Pleats Go One Way

 Yesterday was another muggy day with a high of 31.8C. The humidex made it feel like 41C. We had a warm rain mid afternoon which only added to the humidity. This morning it was 19C at 6 a.m. Another warm day for us. 

Lifestyle

I had to go to the grocery store for my prescription and a few things we needed. When home, I prepped for our grandson's lunch with his friends and then cleaned the front entry. 

The Spousal Unit and I walked the garden yesterday and it is amazing how much it is growing daily. I am going to plant more Swiss Chard as some of the plants are not doing well. 

The lunch for grandson went well with the boys eating on the deck. One boy noticed a wasp going down into the stand of the umbrella so I got my trusty peppermint spray out. I looked under the deck and those guys are building 2 nests under there. Spraying didn't deter the wasp so I got the strong stuff and killed him. The two nest were knocked down (tiny in size) and the area sprayed with the strong stuff. When I turned on the gas on the BBQ last night, I noticed 2 small nests on the inside of the door. They are both gone now. Though not as bad as last year, they are really trying to build nests here so we need to be diligent. 

There was 1 new case of the virus reported yesterday. We move into Phase 3 of the reopening plan today. 

Sewing

I spent a long time putting the cuffs on the shirt. After finishing one and having the second cuff on the sleeve, I realized I had the pleats going the wrong way. After a break to start supper, I fixed the pleats so I can finish the cuffs and do the hem. 

I have been watching more of Rob Appell's videos and am learning things that I've been using with my new machine. I notice I'm guiding the fabric through rather than push/pull it. I do sew slowly but have started to sew just a bit faster which is good. I'm playing with different stitches and will continue to do that when I'm sewing. As I watched Rob free motion quilt, I'm now wanting to pursue that more. I am going to build some big test squares so I can play on them. But, I will be making doll quilts so I can practice piecing. I'm looking forward to all of this.

Today

I have to make a potato salad and devilled eggs this morning for dinner tomorrow. I hope to get the shirt finished and start putting on the snaps. I will probably watch videos tonight though I should read more of the book. I need to take some pictures today also.

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

More Progress On The Shirt

Yesterday was a hot day for us. It was hot and humid in the morning and remained that way all day. The high got to 31.6 but the humidex made it feel like 39C. We had rain after dinner and saw a short but beautiful rainbow. 

This morning it was 18C at 6 a.m. and is to be hot again. We are under a heat warning for the next 2 days. 

Lifestyle

I was outside early in my sock feet hoping the grass was cool to make me feel cool. Nope, it was warm. We visited with our neighbor for a bit but it was too humid to be out for too long. 

The living room got cleaned but not scrubbed. It looks not too bad and will get done better next week. I did do a lot of tidying up of my knitting and got the blankets on the couch. 

There were 4 cases of the virus reported yesterday. Though we will both be fully vaccinated tomorrow, we will continue to be very careful. You don't know what this virus will do. 

Sewing

The sleeves were inserted into the shirt with little to no problems. I had to change out the feed dogs and plate to do the 3 step zig zag to finish the seam edges. While I was doing this, I cleaned the machine, especially the feed dogs. There was fluff in them which can affect them moving the fabric forward when sewing. 

I also got the side seams sewn and am pleased with how the shirt looks. 

The parcel arrived from daughter and I got 9 spools of Glide thread.

My collection is growing and I'm thrilled to have so many spools of this lovely thread. There was a lovely stack of fabric for shirts for the Spousal Unit. I need to do some tweaking on the pattern before I cut out the next shirt. 

I've been watching quilting videos in the evening and did watch one on the disappearing 9 patch by Rob Appell. He showed how you can play with the cuts to get different designs. Has me thinking for the 4 patch for the doll's quilt. I also realized that he doesn't do his squares under 3.5" due to the cuts and how tiny the center square becomes. Another thing I learned. 

Today

I'm out to grocery shop after breakfast as I have my prescription to pick up. I will do a bit of housework, make lunch for grandson and our neighbor's boys, sew, and watch more videos tonight. I'm being lazy during the hottest part of the day and evening. 

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

Sleeve Plackets Done

 Yesterday was warm at 27C but the humidity made it feel more like 35C. It was also quite cloudy all day. This morning it was 22C with the humidity making it feel like 30C. We are to see 31C today with sunshine.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I cleaned the dining area and washed the floor. It is nice to have that area clean once again. 

Mid afternoon, grandson called for us to have ice cream with them and off we went. After eating the ice cream we went for a drive. It was an enjoyable time out. 

The flowers in the front of the house are blooming. 

I need to put in another hosta next year as one has died.

There were 3 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. 

Sewing

I cut out the sleeve and got the placket on right this time. I checked to make sure all was correct at least 3 times. I sewed slowly and carefully as I used the placket I had cut. All went well. 

The first placket I sewed on correctly. I pinned the placket shut.

The second placket sewn on perfectly. 

I've been watching videos done by Rod Appell. This one was a refresher for me as I need to focus more on letting the feed dogs take the fabric through when stitching rather than pulling or pushing. I watched several more of his videos for cutting and pressing accuracy. Not only is this good for quilting, but it's good for all types of sewing. I am quite liking his patterns and tips and techniques.

Knitting

I'm reading a book and having a break. 

Today

The next area to tidy up is the living area. I hope to get it done today. I hope to get the sleeves into the shirt this afternoon and read tonight. 

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

A Dumb Sewing Mistake

 Yesterday was warm and humid. The wind was warm though it had moments where it was cool. The high got to 27.2C which wasn't a record breaker. This morning it was 23C with a humidex of 30C at 6 a.m. The high is to get to 28C today. 

Lifestyle

Life has been busy. I was to the city on Friday to get items we needed and was home before lunch time. I was tired as I was having an IBS attack. I slept for an hour after lunch which didn't help much. The attack was done by bedtime. 

Yesterday I cleaned the washer and dryer and the hallway. Once done, we were out for a drive to Mt. Uniacke for fertilizer. We had a lovely drive and got home just before lunch time. 

I have been learning a lot about BBQing this past week. I did pork chops on Friday and realized I should be putting them in a brine. Last night I did steak and it was delicious. 

I lost 1.6 lbs this week and am .7 lb from 40 lbs lost. I am the lightest I've been in 10 years. I am happy with what I've done so far. 

On Friday there were 16 cases of the virus reported and on Saturday 11 cases. Most are within a group of linked families. 

Sewing

I sewed yesterday and cursed at myself. I did the placket on the first sleeve wrong and have to cut a new sleeve. I had thought I had it right and after I had cut the slash in the placket, I realized I had put the placket on the front of the sleeve and not the back. The 2nd sleeve's placket went in perfectly. I checked and double checked before I did any cutting.

I watched a new video on sewing long seams when quilting. It works for garment sewing also. The person is sewing on the same machine I have so it was good to learn a few tricks as he used the machine. I also learned a few trick and reminders about pressing. All good information as I move forward on quilting. 

I measured the washer and dryer to make a cloth to cover the top and down the sides of them. I will do mitered corners and put weights in the corners to hold this runner in place. 

Knitting

I got buttons on the sweater and took pictures of the outfit. 

I like the pink sweater with the skirt much better than the blue one. 

I cleaned up my knitting and put away most of it. I am reading a book for a few days before I start my next project. I decided I needed a break. 

Today

The goal is to clean the dining area. I want to get the sleeves sewn into the shirt and read tonight. We are going nowhere today.

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

Elliott Is Cranky

 Though yesterday was warm, the breeze was cool which made it perfect to be outside. The high got to 24.4C. This morning it was 8C at 6 a.m. and 11C at 7 a.m. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I cleaned our bedroom. That included turning the mattress, laundry, wiping and scrubbing. It was nice and clean last night at bedtime. With the windows open during the night, it was a perfect spot for a good night's sleep. 

I cooked chicken on the bbq last night. It actually turned out better than I thought. The only thing I didn't do was spray oil on the grates. Lesson learned. The last 10 minutes of cooking was indirect heat and the last 4 minutes I put bbq sauce on for a nice finish. 

Elliott has been showing us different ways of sleeping. He isn't sleeping as well as he could be during the day and is trying his best to find a comfortable place to sleep. 

We are dealing with a cranky cat at the moment. 

There were 5 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. The total number of cases is dropping some every day. 

Sewing

I starched the remaining shirt fabric and left it to dry. It dries slowly in a cool basement. I use a liquid starch which takes longer to dry. No other sewing was done though a few projects were thought about for July. I need to buy a bit of fabric for one of them.

Knitting

I worked on the sweater and am now doing the collar. It should be done tonight or tomorrow. 

While sitting in the sewing room and thinking, I frogged a blue sweater I had knit. I did not like how it looked and I wanted to use the yarn again for another project. 

Today

I'm off this morning to shop for groceries and hope to be home before noon. I'd like to get the sleeve pieces pinned onto the fabric and, with lots of luck, get them cut out. Tonight is knitting. 

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

Pocket On The Shirt

 Yesterday was cooler and sunny. The high got to 20C and the wind made it feel cooler. It was lovely to be out in. This morning, it was 8C at 6 a.m. and today it is to get to 25C. 

Lifestyle

We were out the door in good time yesterday to take grandson to an appointment prior to us getting our hair cut. We were home by 10:30 a.m. I was short of sleep so I had a nap before lunch. It helped me get through the rest of the day. 

Elliott enjoys sleeping in the sun late in the afternoon. Actually this was about 7 p.m.

There were 0 cases of the virus for the 2nd time in the past week. The number of confirmed cases continues to drop. 

Sewing

I worked on the Spousal Unit's shirt yesterday and got the pockets on. It was a lot of work as I had to remove the flaps and put them on to the correct pocket so the lines would go the correct way. 

So far, I'm pleased with the shirt. It is quite stiff due to the starch but it will be washed when done. The goal is to have it finished by the end of the month. 

Knitting

I worked on the sweater last night and am happily decreasing for the raglan sleeves. Hopefully, it will be done this weekend. I am hoping to take a break from knitting and read a book. 

Today

It's laundry and clean our bedroom. I hope to get the sleeves cut out for the shirt and the plackets sewn on. There is a chance I could get the sleeves inserted into the body. Tonight is more knitting. 

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

Record's Broken Again

Yesterday started off lovely; warm and humid. Before noon, the rain came and it poured. The high got to 29C and another record was broken. We got about 1/4" of rain; maybe more here. It rained during the night and the temperature this morning is 17C. The tropical depression has passed and we could see sunshine this afternoon.

Lifestyle

I cleaned the bathroom yesterday. It has a lot of fluff in it (toilet paper) so I have to wipe things down. Yesterday it was scrub, scrub, scrub. Now it is to keep 2 rooms tidy as I proceed to clean the house once again. 

Grandson was up and got most of the ditch weed whacked. He had to quit when it started to rain. He spent the day visiting, reading, and bugging the cat. 

The Spousal Unit weeded the vegetable plots as they have a lot of little weeds in them. He will have to keep at it this summer as there is a lot of them still showing up and too small to pull. 

There were 2 new cases of the virus and 2 deaths reported yesterday. The province is ramping up 2nd doses to try and get 75% of the total population vaccinated quickly. 

Sewing

The collar is on the shirt and it was a big job. I wanted it on as perfectly as possible. I'm pleased with the results. The pocket flaps are sewn and top stitched and the pockets cut out and starched. They are ready to be trimmed to size now. 

I am certainly learning the value of starch when using soft fabrics like the shirting for this project. It stabilizes the fabric for cutting out especially on the bias. What is good for quilting is good for wovens when garment sewing. 

I updated what I've sewn in June and it is impressive. I forgot to put in the piping I made for daughter. I'll get that in today. All those outfits used up only 2.5 meters of fabric. Add in 3 meters for the shirt and it will be 5.5 meters. The year's total is 34 meters sewn. The guessing game will be - Will I sew more than 50 meters this year?

Knitting

Pictures got taken yesterday. Laura was excited to model the sweater and hat. 

I will knit this again and do one more pattern row on the sleeves and cast off the neckline using a larger sized needle. Other than that, I am pleased with the pattern. 

The designer's two patterns. I look forward to knitting another one of hers that I have bought. 

I knit on the sweater for the little girl. I am ready to divide for the body and add the sleeves. So far I am happy with the pattern and it is easier to knit the 2nd time. 

Today

We get hair cuts today and then home. I want to get the pockets on the shirt and get the fabric ready to cut out the sleeves and cuffs. I will knit tonight. Tonight is to be cooler so hopefully we can sleep with the windows open rather than have the a/c running and our bedroom warm. 

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

Sewing Little and Thinking Lots

 We've had some warm weather lately with yesterday's high of 29.6C breaking the high record by 1C. This morning it is 21C with a humidex of 28C. There are showers and thundershowers in the forecast for today. A storm that started in Florida will be passing by the Atlantic coast. 

Lifestyle

We have been in and out over the weekend. I was to Dartmouth on Saturday for a quick shop with daughter-in-law. Sunday we stayed home and yesterday we were to get apples and visit the used book store. 

The heat and humidity has taken its toll on us. We have been tired and have naps in the afternoon. Our bedroom is warm so we sleep poorly which has become a cycle of napping and poor night sleeping. Hopefully we will get a couple of cool nights so we can sleep well.

I've been doing okay with cooking on the BBQ. I did cook a lasagna using indirect heat. Didn't burn it and it was cooked and hot. I did baby sit the BBQ a lot though. 

I cleaned the kitchen well on Sunday. It got the scrubbing it needed and I am keeping up with it daily. It gets away from me when I'm outside every day doing weeding, etc. I just have to do some every night so I don't fall behind.

Our new cases daily have been dropping and, for the first time since March 29, we had no new cases reported yesterday. The number of people in the hospital with Covid is down to 3 and the number of active cases is 79.

Sewing

I have the collar done and ready to go onto the shirt. It went together well and I am happy with it. Hopefully today I can get it sewn on. 

Though I'm not sewing a lot due to being tired, I am thinking all the time about the next projects. 

• Quilted squares about 10" x 10" out of the cat fabric for on the table for hot items.
• Mug rugs for on our end tables to put cups onto
• Doll's quilt and pillow case
• Doll's top and capris for the wardrobe I'm making
• Doll's blouse out of the Spousal Unit's shirt scraps

It looks like July and August's sewing. 

The insert for my machine is being made. I've had several emails and I sent them a lot of pictures and information in my last reply. 

Knitting

I finished the hat to go with the red sweater. I had 18" of yarn left from the 50 gram ball. It was close. 

I cast on the sweater I last tested to make a 2nd one in dusty rose. I have the sleeves knit and the ribbing knit on the body. 

I haven't ordered any yarn yet. I'm being slow on ordering the yarn from Great Britain but will have to hit pay in the next 24 hours. I will be out of the 2 weight yarn when done the sweater I am now knitting. 

Today

Grandson is coming over for the day to do some chores for us. I plan on scrubbing the bathroom and sewing on the shirt. I will knit tonight. I hope to get some pictures taken today also. It is a stay at home day for us. 

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

Two Projects Completed

 Yesterday was another lovely day with a high of 25.4C. It was 12C this morning with a lovely breeze. Today is suppose to get to 22C and we are to have rain tonight. This day last year it was 33C.

Lifestyle

Roses from our 3 bushes. Lots of buds this year. 

We were out in good time to buy a stove. We did not look for a replacement part as this part does not last long when replaced. The new stove will arrive in good time as it was already on order. 

While ordering the stove, we returned the outside tap, got another hose holder and a few items for dinner. We got home at noon. 

We installed the hose holder later in the afternoon without too many problems. We both had our moments but in the end it is up nice and snug and the extra hose is hung on it. 

Dinner last night was made on the BBQ. It was hamburgers and we enjoyed them very much. Tonight is hmmmmmm but I will figure it out. 

There were 11 new cases of the virus reported yesterday and there are 93 active cases in the province. Here is hoping we continue to see less cases as time goes on. 

Sewing

I finished the test pattern and quite like it. It is a pattern I'd make again. 

I may try it sleeveless next time. I paired it with a skirt I made mid May and I love the combination. 

This is the third piece for the wardrobe I am making for the dolls. Next up will be capris and a reversible top. That will happen once I get the Spousal Unit's shirt finished.

Knitting

The sweater for the Gotz dolls is now complete. 

Using the left over yarn, I have cast on the hat from the previous outfit to knit. It will go with this sweater okay. If I don't have enough yarn, it will be a headband though I hope it will be a hat. 

Today

Off to the city today to get meat with daughter-in-law. I'm not sure if I will get any sewing done. I do hope to knit tonight. 

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

Plodding Along

 Yesterday was a lovely sunny day with a high of 22C. This morning it is 9C and sunny. We could see 25C by the end of the day. 

Lifestyle

I weeded the road side of the hedge yesterday morning. I was able to use the hoe on most of it but did have to weed some of it by hand. The yard side has less weeds so it won't take too long to do.

We are both tired of everything and it is affecting us more than we think. It has been hard to stay safe and not go anywhere. Another 10 days and we will look at venturing out for a day trip. We will have to follow all the rules but it will allow us to see some of the province. 

To add injury to how we feel, the oven of the stove decided to overheat and we now have to replace the stove. It seems as if this part dies about the age of ours for this model. Seems as if it isn't worth fixing nor do I want to play with it if we can't find someone to do the job. 

There were 14 new cases of the virus reported yesterday and the number of active cases is up to 97. There are less people in the hospital which is good. 

Sewing

I decided to test a pattern yesterday and made a top with a sweetheart neckline. I just have the back opening to finish and snaps to add. It is a well drafted pattern that has great instructions. 

I used a chambray fabric that matches a skirt I made a bit ago. I now have 3 pieces for that wardrobe. I bought a pattern to make capris and got the free pattern this week for shorts. I'll slowly sew and knit items for the wardrobe as time permits. 

Knitting

I finished knitting the sweater for the Gotz dolls. I need to sew up the arm seams, block and set aside so I can use it in an outfit for them. 

I am thinking about what to knit next. Will it be a sweater for the wardrobe or another sweater for the Gotz dolls? I have to decide by tonight. I have many ideas floating around in my head 

I also have to order yarn and finally got the British website to work. The cost of shipping and duties is more than the yarn but it works out less per 100 grams than ordering from a Canadian website. The yarn I'm ordering here is merino wool where as the other is acrylic. I like acrylic for the outfits I knit for the little girl though she has gotten outfits knit out of wool. I'm thinking on this. 

Today

I'm off to get a stove and then to finish the top and photograph it. Tonight I will knit. 

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

Progress on the Shirt

 Yesterday started off a bit iffy weather wise but it ended up being a nice day with a high of about 23C. This morning, it was 11C and the sun is shining. 

Lifestyle

I folded a lot of laundry, did 2 loads of laundry, and cleaned up the plumber's mess in the sewing room. I thought I was over the side effects of the vaccine but it hit me in the afternoon and I crashed around 3 p.m.

The Spousal Unit was busy and mowed the lawn in the afternoon. Like me, he crashed around 5 p.m. We both got ourselves together to make dinner and get the recycling and composting ready to go out this morning. Such fun and games we had. Once done, we were tired and went to bed early. 

There were 8 cases of the virus reported yesterday. Our number of active cases is 92 which is going down. We've moved to Phase 2 of the reopening plan. 

Sewing

I cut out the front bands, collar and collar bands yesterday. The front bands got interfaced and sewn on. I finished one button band before I had to stop sewing. I had a headache and was feeling overly tired. 

I'm pleased with how it looks. I used the zipper foot to top stitch very close to the edge and I am happy that is works so well. I've never been able to top stitch that close to the edge.

The next doll's quilt is basically planned. I will be doing disappearing 4 patch blocks. I hope to use up the rest of the golden yellow fabrics so they are gone from the stash. 

Knitting

I knit on the doll's sweater yesterday and spent part of the time unknitting. Once I got going, I was fine as I know the pattern. I'm now knitting the pattern up the front with the majority of the body in plain knitting. 

Today

I'm heading out to hoe the hedge and then inside to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. Another stay at home day.

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

Both of Us Double Dosed

 Yesterday was wet. We got almost 3/4" of rain. Today the sun is trying to shine so we hope the rain is done for now. 

Lifestyle

I got my 2nd dose, got the headache and took Advil. Then I was very tired and spent the afternoon on the couch. Took more Advil and went to bed early. I am fine today with just the injection site sore. 

The Spousal Unit talked to the doctor yesterday and he has a new hematologist. Everything is good and he will get tested again next year. Hurrah.

That was the extent of our day. 

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

We Will Be Fully Vaccinated Today

 The weather has been beautiful with temperatures in the mid 20'sC. It is starting to feel a lot more like summer. Today, it is cloudy and we should have showers for the next couple of days. 

Lifestyle

Life has been busy with the lovely weather. Outside jobs have been done. Yesterday, the Spousal Unit got his 2nd dose of Pfizer and had no reaction. Hurrah.

The plumber came and fixed the outdoor tap and I have a hole in the sewing room wall. It is nice to have the tap working and no hoses coming out of the garage door. 

I was talking to our neighbor and she was saying she got notification that she can get her 2nd dose of the vaccine but is having trouble changing her appointment. I looked for my notification and it was in the junk mail. After several hours of waiting and stressing out, I get my shot today. I do hope my neighbor got her appointment also. Another neighbor got his appointment for later next week. He just told me the system was down yesterday. 

There were 8 new cases and 1 death reported yesterday. 66.7% of the overall province's population has received their first dose of the vaccine. It seems as if we are ready to move to Phase 2 of the reopening plan.

Sewing

I sewed the yoke on the Spousal Unit's shirt on Sunday. I did starch the fabric for more body which helped a lot. I use the zipper foot on the Juki to get close to the edge. 

With the plumber here yesterday, no sewing got done. 

Knitting

Lily modeled the outfit I knit and she loves it. It fits beautifully. 

The hat is a great fit also. 

I cast on Kelby again and got a few rows knit on it. I used the larger needles and am loving how it knits up and looks. I will be puttering on it for the next while. 

Today

I get my vaccine this morning, home, Advil, and I will see how the day goes. I will work on laundry and cleaning the mess in the sewing room. I'm not pushing it. If my arm is not too sore, I will knit. Sewing may not happen. 

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

The Hedge is Weeded

 Yesterday was a perfect day with lots of sunshine and a high of 20C. This morning it was 8C and it is to be sunny and 22C. Another wonderful day in the making. 

Lifestyle

I headed outdoors yesterday morning early and started to weed the hedge. Just less than 2 hours later I was done. The Spousal Unit had uncovered the plants during that time and was itching to get the tubs outside. He was pacing waiting for me to be done the hedge

While I sat on the deck steps, he hauled out the tubs and put them where I told him to. I then put them into their proper positions and he watered them. I planted 6 tomato plants and 2 geraniums before we called it quits and went inside to hydrate. It was almost noon. After lunch, the Spousal Unit mowed some lawns. It was a busy day in the yard. 

I lost 1.8 lbs this past week and have lot 36.8 lbs in total. I am the lightest I've been in years. I am eating well with portion control, not snacking, and moving more. 

There were 10 cases of the virus reported yesterday. There are 145 active cases with 10 people in the hospital. Of those 10, 6 are in intensive care. 

Sewing

I headed to the sewing room for the afternoon. My first job was to finish the piping I started. Bubble gum pink fairy frost. 

I sew the piping on the Diamond and it is really noisy compared to the Juki. When done, I touched a button and found the free motion quilting part. I'm going to give it a try to see if it works or if it will be a fight. 

Once done the piping, I ironed the fabric for the Spousal Unit's shirt. I got the fronts and back cut out and sewn. Next was the yokes. I have to turn the edge under on one front yoke and they are ready to be sewn down. 

The fabric is light weight and very soft. I am thinking of starching it to give it a bit of body when I do the pockets, button band, and collar. They are all bias and need to some stabilization. 

After sewing doll clothes and piecing quilt blocks, sewing human clothes is scary. There is a lot of fabric to handle and the seams are huge at 5/8". I was over the scare by the time I got the yokes almost done. 

Knitting

I finished the Gotz doll's sweater last night and it is cute. I have started on the hat that goes with it. I have really enjoyed knitting with expensive yarn as it is so smooth and silky. 

Pictures will be coming as I need to do a photo shoot. 

Today

I have a lot of laundry to do. The blankets used to cover the plants all need to be done along with our own laundry. I will be at that all day. I do want to sew on the shirt and knit on the hat. It is another stay at home day.

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

Wind, Frost, And A Power Outage

 Thursday was a cool day with a lot of wind (30-50 km/hour). The sun did shine but it was cool enough for a frost warning which we did get. Yesterday was warmer and a lot nicer. Though there was a frost warning once again, we didn't get any. Today is to be nice with a high of 20C. 

Lifestyle

On Thursday I was shopping to get things we needed but were unable to get locally. When I got home, the wind had killed 3 tomato plants so we got out all the blankets and covered all the plants to save them from the wicked wind and the frost we had yesterday morning. 

Yesterday we uncovered the all the plants and I set about weeding 8 bushes in the dreaded hedge. Only 8 left to go and then I need to hoe the hedge to get it looking great. We covered the plants again last night. We hope for the last time until fall. 

Just after 2 p.m., the TV went off but the sewing machines were on. I tried the light, no light. When I went to check the breakers, the power went off. Outside you could hear sirens and we are assuming an accident caused our area to be without power. We got power on just before 4 p.m. 

Sewing

I had to unstuff the pillow and make it smaller. It was too big for the pillow case. The pillow case was a fast make and quite cute. 

Next time, I will add to the body of the pillow. 

I was sewing together bias strips to make piping when the power went off. I have a couple of strips left to attach and then I can make piping. I found a full bateau (50 meters) of cording when shopping on Thursday. I will probably need another 50 meters before I finish making piping for daughter. 

I didn't get to practice free motion quilting due to the power being out. 

Knitting

I finished the test pattern only to find out I have sleeve done wrong. I'll photograph the outfit on the doll so you can't see the sleeve and then toss the sweater and knit it again. 

I worked on the Gotz doll sweater and took a picture of it at this stage. 

I have since finished the pattern, done 2 rows of plain knitting and am ready to knit the row where I add the sleeves. I quite like this sweater and the color combination is growing on me. 

Today

I hope to finish weeding the hedge today and plant tomatoes. Then it's sewing piping and getting the Spousal Unit's shirt ready to cut out. I hope to knit on the doll's sweater tonight. It's another day at home. 

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

Quilt Finished

 Yesterday was a warm and humid day. The high got to 27C though it felt warmer than that. It cooled off to 10C during the night and is to be 17C today. Lots of sunshine also.

Lifestyle

I chose to stay at home yesterday so the plants could be put out. I got all the flowers and the tomato plants done and am happy with the results. The Spousal Unit got the tomato cages and kept the watering can filled. 

I was tired and had a hard time getting out of first gear yesterday. I did sit and rest some after doing the planting but I had a hard time getting myself going. 

There were 13 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. The total number of cases dropped down to just over 160 which is good news. 

Sewing

I sat in the sewing room and finished hand sewing the binding onto the doll's quilt. I am happy that it's done and now I can make a pillow and pillow case to go with it. 

I found a new series of videos by the Crafty Gemini. I started off with video 2 (in the link) and will be practicing straight line stitching. The goal is to get the feel of the machine and hand speed to get a stitch length you like. I will get some cotton out and do her lessons. 

Once the pillow and case are done, I am going to sew the Spousal Unit a shirt. I can practice quilting in between. 

Knitting

I got the body done on the test pattern, increased for the collar and am knitting on it. Knitting the body took a lot of concentration due to the pattern (easy) and the decreases for the front and raglan sleeves. The combination made me read each row carefully out loud to get it correct. 

Today

I'm off to the city for the morning and then home to sew and knit. 

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

Another Hot Day

 Yesterday the temperature got to 32C and it was another hot day. It was slow to cool off overnight and we woke to a thunder storm and showers. Still warm outside and humid. Today is to be cooler but we won't see any real relief until tonight. 

Lifestyle

Grandson was here yesterday and he weed whacked in the morning before it got too hot. He spent time inside and out in the afternoon and I took him and the Spousal Unit for ice-cream in the afternoon. 

I cleaned the front landing yesterday and took the mat outside to hose it clean. It took 4 hours for it to dry but it looks so clean now. I am happy with what I got done. 

There were 17 cases of the virus reported yesterday. Most are related to other cases or from travel outside the province. Looking at information, our county as no cases of the virus which is nice. 

Sewing

Yesterday's goal was to put away items that needed putting away. I did it very quickly as I've been pretty good about that. I need to look in a cupboard for a few small baskets to put some loose items into and put away some embroidery thread. I've ignored the thread for so long, I don't see it. 

I finished up wiggling the quilt and was more relaxed yesterday. I also realized I wasn't gripping the fabric tight enough while wiggling. That helped. Though not perfect, it is done and the binding is now being hand sewn down.

Some doll will enjoy this quilt even though it isn't perfect. It is part of the learning process I am going through. The next doll's quilt is being designed in my head and I will watch videos to help me do the piecing. I also have a couple of ideas on how I will baste it this time. While all of this is peculating in my mind, I will make the Spousal Unit a shirt. 

Knitting

I am working on the sweater and have about 15 rows before I start knitting the collar. It is a cute pattern but not one I will knit again. Once done, I will be going back to the Gotz doll's sweater I set aside to test this pattern. 

Today

My plans are unclear. I'm deciding if I want to go shop in the city for items we need or if I should stay at home. Decisions, decisions. I hope to hand stitch more on the binding and knit tonight. 

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

Wiggles

 It was hot yesterday. The high got to 32.7C and it broke a record for our area. This morning it is 18C and it will be another hot day with chances of a thunder storm later this afternoon. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I cleaned the living area. Not completely done but much better than before. It will get done today.

With the heat came crankiness. We were both hot and had a few things to do outside. Watering the lawn and plants caused us to bicker. Once inside and cooled down, we were tired but not as cranky. We have run both the upstairs and basement a/c for 24 hours to keep the house cool. 

There were 14 cases of the virus reported yesterday. 61% of the population is vaccinated first dose. I can hardly wait for the number of people getting their 2nd dose is at that percentage. 

Sewing

I spent about 30 minutes before lunch in the sewing room. The goal was to get rid of garbage and recycling. That I did and while I was at it, I cleaned off most of the cutting table. Today is returning items to where they belong. I don't have a lot of extras come into the sewing room that belong elsewhere but I do need to put a few things away in their rightful spots. That's today's job. 

I got the doll's quilt sandwiched and pinned. I did wiggles on it and almost cried. What did I miss doing? I thought I had done it right according to Leah Day's instructions.

I have wrinkles. I was upset with that until I realized this is the first free motion quilting I've done in 12 years. It's wiggles. They will show the worst mistakes as I only crossed vertical lines and not horizontal lines. And, I didn't miss any steps in preparing the quilt.

I need to add more pins to help hold the fabric tight though there are no wrinkles on the back. I will continue with the more dense wiggles and the next time I will loosen up a bit. And I realized the dolls won't mind a quilt that isn't perfect as I learn the ins and outs of free motion quilting. 

When I left the sewing room, I realized I had taken a big step forward and actually did the wiggles on a project. Next up I will look at a couple more videos and plan the next doll's quilt. I also have to do a stipple block to get the idea of stippling in my memory. 

Knitting

I knit on the test pattern and have the sleeves added to the body. All the stitches are on two circular needles and will be for a while longer. 

One part of the cleaning the living area was to control the knitting mess. The sweater for the Gotz dolls is in a bag and waiting until I get this sweater done. It is nice to have only 1 project on the couch while I knit. Even Elliott likes the empty space to stretch out on. 

Today

Grandson is coming up today and weed eating the ditch. I want to finish the living area and do the front entry. Then a bit of putting things away in their correct spot in the sewing room before I do more quilting. Or shall we say wiggling. Tonight is knitting. With it so hot today, we will be moving at a snail's pace. 

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

A Doll's Quilt Top Completed

Yesterday was a warm day with a high of 25C. Not as hot as Saturday which was nice as we are to see mid 30's today and tomorrow. We are under a heat warning for the next 48 hours. This morning it is 14C which is lovely and cool. I stood out on the deck for a bit enjoying it. 

Lifestyle

I cleaned the dining area yesterday and washed the floors. The dusting is done and it amazing how much pollen got into the house and will continue to as there are a lot of trees flowering in the area. 

We had our grandson over for a few hours yesterday and we enjoyed that. 

The Spousal Unit didn't have a lot to do as he got the yard work caught up. The ditch needs doing and that will be grandson's job on Tuesday. 

There were 12 new cases of the virus and 32 recoveries reported yesterday giving us 204 active cases in the province. It is coming down from people doing their best to follow the restrictions and getting vaccinated. 

Sewing

My little blocks grew into a doll's quilt. I had a lot of fun with this little project and left the sewing room happy but tired. I sewed, I measured, I trimmed and it payed off. 

It is pretty accurate but not perfect. I'm blaming me for the inaccuracies. But, I did learn a lot. The plain cotton is thin and needed more starch. I will use the 1/4" foot next time though it wasn't recommended as it has the edge piece on it. I've had no problems with it before but I was following the directions given by Leah Day. 

I pressed all the seams flat using Leah Day's method and I'm thrilled with how flat the quilt looks on both the front and back. 

I stood and admired my work for quite a while and reflected on how much I learned. 

While quilting this doll's quilt, I am going to spend some time daily cleaning the sewing room. I'm going to start with garbage and 15 minutes. We will see where I get in that amount of time. I have no strict time line so this may take all summer.

I'm also wanting to organize the sewing room and between Scissor Tail Quilting and Karen Brown I will work on it until I get the room the way I want it to be. I am wanting the room to look pretty and to be organized. For me this is an ongoing process.

One of the things I have come to grips with is the green chair covering and cube fabric totes. I was going to get rid of the color but now I'm not. I'm going to pair it with raspberry and let it give the room a good punch of color. I need to find fabric and get started on what it is I want to create, a bit at a time.

Knitting

I have the ribbing done and got started on the pattern. There is a mistake that I had to go back to the group and find out how to correct it. Vague information so I used the pattern from the skirt and the pictures and got it figured out. 

My next little project is to knit some lace for doll clothes. I found this delightful pattern and want to try it using some fine yarn I have. It will be perfect for historical doll clothes. 

Today

I'm going to clean up the living area this morning, clean the sewing room for 15 minutes and sandwich the doll's quilt in the afternoon. Tonight is knitting.

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

The Start Of A Doll's Quilt

 It was a warm day yesterday with a high of 27.7C which was a broken record. We had showers during the night and it is 18C this morning. We are looking at 32-33C tomorrow and Tuesday. All I can say is yuck. 

Lifestyle

I cleaned the kitchen yesterday and it is shining. I was happy to get that job done. I also made a cake for dinner last night at family's. Grandson biked up after lunch and made the Greek salad. We had a good visit while he chopped the vegetables. 

We had a great dinner outside at family's following all the reopening restrictions. It was nice to visit with them after a month of limited visiting. 

The Spousal Unit finished mowing the lawn yesterday morning and it is nice to have it done. It is getting thicker though we will over seed it in the fall. 

There were 18 cases of the virus reported yesterday. The number of active cases continue to decrease. 

Sewing

I want to make a simple doll's quilt. It is a study in handling the fabric from start to finish. I've been researching and studying how I wanted to do it. I looked for a pattern. I found one and watched the video and was surprised at how the designer (well known) didn't do a lot of pressing. That worried me at lot. I'll get the pattern once I've done a couple of simple quilts.

I finally chose to go with Leah Day's videos on Quilting Basics Tutorial videos starting with Preparing Your Fabric. I laundered the fabric which was quick and easy. When it came to starching it, I wondered if I had put enough starch on or too much. I massaged the fabric and pressed it. I did use a hot dry iron and it was hard not to use steam. But I persevered. The two pieces of fabric turned out nice; not too limp nor too stiff. 

I did the dance with the fabric to get it on grain and hand pressed down the fold. I did it twice before I cut 2 strips 2.5" wide. They were very straight. I was proud of what I had done. Next I cut 2.5" squares from each strip so I could start to piece.

I reviewed Beginner Quilt Piecing Tips and set up my machine up the way she did. I dialed the stitch length down to 1.6 and started to sew the first two blocks together using Aurfil thread. When done, I pressed them as directed and then sewed together my first block of 4 squares. I was impressed. A trip to the cutting table to measure and I trimmed a hair off two sides. They basically were square.

The back looked impressive also. 

I chose to press the seams open as I have never done this before. I am impressed at how flat the seams are compared to pressing to one side. I may be converted. I ended this session on a high note and am ready to tackle the remaining blocks.

The plan is to have a 4" square of a print fabric between each of the 4 patches and then quilt it using wiggles. I'm giving this to the little girl I sew for as I'm using up stash. I question as to why I bought it in the first place. 

Knitting

I got 9 rows knit on the body of the sweater. At this stage the ribbing is done and I have to increase before starting the pattern. 

Today

I am going to clean the dining area and hall plus do a load of laundry. I want to sew on the quilt this afternoon and will knit tonight. 

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