Doll Panty Success

 Yesterday was sunny and cool. The high got to -5.1. This morning it is, -16C. We are to have sunshine, clouds, and a high of -5C. We broke no cold temperatures yesterday or today, thank goodness. 

Lifestyle

I had a crazy day yesterday. I decided to play with Cricut Design Space and see if I could do a better job of getting patterns on it using Draw Pad on the Mac. Nope, nope, nope. I had lines show up that I didn't even know why they were there. I couldn't get rid of them. I was following along on this video. 

I noticed that the presenter was using a PC so downstairs I went to the sewing room to use the PC I have. I found Snip Tool (a cool tool) and Paint. Starting again, I had success in doing what I wanted to do on Cricut Design Space. It is very easy. You don't make svg files that you save on your computer, you do have success in making cut designs in the Cricut program. 

At noon, I rushed out to do some grocery shopping. I got what I thought I needed but missed a couple of things I do need. I'll get them today.

I spent quite a bit of time adjusting a recipe and making it for dinners. I even cooked rice that turned out perfect. I did portion control and have 4 yummy meals, one of which I ate last night. (Sweet and Sour Meatballs). 

Sewing

On Sunday I had ended the day altering the pattern so it was 1" longer in the body. It was a copy the pattern, cut, add, tape, and I had what I thought I needed. 

Not the most exciting pattern and I will trace the pieces onto the tracing pellon for future use. 

Yesterday, I did get some sewing done. I picked the elastic off the coral panties, cut them out and started sewing. I paid attention to how the children's panties were sewn in a factory. There is no bulk at the elastic as it is sewn on top of the fabric with the picot edge just off the edge of the legs and top. I slowly sewed the elastic on and I was excited at how nice they looked. After sewing the side seams and trimming them, I tried them on the doll. Perfect fit after altering the pattern. 

I was so excited I even sewed on the bow. The fits is great and I like how they come up to her waist. 

On the next pair (mint green) I will make the zig zag stitch a bit wider and longer. The new pattern is a keeper. 

Knitting

I did knit last night and got the hem pattern done. I just have 5 rows of plain knitting, cast off and the body is done. It is really cute and very hard to photo on needles. I'll do pictures tonight before I pick up the sleeve stitches. 

Thoughts

    I have been watching videos on quilt as you go and want to make a quilt for Elliott. I have decided to buy the two blocks I want to make and decide from there if I will buy more. I can work on these once or twice a week as there is no big rush while I learn. 

    I lost weight since yesterday. I think my body is ready to shed the weight I gained while taking care of the Spousal Unit. I am being quite strict with my eating as I am making sure I am doing portion control correctly. I may be shorting myself a bit also in the process. It is a learning curve. 

    I was a bit sore yesterday from sitting on a hard chair in the morning. I will get out a pillow for that chair when I work on it again. I did get the one sore spot gone by applying heat and then stretching. 

    I am done with the cold weather and snow. I will have to shovel as we are to have 3-4" fall by tomorrow night. It isn't unusual to have snow or cold at this time of the year but I'm just tired of it. 

Today

I have to take and pick up grandson from his physio and then head out to New Minas. I have an appointment at 10:15 am and then will be doing some shopping. I will probably have to buy something for lunch as I am assuming I will be home after lunch. I want to pick apart the next pair of panties so I can sew them on Wednesday and knit tonight. A busy day. 

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

Fiddly Sewing

 Yesterday started out with sunshine and then it hazed over. The high got to -8C which was nice. This morning the temperature was -17C and we are to have a high of -6C and mainly sunny. We broke the low temperature, once again, yesterday. 

Lifestyle

I got the balance sheet done yesterday morning and everything is filed. I have to finish it on Wednesday to close the month. 

Once the balance sheet was done, I cleaned the kitchen. I wiped, polished, and put things away. Other than the floor, the room is clean and tidy. I am quite happy with how I have set up. It is working well for me. 

I was sore yesterday for some unknown reason. Not bad pain but sore. I stretched in bed last night, heard a noise in my hip/back and the pain decreased to nearly nothing. Did something pop into place? Or something unpinch? I really don't know but it is nice to be almost pain free. 

I walked down to my neighbour's yesterday afternoon without my cane. It is nice to know that my driveway, the road, and their driveway is about 99% clear of snow and safe to walk on. 

Sewing

I spent my time sewing under pants for the doll. The yellow one turned out to be a test as it was bikini and I don't like them that short. I tried different methods of adding the elastic onto the legs and top. 

I like how I did the elastic on the legs. They look the best in my opinion. 

I did them in the traditional way with turning under and zig zagging the elastic in place. A bit bulky but not bad. I did the front elastic the same way but held it in place with the lightening stitch (tiny zig zag) and I'm not as happy with that. 

The back elastic I did with the elastic turned to the right side and lightening stitched in place. I'm okay with that if I had used a zig zag stitch. 

I looked at the pattern realizing that the line I had drawn was to make these longer. 

I have made a new pattern and cut out a new pair of panties. I also looked at how commercial ones are made and am going to try to attach the elastic that way. Though they use a cover stitch, I will zig zag the elastic onto the front lining up the plain edge of the elastic to the edge of the fabric. 

What did I learn in this exercise?

    A chrome universal needle size 70/10 worked perfectly

    Use a leader to help your fabric stay out of the larger hole in the stitch plate. 

    Use a dress makers awl to help guide the fabric and elastic and to keep the edges even. 

    1/4" wash away tape is great but you need to make sure your seams are 1/4" to hide it. 

    Take your time. These fiddly little seams are not to be rushed. 

I took the horse and thread to my neighbour so she can quilt it for me. I have to buy her a spool of thread which she can keep. I also gave her needles for her machine which are her favourite. Mine too. She is looking forward to quilting it where as I was dreading it. 

Knitting

I knit on the sweater last night and am ready to do the pattern on the bottom of the body. Sixteen rows and that part will be done. Than the sleeves. This test pattern has gone fast which is sad as I have enjoyed it very much. 

Thoughts

    I watched a video on "fantasy self". I have several fantasy self thoughts that I need to set aside. One is my weight. I have now set a realistic goal for my weight. I won't be the same size/weight as I was when I was 20. The second is being a free motion quilter. Doing free motion quilting is not me. I like straight lines and will continue to do them. I will, on occasion, make a sandwich and play with free motion quilting. But to do a big quilt will probably never happen. I will happily piece quilt tops together and pay someone else to quilt them. 

    I noticed that it is lightening up at just after 6 a.m. It was exciting to know that we will be having the spring equinox in just over 3 weeks. I remember how much I enjoyed watching the sun come up a bit more each day when driving to work when we lived in Dawson Creek. 

    I lost weight again this week. I am happy that I have less fluid on my body and, in the long run, it will be healthier for me overall. I am not craving sweets and am enjoying trying new ideas and keeping them low fat. 

Today

I may go grocery shopping later this morning, sew this afternoon, and knit tonight. I am hoping to clean the bathroom but we wait and see if I have time. I'll be home starting Wednesday as we are to have snow once again. Housework and shovel snow will the mantra on those days. 

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

Cut, Cut, Sew, Sew

 Yesterday was sunny and cold. The high got to -11.2C. We did break the record for the coldest temperature since 1997. This morning it is -19C and we are to have a high of -7C. The high is suppose to get to -7C. We should break the record for the coldest temperature again today. This cold spell leaves on Monday. 

Lifestyle

I was tired and sore yesterday. I wanted to nap but couldn't. Instead I cooked chicken using the Instant Pot. In the afternoon I made chicken tenders and fries in the air fryer. Comfort food that met my eating habits I am acquiring. 

Mid afternoon I went out to shovel the driveway. I had made one pass when my friend stopped to talk briefly. The draft was too cold to stand around. I had done a bit of the driveway when our neighbour drove by. Out jumped his son (age 12) and he grabbed his shovel and helped me clean the driveway in no time flat. I am so grateful for friends and family. They make sure I am able to do chores like shovelling snow but come to help me so the job goes faster. 

Sewing

I was in the sewing room before lunch as I knew I would be shovelling snow in the afternoon. I finished up the towel toppers and all I need to do is buttonholes and buttons. I need to buy buttons on Tuesday. 

After lunch, I cut out and sewed together two potholders using up the left over fabric from the mixer cover. I have them pinned ready to sew together when I am ready to change the needle in the sewing machine. I use a smaller needle when sewing cottons. 

They will be very plain as I am trying to use up scraps as I go along. But they will be used. 

Before going out to shovel, I grabbed the pattern for doll panties and the panties I will be using for fabric. One was ripped apart so I pressed it and put on the front pattern. 

In my ignorance (6 years ago), I bought smaller sized girls panties and can only get 1 pair of doll's sized panties out of each one. But I don't care as I'm using up the stash. There will be 2 more pairs made also. 

I will be following the instructions that go with the pattern and I hope to have them done in the next couple of days. It almost takes longer to deconstruct the panties than to prep them for sewing. 

I have the fabric laundered for the placemats, hot pads and pot holders I am going to sew next. I need to buy batting for them so will try to get that on Tuesday also. 

My friend is going to quilt the horse's head for me. She has been thinking about it as she found some thread in her stash to use on it. I am grateful for her creativity and will stick to things I can handle. It was fun to stretch myself with this project but a creative quilter I am not.

Knitting

I worked on the sweater last night, found a mistake and reported it. I am now finished the first 2 increases under the arm to give the body a bit of a flare. 

This sweater can be worn with the buttons down the back or in the front. 

Thoughts

    I had a sad spell yesterday morning and shed a few tears. I read posts I had written about how Alzheimer's had affected the Spousal Unit mentally and behaviourally. I have come to hate the disease and know he had no control over what he said or did. I also realized how strong we were to look after him for so long. I am grateful for all the strength and love we had to keep him home for as long as we did. 

    I am tired of the cold weather and wish it would leave. It makes doing things so much harder. I am looking forward to spring when I can turn off the heat, open the windows, and enjoy the freshness spring brings. 

    My pain threshold has been quite low compared to what it has been. Yesterday's pain was probably from the next storm coming in. Or the barometric pressure falling or rising quickly. It was gone by last night and this morning it is minimal. I am hoping that it will continue to be minimal so I can strengthen my muscles. I only stretch when I am sore. 

Today

The goal is to do the balance sheet, clean the kitchen, fold more laundry, sew, and knit. I doubt if I will go out as it is too cold. If I do, it will be in the afternoon when it is warmer. I need nothing today. 

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

What A Storm

 Yesterday was cold, windy, snowy, downright ugly. The high got to -7.6C but with the windchill it was more like -14C. I am going to guess that we had between 4-5" of snow fall during the day. This morning it is -17C with a windchill of -22C. It is suppose to be sunny with a high of -11C. 

Lifestyle

I started the day out sweeping the floors where necessary and washing them. I stopped around 11 a.m. and headed outdoors to shovel the driveway. The neighbour's oldest boy had done it about 8 a.m. and it had snowed and drifted quite a bit after that. I was done in good time for me as the snow was light and fluffy. Once in and rested, I finished washing the floors and had lunch. I am glad I did the driveway as it snowed and blew a lot more after that. 

The county plowed the roads in our area at least 4 times yesterday with our road being done twice. I took out the first roll of snow when I shovelled. The next time they did our road, our neighbour got out his snowblower and did it for me. He spent quite a bit of time widening his driveway so his mom can get out safely. My driveway has some snow on it but it won't take long to shovel. I can get in and out safely. The county has also salted the roads this morning. 

Our weather is to start getting warmer after Sunday night. Tonight is the coldest night of this spell. When it starts to warm up, we are to have more snow which is not what I really want. Oh well, it is what it is. 

Once the storm hit, my pain left. I have a bit of soreness but nothing compared to what it was. I did some balance exercises yesterday afternoon but nothing else. Shovelling the driveway was enough exercise for the knee and hip. I do keep heat on it when I sit to knit in the evening. It helps to keep it relaxed for when I need to stretch. 

Sewing

I spent time working on the towel toppers yesterday. The four toppers are made and I got 1 towel inserted. 

The three remaining towels need to have the hem cut off one end, folded and inserted into the topper. The next step is to check the button stash to see if I have the buttons or if I need to buy them. I plan on hanging these on the handle of the dishwasher or stove so I can wipe my hands on them when cooking. 

I watched a video on how to make two blocks; Churn Dash and Ohio Star. Both are quilt as you go and the main goal is to work on accuracy. I am thinking of making the Ohio Star (6 blocks) as a quilt for Elliott and learn the process. I will probably do a block a week for 6 weeks and then sew them together. I am looking forward to trying something new. I need to figure out how much of two fabrics I need as I have the main fabric. 

I am hoping to embroider another gift bag soon. I have put socks into the last one I made and it is perfect for them. This one will be the same width but taller. 

Knitting

I worked on the test sweater and have the yoke pattern done. It is a lovely pattern to test. 

I am now ready to put the sleeve portions onto waste yarn and knit the body. 

Today

I am not certain if I will shovel the driveway as it is cold outside. I want to do some laundry, launder the placemat fabrics, and start making doll panties. I will knit tonight. Another stay at home day for me. 

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

Two Projects Completed

 Yesterday was a cloudy day with a high of -6.5C. We had one short snow flurry in the afternoon and that was it. This morning it is -10C, snowing, and there is a bit of wind. It is suppose to snow and get to a high of -7C. And the wind is to blow in some cold weather for the next several days. 

Lifestyle

I struggled with pain yesterday but got the dusting done and the floors swept. I had to rest quite a bit but it got done. My hip was sore and my knee felt like the joint was in need of some WD40. I hobbled up and down the stairs and brought the green bin in after 5 pm. Pick up was late. I did notice a bit of improvement in my soreness. By bedtime, it was tolerable so I did some stretches to help ease the pain. 

Our friend was over last night to put another coat of mud on the patch in the sewing room. I got what he needed from the Spousal Unit's arsenal of mudding tools. After a sanding I can prime and paint the spot and it is done. 

I went and brought grandson home from school and enjoyed my trip. It was nice to be out for a short period of time. I do enjoy helping family out when they need it. 

Sewing

I spent the first little bit fiddling with the lining in the mixer cover. It fit to perfection so I finished hand sewing the binding on. I did tack the lining to the main piece so it won't fall down when removing or putting the cover on. 

The pictures are not the best as I put the cover on the machine. The wrinkles show but I'm living with it. 

There is some fabric left over that I hope to make into pot holders. I never seem to have clean ones to use. I will cut them out and put them aside to sew when I start on the placemats I am going to make next month. 

Knitting

The socks are done. While I rested last evening, I finished up sock #2. I am sad but happy at the same time that they are done. The pattern added the right amount of class to a pair of plain socks. 

If I can get more of the yarn, I will probably knit a hat to go with it. All left over yarn will be used up. 

I started a test pattern for a designer who lives in Halifax. I love testing her patterns and this one is no different. 

I got the first 14 rows done last night and am enjoying this pattern a lot. I am using Softee Baby yarn in Denim Marl. 

I am sure this will knit up quick as I'm enjoying the pattern a lot. 
Thoughts

    I am glad that my pain level is back to a 2 or 3. I feel like I can tackle things today with a better frame of mind. Some of the pain was tiredness from physio but most was from the storm coming in. 

    I have been watching Pattern Poole TV on YouTube. This person does quilt as you go projects and she has a simple quilt I'd like to make. I'm adding it to Ideas On The Table. I have 3 quilts to make this year and I may do one of them as a quilt as you go. 

    I have chosen the next sock pattern. It is called Library Sock which is a free pattern found on Ravelry. I will start them later in March as I want to do a few fun knitting things during March. 

Today

I may go out and do some shovelling today though the neighbour's boys are to come over and do it late this afternoon. I need to wash floors, clean the bathroom some, and fold laundry. I am hoping to sew this afternoon and will knit tonight. With it snowing, it is a stay at home day for me. 

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

One Sock Done

 Yesterday was sunny and calm until the afternoon when the wind started to blow. The high got to 3.9C. This morning it is cloudy and -9C. We are to have light snow fall today and the temperature is stay around -9C. 

Lifestyle

I headed out to physio in the morning. I was stiff and a bit sore due to the storm coming in. I worked extra hard on the exercises and got a new balance board exercise to do. When I left I was stiff and sore in a new way. I dealt with it all day and finally got it stretched out last night. I was stiff and sore from both the storm coming in and the exercising I did. I am better today with some stiffness. I will survive this as I am getting better. 

I was also tired and wanted to nap. I didn't let that happen when I sat and applied heat to the painful area. I rested but did not close my eyes. When it got bad, I took the green bin out to curb side and sorted out some recycling. Not enough to go out. The cold woke me up. 

Sewing

I worked on the Kitchen Aid cover and today's job is to see if I cut too much off the lining. If so, I have to remove the binding and add the piece back on with a tiny seam allowance. The joys of being tired and trying to sew. I want to get it ready to hand sew the binding down on Friday but I have a feeling it might be Saturday now. 

My next project is a side track. I am going to sew toppers for the dish towel to hang on the oven door handle. I have the towels and the fabric so will do it by the end of the month. 

Knitting

To stay awake, I knit on the socks. The first one is completed. 

I have done the foot on the 2nd sock and now need to arrange stitches so I can start on the toe. I am surprised at how fast these socks knit up. 

My next project is to test a pattern for one of the designers and I love the pattern. I'm hoping to start it this weekend. 

Today

I need to start dusting and tidying up the house once again. Thanks to Elliott, there is cat hair everywhere. I will work on the mixer cover this afternoon and knit tonight. A stay at home day with it going to snow. 

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

Progress Sewing and Knitting

 Yesterday was a nice day with a high of 3.2C. The sun did shine some and it wasn't grey and dull when cloudy. This morning it is -7C. It is suppose to get to 4C with lots of sunshine. Then it starts to cloud up tonight so it can snow for a couple of days. 

Lifestyle

I went for groceries, paid a bill, and was to the bank. It was nice to be outside for a while. The grocery store was busier than I had thought it would be. Being closed on Monday seems to bring people out on Tuesday to shop. 

I talked to a neighbour yesterday and they are doing well. I haven't seen them for a long time so it was nice to get caught up. 

I had a rash show up that was itchy. I have dealt with it and think it is from eating tomatoes after not having them for a few days. I'm not going to eat them for a week and try a bit of salsa to see what happens. 

The seeds I ordered (except the carrots) are at the mail box. I will have to pick them up today. I am looking forward to having a small garden this year. 

Sewing

I had fun in the sewing room and got the lining cut out and interfaced. There is no more lining fabric left in the stash which is a bonus. The bits are in the trash. I got one end sewn on and am ready to sew the other end on. 

I am nearly ready to insert the lining, add the binding to the bottom and hand sew it in place. 

I am playing around trying to make labels for the spice jars I am buying. The three I bought are filled and ready for labels. I am following this tutorial and get so far, delete the labels from Cricut Design and start again. It is getting easier each time I do it. I have the time as I can't get the vinyl until late next week. I want to go when I can get batting for the place mats I want to make. Oh and after it stops snowing. 

Knitting

I knit on the socks and got to the end of the ball on sock #2. 

I attached the 3rd ball of yarn to sock one, finished knitting the last 8 rows of the foot and started shaping the toe. The first 9 rows are complete and I'm one happy camper. 

I may be done these by Sunday. I will miss knitting them but have the pattern for the next ones ready to go after doing some knitting for the dolls. 

Thoughts

    I am getting excited to plant the garden now the seeds are here. Though it won't be as big as previous years, it will be something I can handle and enjoy doing. 

    I am hoping that I can tackle the bedroom closet while it is snowing. Not sure as I know I will be shovelling snow Friday. I will do what I can as shovelling snow takes priority.

Today

I out for physio this morning and I hope that the appointments can start to be 3 weeks apart soon. When home, I need to break down some boxes and take out the recycling later today. I would like to get the cover ready for hand sewing the binding down and to finish one sock tonight. I don't need to go anywhere today after I finish with physio.

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

I Asked "Why?" And Got An Answer

Yesterday was a lovely day with sunshine and a high of 9.6C. This morning it is 1C and we are to have a high of 0C as it is, once again, cooling off. The sun is to shine most of the day. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I finished cleaning up the mess I had made when cleaning the storage room. The Cricut box is put away between the shelving unit and hot water tank. The box with the Wii in it was put against the freezer until I can sell it. The floor was swept and a rug that has been put away since 2019 was put on the floor. 

Once the room was done to my satisfaction, I dealt with the recycle, trash, and items to come upstairs. I consolidated the light bulbs and have 16 light bulbs. It is crazy how I collected them trying to get the light better for the Spousal Unit for when we were doing puzzles. I just have the china barrel to break down and put away. I missed it as I was having a sugar low. I had to have grapes and rest for a while. I even had a nap in the afternoon as I was tired. 

Grandson had his birthday dinner last night. He wanted ham and it was delicious. It is smoked and the flavour is the best of all the smoked hams we have tried. I got some to freeze for meals which is wonderful. 

Sewing

I worked on the Kitchen Aid cover and got the outer part done. The fabric is wrinkled some and I was confused as to why. I have never had this problem with batting. I kept saying "Why?" as I had done everything right. 

I also had to cut off an inch as the rectangle was too long. 

I got out the lining and pressed it. Upon measuring the width, I don't have to piece any of it. Hurrah for that. One end piece is cut out and I'm ready to cut out the rest. 

I happened upon a YouTube video on bag making by Fierce Kitten Studio. I looked at what she had to offer and one was on interfacings. It was great and I think I know why I have wrinkle issues. I should have interfaced the fabric with fusible interfacing before using the foam. The other video I had watched using the foam batting was to lay the fabric on it and stitch around the edges to hold in place. They said the knit cover would hold the batting in place. It seems it doesn't. 

After watching the video, I sat and did some thinking about the cover. I will be using fusbile interfacing on the lining to give it more shape on the inside. I have decided I will be using the interfacing on the fabric for the next project prior to using the foam batting. I am also going to try the the fusible interfacing on fabric before applying fusible fleece. Lots to learn in the next couple of months as I do have bags to make. 

Knitting

I finished round one of the edging on daughter-in-law's afghan and got row 2 done on one end. When row 2 is complete, the afghan will be done. 

I didn't knit on the socks as my hands were tired from crocheting. 

Thoughts

    I am starting to heal from the Spousal Unit's passing. Though I do miss him, I am not dealing with issues I was having. I have more good memories of him than bad which is how I want it to be. Today is 5 months and I am not feeling depressed today. Some sadness but I know he is at peace. 

    I seem to be lucky when I have issues on a project. YouTube brings up videos at the right time to help me solve the issues. I am grateful that I can work on resolving problems and move forward. I am also grateful that I like to experiment. The one quilt shop is going to love me buying their interfacings. Now I know why they bring it in. One uses it for bag making which I didn't know. I will be buying it when I start a project I am going to quilt. 

    Our weather is crazy. We are  suppose to get snow on and off for most of the next week to 10 days. March is coming and it is suppose to come in with snow. Will it be in like a lion and out like a lamb? I won't hold my breath as I've seen it come in like a lion and out like a lion. 

Today

I have to go get some groceries, pay a bill and stop at family's with grandson's birthday card and money. Once home I hope to do a bit of housework and sew on the Kitchen Aid cover in the afternoon. I will knit this evening. I have to make a plan for cleaning one closet in my bedroom. I took a look and I've started to think about it. 

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

    

    

Cleaning And Purging The Storage Room

 Yesterday was warm with a high of 3.6C. The sun shone and the snow melted. This morning, it is 4C, windy and it has rained. The high is to get to 8C with rain forecasted for most of the day. The warm before the next snow storm arrives. 

Lifestyle

I got the balance sheet done in record time and had that all put away when son called. I was needed in the afternoon to help daughter-in-law. Her bad knee gave out on her and she was resting on the couch. 

I hustled around and worked in the storage room for 2 hours. I went through everything and got it organized. The first area was the shelving unit. During the pandemic it was called Grandma's Little Hoard and I no longer need it. I took everything off and started again. It is now a storage shelf with room to spare. 

On the top is a grow light unit we used when we bought small tomato plants. I may sell it as I don't think I will use it again. I may put it with the mini greenhouse that was never used. 

Next up was the corner I had put the items for the thrift shop. Items were bagged and I have 2 bags and 2 boxes plus 4 loose items to go. The two open boxes are staying for now. The top has the Wii in it which will be sold. The bottom is the Cricut box which may be used for items for the thrift shop. If not, I will collapse it and store it against the wall and the tall cupboard.

I put Elliott's carrier on top of the freezer so it is out of the way. The tall cupboard beside it was cleaned with some doll boxes being collapsed and other put aside to be recycled. 

And lastly the tubs were stacked. One is to have the items gone through and most will be sold. One tub needs me to go through it to donate. And the last one has pictures in it. I'll keep them. Behind the hot water tank is a step stool that painter/mudders use. It will probably be sold. 

I have a bunch of stuff to go to recycling and trash, a box to collapse and some food items to be put in the upstairs pantry. I ran out of time to deal with them. The biggest part of the job got completed though. 

Knitting

I sat and knit a lot at family's house. I got the first sock knit to the end of the ball and started on the 2nd sock which got 8 rounds knit on it. After resting my hands for a while, I crocheted half the edging on a lap size afghan that daughter-in-law made. I hope to finish it tonight and if not I'll work on it when I go over there. Once done, she can donate it to the nursing home. I don't mind helping out as it keeps my hands busy. 

Thoughts

    I am sore today from working, then sitting, and the storm coming in. Not bad like it was, just sore. At least I'm not crying with pain this time. 

    I lost 3.1 lbs this week for a total of 7.5 lbs in two weeks. I am over the moon about that but hope that it slows down to a pound a week. 

    We had homemade pizza last night. The crust was thin which I like. I put on sauce, some meat, mushrooms, onions, and cheese. My little pizza was about the size of 2 slices and I was stuffed when done. It was delicious; better than the pizza we order in which is good. 

    Today is Heritage Day and there is always a honouree. It is a day when most businesses close to celebrate the day and person. 

Today

I will finish up the storage room by taking out the recycling and trash and getting the food items upstairs. I will also sweep the floor.  I may get to sew some today and tonight I am out to family's for grandson's birthday dinner. I will probably crochet the trim on the afghan and knit tonight when I get home. 

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

Kitchen Aid Cover Cross Hatched

Yesterday started out cold, grey, and windy. The sun finally shone and the high got to -5.C. Other than some snow in the morning, no more fell during the day. This morning it is -3C having warmed up from -8C at 9 pm. We are to have a high of 1C with sunshine. 

Lifestyle

I piled on the clothes and headed out after having breakfast. I unlocked doors as I was closing the garage door to keep that area from freezing. I did the first pass of shovelling and slid on the ice. I didn't fall which was good. I did about 3 or 4 passes when our friend's oldest boy came over to help me. We were done in 30 minutes. I salted the driveway before heading in. By 3 pm, the driveway was bare. The salt and sunshine did their job. 

After a brief rest, I cleaned up the two bedrooms. Having very little pain meant I could work quicker than I have had in the past. It is nice to be able to do housework without having so much pain it becomes a burden rather than a chore. I rested when done but wasn't sore. 

The upstairs is clean and I am taking a day off from cleaning. I will get back to redoing parts this week. I am hoping it will be maintenance for a week and then back to cleaning closets. 

Sewing

I had some time before lunch to sew on the cover for the Kitchen Aid. I finished cross hatching the main piece with no issues. It was me who was the problem on the previous day. 

After lunch, I cut the pieces for the ends of the covers and cross hatched them. I also cut them out and did rows of stitching around the edges using a short stitch length. The long piece needs to be measured, cut size and two rows of stitching done on it. Then I will be ready to assemble it. 

The fabric looks wrinkled and it isn't. I smoothed it out carefully when I used the temporary adhesive and kept smoothing the fabric as I sewed. There is no puckering. It doesn't look this bad in real life.  
Knitting

I have lots of Soft and Stable left so will be using it in a bag. I want to see how it works and the one piece needs to be used up. It has been in the stash for to long. There is discolouration from age. I have some ideas on which bag I will be using it in. 

I had a good evening knitting. I got the gusset done on the 2nd sock which surprised me. 

I have 48 rounds on each foot before I do the toes. These socks have knit up faster than I thought they would. Daughter said her feet want them. They will get them for Christmas. 

Thoughts

    I hope to start cleaning the storage/maintenance room today. I want to bag up what goes to the thrift shop which I hope to take next week. I also want to sort through items and put some on the shelving unit. It is time to tackle this room and get it looking the way I want it to look. 

    I am slowly working through what I want to sew, knit, and clean. With little pain, I am doing more each day and feeling good physically and mentally about what I am accomplishing. 

Today

I have to change a light bulb in the kitchen which is annoying. I also have to do the balance sheet for the week. I will spend an hour working in the storage room bagging items to go to the thrift shop. I want to sew on the cover for a few hours. I need to make a small batch of spaghetti sauce for dinner and to freeze. I will knit tonight. 

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

Being Too Anal

 Our one day of spring weather disappeared. It was a cloudy day the high temperature was 3.1C at 6 a.m. and it cooled off all day. About 2 pm it started to rain and by 9 pm it had snowed. This morning it is -7C, snowing and blowing. We have had about 5" of snow fall. 

Lifestyle

With the weather system coming in, I was a bit sore all day. I did push and got the bathroom cleaned. I am slowly using up some of the cleaners I have and am still thinking on whether to replace or try something new. 

I made French onion soup for lunch. I cheated and used dried onion soup mix and beef broth. I heated that in the Instant Pot while I caramelized 2 onions. Dumped them in with some garlic and pressured cooked on soup and low pressure for 10 minutes. I cut up cubes of a baguette and added some mozzarella cheese and put it under the broiler. It was quite good. I have enough for lunch today and put the remaining bit of left over soup into the stew for dinner last night. 

Son was over for a quick visit yesterday and it was nice to see him. We had a good talk about several things before he had to leave for an online meeting. He perked up my day. 

I did my exercises yesterday after sewing as my back was sore. It did help a lot and I will be doing them again today. 

Sewing

While I was busy in the morning, I laundered the fabric for the Kitchen Aid cover. I pressed it and got the pieces cut out. I decided to use Soft and Stable and it just about drove me nuts. Maybe it was just me. I started out cross hatching it like normal and the lines curved at the beginning. Enough that I noticed it and ripped them out. I then drew lines on the fabric with greater success. While drawing the 2nd set of lines, I noticed that the 2" spacing was becoming 2.25" so I ironed off the lines (Frixon pens are wonderful). After three attempts, I got the lines to where I was happy. I quit for the day with no pictures and a sore back from being so tense and stressed. I started to put it all to being anal as I wanted to have perfection. 

I really like how Soft and Stable gives the piece I'm working on a great shape. It doesn't flop over on its self. It presses well as I had to remove the fold lines from it sitting in its package for 5 to 6 years. This package will make the cover for the Kitchen Aid with a bit left over. I have another package that I will use in a bag. I did spray adhesive the fabric to the Soft and Stable and stitched 1/8" away from the edge. I would cross hatch a bag to keep the fabric smooth. I'm going to give this a 2nd chance in hopes that it was just me being anal with the cover. 

Without getting out the lining for this project, I know I will have to piece it together. As it is the lining, I'm not worrying about it. I had figured this would happen as I'm using up left over backing from daughter's quilt. 

Knitting

I knit 16 rounds on the first sock and finished the gusset. Once I got into the swing of it, it was quite relaxing. 

The lacy pattern goes down to the toe and it is still keeping the knit interesting. 

The under part of the gusset is done in the padded stitch and I will stop doing that now. It is on to knitting the gusset of sock #2. 

Thoughts

    The county is out plowing the roads in our area with the loader that has the big blade on it. I will have to shovel snow this morning as the driveway has lots on it. It will be great to do it with very little pain though I will be tired when done.

    I am enjoying being busy. It helps make the days pass by and keeps my spirits up. I never did as much sewing when I worked full time. Between keeping the house clean and doing school stuff at home, I had little time to sew. Sewing was a treat when I got to do it. Now I can choose to sew or knit when I want to. I actually have to monitor myself that I'm not spending too much time at home and schedule time to get out. I can be a hermit.

    I don't know if we got freezing rain yesterday as I didn't hear it against the windows. I have a feeling the bridge decks were icy but the roads would be okay as the salt would work on them. I am glad I could stay home yesterday and will do the same today. The weather is improving so I can get out tomorrow if necessary. Our next snow is scheduled for Friday. 

Today

I have to shovel snow today. No getting away from it. If I have time, I will work on the Kitchen Aid cover and will knit tonight. I doubt if I will get any house work done. The joys of having it snow. 

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

Out And About

Yesterday was a spring like day with lots of sunshine and a high of 12C in our area. This morning it is 3C and we have a ENE wind. The high is to get to 6C and we are under a freezing rain warning starting this afternoon and evening. The temperatures are to drop to 0C this afternoon.

Lifestyle

With the sun shining, I decided to get out of the house. I headed to Sackville to get a few items from two stores. I also bought a prepaid shipping box to ship some items to daughter. It was wonderful walking outside and I truly enjoyed my little trip. The sun was so bright I had to wear sunglasses.

Once home, I filled the box and and took it to the post office The parcel is now on its way to her. Once again, I enjoyed walking in the sunshine and warm temps. 

I had a late lunch and after finishing it, I went down to the sewing room and put the snaps on 8 adult bibs. It took a bit of time as I had to work hard to get the snaps on tight enough they would close. Once done, I pressed the bibs and 2 bags I had made and took them to a nursing home. They were delighted to receive the items. I am delighted to donate them and they are now being used vs being in the sewing room closet. 

I made a stew for dinner in the Instant Pot. I have enough for dinner tonight. It was delicious. I added some leeks and mushrooms to this one but didn't make the dumplings. I also didn't add the brown sugar. In all a success. 

Knitting

I worked on the socks last night and got 10 rounds done on the first sock. The gusset is officially being done. 

I had to stop as my left hand started to cramp. Not sure why as it is usually my right hand that cramps up. I have 16 more rounds to do and the gusset on sock #1 will be done. 

Thoughts

    I had very little pain yesterday even though I walked a lot. I did get tired as I was on the move but the pain was minimal. The storm coming in made it a bit sore in the evening. I am hoping that it won't be too bad as the storm arrives this afternoon. 

    I spent some time thinking about the items I want to sew for the rest of this month. I have to start the Kitchen Aid cover next and then would like to start on the winter placemats. The list of items is getting longer and longer but I'm happy to be sewing and the stash is going down. 

    I am going to spend a bit of time looking at the thread for the next two embroidery projects. One is for another gift bag and one is for the embroidered squares for my Christmas quilt. I am thinking of doing embroidery on Sundays after I do the balance sheet. 

Today

I am going to clean the bathroom and make onion soup for two lunches. I have to launder the fabric for the Kitchen Aid cover and then hope to cut it out and start cross hatching the pieces. Tonight I am going to knit on the socks. I have to put salt on the driveway before lunch for safety reasons. 

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

Another Project Completed

Yesterday started off with lots of sunshine and then it clouded up. The high got to 5.3C but it felt cold due to a draft. This morning it is 6C. We are to have sunshine and a high of 12C today. Setting us up to have it cold with freezing rain tomorrow night. 

Lifestyle

I had the curtains open and the heat turned way down yesterday enjoying the heat from the sunshine. Even Elliott was enjoying it. 

I spent the morning cleaning the kitchen. I wanted to try Clean Freak as someone said it disinfects, cuts grease, and is great. I'm not sure about disinfecting surfaces but it really cuts through grease and grime. I thought my counters, walls under the cabinets and sinks were clean. Not the case with this stuff. I did spray the top of the stove and it came pretty clean but I wouldn't use it on stainless steel. It did streak it and I will have to polish it with stainless steel cleaner. 

When the kitchen was clean, I washed the floor with Bona cleaner I'm trying to use up. It did a good job but I'm not sure if I will get any more. I'm thinking about it and will decide over the next while. 

I was tired and a bit sore when I got done the kitchen. I did think about what cleaners I want to use when cleaning the house. I have one more to try but have to order it in. I will be doing that in the next month or so. 

Please note, I'm not promoting any one cleaner over the other. I'm doing this to see what cleaners I want to use and what ones I will use up and not buy again. This all started when I watched some cleaning/decluttering videos and noticing I'm not happy with some of my cleaners when cleaning up the house.

I noticed that Elliott watches some of the YouTube videos I am watching. He particularly likes the ones where there are lots of animals in them. His face is interesting to watch and this one gave me a good laugh. 

Sewing

I got the doll's dress finished. My stupid mistake was putting the snaps on the wrong side and having to redo them. I did take up the hem as I was not liking how long it was. 

It is a very simple dress but it fits to perfection. I put the sweater on after steaming it a bit and it is a nice combination. 

I have put the 8 adult bibs that need snaps on them onto the cutting table as they are next on the to-do list. They need to be used and not hanging in the closet. 

I figured out the pattern for the paw Christmas stockings. I taped it together and then laid out the fabrics I wanted to use. I think I have enough fabric for them which is a total of 3.5 meters. I do have to buy fusible fleece for this project. 

After setting the stocking fabrics to one side, I was surprised at how little Christmas fabric I have left. I am excited at how much I have used in the past three years. Next is to work on the rest of the cottons and watch them be created into projects. 

Knitting

I got the socks set up to start on the gussets. I had to stop as my hands were cramping. I noticed them starting to cramp when hand sewing on the doll's dress. 

The lace pattern will go down to the toe. It keeps the knitting interesting as it is not plain knitting. I have a lot of decreasing to do for the gussets but I have lots of time knitting at night. 

Thoughts

    I am having less pain since doing the stairs in the house. I am walking better and enjoying the little pain zone I am in. I will have to start my exercises again and continue doing a few things I have been doing to help me stand equally on both feet. The physiotherapist and I will be having a discussion next week when I go in for my next session. 

    The weather is crazy here. Spring today, freezing rain and -9C tomorrow night. Then warming up for more rain and cooling down for snow. I'm sure spring will be late this year but then it seems to be late every year. 

Today

I need to go and get the box to send daughter the items in her tub. I also need to get a few groceries. I may head to Sackville to do that. I want to get the snaps on the bibs and dig out the other items ready to go. I also need to launder the fabric for the next project. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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