How In The World Did I Miss It???

 Yesterday was one of those greyish days with some sunshine. The temperature hung in at about 8-9C all day. This morning it is 8C and the wind is really blowing. The temperature is to drop today and we are to have it -7C over night. We had 9.3mm of rain fall last night. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

Ox Shoeing - Mr EA Roscoe is now prepared to shoe oxen in a neat and expeditious manner, having fitted his shop with appliances for that purpose. Berwick Mar 8, 1899.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning, I washed all the floors. They were dirty. The Spousal Unit wears his outside shoes in the house when he doesn't remember to take them off. It is nice to have the floors clean once again though the outside boots did make a trek through the house in the afternoon. 

The first puzzle is done and it was fun to do. The Spousal Unit enjoyed it and found pieces on his own. 

The main part of doing puzzles is for his memory. I will give him pieces to try and most often they fit but on occasion they don't. He was happy enough that we got the next puzzle out. He sorted and then we did the bottom edge. He was tired by then. 

We had a long talk about is memory problems yesterday. It was good for both of us to talk about it. I am hoping that he can get some medication to help him as he hates the spells he's had. He knows they start and he knows he can't stop them and until they are over, he remembers very little about what he said or did. That bothers him he said. 

Sewing

I had some time in the sewing room yesterday. I cut out the backs for the placemats and then the binding. I was short .3 meter of fabric for the binding (4 strips) but will piece them with the left over fabric from the backing. I cut out the batting also.

I started out sandwiching one placemat and spent a bit of time figuring out how to get the quilting lines right. I got it and started quilting. I also stitched in the ditch very slowly and carefully next to the green border. 

The next row of stitching goes next to the outer border. I have to change to green thread for that so will do that once all the place mats are quilted in red. My goal is to use up all this fabric this month. None is going back onto the shelves. 

I looking at a second thread holder for sewing. I want one that is portable so I can use it on both machines. I saw this one while surfing Pinterest. It is the Thread Director 2.

What I like about it is it is portable, attaches to the bobbin winder or upright spool pin and allows specialty thread to come off the spool without it twisting. It also allow you to use two colors either in one needle or two.

The other one recommended is the Superior Thread Holder. 

It sits on the table beside or behind your machine. You can use cones of thread upright, spools horizontally and your bobbins if you need to use up the thread on them. It is recommended for specialty thread also. 

I have the thread holder coming for the Juki which attaches to the machine. It has the thread sit vertically rather than horizontally. Glide thread likes to sit vertically. The other holder is for specialty thread or when I want to sew with two colors to do decorative stitching. I'm still weighing the pros and cons on which one. If I hadn't ordered the Juki thread holder I would have bought one of each the above. 

Knitting

I got the second sweater finished to the buttons last night. 

And today I have to rip it out as I didn't do the eyelets on the one side. How in the world I missed it is beyond me. Way back up at the second row of eyelets and I never even noticed it. 

If ripping it out is hard, I will trash it and use the remaining yarn to make a new one. I'm sure I will get it ripped out as I want to make the hat that goes with this sweater. 

Today

I have to do the budget today after I clean the table of a few small items. Then puzzle, sewing, and knitting which will include unknitting. 

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

Apron Hack Is Done

Yesterday started with snow, yes snow. About 1.5" fell before it started to rain. The rain wasn't a lot. The temperature rose to 9.5C around midnight. Today it is 8C, cloudy and it is going to rain starting this afternoon. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

The people here had a great winter for hauling wood. Most of the people are fishermen, and it is fun to see them in the woods with their long rubber boots on and only one pair of socks, while the landsmen wear larrigans with three or four pairs of socks. West Quoddy Mar 7 1907. 

Larrigans are a knee-high boot of oiled leather with a moccasin foot, worn by lumbermen and trappers.

Lifestyle

Yesterday was spent doing a puzzle with the Spousal Unit. Though it is only 300 pieces, he needs some help with the pieces so progress can be made. I find them and then he puts them together. He finds some and puts them in. He gets better as time goes on. We spent quite a bit of time on it and I got some pieces ready for today. He felt successful and enjoyed the time we spent on it. 

I did get the floors vacuumed before lunch and it is nice to have that job done. Elliott was downstairs snuggled in a quilt on a chair by the puzzle table so I didn't have to think about him being under foot.

Sewing

I did sneak in some time for sewing. The apron is done. 

It was more work than I thought it would be but it was fun. I tried it on Susan who is wearing a historical dress. The apron is more suited to pants and a t-shirt. 

I would make it a bit longer also. 

I am going to try a different apron pattern for the next one. McCalls 6451 (View C). 

Knitting

I worked on the little sweater and got the body done. I'm ready to do the sleeves. I may have enough yarn to make the hat. 

It will be nice to have used up this ball of yarn. When this is done, I will have knit 5.5 skeins of yarn. A good start to the year. 

Today

I have to fold laundry and wash floors today. I am sure we will work some on the puzzle. I want to cut out the backs and binding for the placemats and, hopefully, the batting. Tonight is knitting the sweater and hat if there is enough yarn. 

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

A Dumb Mistake

 Yesterday was a mix of sun and clouds. The high got to -0.8C but the wind really blew most of the day. Today it is suppose to snow, then turn to ice pellets, then rain. The high is to get to 5C and then up to 10C during the night. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

The Amherst and Pictou hockey teams played a game in the Pictou rink. This was the most interesting game witnessed in Pictou this season and showed that the teams were very evenly matched;  4-3 Amherst. Mar 6 1900.

Lifestyle

We headed out after breakfast to get some meat from Canning as the weather looked good. On our way we stopped at the quilt shop. When we headed up the road to Canning, we were surprised to see the road was covered with snow. The wind was blowing it off the fields in the wide open areas causing ground drift. We got our meat and came home and really enjoyed the trip. 

I put the puzzle away and was ready to move the Spousal Unit's puzzle to the table. He was a bit agitated so I left him be. A good hug later on fixed his agitation and he was fine for the rest of the day. He is fretting over news where we use to live and I have to tell him we no longer live there. This is not new as he has been doing this when he was well. 

Sewing

I was glad I went to the quilt shop at 10 a.m. (opening time). It wasn't busy but they were expecting crowds during the day as there was a quilt retreat nearby. I got 2 meters of the red fabric for the placemats backing, a rotary cutter blade, ribbon, and big button covers. When I picked up the red fabric, I turned and this blue piece of fabric yelled at me. There was .8 meter left on the bolt so I got it. 

I saw a historical doll's dress out of this fabric. I am letting it perk in my head and have started looking at my patterns. 

I worked on the doll's apron after I laundered and starched the red fabric. It has to dry overnight. I hacked the pattern and got started. I made a mistake in my excitement and added the lace trim first. 

After the pain I went through to get the lace on, it is coming off and going into the trash can. I have to look for something else as it was the worst lace I've ever sewn on. The needle sounded like it was dull, there was a bit of a heavy spot in the lace and when the needle went down into it, it skewed the lace and stitching. I really don't know why I kept this lace. I must have been crazy when I put it back into the stash. Or it was a piece that was left over from the bateau and given to me for the dolls. There was about 16" of it.

I made my own bias binding using the bias maker that uses 1 3/8" wide fabric. I enjoyed that process and have to sew the pieces together to make the ties. Once the lace is off, I will do the binding on the sides and the ties. Then I will add new lace to the bottom of the apron. 

Knitting

I worked on the sweater last night it is coming along. I have to follow the instructions as it has an eyelet pattern. While knitting I am watching the latest season (2021) of Escape to the Chateau. I enjoy it though Angel's style and mine are the exact opposite. I like less, she likes more. I do enjoy watching how they are restoring the chateau they bought 7 years ago in France.

Today

It is a stay at home day with the weather. I will do some housework, sew, and knit. I hope to be able to spend some time helping the Spousal Unit on his puzzle. 

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

Progress Can Be Slow

 Though the high only got to -8.1 and the wind blew, the sun did shine. This morning it was -10C, calm and sunny. We could almost see 0C today. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

Fred Nickerson, a farmer who lives near Argyle, recently came across a bear's den in the woods in that vicinity containing a she-bear and three cubs. Mar 5, 1897.

(Note - you don't often see bears in the wild in this province I'm told).

Lifestyle

With the sun shining, the Spousal Unit was lured outside to scrape the driveway of another 2" of dry fluffy snow. He came in twice to warm up and did a great job going across rather than up and down the driveway. He felt great being outside and busy. I was worried but all was okay. 

I got the kitchen cleaned before I had to stop. My back has flared up and I think I have figured it out. I'm sitting lower in the sewing chair and it has flared up the muscle and then helping lift the Spousal Unit flared up worse. I am doing a bunch of stretching to help it.

I worked on the puzzle yesterday afternoon (later) and got it done. I have done this one mostly by myself and will try to do one a winter until the 1000 piece puzzles are done. I did enjoy working on it though there were some difficult parts. 

I will put it into its box today and set the Spousal Unit up at the table with his puzzle. 

Sewing

I finished the red borders on the placemats and then started to cut out the backing. I got only 2 cut out so need to buy another 2 meters for backing and binding. I also need to buy batting as I don't have enough of it. 

Once I got that figured out, I started to cut out a gift bag and stopped as I want the extra fabric from the backing for the lining. I also looked at the pattern for the apron and need to print the once piece and get it ready to cut out. I will have to cut out the mug rugs and then see if I can get another bag or two made also.

Knitting

I started to knit another sweater last night, got 10 rows done and realized I was using a size to big of needles. I started again and got 8 rows done. I am using up the Tutti Frutti colored yarn. Pictures will come as I progress. So far it is only white.

Today

I've been out to shop already this morning. I'm not sure if we are going for a drive to get meat and fabric after breakfast. I will sew this afternoon, set up the puzzle for the Spousal Unit, and knit tonight. 

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

A Bit Of A Scare

 Yesterday it started to snow early and it snowed all day. It stopped around 6 p.m. The snow was wetter this time though the high only got to -3.9C. There was about 8" of snow fall. This morning it is -15C with a windchill of -24C. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

Schooner Geneva, Captain Arenburg, and Schooner Howard, Captain Walters, both sailed for Porto Rico. Lunenburg Mar 4, 1890.

Lifestyle

Yesterday I did no housework except for 3 loads of laundry. I worked on the puzzle all morning. I have about 40 pieces left to put in and then it can go back into it's box. 

I got the Spousal Unit started on a puzzle and he spent the day sorting and putting 2 pieces together. I will move him to the table and sit with him to do the puzzle. I move pieces around so he can put them together. He still loves puzzles and, with help, he can do them. 

At 4 pm, the Spousal Unit decided to go out and shovel snow. I was watching for him as I made dinner. He disappeared and two ladies came running up the driveway. He had fallen and was yelling "Help". I had texts and phone calls from the neighbors but my phone decided to be silent. I ran out to help to find out he had a real weak spell and collapsed. He didn't loose consciousness as he told us all about it. Got him in, wrapped him in a blanket and did his blood sugar. Low enough he was hungry and short of fuel. I got sugar into him and we ate supper. He was fine though he is sore and stiff today. The two ladies and a man came and shoveled our driveway. He can't shovel snow unless I am outside with him. We will have someone come and do it next winter. Yesterday, once again, we are grateful to live in a wonderful area with helpful people.

Our neighbor couldn't come over to help as they are in isolation with Covid. It is going through the family now. We are fine with no symptoms since being in contact with them 10 days ago. 

Sewing

I did get some sewing done yesterday. The long red borders are on all 6 placemats and one has the short borders on it. 

The 3 border pieces I cut 1/4" larger where a delight to trim. I am doing well with accuracy though as I only have tiny bits to trim off some pieces. I'm really into accuracy. 

Yesterday, I put the Glide thread into a jar and still had issues with it getting hung up on the bobbin winder. I sat and though about getting the thread up higher off the machine. With a good snoop and realizing a container of wipes and the thread holder from the Diamond, I set up this temporary thread holder. 

It works and the tension is much better. I can't wait for the Juki thread holder to come. 

Knitting

I finished the sweater set and it's ready to put on the doll. 

I hope the hat is big enough but I always worry about hats being too small. 

Elliott was trying to lay on the knitting but decided to lay on a book instead. 

He is obsessed with lying on my knitting things. 

Today

Housework that I ignored yesterday needs to be done. I want to finish the borders on the placemat and start cutting out the backing. Tonight I will knit on another sweater to use up the yarn.

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

Placemats Started

 We wonder if spring will ever come. After a nice day on Tuesday with a high of -3.5C and sunshine, it snowed yesterday. The high got to about 4C and the snow turned to rain. This morning it is -5C and we are to have more snow. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

Mr AP Cameron has erected a line of telephone posts from the main line to his house on which he has a private line. Mr. Cameron says the phone is a great company in these long storms. Port Howe Mar 2 1905. 

Lifestyle

After a rough day for the Spousal Unit on Tuesday, yesterday was much better. We got our hair cut, I shoveled snow off the driveway, and we had a call from an old friend. 

The Spousal Unit enjoyed talking to our old friend. The chit chatted about many things going on. Our friend "came clean" and told us he has cancer and is refusing treatment. We keep him and his wife in our thoughts during this time. 

Son and daughter-in-law were over last night to deliver puzzles for the Spousal Unit to do. We had a quick visit as son had to get home and put his leg up. His sprained ankle is healing slowly. The Spousal Unit will enjoy doing these puzzles and I will set him up today to start on a simple one. 

Sewing

I cut out the pieces for the placemat tops. I got the green border sewn on the long sides of the 6 placemats on Tuesday and then the short sides yesterday. I trimmed the borders after giving them a good pressing.

I am now ready to start on the red border. I am making these again using some cardinal fabric I have. I must remember to cut the borders 1/4" wider and trim them back as it is more accurate. 

Once the tops are done, I will cut the back and see how much fabric I need to buy to finish this project. I also have to look at how much batting I have as I may have to buy more. I can make the mug rugs and doll's apron while I wait to get to the quilt shop to buy the fabric. 

My Juki is hating Glide thread which I mainly sew with. I put on Aurifil and Gutterman threads and all was good. I looked at how the Glide thread comes off the spool and it is opposite to the other thread. I am going to try using Glide standing up in a jar while I wait for my thread holder. Glide thread works beautifully on the Diamond as I use a wonderful thread holder for it. It actually lifts the thread up about 4" before it goes down to be threaded through the machine.

Knitting

I got buttons for the jacket and need to sew them on. I knit the scarf and it is cute. I knit a total of 6 rows for this scarf as 4 rows was too narrow.

I started on the hat yesterday and am decreasing for the crown now. It is an easy knit. 

There should be enough yarn left over to make a simple short sleeved sweater. I really want to use up the yarn so I can say it is gone. 

Next up will be socks on small needles. 

Today

I have laundry to do and the bathroom and kitchen to clean. I will set up the first puzzle for the Spousal Unit to do and sew on the placemats. Tonight I will finish the hat and start on the sweater to use up the rest of the yarn. With it going to snow today, we will be staying home. 

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

Doll Outfit Completed

 Yesterday's weather was one that we wish we didn't have. The wind blew and the windchill kept the temperature feeling like -17 to -21C. The high got to -5.3C and the sun did shine. Today it is -16C with a windchill of -21C, the sun is suppose to shine and it is to get to -3C. We are to have snow tonight. 

Small History Nova Scotia by Sara Spike

A number of young people spent a pleasant evening at the residence of Mr Frank Busuett's. The chief ammusements were "measuring" to see "how high you live." One man of this place measure six feet. Gays River Mar 1 1900.

Lifestyle

We did our fair share of complaining about the wind but it didn't seem to help. The Spousal Unit bundled up and shoveled the snow off the driveway and deck. He was in 3 times to warm up as the wind made it so cold outside. 

I spent the morning cleaning our bedroom. I moved the furniture around to vacuum, washed the floor, cleaned some of the furniture, and lastly wiped down the ceiling fan. The fan had a lot of white fluff on it and triggered an allergy attack. The bed was changed and made and it looked quite nice last night. I have a couple of things to finish up in there which will take a few minutes.

I didn't tackle the closets. I need to sit and think about some things. Most of one closet is storage. The other has our clothes in it. The feather duvets and pillows can't be sold until the fall. I will sort through some of the items when I come to a conclusion on what to do with them. The Christmas paper will be used up this year or it all goes into daughter-in-law's stash. My goal is to use more cloth bags this year. 

The Spousal Unit had a nap in the afternoon and woke up telling me people were in the house telling him what to do. He did talk about it but he was agitated and it continued all evening. He paced, checked to make sure the house was locked up, unplugged the coffee maker and kettle. I was tired but didn't blow up. He seems okay this morning after a fairly good night's sleep. 

Sewing

The Boardwalk Boutique is completed and cute. 

I am okay with the ruffles though I am not a person who likes ruffles. It does add a summery element to the outfit. 

The back does show it as a halter top and is quite cute. 

Oh Sew Kat has 9 hacks for this pattern which I will be looking at some of them. I have already done the historical bloomers. 

Next on the cutting table will be the placemats. I want to cut out all the pieces before sewing. That way I will know if I need any more fabric as I may be short of the red and batting. 

Knitting

The sweater was finished to button yesterday and it is cute.

I cast on the scarf and have done the increase row and part of row 2. There are 4 rows to the scarf but you are knitting 290 stitches. It takes time to knit. 

Today

We are heading out to Coldbrook for apples and to mail 2 parcels. I need to stop at Walmart for a few items and then it will be home. We may stop for lunch though we don't like going into busy places. I hope to start cutting out the placemats and knit tonight. 

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