One Brave Cat

 Yesterday was a day of rain and sunshine. The high got to 23.7C with a humidex of 31. It rained during the night and this morning it was 20C with a humidex of 28C. It felt like warm soup out there this morning. 

Lifestyle

I headed into Bedford yesterday and got what we needed and was home by noon. Fast and furious. It was busy as people are getting ready for back to school next week. 

Elliott decided to be brave and explore half of the deck last night. His nose was going a hundred miles an hour taking in all the outside smells.

He got 10 feet from the door and decided to look around by the umbrella and chairs. No dogs to harass so he went inside.

We had a good laugh reading an article in the news. Broadway Bill brought a bit of humor when most news is disturbing. 

There were 31 cases of the virus reported yesterday (3 days). The majority are travel or close contact and all are in isolation. No one is in the hospital. We are moving into the 4th wave and we are going to be more careful in what we do. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon in the sewing room and finished up the doll's blouse. The pattern is a keeper and I will make it again when I have time. 

I am extremely happy that I spent the time fussy cutting and sewing the pattern so the pattern matches.

I got out the fabric scrap (.6 meter or better total) and did some cutting and sewing on it. I have a 21 x 48" animal blanket ready to be finished. 

I'm wanting to make it into a quilt and have to find backing in the stash for it. Straight line quilting for it also. I'd like to get it ready to hand sew the binding down so I can spent an afternoon watching TV while doing it.

Knitting

I got 5 repeats (20 rows) knit on the 2nd sock last night. Just 3 repeats to go and I start the heel. 

I bought a skein of yarn and some knitting needles for the next pair of socks. I'm looking forward to knitting them. 

Though I don't do a lot of crocheting, I'm going to try this blanket for our bedroom. It is a baby size and I'd like to make it bigger. This website is full of free patterns and it has me wanting to improve my crocheting skills. 

Today

I have to do some upstairs clean up, work on the blanket/quilt and knit. We are tired today as we both slept poorly last night. Our house was hot and it caused us to toss and turn all night. 

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

Another Fussy Cut Project

Yesterday was another lovely sunny day with a high of 22.8C. The humidex made it feel like 24C which was nothing. This morning it is 15C and we are to have rain and 22C. 

Lifestyle

We talked about going for a drive but chose to stay home. I went down to the sewing room and cleaned off the sewing table. It was nice to see the top, which was dirty. I spent time scrubbing it clean and also did the cutting mat. All the temporary basting spray is gone.

I still have to clean under the table which won't take long. I also took a picture of the pressing center. 

The Spousal Unit spent time sorting puzzle pieces to start his fall puzzle. We both gave up on the 2000 piece puzzle and it will go to the used book store to stress someone else out. 

Sewing

I had a good run at the Bella Blouse I have wanted to sew for a long time. It is another fussy cut project and I'm thrilled I spent the time doing it. 

When sewing the darts, I spent the time making sure the lines went straight across. 

I did the same with the tucks in the back. 

It is cute with a plain chambray skirt so I need to find the fabric in the stash and make a simple skirt to go with the top. 

While putting away the fabric off the cutting table, I saw a piece that was going to be a vest for the fall fair. I thought a blanket for the dolls or cats. I will be dragging it out and cutting it to size. It is a large scrap given to me before we moved here. I will bind it with black cotton and call it done. It will be added to the to do list. More on it when I start the project which could be as early as tomorrow.

I've also decided not to take the fabric off the shelves and sort it as it is a big project and I don't have time right now. I will do that at the end of December when I do my idea's page for 2022. At the moment, the shelves are not a total mess and I can live with it. The next area to clean is the yarn stash area.

Knitting

I worked on the sock and have 10 pattern repeats (40 rows) knit. Only 8 repeats left to go before the heel flap. 

I am enjoying knitting the second sock as much as the first one. I think the pattern keeps it interesting. 

Today

I am off to the city to do some shopping. I want to be home by noon so I can finish the doll's blouse this afternoon. I am going to knit tonight. 

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

A Lot Of Piping

 Yesterday the high got to 20.4C. It was sunny and lovely outside. This morning it was 8C and the sun is shining. The high is to get to 23C. 

Lifestyle

I folded all the laundry yesterday and am glad that job is done. Once done, I was outside to deadhead the geraniums and they should have a lovely show of color in a couple of weeks. 

The sewing room was, once again, the target of my cleaning. I scrubbed the 2nd window and then cleaned up the ironing area. It wasn't as dirty as other parts of the room but it wasn't clean. The floor was swept and swiffered and I did under the stash shelving unit also. No pictures as it is a boring area to photograph. 

My weight is up and I am owning it. With the heat, humidity, and a poor attitude towards eating, it was bound to happen. I've been tracking for 2 days now and hope to feel better both physically and mentally in a few days. 

Sewing

I sewed piping yesterday. I used a piece of fabric that was 19" x width of fabric and it made just over 10 meters of piping. 

It is cute against the black fabric I use to showcase it. 

I have said I will not do that much again unless it is white. I'll do only a fat quarter at a time which is enough for a shirt. 

Daughter told me she was looking at fabric I sent her and found a bag of purple piping with it. She missed it when she opened the parcel. 

Knitting

The second sock is coming along nicely. The ribbing and 5 repeats of the pattern are done. Only 13 pattern repeats until the heel is started.

It is always easier to do the 2nd sock though I am watching the videos when I come to each part of the sock. This has been the easiest pair of socks I've knit. 

Today

It is another stay at home day for us. I want to clean up the cutting table area and swiffer the whole floor once again. I'll just have the reading/wool stash area left to do. I am ready to sew the doll's blouse this afternoon and knit tonight. I may even sneak in a bit of time to work on a puzzle. 

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

Projects Done

 Yesterday's high got to 25.7C and with the humidity it felt more like 32C. When the wind came up, it was mainly from the north(ish) and had a coolness to it. A welcome relief to the warm winds we had been having. This morning it was 12C at 6 a.m. and is to get to 21C today. It is suppose to be sunny.

Lifestyle

I was out for less than 30 minutes yesterday around noon and that was it. I spent the day staying cool in the house.

I cleaned up the area where I have the sewing machines. The window was cleaned, walls dry wiped, floor swept and swiffered. The furniture was wiped down and all the extra stuff was put away or tossed.

The dolls were put back onto their cube and were happy to be out of the family room. 

I put the embroidery part of the Diamond away while I make piping.

The Juki's area is cleaned and ready for me to sew without a big mess all around me. 

Though not fancy, the area feels calm and inviting to me. 

I also cleaned up the area where the Spousal Unit does puzzles. The table and ledge got a good wiping, and the floors were swept and swiffered. He is now ready to do another puzzle as he put away the one that defeated us last winter. No pictures of that area yet. My focus is on the basement at the moment. Upstairs is looking okay and I'm keeping it tidy.

I ate correctly yesterday and felt a lot better for it. I'm working on trying to eat according to my diet. I did drink a lot of water yesterday which helped me stave off craving. My IBS is not as bad which is nice.

There were 9 cases of the virus reported yesterday. All were related to travel or a close contact. Our number of cases are slowly creeping up once again. There are 55 cases in the province.

Sewing

I spent the afternoon sewing the binding in place on the hot pads. The job is done and I'm happy about that. I have certainly learned a lot about piecing and quilting.

I'm ready to sew piping and a doll's blouse next.

Knitting

I watched the video on how to do the toes and knit along. I had the sock finished in no time flat. 

The orange markers are points I need to know when knitting the 2nd sock. 

I cast on the 2nd sock right away and have 5 rows of ribbing done already. And I'm watching the videos again as I knit so I remember what to do. 

Today

I am going to fold laundry and then clean another area in the sewing room. I want to make piping and knit. I may get a bit more of the family room cleaned also.

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

A Very Busy Day

Yesterday was another warm day with a high of 30.3C and a humidex of 39C. There was thunder early this morning and we had a shower. The temperature is 19C this morning and it is to be 27C. The heat warning is over with. 

Lifestyle

It was a busy day yesterday. I got the remaining floors swept including the stairs and front landing. The living room furniture was dusted. I even swept part of the family room floor. 

We were out mid morning to pay bills and do a bit of shopping for last night's birthday dinner. It was hot and humid and I started to over heat. I felt it progress all day and by early evening I was feeling sick from the heat. We left the birthday dinner and I proceeded to drink water and cool down. I was feeling better by bedtime but didn't sleep all that well. Our bedroom was hot. 

The birthday dinner was wonderful. The cold food was wonderful to eat and we enjoyed ourselves visiting. 

There was new one case of the virus reported yesterday. There are 50 active cases in the province. I'm sure we are slowly moving into the 4th wave. 

Sewing

I swept the sewing area of the sewing room yesterday. All the thread and fabric clippings are gone off the floor. It was nice to get that floor space tidied up.

I got the 2nd rectangular hot pad finished. 

I did get started sewing the binding down on the first square hot pad. 

The goal this week is to finish cleaning up the sewing room and hand sew the binding down on the hot pads. Once they are done, I will make some piping before I start on the cat's quilt. I'm focusing on cleaning the room before I start the next project. It really needs it.

Knitting

The foot of the sock is knit and I'm ready to start the toe. I have to watch the next video and do it. Then onto the 2nd sock. When it is done, I will be doing another knit along that is a few years old using up more of the sock yarn in the stash. I am enjoying knitting socks once again and getting Christmas presents made at the same time. 

Today

With upstairs looking okay, I'll do a load of laundry and clean the sewing room. The focus is where the sewing machines are. Sweep, Swiffer, wash window, clean furniture, put away what is not needed, toss what is garbage, and get the dolls back into their spot. Tonight I will knit on the toe of the sock. It is a stay at home day as I need to drink lots of water and keep cool. 

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

One Hot Pad Binding Completed

Yesterday was a hot day with a high of 30.3C with a humidex between 36 and 39C during the hottest part of the day. We broke the record for the high yesterday. This morning it was 17C with lots of dew. We are to see 30-31C today. 

Lifestyle

It was a busy morning in the kitchen. I made a potato salad and deviled eggs for today's birthday dinner. While food was cooking I double swept the dining area floor and cleaned the table. The kitchen was also cleaned up and I felt good about what was done. The house is looking tidier even if I'm not finished the floors.

The Spousal Unit sprayed for weeds and the company that does our lawn praised him for a job well done. They put fertilizer on the lawn yesterday. We just have to do our own last cinch bug control over the weekend. Then it will be weeding and prepping for the lawn to be reseeded. 

I'm still tired but am sleeping better. The heat is taking its toil on us again. I'm eating poorly as I'm tired. My IBS has flared up and I need to slow down and think before I eat. 

There were 7 new cases of the virus and 1 death reported yesterday. There are 50 active cases in the province now. Most are related to travel/close contact but a few are under investigation. There is no community spread which is great. 

Sewing

My goal to sew the binding on one hot pad and start cleaning the sewing room was not fully completed. The binding got sewn down which took a full 2 hours. 

It took so long to sew down the binding as I was trying to figure out why the TV wasn't working. Hand sew a bit, try to figure out why I couldn't get anything but what came off the internet. Try something, failed, and hand sew a bit more. Rebooted the internet, rebooted the TV and finally decided to check cables. The cable into the TV box was unplugged. I finished up sewing the binding while enjoying a couple of episodes of Rehab Addict.

I have been doing a lot of looking at quilts and quilting ideas. I am finding that I am really interested in simple quilts and quilting. I found a gingham quilt I love. The striped binding is lovely on this quilt, and how it is quilted is perfect. I am going to do this quilting on the cat's quilt. It will allow me to press the seams open and stitch down each side of the seam.

Knitting

I worked on the sock last night and added the 2nd skein of yarn. I have just over an inch left to knit on foot before I start the toe. Pictures when done the first sock. 

Today

I have to finish up the potato salad and eggs, do a bit of shopping, make a Greek salad and head over to family for daughter-in-law's birthday supper. I hope to do a bit of work in the sewing room and sew the binding down on the 2nd rectangular hot pad. I may knit tonight but it may not happen. We wait and see how much I get done after food prep is done. 

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

Binding On The Hot Pads

 Yesterday was another sunny day and the high got to 27.8C with a humidex of 35C. Mid afternoon they put us under a heat warning as we are to have 2 hot and humid days. This morning the temperature was 18C and it is to get to 30C. The humidex will make it feel like 35C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I was doing a search for the weed killer we use (environmentally safe and used by lawn companies). In my silly google searches I found a place it was sold at and on sale. We were off and running. While shopping, I did buy a new toaster as our old one died after 8 years of daily use. 

I did start sweeping floors yesterday. I used a broom and then the swiffer to get them really clean. I also got out the duster and cleaned under the fridge as it was really fluffy under there. As I did the cleaning, my mood lifted and I felt happy seeing the house look cleaner. 

The Spousal Unit picked tomatoes and we have to make salads and give them away. The grape tomatoes are producing like crazy. 

There were 11 new cases of the virus and there are 49 active cases. All are from travel or close contacts. Our state of emergency has been extended to Sept. 5.

Sewing

I made more binding and continued on binding the hot pads. I had less than 12" of thread left on the bobbin and less than 24" on the spool. 1000 meters of thread used up on the cat project.

The hot pads are ready to have the binding hand stitched down. 

I am really pleased with them and have one Christmas gift almost finished. I would like to hand stitch one a day and clean up the sewing room. It is a mess from focusing on these items. I also have to make piping and I want to sew a blouse for the dolls. 

Knitting

I worked on the socks last night and am progressing slowly. I am almost finished one ball of yarn and am happy I bought 3 of them. Each sock will take nearly 1.5 balls of yarn. 

Knitting in the round for the foot is almost boring and I'm happy for the pattern on the top part of the sock. It keeps me alert. 

Today

I have to make potato salad and deviled eggs for dinner tomorrow night. While the potatoes and eggs are cooking I will continue sweeping floors and doing a bit of other cleaning. I want to sew the binding on one hot pad and start cleaning the sewing room this afternoon and knit tonight. I'm not venturing out a lot today as it is going to be a hot one. 

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

Playing Thread Chicken

 Yesterday was warm at 25.1C and with a humidex of 34C. We had a couple of showers during the day. Last night, there was a thunder storm and rain. This morning, the temperature is 22C with a humidex of 30C. It is going to be 28C today with a humidex of 34C. We are to have showers during the day. 

Lifestyle

I got half of the bathroom scrubbed before I headed out to apply grub killer on the lawn. It needs water to activate it and rain is a cheap way to do that. No weed killer was applied as it needs dry weather. 

The Spousal Unit did pick grape tomatoes and I need to sort them and get some to the neighbors. He also picked some Early Girl tomatoes. 

There was a briefing on the virus yesterday. There were 17 new cases over the weekend and all were travel or close contact related. The school opening plan and phase 5 were discussed along with the 4th wave. We are going to have to learn to live with Covid, reopening, restrictions, etc. as we move forward. 

Sewing

I spent a couple of hours in the sewing room and finished quilting the last rectangular hot pad. This is how much thread was left when I finished quilting. 

I have used this thread only for the placemats, potholders and hot pads. 

I spent some time making binding and have the two rectangular hot pads ready to hand sew the binding in place. 

I now need to add more binding strips onto the left over piece and start binding the 3 square hot pads. I will be hand sewing the binding down with another brand of thread as I'm going to play thread chicken getting the binding sewn on. 

Daughter bought me 3 more spools of glide thread. I didn't ask for the mint as I don't do a lot of sewing in green.

I do use this thread for regular sewing and quilting and love it. 

Knitting

I finished the gusset on the sock and am ready to knit the foot. 

I love the way the yarn is knitting up on these socks. 

Last night I wished I had a 2nd circular needle this size and length to start the 2nd sock and knit it to this stage. I may get another needle and a ball of yarn so I can do it with my next pair of socks. I'm short 1 ball for them. 

Today

I'm going to do a big sweep of the house today and focus on sweeping floors and tidying up messy areas. I find I am over whelmed at the moment and need to bring order to the mess by choosing to sweep and clear away some clutter. I want to get the binding on the hot pads this afternoon and knit more on the socks tonight. 

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

Almost Done The Quilting

 Yesterday was a lovely day with a high of 25.3C and a humidex of 31C. This morning it is 20C and cloudy. Henri is coming our way but will be later arriving than anticipated. We are expecting 26C and showers today.

Lifestyle

We were busy yesterday morning doing some weed control. Just before lunch we left to get some items we needed. We were home by 2:30 pm happy with our shopping. 

We put down the chairs and laid down the umbrella due to Henri. We are being careful though they say we are not to have a lot of wind. One never knows what these storms will do. 

Sewing

I finished up one of the rectangular hot pads. The other one is at the sewing machine to do the horizontal stitching.

I am learning a lot about how crazy it is to sew many many rows of straight stitching. Square up before stitching and don't square up afterwards. Things do shift even when using basting spray. 

I may end up making 4 bowl cozies for daughter out of the teal fabrics. I am going to make some for us in snowflake fabric so can do hers at the same time. That will finish up her set. As ours is for the summer, I will do a table runner in the teals for the server. 

Knitting

I am working away at the gusset. I think I am about half way done. Keeping track of the instep pattern, decreasing the gusset, and the padding stitch under the heel is a lot of thinking. No mistakes so far. Hopefully pictures tomorrow. 

Today

I am going to do housework and laundry today and sew this afternoon and knit tonight. It is a stay at home day for us. 

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

Crashed and Burned

 Yesterday was another warm day with a high of 25.4C with a humidex of 29C. This morning it is 14C at 6 a.m. with lots of fog. We are to have sunshine and 27C today.

Lifestyle

I crashed and burned yesterday. I hit the wall of exhaustion that led to me being cranky and angry. Let me say, I wasn't a nice person to be around. Outside I pulled some weeds around the house that I had sprayed and inside I did get 2 loads of laundry done ready to be folded. 

By last night I was aching in a lot of my joints. I took Advil and slept good. I even slept in this morning for an hour. It will be a slow moving today but I'm feeling better. 

The Spousal Unit picked grape tomatoes and I took a bag of ripe ones to family. The rest need to be sorted and some go to friends. The crop of grape tomatoes is on track to being bumper. Four Early Girl tomatoes have been picked and will ripen in the window for a couple of days. 

Sewing

I spent quite a bit of time in the sewing room calming down. I am quilting the last rectangular hot pad and, if there is enough thread, I will do more quilting on both of them. 

Next up is to sew the strips of binding together so I can bind the 5 pieces. The pot holders and hot pads have used up 2.3 meters of fabric and when the 4 place mats are included the total is 4.9 meters of fabric. That doesn't include the batting or insulbrite. 

I am looking forward to starting the quilt for the cat. But, before I start, I will make some piping for daughter. I'm trying to sew more of it for her and doing it between other projects. I am behind on making it.

Knitting

I enjoyed knitting yesterday. I watched the videos on the sock and by last night I was knitting the gusset. I'm back in the round. 

I am impressed with the lady who does the videos as she explains why you do certain things. The edge of the flap was wonderful and made picking up the gusset stitches so easy. Where to add extra stitches so no hole when you join the gusset to the top of the sock. I get the process now. One thing she does is the padded stitch of the heel right under the heel to the arch. I'm doing that on this pair also and may continue doing it on all the socks I knit. It doesn't take much extra time to do. 

Today

I am going to be doing what I can inside and out. I want to finish up the quilting of the hot pads and start sewing the binding together. I will knit also. I'm not pushing myself as I need another good night's sleep. 

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

Leg of Sock Completed

 Yesterday was a wet humid day. The high got to 25.4C with a humidex of 34C. There was 1.5" of rain fall by 2 p.m. This morning it is 19C and we are to have sunny weather with a high of 26C. 

Lifestyle

I headed into the city with daughter-in-law and we did up Home Depot. I got a pint of primer, a roller, paint tape, and grub killer. I'm ready to kill the grubs that are eating the lawn and paint some furniture. Daughter-in-law got what she needed and we went for lunch and then home. 

Once home, I crashed. I was exhausted from the heat, humidity, and poor sleeping habits. I rested and dozed and finally moved my sorry self at 4:45 p.m. to heat up dinner. 

There were 10 new cases of the virus reported yesterday and we have 41 active cases in the province. We are being very diligent once again and I will be doing fast shopping when in the city. 

Sewing

None got done yesterday though I did a tiny bit of thinking while on the couch. I have some woodland fabric in the stash that I will make a puppy quilt out of. A bit more scrappy looking but still fun. I would like to make it from what I have in the stash but I have a feeling I may have to buy a bit of fabric for the backing. 

I also spent a bit of time thinking about the Christmas placemats I want to make. I have the main fabric but need to buy 2 pieces to go with it and I need to decide on a pattern. I have one that I may try but it was too much for a tired brain to think about so I put the thought to one side.  

Knitting

I did knit last night and got the final three pattern repeats done (12 rows). 

I am happy with how it looks and amazed it only took me 3 days to knit the leg of this sock. I now have to read the pattern and watch the video for the gusset and heel. 

Today

I am still tired but not exhausted. I am going to try and clean the bathroom this morning, work on the quilting projects this afternoon and start the heel flap tonight. 

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

Cleaning and Quilting

Yesterday was warm and humid. The high got to 27.7C with the humidex giving us 37C. UGH! We have a tropical cyclone warning as Henri is coming pushing the warm moist air ahead of it. This morning it is raining and 20C. We are to see 23C with a humidex of 31C.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a busy day for us. The Spousal Unit got the rest of the ditch tidied up to his liking and was really tired when done. He just has to do along the road now. He is thankful grandson did the worst part of the weed whacking for him. 

I spent my time cleaning the dryer and scrubbing the floor in the closet and the hall. It was dirty. When done, I did some flower arranging as these flowers have been in the house for 2 years now.

 I hung a picture to see what it would look like in the hall and then added the plate. 

It has me wanting to paint the walls a light grey. 

The plate is one we bought when in a shop somewhere in BC. We have always worked with Hereford cattle and it was the perfect plate for us.

The picture is one son gave us years ago. We love it.

When I was finished, I sat back and enjoyed what I had done. Two areas are fall cleaned and I can now start the next area; the bathroom. 

We were out to watch grandson play soccer last night. They lost as they played poorly overall. They did have moments of brilliance.

There were 8 new cases of the virus reported yesterday with a total of 32 active cases in the province. We wore our masks to and from the parking lot at the game last night as did other people. We are being more careful as the numbers rise.

Sewing

I spent quite a bit of time quilting the hot pads. The 2nd one is done and is going into the gift pile.

The third one has 6 rows left to quilt and it will be done. 

There are two rectangular hot pads left to quilt and it will be binding time. By the time I'm finished, I will have used almost a full spool of Glide thread. 

When this project is done, I am going to do some piping. I'm trying to get a whole bunch of it done to ship in October. 

Knitting

While dinner was cooking, I knit on the socks. I have 3 pattern rows left to do before I start the heel. I will be looking at the next video shortly. No pictures were taken as I was moving between knitting, dinner and getting ready to go out. I am enjoying this knit and I may be making more socks this winter following along with Purl Knitter's videos. I do have yarn to use up that will make nice socks.

Today

I am heading into the city with Daughter-in-law this morning and then will be quilting this afternoon. Tonight will be knitting and I will take pictures of the sock when the leg is done. I will be reading the pattern and watching the video on how to do the heel. 

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

No Strings Attached

Yesterday was warm at 25.3C with a humidex of 32C. We had a bit of rain last evening and we woke to it raining this morning. The temperature this morning was 18C and it is to get to 25C. 

Lifestyle

I had an in/out day yesterday. It made for an interesting time which I enjoyed. We ended up having coffee at the neighbor's which was delightful. 

I did dry mop the walls in the hall and then washed all the trim and baseboards. The doors got cleaned also. I started cleaning the washer and got it done just before lunch. The dryer waits for me and then I can clean the hall floor. It is nice to have more fall cleaning done. 

Grandson got the ditch weed whacked to where the Spousal Unit can do the finishing touches that he likes to do. He did well over half of it in the afternoon and was a happy man to be busy. 

There were 9 new cases of the virus reported yesterday. Eight are related to travel or close contact and one is under investigation. We have around 25 active cases in the province at this time. Not a lot but enough to keep us wearing a mask at outdoor events. 

Sewing

I spent quite a bit of time in the afternoon quilting the 2nd hot pad. I didn't get it finished but I did enjoy myself. It is satisfying knowing I am making gifts from the stash. 

I had a good thinking session yesterday as I have been having a lot of fun in the sewing room the past few days. I have no commitments to test patterns, no deadlines to meet and I feel free to think about things in the sewing room. 

The thinking started after reading a very short article Why I Got Rid of My Fabric Stash. I realize quite a while ago I am not a stash person as my stash leaves me feeling stressed in a lot of ways. I've learned to deal with it during the pandemic. There have been moments of real stress erupt in the past 17 month and I almost trashed the stash twice or three times. 

I continue to sew down the stash. It has become easier to grab fabric off the shelving unit once I gave myself full permission to use the it any way I want to. No strings attached. It all came about when I decided to make a quilt for a cat. I had one piece of the fabric. I was busy dreaming about the other piece I was going to buy. It was while dreaming that it dawned on me to use fabric from the stash. When I finished putting it all together, I needed to buy nothing for a classy quilt for the cat. I realized I was being paralyzed by my thinking inside the box rather than outside of it. I've grown mentally which will allow me to sew more from the stash and buy only what I need to finish a project. I'm ready to sew more with the mental barriers removed.

In all reality, I will buy some fabric that is needed for gifts or to finish a project. It won't be a lot as I am focusing on what I have and not what I want.

Knitting

The socks are coming along nicely. The pattern is easy to memorize and before I know it, I've knit several repeats. I've got 10 repeats done now. 

The texture of the pattern is starting to show. I have 8 more repeats to do before I watch the next video of the series on knitting these socks. I am really enjoying this knit.

Today

I am going to finish up the cleaning from yesterday as I'm happy with the results I got yesterday. I will quilt in the afternoon. We may be going to watch grandson play soccer tonight. If not, I will knit. 

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

Quilting Has Begun Once Again

 Yesterday was warm with a high of 27.4C. The humidity made it feel like 31C. This morning it is 14C and cloudy. We are to see a high of 27C with a chance of showers. 

Lifestyle

I tackled our bedroom yesterday. I cleaned it from top to bottom getting rid of dust that accumulates everywhere when the ceiling fan runs 24/7. By the time I was finished, the room smelled fresh and I was tired. But so worth it. I guess fall cleaning has begun early. 

Grandson was here to weed whack the ditch. He got about half of it done. It will allow me to weed the hedge quickly when it is done without fighting with the weeds. 

There was one new case of the virus reported yesterday and the number of active cases is down to 22. 

Sewing

I did some quilting yesterday and am pleased with how it looks. 

I trimmed it and it wasn't square and I'm keeping this one for me. 

I have squared up the next one already. I didn't think about squaring up as I had been away from the project for 2 weeks. Live and learn. 

Knitting

I started the socks again on a size larger needle. I also cast on 12 extra stitches and am happy I did. The knitting does feel nicer and I've got the ribbing and 3 sets of patterns done. It is a fairly fast knit.

The pattern is hard to see but I'm sure it will be noticeable when I start to knit the lighter colored yarn. I am finding these socks are relaxing to knit. I am knitting on a circular needle where as I was knitting them on double pointed needles before.  

Today

We have grandson until after lunch. I plan on cleaning the laundry area. This afternoon, I will be quilting and knitting tonight. 

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

Working On Projects

 Yesterday was cooler with a high of 25C. The wind made it nice to be outside. This morning it is 11C and we are to have sunshine and 28C today. 

Lifestyle

We are still tired but recovering from the heat. I also had an IBS attack from having an ice-cream. I'm not very happy about that. I ate according to my diet yesterday and need to follow it all the time.

Some laundry got done yesterday and there is more to do today. While it was doing, I was outside dealing with the Swiss Chard. It grew and some bolted during the heat. DH and I assessed the garden and we will have less tomatoes this year. The second crop of beans and peas are growing well and if we get vegetables off them it is a bonus. I also did some weed control as it needed to be done. I ended up the morning washing the kitchen floor. I did well considering I was tired. 

I am going to have to work outside once again as the weeds are taking over the hedge once again. It won't take me long to pull the weeds and I will do some weed control on the lawn at the same time. I need this week to clean the house. 

There were 9 cases reported for 3 days yesterday. All but one are travel related or close contact. One is under investigation. There were 10 recoveries. 

Sewing

I spent time working on the quilting and had some issues. I finished the 6th (last) potholder. This one is mine.

I have now started on the 12" hot pads and need to take out two rows of quilting. Not happy with it. But, I am pleased with the stitch in the ditch I did. No pictures until the hot pad is done. 

One thing I am going to find annoying is tying and burying the threads at each end of the row. But, I am going to do it as it is part of learning how to quilt. 

Knitting

I finished the test pattern and put the button on the front and gave it a light steaming with the iron. 

It is a cute pattern but not my first choice to knit again. Not my last either.

And one taken outdoors to get the colors of the yarn. 

I started to knit socks. I did the swatch and it was a perfect gauge. I started the socks and am now going to rip them out and do them on the next size larger needle. 

The tension is too tight and I realized that I always go up one size needle when knitting in the round when knitting doll clothes. My tension changes to be tighter in the round. I am a tight knitter and a looser purler. 

This is the Hermoine's Everyday Sock pattern and I am following the Sloth Series on knitting it. 

I'm not worrying about starting this again as this is a project I want to work on for 6 to 8 weeks. I am learning a new pattern and am using up some yarn I've had in the stash for a long time. I wondered if I'd ever get this yarn knit up as the color change is too long for doll clothes. Perfect for socks.

Today I have to go shop for a couple of things, do more laundry, and sew some. We are going to watch grandson play soccer tonight. 

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