Binding A Quilt

 Yesterday started out sunny and then turned wet. The high got to 24C. This morning it is foggy and 15C. Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a high of 24C (humidex 29C).

Lifestyle

My first job of the morning was to do the balance sheet. Three entries so I didn't make a mistake. It actually took longer to get it all out and put away. 

Next up I cleaned the cupboard above the coffee maker. A few things got trashed or recycled due to old age. I scrubbed everything including the doors and the top. I had plenty of time so I tackled the bank of drawer underneath. That was a bit of fun. By the time I was done, I had sorted and put several items I haven't used in over a year into a box for donations. I am pleased with the results of what I did. 

I took down the plates and asked daughter if she wanted them. She didn't so I will ask a friend if she wants them. 

I don't go to parties or outings at Christmas other than family's and they are never used. I use to put a cheese ball on the small plate and crackers on the large one. I had thought about having Christmas dinner on them but I am never home for Christmas. 

I was over to family's for lunch (curries) and spent part of the afternoon visiting with them as they packed their bags. I said my goodbyes and came home around 3 pm. It rained after I got home and I didn't have to water my plants. Mother Nature did that for me. 

I took a picture of daughter-in-law's rose bush. It is more advanced than mine this year. The blooms are going to be huge on it. 

Sewing

I spent time in the morning sandwiching the doll's quilt. I also got some of it quilted. Once home from family's I finished quilting it and got the binding sewn on. I sat for over an hour hand sewing the binding down and it is half done. 

I do like it a lot. I hope to make a pillow with a pillow case for it also. 

Knitting

I sat and knit 40 rounds on the leg of the 2nd sock. It is done. Both socks have had stitches moved for the heel flap and the first row of it done. 

One sock is darker than the other in real life. 

I didn't knit on the doll's sweater as I ran out of time. 

Thoughts

    Our rain was needed as we will be having a couple of hot days and then a lot of sunny days after that. I will be watering plants a lot over the next week. At least we don't have snow or hail in the forecast like Alberta did. Daughter said they have had a lot of rain in BC the last while. 

    My hip, knees, and muscles are all behaving themselves since I have started cleaning the kitchen. They don't bother me much going up and down the 3 step ladder. I must be making them stronger so will be continuing on with housecleaning this summer. 

Today

I have to be at the hall to make sandwiches at 8 am. I need to eat and go to the grocery store first. Once home, I want to do more cupboards before noon. I hope to sew this afternoon. I am out to the hall tonight for the quarterly meeting. If I knit, it will be on the doll's sweater. A busier day for me. 

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

Pyjamas Are Done

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 24C. This morning it is sunny and 11C. Today is supposed to be sunny this morning and rain this afternoon with a high of 23C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I cleaned 4 cupboards. A frying pan, a small worn out pot, a cookbook, and a tired bowl cozy got eliminated from the cupboards. The cupboards were scrubbed clean and everything put back in. There are two Christmas plates on the elimination list as I haven't used them in 7 years. I need to find someone who wants them before I put them into the garage sale. 

I pulled the stove out and cleaned behind it. I also scrubbed the floor. That set me to vacuuming half of the kitchen floor and scrubbing it on my hands and knees. The tiles were fairly clean but the grout was dirty. I used a scour daddy and scrubbed them clean. I rinsed the floor using Bona cleaner. That part of the floor looks cleaner. I was tired and sweating when I got that job done. 

I am going to get a new fridge. I need to cancel the part and then decide which store I will buy it from. It is running all the time and the fridge temperature is sitting at 50F. I am tired of moving food from the big fridge to the small one and having to buy food a couple of times a week. 

I was out for lunch at family's. We had hot dogs and left over fruit and vegetables from the bbq. We ate outside and had a lovely visit. I left early as son and grandson had to finish packing for their trip. 

Sewing

I spent most of the afternoon sewing. I hand sewed the binding down on the pyjama top and got the tiny snaps sewn on after watching the video. I am pleased with the end result. 

I also sat and hand sewed more of the lace down on the purple bag. I enjoyed sewing slowly and when I finished the piece I was relaxed. I have 3 part done now. 

The fourth part is pinned ready for me to hand sew the leaves down. I hope to do a bit a couple of days a week on it. 

I am going to focus on finishing the doll's quilt and making a small gift bag. That will have the last batch of items I cut out done. Then I will start cutting out the next batch to sew. 

Knitting

I did knit last night. I got half the leg knit on sock #2. 

I also picked up the stitches and knit 9 rounds on the sleeve of the doll's coat. 

I checked the sock yarn I have stashed away and have enough for 6 pairs of socks. We are going to New Brunswick in early July and I will allow myself to buy enough yarn for 1 or 2 pairs of socks. This means I have to knit almost every night for the rest of the year. 

Thoughts

    I am pleased with how much I have cleaned in the kitchen. I am doing more than I thought I could which is great. I am having very little pain in my joints as I climb the ladder and get up and down off the floor. The joints do get tired and I push on a bit but not so much that I will hurt the rest of the day. I am hoping to have the kitchen done by the end of next week. 

    I am struggling with my sewing goal of sewing what I want vs sewing down the stash. I have sewed a lot of items I wanted to make but I still focus on sewing down the stash. It is what I think about when I start to plan what I want to make each month. I struggle with wanting to sew up 50 to 100 meters in a year with most of the fabric coming from the stash. I buy fabric for projects and feel guilty about buying it. I then set a goal to sew it up by a certain date. I am working on trying to make things I want to make and using up the stash to make it. Some of it is enjoyable while other projects are sewn to use up the stash. 

Today

I have to do the balance sheet first. Then I will clean the cupboards by the fridge. I want to sew on the doll's quilt today and knit tonight. I know family is coming over to visit. Son and grandson leave tomorrow. 

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

Progress On The Pyjama Top

 Yesterday started out cloudy, was sunny, and ended up cloudy and windy. The high got to 29C (humidex 32C). This morning it is sunshine with some clouds and 15C. Today is supposed to be mix of sun and clouds with a high of 24C (humidex 27C).

Lifestyle

I spent some time outside watering all the plants. Everything is growing well and very healthy. Though not a lot of variety, I am hoping that we can enjoy what I chose to grow. I know we will have lots of onions for this winter. 

I fiddled with my fridge giving it a hard reset. The temperature is sitting at 50F and what I have in the fridge has ice packs around it to keep it cool. I have to decide if I will keep this fridge or buy a new one. 

I took a table over to family's for the bbq last night. I also delivered the devilled eggs for them to have. After lunch I went to the hall to help put handles on the kitchen cupboards. I am going to get a quote for the company to come and finish painting upstairs. I may try to paint the parts I can do but have them paint above the cupboards and maybe the cupboards. I can go over on Sunday to talk to them. 

The bbq was a great success. A lot of good food including some Greek desserts. The potato salad was devoured and got great reviews. I enjoyed the Caesar salad, some vegetables, fresh fruit and a piece of cake for dessert. After putting away items into the fridge and talking for a bit longer, I was home by 9 pm. 

I sat and talked to one of the boys whom I had met at son's birthday party. He is going to start a 4 year program to become a pharmacist (phd program). He is so excited and we had a great discussion on the topic. 

Sewing

After watching how to add the binding around the neck and finishing off the ends, I went down and worked on the pyjama top. I got the bias binding around the neck and looked at the amount of pins I had in it. I chose to hand baste it down. It went on beautifully. I worked on getting the bottom of the binding finished like she did and it is okay. I used fray check so one bit won't fray on me. 

It is now ready for me to hand stitch the binding in place. 

Daughter bought more panels and fabric for more quilts and aprons. I will be making flying geese for a couple of years as I work through the fabric she got. It will be interesting to see what I can come up with. I have several ideas in my head already. 

Knitting

None last night as I got home late. 

Thoughts

    I enjoyed the bbq last night. Family's back yard is wonderful to host these events. They did a great job of designing it for entertaining larger groups. It is also wonderful for having family dinners in the summer. They are also wonderful hosts. 

    I am out 3 days next week. I have physio on Wednesday and I may be discharged. I think I have progressed as far as I will go and may only need to go in if I have an issue. The other 2 days are making sandwiches, a meeting, and working a bar with daughter-in-law. There are days at home so I can do things on own. I do have to water the plants as we are going to have 2 hot days next week. 

Today

I am home all day. I have to do laundry and clean more kitchen cupboards. I want to try and finish the pyjama top this afternoon and knit tonight. I am looking forward to having a quiet day.

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

More Progress On The Pyjamas

 Yesterday was warm and sunny with a high of 26C (humidex 35C). This morning it is cloudy and 18C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 25C (humidex 31C). 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning saw me busy in the kitchen. I made a potato salad using 5 lbs of potatoes and 8 eggs. I also made 6 devilled eggs for family to have before the bbq tonight. I also froze shredded chicken and chicken broth and cleaned up the kitchen. 

As I went to put the potato salad into the fridge, I noticed it was warm and checked the temperature. It was 56F inside the fridge but the freezer was okay. I unloaded the fridge into the mini fridge, packed ice packs around the potato salad, quickly ate lunch, and took the salad over to family's fridge. This morning the fridge is 50F and I am worried. Do I have to order a new fridge? I have a couple of things to try this morning to see if I need to do that. This did not need to happen right now due to the fact we have a bbq tonight and son and grandson leave on Monday. 

I had a short visit with my friend yesterday after I got home from family's house. Her dog chased a cat and seems to have pulled a muscle in her back leg. I am hoping the dog is feeling better today. 

I took a walk around the vegetable boxes. The tomatoes I planted in 3 of them have blooms. The 5 volunteer tomatoes survived me moving them. The onions are growing quickly and the flowers are doing well. 

Sewing

I watched part 2 of making Luna Lapin's pyjamas. I got about half way through watching how the top was constructed. I decided to work on that part yesterday afternoon. I got it done and am ready to watch how to do the binding around the front and neck. 

The trim around the front and neck will show the cross over nicely. I am quite happy with how this is turning out. 

I have learned a few things when making these pyjamas. The bias binding needs to be about 1 1/8" wide if you want to machine stitch the piping in place. I enjoy hand sewing so am okay with the 1" wide binding. I have learned to use the zig zag stitch more proficiently on my machine. I know to go slow when using it. Width and length depend on the how big your seams are. 

Knitting

I knit like crazy last night and got 40 rounds done on sock #1. It is ready to start the heel flap after I knit the leg on sock #2. 

I didn't knit on the doll's coat last night. By the time I finished the sock, it was bed time. 

Thoughts

    I slept well last night. I woke up at 4:30 am and went to the bathroom, went back to bed and slept until it was time to get up. I really needed a good night's sleep after having two nights of poor sleeping. One thing I did do was put the fan on in my bedroom to help make it feel cooler. 

    Grandson got his driver's licence yesterday afternoon. Exciting for him as it was his goal to have it before he left for Uruguay. Scary as he is growing up way too fast and will soon be on his own. 

    It is the first day of summer today and it snuck up on me. I thought it was tomorrow. Though today is warm, the humidity will make it feel warmer than it really is. If there is a breeze, it will feel cooler. 

Today

I have to water the plants, fold laundry, and take a table over to family's for the bbq tonight. I would like to sew for a bit this afternoon before I head out for the bbq. I may get to knit for a bit tonight which will be a bonus. It is going to be a busy day today. 

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

Project Progress

 Yesterday was a mix of sun, clouds, and a couple of small showers. The high got to 23C (humidex 27C). This morning it is cloudy and 18C. Today is supposed to be cloudy with a high of 25C (humidex 31C). 

Lifestyle

It was off to New Minas yesterday morning with daughter-in-law. We stopped at the car dealership as she needs one of the panels looked at. That happens on Wednesday. Then it was off to the pool place. The pool is great and needs its usual chemicals. The hot tub needs to be emptied, cleaned, and refilled. We will be doing that next week. 

Our last stop was at Walmart to get groceries. Once done, we headed home. I got home around 11 am and was exhausted. I put things away and sat down trying to figure out why I am tired. I wanted to nap but couldn't. 

I took grandson to his dental appointment. I left at 2:30 pm and due to road construction in the area, I was at their house 10 or so minutes later. Not bad considering it is a 3 minute drive. We spent some time trying to figure out how to get to the dentist and decided to scoot down the road a few houses and take the back road in. We got there early which was fine. He was done an hour later and we took the main way home and sat for a bit waiting for our turn to go at the road construction site. The good thing -- they had moved the flag person from beyond family's house to the back road we took. 

Sewing

I finished watching the video on how to make the pyjama bottoms. Some good information. I forced myself down to sew them. Once I got going, I was able to finish them before leaving to pick up grandson. 

I did follow some of the tricks the presenter said to do and they did help with the sewing. I am pleased with the end result. 

I was a bit worried about the size of the rabbit. When I measured her waist, it was the same size as the presenter's mouse (which is the same body). 

I am now ready to watch how to make the top. It has raglan sleeves and a cross over front. There is bias binding on the sleeves and around the outer edge of the top. A lot of work but I am looking forward to the challenge. 

Knitting

I knit 24 rounds on sock #1 last night. I am half done the leg. 

They are going to be interesting as I think the black is going to spiral around down to the heel flap. 

Once done the sock knitting, I knit on the doll's coat and finished the first sleeve. 

I will probably knit the 2nd sleeve from the opposite end of the ball so it will be light. I do not want a dark sleeve. 

Thoughts

    I did not sleep well again last night. I think the house is too warm and my brain is being over active. I am working on a balance of being busy and having quiet time each day. I also think part of my tiredness is from the air being full of pollen which I am allergic to. With a cool wet spring, the trees and flowers are prolific with blooms. 

    I had a lot of pain yesterday due to the barometric pressure falling. It is still falling today which means I could have more pain today. I am pushing through it as I know it will get better when the barometric pressure start to go up again. 

    I took action on the tiny black ants that love to visit homes in the summer. I have been keeping everything clean. I looked in the compost bag yesterday and it was full of those tiny ants. I took it out to the compost bin, grabbed the Ant Out spray and proceeded to spray the back door and deck where I know they are coming in. Hopefully they won't come in again but I will have to spray after it rains. 

Today

I will be spending a lot of time in the kitchen today as I have to make a large potato salad for dinner tomorrow night. I also have to make sure the kitchen is clean and tidy as I do have a bit of a mess. If I have time, I will be sewing this afternoon and I hope to knit tonight. I am hoping for a quiet day today. 

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

Finishing Projects From Early June

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 23C. This morning it is cloudy and 12C. Today is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a high of 24C (humidex 29C). 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I did the balance sheet. It started out poorly with me not being able to balance the sheet. It was out 1 cent which I fixed. The rest of the entries went well and I got it done in good time as I had to do 17 days worth of entries. 

With time to spare, I put on a load of laundry and put chicken into the Instant Pot to cook. I then started cleaning two cupboards in the kitchen. One holds baking stuff and it does get dirty. I scrubbed it well and did the top part. Not too bad. Next I did the cupboard above the stove and the top of it. I finished the morning by shredding the chicken and wiping down the counter tops. 

Mid afternoon daughter-in-law and grandson arrived. Grandson sold the bike he has had stored at my place for a couple of years. While he dealt with it, daughter-in-law and I looked at the tubs of vegetables on the deck. There is a tomato on one plant. The size of pin head but it's a tomato. The other plants have flowers on them. Everything else is growing well and I will have to fertilize them soon. 

Sewing

I had an enjoyable afternoon sewing. I cut and made the binding for the strawberry quilt. The backing is cut out and I can look for batting in the box of scraps. 

I had watched part of a video on how to make the pyjamas for the rabbit. I was ready to start the pyjamas for my rabbit. I printed all the pieces and cut them out. The top is from a scrap of the strawberry fabric and the pants were from the main piece. I also cut out 1" wide bias binding (should have been a bit wider). Using what I had learned from the video, I got the bias binding on the bottom of the legs. I even hand sewed them in place. 

I also got the projects I was working on out and made a mug rug. It was fun to make. 

I even got the binding hand sewn on it. 

I also pressed the interfacing onto the lining of a snack bag and laid it out on the ironing board ready to sew when I have time. 

Knitting

I cast on and knit the 15 rounds for the cuff on sock #2. 

I am ready to start the pattern which is knit 6, purl 2. Something different this time. 

I picked up the stitches and got 8 rounds knit on the sleeve of the doll's coat. 

I did watch a video on YouTube last night. Knitty Knatty, her husband, and dog are traveling Canada and it seems their first stop was Newfoundland. It was a wonderful video which included several stops at local wool shops. I thoroughly enjoyed the video and hope to visit Newfoundland in the near future. 

Thoughts

    Our weather is going to be muggy for a few days. Nights will be warm which means the a/c may have to be turned on. We will have a couple of cooler nights and then more warm nights. Summer is coming and so is our humid weather. 

    I am working on getting the items I started sewing earlier done. It was fun to dig them out and start working on them yesterday. My goal is to finish them before the end of the month. It will be a bonus if I can finish the little quilt and the pyjamas. The remaining strawberry fabric will be sewn in July. I also enjoyed doing regular sewing and then some hand sewing. 

    I haven't sprayed deer deterrent for quite a while now. No deer have been in the yard which has surprised me. I will be starting again as it is dry and the grass is growing slowly. The deer will be looking for food to eat and the plants will be tasty for them. I am hoping the onions (getting large) and the marigolds (blooming like crazy) will keep them at bay for a while longer. The front plants will be eaten first which means I need to start spraying them again. 

Today

I am out with daughter-in-law to New Minas this morning. I will get what I need to make a large potato salad for Friday. Once home, I will watch more of the video on making the pyjamas, and sew a bit. I have to take grandson to his dentist appointment this afternoon. Tonight I will knit on the socks and doll's coat. 

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

A Strawberry Quilt Top Completed

 Yesterday was sunny and warmer with a high of 23C. This morning it is clear and 9C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 23C. 

Lifestyle

I was outside for just over an hour to water the plants. That turned into weeding the 8 vegetable boxes and the side of the house. I did water everything well. I noticed there are 5 volunteer tomato plants in one box. If they produce that will be a bonus. A lot of the boxes have volunteer petunias growing which will add colour to the back yard. 

Once inside, I cleaned the kitchen counters and put things away. My one cupboard to clean turned into a bank of 4 drawers. I took things out, vacuumed and wiped each drawer inside and out. Things were put back in neatly with only a couple of items being removed. I use everything else. 

I sat and rested when that was done and folded laundry. It is all put away. Some items I had inside for growing cucumbers were washed and put into the garage for next year. In all, I had a very busy morning. 

I was sore yesterday and hobbled about a lot. I put it to weeding outside. My SI joint tightened up and I got to release last night when stretching in bed. It was a good crack. I do have sore muscles from it plus some is from outdoor work. I will keep moving to strengthen everything. 

Sewing

I had a great afternoon sewing. I worked on the doll's a quilt and got the top finished. It is 20" square. I made 12 flying geese and have put the ruler away for now. 

I sat the rabbit on the quilt and it is going to be a big quilt for her. She will be able to snuggle in it when it is cold. 

I will be cutting out pyjamas for the rabbit first before deciding on which fabric will be the backing. I do want to bind it in the red fabric. 

Knitting

I wound the blue yarn into two balls and set up the first sock and knit 15 rounds on the cuff. 

I also knit on the doll's coat. I tried it on the doll at the finished length. 

It was still too short so I knit a couple more rows before knitting the 6 rows of seed stitch at the bottom. 

Thoughts

    Though I accomplished at lot yesterday morning, I was happy to be moving more slowly and enjoying each job I did. I also sewed slowly yesterday and really enjoyed that. It allowed me to relax and think about what I was doing and what I want to do next. 

    I covered the plants on the deck last night as it was supposed to be 3C in low lying areas (usually us). It didn't happen which was nice. The plants are now uncovered enjoying the sunshine. The tomatoes have blooms on them which is the reason I covered them. 

Today

I am going to do the balance sheet, some laundry, and begin tidying up the dining area. If I have time, I will clean on kitchen cupboard. This afternoon I want to cut out the pyjamas for the rabbit so I can decide which fabric I will use for the backing of the quilt. Tonight I will knit on socks and the doll's coat. A quiet day for me. 

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

Progress On The Doll's Coat

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 20C. This morning it is clear and 9C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 23C.

Lifestyle

I had a short time to work on the family tree and got my 5th great grandfather's family done. It was difficult to find who most of the children married. I did dig deep into a couple of marriages only to find that those people weren't my family members. The surprise was that my 5th great grandfather was born in Nova Scotia where is 11 siblings were born in the US. 

I was picked up by daughter-in-law early so we could eat lunch at their house. Then it was off to the city to watch grandson and his soccer team play. It was a good game with one score in the first half. In the second half, grandson played and it was exciting. Grandson passed the ball perfectly and they scored a 2nd goal. More great playing and then 3 different team mates tried to score a third goal but didn't succeed. The game ended 2-0. It was grandson's last game with this team and a great way to end it. 

On our way out from the soccer pitch I got to razz grandson. He had one shin pad and sock on. It was a good laugh as he stopped to take it off. We went home and I was happy to be home. 

Knitting

I did knit on the doll's coat last night.  I was able to get 20 rows done. 

Thoughts

    We had perfect weather for the weekend. Not too warm and sunny. The mornings were cool which was nice to be out and about for activities. We couldn't have asked for anything better weather wise. 

    Life will get back to more normal now that graduation is over. I will start cleaning as I left it over the weekend. I need to weed the boxes and water everything. And I want to enjoy what I am doing without feeling rushed. I enjoy working at a steady pace vs rushing. I can rush for a few days and then need to go back to what I like best - steady progress. 

    It is hard to believe that grandson will be leaving in a week to play soccer in Uruguay. I will certainly miss him as I enjoy visiting with him whenever I want to. I do wish him the best as he begins his life after graduation. 

Today

I am home today and have a list of things to do this morning. This afternoon I want to work on the doll's quilt and will knit tonight. The list is really long as I am starting back into my routine. 

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

Graduation

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 19C. This morning it is clear and 6C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 20C. 

Lifestyle

I spent a bit of time yesterday morning doing some cleaning up. It was needed. I enjoyed it as I felt like I had a bit of my routine back. 

I was over to family's at 10:15 am and we were off to the grad's church service. The church is on campus, stone built and over 100 years old. 

It was a special service as the Reverend was retiring that day. 

After church, everyone went over to the Recreation Center to take pictures of the grads. I sat at a picnic table and quietly rolled my sore spots. There was a quiet release and I was pain free and ready to go. I joined family and we visited with friends. I did take a picture of grandson wearing his grad outfit.

The boys wear this and the girls wear a white jumper with a red belt and their red jackets. They do not do cap and gown at this school. 

Then we went to the cafeteria for sandwiches and squares. More time to mingle with people and watch the grads enjoy their last day at school. 

The last stop was for the graduation and prize ceremony at the Recreation Center. There the 63 students walked across the stage to receive their graduation certificate, and other recognition that they earned. 

Grandson got his honour's pin and his lifer's plaque. We were shocked to learn that grandson also had the highest score in the Atlantic provinces on a chemistry exam he took at the end of April. This exam was compulsory for his class to take but other schools across Canada allow students to choose to take it. Grandson is the first person to win this award at his school. It allows him to apply to a very rigorous program at a university in Western Canada. 

It is interesting to hear what other students are doing after school life. Three or four boys are going to become RCMP officers, one boy has been signed to play hockey, two are going to universities in the US, a few are going to attend universities in the home country. One is going to trade school, another to become a veterinary assistant. Many are attending universities in Canada to take medicine, business, engineering, performing arts, and other disciplines I can't remember. 

We were home just after 4 pm. Tired with all the excitement, I sat and rested for a bit. After dinner, son and grandson came over to see if they could sign in remotely to the server at their house. They could and grandson was excited. He is going to work for son learning about computer sciences which he wants to take at university after a gap year.

Sewing

None done as I was out most of the day. 

Knitting

I did knit last night. The coat is coming along and I am now working on the waist part. 

It is very light in colour so I am expecting the bottom part will be darker as will the sleeves. I am making the bottom part longer this time as I want it coat length. 

Thoughts

    l really enjoyed the grad ceremonies. It is well planned and each student is recognized for their strengths at the school. They now move into the adult world and continue their education well prepared. Those who are taking a gap year have plans for the following year. 

   The weather was perfect for graduation. The sun shone and it wasn't hot. People enjoyed mingling outside visiting. In past years it has either been very hot or wet. This year it was "perfect" weather for everyone. 

    I am ready to start back on my routine tomorrow. It is time to get back to doing some housework. I have let it go and want to start doing some deep cleaning. I also need to weed the vegetable boxes as the weeds are growing as fast as the plants. I am looking forward to some quiet time doing things I need and want to do. 

Today

I have to get something for lunch and then am going with family to watch grandson's team play soccer. It is his last game with this team. We will get home after 5 pm and then I will sit quietly and knit. 

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

A Bit Of Sewing, A Lot of Grad

 Yesterday was sunny and warm. The high got to 17C. This morning it is clear and 7C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 18C. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door to make sandwiches early. We got the job done in good time and I was home by 10 am with a stop in town. 

I was out again to family's house by 2 pm. I sat in their office with son and daughter-in-law as 4 boys finished getting ready for grad pictures and prom. It was great to meet and talk to 3 of grandson's friends. 

We got to school in good time and the boys had pictures taken. The teacher who was doing pictures enjoyed working with the boys. They have some fabulous shots that they will enjoy for years to come. 

We visited with some parents and one boy I haven known for 2 years gave me a huge hug. His mom and dad flew in from the Dominican for grad. I also met other parents and visited with them. I also visited with parents I have known for 6 years. 

After pictures, we went into the cafeteria to have some fabulous finger foods and then there was the parent/student waltz. The grads then got on a bus and headed to Halifax for their grad party at a hotel. We stayed behind for a slide show of all the grads and drank a glass of champagne. It was home to have pizza for dinner. 

I am going to admit I was sore from so much standing. My back was the sorest as was the glute muscle. I would stand and then walk around to relieve the pain. I finally ended up sitting. I was in bed early as I was tired. I slept all night which I didn't expect. 

Sewing

 I decided to do some sewing yesterday morning. I sewed together all the strips and made the binding for the quilt. It is sitting in a pile on the cutting table. 

I also played and got 4 more flying geese made for the doll's quilt. They are so easy to make now that I have done so many. 

I now have enough for one side of the quilt. It won't take long to do the 12 geese for the other side. 

I am going to make an apron later on. I have the perfect combination of fabric for the first one. 

This one I will gift to daughter. I have enough of the print to do some other kitchen items for her. I will have to buy more of the brown fabric as I only have 1 meter. 

Knitting

I didn't knit last night. 

Thoughts

    Yesterday's grad activity was very well done. Out of the group of 63 students, 4 started at the school in grade 6 and 3 more started in grade 7. These students are called lifers. The rest of the students came later with many coming in grade 11 to do their senior years at the school. A lot of the students will attend universities in Nova Scotia with a few attending universities in Ontario, one in the US, and some in their home countries. 

    It was interesting watching the students move out of the dorms while grads were having pictures taken. Boxes upon boxes of sports equipment was loaded into vehicles. Others were packing boxes of personal items to take home for the summer. Quite a few of the students leave their belongings in boxes which are stored for the summer while the dorms are cleaned ready for late August. 

Today

I leave here to go to family's at 10:15 am. We will attend the grad's church service, then have lunch in the cafeteria, and attend the grad ceremony. We should be home mid afternoon. I am going to relax, water my vegetables, and get ready for Sunday as I am going to watch grandson play his last game of soccer with this team. I do hope to knit tonight. 

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

Slowing Down With Hand Sewing

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 24C (humidex 27C). This morning it is clear and 12C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 19C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday, I had a busy morning. I was down the stairs to press and run the lint roller over the quilt. That took me a good 20 minutes. Then it was folded carefully and put into a bag to take to the long arm quilter. 

The drive to New Minas was uneventful. When I got to the quilt shop, they were excited to see the quilt and took all the information so it could be quilted. The long arm quilter hadn't arrived or wasn't coming in. I did find a backing for it that is a rusty colour. 

Once done at the quilt shop, I headed out to shop. It took longer than expected but I survived the ordeal. Walmart's parking lot is being paved and you can't get in one way so you have to go down quite a ways to turn around and come back to it. I did shop at Walmart and at Giant Tiger. On the way home I stopped at the other quilt shop to get a pattern. 

I had a short rest once I got home and then headed down stairs to tidy up the sewing room and vacuum. The floor was disgusting with lots of threads, fluff, and fraying stuff off the fabrics I used. I had 27 minutes left on the Dyson battery and used 25 minutes. I also got the screens into the two windows in the sewing room. That means moving furniture and climbing a ladder to get them in. 

Sewing

I have slowed down enough to think back on the quilt. The ideas for the quilt were found over time on Pinterest. I knew the panel was 42" wide and knew the blocks had to be 6" finished. The idea of having the V was from ideas I had seen on other quilts but it was more of a zig zag pattern. Once I got the blocks made and row of 7 sewn together, I knew exactly what to do with the dark fabric. I would do this pattern again as I do like it. 

After I cleaned the sewing room, I cut out the binding for the quilt. I now need to sew the strips together and press it ready to sew on when the quilt is done. 

I decided it was time to do some slow sewing and sat in the family room with it. I did take out the S in the embroidery I had done. Then I picked up the bag with the lace and hand sewed for an hour on it. It was good to do some hand stitching on it. I got the leaves stitched down on the 3rd part and am ready to stitch down the gold pointed part. 

Knitting

I decided to knit the doll's coat using one size larger needles. The tension is much better on this version. I am wondering if I wrote down the wrong size needles or if I am now knitting a bit tighter due to knitting socks on small needles. Who knows. I did get 20 rows knit on it last night. 

It is knitting up quicker this time as I know the pattern. I just have to remember to do the button holes. I had to unknit last night as I didn't do the 2nd one. 

Thoughts

    I am ready to get back to my old schedule where I can eat properly, do some housework. I have missed that part of my routine. Just slowing down mid afternoon and doing hand work yesterday afternoon was a lovely break from all the rushing and stressing I have been experiencing while making the quilt. 

    This weekend is set aside for grandson as he has graduation today and tomorrow and then plays his last soccer game on Sunday. He will continue to go to practices and training sessions until he leaves for Uruguay. I will probably go to his game but I don't go to his practice and training sessions. 

Today

I am going to make sandwiches at the hall shortly. Once home, I am going to do a few things and then be ready to go to grandson's school for grad pictures, reception and video presentation. I am not sure what time we will get home but if early, I will be knitting on the doll's coat tonight. 

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

The Quilt Top Is Completed

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of 23C (humidex 25C). This morning it is sunny and 12C. Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 26C (humidex 29C). 

Lifestyle

I am exhausted even though I have slept well. The sewing marathon of making the quilt is over, the adrenaline rush is gone, and I am dragging myself around this morning. I will be back to normal in the next couple of days. 

I was out on the deck this morning looking at the vegetables. All are healthy and growing well. Even the flowers, onions and 3 tomato plants in the garden boxes are doing well. I will have to start watering them tomorrow as there is no rain in sight for the next 4-5 days. No deer have visited. One neighbour ran out with one dog at his heels to chase the deer from their yard. The dog barked a lot and they took off in a hurry through the area behind us. They may not be back for quite a while. 

Sewing

It was a marathon sewing day. I started at 9 am, stopped around 12:30, back at it just after 1 pm and finished at 3:30 pm. We have a quilt that is ready for the long arm quilter. 

This quilt was a lot of work as there were so many seams to match up. I had to make sure every block was the right size which actually happened (miracle). The center block was as straight as I could get it and when I started to put it all together, it was square. I did measure the borders and made sure they were the same size when I put them on. The quilt measures 53 x 84" which is a lot larger than I had thought it would be. 

I staggered out of the sewing room leaving behind quite a mess of threads and fluff on the floor and I am sure a lot of surfaces. The top needs the lint roller run over it and a final pressing done. This morning's job before I take it to the long arm quilter. 

I swore that I will not do this kind of sewing again. It took me 5 intensive days of cutting, sewing, and pressing to make. There was one day of laundering and starching the fabric. I was informed last night another one of these panels is arriving to make a quilt next year. I will be starting it in March so I can enjoy the process. 

I am quite proud of the quilt. I found the block on Pinterest and liked it a lot. I designed the idea of the pyramid from another quilt I saw somewhere on the internet. The idea was formed and I knew I could execute it after I made the block. I was excited to use the flying geese ruler family gave me for Christmas and it was a life saver. Looking at YouTube videos on how to use it gave me an easier way to make the geese with a bit more wasted material. I learned a lot in a hurry but am happy I did. No going back to the old way of making geese. 

Knitting

I tried the coat on the doll and am happy with the fit. 

I am going to knit it again on a size larger needle to see how it looks. If it looks too big, I will make it longer so it is a coat. I know this designer's patterns are ones that I have to work on to get the tension right. I knit more true to the yarn's given tension and she knits a lot looser. 

I will start the socks now that I am not exhausted after dinner. I need to wind the yarn into two 50 gram balls before I can start. 

Thoughts

    I am amazed at how limber my back/hip feels most of the time. It does get tired when I have to do a lot of the same thing, especially standing. I had thought I would have pain last night as I was up and down so much and then knelt on the floor to measure the quilt. I did have problems getting up as I was sore and somewhat stiff. 

    I have to spend some time in the sewing room cleaning up and putting the screens back into the windows. I want to get it neat and tidy so I can enjoy sewing the next projects on the list. I ignored the mess and by late yesterday afternoon it was annoying me. 

    I am going back to my old routine once again. I am going back to eating healthy, doing house work in the morning, sewing in the afternoon, and knitting at night. I want to slow down and enjoy doing things but stay active to be healthy. Once the next few days are done (grandson's graduation this weekend) I will be focusing on what I need to do. I have been thinking and will write about next week. 

Today

I have to use the lint roller on the quilt and give it a final pressing. Then it is off to the long arm quilter where I will find the backing, choose the design and thread so it can be done. I have to do some shopping before I come home. I would like to tidy up and vacuum the sewing room this afternoon, divide the ball of yarn so I can start knitting socks tonight. Though a busy day, I can move at a slower pace and enjoy myself some.

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

More Progress OnThe Quilt

 Yesterday was sunny and windy with a high of 20C. It did rain last night. This morning it is cloudy and 15C. Today is supposed to be clear off and be sunny with a high of 24C (humidex 28C).

Lifestyle

Yesterday started with a visit from daughter-in-law. We were suppose to peel and cut 40 lbs of carrots in the morning but weren't going to do it until 1 pm. We did it and it took 3 of us 1 hour to peel and cut carrots. 

I had dinner at family's last night and grandson told me he could be in Uruguay until the end of November. They leave on June 23. Son will be home in early September and daughter-in-law will probably go down in the fall. 

Sewing

I spent almost 3 hours working on the quilt yesterday. The first session was in the morning. I gathered all the geese and sewed them into blocks. By noon I had them sewn together and one block fully pressed. 

In the late afternoon, I finished pressing the blocks and got 2 rows sewn together. 

I am hoping to have it finished today. 

Knitting

Too exhausted to knit. 

Thoughts

    I am ready for this quilt to be done and at the long arm quilters. I have had to sew fast and in a way that I don't like to sew -- assembly line sewing. I have proved to myself that I can make a quilt quickly if necessary. But it has taken a toll on me. 

    I have stopped taking care of myself at the moment due to this quilt. I am tired and somewhat cranky from not doing self care. I have ignored a lot of things in the house which is not good. My eating has gone south and my stress level has gone north. The only thing that is good -- I am not having a lot of pain in my back and hip. It is actually feeling better than it has for a while. 

    I have decided that once this week is over with, I will be focusing on me. I will be slowing down, relaxing, and enjoying what I am doing. No rushing or pushing myself to the limit. I am going to eat properly, sew slowly, and enjoy myself every day. I want to do things that I have planned but do them in thoughtful ways and take breaks if necessary. I want to do a variety of things each day and enjoy myself while I am doing it. 

Today

I have a full day of sewing on the quilt with a quick trip to the grocery store for some food. My goal is to have the quilt done and ready to leave the house tomorrow. I probably won't knit tonight as I will be too tired. 

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