A Good Sewing Month

Though yesterday started out cold, we did have sunshine. The high during the day got to 2C. By bedtime it was snowing and shortly after that it was raining. The wind really blew, the rain stopped and the temperature rose to 6C by midnight. It was 3C at 6 a.m. and the wind is still blowing. Is March coming in like a lion?

Lifestyle

Yesterday I did laundry and cleaned up the upstairs. Mainly swept to get Elliott's hair off the floor. I swept down the stairs and front entry and my allergies kicked in. My eyes and nose ran like crazy. I kept on going as I wanted to make sure I got my list of chores done. The allergy had eased up by bedtime and is almost gone today.

I did put a few pieces of the puzzle together and the Spousal Unit got more done than I did. We may get this puzzle done by late spring. It is certainly a hard one. 

I lost 1.6 lbs this week for a total of 20.1 lbs in 2 months. This is the best I have ever done. I'm feeling better, have more energy, and fewer aches and pains (unless weather related). My clothes are getting looser which is nice. 

There were 4 cases of the virus reported yesterday. The total number of cases are at 39 of which 2 are in the hospital. We both worry about the increase in cases and will be going out mid week for apples. We will be staying home as much as possible until we need to get groceries. 

Sewing

I used up 9.35 meters of fabric from the stash. I bought .5 meter of fabric and .5 meter of interfacing. The total amount sewn this year is 17.1 meters and the amount bought is 2.5 meters. I'm happy with the amount that I've used and bought. 

I spent some time yesterday morning in the sewing room. I did deal with some patterns and cleaned up the antique desk. I have to wipe down both desks today. The next area is the dropping spot by the stash shelving unit. I am going to sit on the floor and deal with it.

I cut out another bodice and have the outer fabric sewn and am ready to sew the lining. I am trying the technique to sew the lining to the sleeves once again. I may have it figured out. 

I did look at the Sewing Couture for dolls course and will be working on it. I got a reminder on how lazy I am at notching and slashing curves. I cut through both layers rather than doing it alternately on a single layer. I will have to remember to do that all the time. 

Knitting

The sweater body of the test pattern is done and I need to get the needles to do the sleeves. I am enjoying this pattern as it is knits up quickly. 

Today

The goal is to try and finish cleaning the family room. It isn't a big space but I need to move furniture, sweep, scrub and put away items. There is some garbage to clean up also. I also want to work on the doll's dress and knit tonight. Another stay at home day for us. 

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

A Super Fast Trip To The City

 Yesterday was cold. -11C with a wind chill of -17C first thing in the morning. The high got to -6C. This morning it is -12C but there is hardly any wind. The high is to get to 1C with it warming up more overnight. Periods of rain during the night also. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I went shopping. I allowed myself 1 hour in Walmart and did the essential shopping first and then non-essential items after that. When the hour was up, I was out of there. I did Michaels and was out of there in less than 20 minutes. Home by 11:15 a.m. It was a tiring trip and I was frustrated in Walmart. I wore a new mask and it doesn't fit. My face is too short for the length of the mask and when I adjusted it, my glasses fogged up. That mask will be washed and given to daughter. She loves that design.

The only thing I did in the family room was to put the fabric tubs into the cube. I thought I bought 6 but only got 3. The paper, games, and puzzles are in the tubs and I will get 3 more later on. The 3 tubs certainly has the cube looking neater. 

There were 10 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. There are 37 active cases, most in the city. Restrictions will be in place at  8 a.m. today until March 26. The area is the same as it was in Nov/Dec. The restrictions are not as severe as then but will become that severe if numbers continue to go up. We will not be shopping in there due to the restrictions.

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday but I did think about storing doll patterns. I asked the question on a forum and got some good ideas. I have a few zipper bags that I am going to put patterns into and if they work I'll get more from the dollar store. The next thing will be a tub to store them in. Ideas are rolling in my head. 

Knitting

I finished the first sweater and photographed it. 

I really like this sweater and want to knit it again. The yarn I chose is wool but is not soft. The dolls don't mind but I do.

While doing the non essential shopping, I walked through one row of yarn to find the fabric bins. I spotted some yarn I wanted to try and chose this in less than 5 minutes. 

I will make the above sweater again using it. 

Today

The plan is to do some cleaning upstairs -- sweep floors, do laundry, and tidy up a couple of area. If I have time, I will do a bit of cleaning in the sewing room before lunch. After lunch, I will sew on the doll's dress by redoing the bodice. Tonight it is knitting. We are home for the day keeping safe. 

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

More Cleaning, More Sewing

 Yesterday started out warm at 5.8C and the temperature dropped all day until it got to -7.5C (probably midnight). This morning it is -10C. The wind has been blowing since early yesterday making it colder than it is. We are to get to -5C today. 

Lifestyle

I worked once again in the family room. I did a thorough job of cleaning the coffee table inside and out. The chairs were wiped clean and the floor scrubbed. The ledge was also scrubbed. I was tired when I finished. But, I am happy with the results. 

I have since let the blind down on the window. I have the narrower area where puzzles are done left to clean. I bit more to do in there and it could take 2 days. Thankfully the weather is going to warm up so I can wash the windows sometime next week. 

I worked off an on the puzzle in the morning and between us we got more pieces put in. We may get it done by May. 

There were 8 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. 5 were related to other cases but 3 are under investigation. There is the fear of community spread as the list of exposure spots is growing. 

Sewing

I worked on the lining of the dress and used the new to me method. One sleeve was a fail as I did it wrong and the other one is fine. Sewing up the side seams of the outer fabric was fine but the lining was hard. The process is a thumbs down for me. 👎 I will try again to see if I can get it right as I've really thought on the process. I did finish up the bodice. The dolls won't mind my mistake. 

The neckline seems to be higher than I like which is maybe why I never made this pattern after showcasing it at the store 4 years ago. 

I spent a bit of time cleaning my desk off. A few things went into the trash and a few things got organized for pattern designing. I need to remove everything off the desk and wipe it down. Then it will be neat and clean for working at. Next putter area to clean is the other desk in that corner. I need to deal with patterns I have put in that area also.

Knitting

I finished the beret and it seems to small. Maybe it will fit Nellie as she and Kit have the smoothest hair. The rest have too much hair. I'm going to have to remember to knit the hat band on a size larger needle than I used and then return to the size I used. A note in my book on that. 

I also started the next test pattern and have it joined to do the body. It went quickly, much to my surprise. This pattern has a hat and a scarf which is nice. 

Today

Though cold, I am going to Bedford to shop. Three stores and home. I may do some work in the sewing room this afternoon and knit tonight. A day off from cleaning the family room. 

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

A Doll's Christmas Dress Begun

 Yesterday was a warm day for us. The high was 5C. The snow melted though there is still lots left for us to see. This morning the temperature was 3C at 6 a.m. and raining. We are to see 4C. Tonight it is to be cold at -11C. 

Lifestyle

It was cranky day yesterday. But, I did get what I set out to do done. The TV area of the family room was cleaned. The heat pump head was cleaned also. It was dusty in that area but the floor wasn't too dirty when I scrubbed it. Only one item was removed. 

I used disinfectant wipes on the heat pump to make sure any mold was killed. Didn't find any. While I waited for floor areas to dry, I worked on the puzzle. Found about 10 pieces for the sky. 

Daughter told me the area was empty. I call it minimalist. Keeping it that way makes it easier to keep clean and organized. It also makes us feel more relaxed. We both dislike clutter as it makes us feel stressed.

The Spousal Unit got most of the snow/ice off the back deck. We were worried about it freezing solid in the next cold spell. With both the deck and driveway cleared, we will be safe from icy surfaces. 

There were 3 cases of the virus reported yesterday. A lot of testing is going on as there is concern of community spread in two areas of the province. We live between those two areas. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon in the sewing room. I pressed the fabric I needed and cut out a dress that I've been wanting to make since November. I used the sleeves from a different pattern and they went in well. 

The lining was attached to the neck and I'm ready to try a new method of attaching the lining to the sleeves. I'll straight stitch first to see if it works and if it does I'll do a 3 step zigzag stitch to finish the raw edges. 

This is a Christmas dress for one of the dolls. I plan on making more Christmas dresses so I can dress the dolls in December. 

I am looking forward to spending morning cleaning the sewing room. It is going to be a big job but I will get it done. 

Knitting

I almost finished the beret last night. So close but I didn't get it done. I had to find another ball of yarn as I didn't have enough. When done, I will start testing another sweater and hat for a different designer. 

Today

More to be done in the family room. Today's focus is the area where the chairs and coffee table is placed. That means back to where the room becomes narrower. I also want to work on the doll's dress, finish knitting the beret and cast on the next pattern. A busy day but it is keeping me out of trouble. 

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

More Cleaning With Some Sewing

Though yesterday wasn't a sunny day, it was warmer than it has been for quite a while. The high got to 4C. This morning it is 0C and we are to see 5C. We sure hope it happens. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit went out and scraped a bit of slush off the driveway in the morning so it would be dry later in the day. Good plan on his part as that is exactly what happened. 

I spent 2 hours cleaning in the basement. The storage room is now deemed tidy except for 2 items that need to be disposed of. The plan I put in place worked. I sorted through 2 tubs and purged down to one. Doll clothes that I had put away were either put back in the doll's baskets or tossed. The two containers of painting stuff got put into one tub. I was happy when the job was done. No picture taken though. 

When done, I started cleaning the family room. I decided to start at the bottom of the stairs and work my way across the room. I got one strip done that is about 5 feet wide by 10 feet long. Stuff was put away or tossed. Furniture was wiped down well, floors were swept and scrubbed and everything put in it's right spot. 

I need to buy 6 fabric tubs for the cube so items can be stored out of sight. The cardboard box is there as I need it for trash while cleaning. It is very calm looking in that area and we love the minimalist look it is giving. We are both looking forward to seeing how this room will look when I'm done with it.

I did my glucose reading yesterday and it is back where I want it to be - the mid 5's. I think the high ones were from food still in my system. I did gain .4 lb and it could have been from that. I am down 2 lbs today for a total of 19.9 lbs. I'm happy about that as I'm moving more and easier. 

There were 4 cases of the virus reported yesterday. Travel, close contact from a previous case and one under investigation. We continue to be vigilant and stay home as much as possible. 

Sewing

I did some sewing yesterday for the dolls. I wanted to make a simple skirt using pleather/faux leather. I have a couple of pieces in the doll's stash. The skirt pattern is very well drafted and went together easily. I put two snaps in the back rather than Velcro. 

The sweater I knit about a year ago. The color is a hard one to match to fabric so after much thought I decided on black. 

I looked at my sewing room and it is not the room I envisioned it to be. Rather than being minimalist and calming it is rather chaotic. I am coping with sewing in it but it will be dealt with after the family room is cleaned. In the meantime, I will keep it clean and sew in it. I am coping with it at this time. 

I've also been thinking about my job as a tester. I've been sticking with it as I do enjoy testing patterns. I've decided this is the last year I will be testing doll clothes. I think it is adding to the chaos in my life. I'm sewing what I have but there are times I don't have what is needed or I don't want to sew that item. I have to sew 1 item per month but sometimes we get pressured to do more. That interferes with other projects. It is time to say Dec. 31 I'm done. 

Knitting

I finished the sweater and will steam it today. I started on the hat and need to look for another ball of yarn. I may be short about 6 grams of yarn.

I am still sitting on the fence about testing for the knitting group. I do enjoy it and have a few designers I love to test for. It also gives me something to do in the evenings. It it starts to interfere with other projects, I will leave the group. So far it hasn't. 

Today

This morning it will be more cleaning in the family room. The chosen area is where we watch TV. I want to sew a dress this afternoon for the dolls. This evening I will knit on the beret with hopes I can finish it. 

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

A Christmas Shopping Bag

Yesterday started out sunny but it clouded over mid morning. It wasn't the dark depressing grey clouds. It was still bright outside. It snowed starting around 7 pm and we woke to it raining and blowing at 4 a.m. The storm is gone and we have 5C and a slushy driveway. 

Lifestyle

The storage/maintenance room got more cleaning done to it yesterday morning. The shelving unit was cleaned and organized. I tossed empty boxes and moved items around until I was happy with the results. 

I started to work on the tubs, had an emotional moment as I moved a box to the other side of the room for thrift shop items. I had to stop and think so we headed out to do a few things in town. By lunch time I have a plan I think will work for now. Condense so I have three tubs in that area. 

I had a bit of a surprise when doing my glucose the past two days at noon. 5.9 and 6.2, which are high for me. Especially as I have been busy in the morning cleaning. I don't have a snack either. This morning I did the test and it was 5.4 so I am happy as that is a good morning number for me. 

There was 1 new case of the virus reported yesterday and is closely related to another case. 

Sewing

I spent 10-15 minutes in the sewing room and sent daughter 1.6 meters of fabric for a shirt. It is gone from the stash as I wasn't going to use it at all. 

I was going to sew shirts here but there was no interest at all from the barrel racing crowd. Someone on the west coast will have a lovely shirt to wear.

I decided to sew up a piece of Christmas fabric yesterday even though it was early for that. I went with the flow and enjoyed making a reusable shopping bag for me. The fabric has cardinals on it and the design runs the length of the fabric. It is from a bolt that was picked up and put back many times in the store and was finally deeply discounted. It was part of a mish mash of fabrics that arrived and the only Christmas fabric. I bought a meter of it at the deeply discounted price not knowing what I would do with it. 

The idea came to fruition when a friend suggested a nice Christmas shopping bag in cardinal fabric. I spend some time figuring where to cut it down the length so I could line it with the left over fabric. It went well and by 4 p.m. I had a bag. The handles are from a scrap of fabric in the stash. The fabric was 1 meter and the interfacing was .5 meter.

I quite like this bag and will be using it when I Christmas shop later this year. 

Knitting

I knit the collar on the test sweater last night and quit on the cast off row. Too much counting and not enough time to do it in. 

Today

I need to do the tubs in the storage room and get it off my mind. Next up will be the family room which will take me quite a while to do. I want to clean the sewing room up, press some fabric and start something new today. Tonight will be knitting. 

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

DIY and Purging Success

 Yesterday was sunny. The sun shone the majority of the day and it was so uplifting. The high got to -2C which is warm for us. This morning it is -7C, the sun is to shine most of the day and the high is to get to 1C. Then we will have rain starting tonight. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit was out after breakfast to shovel the deck and the driveway. By 4 p.m. both were 95% dry. That is so nice to have. 

The DIY skills were more successful yesterday. With some help, the towel bar went up and is level. 

The toilet paper holder oops was given a second coat of mud and we wait and see if it needs a third coat. I did fiddle around at the sink and here is what it looks like without a mirror. 

I cut the $4.00 blind I got from Ikea to fit, hung it and it certainly finishes the window above the toilet. The light filters through and you can't see what's stored under the deck. No pictures as they turned out horrid - too dark. This room is slowly coming together.

I moved into the maintenance room next door to the bathroom and started cleaning it up. I have the trash pile which will be dealt with today. 

I know what is in this pile and I need to do some sorting. One box is for the thrift shop so I will start filling it. 

I want to get his down to two tubs and a container with painting items in it. Lots to deal with in this corner. The last area to be purged and tidied up in what our grandson calls "grandma's little hoard".

I will be cleaning it off and dealing with every single item on those shelves. It might get finished tomorrow as I think two good mornings will do the job. Next room is the family room which I have slated 7-9 days to clean up. I have some painting to do in that room also.

There was 1 case of the virus reported yesterday. Travel outside of the region.

Sewing

I stepped into the sewing room to cut the blind for the bathroom window. I didn't have time to deal with anything in there but will do a bit in there this morning. Like 10 minutes. 

I will spend time in the sewing room this afternoon cutting out a bag that will use up some Christmas fabric. I am not sure what I will be using to interface it as I may not have the right interfacing for it. I don't want to quilt it either. I will be digging in the stash to see what I have. 

As I dig, I am going to set aside what does not give me joy. Or what I will sew up which is mainly seasonal. Some of it can become doll clothes as it does not have a seasonal print on it. Other will be donated or trashed if too small. I am working on not letting a variety of emotions talk me into keeping it. 

As I go from the bottom of the stash shelving unit to the top, there will be some emotional discards. They will be the hardest to deal with. Some will be kept as I will be sewing them later on. Others will go as I can't see using them for garments for me.

Knitting

I didn't knit last night as we got home from grandson's birthday dinner at 7:30 pm. I really need to knit for the next week as I've fallen behind due to a sore shoulder and tiredness. 

Today

The goal is to finish the maintenance room, do some planning in the sewing room, and knit. I have to go out for a bit today to run a few chores. Another busy day in our house. 

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

Handy Man DIY Failure

 Yesterday was a snow day. The snow started at 7:30 am and quit around 8 pm. We think about 2" fell but it could be more. The high got to -4C. This morning, it is -8C and there is clouds and the sun is trying to break through. It could get to -1C today. 

Lifestyle

I started working in the downstairs bathroom yesterday morning. I did some cleaning and then decided to hang the towel ring (which is square). It was quite a gong show. First, they have you use a big bit to make the holes. Way to big for me but I did get the towel ring up with only minor issues. It is straight and level. 

Once that was done, things went downhill on the toilet paper holder. I got it on crooked and I had huge language issues. The Spousal Unit removed the wall anchors, I patched the holes, and then swept the floor. I put what energy I had left into cleaning the toilet. I was so upset that the poor toilet got a super scrubbing. When done, I left the bathroom and quit for the day (it was almost lunch time anyways). 

Grandson shoveled the driveway mid morning and the Spousal Unit did it again after lunch and threw down salt. I'm sure it needs doing again today. 

There were 4 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. The number of active cases has gone up to 18. A bit scary for us as we were below 10 active cases for a while. Travel and close contact of an active case were the reasons. 

Sewing

While waiting for lunch, I cut the threads and took off the tear away stabilizer on the daisy ring. I also marked it for a 10" square which is the size of the artists canvas I will buy. I still need to add on for turning and stapling the fabric down. I need to buy the canvas first. 

I didn't look at the stash yesterday. I was just too tired to look for pieces for daughter. I will do that today. I may only be able to send fabric for 1 shirt as the box is getting full. I did look at that. 

I've decided that the rest of the month I will make a Christmas shopping bag and a few more items of clothing for the dolls. The rest will move on to March. I have items for the Fall Fair on my list. I will make some of them but I doubt if we will be going if it is open to the public. Too many people and too many chances of getting the virus and spreading it to family and friends even if we have been vaccinated. 

Knitting

With the lack of energy, I did not knit last night. I actually could not even think and didn't want to make a mistake. 

Today

I will try to hang the towel bar, finish the repair of the holes in the wall, a bit more cleaning. Then I will pull fabric for daughter and get her box ready to mail. We are out to family's for grandson's birthday dinner. A busy day for us. 

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

Ready to Purge (Again)

 Though yesterday morning started out cold, the high got to -2.5C. There was sunshine, clouds, but not a lot of wind. This morning it is -7C and the snow has not started to fall yet. Hopefully the storm won't be as bad as they predicted. 

Lifestyle

After doing a load of laundry and making the bed, I walked into the dining room and saw the pile of cat hair under the table. It had been done not that long ago but Elliott is a shedder. That was cleaned up immediately. 

After thinking about the house, I have decided to start cleaning room by room. This will include purging items to the garbage and thrift store. I am going to be ruthless in the process with hopes that we can get the upstairs painted and new trim put on this spring/summer. 

The starting room is the downstairs bathroom. It doesn't need purging but it needs finishing and cleaning. We have everything but a mirror to finish it. I need to focus on getting it done. Then I can move on to the next area. 

There were 2 cases of the virus reported yesterday. Both cases are either travel related or a close contact to another known case. 

Sewing

I used the embroidery component of the sewing machine yesterday to make a wall hanging for the downstairs bathroom. It took almost 3.5 hours to stitch out. 

I was a bit worried about the colors I chose but it worked out fine. I still have to cut the threads on the back, remove the tear away interfacing, cut to size and put on a painter's canvas. It will hang up on the wall in the vanity area. 

As I had nothing to do while watching the embroidery stitch out that I decided to purge and clean the house. It will include the sewing room. A bit every day until it is where I want it. Some of the fabric I will offer to daughter, some will be quickly sewn into items I can give away, and some will be put into the thrift shop boxes. I need to be able to see the end of my fabric hoarding and move on to where I want to be -- a very few pieces of the fabric for sewing and time to do more of what I want to do in the sewing room rather than "the stash needs sewing down". I'm wanting to move there faster rather than slower.

I am finding that I enjoy buying a couple of pieces of fabric and sewing them up immediately. On the other hand, I do enjoy digging in the stash and sewing up some of the fabric that was bought for very specific projects. The stash has been an asset when shops closed during the pandemic. What needs to go is the fabric I passed over countless times when sewing in the past 3 years.

Knitting

My shoulder wasn't too bad last night so I finished the second sleeve, ripped out the cast off row, knit the row I didn't do, cast off and picked up all the stitches for the front band and cowl collar. By the time that was done, my shoulder was aching. 

While purging the sewing room, the knitting corner will get a good cleaning also. I will not be buying much yarn this year as I need to continue knitting what I have. I will be focusing on using it rather than hoarding and/or buying more. Hopefully, my little shopping spree is over.

Today

The snow started to fall at 7:25 a.m. and it is starting to look white out there. I will be working in the downstairs bathroom this morning, sewing in the afternoon which will include looking at fabric to send to daughter, and knitting tonight. I will also fold a load of laundry. A busy day while it snows. 

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

A Drive In The Sunshine

Yesterday was a colder day with a high of -6C. The sun shone which made it a great day. This morning, the low was -11C at 8 a.m. The sun is shining as we await periods of snow tonight. We could see a high of -4C today.

Lifestyle

As the sun was shining, we headed out to get apples and books. We thoroughly enjoyed our time out of the house. We really needed it and we didn't rush. We didn't do shopping in New Minas except to get a new can opener and whisks. 

There were 2 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. We have cases in all health regions in the province at this time so we are looking for exposure sites prior to going shopping. 

Elliott was being a funny guy last night. He was between cuddly and snarky while lying on the couch beside me. I tucked the blanket under his belly and he enjoyed that after he tried to bite me. 

Sewing

I had some time in the sewing room and made the last mask to go to BC. I then cut bias strips and made 4 meters of piping which will also go to BC.

I am now going to work on the rest of the list though I know it won't all be done this month. 

Knitting

The second sleeve is almost done. It was an easy knit. Next up will be the shawl collar. 

Today

I was out to get groceries early this morning so we are ready for the storm. A bit of housework will be done, some sewing, and knitting to fill out the day. 

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

Test Project Completed

 Yesterday the weather wasn't as bad as anticipated. Or at least I didn't think it was. It was raining after breakfast and it started to freeze as it hit the ground shortly after it started. The temperature rose slowly and the slush got thicker but, at the end of the day, there was about 3/4" on the driveway. The temperature was 8C at midnight and it was -1C at 6 a.m. We are to have a cloudy day today with little to no moisture. 

Lifestyle

I hurried out after breakfast and got gas for the generator and filled the car. We were ready for a power outage which never happened. Power outages were minimal yesterday.

The Spousal Unit scraped the deck yesterday to get rid of the slush. It was melting and making a wet mess under the deck. He also did a path on the driveway. After dinner, we turned on the light above the garage door and scraped the driveway clean. It is dry today. 

The Spousal Unit worked on the puzzle yesterday and is making progress. It is a hard puzzle and it can get frustrating. 

There were 3 cases of the virus reported yesterday. All are related to travel outside of the region. 

Sewing

The test pattern is finished. I worked about 4.5 hours on it. 

The fabric is not historically correct but it is certainly cute. Though it took a lot of time to make, it was easier to sew than the blouse. The hardest part was the yoke. 

I have been doing a Hong Kong finish on the center back seam. I love how it finishes a hard to serge seam as it is curved. If I make the skirt again, I will shorten the shoulder straps a tiny bit. They are a bit long. 

It is time to clean up the sewing room and start another project. I need to look at my list and decide. 

Knitting

No knitting was done last night as I was tired. 

Today

Housework this morning and then cleaning the sewing room and prepping for another project. I hope to knit tonight. 

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

The Test Skirt Begun

Yesterday was warmer with a high of -0.8C. It was nice to have it that warm. This morning it is -3C as it has been most of the night, and we have a skiff of snow. We now await the ice pellets and freezing rain. Then it is to be cold again. The high today is suppose to get to 7C but I'm not sure as another site says 0C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I cleaned up a bit and then washed the floors. It was good to get that job done. I did it the easy way with Swiffer but I got it done. I need to was the floors on my hands and knees though. 

I helped with the puzzle yesterday. Not sure how much it was appreciated but I did get 5 or 6 pieces in and a large area placed in almost the right spot. I want to spend an afternoon helping. 

My IBS is flared up and it seems to be gluten. I've had a bit more gluten lately. Back to 1 item a day for the next several days. I've pretty much eliminated onion from my diet which has been helpful to realize I'm sensitive to the gluten.

My weight stalled with the IBS flare ups (as it always does) but I finally lost 1.7 lbs for a total of 17.3 lbs. I am starting to feel my clothes are getting loose. 

There was one case of the virus reported yesterday. We are back to travel outside the region or close contact of another case. 

Sewing

I got the skirt for the test pattern cut out and I started to sew it. I got the yoke and shoulder parts done. I put lace on the straps and ran out so there will be no lace on the yoke. 

It fits like a charm though some have complained the shoulder straps are too long. I think they are needed to go over the puffy sleeves. 

Knitting

I got the first sleeve finished last night. It is knitting up faster than I had thought. Three more evenings and it should be done and I can start the hat. Then it will be on to the next test pattern. 

Today

With the storm coming in, we are staying home. I will do some housework, sew and knit for as long as possible. We may loose power with the freezing rain. I'm hoping not but one never knows. I also have to get gas for the generator. We will be able to have tea but no heat so it could be a bundle up in blankets and drink tea kind of evening. At least it won't be cold.

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

Test Pattern Blouse Done

It has been cold. Especially at night. The days look better because the sun shines. The wind has died down some and it is -5C this morning, the warmest it has been for several days. We have a storm (snow and freezing rain) coming in tomorrow. 

Lifestyle

I've been cleaning the house, cooking, and we had our grandson over on Saturday night. Yesterday daughter-in-law and I went shopping for groceries in Bedford and that was fun. 

I did some genealogy on Friday. I chose my great aunt by marriage and looked for information on her siblings. It was very informative and I surfaced at noon. I probably won't do this again for a couple of months but it certainly is an interesting time when I do. 

The virus counts have been low with 1-2 cases a day. We continue to be vigilant when we go out. 

Sewing

I finished the blouse yesterday. It was difficult but not difficult. The pattern is similar to the last 2 dresses I made so I understood the process. The problem was my machine hating to do fancy stitching and then not wanting to make buttonholes. 

All the buttons were sewn on as we watched Finding Your Roots on TV. We record it to watch on Sunday afternoons. 

I've had issues with my iron leaking. With some research I figured out that I have to turn off the iron and empty it at the end of each day. When I go to use it, I need to heat it up and put in the water. A pain but it is working really well now. 

Knitting

I have started another test pattern. It is a shawl collar sweater and nice to knit. I have the body done and just started on the sleeves. The shawl collar will be interesting as there are many stitches to pick up and knit on it. 

I have a second pattern in the line up to knit. I am not sure what yarn I will use but I will be looking for yarn in the stash for it. It is knit on finer yarn and smaller needles. 

Today

Some housework, cutting out the skirt pattern for the test pattern, out for dinner, and some knitting. It is Nova Scotia Heritage Day and most businesses are closed. 

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

Decorative Stitch Failure

 Yesterday was another cold and sunny day. The high got to -6C. This morning it is -12 with wind. We also had a snow flurry go through and whiten the deck. We should see some sun today but could have flurries during the day. 

We talking about when the last big snow storm was in this area. Feb. 14, 2017 had 65 cm fall. That is 26". Between Feb. 5-7, 2001, there was 200 cm of snow fall. That is a whopping 80" of snow. We will not complain about the snow we had. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a hodge podge day. I did get some housework done in the kitchen. Right down to the floor being swept. I did a load of laundry also. I was waiting for the doctor to call so couldn't get into big jobs so it was small jobs that got done. 

The doctor called after lunch and the news was good. My thyroid is still stable and has been for about a year now. My liver functioning has improved. Up from 45% to 52%. Loosing weight has helped that. It also means my blood pressure is good and my blood sugars are below 6.0. I will continue to eat properly and loose weight. 

There were 2 cases of the virus reported yesterday and both are close contacts with other cases. I'm sure people here are really thinking as Newfoundland reported 100 cases yesterday. It is a reminder that the virus is around and can infect many people in a hurry. 

Sewing

My time in the sewing room was limited yesterday so I had to make the best use of my time. I decided to pin and cut out the blouse of the Amy outfit. I worked on the front, did the stitching (after doing a test piece) and I tossed it into the garbage. It was a failure.

The stitch pattern did its own thing on me. I have laid out another front and will rethink which design I will do. I left the sewing room in a frump and picked up our grandson from school. Best diversion I had. 

While I had some down time, I may choose not to do any fancy stitching but just two rows of a 3 step stitch down each side of the center front. Or, it may stay plain. 

Knitting

I worked on the Daisy Stitch sweater and my luck was not so good with it. I had to unknit several rows to fix a mistake. All is well but it certainly wasn't fun undoing the daisy stitch. Fear of dropping a stitch reigns wild. 

Today

More housework today along with sewing and knitting. Another stay at home day for us. 

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

Mask Making Success and Failure

 Yesterday was another cold day. They say it was -15.8C yesterday morning and the high got to -5C. The sun shone and the world sparkled. This morning it is -11C and we are to see sunshine and -5C. 

Lifestyle

I did some housework yesterday and then played with embroidery designs on the computer. I will have to do more housework today. With the cold weather we don't feel like doing much indoors. 

There was one case of the virus reported yesterday. Close contact of another case. 

Sewing

I went down the rabbit hole of trying to find an embroidery design for the yoke on a toddler's dress I want to make. I did 2 to see if one of them will fit the yoke. If not, back to designing again. 

In the world of sewing, I made a mask for myself and it was too small. When I sat and thought about it, I began to doubt myself. I was wrong when I measured the mask I had. It is too big on me but the circle used was 11" not 10". I cut out another 10" circle to put in daughter's box and then 2 11" circles for masks for me. I will use 3/8" seams to make them smaller. 

I do love this mask as it fits most faces well and is fast to make. 

With that figured out and me needing a break, I made daughter another 3 meters of piping. I had it done in less than an hour. 

A new Keepers Dolly Duds pattern is out to test. It came out yesterday afternoon and I missed it last night. It is called Amy and is to be a part of the Little Women collection.

I found the picture on the designer's Facebook page and have loved it since she showed it last fall. I will be making it for sure starting today. It is a skirt and blouse with decorative stitching on the blouse. I need to look for the fabric so I can make it quickly. It has a week's sewing timeline (very fast).

Knitting

I worked on the Daisy Stitch sweater last night until my hands cramped up. I've got about 20 rows done so far. It is my slow knit as I will be setting it aside while I do other test patterns. 

Today

This morning it will be more housework with sewing in the afternoon. I have to pick up grandson from school at 3 p.m. In the midst of all this, I have a call from the doctor. Tonight will be more knitting.

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

Knitted Sweater and Hat Done

 Though it was cool yesterday, the sun shone. And it had heat in it. The high got to -5C but you could see water dripping from the snow outside the back door. This morning it is -11C and the high should be about the same. And sunshine. A body loves the sunshine. 

Lifestyle

I was out for blood tests yesterday and was tired the rest of the day. It is the stress of having them and once done, I relax and crash. It's a long story that has gone on since I was a child. 

I did get all the laundry folded and put away in the morning along with some kitchen clean up. I did push myself to do a few things.

The county widened the roads in our area yesterday morning with a huge machine. The operator was so good, he even cleaned out the mess he put in each driveway. 

The Spousal Unit also did more cleaning on the back deck. He did not touch the pile by the BBQ. He had to measure it (3 feet) and could start on it today.

There was one case of the virus reported yesterday. The latest ones have been related to travel outside of the province. With Newfoundland having 11 cases on Monday and 30 on Tuesday (after very low counts), we are reminded that the virus can spread easily and quickly. 

Sewing

I swept the sewing room floor and then cut out three masks. Two are made and are in daughter's box to ship. The third one I will make for me. There is enough of the paisley fabric left to line a basket for the guest room. I will cut it out and put it away for later on. 

Once the paisley fabric is dealt with, I will do a bit more cleaning and then start other projects. Piping is first on the list. 

Knitting

The hat for the set is done and pictures taken. I quite like the pattern on the sleeves and once I figured out the rhythm of it, it went fast. 

I put a pompom on the hat but I'm thinking of taking it off. I like the toque look more. 

Julie is now requesting new jeans. 

I cast on the Daisy Flower sweater and got 6 rows knit on it last night. 

Today

I've been out for groceries already and they are put away. I want to do some housework, play in the sewing room, and knit on the Daisy Flower sweater. I may even cast on a sweater for Bentley, daughter's cat. 

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

Dug Out After The Storm

 Yesterday was cool and it snowed until almost noon. The sun shone and the wind blew bringing in the cold front. It was -11C at 6 a.m. with a wind chill of -17C. It will be sunny today and cold. 

Lifestyle

It was dig out day yesterday. The Spousal Unit cleaned off over half of the deck and a good third of the driveway. The neighbors finished it for him as he was tired. 

We have the best neighbours. They had about 4 feet of snow to blow off the end of their driveway as did everyone on that side of the street.

I stayed inside and made our neighbors fresh baked buns as a thank you for being the best. I also did some housework that needed doing. 

There was one new case of the virus reported yesterday. Travel outside the region. With restrictions being lifted, we are being asked to not become complacent but to keep up the good work we've been doing. 

Sewing

I spent 3 hours working on the dress to get it completed. My fix job was on the wrong side so I had to redo it. When I sewed the last button on I was thrilled to have the dress done. 

The back looks great now and I'm happy it is done. 

I am thinking about next month's dress already and it will be in the 1850's again if I can get the lace I want. But in the mean time, I have a pleather skirt and jeans to make for the dolls and the rest of the items on my list. 

Knitting

I got a picture of Julie in the sweater I knit. 

The hat is almost complete - 12 decreasing rows left to go and a pom pom. I will have a few days to knit on something else before the next pattern arrives. Looking forward to that as the designer has been laid up for months. 

Today

I'm off to the hospital for blood work this morning. I would like to make another batch of fresh buns and more housework. The sewing room will be tidied and a couple of masks made. I want to finish the hat tonight. A busier day for us. 

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