Practicing Wiggles (Again)

 Yesterday was a gorgeous day with a high of 19.8C. The sun shone, there wasn't much wind, and it was gorgeous when outside. Today it is 8C and raining. We do need the rain. 

Lifestyle

We did a curbside pick up of limestone and fertilizer yesterday morning and the Spousal Unit put the limestone on the lawn yesterday afternoon. I was outside trying to use the dandelion removal tool and I was a total flop. At least I gave the Spousal Unit a good laugh. 

We parked the car in the driveway and I swept out the garage. It was nice to get that job done. I will do a deep cleaning out there later on as it needs it. 

There were 70 cases of the virus reported yesterday. Down two days in a row. Our area is very quiet right now with no kids out playing together. We see them in their yards playing alone. People are out walking but social distancing. It's a repeat of this time last year. 

Sewing

I did get down to practice free motion quilting yesterday. I had quite a bit of fun doing it. 

I did the cream wiggles first and then the red ones. I wore quilting gloves and they are wonderful. The more I practice the more I learn. I found setting the speed and pressing the foot pedal to the floor helps with stitch length. I also got a rhythm going and the wiggles got better. I practice going right to left and left to right. I'm going to spray baste another piece of fabric on top and do more practicing. 

I cut out the next pair of leggings and kept a couple of scraps to use on the t-shirt. Otherwise, the girl's leggings are used to their fullest. Onto the plain ones for a t-shirt and ankle length leggings. 

I did watch the Great British Sewing Bee yesterday and it was interesting. 

Knitting

The sweater is knit and ready for buttons. I have enough yarn to knit a beret. I'm waiting for two patterns to test (sewing and knitting) and Facebook is a white page this morning. The knitting pattern is a cute top that will require me to focus on my knitting. I'm fine with that after having a fun and easy knit. 

Today

I have a bit of housework, laundry, and some paper work to do this morning. This afternoon, I will work on the leggings and knit tonight. It is a stay at home day. 

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

Three Masks Done

The weather improved yesterday to sunshine and 18C. It was a lovely day. This morning it is 4C and is suppose to be warm again but with more clouds. Then comes the rain.

Lifestyle

With life in lockdown, we are both happy and upset. Happy because there is hope we can drive the number of cases down but upset some people let it get out of hand through carelessness. We did go for a drive yesterday to enjoy the blooms but it wasn't really that spectacular. 

The easy part of the lockdown is that we are prepared for the 2 weeks. We have lots of food to eat. The hard part is not being able to visit with family or friends in our small bubble. 

There were 96 cases of the virus reported on Tuesday and 75 cases yesterday. The number of tests per capita here is the highest in the country. It helps catch those who are feeling okay but have the virus. Let's hope the numbers go down each day until we have this under control. 

I did some research on the Influenza of 1918 when a small add popped up on Pinterest. We were amazed as I read articles at the commonalities between then and now. What we are being told to do now is basically what people were told back then. 

Sewing

I finished the three masks yesterday afternoon. I now have lots of masks to wear when out to do our essential shopping. 

With the third layer added, they stay away from my nose and mouth better and I didn't notice my glasses fogging up. We wait and  see about that. 

Knitting

I'm doing well on the sweater I am knitting. I have both sleeves done, the body joined and a row of increases done. It's mainly knitting until it is done. I may have enough yarn left to knit a hat to go with it. 

Today

We are out for curbside pickup and home to do a few things before I practice free motion quilting. Tonight it's knitting on the sweater. I do hope to watch episode 3 of the Great British Sewing Bee sometime today. 

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

Sewing Masks Once Again

 Though yesterday was cloudy, it didn't rain during the day. The high got to 10C. This morning, it is 2C and very windy. We are to have showers but we wait and see if that happens. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit did a few things outside yesterday. He is looking forward to the time when he can plant seeds and tend to his garden. 

We now have provincial restrictions in place to keep movement of people limited so the spread of the virus can be slowed down or stopped. Schools in the more restricted area have been closed for 2 weeks in hopes that it will help stop the virus from spreading in schools. The rest of the province is being monitored carefully with testing clinics being ramped up. 

There were 66 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. What is disturbing is a person in their 20's in the ICU. What is great is 11000+ people had Covid testing done on Sunday. 

Sewing

I did some shopping at the quilt store yesterday. I'm ready to hunker down for a month. I did get the fabrics for the cat placemats so I can piece them. 

I bought and used up about 1/3 of polypropylene to add a third layer to new masks for myself. I have three masks ready to finish today. The cat fabric is left over from another project.

The lining fabric is from the first mask I made for me.

And the lining is put in as a separate piece and then sewn as one piece. 

Knitting

I got buttons for the sweater and finished it before lunch. It is really cute. 

The sleeves do have a pattern on them which adds a bit of interest to the pattern.

It is hard to see the pattern in the grey yarn. I would knit it again in pink but I'm saving the yarn for future test patterns from this designer. I have some blue, grey and pink (3-4 projects) left. 

I decided to knit a sweater for the outfit I made using knits. It is a spare ball of yarn in the stash. I got started and am enjoying the knit as I've knit it several times already. 

Today

I have to take Elliott to the vet for his annual check up and do some paper work at home. This afternoon, I want to finish the masks and tonight work on the sweater. Life is a bit boring but we want to keep ourselves and others safe.

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

Sewing Knits Project Completed

Yesterday was another lovely day with less sunshine and a high of 21.5C. It started to rain last night and this morning it is 8C and cloudy. We are to have showers and gusting winds today. 

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit got the lawn mowed yesterday and is happy the job is done. Next up is lime and fertilizer. We did talk about the hedge and I'm still going to get help with it this year. 

I cleaned our bedroom and did all the bedding again. I find doing it regularly (lots of work) that I have less allergy issues during the night. 

The number of new cases of the virus was 63 and 5 people are in the hospital with it. People are going on in droves to be tested with 7500 on Saturday. There was a briefing yesterday and restrictions are going to be placed throughout the province. Size of gatherings is 10 in and outside. We will be restricted to only shopping in our community. And we will learn more today I expect. 

Sewing

The doll's outfit is finished and I'm pleased with how the Juki sewed the knit fabric. I matched fabric with ease, added interfacing to stabilize and folded over hems and stitched with out stretching. I didn't sew fast but the machine has great pressure on the foot that it doesn't slip while doing curves. 

I don't have enough fabric to make ankle length leggings so will make another pair of capris. I will dig in the leggings basket to find something to match to make a t-shirt. 

In the search for the long leggings pattern, I found the pattern I love. It is traced onto pattern pellon with the words "Kate's leggings" on it. Now to find which pattern I used. I like this pattern as it uses 1/2" elastic and has a deeper hem. It fits the dolls perfectly. 

Knitting

I finished the sweater and it's ready for buttons. Not sure what I will knit next as people have been working on another pattern by the same designer. She does write a lot of patterns. I am thinking of a white sweater for the dolls. 

Today

I'm heading out to the quilt store before travel restrictions are put in place. I have a list and will get it as I won't be going there for a month. I would love to practice wiggles today following Leah Day's video called Let's Wiggle. I read her blog post that goes with the video. I'm not sure what I will be knitting tonight but I do have yarn out to knit a sweater. Which one is the question of the day. 

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

Fun Sewing For The Dolls

 Yesterday was a sunny, windy day. The high got to 17C. This morning it was 1C at 6 a.m. and there was frost. It is suppose to get to 19C today and we are to have rain tonight. 

Lifestyle

With the lovely weather, the lawn mower and weed eater were put into use. The Spousal Unit used both of them during the day. I was out to pull weeds from the landscaping we did last summer and to check on how well the lilies are growing. 

Yesterday was day 2 of the restrictions in the city where we can't shop. It is affecting us as we are slowing down our shopping to the essentials. Should be go here or there in our area? Yes but if busy we won't go in. Rather than look around, we will have a list and get what we need and leave. We've done it before and we will do it again. It leaves us stressed and cranky about what we can do and where we can go. We will survive it. 

I lost 1.1 lbs this week for a total of 30.9 lbs. I'm happy with the results to date.

There were 52 cases of the virus reported yesterday. The highest was 55 on April 23, 2020. People are lining up to get tested (7900 were done on Friday) and are staying home unless it is essential shopping. We wonder if the province will see more restrictions put in place next week. 

Sewing

I decided not to practice quilting yesterday. I decided to sew doll clothes using leggings I had bought and stashed. Of course, I chose the ones that needed to be cut out to match the pattern. The goal was to see how the new machine sews knit fabric. Very nicely.

The pattern matching on the leggings is great until you get to the back seam (top). It's out a bit but won't be noticed when the t-shirt is on. 

Quilting

I have been really thinking about how I want to learn to quilt. I can do the piecing but it's how to sew the 3 layers together without doing just stitch in the ditch.  I am a process person who wants to start at a given point and build on what I have learned. 

I have been watching a lot of videos on quilting. From Karen Brown, to Angela Walters, to Such A Pretty Fabric, and Leah Day. As I watched, I learned a lot about myself and how I approach a project. I learned something from each person. It wasn't until I started watching Leah Day's videos that I realized that her approach is one that suits me the best. Linear and in small steps. Now it's all about fat quarter sandwiches and practicing each step until I have a fluid motion for each part. 

Knitting

I am almost done the sweater and will need to look for buttons. I do like this sweater and hope the little girl likes it also.

Today

Housework, sewing, and knitting are on the agenda for today. 

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

Projects Done and Practice Begun

 We have had some colder weather with lots of wind. There were snow flurries and more wind. This morning, it is 6C, the sun is shining and the wind is blowing. Hopefully it will be a lovely day. 

Lifestyle

I have written 2 blog posts and both disappeared. Grrrrrrr............ So I'm writing again to get caught up. 

With the grey colder weather, we both lacked energy to do much. We called it survival mode and felt tired and somewhat depressed. 

The Spousal Unit started to weed wack the yard and ran out of string. I got it rewound for him as there is a trick to the process. He got what he wanted done. I also mixed weed killer for him so he can do more when it warms up. Hopefully this week. 

The number of cases of the virus have risen in the province. 25 new cases Wednesday, 38 on Thursday and 44 yesterday. There are 4 week restrictions in the area where the majority of the cases are and we can't travel into it and they can't come out. The borders are closed to people coming into the province. Only 2 provinces are permitted to travel here. Though we don't have a lot of active cases compared to other areas, people are getting tested (nearly 6000 on Thursday) and movement has decreased in retail outlets. Hopefully we will see numbers decline in the next week. For us, we are continuing to be diligent and going out only when necessary. 

Sewing

The sewing room has been busy. I finished a test pattern and quite like the pattern. Not the pockets. I may make it again in a combination of fabrics (print and plain).

The placemats are finished also. We sat and watched TV while I hand stitched the binding down. Took two afternoons to do the job but they are ready to be shipped west. 

They will be perfect in son-in-law's camper. 

Yesterday I played with a sandwich practicing free motion quilting and stencil work. I realized it has been 11 years since I did this type of work and how I was taught the techniques somewhat incorrectly. After a poor start and a good laugh, I had a butterfly. 

After a bit of playing around, I watched a video on stippling and then another one by a different person. Something in her video clicked and I set up a practice piece with just playing with curves. 

I got decidedly better as I practiced. With that under my belt I did another butterfly and it was better. 

And then practiced one area. 

I need gloves plus a lot of practice but it is coming. I'm going to be doing a lot of practice pieces in the near future so will need to find some more pieces to practice on. Mostly stippling at this time so I can do a table runner that is in the UFO pile.

Knitting

I'm knitting away on the test pattern. I have one back done and 5 rows on the other back piece. Then it is only the collar and sew it up. I am loving this pattern as it is easy and quite cute. 

Today

I should be doing more housework and then do some doll sewing. I hope to get a lot more done on the sweater tonight. 

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

Feeling Nervous

 Yesterday was a lovely sunny day with a high of 15C. There was some wind which had a bite to it but we weren't complaining. This morning it was 2C at 6 a.m. and we are to see 16C. The sun is shining this morning but there is a chance of showers this afternoon. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning was spent cleaning the dining room and scrubbing the floor. I was so enthusiastic that I did down the stairs to the front entry. It was great to get that area cleaned up. 

I was outside in the afternoon looking at the garlic and it is growing well. We also looked at the pots for flowers as I'm planting them this year. Elliott's cat grass is growing well and will soon be ready to be removed from the heat mat. Then we can start leeks. 

The parcel daughter sent us by mail was delivered to our door at noon yesterday. It was opened and we enjoyed the contents. I got a mat for in front of the sink. The Spousal Unit got a puzzle. There was some fabric, thread, and yarn. 

There were 15 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. A bit scary as 3 of the cases are under investigation with the remaining being related to travel or close contact to a case. The most cases reported since December. One of the exposure sites listed yesterday was a pub/eatery here in our community. The first one reported here since the start of the pandemic. I'm feeling a bit nervous right now. 

Sewing

I worked on the pockets of the test outfit and there were some moments of swearing. One reason is my machine stitches seam allowances accurately and I think the pattern's seam allowances are out a tiny bit. Second, the instructions are okay but the pictures are horrid. Third, I didn't realize you could make the skirt with no pockets. 

The first pocket is in and the second one is ready to stitch when I turned off the machine and walked away. No pictures at all. I headed outside with no phone to have a break from everything. It was just what I needed. 

Knitting

I knit on the doll's sweater last night until it was time to divide and add the sleeves. I then started to knit the sleeves again. Each sleeve is 40 rows and I got 30 rows knit on the first sleeve. I need buttons for the sweater and will try and get them at the quilt shop. I have to go to get some fabric for placemats I have to make. 

Today

I am going to wash windows this morning and do a bit of cleaning under the living room ones. Sewing and knitting are on the agenda for today. 

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

A Successful Sewing Session

 Yesterday was a cold windy day. Not a day for outside. The high got to 4.9C. This morning it is 4C and we are to see 14C. Hopefully the sun will come out and we can enjoy some time outside. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I did 3 loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen and scrubbed the kitchen floor. It felt good to have that job done and kitchen looking clean. I even moved on and swept the stairs and front landing. 

There were 7 cases of the virus reported yesterday. A second staff member at the long term care home was one of the cases. There was also a case that had the Brazilian variant and late last night it was reported two cases connected to two schools in the Halifax region. We have to continue to be vigilant during this time as we may be heading into the third wave of the virus. 

Sewing

I had one successful session sewing on the test pattern. After I realized I needed a right and left collar and fixed the issue, it was smooth sewing. 

The next hardest part will be the pockets. They are quite different as seen in the temporary cover photo. 

Elliott joined me in the sewing room yesterday. As a youngster, he would jump up onto the cutting table and sleep on the fabric. As a senior, he asks to be covered up on the chair.

Knitting

I knit on the test pattern sweater and got the kangaroo pouch knit and the back part done. It is all joined together and I'm knitting the body. I will redo the sleeves as they are too short. 

Today

It is dining room day. I want to tidy up and wash the floor. I need to fold laundry. This afternoon I will sew on the test pattern (pockets) and tonight I will knit. A day at home again.

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

I'm Lazzzzzy Or Is It Recovering?

 Though no snow fell in our area, 11 km down the road there was snow. Enough to make the ground white. We had some rain in the morning but none in the afternoon. The high got to 7C. This morning it is cool at 1C, it has rained, and we are waiting for the nice weather that starts tomorrow. 

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law and I were to the city yesterday to get a few items. We were home by noon so missed the afternoon crowds. 

I have been lazy since getting the vaccine. I dozed yesterday afternoon. I need to get busy again and stop dozing in the afternoons. 

I lost another 1.8 lbs this week and am down 29.8 lbs. I'm thrilled with my progress and preparing to set my next mini goal. 

There were 8 cases of the virus reported yesterday. All were either related to travel or a close contact. One of the close contact cases was a staff member of a long term facility. Fingers crossed there will be no more cases in the facility. 

Sewing

I didn't sew again yesterday. I did some thinking as I want to sew for myself. I am thinking of starting when I hit my first big goal. It will be something simple from fabric I have in the stash. And from a pattern I already have on hand. The challenge will be matching plaids. I hope I have enough fabric as I bought it 4.5 years ago to make the pattern. I will only have to buy buttons for it. I am working it into the list of items to sew during the summer as I set the goal for the end of July. 

Knitting

I finished the 2nd sleeve and will be knitting them on larger needles. They are too short. I did cast on and start knitting the body of the sweater on the larger needles. I will be glad when this yarn is gone as I have tension issues with it. 

I have a scarf I want to ravel out and use for dolls sweaters/dresses. I can't wear it against by skin as it makes me itchy. I am going to look for some soft yarn and make myself a simple scarf to wear with a coat. I may be dreaming here but I can dream. 

Today

 Laundry and tidying up the kitchen this morning. Sewing this afternoon and knitting tonight. With the weather the way it is, I'm staying in and keeping warm. 

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

 

Dose One Done

 We've had some lovely weather and some not so lovely weather. There has been sunshine, clouds, and wind. Yesterday was sunny with some frost but it got to 12C. This morning, frost again, cloudy at the moment with chances of sunshine for the day. High to be 10C. 

Lifestyle

We had haircuts on Wednesday and then home for the rest of the day. Yesterday was vaccine day for me. No issues at all until during the night. I woke dreaming and my injection was sore. It is still tender this morning and I'm tired from the lack of sleep. But, I have the first dose and I'm happy about that. I'll live with the tenderness. 

Our daily numbers are remaining low and most are related to travel outside of Canada or the Atlantic provinces. Yesterday's 3 cases do not live in Nova Scotia or have close contacts in the province. 

Sewing

On Wednesday I started a new test pattern. I am ready to sew the bodice together after doing the collars 3 times. The collar on the left side is laying flat and the one on the right side is showing the little turn under at the back of the neck.

Once I had the collar under control I worked on finishing the back facing using a Hong Kong finish. I love this finish on curved pieces. 

I didn't do any sewing yesterday as I was too tired to handle this pattern. 

I downloaded the first episode of The Great British Sewing Bee and watched it. I enjoyed it though the sewers are not as experienced as in previous seasons. Could be due to the virus and people not wanting to apply. 

Knitting

The first sleeve is done and on a spare needle. At that point, I crashed, drank my tea, and went to bed. I had had enough of the world for the day. 

Today

I am not sure how much I will get done today and really didn't have a list of items to do. I will do laundry and sweep some floors. After that, I may sew and knit depending on my energy level. If it's low, I may nap. 

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

Two New Test Patterns To Work On

I Yesterday the weather was cold. Though it got to 6.5C, the north wind went right through you. This morning it is 3C and we can expect more wind to keep you feeling cold. It is suppose to get to 10C and tonight -3C. 

Lifestyle

We had a nice trip to get a few things in New Minas and then up to Canning for meat. Though cold and windy, it was nice to get out of the house for the morning. Both stores we went into weren't busy which was nice. 

There were 6 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. Five were from outside of Canada and one from outside of Atlantic Canada. The Atlantic Bubble opening has been moved from April 19 to May 3. Safety of people is the main concern at the moment.

Sewing

I got the binding on the 2nd placemat and pinned the binding down on both placemats. They are ready for me to hand stitch Thursday afternoon after my needle. 

I found the bag the kit was in and the price tag on it was 26.99. I was shocked that I had paid that much for a kit. I know I had bought it because we didn't have time for me to have the pieces cut.

I spent a lot of time laying out the next test pattern. I wanted to get it onto a .5 meter piece of fabric and I did. I have to cut the collar lining from broadcloth. 

I got the paint chips to play with hues, tints, shades and tones. I need to get 2 more and then I can play. This is an area I want to work on so will be more and more color chips to get the idea in my head.

The Great British Sewing Bee starts tonight and I am hoping to find it and watch it tomorrow. I want to see what happens this year. 

Knitting

The first sleeve of the daisy stitch is done. The second sleeve has been cast on a 4 rows completed. Once done, I can start sewing it together and do the front bands. But, it will be put away as I have a new pattern to test. 

Today

We go out for hair cuts this morning and it's sewing this afternoon and knitting tonight. 

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

 

Learning and Relearning

Yesterday we saw sunshine and a high of 11C. The wind was cold though and it blew hard at times. This morning it is 4C and cloudy. We could see showers today along with wind. 

Lifestyle

I got some housework done yesterday. I cleaned the bathroom and scrubbed the floor on my hands and knees. I then scrubbed the hall floor the same way. Was done in good time and the Spousal Unit and I went out for a bit.

On our drive we noticed more daffodils are up and the very tips of the magnolia blooms are showing color. Spring is coming slowly but surely. 

I retained some fluid yesterday and lost it and more overnight. Not sure what caused the fluid retention but am happy it is gone. I made sure I drank extra water yesterday. 

There were 7 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. Three people are in the hospital. Most cases are from outside of the region or from a close contact. 

Sewing

I finished quilting the second placemat and buried the threads. I then put the binding on one. It took me quite a while to get the ends sewn together correctly. 

I am really pleased with how much I've learned about the new machine and relearned about quilting. 

Knitting

I knit and unknit on the daisy stitch sweater. I am now decreasing the sleeves now. One day it will be finished. 

Today

I'm taking grandson to school, then we are heading out to get some meat and a few other items. I have to print out a new pattern to test and then get the binding on the other placemat. I can sit and hand sew the binding Thursday afternoon. 

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

A Great Day For Projects

 The sun shone yesterday morning and the cloud arrived in the afternoon. We had a high of 10C. This morning it is cloudy and 4C at 6 a.m. We are to see 9C today with chances of showers during the day and showers at night. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was more paperwork. Tax season and I got them done and they are sitting cold for another 24 hours before I look over them again. When submitted, all can be printed and filed. 

The Spousal Unit was out to uncover the garlic plants in the morning. They were covered as we had frost the night before. They are growing a bit every day and look healthy. 

I looked at the puzzle for a few minutes yesterday. Daughter-in-law got a huge piece connected to the puzzle so we have new areas to fill in. Hurrah!!

There were 5 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. Travel outside the Atlantic region or close contact of a previous case. Only 1 case is under investigation. 

Sewing

I worked on the first placemat and it is ready for binding. I buried all the threads and cut off the extra batting and and backing fabric. 

Our neighbor lent me some khaki colored thread and it was perfect for the cross hatching. It blends in perfectly. I am learning so much as I pick up quilting again. I realize now how little I had learned when I was quilting before. 

Knitting

I finished the doll's sweater before dinner and did the photos. I quite like this sweater. 

I will knit it again using a different yarn and larger needles. I have a plan. 

Last night I worked on the daisy stitch sweater and got a few more rows done on the first sleeve. It is a lovely pattern and I enjoy picking it up between test patterns. 

Today

Housework this morning, sewing this afternoon, and knitting tonight. A quiet day for us. The rest of the week is busy. 

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

Progress On The Placemats

Yesterday was another lovely day. Sunshine and a high of 13C. This morning it is -3C and the sun is shining. Hopefully we will have another nice day.

Lifestyle

Yesterday I did the budget. I was rolling along and then I couldn't get the budget form and the bank to balance. I spent a good 20 minutes finding the error. One formula was a mess. Redid it and I finished the paper work in record time. 

I did a bit more clean up of paper work. I took out quite a bit of old paper and am happy to have it gone. Items that I use only occasional were put away. I also put away a lot of pens and I don't need to buy any for another year. I do go through 4-6 pens a year as I do write a lot of info in books, grocery lists, and tally marks while knitting. 

I lost 1.3 lbs this week for a total of 28 lbs to date. I am pleased with what I am accomplishing and am still very focused on what I can and can't eat due to my IBS. I am still very careful about chocolate, high fat foods, and sugar. Those are my trigger foods for bingeing. 

There were 8 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. Though our numbers are low compared to other provinces and there is no community spread, I wonder if we are starting wave 3 of the virus. I guess it is a wait and see situation. 

Sewing

I started to quilt the first placemat and stopped as I was making a mess. I then decided to work on stitch in the ditch using the patchwork foot. I was pleased with the results. The part with the deer will be crossed hatched. Decided after I talked to our neighbor. I took no pictures as real life got in the way and I forgot while the lighting was good.

After doing a hunt for simple placemats for the cat fabric. I have decided on this free pattern. It is called Lines In The Sand. I will have to get 3 fabrics to go with the cat fabric. I can do straight line quilting if necessary using my rulers. 

Knitting

I finished the sweater and got one sleeve sewn up and the second one started. Almost done. 

Today

Today is another paper work day and I would like to finish quilting one placemat. I hope to sew up the sweater and then work on the daisy stitch sweater. The goal today is to take pictures of what I am working on. 

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

Placemats Begun

Yesterday was another beautiful day. The sun shone and the high got to 15.7C. This morning it is 1C with a touch of frost. It is suppose to get to 10-12C today with sunshine. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday the dining area got cleaned except for one small area. Walls were wiped down, furniture cleaned and a large purge of paper and junk done. The floor got swept but not washed. It will get done in the next few days. It was nice to have the area cleaned up. 

We spent some time outside visiting with our son. It was lovely as there was very little wind. The Spousal Unit was puttering out there getting things ready for spring. He is his happiest when outside thinking about gardening and lawns. 

There were 2 new cases reported yesterday. The province opened up the next age group (60-65 year) to book their vaccines. 

Sewing

I decided to work on the placemats yesterday. I had thought about them a lot. I starched the 1.5" strips to give them a bit more body and was happy I had done that. I also starched the deer fabric as they needed more body also. 

I carefully sewed and cut and am fairly happy with the results. I didn't rush as I am still reacquainting myself to quilting and my new sewing machine. I did put in the straight stitch plate and it was wonderful to sew with. I stopped when I had both placemat tops done.

Our daughter found some fun fabric yesterday and I am going to make more placemats from it.

The cats remind us of Elliott and her cat Bentley. She added the yarn fabric as they are such helpers. 

I will need to buy a border fabric for these placemats I'm thinking of keeping them quite plain to showcase the cats. I will work it out over the next while as I won't start them until after the fabric arrive by mail. I have to make a shirt first. 

Knitting

I have knit and unknit the sweater again. Not as many rows this time. Eight vs 30 rows but still it set me behind. I missed a yarn over which is not like me. I still love the pattern and can't wait to knit my Downton Abbey version next. 

Today

I have to do paperwork today. Once it's done I will do some housework and then spend the afternoon quilting the placemats. Tonight I hope to finish knitting the test sweater. 

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

Potholders Completed

 Mid morning yesterday the sky cleared and the sun shone. It was wonderful to have a full day of sunshine. The high got to 13.5C. This morning it was 3C at 6 a.m. We could see sunshine today with a high of 15C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning we headed out to Coldbrook to get apples. While there we found out about fertilizer, lime, cinch bug control and leeks. The Spousal Unit tried on rubber boots but he got none over his high arch. The service was excellent in both the store and the greenhouse. 

With the sun shining, the Spousal Unit was outside a lot during the afternoon. He cleaned the lawn mower and after that was done, we both looked at the garlic plants and rose bushes. It was nice to be outside for a bit. It really lifted our spirits.

There were 5 cases of the virus reported yesterday and all were related to travel outside the region. We both are a bit worried about the variant viruses (some here but no community spread) and if the vaccine will be effective for them. A lady I spoke to feels like we do; another year of wearing masks while this is figured out and new vaccines developed if necessary. We were very happy to read that we live in a county that has no reported cases of the virus.

Sewing

I finished the potholders by hand sewing the binding in place. It is nice to have them done and I used them last night. They are a bit big but they will do. 

I laundered the fabric for the Spousal Unit's new shirt. It is lovely fabric and I'm excited to get it started. 

I also got out the next quilting project. Place mats for daughter. They can be used on their outside table. 

I bought the kit and tucked it away for years. The instructions are hand written by the owner of the quilt shop I bought it from. This could be fun and I will work on it one or two days a week to have a break from the shirt. 

We stopped at the quilt shop on the way home from getting apples. I got a new ruler. I looked for cording for piping but found none. I'll have to figure out where to buy it from as this is twice. 

The fabric is for the Spousal Unit's shirt.

Knitting

I looked at the sweater just before dinner and discovered I made a mistake way back under the knit rows. I think I forgot to do a pattern row. 

I ripped it back and started again. By bedtime I had got 50% of it done. I should be done by Sunday. The white hairs you see are mohair. They are really annoying as they stick out all over the sweater. 

Today

I am going to clean the dining area in preparation to doing paper work over the weekend. I want to sew today and knit tonight. 

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

Another Good Laugh

Though yesterday had very little sun, it was warm at 10C. There was no rain which was a bonus. This morning it is 3C and suppose to get to a high of 10C again today. We might even see some sunshine. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday started off with cleaning the bedroom. The bedding was washed, furniture dusted and the floor swept. From there, I cleaned the counter where the ball stools are in the kitchen. Birthday flowers were trimmed and put in fresh water, shelves wiped and everything put into order. Another small area that is cleaned up. I also dusted the stairs down to the front door. Elliott goes up and down them depositing cat hair like crazy. 

There were 2 cases of the virus reported yesterday. It was also reported that 8 cases reported over the weekend were foreign workers who work in the agriculture in the province. I do hope they are not going to be too sick being so far from home. 

Sewing

Yesterday's laugh in the sewing was me trying to lower the sewing machine so it sat flush with the cabinet top. I couldn't figure out how it worked. I watched videos and they made it look so easy. I pushed like they did and nothing happened. I made sure everything was correct underneath and tried again. Nothing. After many attempts, I gave it one good push and down it went. You need to use more force than they show in the videos. 

I sat at the machine as it sat flush and it is a perfect height for me. I did some measuring, more internet searching and finally ordered a plexi glass insert so I can use the machine flush in the cabinet. 

I did sew the binding on the second potholder, pinned it in place and called it a day. It was time to start dinner. 

Knitting

I did a lot of knitting on the sweater and have 10 rows to finish. I do like this pattern and will start another one right away for a Downton Abbey look.

Today

We are going to Coldbrook to get apples this morning. We need a morning away from home. This afternoon I will hand stitch the binding down on the potholders and tonight I would like to finish knitting the sweater. 

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

Learning to Quilt Again

 The weather has been dull, grey, wet, and ugly. We had freezing rain and ice pellets on Easter Sunday which turned into rain. Monday was warmer but there were a couple of good rain storms. Yesterday started out with fog and ended up with sunshine. This morning it was 3C at 6 a.m. and cloudy. 

Lifestyle

We have been tired lately due to the weather and worked our way through the depression we were feeling. We did enjoy the sunshine yesterday afternoon and felt very happy while it shone. 

I have most of the kitchen cleaned and the floor washed for the first round. After I clean the fridge and pantry I will scrub the floor again. The area looks so much better after all the scrubbing I've done. 

The Spousal Unit was out and uncovered the rose bushes and garlic yesterday morning. Next step is to prune the roses. We feel spring is coming.

There were 6 cases of the virus reported yesterday. All but one are related to travel or previous cases.  Restrictions are being eased as the cases numbers remain low but will be put back in place if numbers go up.

Sewing

I started to make potholders on Monday and hit the wall head on. Lack of research so I may have trivets rather than potholders. Instead of using only Insulbrite as the batting, I also added a layer of batting. Lesson learned and I will try again.

On the upside of this, I followed the rules for cutting and pressing and everything was great. I got out the Shorty ruler to quilt with. 

I got the quilting foot on the machine and played with the settings. Got them right. But, I had a lot of drag while quilting resulting in uneven stitches.

Some of it was being a beginner, but most was having a layer of Insulbrite and batting to quilt through. Some was thinking I didn't need to use this -

Once I put it on, it made a huge difference in quilting. I even played on my sampler.

I'll be playing on the sampler more and will be making a new one as this one is almost filled with wandering stitches. 

No matter what the quilting looks like, I'll have new trivets for the kitchen. I've started the binding and hope to finish them shortly.

Knitting

I finished knitting both of the sleeves, adding 4 more rows to the length. I started the body and by the time I got to the 2nd eyelet row of the pattern I had 1 extra stitch. I unknit 5 rows and will start again with more focus on the pattern rows.

I got a ball of variegated yarn to knit this pattern again. The bottom part of the sweater will not have the eyelet pattern or button holes, just plain knitting. I want to make a long skirt and blouse to go with it and use it as part of an Edwardian outfit for the dolls.

Today

I'm doing housework this morning, working on the potholders this afternoon, and knitting tonight.

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