Snow At The End of March

Yesterday's weather was crazy. It started out sunny and warm and ended up cool and snowy. The high got to 5.7C. This morning it was -5C and snowing. We are to have some sunshine later with a high of 4C.

Lifestyle

The snow was a huge surprise yesterday. I took a picture and since then there has been more snow fall.

We had a bit of sunshine after the first snow storm and Elliott hid his eyes from the brightness so he could sleep soundly. 

I spent the morning cleaning the living room. I got most of it done and will finish it tomorrow. I cleaned cat hair off the couch, vacuumed it and did the floors moving the two couches around. I still have the chair and foot stool to do. Can't wake up a sleeping cat. I also did laundry and got it folded. 

Son and daughter-in-law came at 11:30 a.m. and took me for lunch. I had a roast beef panini which was delicious and had carrot cake for dessert. I blew my points but it was my birthday. We had a great visit as they left this morning for Texas. Dinner, on the other hand was light -- roast beef, a slice of cheese and some grapes. My weight didn't budge either way which was nice. 

In the evening I got a phone call asking for me to get diabetic supplies they had forgot to pack. I went over, got them, and met them half way. I was a bit worried about the drive as it was snowing but the roads were excellent. I got home about 8:40 pm which wasn't too bad. One thing -- I had a break from my usual evening routine with a bit of excitement. 

Daughter gave me boots for my birthday. Just over ankle height which is perfect for yard work. They are a bit big as I take a half size. I need to get insoles for them and enjoy wearing them while working outside. Hopefully I can start working outside in April. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon in the sewing room and got the center blocks quilted. I didn't turn on the overhead light as it was bright when I went down. By the time I finished it was dark. It was then that I saw it was snowing hard. 

I didn't take pictures of the blocks as it was too dark. I did do some timing and it takes about 25 minutes to stitch in the ditch and quilt the center block. Not too bad for a slow sewer. 

I am now ready to watch the next video which tells how to sew the blocks together. I know I have to trim the batting and backing, sew the blocks together, and fiddle with the batting and backing so it all looks neat and tidy before hand stitching the seams together. After I sew each row together, I can do more quilting while the pieces are more manageable. The only time I have to quilt with the whole quilt together is after I attach row 2 and 3 together. I am going to try and take more pictures as I do the next step. 

I have decided that I will be doing more "quilt as you go" when I make quilts. I have 3 to make this year and I find that they are easier to handle when I work on the blocks. I will probably machine sew the backing down on 2 of the quilts as they will be used daily. The third one is my Christmas quilt and it won't be used a lot. 

Knitting

I knit on the hat and have 4 rows left to go. Next up is a doll's sweater using sock yarn. I am looking forward to trying a pattern I bought several years ago.

Thoughts

     I have decided to start walking outside daily (weather permitting) so I can strengthen my hip and knee. I would love to take a trip this fall and need to be able to walk at least a mile. I need to get into shape also. 

   My birthday went better than I had expected. I did miss the Spousal Unit being around. It wasn't my usual birthday routine which helped. I am finding that doing something different helps.

    Spring is coming. Yesterday it smelled like spring is coming (even if it did snow). We are now moving into warmer and wetter days. I'll take that over the snow at this time of the year.  

Today

I need to be at son's house at 10 am as the cleaners are arriving. I need to watch the video on joining the quilt squares and start sewing row ones blocks together. I would like to go for a walk this afternoon and knit tonight. It is mainly a stay at home day for me.

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

A Great Eye Exam

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 8C. There was very little wind which made is quite nice. This morning it is -2C and clear. Clouds are to come in late this afternoon along with the snow. The high is to get to 4C. 

Lifestyle

I took grandson to school yesterday morning and as we turned on the road to the school we had fog greet us. Grandson said we had fog because the school is old (1798) and old schools and fog are spooky. So we went with the theme and had a good chuckle. 

I was to the optometrist yesterday morning. I had to have 3 tests done before seeing the optometrist . One I never had before but it takes a picture of your eyeball. This is new as they joined FYIdoctors (Canadian and founded in Alberta). When I saw the optometrist, she did all the updates on me, did my vision and then put drops in my eyes. I then went and got measured for new lenses and to pay my bill. 

When back in to have the last check up on my eyes, I was told they are very healthy with only one floater. The picture of my eyes was the best they had seen and all the staff was looking at it. I did something right for them to get those great pictures. I go back in 2.5 weeks for the new lenses. 

I struggled during the day with my eyes dilated. The bright sun didn't help but I didn't want to sit in a dark house. I swept the sewing room floor and cleaned the cat's litter before lunch. After lunch I had a good nap and then did a few small things. By dinner time, my eyes were back to feeling normal. They were certainly sensitive to the bright light; more than I thought they would be. 

Sewing

I swept the sewing room floor and there was a lot of fibre and thread on it. It felt good to have it clean once again. I also trimmed and got some blocks ready to quilt. I quit when my eyes got tired. 

Knitting

I did knit late in the afternoon and part of the evening. I don't have to strain my eyes a lot when knitting these hats. 

I have 2.5" left to knit on the hat and then 5 rows to decrease and it will be done. I will be putting the yarn away as it seems to give me hives. Some chemical as I knit with these fibres all the time. 

Today

I will be doing some housework this morning and working on the quilt this afternoon. I want to knit tonight. It is my birthday but I have no plans for today as we celebrated 2 weeks ago. My only plan is to have seafood chowder for dinner as I love it. A very quiet day for me unless I visit my friend this afternoon. 

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

Block By Block Quilting

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 5.9C. This morning it is -2C and it has snowed. The high is to get to 7C and there is to be a mix of sun and clouds.

Lifestyle

Yesterday I went shopping shortly after breakfast. I am still trying to find things with the new layout. I got everything I needed and shouldn't need to shop again for 10 days. 

In the afternoon, I got Elliott his food and then went for a short drive. I needed to get out for a drive in the sunshine. It was nice to do that.

I cancelled my physio appointment for next week. I am doing well and just need to exercise my hip and knee. Both need to be strengthened over time. I will go back if it flares up again. 

Sewing

I had a good workout in the sewing room yesterday. I cut all the backing and batting squares for Elliott's quilt. I then started laying the top pieces onto the backing and batting. I stitched in the ditch around the printed square and then did an organic trail around the inside. 

At this point I am doing each square to this point for two reasons:

    I sew very slow when doing stitch in the ditch so the stitches are basically hidden. Doing 9 in a row would not be fun due to the intensity of going slow and careful. 

    While I have the block under the needle why not do the quilted part. It is the interesting part and gives my brain a rest from stitching in the ditch.

I got 4 of the 9 blocks done. 

I am still deciding on what I want to do for the rest of the quilt. Probably straight lines. Or nothing once I stitch in the ditch between the light and dark teal. I wait and see as I don't do any more quilting until each row is sewn together and then when when it is all sewn together. This is a step by step process. 

Knitting

I finished the doll's hat and had yarn left over. I also got the buttons on the doll's sweater and hat. 

I used buttons from the stash which have been hoarded for almost 30 years. 

These buttons were for a project that I will never make so I am using them up. 

I also started another messy bun hat. These projects are keeping my hands busy at night. 

Thoughts

    After 9 days of staying the same weight, I lost 1.1 lbs. My body did need the rest from loosing weight and I changed up my diet a bit hoping to kick start it back to loosing. It worked.

    I am still in a bad mood when working on Elliott's quilt. It isn't a nice feeling but I am doing what I want regardless of what others think. It has given me hives which I am treating and trying to relax about how I am feeling. It is very different than what most people but it is something I want to do to see if this is how I will quilt. I want to quilt but need to find my niche which isn't free motion quilting. 

Today

I have to take grandson to school this morning and then I am off to the optometrist. Daughter-in-law is taking me as I will have dilating drops put in. Still on the fence if I am going to get new frames and lenses or if only new lenses. I will do some things when home but I can't do a lot of anything that requires using my eyes until late this afternoon. I will see what gets done and what doesn't. Quilting is out but I may sweep the sewing room floor. I do hope to knit tonight but only a limited amount. 

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

The Blocks Are Finished

Yesterday was warmer with more sunshine. The high to to 5.5C. This morning it is -1C. We are to have sunshine and 7C today. 

Lifestyle

After taking grandson to school, I spent the morning cleaning the kitchen, dining area and hall. I dusted, scrubbed and got the floor clean. While waiting for areas of the floor to dry, I rested as my knee and hip get sore and weak. But, on the whole, I did more cleaning and less resting than ever. I am happy with how the areas look. 

I ended up in a foul mood yesterday afternoon. I am not sure what triggered it, but I sabotaged myself into a deep dark hole for a few hours. I finally turned off my mind with mindless shows and came out of it. I think it could have been the weather (grey and dull). 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon in the sewing room and got the top of Elliott's quilt ready to put onto the batting and backing. There are pressing errors in it as I forgot to think in my foul mood which way the seams should have gone. 

I am at the point where I now have to cut the backing and batting into 13.5" squares and stitch in the ditch around the cat squares and do something in that area. Then I can start to sew them together using a no binding method. That will be a lot of hand sewing but I am looking forward to it. 

The backing is going to be cut out of some other fabric I bought as I want to save the front greens for another project. I will have about a meter of each of those. I have an idea I am thinking about which will use up all the cat fabric and most of the green. 

Knitting

I am playing yarn chicken with the doll's hat. I am down to 4-5 rows left and I hope I win. The two pieces will need buttons and then I can photograph it on the doll. 

Thoughts

    The weather is starting to get warmer during the day though we will have some flurries and rain coming in starting on Thursday. 

    I have been sleeping fairly well lately and my hip and knee do bother me. It is more stiffness than intense pain. I find that putting heat on it helps though some of the stiffness is fluid retention. It will come with time as I have noticed that I am doing more each day. 

    I am pushing myself to my limit on the quilt. My brain is coming around to chain sewing but still doesn't like it. It keeps pointing to finishing a block and then the next one. When I leave the sewing room, I am tired but happy with the progress I am making working on doing something different.

    I am trying to figure out what I can do tomorrow as I have my eye exam. I will probably get my pupils dilated so can't watch tv or work on the computer until later in the afternoon.  

Today

I have to take grandson to school and grocery shop this morning. If I can, I would like to start cleaning the entry way. I have to launder the backing fabric so I can cut out the backing and batting squares for Elliott's quilt. I may get started on stitching in the ditch around the printed fabric. I want to knit tonight though I will need a new project to start. Another stay at home day. 

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

One Quilt Block Completed

 Yesterday was dull, grey, and dark. There was snow, rain, and wind and the high got to 2.9C. This morning it is -1C and we could have a mix of sun and clouds and a high of 6C.

Lifestyle

I did the balance sheet yesterday morning and it took me 10 minutes to find a stupid mistake. I only have to grocery shop and pay for one part of my eye exam and either new frames or just lenses left to pay for this month. 

A load of laundry was done and the kitchen was tidied up and I called it a day for housework. I am trying not to do housework on Sunday. I am going to have to focus on it all this coming week.

Sewing/Crafting

I played a couple of hours on the Cricut. I got the last of the smaller spice jars labeled.

I used the free svg files from this website. As I was learning, I followed her directions carefully and did the design page many times. As I got better and learned more, I figured out a few tricks. 

One thing I learned was to ungroup, pull the spice names I wanted to one area and hide the remaining names. That way I only cut the names I wanted. 

I used smart vinyl for the project (Joy Circuit size) and put it on a mat. I had to cut out each name twice which is okay. Weeding it was okay. Putting the name onto transfer paper was hard. No matter what I did, I had to keep burnishing it with the tool, the weeding tool and the spatula. I'm not sure if it was the vinyl or the transfer paper or if it was the Cricut brand. I will not use smart vinyl again but get the everyday permanent vinyl. Another learning curve. In all, I am happy with my first vinyl project. 

I played with iron on vinyl again using a different brand of vinyl. I got Siser brand and I like it. I did a heart and pressed it on a piece of fabric. 

I am ready to do the vinyl on a gift bag next Sunday. 

After lunch I sewed on Elliott's quilt. I made 1 square to get the finished measurement (12.5"). I struggled getting the corners to match but finally got it. 

After that was done, I cut out the remaining 14 squares of each fabric and made them into half triangle squares. I used my new ceramic pen to draw the lines and it was wonderful to put the edge of the foot on the line and sew. I cut on the line, pressed and they are ready to be trimmed. 

I was quite sore when I left the sewing room as I stood a lot on my feet cutting and pressing. 

I am finding the teal fabrics fray a lot and will have to trim all the long threads on the back of the blocks. I'll do that while I watch tv. 

Knitting

I finished the sweater and need to get buttons for it. I am going to look in the button box first to see if I have grey or pewter buttons. 

I am going to knit a hat to go with the sweater as I don't have enough yarn for another one. I am ready to cast on the stitches tonight. 

I am thinking of getting this pattern off Etsy. 

I know what yarn I want to use and will knit on it over several months.

Today

I have to take grandson to school shortly. I am going to do housework this morning and work on Elliott's quilt this afternoon. Tonight I will knit on the doll's hat. I plan on having a quiet day at home getting the housework caught up. 

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

A Day Of Shopping and Sewing

 Yesterday was a nicer day with the sun shining more than expected. The high got to 4C and there wasn't a lot of wind. This morning, it is -1C and it is snowing lightly. The snow will turn to rain later today. The high is to get to 2C.

Lifestyle

I stood strong and watched less tv yesterday. It was a good choice as I slept well last night -- 7 hours without waking up and then dozing after that. 

I did a lot of quiet thinking as I am becoming aware of a lot of things lately. It is awakening things I had forgotten about myself. I'll probably think about them more and then put them back to bed. 

I did go shopping and it was a craft/sewing run. In the last store, I talked to two ladies about the Cricut as they want one. I was home by noon which was great. 

Sewing/Crafts

My shopping trip included buying more spice jars. I am done for now as I need to decide on how to deal with the bigger packages of spices. That will include looking in different stores to see what they have. 

My other craft stop was at the big craft store. I got more vinyl for projects along with a new blade for the Cricut. I also got some card stock for playing with. I'm still in learning mode. 

I also went to the two quilt shops. At the first one I got more of the light green for Elliott's quilt plus two pieces for the dolls. 

The coral is for a skirt and the white is for a historical dress. 

At the second quilt shop, I got fabric for a grinch bag or two. One will have vinyl ironed onto them. The other could have embroidery on it. 

I also got two pieces from the Christmas carts as they were what I wanted and on sale. 

The blue is for a table runner and I got the plank fabric for the stash. I need it for more projects I have planned. I bought what was left on the bolt. 

While eating lunch, I watched this video on how to sew the blocks together on Elliott's quilt. I wanted to make sure I was going to do it correctly. 

After lunch, I went down to the sewing room and started sewing. I did the test strip for a scant 1/4" and got it on the first try. I then pushed myself to chain sew all the rectangles together and press the seams. I measured each one to make sure they were the right size. I then sewed them onto the squares using the chain method and pressed them. When I measured the blocks, two needed to be picked apart, trimmed, and sewn together again. 

I was tired when I got done as sewing this way is not my preferred method. It goes quicker than my method but my brain was fighting it all the way. It was good for me mentally to step outside of my comfort zone. I will continue to do this method for the quilt and try to do it for other quilts. 

Knitting

I finished the body of the sweater and it turned out quite nice. I need to bring up bigger needles to knit the sleeves. 

I don't think I have enough yarn for a 2nd sweater so I will probably make a hat to go with this sweater. I was going to put on some gorgeous buttons but am thinking I will go with plain grey ones. I think the gorgeous buttons need a plain sweater to showcase them. 

Thoughts

    I am so surprised I slept well last night as I was thinking a lot. I watched the video on selling your crafts and nope, nope, nope. I'm either not ready to do it or don't want to do it. If I chose to sell, I will figure it out my way. 

    I also thought (and told two ladies I was talking to) about not choosing one person/website to learn from. I know from experience that we need a variety of people/websites to learn from. We may choose one over another as the top person/site. I for one like to learn from a variety of people. They all meet my needs in one way or another. One video may teach you something no other videos you've found does. It is the same for print material. I've found that out in sewing and knitting and now with the Cricut. I am a visual and tactile (see and do) learner. I am also a person who does better learning on my own though I have learned successfully in a classroom situation. As long as I can see and do in the classroom I will learn. 

    I am behind on housework so this coming week I need to focus on it in the mornings. I have to take grandson to school two mornings and get groceries one morning. Otherwise my mornings will be cleaning and scrubbing. I need to get caught up so I can start under the stairs. I need to get ready to start working outside of the house. 

Today

I have to do the balance sheet and then it will be cutting out the last spice labels and, maybe, the Grinch Christmas tree. In the afternoon, I want to cut out the squares for the quilt and continue sewing on it. Tonight I will knit. It is a stay at home day for me. 

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

A Stupid Cutting Mistake

Yesterday was grey but not as dull. The sun did try to shine which helped. The wind was cold and blew hard at times and the high got to 2.6C. This morning it is -1C and it is suppose to get to 4C with sunshine, flurries, and snow tonight. 

Lifestyle

I did things in the kitchen yesterday morning. The chicken was cut up and what I don't eat was put into a pot of chicken broth and water and turned into soup stock. I took a bit at noon to make rice with and it was delicious. The meat I eat was portioned out and frozen and the soup was strained, meat off the bones, and put into containers and frozen. I cleaned up the kitchen and called it done. 

I was out to take fire paper to son's house at noon and the weather was bitter. The wind was cold and went right through you. My idea of a quick walk was gone when I got home and warmed up. I am not impressed to say the least. 

I had deli roast beef, baked potato, and beans for dinner. I put horseradish mustard on the roast beef and it was delicious. I will have this meal again next week and will buy more next month. Beef has become a treat as I don't cook it for just me. Buying it at the deli is expensive but worth it for a treat. 

Sewing

I spent a couple of hours in the sewing room cutting out Elliott's quilt. It is going to be a fun one as I love (and laugh) at the printed fabric. I fussy cut each of the printed blocks to capture each cat once or twice. 

The finished blocks will be 12" and I will be doing quilt as you go. The pattern is all over the internet but I am using the cutting sizes from a box of quilt cards I won in January at the new quilt shop. 

I laid out the pieces to see what the block will look like and it is going to be quite nice. The fabrics do help the print pop.

I spent a lot of time standing so I could cut accurately and my knee and hip was sore when I got done. I did practice standing squarely on both feet which helps in the long run but still hurts at the moment. 

I am now watching this video on how to sew the blocks together using a scant 1/4" seam. I will be following the instructions exactly as I want to have an accurately sized block. 

I have to buy more of the light "plain" fabric as I cut the squares 3/4" too small. I can use the squares in something else I want to make. It's a good thing I am getting my eyes checked on Thursday. One's and 7's are starting to look similar which was the cause of my cutting error.

Knitting

I knit on the doll's sweater last night and only had to unknit one row. It is coming along nicely and I am not worried about how long it is going to take me to finish it. 

I hope I have enough yarn to knit this sweater without the pattern as it is really cute. When done, I will have to weigh the remaining yarn to see if I have enough. 

Thoughts

    I have been watching too much TV lately and after today it will only be evenings only or to learn something which I will use in the next day or two. My brain is in overload and I'm not sleeping well because of it. I mull over comments made and, once again, I am realizing that I need to ignore comments about things that annoy me. I can control that and still watch learning videos. 

    I continue to realize that I am not a mass producer of projects and don't sell because of that. I like to make one or two of a project and move on. I also don't like to work for hours making one project over and over again. I am also a slow crafter who likes perfection. I am not business oriented and admire those who are. I do make items for sale but on my terms only. I thoroughly enjoy making gifts for others instead. 

    When resting the other day, I thought about how I like to learn. I am an independent learner who thrives on figuring it out by myself. I also like to change things up. I fear going to classes as I worry about being criticized for doing it my way or making changes to a project. Years of figuring it out on my own has given me lots of tricks but sometimes other don't appreciate you doing them in a class situation. Hence I stay at home and continue learning on my own. Not always ideal and quite isolating at times. 

Today

I am heading out to shop this morning and will watch the last video on a live series this afternoon. I will cut the squares again for Elliott's quilt before and after watching the video. I will knit tonight and watch mindless shows to relax. 

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

Tired and Overwhelmed

 Yesterday was dull and grey. Little to no sunshine. The high got to 4C and it snowed starting just before 4 pm. They say we had almost an inch of moisture. This morning, it is 2C and the high is suppose to get to 4C. It is to be mainly cloudy with drizzle. 

Lifestyle

I had no energy yesterday. Between not getting enough sleep and the dull day, I went into hibernation mode. It was so easy to just sit on the couch and do nothing, which I managed to do for most of the day. I did sweep the dining area and hall and it wasn't the best job in the world. I also folded a small load of laundry. 

I went out at 4 pm in the snow and got a few groceries. I have a barbecued chicken to eat and make soup out of. I also got some sliced of roast beef, a small portion of vegetable quiche and a small salad. I had the quiche and salad for dinner which was nice. The roast beef I will have for dinner tonight and I will get the chicken cut up to freeze and to make a pot of soup. 

I knew I was tired yesterday when I got the urge to eat anything and everything to get energy. I didn't do it as I knew I would only be tired a short while later. Instead I watched tv and dozed. The feeling did leave so I beat the urge to binge eat. 

At 8:30 pm last night, the grass was white with snow. It melted during the night. I am happy about that. We are to get more snow tomorrow night with snow/rain on Sunday. Will spring ever come? I sure hope so. 

Sewing

I stayed out of the sewing room knowing I would have a disaster if I started a project. 

I did look at the Cricut and took out the blade. I cleaned it and put it back in according to an instruction I found -- blade side facing to the front. That was it. 

I did think about several things while watching tv. I need to get a piece of freezer paper from my friend so I can learn how to layer iron on vinyl on fabric using a "registration" mark (a star). This will be for a gift bag that I want to make.  

Yesterday I showed this picture.

I haven't referenced this file yet because I'm still learning how to put it together and haven't shown the final project. I learned a lot from yesterday's videos on how to do it easily. Having saved the file saved me a couple of times yesterday as my brain could only process little bits at a time. It took me three times to get the file to the point I can cut it out. It didn't take much to overwhelm me. 

The file is from here and is free. The reference points information came from this video and this one. The first video shows using the freezer paper to iron the registration points onto so you don't iron them onto your fabric. The second video is the one I used to add the reference points to the file.  

I have to look for fabric for the gift bag and I may buy some Dr. Seuss fabric for the lining. I will probably come back to this file once I have done a couple of other things in the sewing room. 

When I finish the spice jars, I will reference the file and my thoughts about it. It was a big learning curve and I am still processing what I learned. 

Knitting

I knit on the sweater last night and got body and sleeves divided. I had to unknit several times due to tiredness. No pictures were taken. 

Today

I am going to try and clean the dining area and prep the food I bought yesterday this morning. This afternoon I would like to start cutting out Elliott's quilt so I can set the pieces aside to sew on when I have time. I will knit tonight. I may even go outside a bit today if the wind isn't blowing too hard. I need fresh air. 

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

Learning New Things

 It was a sunny day yesterday but also cold and windy. The high got to 3.5C. This morning the temperature is -4C and we could have rain and snow flurries. The high is to get to 1C. 

Lifestyle

Grandson's trip to physio was fast. He injury is completely healed which is wonderful. He's set for the tournament he is playing in at the end of the month. 

I had my to-do list and started working on it after I had breakfast. I got the spare bedroom done. A lot of work but so worth it. I have a couple of things to buy for in there and a couple of things to make. Next up the doing the dining room which won't take as long. I had done it well not that long ago. It needs tidying up and the floors done. 

I was out having tea with my friend in the afternoon and when I came home, I walked the front lawn picking up trash that was blown onto it. I also picked up a couple of branches that broke off one of the plants in front of the house. It didn't take long and it felt good having it done. I may trim that plant on Saturday afternoon when it is warmer outside. The next door neighbours did the ditch (all their garbage was in it) between our driveways. I have to do the rest of the ditch when it is drier. 

We have another wonderful storm coming in (snow and rain) and my knee and hip have been sore and stiff. It is something that I will have to live with even when I get it stronger. Heat helped it last night and the fluid on my knee is gone this morning. 

Sewing

With all the small projects completed, I plan on making Elliott his quilt and another bag for daughter as she said she has a request for one. I laundered the fabric for Elliott's quilt so it is ready to start. 

I played on the Cricut yesterday and cut out the next 6 spices.  I am still learning how to transfer the vinyl to the transfer tape. I will try a new technique the next time. 

I have 7 more to do but need to buy the jars for them. Then it is to find larger jars for the remaining spices. 

I also got out the heat press and followed the instructions to put the app on my phone and to use it. When I got that done, I decided to try cutting out my own vinyl and cut out part of the design I want to put on a gift bag. 

I am now wanting to make the gift bag but must wait until next week to do it. I need to find the fabric for it in the stash or I am going to have to buy some. My trip out depends on the weather. More of winter is to arrive.

Knitting

I knit on the doll's sweater and the pattern is starting to show up. The coloured flecks in the yarn detract from the pattern making it harder to see. I can see it in the shaded part on the back of the sweater but not when the full light is shining on it. 

If there is enough yarn left, I will knit this sweater again in plain knitting. I love the style of the sweater for the dolls. 

Thoughts

    I missed a small quilt show at one of the quilt shops on Saturday. My friend told me it was spectacular and she bought a book of patterns as she wants to make one for her bed. I was amazed at what was produced when she showed me the pictures she had taken. It was a great way to promote the quilt shop. 

    I have a list of things I need to do in each area of the house. I have made a schedule to what I would like to do each day of the week with days off so I can go and do things. My goal is so I can have the house clean and tidy so cleaning will only take a short period of time each day. 

    I am finding that l love the minimal look and calming colours. I am working hard on getting that feeling in the house. The spare room has that feeling and when I add yellow and blue to it, I am sure it will be exactly the way I want it. It doesn't have a lot in it and everything is well organized and clean. 

Today

My goal today is to clean and tidy up the dining area and hall. I would love to cut out all the pieces for Elliott's quilt (9 blocks). If time, I would like to cut out the next bag. I also need to look for fabric for the next gift bags (vinyl and embroidered). I will knit tonight. With the weather suppose to be wet, it is a great day to stay home. 

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

 

The Last Little Projects Completed

 Yesterday was a lovely spring day. The sun shone, the wind was calm and the high got to 8.4C. This morning it is -1C. We are to have sunshine and a high of 4C today. 

Lifestyle

Grandson and I had a successful grocery shopping trip which we both enjoyed. I got home and put my groceries away and got ready to do some cleaning.

As I had a drink, I made a more detailed list of what needed to be done in the spare bedroom and laundry closet. I got started by putting the duvet cover on the bed and fluffing up the pillows. Items went away and one needs to go to the garbage. Then I started washing the doors. Both sides were done. I then moved to the laundry closet and cleaned the machines and washed the doors. I had to climb the little ladder twice to clean the top of the machines. The cleaning cloth was dirty from all the cleaning. I was tired. But, I'm getting those areas cleaned. 

Sewing

When I had a few minutes before picking up grandson, I put the ribbons into the snowflakes. They are now ready to be put into tissue paper ready to gift back to the person who gave them to me.

I sewed up the Gotz doll's capris also and that project is off the table. They are a simple sew and the pattern is well drafted. Unfortunately, the pattern was tested and never published. 

I am now ready to make a list of what I want to sew for the next 9 days. 

Knitting

I cast on the doll's sweater I want to knit at least 3 times before I got the right order of the needles. I worked on it and love how the coloured bits are showing up. 

Thoughts

    As I was cleaning I realized I don't go about doing every day cleaning but I do a deep cleaning. I learned how to deep clean as a child which was normal for us to do every day. It keeps me active but I am going to have to figure out a schedule so I can clean on a regular basis. Right now I am still decluttering items I no longer need. 

    As grandson and I left the grocery store yesterday, we smelled the BBQ chickens cooking and I want to get one to eat and make soup. The craving was so great that I did chicken in a similar coating for dinner last night. No issues after eating it which was great. 

    The weather was so nice yesterday that I turned off the heat and opened a window to air out the house. It was so nice to have it smelling fresh as the weather is going to turn to snow and rain tomorrow.

Today

I've taken grandson to and from physio. I want to finish cleaning the spare room and laundry closet this morning. I should get the next bag ready to sew and launder some fabric for Elliott's quilt. I may see if I can visit my friend. Tonight I will knit on the doll's sweater. 

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

A To-Do List Is Started

 Yesterday was sunny and cool. The wind blew hard for most of the day. The high got to 3.5C. This morning the temperature is -3C and the wind has stopped blowing. Today is suppose to be sunny with a high of 8C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday I decided to clean the spare room. That means cleaning the litter box area -- done. I then washed the window and wiped the trim. It was dusty. The baseboard heater was wiped down and it was dusty. Then the fun began. I wanted to put up the new curtains and when I took down the old ones, one bracket was loose. I went and got some screw drivers to tighten it. Then I tried a bigger screw. Nothing worked and the bracket wouldn't stay tight against the wall when I put up the curtains. I took the screws out, and looked at the holes in the wall. The plugs were broken. I had to go out and get pliers and new plugs. I finally got it fixed and the curtains hung. I then dusted the furniture, put away some items, and called it a morning. Going up and down the little ladder and in and out of the garage about 8 times made my knee and hip sore to the point of aching. 

The afternoon was spent walking around the house and applying heat to my knee and hip. By evening, the pain was almost gone but I was stiff. I know I must have twisted my hip when on the little ladder. I am known to twist and turn when I'm trying to do something. I was also frustrated and tense as I tried to figure out what was wrong. All of the curtain rod brackets in this house are put up incorrectly and I will need help to get them done properly. The living and dining room rods need to be higher up on the wall. Hence why I would love to have shades but know the value of the drapes for winter and summer. I am thinking of both but still undecided.

Elliott had a rough day as he only slept for 2-3 hours under a blanket. He decided to wake up and be somewhat cranky with life. He chose to sleep on the back of the couch and was slipping off. He yelled at me for help and I put the pillow under his butt. 

He slept in the sun like that for quite a while and finally looked at me a bit happier. 

He dozed in that position for a while longer before he moved. He loves the sun on him and I'm sure his long nap will include sleeping in the sun. We learn to live around him when he does that. 

I ate a real meal last night and it upset my gut. It lasted about 6 hours and then it was over. It will be chicken and rice today and then I will try to find something bland for tomorrow. I need to add vegetables back as I am craving them. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday as I was resting my hip. Before I did that, I did get everything to stiffen the snowflakes I had washed and whitened a while ago. I made a mixture of corn starch and water, thickened it, and put the snowflakes in it for 5 minutes after it had cooled. I stretched them out on a foam board and pinned them in place. 

I am glad the job is done as I hated the feel of the sticky starch mixture on my hands. It wasn't hard to get them laid out, stretched, and pinned in place. I patted down the little bits so they were flat. Several times I went back and patted them down just to be sure. Once they are dry, I will put some narrow lace on them so they can be hung. I will wrap them in tissue paper ready to gift back to the lady who gave them to me. 

With that project almost done, I only have one small project left to sew -- the leggings for the dolls. Then it is back to regular sewing. 

Knitting

While resting and watching TV, I decided to knit on the hat. I had it finished in the evening as I kept putting it down to move around. 

It fits me perfectly so will fit the person it will be gifted to. There is yarn left over so I will have to figure out what I am going to make with it. If there is another ball of this yarn, I may get two hats out of it. 

Thoughts

    Yesterday was the first day of spring. Though it was sunny, it wasn't what I think spring should be like. And I looked at the forecast and there is snow coming over the weekend. Spring is still a ways off. 

    I started the to-do list. Upstairs is getting to the point of being done. I will focus on an area and complete it even if it takes me several days. Once I am done, I will then finish up the basement. I have actually completed more than I thought I had but need to keep focused so I can complete the inside before heading outside. 

    The outside jobs are worrying me a bit but I will make a list of what needs to be done and work on it area by area. The dreaded hedge needs to be weeded this year and I am going to start on it early. The other thing that is annoying is how much garbage is in the ditch. Some of it is my neighbours, some of it is from the kids tossing wrappers, etc. I usually do it twice a year and it is not my favourite job. (Whine, whine, complain, complain)

Today

Grandson and I are going grocery shopping this morning and then I want to sew the doll's capris in the afternoon. If there is time, I would love to cut out the next six spice labels and put them on the jars. The snowflakes need to be dealt with. I am going to start knitting a doll's sweater tonight as I have a plan in my head for it. 

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

Sunday Crafting Projects

Yesterday had more sunshine than I expected but the wind was blowing most of the day bringing in some snow flurries in the afternoon. The high got to 5.1C. This morning it is -5C and we are to have sunshine and a high of 2C. 

Lifestyle

I did the balance sheet and am happy with where I am at. It didn't take long to do and I did a bit of planning for the rest of the month. I have a bit to do today and I will be done until next Sunday.

I got weighed this morning and lost 4.6 lbs in the past week. Most of it has to do with eating rice and chicken to calm my IBS. I did have some "real" food but it was small portions as I was scared of having another flare up. Between cautious eating and probiotics, I am healing. I am hoping to start eating more normally this week. 

My knee and hip have been a bit sore with all the storms coming in. It comes and goes and is most annoying. I do the exercises to help ease the pain and it works sometimes. I do put a lot of heat on it also. But, I am more mobile which is making me happy. 

Crafting

I spent quite a few hours playing with the Cricut. I got the first card stock to cut perfectly and was thrilled. The second card stock of the same weight didn't cut so I increased the blade pressure. Somewhat better but not good. Back into the settings I go and through trial and error I figured out to have it cut each piece twice. I did it for two weights of card stock. Amazing how sharp and clean the cuts are. I did a bunch of tags for daughter for her shirts.

I printed the last piece of card stock and called it done for now. 

I need to get more pens as the coloured ones I got are very fine pointed. I had to use the black pen that came with the machine as it is thicker. It is a live and learn situation. 

My last project of the day was to cut out 3 of the spice labels on vinyl. I had smart vinyl for another machine that I had seen could be used. I set the vinyl setting for more pressure and to cut twice. When I went to cut the first try, I selected the wrong vinyl and it didn't cut through. I did it again and it worked perfectly. 

I didn't realize how much you have to use the scraper on the smart vinyl to make it adhere to the transfer tape. I did struggle with that but got the labels on the jars. 

Standing up they look great. 

I have the next 6 spice jars ready to label and the spices have been chosen. I will work on getting the vinyl onto the transfer tape the next time without having to fiddle with it like I did on the first 3 jars.

I didn't realize how easy the machine is to use when you get it set up to cut perfectly. I still want to tweak the blade as it could be adjusted another way. I have wasted paper but I did learn a lot. The stress of learning how to adjust the machine caused me to have a small IBS attack but I survived it without feeling exhausted. Next up is to learn how to use heat vinyl and layer it for a project. I am also wanting to learn how to make stickers. 

I am thinking of taking an on-line course on using the Cricut. It goes into how to use the machine, do projects and has lots of cut files included in the membership. I am not not wanting to sell items at this time but to make items like cards, stickers, etc. for my own use. One project I do want to do is shoes for the dolls. It is on my to-do list. 

Knitting

To relax I cast on the next hat and started knitting on it. I love how the yarn looks on this hat. I enjoyed watching it knit up and before I knew it, I was almost half done the hat. Four rows short of half done.

I have the yarn in grey and can't wait to see how it turns out. 

Thoughts

    I have a couple of projects left to finish up and then I can start on another bag. I am enjoying getting things finished as they have been hanging around my neck weighing me down. 

    I need to spend a bit of time making a plan for what I need to do in the next while. I seem to be floating around with half baked plans in my head and a few small projects that never got completed. I need to revisit my goals for the year rather than float from one thing to another.  

    It will be 6 months since the Spousal Unit passed away. The road has been bumpy emotionally but I am moving forward in my life. I miss him each day but know he is at peace and that I have many, many wonderful memories to look back at. 

Today

I am not sure what I want to do today. I may go and get a few things at the craft store so I can start crafting on Sunday. Most is 50% off right now and I need to take advantage of the sale. I want to work on the two little projects and get them done. I will knit tonight. I should work on my plan which will be a list of things I need to do before I head outside to do yard work. 

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