Taking Time To Think

 Though yesterday started out foggy, it turned out to be a nice day with plenty of sunshine. The high got to 20.3C. This morning it is foggy and 10C. We are to have sunshine and a high of 21C. Beautiful fall weather. 

Lifestyle

I headed out to New Minas on my own yesterday morning. I needed time to think about my health. In Coldbrook I got garlic and 4 Honeycrisp apples. I will be going back to get more garlic as I want to plant 3 cloves of elephant garlic to see how big it gets. 

In New Minas, I went to get items I needed at the stationary store. I have one item to return as I got the wrong thing. I will be going up there again this coming week so no problem. I also did the big box store for groceries and cleaning supplies. My last stop was the quilt shop. 

I was over to see family in the late afternoon and we talked about my sore body. I am going to focus on getting things back to normal and not focus on if I have to have surgery. If it happens, it happens but I won't worry about it. It was good to talk about it as I was concerned about my after care while I recovered. 

I did well with my mobility yesterday. I had some pain but not a lot. There seemed to be less stiffness which is good. I was tired at the end of the day but it was a good tiredness. I slept for over 7 hours last night without waking up which is wonderful. I will be starting my yoga moves today. 

Sewing

I went in to the quilt shop in New Minas to find out about my quilt and to buy a the William Morris fabric for a quilt I will make later this winter. The quilt was put in the back and forgotten as the work order was never printed out. They found it and it was moved forward as it was suppose to be done earlier. I should be picking it up this coming week as they called to say it was loaded on the long arm machine. I know I will be asking if they have printed out the work order the next time I take a quilt in. I have learned a few things with this quilt. 

I worked on the paw stockings and got the appliqués stitched on both the stockings. 

The fusible fleece is pressed onto all the grey pieces and the hanging tabs are stitched. I'm ready to sew the stockings and linings together and put them together. I'm excited at how much I got done yesterday. I hope to finish them today. 

Next up is an apron for daughter. Once that is done and the quilt binding sewn on and stitched down, I will be done their Christmas parcels. Then I will focus on other things the cardinal quilts being one. 

Knitting

I did more than 8 rows of knitting. The underarm cast off was done and 2 rows of decreasing done. No pictures taken as it really hasn't changed in appearance. 

Thoughts

    I did a lot of thinking about my health yesterday while driving. I have to accept that I may have to have a knee replacement but hope it won't come to that. If I do what I need to do I hope that I can have a better quality of life. My thinking and talking time were worth it. 

    I lost weight without trying to. I am still above where I was but .1 lb. above the 50 lb. mark once again. It was fluid from stress and the osteopathy session. My goal is to have the rest of the weight off as soon as possible through proper eating and exercise. 

    I am working on a plan to get back to cleaning and cooking. If the pain level remains low and I can get lots of sleep I can do more. I am using cleaners I don't normally use but it is to help me get the house clean quickly. Once I get the first cleaning done, I will go back and use my usual methods of cleaning. 

Today

I want to do some cleaning, yoga, laundry, sewing, and knitting. I plan on being home all day as I have nothing to get or anyone to see. 

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

Two More Paw Stockings Cut Out

 Yesterday was another overcast but warmer day. The high got to 21.3C. This morning it is very foggy and 6C. Today we are to have sunshine and 20C. We wait and see if we get the sunshine. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday was physiotherapy day. I was at the hospital right after lunch and spent a good hour with the physiotherapist. We talked quite a bit about how we need to expand my circle of care. I showed her my improvements which thrilled her. I walked for her and she noticed my gait has improved. Then we talked about programs which I felt I could not do with the pain I have been having. I told her that I liked to wash floors on my hands and knees as it made me feel better pain wise. I was down on the floor doing yoga with her. I now have 4-5 exercises to do starting on Saturday. I have to ask the doctor for X-rays on my hip and knee. I stopped on the way home and made an appointment with my physiotherapist for an assessment on my hip and lower back. 

Once home, I did go for a short walk and then sat with heat on my hip and leg. I alternated walking in the house with sitting. I didn't feel too bad. I am a bit stiff and sore this morning.

One thing I have noticed is that my body is exhausted from the pain I have been having. It rebells until I sit down and do nothing. I have been horrible about eating properly as I don't want to cook. I'm feeling like I'm hitting a higher level of stress about my body's mobility. I am doing better but it's the pain I have been dealing with that is starting to drag me down. 

Sewing

I spent the morning cutting out two more paw shaped stockings. I alternated between cutting and sitting/resting. It was a good 2 hours of standing which I broke into 2 - 1 hour sessions. The two stockings are ready to be sewn. 

There is fabric left over from the stockings which I put away but will make into gift bags. I did put a few scraps into the bin for charity quilts. The fusible fleece was folded up and put away with me muttering about how much I have. I see a couple of cloth grocery bags going onto the sewing list. 

Knitting

I knit 8 rows last night and am now ready to cast off and do the decreases for the armhole. Progress is being made though it was slow last night. 

Thoughts

    I am worried about my hip and back. Though there has been progress, I am worried I have osteoarthritis in the hip. It also could be really bad in the knee which is affecting the hip.  If surgery is required, I will be having to get help from family for weeks on end which isn't on my wish list. 

    I have paused my diet for the moment though I am trying not to pig out. I feel hungry which I know is from the pain and stress I am having. I don't want to cook so am buying food that is easy to heat up or eat cold. I need to spend some time cooking some foods so I can make easy and healthy meals. 

    I am closing in on getting my Christmas shopping done. I have to pick up a few things over the next 3-4 weeks and place a couple of orders and I think I will be done. 

Today

I have to go to New Minas to get some things including a yoga mat. Once home, I will sew on the stockings so I can get them done. I hope to knit tonight. Another busy day for me. 

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

Pet Stocking Completed

 Though yesterday was suppose to be sunny, it was cloudy. The high got to 15.6C. This morning it is 6C. Today is suppose to be a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 22C.

Lifestyle

I had my osteopathy session yesterday. What was to be a 45 minute session was 60 minutes. The therapist did a lot of deep work on my back and right side. I was sore and tired when done but I felt better. I put heat on as she said and slept well last night. I do feel better this morning. 

After the session, daughter-in-law and I headed into Sackville where we got a few items we needed. After a quick lunch we came home. I did walk slowly and with a better gait while shopping. 

Sewing

I did spend time in the sewing room in the morning. I finished the first of the 3 stockings. 

A few issues with the pattern include the colour of the font being in grey and hard to see on the screen. I think the top part of the paw looks small but then animal legs are small. You can't put a huge present in these stockings. Overall, I do like the pattern and will be proceeding with the next two. 

Daughter-in-law and I talked about our cats and I am going to make them each a small bag for their gifts. We can keep them to put out each year. 

My neighbour called and asked if she could use the family room floor to lay out and baste her quilt. She arrived and was having problems getting the quilt to lay straight. It took her about 20 minutes to get the job done on the floor vs the hour or two she spent trying to do it on her table. 

I am sure it is about half quilted by this morning. 

Knitting

I got 16 more rows knit on the vest front. Eight more rows and I cast off for the under arms. 

Today

I am going to cut out the two paw stockings for the dogs this morning. I am out to physiotherapy after lunch and I will see what I will be doing when I get home. I need to push myself to do something. I find that I am tired from all the pain I have been having and want to just sit and do nothing after I have been out. 

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

Paw Stockings Started

 Yesterday was a lovely fall day. There was sunshine and wind with a high of 17C. This morning it is clear and 4C. No frost this morning. Today is sunny and 19C. The start of some warmer weather for us. 

Lifestyle

I went to my doctor's appointment in the afternoon and it was in the morning. I was really upset with myself and my phone. Upset with me as I didn't phone the day before to check my time and upset that my phone, once again, changed the time of my appointment. It does this to me on occasion. After beating myself up mentally, I decided I will be taking appointment cards and checking my phone when at home. I go to the doctor on Tuesday which is nice as I don't have to wait several weeks to see him. 

I was over to see family in the afternoon. I took grandson's pant over so that job is done. We set up my Amazon list that will be place during Amazon Days as they have prime and I don't. I came home with a sweater that needs a button sewn on. I will get the thread for it on Friday. 

Sewing

I dug out the fabrics to make the dog's stockings. I have enough fabric to make the cat one in light grey and the 2 dogs in dark grey. There is enough fabric for the lining also. And way too much fusible fleece and contrast fabric. 

I cut out the cat's stocking - outer fabric, lining, contrast, and fleece. I worked on it for a couple of hours. While cutting, I did get sore and tired. Sewing it was easier as I was up and down from the machine. I got the paw pieces on using steam-a-seam.

I zig zag stitched around each piece. Not my best but I got better as time went on. I put fray check around each piece so they wouldn't fray. 

The lining is sewn together and fray check applied to the V's in the paws. It is now ready to trim the curved pieces and press the seams open on the straight edges. The outer part is pinned together ready to sew. The tab is sewn together. The cuff needs a side seam sewn. Nearly ready to sew together. 

I will cut out the other 2 and sew them together at the same time. This is a trial run on what to do and what not to do. I have printed the pattern again as I cut the paw pieces out so I could lay them out accurately. Not a big deal as I may keep this pattern for future stockings. 

Knitting

I got 16 more rows done on the vest. I have 24 rows left to go before I cast off for the under arm. I am enjoying this a lot as I have the pattern memorized and knit without having to refer to the pattern. That will end when I have to shape the armholes and divide for the V neck. 

Thoughts

    I am eating a bit more poorly the past few days so need to fix that by better planning my meals. I am not sure what is causing this but I have been quite sore lately. Maybe the soreness/aches is the cause. I know I am more at peace with everything so it isn't that. I may take a day and do some meal planning. 

    My immunization app is causing me issues. I can get into it and see the Spousal Unit's records but it closes on me when I try to access my records. At the moment I have to go through their website which is a pain. I can get my next covid vaccine on Nov. 13. I am on the list to get the flu shot next month when the doctor has an afternoon clinic for his patients. 

    I don't know why I bought so much fusible fleece and contrast fabric for the stockings when I got it last fall. Why did I think I needed a meter of contrast when the pattern calls for 1/4 meter for each stocking. I think a fat quarter would have been enough.  And why did I buy 3 meters of fleece when I only needed 1.5 meters and maybe only a meter. The main and lining fabrics are from the stash. I can see making a couple of bags with the leftover fabrics to hold gifts. 

    I am hoping that there is an improvement in my hips and knee when I have my treatment today. I know I can stand more evenly on both feet though my right side still hurts when I do it. I want to walk so I can strengthen my hips so I can do more standing. At the moment, I find that I need to have a regime of walking and sitting at regular intervals. 

Today

I am going to sew this morning. I have to leave at 11:15 am for osteopathy and after the appointment I am heading into Sackville to do a bit of shopping. I know I will be using heat tonight while I knit. 

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

Starting New Projects

 Once the fog dissipated, the sun did shine for most of yesterday. The wind was cold though. The high got to 18.5C. This morning it is 3C and we had a touch of frost this morning. It is suppose to be sunny and 18C today with a frost warning out for tonight. 

Lifestyle

I spent the morning puttering in the house sweeping and washing floors. I did some tidying up to have things looking neat and tidy. I did a small load of laundry and folded 3 loads and got them put away. It was nice to be busy and seeing the house getting tidy once again. 

The company came and mowed the lawns and were they long. The owner is so busy that I may have to hire someone else to do the jobs I want done outside. We are blaming the weather for him being behind. He also got a lot of new contracts for mowing lawns this year. His business is growing and thriving. He will be busy mowing lawns into October as the weather is going to be warmer starting Thursday and will last for 5 or more days.

I was over to see my friend and deliver the label I had made. We took the dog for a walk and I was stiff and sore. I'm ready for my next osteopathy session. 

Sewing

I spent a bit of time before lunch cleaning off the cutting table. I folded fabrics and put away a project that I won't get at for a bit. It's a UFO that needs me to think about how to quilt it. It was nice to have the table clean and ready for new projects. 

After lunch, I set up the embroidery machine and stitched out another label for my friend. It took well over an hour to stitch out but I was busy doing other things. 

I had marked and starting hemming grandson's school pants before lunch and finished them while the embroidery was going. I pressed them and they are ready to be delivered. 

Next up was to make the table topper for the spare bedroom. I cut it to size and serged and hemmed it. Done in no time flat. 

I put the extra fabric on the shelf until I can decide what to make from it for that room. At this time, I am happy with how this room looks. It has such a nice cozy feeling to it. 

The last thing I did was to lay out the fabric for the first pet stocking. I got the pattern ready to pin on when I stopped. I am ready to tackle making 3 of them for daughter's pets. 

I need to buy a piece of fabric to make the third stocking as I am not happy with the fabric I had on hand. I also need a piece of Grinch fabric for a bag. I will get them Friday as I will be sewing the fabric up right away. 

Knitting

I got 16 more rows knit on the vest last night. It is such an easy knit and I am thoroughly enjoying it. 

Thoughts

    I have stalled, once again, cleaning the sewing room. I am struggling with the books and making decisions on what to let go. I have put one book into the donation box and 2 others are hovering near that box. Once I decide on what books to keep, I will be fine and will get that area cleaned up. 

    I am deciding on what I need to buy for pattern making. I have some books already plus I have some Craftsy programs to help me. I have looked at the Lutterloh pattern system which is intriguing. I'm not sure if I would use all the patterns included. I don't wear dresses of which there is a lot. I am looking more at pants, tops, and jackets. The drafting rulers are nice and can be bought separately. 

    I am working on what next year will look like sewing wise. I am slowly wrapping my head around not focusing on sewing up the stash but to enjoy the process of sewing items I want to make. I literally burnt out trying to figure out what to make from the fabric and sewing it up fast so I could get it off the shelf. Letting go of the fabric I did not like has really helped me. I am wanting to sew garments, make some quilts, do some doll outfits, and make items that are quick and easy. I also want to make more items for the house. 

Today

I am going to do a bit of housework and cut out one of the pet stockings this morning. I have to be at the doctor's after lunch. Not sure what I will do after that as I don't know what time I will get out of there. Tonight I will knit on the vest. 

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

The Jean Jacket Is Done

Yesterday was cloudier than it has been but it was dull and dismal. The high got to 19.7C which was nice. This morning it is foggy and 9C. We are to have sunshine and a high of 19C.

Lifestyle

Daughter-in-law arrived early and we were out the door with gloves and compost bin to the garden boxes. We picked tomatoes, cucumber, and both types of peppers. The plants were pulled out and composted. The tomato cages were stacked and put away. The leeks have not been harvested and will probably be done next week. I fertilized the empty boxes so they are ready for next year. 

While out in the back, I pruned the Spousal Unit's rose bush and we weeded around the shed. It looks so much better than it did. The inside of the shed is still neat and tidy. We closed the garage door and locked it. I will have to get the winter flowers and salt out later on. Otherwise the shed is winter ready. 

We took some of the produce over to our neighbours and sat in their enclosed porched for a bit. The dogs were overly excited to see us and gave us a good show. We left and daughter-in-law went home and I came inside. I was sore but not overly sore. 

After a short rest, I headed out to pick up my prescriptions. The parking lot of the grocery store was filling up fast with people going to the fair. I got what I needed and left. 

Sewing

I worked on and finished the doll's jean jacket. I am happy it is done. The pattern is well drafted but when you work with so many small pieces some don't fit exactly right. The tabs at the back were the last piece on and a hair too big. 

You don't notice it as much when on the doll. 

The jacket fits beautifully and I am pleased with how it turned out. A lot of work and a lot of detail went into this jacket. 

And the outfits I have made since May of this year. 

I was so tired that I cleaned up a bit around the sewing machine and walked out of the room. 

I have to put away the scrap of blue left from the jacket and tidy up the cutting table. Then it's on to the next project -- pet stockings and embroidering a label. 

Knitting

I did another 16 rows on the vest and am half done the under arm part of the front. It is such an easy knit that I am enjoying it in the evenings. 

Today

I am going to do a bit of housework and then head out to get some items. I need to get ink for the printer which I replaced a year ago. I need to clean up the cutting table, do 15 minutes on the book case, do the embroidered label and lay out the pet stockings. I want to knit tonight. It is the start of a busy week for me. 

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

Down To Buttons and Snaps

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 19C. This morning it is 9C. We are to have clouds and a high of 18C. 

Lifestyle

I was out yesterday to the quilt display at Avonport. There were about 12 quilts to look at. Everyone used the pattern "Little Miss Sawtooth". It was interesting to see how the pattern looked different using different colours. One was made using Halloween fabrics, another in yellow, blue, and white, and a few in earth tones. My friend's had a darker coloured background.

Another lady and I helped our friend pick out colours for a new quilt she wants to make for one of her grandchildren. When home she texted to see if a I had a specific pattern. When I looked at the one of two quilting books I have, there was a similar one on the cover. I took the book over and we found it. She is going to look at the book for other ideas also. 

I was out to get a few groceries and to order lancets and strips. The parking lot of the grocery store is large and was almost full. People were parking in it and walking down to the fair as the store was almost empty of customers. I got what I needed in good time and went home. There were lots of people walking around, lining up to get into the fair, and cars parked everywhere. You could hear the tractor pulls at our house. I do miss watching that and the oxen pulls. 

I am still aching and it is moving from one side to the other. I alternate sitting on the heating pad and walking around the house or the yard. I know I am improving but it is tiring having the pain most of the time. 

Sewing

One of the first things I did in the morning was to design the second label for my friend. I spent quite a bit of time getting it sized to look balanced. It is now ready to stitch.

I worked on the doll's jean jacket in the afternoon. Buttons were put on the pocket flaps.

Then it was to put snaps and buttons on the cuffs. That was a challenge as the overlap is tiny. 

I did get the waist band on the jacket and hand sewn down. As I was prepared for the piece to be slightly short, I did 1/4" seams which are a thread or two smaller than what the pattern calls for. It went on well. I hand sewed the piece down to hide the seam allowance and it is ready to top stitch. I need to do the two side tabs and the jacket is ready for snaps and buttons. 

I bought no fabric yesterday at the quilt shop where the quilts were displayed. I did look and found some cat fabric I liked. But I didn't buy it. I will need a piece of grinch fabric to line a wine bottle bag I have to make. I'm really being careful not to buy pieces that have no project attached to them. 

Knitting

I got another 16 rows (2 complete patterns) knit on the vest last night. Progress is being made. 

Today

I have the balance sheet to do, garden to clean up, snaps and buttons to sew onto the jean jacket, and knitting to do. I also have to go out to get my diabetic supplies early this afternoon. A bit of a busy day but I am happy to be busy. 

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

Jean Jackets Are Labour Intensive

Yesterday was sunny and the high was 17.6C. This morning it is clear and 6C. We are to have sun and cloud and a high of 19C. 

Lifestyle

I spent the morning cleaning up the kitchen. I played with the new knife holder I bought so the knife block is no longer on the counter. That led to cleaning and wiping more drawers and cupboards and I ended up cleaning the pantry. All is clean except for the floor. I was getting sore and needed to rest. I am happy with the kitchen now.

My neighbour was over to borrow the large crow bar and he fixed the level on the washing machine and pushed it back into place. When I looked out later in the afternoon, he and his sons were carrying out their corner bathtub. Renos have begun. 

I was out in the garden and picked the tomatoes, cucumbers and a couple of peppers. I need to grab my weed bucket and start pulling plants. I need to say that gardening season is over. 

When I rested, I sat on the heating pad. My sore spots needed heat yesterday and are slowly getting better. They will ache until I get this mess sorted out but I am coping with that. 

Sewing

I sewed for about 2 hours yesterday afternoon. Cuffs were put on, hand sewn down, and topped stitched. Sleeves were inserted, seam finished, and the side seams sewn and pressed open. Snaps were sewn onto the cuffs. 

This jacket is labour intensive. I still have to put on the waistband and side tabs. Then it will be sewing on buttons and snaps and once that is done, the jacket will be finished. 

There is still a large remnant left and I have no idea what to make from it for the dolls. I will probably put it to one side and think on it. 

I spent about 15 minutes cleaning the book shelf. I got the top cleaned off and wiped down. The top shelf is empty and cleaned. Next up is looking at my books and sorting them once again. When it is empty, I will move it and clean behind it and wash that part of the floor. 

Knitting

I worked on the vest last night and got 16 rows knit. I do like the yarn and how it looks. 

I did look into the sock weight bin and found enough yarn to make 2 pairs of socks. One pair is for daughter and the other pair could be for her or grandson. I really want to buy grandson new yarn. I have enough sock weight weight yarn to knit more items for the dolls this winter. 

Thoughts

     I am starting to think about sewing and knitting for 2024. I am going to be making more things that I want to make and will focus on the stash. I want to play with pattern drafting and if it goes nowhere, I won't be upset. I do want to sew some clothes for me, sew for the dolls, make quilts and sew up more of the stash. I am finding I don't need to buy a lot of fabric and am focused more on what I have. I am not focusing on how much yardage I sew next year. I am going to focus on techniques and precision. 

    I have thought some about knitting for 2024. I do want to continue knitting socks and doll clothes. I have patterns to try for the first time and quite a few patterns to knit again. I would like to knit more people items as I enjoyed knitting daughter a vest and am making mine now. I have lots of yarn to use up and enjoy knitting most nights. I don't buy a lot of yarn as my selection is great for what I knit.

    I am going to start cleaning up the blog. Tabs at the top will disappear as some are redundant. I am thinking hard how many pages I will have showing and how long they will stay active before I remove them. I am also thinking of updating some pages as some of the links are now broken. I have been thinking on this for quite a while now and will slowly do it. 

Today

I am hoping that I can go to one of the quilt shops that is displaying quilts that people made using one pattern. I need to do a few things in the house, sew a bit, pull some plants, and knit tonight. It is a wait and see what gets done kind of day for me. 

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

Elliott Is Fine

 Yesterday was cooler with a high of 16.9C. The sun shone all day which was nice. This morning it is clear and 8C. We are to have sunshine and a high of 18C. 

Lifestyle

We made it through yesterday with no tears. We were sad but tried to remember the Spousal Unit with happy memories. It would have been what he wanted. 

Elliott went to the vet and he is fine. Yellow cats get these things on their skin when they get older. The one under his chin looks good and the second one I found is a skin tag. They are being noted in his file and we will monitor him. He got weighed and weighs 18 lbs 14 oz. I will try to get him to loose some weight though he isn't overweight for his size. Getting there though. 

Daughter-in-law and I went to Dartmouth yesterday. Our first stop was to look at stone blocks for a retaining wall. The store we went to doesn't have it on site so we couldn't see it. It is huge blocks though. The other one she wanted to see is like putting together tetra blocks. 

Our second stop was to Ikea. We were in the store for 2 hours and 18 minutes (the time recorded charging the car at the store). We wandered around, had lunch, and bought a few items. I wanted to get daughter a Christmas present there and we found it on sale. 

I also found this that I may buy for my kitchen. I can put my spices that I use frequently on it. I have to think about it. 

By the time we left Ikea, we were both sore/achy. My hips were really bothering me. We had walked most of the store -- up and down. 

Once home, I took meds for the pain and sat on the heating pad to help relieve the pain. I did have a nap. I was out the door and we were to watch grandson play school soccer. He and a couple of other boys played well. They lost the game and we know most of it is attitude from some of the players. 

Dinner was Chinese take out and I ate lightly. It was over my points but worth it. I didn't gain weight from it either. We enjoyed dinner a lot and talked about the game with grandson. I left for home at 7 pm as grandson had homework and they needed to go to bed early. Son and grandson are fighting colds at the moment. 

Sewing

None done yesterday. It was another day off from it. I need to sew today. 

Knitting

None done yesterday as I was tired when I got home. It wasn't the time to try to set up the row to begin cables. 

Thoughts

    We got through yesterday. It was hard at times but I focused on the good things. It was good to be out shopping as it took our minds off of everything. At least we weren't rushing around getting ready for a hurricane like we were last year. It is amazing, when I think back, how much we did that week. I wonder how we did it without falling apart at the seams. 

    I found some clothes in the closet that fit me nicely. Three winter tops and a vest. I am happy to wear them when I am out and about. I still need to get a few clothes but it wasn't yesterday as I was too sore to look for items. 

    I am looking forward to osteopathy on Wednesday. I am hoping she will be able to work on getting things back into position and I can start strengthening my body. The aches and pains are different now. I think it is going to be more hip alignment rather than my knee. It seems to have improved a lot in the last couple of weeks. Also the soreness is in both hips rather than the right one. 

Today

I am going to take it slow as my hips are achy. I will try to harvest some items from the garden. I want to sew and knit today. When knitting and resting, I will sit on the heating pad to ease the soreness. 

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

Keeping Busy

 Yesterday was cool with a high of 17.4C. This morning it is clear and 12C. We are to have sun, clouds, and showers with a high of 18C. 

Lifestyle

I did a load of laundry and some housework yesterday. It was nice to have the house starting to look cleaner. I washed one of the placemats that had coffee stains on it and, by using Dawn soap, I got the stains out. Late in the afternoon, I hauled out recycling and compost for pick up today. 

I was over to see my neighbour yesterday afternoon to wish her a happy birthday on her birthday. I had a tiny piece of carrot cake and it was just enough. My glucose reading for dinner was 4.6 so the cake didn't affect my reading. 

Sewing

I did go down to the sewing room and sew two seams on the cuffs of the doll's jean jacket. They are now pinned onto the sleeves ready to sew. Once done, I left as I was going out to my friend's. 

Knitting

I did get a picture of the doll's outfit. The coat has no buttons on it as I need to look in the stash for them. 

This outfit will go to the little girl I have been knitting and sewing for. I have the coat and dress already. 

I cast on the stitches for my vest and have the ribbing done on the front (22 rows). I am happy to be knitting on it now. 

Thoughts

    It was one year ago today that the Spousal Unit passed away. I have been in a funk the past few days as I am missing him a lot. I will be fine but it's hard when you have lost the person you loved. 

    The garden needs to be harvested and I may get at it tomorrow. I see a pepper is turning orange. The tomatoes are looking ragged so I will pick what I can and put the rest into the compost bin. Ditto for all the peppers. Only the leeks will stay outside for a few more days. Then it will be fertilizer and planting garlic. 

    My hip and knee are improving. The soreness is still in my back and down my groin. My right foot is sore which means something is happening. Next week I get an update and treatment. 

Today

Elliott goes into the vet at 9 a.m. Once he's home, daughter-in-law and I are going to the city. She needs to look at pavers for the yard and we are going to Ikea. We have to be home to watch grandson play soccer at school and dinner will be take-out. I won't be sewing today and I may not knit either. It is a day to be busy away from home. 

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

A Day Out

 Yesterday started out wet and foggy and ended up sunny. We had 3/4" fall. The high got to 23.1C (humidex 28C). This morning it is cloudy and 15C. We are to have mix of sun, clouds, and showers with a high of 18C.

Lifestyle

I was out the door in good time and as I took off, the check engine light came on. Again!! I was frustrated as this has been happening a lot this year. I went through things and all I could think of was the engine oil was low. 

I went to my appointment and got my new CPap machine. It is really "modern" compared to my old one. No data card needed, smaller in size, and gives you all the info on a screen. I used it last night and it works like my old one. Last night's data will be sent to the therapist today via the cellular tower. 

After my appointment, I went to the Kia dealer. They were just as frustrated as me about the check engine light. The car went into the shop to check the oil level (okay) and do put it on the computer. It says emission issues once again. If the light comes on again, they will do the last spot. They have to take out the back seat and ?? to check it. They torqued the tire for me and I was on my way. 

I got my shopping done and got some lunch. I was getting tired as I had walked quickly and with a proper stride. It was good to be able to do that but I still have a ways to go. I am hoping that I am making progress. 

I had a short nap/rest on the couch in the afternoon. I also put a lot of heat on my sore spots. I did putter around cleaning up the kitchen and was outside to get the flyers. 

I tried on my jeans and they are on the large size. Not falling down big but baggy. I will need to get new jeans as these sometime later this fall. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday. I am ready to do some today. 

I am watching a Craftsy video on making a bodice block. I am going to continue watching it and try to make one using her measurements. I will also try using another set of instructions. Then I will have to measure myself and try to make a block for me. 

Knitting

None done last night. Elliott was cuddly. 

Today

I am going to clean the living room (or get a good start on it) and do a load of laundry. I would like to sew this afternoon and knit tonight. I don't think I have to go anywhere today. 

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

Jean Jacket Progress

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with it becoming more cloudy as the day progressed. The high got to 20.2C. This morning it is raining and 15C. We are to have rain until this afternoon with a high of 20C (humidex 25C).

Lifestyle

I was busy yesterday morning. I changed my bed and did laundry. I swept both my room and the spare bedroom. From there, I did the bathroom. It had more TP fluff than I like. I scrubbed everything including some walls. I even scrubbed the floor on my hands and knees. I was happy to tick that job off my list. 

It was a quiet day for me as I stayed at home. I didn't check the garden but can see that I may have to harvest the tomatoes. The wind was hard on them as it came from the west for part of the storm. Usually the winds come only from the east during tropical storms. I did put heat on my sore spots to ease the pain. It did help. 

Sewing

I did sew yesterday afternoon. My first job was to check the seam allowances on the pattern to see if I was correct. They are a full 1/4" in width which is at the 7mm on my machine. I have mentally adjusted for that. 

I sewed the shoulder seams and fake felled them. I serged the side seams and front seams. Next was making the collar which went together nicely for me. It was attached with minimal issues. How to finish it was missing in the instructions but shows in the video. I added a bias piece to hide the seam and am happy with it. 

I was happy with it at this point. Next up was the sleeves and I have the side seams serged on them and the cuffs almost done. 

I need to sew the short end and then attach. She has you sew them on and top stitch. I am doing it so I can hide the seam and then top stitch. I am being fussy. 

I stopped at this point as my brain was tired trying to figure things out. I have to talk to myself every time I start a new part as I am not sure what I am doing or if I want to make changes as I don't like the finish on a particular seam. I am serging and sewing slowly which is fine as I want to have this jacket look as good as possible. 

Knitting

I finished the coat last night and it is okay. 

I won't be knitting this pattern again. I will be giving it to the little girl I make doll clothes for. I will add the dress I knit for an outfit for her. 

I am now ready to tidy up my knitting and start on my vest. 

Today

I am out to get my new CPap machine this morning and to do a bit of shopping. Once home, I hope to sew the cuffs onto the sleeves. I would like to start my vest tonight. 

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

Seam Allowance Dilemma

 Yesterday started out windy and cloudy and ended up calm and clear. The high got to 21.7C (humidex 27C). This morning it is clear and 11C. We are suppose to have it cloudy this afternoon and wet tonight. The high will get to 22C (humidex 25C).

Lifestyle

I was slow moving yesterday but got some things done. I did get the balance sheet done and I am happy that is done for this week. 

We had a short power outage yesterday morning and it may have been planned. This happens when they restore power to an area. Safety reasons I am assuming. Power was back on in less than 10 minutes. 

I had dinner with family last night. We had pirogies and cabbage rolls. We had a good visit before dinner as daughter-in-law and grandson cleaned out grandson's desk. It was one big purge. We had fun during dinner and I left by 7 pm when they were going to have a Skype call with her parents. 

I went over to see my friend in the evening and she is one very happy lady. Her two children flew on from Ontario to help her celebrate her 70th birthday. It was the first time in a long time she had her three children together. She also won first prize and best of the show for her two wall hangings which she spent hundreds of hours making and quilting. She deserved those big red ribbons. I was really excited that she had the best birthday ever. 

We ended the evening with a short walk so her dog could do her thing business before dark. I did walk with a better gait so hope I am improving. I also realized that I am quite weak. I will have to start working on strength after the next visit to osteopathy and physiotherapy at the end of the month. 

I am over my plateau. I lost 3.7 lbs this week. It was a very long 3 week plateau I had to endure. I have now lost 50.9 lbs and am 6.9 lbs from the doctor's goal. I want to loose more than that though. 

Sewing

I finished the doll's skirt in the morning before I did the balance sheet. I am pleased with how it finished up. 

After lunch I pinned the jean jacket onto the fabric. 

I was going to cut out all the pieces but decided to cut out the back pieces first. I stitched them together doing fake felled seams. The back yoke was a bit small and I wondered what was going on. 

Next up I did the fronts and when they were completed, I realized I had put the center fronts in upside down. I had to cut all new front pieces and resew them. I struggled with the pocket flap placement and the stitch line for the pockets. I was starting to question myself. The front yoke pieces were too short also. It was at this point that I measured the seam allowances on the pattern pieces. All are over 1/4" and even 7mm. Not 3/8" though. 

For the fake felled seams, I serged the seams shut and pressed them in the direction stated in the instructions. To get the stitching lines, I used the presser foot and figured out where on it to put the stitching. The one closest to the seam line was stitched on the outer side and the 2nd row was stitched on the underside. It was trial and error with several rows of top stitching being ripped out and redone. 

I pinned the jacket together at the shoulders and side seams and tried it on the doll. 

It fits well and I will continue on using the seam allowance that I started with. 

I think there is about 3 days left before this will be finished. 

I am questioning why this designer has larger seam allowances than the other designers have. It answers the question as to why some of her patterns fit large on the dolls. I will have to remember to measure the seam allowances on her patterns when I sew them in the future. 

Knitting

None done last night. 

Today

I have to do some housework and laundry. I want to sew on the jean jacket and knit on the doll's coat tonight. I may have to get a few groceries today but am hoping to have enough so I can get them tomorrow after my appointment. 

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

Hurricane Lee Was Kinder To Us

I had a post for yesterday and the power went out and I didn't get it done.

Friday was the lull before the storm. It was a lovely humid day with a high of 21C. Who knows what the humidex was. Yesterday it was wet and windy with a high of 21C (humidex 29C). It cooled off starting around 11 am. It rained 60.9 mm which is about 2.5". This morning it is 16C and windy. It is suppose to get to 22C (humidex 27C). The wind is to become light and we are to have some showers. 

Lifestyle

While I had power, I did a few things I needed to do and then did things that I didn't need power for. Once I got everything done, I watched the rain come down in sheets vertically and sideways, the trees whip from east to west and some times in circles, and thought people were nuts going out getting groceries. Once the power went off, it was pretty quiet and boring around here. 

I did have to run out once to pick up the plastic extension for a down pipe. I thought it was secure but I was wrong. At least it wasn't raining or blowing hard when I dashed out the door. 

When I looked out the window once, I saw the trampoline 2 houses down was flipped over and weighted down. It did creep over to the fence in the wind. The chairs under my next door neighbour's deck were piled against their fence. 

Daughter-in-law sent me this pictures of a large tree branch going down the road via wind power. 

And one I got off social media had me laughing. Only in Nova Scotia would you see a port-a-potty sliding across the road during a hurricane. That was in Bedford.

The power was off for under 2 hours and then if flickered a lot after that. There had been a live power line down near where we enter to come into this subdivision but it wasn't the cause of our power outage (or I don't think so). There were around 150,000 customers without power yesterday and it is down to 103,000 customers this morning. 

Sewing

I spent some time sewing both Friday and Saturday. Friday I sewed the skirt and when I put it on the doll, it was see thru. Yesterday morning, I cut out the lining before the power went out. After lunch I sewed the lining and got it in. As I was ready to finish the back, the power was surging so I stopped for the day. I pinned it on the doll. 

I need to sew down the back center seams and put on snaps. Then it will be done.

Doing the lining was easy. I put a 1/2" hem on it so it was shorter than the skirt. I pressed the waist facing so it was ready to add the lining. I put the lining in with the right side out and sewed it to the facing at the waist line. I pressed the facing back into place. It was quite easy to do. 

Knitting

I am casting off the coat. When I got to the neckline it said to use the smaller needles. When I checked, I had knit the coat neck with the smaller needles. I thought I had got the larger points onto the cable but I hadn't. I am hoping this will fit the American Girl dolls as it looks cute with the dress I knit from the same yarn. 

Thoughts

    Hurricane Lee wasn't as bad as Dorian or Fiona. It was stressful as you never know what these storms will do. There are still dangers even when they down grade to post tropical cyclones. 

    Elliott's little growth under his chin is going away. It was nearly nothing last night so I am wondering if it was a plugged hair follicle. He will still see the vet on Thursday to make sure all is okay. 

    I did three quick bridges (yoga) in bed this morning and had 3 cracks in my hips. I wonder what is happening as I feel better. My knee is still stiff but not as bad as it was. I will be letting osteopathy know that.

Today

I need to to do the balance sheet, do a bit of tidying, get some food ready to freeze, and try to finish the doll's skirt. If enough time, I will cut out the jean jacket. I am going out to family's for dinner tonight. I may even get the doll's coat cast off ready to sew up. 

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