Rule #1 - Read the Instructions Before Sewing

Our weather has been the pits. Snow, cold, rain, wind, and ice pellets. The sun has tried to shine which is nice but we could use some warmer temperatures. The high yesterday was 0.6C. Today is suppose to be a bit warmer with a high of 4C. 

Lifestyle

I have been off line as the Spousal Unit was very delusional. Everything was affecting him and he couldn't relate this to that. He paced inside and out, was highly sensitized, and very angry. It took two days of constant doing positive things with him to break the cycle (we think and hope). It will be doing positive things to keep him out of the cycle. 

I am waiting for a call for respite so I can get away to shop without worrying that he is okay. I was able to do that Sunday and was able to get items that we needed. Family is supporting so I can do that.

I was able to get some housework done and hope to do some more today. I am trying keep the house looking less cluttered (hard to do some days) and tidy. It is less confusing when flat surfaces have little on them. 

Sewing

I got the placemats done as I could sit and hand sew while we watched TV. Once they were done, I wasn't able to sew anything new until yesterday.

I wanted to make a top that I had gotten a while ago. I decided to make it in a modern way to give to the little girl I sew for. It would be paired with a pleated skirt. 

I got the pleated skirt done and am thrilled with the results. The cotton pressed beautifully.

It is a bit longer than normal but not dowdy. I then cut out the top and started work on it. 

I should have read the instructions before tackling the top. I had at noon but didn't start the top for 3 hours. I put the lace on wrong -- the detailed part of the lace was to face the armhole. I folded the pleats the wrong way. They should face the center front. I now have to take it apart, draw the lines on again and redo it correctly. 

On the whole, I am thrilled with the top. It has a peplum on it that will cover the yoke of the skirt. The sleeves will be 3/4 length. I can actually see this top being historical in the right fabric paired with a long walking skirt to match.

I bought a Keepers Dolly Duds pattern I've been wanting for a long time. I was able to buy it from a Canadian seller on Etsy.

I want to make every item in this pattern and will start with the prairie dress and pinafore. I have the fabric for it. 

Knitting

The socks are coming along. Both have had the heels turned and I've picked up the gusset stitches on one sock. I will knit another round on it and then start the gusset on the second sock. 

Today

The goal is to clean the dining area to a minimalist look and then sew some on the top, do puzzle, and knit. 

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

A Stressful 24 Hours

 Yesterday was cool with a high of 4.7C. The sun did shine and there wasn't much wind. This morning it is 1C and raining. The high is to get to 11C. 

Lifestyle

It has been a very stressful time here. The Spousal Unit woke up Wednesday night having a delusion about the cat. I thought I had diffused it but he woke up having chest pains. It lasted about 5 minutes, eased off, moved to his stomach and back to his chest. I got him dressed and off to emergency. The long and short of it -- he had a stress/panic/anxiety attack that caused the chest pains. They did a full work up on his heart though and he stayed in all night as they needed blood work at 5 am and a chest X-ray at 7 am. 

I got a call from the emergency in the morning as the Spousal Unit had turned aggressive and verbal. I rushed in and took over getting him to X-ray. He was very upset as he thought the staff had stolen his coat, hat, and shirt. I had them and told him I so. His delusion moved to people stealing stuff from under our deck, then to picking patterns off the sheets and his gown. He was a mess and getting him home was a priority. He was happy to see our cat and daughter-in-law.

Once home, he settled a bit but was still super charged. He ate, paced, and talked. I tried to get him settled to have a nap and he'd get up and leave. Finally got him on the couch beside me, stroked his hand, and we napped for an hour. After lunch, he was outside for a bit and before he got super charged, we went for a drive to our family's. He sat and relaxed for an hour there. Brought him home, fed him supper (which daughter-in-law made for us) and into bed in good time. He slept most of the night and is feeling back to his normal this morning. He remembers part of his stay in the hospital but not from the time he became aggressive until after he had a nap.

I was tired as I only had 4 hours sleep plus the nap. I'm better this morning and will be monitoring both of us all day for tiredness. 

Sewing

I finished the dress on Wednesday and got it photographed. 

It is a perfect dress for the sweater set I knit. 

I have chosen the next item to sew. It is a top that was a test pattern goodness knows when. 

I have everything to make it in the stash. I just need to find the fabric I want to use as I am going to make a pleated skirt to go with it. 

Knitting

The sweater set was modeled and looks great. The dress is the perfect item to show case the sweater. 

I will be knitting this sweater once again as I have another outfit planned from an idea that the designer showed.

I have the legs done on both socks and am ready to knit the heel flap. Progress is being made slowly some days, quicker others. They will get done sometime in April. 

Today

The plan is to clean the bathroom, do and fold laundry, and try to get the pattern and fabric ready for the doll's top. I may help with the puzzle, hand sew on a place mat, and knit tonight. 

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

Church Bazaar Dress Started

 Yesterday was cold with a high of 2.2C. Though the sun tried to shine, the wind blew making one feel cold when outside. This morning it is 1C and we are to see some sunshine and a high of 5C. This day last year we broke a record with a high of 17.4C. Not this year. 

Lifestyle

I got the sheets laundered and the bed remade yesterday. The Spousal Unit was bored so we spent quite a bit of time working on the puzzle. It was finished in the afternoon.

He quite enjoyed this puzzle even if the pieces were weirdly shaped. It could have been the definition between the colors that made it easy for him to see where the pieces went. 

The downstairs heat pump didn't register that I had decreased the heat and it kept the house warm last night.  I slept horrid as I like a cool house to sleep in. I was up around 2 a.m. feeling ill and realized what was wrong.

Sewing

I did get into the sewing room twice. I cut out the pattern and fabric for the Church Bazaar dress. The seams got serged on the skirt, pleats made, and the seams sewn. 

The second time in I got the bodice made. It is a basic lined sleeveless bodice. It shouldn't take long to finish.

I got the sweater and hat out and put it with the dress and I'm liking the combination. 

I didn't get any hand sewing on the placemats done yesterday. The choices were to work on the dress and do the puzzle. 

Knitting

Both legs now have 55 rows done on them. Though they look different sizes around, they are the same size. 

I am going to do another 15 rows and then start the heel flap.

Today

I'm not sure how much housework I will get done as I'm tired. I may nap this morning, sew this afternoon, and knit tonight. 

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

The Last of the Gingerbread Fabric Used Up

 Yesterday had its fair share of snow flurries with some of the flakes being huge in size. The sun did shine in the afternoon and the high got to 4.6C. This morning it is -1C and cloudy. We hope to see some sun this morning. 

Lifestyle

We were out early yesterday morning in a snow flurry that had huge flakes falling. We were off to get the Spousal Unit's blood work done. We came home in a snow flurry but the flakes were small. 

After a late breakfast, I had a short nap. I was awake a lot during the night worrying about the weather and blood work. I did get the floor swept and a bit of the laundry sorted and folded. 

The Spousal Unit made quick trips outside to enjoy the sunshine. He started another puzzle and did well. I didn't help him at all and he was happy doing it alone. We talked as I was in the family room hand sewing. 

Sewing

I tackled the last of the gingerbread fabric and scraps that were on the table. I got 4 squares made for 2 pot holders. 

I need to buy Insulbrite before I can finish them. I did put a bit of fabric back on the shelf but the remaining scraps were trashed. 

I laundered two pieces of fabric. One will be used to make a doll's dress, the other will be put away for the next doll's dress I want to make. 

I got one more placemat done. Hand sewing down the binding in the family room allows me to visit with the Spousal Unit. It gets the projects completed also. Win Win.

Knitting

I worked on the socks last night and have 9 rounds left before the two socks are at the same point. Once they are the same, I think I have 15 rounds more to do on each before I do the heel flap. 

Today

I hope to do some housework, cut out the doll's dress, hand sew the binding on another placemat and knit. With it being so dull and dismal, I need to monitor the Spousal Unit for mood changes. This dull weather is hard on him.

Back On Line

 Yesterday was warm and sunny. The high was 11.1C. This morning, it is 4C and it will remain steady at that temperature all day. We could have rain or snow showers.

Lifestyle

The Spousal Unit's spell lasted until about 11:30 a.m. After trying to talk to him and listening to him, I told him I was going downstairs to sweep the sewing room floor. It was time for me to remove myself from the situation. He went outside and wandered around the yard looking at things. When he came in, he was in a decidedly better mood and told me 3 garlic plants were up. 

We had a good afternoon. We watched a couple of TV programs he likes, he put the puzzle away, and he was in and out enjoying the sunshine. Daughter-in-law was over and we looked at the garlic and there are 9 plants up. The day ended in a high note and all seems to be back to his normal now. 

Sewing

I did get the sewing room floor swept and there was a lot of thread and fluff on it. I also did a bit of tidying up before I tackled the gift bag. It was finished by the time the Spousal Unit came in to tell me about the garlic. 

I would interface the lining of this bag to give it shape. I have two containers in it holding it up. When sewing, you can do the long layout as she shows it. I would sew the long side seams first as shown including the openings for the ties. I'd press those seams open and then do the two bottom seams. That way it would be easier to have nice open seams to box the bottoms.

I like how this bag closes tightly at the top vs the other bag I made. But both do the job. 

After lunch, I put the TV on and hand sewed down the binding on 2 of the placemats. The Spousal Unit watched TV with me which was nice.

I quite like this pattern and will be using it again to make another set of placemats for us. 

I found this pattern to make a gift bag using 2.5" strips (left over jelly roll or cut your own). I will be thinking about this one as you could make it scrappy. Nice thing is you only need the strips 21" in length and a fat quarter. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks last night. I have the two almost done to the same number of rows. Once they are the same, I will knit 15 more rounds on each one and decide if it is time to start the heel flap. 

Today

We are off shortly for the Spousal Unit to give blood. Once home and fed, I am hoping to do a bit of housework as I'm behind once again. I want to see if I can make the Board Walk Boutique from the left over gingerbread fabric and hand sew more binding down on the placemats. Tonight I hope to knit on the socks. 

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

Off Line Again

Yesterday was a grey day with a high of 4.4C. It has rained off and on all night and the temperature is 3C this morning. 

Lifestyle

I will be going off line for a few days. The Spousal Unit is having another spell. It started Friday night when he woke up about Elliott and I thought I had calmed him down. It took almost an hour and then another hour for me to get to sleep. 

I was tired yesterday but we finished the puzzle. The Spousal Unit said he didn't want to do another one which is unusual for him. He got confused last night at tea time as he thought there was a 3rd person in the house. By the time he headed off to bed, his mood was worse and I knew I was going to be the target of his verbal abuse. It took me over 2 hours to get him relaxed enough to sleep. He is still not over it so off line I go. 

During this time, I will try to remain calm, sew some, get our daughter-in-law in to help calm him down. I will try to rest so I can be helpful to him. 

Blood work is tomorrow and then the doctor's on April 11. Between now and the doctor's appointment I'm sure we will have some good days. 

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

The End Of the Project Is Near

Yesterday was sunny and warm. The high got to 15.6C which was lovely. This morning it is 1C, cloudy with chances of rain. The high is to get to 6C. 

Lifestyle

I got part of the living room cleaned yesterday. It was dusty to say the least. The floors were wiped and my area cleaned up and dusted. 

The Spousal Unit was outdoors a lot yesterday soaking up the sun. He really enjoyed being out there. He had one issue about a tape measure and ruler/square/level tool and I finally got that sorted out. Last evening he was looking for the "other lady" and we talked about it for quite a while. He was really confused. He woke up during the early part of the night and was worried about the cat. It took me almost an hour of talking and soothing him before he settled back to sleep. It took me longer to settle so I am tired this morning. I'm worried about him slipping into one of his spells though I am having him talk a lot and trying to figure out things for him to do. 

Sewing

I hand sewed the envelope openings on the mug rugs while watching the briefing on covid yesterday afternoon. 

I did start hand sewing the binding down on the first placemat. The end is in sight even if I just started them. 

The gift bag is progressing. I started to box the corners. I followed the instructions as I haven't made this bag for a few years. I would do it differently next time. More on that in another post. 

There is fabric left over so I need to figure out if there is enough to make pot holders or this fabric gift pouch. Even one would be cute to make to hold a gift card. 

Knitting

One doll outfit got photographed yesterday. I slipped it in while waiting to work on the puzzle.

I really need to get a proper light to take pictures of the dolls. I will once I get the room organized to take them. Ideas are floating in my head as using what I have in the sewing room and family room are not working. 

I got one round done on the socks last night before I stopped to calm the Spousal Unit down.

Today

I hope to do more on the living room, fold laundry, do puzzle, sew and knit. At the moment, it looks doable. 

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

Mug Rugs Completed

Yesterday's weather was warm with a high of 13.2C. The sun shone quite a bit though the wind was cool. This morning it was 5C and we are to have another warm day though could bring sunshine. 

Lifestyle 

It was another busy day. The Spousal Unit was outside enjoying the sunshine in sheltered areas. He walked around quite a bit. We worked on puzzles twice during the day which he enjoyed a lot. I got him to do some chores after dinner which he loves. Last evening he had depression as the sun went down and it was like Monday. Same story and sadness as before. 

I got a load of laundry ready to fold, some floors swept and washed. It is good to get things done during the morning once again. 

I was less tired yesterday as I'm learning to relax a bit more. I'm less on edge but still worry about the next episode. Our doctor's appointment is not until Apr 11 as our doctor will be in isolation from travel. 

Sewing

With the Spousal Unit in and out enjoying the day, I got the last 3 mug rugs finished. I am pleased with them to say the least. 

The backs have an envelope fold and I have to hand stitch the openings closed. I like the low contrast between the print and the side pieces as the gingerbread people become the focal point. 

I have to finish the gift bag next and clear the cutting table to start on the doll's dress I want to make. 

On Facebook, I saw these fabric boxes and loved them. 

The fabric is hard to find which I'm not worried about. It is how the baskets are constructed. Rather than turn them through a hole in the lining, you fold over a nice piece and stitch them top closed. The pattern shows a small size which I will make first as a trial run. Then I will make a bigger one that I can use as a gift basket. 

Knitting

I am happily knitting on the socks. I will be putting down the sock I am working on and knitting the other sock to that stage. With only 106 grams of yarn, I am being careful. I should be able to knit the socks as the person has small feet. 

Today

The goal is to start cleaning the living room and fold laundry. We will work on the puzzle and I hope to start hand stitching the placemats and work on the gift bag. Tonight we are going out so there will be no knitting. 

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

One More Mug Rug Completed

 Yesterday was sunny, cloudy, and warmish. The high got to 6.8C which was warmer than we thought. This morning it was 2C. We are to have a high of 13C with sun and clouds. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a so-so day. Though nice outside, there is nothing to do. The ground is frozen. It was time to take some action so we put the old dead electronics into the car and went for a drive. We unloaded the dead electronics at a thrift shop that is a depot for that stuff and went for a drive. Though we usually enjoy the route we took, it was kind of boring yesterday. Nothing to really see. We talked about that. After we ate, I had him do a few chores which he happily did.

Though the Spousal Unit had mild depression yesterday, he is quite a bit happier this morning. He has been busy taking out the garbage and has been talking about things. 

I did get the dining room table cleaned off and some of the floors vacuumed. I need to wash those floors today if all goes well. I'm picking away at things as best as I can. The stress I feel makes me tired quite quickly and I'm battling the time change. I need to be more like Elliott.

Sewing

I got the third mug rug done yesterday. I do what I can when I can. I did cut one more center and am ready to cut 2 more along with the 3 pieces of batting.

I am trying to have the centers of each mug rug different. 

The trash is gone from the sewing room and I need to deal with the recycling next. 

I walked over to our neighbors and took a basket of items to her. She is keeping the large pieces of fabric and the small rotary cutter/blades for herself. The kit and 45 mm rotary cutters will  go to the guild she belongs to.

Knitting

I am knitting away on the socks and they are looking good. I can now knit and talk to the Spousal Unit at night as I have the pattern memorized. 

Today

I am hoping to wash some floors, do a load of laundry, sew, and knit. We are to work on the puzzle today also. What else happens will be spur of the moment but I do need to find some chores that can be done by the Spousal Unit. Outdoors would be perfect but I'm at a loss for out there. 

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

A Successful Day

 Yesterday was sunny, warm, and calm. The high got to 7.4C. This morning it is -1C and, though it is to get to 7C, we are to have snow flurries. Yuck!!

Lifestyle

We had an excellent day yesterday. I got the kitchen cleaned up and the floor washed. Even the stove got pulled out and that area was cleaned. The appliances were polished where needed. 

The Spousal Unit had a happy day. He was in and out all day long enjoying the sunshine. He got the down spout extension out of the ditch and back on. He walked up and down the driveway several times and stood on the deck soaking in the rays. He kept saying how happy he was.

We worked on the puzzle and I got the edge done as he was finding it difficult (it was) and while I did that, he found pieces to go together. I was short 3 pieces of the edge and I found 2 and he spotted the last one. We called it a day and left the puzzle table in a great mood. 

Elliott has toys that he rarely plays with. He got 2 bigger mice toys for Christmas and he plays with them. Last night he was sleeping with them which he never does.

He was laying on the other one. 

Sewing

I got 2 mug rugs done yesterday. The scraps of stabilizer are used up and I will have to cut into yardage for the next 4. I brought a bunch of scraps when we moved as they were too large to toss out. 

I am fussy cutting the print so they are as centered as best as I can get them. 

They are fabric wasters. I have 2 more centers cut and need to cut 2 more along with 3 more pieces of batting. Once the cutting is done, I will have them done in a couple of hours. 

I may have to patch work the inside of the gift bag I'm making as I don't think I have enough of the red fabric left. There is some green fabric and the print left over. I will make it work. 

I didn't purge anything yesterday as I wanted to wait until I got the mug rugs and gift bag completed. I will take out the trash today for garbage pickup tomorrow. I may even get the floor swept if I have time.

Knitting

I almost jumped up and down with joy as I got the 2nd sock cast on and into the round with no issues at all. I got 12 rounds knit on it. Progress has been made. 

Today

The hope is to clean the dining area this morning. It needs to be done. I would like to do 2 more mug rugs this afternoon. Hopefully we can work on the puzzle. Tonight I will knit. All this depends on the Spousal Unit's mood.

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

A Busy Day

 Yesterday was another good day. With some sunshine, very little wind, and a high of 3.7C we were happy to enjoy the weather. 

The Spousal Unit wanted to go for a drive yesterday so off we went. He chose the route to Brooklyn to see if there was work on the road. Nothing but we looked for familiar places and wildlife. On the way home we saw 2 white tail deer. We were home before lunch. 

After lunch, the Spousal Unit wandered around outside, came in to talk, and enjoyed himself. He has depression which I'm trying to help him with. He happily did some chores for me in the kitchen last night and then we talked. It started out with him being sad (depression) but as we talked about my family he cheered up some. It was a good evening. 

Sewing

I did 15-20 minutes of decluttering yesterday. The desk got a going over. I need to buy page protectors and I can condense two binders into one. A bunch of pencils and a sketch book were given to grandson. I need to get a container for fabric to ship to the new sewer. I think one more sweep of the table will have it in better order for now. 

I also went through the 8 drawer tower and removed several items to a basket to go and a couple of items into the trash. I also tidied up the sewing machine cabinet top where I keep the things I use all the time. A few things I never use and are junk went into the trash. I sure felt better doing all that. 

The placemats have the binding on them. I can now hand sew the binding down while the Spousal Unit and I talk about things of interest to him. I find hand sewing binding relaxing. 

I looked at the cutting table and shuddered. It was full of left over fabric from the placemats. Though tidy, it was annoying me. I spent about 15 minutes cutting pieces for the mug rugs. Seeing the fabric go from large pieces down to neat piles of pieces made me happy. I still have more to cut but I am pleased to have that part of the cutting done.

Knitting

I decided to start sock #2 and spent a long time trying to get the cast on correct. I need to look at it today and decide if I need to redo it again today or if it will be okay. I really had a brain block with it yesterday. 

Today

I need to wipe down the kitchen counters really well and then wash the floor. If time, I will polish the appliances. I'm trying to plan out how to get the Spousal Unit to help me clean the pantry. It needs doing and I want him to help me. I want to keep cutting the fabric so all 6 mug rugs are ready to stitch one after another. When done cutting all the garbage and recycling can go out. Knitting tonight. What else gets done is up to the Spousal Unit. Maybe some puzzle time as we have a new puzzle to work on.

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

Sewing Binding

 A quick report of how things are going. 

The Spousal Unit got over the worst spell he has ever had. He has had a couple of spells yesterday and this morning that I have been able to talk him down and back to the real world. He told me his mind is going crazy. It is a day by day situation. 

I am tired but coping. I rest when I can and got 5 hours to myself on Saturday. I also am trying to balance cleaning the house, sewing, knitting, and doing things with the Spousal Unit. It is hard but I'm learning as I go. I know we need less in this house so will begin purging as I am able to.

Sewing

I am making progress on the placemats. Three of the 6 have binding sewn on them. 

I will hand sew the binding down while watching TV and talking to the Spousal Unit. 

I have been rustling around in the sewing room and have a few more items to donate to the quilter's guild. I have to take it over to our neighbor so she can take it to the guild meeting. I've decided, after much thought, to get rid of items I haven't looked at in the past 6 weeks. The rest I will keep and I hope that it will all fit into one 8 drawer tower. If I'm not going to use, I'm getting rid of it. 

Knitting

The doll knitting is done and I haven't been able to photograph it. I will try to get one outfit done in the next couple of days. The other sweater and hat needs a dress made to go with it. 

I have set up a pair of socks and have about 15 rows knit on the first sock. I need to set up the second sock tonight. 

To date I have knit 5.5 balls of yarn which is equal to 550 grams or 1.2 lbs. The socks will be another 100 grams. More progress has been made. I am keeping track of the amount of yarn I knit this year in the stash shrinker data base. 

Today

We are going for a drive and I hope to sew and purge a bit on the table that was set up for me to design doll clothes on. I want to knit tonight if all goes well.

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

A Tough Decison

 I have decided that I will only blog on days that I have something to show rather than daily. 

I am coping with what is happening but have my spells also. The stress and strain has me weepy, tense, sore, and upset. 

When there are good days, I will cherish them and hopefully can post a blog on what I am sewing and knitting. 

This has been a hard decision for me to make but I'm hoping that we can get things in place after our next appointment. In the meantime, it is survival mode. 

Life will get worse before it gets better. That I do know from experience. 

A Bad Start To The Day

 Yesterday was a lovely day with sunshine and a high of 6.4C. This morning it was -1C and it is suppose to get to 9C. We are to have some sunshine for it rains tomorrow. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

Prof Robertson of the Experimental Farm Ottawa addressed a meeting of farmers on improved methods of Dairying. New Germany Mar 11 1895.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was a lovely day with both of us relaxed. We worked on the puzzle and enjoyed ourselves immensely. This morning, the Spousal Unit is, once again agitated and upset. He is upset with me for some unknown reason and it is upsetting. It came on suddenly and startled me though it may have been building up since last evening. He is working himself into a frenzy and doesn't know what he is saying. I will cope and handle it until the spell is over with. 

I got the laundry folded and another load done. I did the sheets and cleaned up the kitchen.

Sewing

I fit in a couple of sewing sessions and got the quilting with the red thread done. One placemat has the stitch in the ditch with the green thread done. I'm slowly getting these done. 

I have realized that the Juki needs me to put the bobbin in carefully. If I do it hastily and it seems to be in, the tension is off. When I take my time, it is perfect. Glide thread is thinner than other threads and it doesn't always cooperate in the bobbin. 

Knitting

I am almost done knitting the sweater. This time I chose to put in only the top button hole and leave the sweater open. I will make a basic dress to go with the sweater. A suggestion from a doll thread I thought I would try.

Today

At this moment the plans for the day are thwarted. I am not sure what we will be doing but it seems as if it will be a survival day. We will both be exhausted when this spell is done. I will try to do some sewing and knitting to help calm my nerves and I hope to help calm down the Spousal Unit.

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

Nearly Back To Normal

 Yesterday had a mixture of weather. Sunshine, clouds, a bit of wind, and snow over night. The high was 0.7C. Today is to be sunnier and warmer with a high of 7C. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

Our roads are now entirely blocked with snow and our famous snow brigade with their wooden spades have been order out to clear them. McKinnons Harbor Mar 10 1897.

Lifestyle

Yesterday had its ups and down. I would get one issue sorted out, have a good spell, then another issue would come up and have to be dealt with or not. It came to a head late in the afternoon with me getting upset as I was exhausted. By 5 p.m. the Spousal Unit was almost asleep eating his meal and he started to unwind. He was more relaxed when he went to bed and is back to near normal this morning. Today is recovery day for him.

I was able to fold laundry and put it away and get 2 more loads done. The last load is not folded but it will get done today. 

Sewing

I escaped to the sewing room a couple of times to work on the placemats. I am slowly getting them quilted. Maybe today I can get a couple more done though getting one done would be alright. 

Once the placemats are done and the binding is on them, I will do the mug rugs and the gift bag(s). When all that is done, I will hand sew the bindings down while I relax and watch TV.

Knitting

I finished the Picot hat and started the sweater. I am about 5 rows short of dividing the sweater. I have been paying attention to putting the picot stitch onto the one left side. So far so good. 

The two hats are different sizes. When I'm done the the sweater, I'm going to compare the patterns and I may redo the plain hat (the smaller one). 

Today

I will get the laundry folded and do some housework. I want to sew on the placemats, need to pick up grandson from school at 2:30 p.m. and knit tonight. I'm trying to relax as my shoulders and back are sore from being so tense. Hopefully pictures today.

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

A Really Bad Day

 Yesterday the wind blew all day long and it was nerve wracking. The high got to 9.6C at midnight and it cooled off all day. This morning it is brighter, calmer, and cooler at -6C. 

Lifestyle

It has been a rough 24 hours. The Spousal Unit is having another spell. It has been building up since yesterday morning. I thought I had diffused it several times but I didn't. It got worse when he discovered his keys were missing in the evening. I found them in the tool cabinet. We talked about the keys and I thought all was well. It really wasn't. It got worse when he went to bed and after lots of soothing words, and hugs he went to sleep. This morning he is just as bad off as he was before he went to sleep. He is wandering around, looking for his keys, seeing if things are out of place and talking about people being at our place yesterday bossing him around. We have to work through to the blow up and then he will settle down. Or at least I hope he will. At the moment, these spells come a week apart.

I am trying to remain calm but I do become frustrated. He only sees and hears what he wants to. I get tired as I'm on high alert monitoring him. I get the verbal abuse as everything falls on my shoulders. I am the person in the wrong unless I challenge him about it. I worry that I don't have enough in my toolbox to help him but it seems as if I do. I will survive this, recover, and be ready for the next spell. 

Sewing

I got the second place mat done to the green thread. The third one is ready to quilt. Progress is being made.

I had to fill the bobbin yesterday and when I started quilting, the tension was off. I re-threaded the machine several times and then reinstalled the bobbin. It wasn't in properly causing the tension issues.

Knitting

The sweater has been frogged and I will knit it again after I finish the hat. I am decreasing the crown now and hope to have it finished tonight. 

Today

I am really not sure what is going to happen today. I am high alert with the Spousal Unit and his mental issues. It is a day if something gets done -- bonus. 

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

How In The World Did I Miss It???

 Yesterday was one of those greyish days with some sunshine. The temperature hung in at about 8-9C all day. This morning it is 8C and the wind is really blowing. The temperature is to drop today and we are to have it -7C over night. We had 9.3mm of rain fall last night. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

Ox Shoeing - Mr EA Roscoe is now prepared to shoe oxen in a neat and expeditious manner, having fitted his shop with appliances for that purpose. Berwick Mar 8, 1899.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I washed all the floors. They were dirty. The Spousal Unit wears his outside shoes in the house when he doesn't remember to take them off. It is nice to have the floors clean once again though the outside boots did make a trek through the house in the afternoon. 

The first puzzle is done and it was fun to do. The Spousal Unit enjoyed it and found pieces on his own. 

The main part of doing puzzles is for his memory. I will give him pieces to try and most often they fit but on occasion they don't. He was happy enough that we got the next puzzle out. He sorted and then we did the bottom edge. He was tired by then. 

We had a long talk about is memory problems yesterday. It was good for both of us to talk about it. I am hoping that he can get some medication to help him as he hates the spells he's had. He knows they start and he knows he can't stop them and until they are over, he remembers very little about what he said or did. That bothers him he said. 

Sewing

I had some time in the sewing room yesterday. I cut out the backs for the placemats and then the binding. I was short .3 meter of fabric for the binding (4 strips) but will piece them with the left over fabric from the backing. I cut out the batting also.

I started out sandwiching one placemat and spent a bit of time figuring out how to get the quilting lines right. I got it and started quilting. I also stitched in the ditch very slowly and carefully next to the green border. 

The next row of stitching goes next to the outer border. I have to change to green thread for that so will do that once all the place mats are quilted in red. My goal is to use up all this fabric this month. None is going back onto the shelves. 

I looking at a second thread holder for sewing. I want one that is portable so I can use it on both machines. I saw this one while surfing Pinterest. It is the Thread Director 2.

What I like about it is it is portable, attaches to the bobbin winder or upright spool pin and allows specialty thread to come off the spool without it twisting. It also allow you to use two colors either in one needle or two.

The other one recommended is the Superior Thread Holder. 

It sits on the table beside or behind your machine. You can use cones of thread upright, spools horizontally and your bobbins if you need to use up the thread on them. It is recommended for specialty thread also. 

I have the thread holder coming for the Juki which attaches to the machine. It has the thread sit vertically rather than horizontally. Glide thread likes to sit vertically. The other holder is for specialty thread or when I want to sew with two colors to do decorative stitching. I'm still weighing the pros and cons on which one. If I hadn't ordered the Juki thread holder I would have bought one of each the above. 

Knitting

I got the second sweater finished to the buttons last night. 

And today I have to rip it out as I didn't do the eyelets on the one side. How in the world I missed it is beyond me. Way back up at the second row of eyelets and I never even noticed it. 

If ripping it out is hard, I will trash it and use the remaining yarn to make a new one. I'm sure I will get it ripped out as I want to make the hat that goes with this sweater. 

Today

I have to do the budget today after I clean the table of a few small items. Then puzzle, sewing, and knitting which will include unknitting. 

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

Apron Hack Is Done

Yesterday started with snow, yes snow. About 1.5" fell before it started to rain. The rain wasn't a lot. The temperature rose to 9.5C around midnight. Today it is 8C, cloudy and it is going to rain starting this afternoon. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

The people here had a great winter for hauling wood. Most of the people are fishermen, and it is fun to see them in the woods with their long rubber boots on and only one pair of socks, while the landsmen wear larrigans with three or four pairs of socks. West Quoddy Mar 7 1907. 

Larrigans are a knee-high boot of oiled leather with a moccasin foot, worn by lumbermen and trappers.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was spent doing a puzzle with the Spousal Unit. Though it is only 300 pieces, he needs some help with the pieces so progress can be made. I find them and then he puts them together. He finds some and puts them in. He gets better as time goes on. We spent quite a bit of time on it and I got some pieces ready for today. He felt successful and enjoyed the time we spent on it. 

I did get the floors vacuumed before lunch and it is nice to have that job done. Elliott was downstairs snuggled in a quilt on a chair by the puzzle table so I didn't have to think about him being under foot.

Sewing

I did sneak in some time for sewing. The apron is done. 

It was more work than I thought it would be but it was fun. I tried it on Susan who is wearing a historical dress. The apron is more suited to pants and a t-shirt. 

I would make it a bit longer also. 

I am going to try a different apron pattern for the next one. McCalls 6451 (View C). 

Knitting

I worked on the little sweater and got the body done. I'm ready to do the sleeves. I may have enough yarn to make the hat. 

It will be nice to have used up this ball of yarn. When this is done, I will have knit 5.5 skeins of yarn. A good start to the year. 

Today

I have to fold laundry and wash floors today. I am sure we will work some on the puzzle. I want to cut out the backs and binding for the placemats and, hopefully, the batting. Tonight is knitting the sweater and hat if there is enough yarn. 

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

A Dumb Mistake

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds. The high got to -0.8C but the wind really blew most of the day. Today it is suppose to snow, then turn to ice pellets, then rain. The high is to get to 5C and then up to 10C during the night. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

The Amherst and Pictou hockey teams played a game in the Pictou rink. This was the most interesting game witnessed in Pictou this season and showed that the teams were very evenly matched;  4-3 Amherst. Mar 6 1900.

Lifestyle

We headed out after breakfast to get some meat from Canning as the weather looked good. On our way we stopped at the quilt shop. When we headed up the road to Canning, we were surprised to see the road was covered with snow. The wind was blowing it off the fields in the wide open areas causing ground drift. We got our meat and came home and really enjoyed the trip. 

I put the puzzle away and was ready to move the Spousal Unit's puzzle to the table. He was a bit agitated so I left him be. A good hug later on fixed his agitation and he was fine for the rest of the day. He is fretting over news where we use to live and I have to tell him we no longer live there. This is not new as he has been doing this when he was well. 

Sewing

I was glad I went to the quilt shop at 10 a.m. (opening time). It wasn't busy but they were expecting crowds during the day as there was a quilt retreat nearby. I got 2 meters of the red fabric for the placemats backing, a rotary cutter blade, ribbon, and big button covers. When I picked up the red fabric, I turned and this blue piece of fabric yelled at me. There was .8 meter left on the bolt so I got it. 

I saw a historical doll's dress out of this fabric. I am letting it perk in my head and have started looking at my patterns. 

I worked on the doll's apron after I laundered and starched the red fabric. It has to dry overnight. I hacked the pattern and got started. I made a mistake in my excitement and added the lace trim first. 

After the pain I went through to get the lace on, it is coming off and going into the trash can. I have to look for something else as it was the worst lace I've ever sewn on. The needle sounded like it was dull, there was a bit of a heavy spot in the lace and when the needle went down into it, it skewed the lace and stitching. I really don't know why I kept this lace. I must have been crazy when I put it back into the stash. Or it was a piece that was left over from the bateau and given to me for the dolls. There was about 16" of it.

I made my own bias binding using the bias maker that uses 1 3/8" wide fabric. I enjoyed that process and have to sew the pieces together to make the ties. Once the lace is off, I will do the binding on the sides and the ties. Then I will add new lace to the bottom of the apron. 

Knitting

I worked on the sweater last night it is coming along. I have to follow the instructions as it has an eyelet pattern. While knitting I am watching the latest season (2021) of Escape to the Chateau. I enjoy it though Angel's style and mine are the exact opposite. I like less, she likes more. I do enjoy watching how they are restoring the chateau they bought 7 years ago in France.

Today

It is a stay at home day with the weather. I will do some housework, sew, and knit. I hope to be able to spend some time helping the Spousal Unit on his puzzle. 

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