Grandparents' Day

 Yesterday was a cool grey day. The rain came about 1 pm and we had about 3/4" fall. The high got to 15C and when the temperature dropped in the late afternoon, fog came rolling in. This morning, it is foggy and 13C. It is suppose to be cloudy and 18C. 

Lifestyle

With the threat of rain looming, I wondered how Grandparents' day would go. The rain held off until we were all in the theatre watching the entertainment put on my students. 

Grandparents are very welcomed at Kings Edge-Hill school. We are treated with kindness and respect by both the students and staff. Yesterday was no different. There was the Honour Guard when we entered the theatre, students greeting us at every corner and helping when needed. We had a tour of the grounds though, being short on time, we didn't get to see the library. Lunch was great and that is when the students joined their grandparents. Not only did my grandson join me for lunch, the boy across the street had adopted me has his grandparent for the day. We three had a wonderful lunch and enjoyed the entertainment immensely. I brought the boys home and we chatted about what a nice time we had. 

With the impending storm, my knee, hip, and back ached. I tried to keep it stretched as much as possible and walked properly on it. Once home, I put the hot water bottle on it but it wouldn't stop aching until the storm had passed. It was exhausting having so much pain that I went to bed early. I'm also not sleeping as well as I should be. Partly because of the pain and partly because I'm missing the Spousal Unit. 

I did not knit or sew yesterday as I was too tired to do either. I kept stretching my knee and rested as much as I could. 

Today

I have physiotherapy this morning which will leave me tired. I have to do laundry, make myself something for dinner and, hopefully, sew and knit. I need to start making a list of things I need to do for the next 2 weeks. 

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

A Busy Day

Yesterday was another lovely sunny day with a high of 17.9C. This morning it is 13C and we are under a special weather statement. We are to have some heavy rain fall with the possibility of thunderstorms embedded in the storms. The high is to get to 18C. 

Lifestyle

It was a busy day yesterday. The morning started with a call from the insurance company as the car and house insurance are due at the end of November. The Spousal Unit's name has to be removed from both which left me feeling sad. With the car insurance, it means less cost and when I buy CAA it becomes even less. I should have done that a few years ago as the Spousal Unit didn't drive in Nova Scotia. 

I headed out after breakfast to New Minas and bought garlic to plant next week. I also got a few Honey Crisp apples. I then went and returned books at the used book store. I looked around for books but found nothing I wanted and the ones I wanted weren't there. On the way home, I made a quick stop and bought tea towels for Christmas presents. 

After lunch, I went into town and posted the parcel to daughter and popped into the insurance company. Once home, I grabbed the green bin and headed out to the garden. I pulled the beans (they had lots of rust on them) and the peppers. I then got recycling and the green bin to the curb side for garbage pick up today. 

After a short rest, I made dinner with enough for tonight and 2 freezer meals. I was tired when I finally sat down. 

My knee and hip were sore yesterday due to the storm coming in. I kept stretching my knee as it does help. I walked a fair amount and it wasn't as sore as before. I need to continue walking and exercising so I built strength in my knee and hips. It is coming along slowly. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday but I did buy a couple of embroidery files. 

I fell in love with this mug rug pattern on Embroidery Library. I now have to find the faux leather and make a bunch of them. 

I will make a few for daughter and then figure out how to do something for the house. I may buy brown cotton and do a small table runner as I love this so much. 

Horseshoe Doodles is for tea towels for daughter. It is so her. I will find some nice tea towels for her and do three doodles in a row on them.

I am wanting to do more embroidery this winter. I do have a few ideas floating in my head that will go with the doll clothes I am wanting to make. 

I did do some research on the under clothing I want to make. I thought I needed linen but cotton is fine. I will be looking for some expensive cotton in a solid white to make them out of. It is here that I want to do some embroidery. I will also be practicing other techniques, especially eyelets on the sewing machine. 

Knitting

I did knit last night. The shawl got around 3 rows done on it. It is getting large but it isn't large enough yet. I also knit on the sweater and I will be finished the body soon. I do love the pattern. It is much easier to knit now that I don't have to count for the sleeve increases. 

Today

I am out for Grandparent's Day at our grandson's school. I am being our neighbour's youngest boy's grandmother for the day. When I get home, I'm not sure what I will do though I will knit tonight. 

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

Progress in Sewing and Knitting

Yesterday was a lovely sunny day with a high of 18.3C. This morning it is cloudy and 8C. There is suppose to be showers late this afternoon with a high of 16C. 

Lifestyle

I spent yesterday morning vacuuming and mopping the upstairs floors. It was a big job as my knees were aching with the storm coming in. But it is now done for a week and I can focus on dusting and wiping rooms down. 

I took the blankets off the plants and they got some frost damage. I did pick the peppers. The beans have rust on them from the moisture. The peas fared better so I left them alone to see if they will grow a bit more. I may take the green bin and pulled most of the plants on Friday. 

My knee is improving. I did a lot of exercises with it yesterday stretching it. I also walked a lot on it. It was tired last night as were my hips and other knee (thanks storms coming in). There is still some pain in the knee but I've got more flex in it now. It will take some time to build up the strength and I will need to find out what to do for that. 

Sewing

I had a successful day in the sewing room. The bodice pattern was cut out and I spent some time sewing it together. When I got one sleeve in, I stopped for the day.

I am very happy with how it looks at this stage. While cutting out the bodice, I noticed that I will be able to get cut out a pair of shoes to match the dress. I am beyond thrilled with that. I will lay them out when I cut out the lining pieces (front and back bodice only). I also need to look in the ribbon stash and see if there is any bright pink ribbon to make back ties for this dress. I won't be disappointed if there isn't as this was just a thought. 

One of the people on a doll forum talked about The Doll's Dressmaker and I bought this book second hand. 

I will be looking in the used books store to see if I can find another copy to gift a friend. And, of course, I will be looking at it to see if I want to make anything from it. 

Knitting

The test pattern is coming along. I found a few more mistakes and they were easy to fix. I finished row 27 and it looks like a sweater. The lighting was horrid last night as I didn't turn on the lights like I normally do. A case of laziness. 

The back looks better but still a lot of shadows. . 

I also knit on the shawl until my hands got tired and sore. I was pleased with how much more I can knit now than I could a couple of weeks ago. 

Today

I am going to go take books to the used books shop, get some garlic for planting and apples to eat if the Honey Crisp are ready. Once home, I hope to put the second sleeve in the dress and knit some more. I want to make spaghetti for dinner and the freezer. 

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

Soutache Embroidery Completed

 Yesterday was warmer with lots of sunshine and a high of 14C. This morning it is 1.5C. We are to have sunshine and 17C. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door early to do computer stuff. I gave them my old one, kept my new one and got an adaptor so I can use USB items on the new computer. 

While out, I got a few groceries I needed and on the way home, I had a weepy spell. I sat at the quilt shop and dried my eyes. They weren't open which was good. I then stopped to get daughter her candle. 

At home, I was sad for part of the day. It was just a passing spell of grieving for the Spousal Unit. I was over it by late afternoon. 

I didn't uncover the plants yesterday as I wanted them to be warm under the blankets with the sun shining on them. I will remove them today as the nights are to warm up. Our little spell of cool weather has passed for now. 

My knee is improving and I did the exercises twice yesterday and walked the length of the house several times. I am also stretching both legs a lot more as the sore one has become more limber. 

Sewing

I spent some time in the sewing room working on the Soutache dress. I got the embroidery done and I'm loving it. 

While the bodice was stitching I did the pleats on the skirt. I am pleased with how it looks. The bodice is ready for me to trim and cut out. I need to add about 3/8" to the bottom of the bodice pieces next and then start cutting it out ready to sew. 

I have been thinking about 2023's sewing and knitting. I will not be rushing to sew a 100 meters next year. I will sew what I can and be happy with that. I am also going to sew a complete outfit for a doll that is going to require I buy a pattern and fabric each month. I'm call it a slow sew as I won't work on it every day and when the piece is done I have to wait until the next month to continue on. The only piece of fabric I will buy is a piece of light weight linen in white (if I can find it). 

Knitting

I did knit on the test sweater yesterday and had to put it down while I waited for the designer to reply to a mistake I found. It took a bit of time but I found it. She had the row designed to use 90 stitches when we only had 89 stitches. I found the mistake and she corrected it -- very easy to do. 

I love the yarn as it has the sparkly tinsel in it. 

I also did a few rows on the shawl while I waited for the correction to the sweater to be made. By the time I was done knitting, my hands were quite tired. 

Today

I am off shortly to take grandson to school. I have done the label for the first box to go for free shipping which is wonderful. I want to do a package to the US also so I need to get at that this morning. I also need to vacuum and wash floors and remove blankets from the plants before I can work on the Soutache dress. Knitting tonight. Hopefully a busy day.

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

A Test Pattern To Knit

Yesterday was a cool day with a high of 11.5C. The wind was from the north and you could feel autumn in it. This morning it is 0C. We are to have sunshine and 14C today. Another frost warning for tonight. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I kept busy with laundry and making the bed. I did do a bit of cleaning up which I'm trying to keep up on. I put clean sheets on the bed and then rested some. 

I ate well again yesterday. Within my limits with quite a good portion of vegetables at dinner. My weight remained the same which is okay. 

I did do all the exercises yesterday. My knee is becoming more limber but it is weak as are my hips. I am starting to walk the length of the house to help build more muscles. Once I can do more, I will start to walk outside some each day.

In the afternoon, I covered the peppers, peas, and beans due to the risk of frost. I am glad I did as there are more vegetables to pick. I may even cut and freeze peppers for this winter. 

Sewing

I finished the binding on the quilt. It took me 2 hours to complete it while I watched a British tv show called Jeremy Clarkson's Farm. We watched it as a family and I wanted to watch it again as it makes me chuckle at the things he does.

The quilt is now bagged and in the box to be shipped this week. I do love the colours of this quilt as does daughter. 

I can now start the Soutache dress. I'm looking forward to making it even if I have to buy more fabric for it. This dress needs .7 meter of fabric vs .5 meter for placement of the design. I will have to think hard on this one which isn't a bad thing though I am going to buy another .5 meter today for just-in-case I need it.  

Knitting

I was asked by a designer of knitted doll clothes to test a pattern for her. Of course I said yes because she lives in Halifax (close to where I live) and I love her patterns. I've test knit the 4 patterns she has published. This one is called Aspen and is knit in worsted weight yarn.

I decided to make mine in a grey yarn with a metallic thread running through it. 

By the time I was done knitting for the evening I had 10 rows done and happy with the results. 

It was a snap decision to set aside the shawl and test knit. I've decided I will be very selective on what and who I test for. I need to be able to knit other items which I want to knit rather than test day after day after day. 

Today

I have to go to New Minas for the morning. In the afternoon, I may start the doll's dress. I will be knitting tonight. What else will be done depends on time and energy.

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

Hand Sewing Binding

 Yesterday was another sunny day with a high of 18.3C. This morning it is 9C and we are to have sunshine and a high of 12C. There is a frost warning for tonight.

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I got the kitchen cleaned, the table cleared and the laundry done. I also did the budget (expense sheet) and got some sites opened with their passwords. I only had to make one phone call as I was missing one piece of information to get into that site. The bills are all paid and I am ready for October. 

My knee is slowly getting better. It still hurts at times and gets tired easily but I am persisting. The exercises and physio are working. I am happy about that. I now need to start walking to strengthen it more. 

I started my healthy eating plan yesterday and lost 1.5 lbs. I didn't deprive myself but I didn't over eat. I'm hoping that I can continue on it as I always feel better when I eat healthy. 

Sewing

I sat in the basement hand sewing the binding down on the quilt. I got half of it done while watching shows streamed from the iPad to the TV. 

It was a relaxing time for me as I do enjoy hand sewing the binding down on quilted items. 

Knitting

I knit on the shawl for the doll's outfit and got more done on it. It has a very rustic look. I am not quite half done so this is going to be a big shawl for a doll. It has to wrap around her waist. 

This is daughter's favourite yarn colour and I have enough to make her socks once I am done doll knitting. The small amount of yarn that will be left over will be knit into a sweater for the Gotz dolls. 

Today

I have more laundry to do this morning and then I want to work on the quilt binding. I am expecting a phone call this afternoon and I have to cover the plants due to the frost warning. I hope to knit more on the shawl tonight. 

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

Computer Woes

Yesterday was sunny with a high of 17.4C. This morning it is clear and 5C. We are to have sunshine and a high of 18C.

Lifestyle

Thursday was a busy day for me. I got my hair cut and then was out with daughter-in-law to take care of car insurance and the Spousal Unit's driver's licence and then do some shopping. 

Yesterday was the day of frustrations. I spilled a cup of coffee on the table and my lap top quit working. I was near tears as I cleaned up the mess. I know the lap top was on its last legs -- it was 8 years old but I wanted it to last another year. 

I went out to physio and had an hour's session. It hurt but I do feel better this morning. I need to start walking a bit more daily as my gait is getting better. 

After physio I went to look at a new lap top and bought one. I brought it home with me to set up. I was feeling frustrated as I haven't done this for years. I plodded along and got it done. My next worry was hoping we could retrieve the data from the old lap top. At 5 pm I looked at the new lap top and all my data is on it. I shed a few tears of happiness. I don't know if the old laptop and the new one talked and did it or if it came via iCloud. Who cares, it's all there. I need a couple cords so I can use my tetra drive, charge my phone, and mouse. This morning I logged into my main websites. I just have a couple more to do and I'm done for now. 

I was mentally and physically exhausted mid afternoon and I just sat and did nothing. My sleep habits have been horrid. I'm awake for 2 hours plus every night. Last night I took the hot water bottle to bed, was up briefly to the bathroom and slept until 6 a.m. I am feeling much better today. I may have been cold before so I will be taking the hot water bottle to bed each night now. 

Sewing

Nothing done as I was tired and not in the mood. 

Knitting

I did knit off and on in the afternoon and evening. The shawl is coming along nicely but I have a long ways to go. 

Knitting the previous one taught me a few things like the increase stitch on either side of the centre stitch. The yarn is a bit heavier than the silk and looks more rustic. I will continue until the ball of yarn is gone. 

Today

I'm home today and doing laundry, budget, and sewing the binding on the quilt. I need to do my exercises and take a bit of a walk down the driveway and around the yard. My gait is much better and I now need to start strengthening my legs so I can walk a lot more. 

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