give it a rest. Portion control has been good and, overall, I'm feeling better. 

There were 4 cases of the virus reported yesterday and the number of active cases is 28. 

Sewing

With grandson here and needing most of the table and quiet for Zoom, I worked on the Civil War dress. I got it finished even if I did have to redo one of the cuffs again. I am thrilled with the results and know it will be easier to make next time. 

I will do some things differently next time, especially seam finishing. 

When done the dress, I made daugther about 3 meters of piping. It took an hour. 

I was done about the time grandson finished his classes for the day. It felt great to know I used up 1 meter of fabric from the stash for these 2 projects. 

I have printed out the pattern for a test pattern designed by Keepers Dolly Duds.

My version will be a lighter color of the body fabric and a plaid I have on hand. I really am looking forward to testing this pattern. 

Knitting

I did some knitting on the messy bun hat and the band is over half done. 

Other than the very bottom where there is a tension issue, I'm happy with what I have knit. The tension issue will be almost hidden when the band is sewn together. 

Today

The goal is to sweep floors and do the budget as I'm behind on it. Then I will sew and knit. Another day of staying home for us. 

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

More Progress On The Civil War Dress

Yesterday was a bit warmer with a high of 2C. We had a small snow flurry, otherwise it was a cloudy day. This morning, it is 1C, the wind is blowing and we've had rain showers. The high today is suppose to be 0C (that's incorrect) and we could have drizzle during the day. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, the Spousal Unit and I spent a bit of time together while the laundry was being done. We did our scratch and wins and each won $3.00. 

I was tired yesterday and had a rest after lunch. I didn't sleep as Elliott decided it was time to play on the bed. He was a complete nuisance and after 30 minutes of him, I got up.

There were 12 cases of the virus reported yesterday, most of which were related to other cases or travel outside the Atlantic provinces. 

Sewing

I did a bit of sewing yesterday afternoon. I serged the seams and hem and did the gathering. What a full skirt. I'm ready to serge the waist but ran out of time. 

Though I will do some of the steps differently next time, I am happy with the pattern. 

Knitting

I did some knitting but my hands cramped up a lot. I also watched what was happening in the US. That slowed down my knitting also. 

Today

Grandson is here to do his school work today as son had to go into the city for a doctor's appointment. I won't do much upstairs so will spend more time on the doll's dress and knitting. Dinner is planned so we are set to go.

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

Civil War Dress Bodice Ready for Skirt

 Yesterday was another cool day with a high of 1.8C. There was one snow flurry during the day. Otherwise a bit of sunshine and lots of clouds. This morning it is 0C and the high is to get to 2C. We are to have flurries with ice pellets today. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday, after folding the laundry, I started cleaning the kitchen. I did the stove, microwave and dishwasher. All needed a good scrubbing on the outside and the microwave got the inside cleaned also. It is nice to see them shining. 

I had low blood sugar at dinner last night. I was cranky, tired, and shaking. It is bound to happen when I monitor what I eat carefully. I had enough carbs at dinner to fix the low blood sugar and all the symptoms left but the tiredness. 

There were 3 cases of the virus reported yesterday all in the Halifax region. The number of active cases is now 19 down from 27. We are still being encouraged to be cautious. 

Sewing

I fixed the one cuff and got the 2nd one done correctly. Both wait for buttons and button loops. I also sewed the peplum and attached it to the waist of the bodice. Addy got to model it yesterday and is thrilled with her dress. 

The skirt is next and not as complicated as the bodice. 

Knitting

I did a few rows of knitting and made some progress. It certainly is slow going. 

Today

I am going to do budget, laundry and, hopefully some sewing and knitting. It all depends on the budget and how long it takes me.

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

Addy Arrived

 Yesterday was a tad warmer with a high of 1C. It is that again this morning. We had a very short snow flurry and then a cloudy day. Today is to be 2C and some flurries. It is officially winter. 

Lifestyle

I did a lot of housework yesterday. Some cleaning up and all the floors washed. It was nice to have it done. I also did a big load of laundry and it is ready to fold. A good mornings work. 

Yesterday was day 2 of tracking my food. I did really well. But, I had a stress/anxiety attack which led to an IBS attack. I'm over it now.

There were 6 cases of the virus reported for Jan. 3 & 4. Three are related to other cases or travel and 3 are under investigation. We are still being asked to be cautious and follow all public health regulations. 

Sewing

My sewing was interrupted by the doorbell. DH brought down a package and it was Addy. She finally arrived after traveling just over 4 weeks. She was happy to get out of her "coffin" (box) and rest. 

She is absolutely stunning and I'm almost afraid to touch her. But, I will.

I did work on the Civil War Dress and have to take the cuff off the one sleeve I did. It is on wrong when I looked later on. It closes back to front not front to back. Addy's arrival had me so excited I made a stupid mistake. 

I do hope to finish the sleeves today and prep the peplum. It depends on how focused I am on the sleeves. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night but read Addy's book. It was an interesting read and had me thinking. 

Today

The goal today is to do more housework and fold laundry. This afternoon will be sewing on the dress and I want to knit more tonight. I have to plan lunch but dinner has been planned which will be easy for us to make. 

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

Sleeves Set In the Dress

Yesterday was cool with a high of -1C. It was also cloudy but it seemed brighter due to the snow. This morning it is -3C, cloudy and the high may get to 1C. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit went out yesterday morning to shovel snow and he had about 3/4 of it done when our friend showed up to blow out the roll of snow at the end of the driveway. The driveway was pretty much dry by late afternoon. Hurrah!!

I didn't do a lot yesterday morning as I was tired from being up during the night. My IBS has been bothering me and I'm tracking what I've been eating and eliminating foods that could be irritants (most wheat products and high fat dairy). I've also started portion control and last night I had a decent night. Let's hope this will work for me. 

Sewing

I worked on the Civil War dress and got the sleeves in. I managed to get the tiny sleeve placket in without having any issues. Pins and basting were my friends. 

I got the sleeves gathered and sewn in and, at that point, I quit for the day. One thing I learned with this pattern was to serge the seam allowances before constructing them. I had issues seeing where to serge at the underarm seams. I will be adding a note to that in my doll's sewing book. 

Knitting

I did quite a bit of knitting on the headband of the hat last night. I quit when my hands started to cramp which was at tea time.

That is about 7.5" of knitting. I have 23" to knit so am about 1/3 the way done.

Today

I've been out shopping at 7 a.m. this morning. I want to do laundry and some housework today, sew, and knit. Not a lot when you are hunkering down due to the weather. 

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