Mug Rugs And Pot Holders

 Yesterday was sunny and windy. The high got to -8C (windchill -16C. This morning it is cloudy and -8C (windchill -18C). Today is suppose to be mainly cloudy with flurries and a high of -4C (windchill -11C). 

Lifestyle

I put on layers of clothes and went out and shovelled snow off the driveway and walkway. You could only stop for a few seconds to catch your breath the wind was so cold. I did get the job done and some salt put out. I did not sweat or get overly warm due to the cold wind. 

Once inside, I sat on the stairs and rolled my butt to make sure my piriformis muscle did not tighten up. Once done that, I had a short rest with fluids and then folded laundry and put it away. By then I had rested enough that I did some cleaning in the kitchen and made myself a pot of chicken soup for lunch. 

I also did some vacuuming but didn't push it as I had shovelled snow. It was good to be active as I haven't done a lot of physical work since putting out my SI joints. The time has come for me to get back to doing more each day. 

I also got weighted and I am back to eating very carefully. The scales, measuring cups, and spoons are coming back out as I need to get 20 lbs off. The extra weight is not good for my hip and knees. I will be working hard on portion control and moving more. 

Sewing

As I had the two mug rugs stitch out, I decided to clean the book case. I am getting rid of a lot of books as I don't look at them. I can find what I want on the internet. There were some papers that need to go to recycling and what I kept can stay on one shelf along with the knitting needles. I still have a tub to look at and a bunch of patterns. I am making headway slowly but surely. Now to find a box. 

The mug rugs were completed and they are cute. 

I looked at the remaining fabric and decided to make potholders. I got 2 of them cut out. I found this pattern so I could add loops to them. This will be my go to pattern for potholders. 

This one is ready for me to hand sew the opening together and then do some quilting on it. I will give it a good press when done. I also love the loop to hang it up. It did confuse me some but when I tried it, it works great. 

The second potholder is ready to sew the layers together. There is very little fabric left; scraps that I can't make anything with so I put them into the donation bag. I got quite a few items from 1.5 meters of fabric, .5 meters of insulbrite, and left over batting. 

I did clean up after my sewing time leaving only the finished projects on the cutting table. Once done, they will be put into a tub for the craft bazaar. 

Knitting

I did knit again last night and got the ribbing done on the vest front. I am ready to change needle size and start the cables up the front. 

I did look at my knitting needles and need to buy a tub for them. The container I have them in is disintegrating as it was cheap. I will get tub from the dollar store this week as I have a good idea of what I want. I let go of 2 knitting books. Both are stories that I started to read for ideas and stopped. It was so hard to find the ideas I was looking for that I started looking on the internet. I did keep two small books on knitting and a few patterns I have collected. I want to find yarn to knit a blanket which I got the pattern for 9-10 years ago. 

Thoughts

    I did not think the cold weather forecasted for the NE US would hit us but it crept in. The wind has been very cold and the flurries have been more like light snow. I think it snowed early this morning but none stayed on the driveway. I am sure it is long gone to someone else's yard. We are to have it start to warm up today which will be nice. 

    My hip and back are not very sore after shovelling yesterday. I was surprised as I did not stop to rest very often. I just kept moving to keep warm. I must have gotten everything back into place as the muscles were sore from the workout and stopped when I rested them. I am grateful that I can do more for myself each day. I am looking forward to getting back to painting next week. 

    My mood has been more positive lately. I think it has improved as I am having less pain. The pain I now have is very tolerable. I am pushing myself some to do more things each day and the activities are keeping me busy and happier. I am hoping that this will continue for the rest of the winter so I don't hibernate, eat wrong, and feel horrible about life. 

Today

I need to launder the bed sheets and finish cleaning the living room. I need to plan lunch and dinner as I have leek and potato soup to eat. This afternoon, I want to finish the potholders, sort patterns and start to plan the next project. Tonight I will knit. A day at home as I need nothing. 

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