Repairing A Horse Blanket

 Yesterday started out sunny, then turned cloudy, and finally there was another burst of sunshine in the late afternoon. The high got to 5C. This morning it is partly cloudy and -3C. Today is suppose to be a mix of sunshine, clouds, showers/flurries with a high of 4C.

Lifestyle

I puttered around tidying up some stuff before going to the craft bazaar. I arrived and the parking lot was quite empty. I went inside and there were about 12 vendors and no customers. The bazaar hadn't been advertised and people were disappointed. I looked around and left. 

Once home, I tidied up the cardboard from the vacuum cleaner and vacuumed the stairs, front entrance, and some of the family room floor. I emptied the vacuum cleaner and was amazed at how much dirt I got from upstairs. I thought it was clean. Now it is much cleaner. 

Laundry got folded and is ready to put away. A few other small things were done before I decided to say I was done cleaning for the day. 

Sewing

I pressed and lightly starched the sunflower fabric and hung it to dry. I also pressed the green fabric but didn't starch it. I can sew it anytime I want to now that I have prepped it. 

I turned my focus to a fleece horse blanket that my neighbour asked if I would fix. When I laid it out on the floor I saw that the horse did a good job of ripping it. I said a few choice words and got to work. 

I used strips of interfacing (for putting batting pieces together) and worked on each ripped area. I pressed the ripped area flat, pulled the ripped edges together and applied the interfacing. Once pressed, I pinned the edges together. You can barely see the pins. 

I used a wide three step zig zag stitch on the ripped part butting the ripped edges together while I stitched. Once that part was done, I straight stitched around the edges of the interfacing strip. 

I worked my way from the smallest ripped section to the largest. If I saw holes, I repaired them. When I thought I was done, I had one more large rip to fix. It took me 2.5+ hours to fix the horse blanket but I am proud of how it turned out. 

The outer side looks great with no puckers. As I used a matching thread, you can see the stitching unless you are up close. 

I was tired when I got done as I had a lot of blanket to handle. One horse will be warm wearing his newly repaired blanket and my neighbour is grateful I could fix it. 

Knitting

I finished the foot on the sock. I knit over 30 rounds last night. I had a small amount of the grey left. I used one 50 gram ball of grey.

I will change to the white and knit the toe tonight. 

Thoughts

    After attending yesterday's craft bazaar, I don't think I will be a vendor at it. I will probably do the Crossing's bazaar at the beginning of November and then one mid November. The mid November bazaar is established and has a lot of customers. The Crossing's bazaar is new and I will give it a go. Both are at the same location which is great. I will do some of my own advertising for both of them. 

    I was a bit apprehensive about fixing the horse blanket but I am glad I did it. It was fun to plan how to get it looking neat and tidy and it certainly kept my brain active problem solving on how to do it. I am also grateful I have a sewing machine that will handle the job. 

    Now that it is December, I need to start more intense cleaning inside so I can set up for Christmas and get some outside things done ready for winter (snow shovels, salt, and driveway markers). 

Today

My goal is to do the balance sheet, pay bills, pack the 2nd box to go to daughter so I can ship it Wednesday or Thursday. I need to do laundry also. If I have time, I will may sew for an hour. I want to finish the socks tonight. It will be a busy day at my house. 

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

A Busy Day

 Yesterday was another cloudy day with a burst of sunshine late in the afternoon. The high got to 4C. This morning it is partly cloudy and -2C. Today is suppose to be a mix of sun, clouds, showers, and flurries with a high of 4C. 

Lifestyle

I spent some time in the morning doing more vacuuming with the Dyson. I am amazed how much it picks up off floors that look clean. I also mopped a few floors I had vacuumed and there was little dirt on the pad I used. This is a keeper of a vacuum for me. 

Once done, I was out the door to the quilt shop near me. I bought a meter of green fabric on the right for the next hot pads (and maybe mug rugs). I have .5 meter of the sunflower fabric.

I was also able to get the velcro I wanted and I got a spool of green thread. I looked at purple fabrics and have an idea of what I will buy once I have the bag designed. 

I picked up groceries and was home by 12:30 pm. I also ran across to the neighbour's house to pick up the horse blanket so I can start working on it this afternoon.

After I ate lunch, I fell asleep on the couch. I woke up 90 minutes later and knew I would not be sleeping well last night. 

At 5 pm I was out to pick up grandson from school and off to his house to have dinner. Son and daughter-in-law were using their pizza oven for the first time (gifted in 2022). Though they have a few things to learn, they did an awesome job of baking the pizza. They were delicious. Once done dinner I did some cleaning up in the kitchen leaving only a few pans to wash. We sat and talked on the couch and I was home by 7:30 pm. 

I did not sew or knit yesterday as I was too tired and too busy. 

Thoughts

    Grandson told me that there was snow on the ground from Halifax to about 20 km from home. It then turned to rain. I guess it was a slow drive due to the road conditions being nasty. At the moment, the weather station says snow on Thursday. 

    It was day 3 of no sugar or chocolate for me. I had a tiny spoonful of sorbet last night and it was way too sweet. I am getting over not having sweet foods. My joints are also responding as they are not feeling as sore. I am feeling better in 3 days so will continue having no added sugar and chocolate with only a treat at Christmas. 

Today

I am off to a local craft bazaar this morning. When home I need to do some housework. This afternoon I am going to lay out the horse blanket and start pinning the rips back into place. I may do some tidying up in the family room as I have a mess. Tonight I will knit on the socks. 

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

Sewing Prototypes Craft Items

 Yesterday was cloudy with a burst of sun in the afternoon before it rained. The high got to 5C. This morning it is cloudy and 3C. Today is suppose to be cloudy with showers with a high of 6C. We could have flurries overnight. 

Lifestyle

I started to vacuum with my new vacuum cleaner and had to charge the battery for 4 hours. When I used it while dinner was cooking, I was amazed at how clean it got the floors. The green light on the head shows every speck of dust and cat hair. The cat litter glows. I got the spared bedroom, most of the hall, a bit in my bedroom and part of the bathroom done. It was a bit hodge podge but I was seeing how it worked in different areas. I am impressed at how well it cleans and how light it is to use. I can now clean up the packaging and dispose of it. 

My hip area wasn't as sore yesterday but it did have another pop last night. I am doing more stretching to help get things flexible and less tight. It is working for me as I feel fairly good all day. 

Sewing

I had a sewing marathon yesterday. I started to make a Crayon Art Folio. I need to buy some velcro as I have none in the house. 

The pockets (3) holds crayons, note pad, and stickers. I have to buy the note pads and find the stickers. I made these years ago for a craft bazaar and they sold out very quickly. I have never seen them sold here so decided to make 3. 

I also decided to make a prototype of a notebook cover. I used the same bee fabric and a bit of lace. I read Pin Cut Sew Studio's blog post and watched her video on how to make one. I measured, cut, pinned and started to sew. I second guessed myself all the way. I cut the fabric again and ended up making it too small. 

I had lined the outer fabric with fusible fleece and the lining with interfacing. I am rethinking this project.

The idea is cute so I will try again using her video on covering a moleskin journal. As I watched the video, I realize that I only need to use interfacing not fusible fleece. I will make one journal for sale and add the 2nd one as a refill. I will then cover some moleskin journals. 

Knitting

None last night as I was too tired from all the sewing I did. 

Thoughts

    I thoroughly enjoyed a long day of sewing prototypes for sale. I know the art folio is going to be fine and I will sew 3 for now. If I have time and can find crayons on sale, I will do more. The journal covers are a work in progress. If I can figure out the dimensions for the fabric I will be set. The larger journals need to be made so I can see if I like the version I chose. Once done, I will figure out how to batch sew them.

    I am pleased with the new vacuum and am now researching the robot cleaners. I am buying one for daughter for Christmas and will have it shipped to her. If she likes it, I will get one of that brand. It is the highest rated brand at this time. 

    I got out a toy to get Elliott to play. He does about 2-3 minutes of play and then walks away. He has never played a lot and I am not sure why. His favourite exercise is to chase kibble. I will keep at it so he does get exercise. He is over 14 years old so I can't expect him to play hard for long periods of time. 

    We had another good rain last night and everything is wet. I am not complaining as everything runs into the ditch. There are people who need it for their wells as they have been buying water again this year. We need the water table to raise for them. 

    I got a request from a friend to fix her horse blanket. I will grabbed it and start working on it between other projects. I know I what I want to do and will consult with daughter who repairs her horse blankets all the time. 

Today

I have to continue vacuuming the house and clean the bathroom. I do have to grocery shop. If time, I will be playing in the basement whether it be cleaning or sewing. It should be cleaning. I hope to knit tonight. 

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

A Day In The City

 Yesterday was a mix of sun, clouds, and rain. The high got to 7C. This morning it is cloudy and 1C. Today is suppose to be mainly sunny with a high of 6C. 

Lifestyle

It was a long day in the city and a fun one. After getting what we needed for the next dinner at the community hall, we wandered the Halifax Mall for a couple of hours. We did the two main floors of stores and had lunch on the first floor. We didn't do the other part of the first floor. We had to go to another area to shop some more. 

In the other area, we did up Walmart. Then it was on to Costco. We stopped (for some unknown reason) and I spotted slippers. I felt them and called daughter-in-law over. With the recommendation from a shopper, we each got a pair for Christmas. These slippers are similar to Ugg slippers and are carried in Costco every winter. 

I bought a Dyson vacuum cleaner. The one I had settled on had too small a bin so I got the one I had a larger bin. We did wander around and while I waited for daughter-in-law to pick up something a gentleman and his wife told me that the vacuum was a great buy and to also get a robot cleaner. They have both and love them. So I save my pennies for a robot cleaner. 

Our last stop of the day was at the Lindt chocolate shop. We signed up for card and to get 10% off until the end of 2024. We also got a free chocolate. I bought chocolates for the candy holders I will be making for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners. This store really tested me as I had a free chocolate in my pocket and was craving something sweet due to the smells. I didn't eat the chocolate and got over the craving after a strict talk to myself. I have a lot of chocolate stored in the garage for Christmas but I won't touch it. 

We got home and I was really tired and sore. We had walked 4km which was all cement. I applied heat to my sore hip and started stretching it out. I did a lot in bed and got a pop (not a crack) in the hip area and the pain was almost gone. Hurrah for what ever happened in that area. 

I unpacked the vacuum cleaner and used it. The green light on the one head shows all the dust, cat hair, and other tiny debris on the floor. I was embarrassed at how dirty the clean floor was. I'm on a mission now to start vacuuming the house every other day. 

Sewing

I didn't sew yesterday but I did two things. I put away some craft supplies I bought. I need to find a box to store some ornaments in on the shelf. The paper is for reindeer candy holders. 

The second thing I did was to make a list of crafting items I want to make in the next year. Some are gifts for family, some are for the craft bazaar. It is now ready for me to work on. I only have one pattern to buy. I did have it but it got lost when my old computer died. 

Knitting

I worked on the socks and am ready to start the first decreasing row for the gusset. 

I am still working on the first ball of grey yarn and wonder if I will have enough to finish the socks or if I will have to start another ball. We wait and see what happens. 

Thoughts

    I did really well walking so much yesterday. I have a feeling that my soreness is still tight muscles pulling joints inwards. Though I have improved a lot, this last part is really testing my patience as I want it to be better now and not later. I keep pushing myself to do more stretching in hopes it will help. 

    My craving for chocolate and sugar was really bad when we stepped into the Lindt store. I knew I couldn't eat any of it as I need to eliminate it from my diet. It was hard and I know I have a few more days of craving. It will get easier with time.

Today

My plan is to put the central vacuum hose away and clean the spare bedroom using the new vacuum cleaner. I need to do laundry and get groceries. If I have time, I will start sewing doll clothes. I want to knit tonight. 

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

Working On The Memory Book

 Yesterday started off damp and ended up being brighter with a high of 6C. This morning it is cloudy and 5C. Today is suppose to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 7C.

Lifestyle

I started my morning out by going to vote. There was a Facebook post that said we were to vote at a different location so I went to that station. Not so as I live in a small area that was to go to the other given location. Off I went. Once there, you had to register and then take that form to another table so you could vote. Very different than in previous years. It was a slower process but it went quickly enough as I was the only person there to vote. I voted and left. 

Once home, I set up one Purolator box and started to fill it. I need to get bubble wrap before I can do the second box and I need to get a few more gifts. I did fairly good as I am packing gifts, china, and other items for daughters. She can't open the boxes until Dec. 25. It is nice to have a good start on this project as I want both boxes gone by Dec. 10th; earlier if possible. 

I played with the Bluetti power source yesterday. I plugged in a light (led bulb) and ran it for 5-6 hours before I drained the unit down to 45%. The light used 39% of the power in the unit which is good to know. I will probably use another light source of which I have used in the past. I will probably save the power source for other uses like charging my phone, iPad, and to use my cPap with. The big thing here is that we usually aren't without power as we are on the hospital grid. If we are going to be without power for a longer time, I have the gas generator to hook up to the house. 

Crafting

With the craft table cleaned off, I decided to tackle the memory book. I got three pages done. Making memory books will not be high on my to do list. I will probably make one more and then stop. Guaranteed it won't be as big or complex as the one I am making now. 

The pages were enjoyable to make but I need more paper. I am going through the stash in a hurry. I will have to get some  on Saturday. 

I spent a lot of time thinking about the pages I did. The first page was already planned so I just went for it. A good way to start the project. I didn't even photograph it. It is Snoopy dancing on Schoder's piano. 

The second page was  a bit harder to decide what I wanted on it. I finally got it to what I wanted. I used left over paper from another page for the background. I still have to colour the bells and may add a red ribbon to them. 

The third page was a fun as I played with ink and a stencil. It evolved when I found the paper to glue the counted cross stitch tree on to. 

The last page was equally as fun though I was disappointed the envelope is a bit crooked. It moved after I spent a lot of time making sure it was straight. I used two pieces of smaller paper for this page. 

I still have some research to do for the center page and a couple of other pages. But, I have laid out the items I am going to use for the next few pages which is about the nativity. I do have the background paper for it -- a dark blue night sky. 

I still have one more signature to do when this one is done. I keep chanting "This will be done for Christmas". 

I grabbed a small notebook and played with an idea of how to make a removable cover for it. I think I have a plan for it and will play with it next. If it works, I will do the second one. 

Knitting

I knit on the second sock last night and am 4 rows from starting the heel flap. 

At the rate I am going, it will be done next week. 

Thoughts

    I realized how much the clutter in the family room is bothering me when I worked on the memory book. I am really thinking about what crafts I will do and what will leave for good. I know that if I wish to make things for gifts, I can buy what I need and use it up. I know that I want my inventory to be very low. 

    I looked in a bag of card stock and found the items to make 3 wall hangings using the Cricut. They will be made in January, stored, and gifted next year. I couldn't find them due to the mess I had. It has me spurred on to getting things into order. It has also reminded me to start crafting more each month to get items made. 

    I did well yesterday and ate no foods with refined sugar or chocolate in them. It will take a few days to see progress and I know I will have cravings. I keep thinking of the positive side of it. 

Today

I am going into the city to shop with daughter-in-law. If I can, I would like to get the vacuum cleaner. I am not sure how long we will be gone but it sounds like we are making a day of it. If I am not too tired, I will knit tonight. My only other chore to do is put recycling out for pick up tomorrow. 

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

Large Hot Pad Finished

 Yesterday morning was damp and cool but the afternoon was warmer with it being cloudy and 7C. This morning it is cloudy and 5C. Today is suppose to be damp with a high of 7C. 

Lifestyle

I started to clean the dining room and got some done. I made a hasty decision to head out to New Minas for boxes to ship parcels to daughter. I got them. Then on to look at vacuum cleaners and the one I wanted was sold out. Last stop was to pick up some craft items to make between now and the end of the year. 

The trip to New Minas was slow as there is road work being done. One stop was a 15 minute wait and the other one was about 5 minutes or less. I took the back route to avoid the road work and had a 1 minute stop going that way. Once back on the highway, it was a good trip home. 

When home, I was tired and quite sore. I rested some before putting the dining area back together. I found out later that the air pressure had dropped low causing my knees to ache. The pressure is back to normal now and I am having less pain in my joints. I also think sugar and chocolate are causing joint inflammation. I am going off them as of today. I know this happened before and I felt better when I eliminated them from my diet. I have been sneaking these foods into my diet. 

Sewing

I made the binding and put it onto the x-large hot pad. Two strips of fabric 2.25" x wof was more than enough. I spent the rest of the afternoon hand sewing the binding down. 

I am very happy with the end result and hope these will sell at the craft bazaar. This one has been rolled up and put into a bin to keep clean. 

I know I will be making 7 more of these to sell as they are quick and easy. I can cross hatch or straight line quilt these. Thanks to Pin Cut Sew I have found a project I enjoy making. 

My next project is to make a cover for a notebook. I want to see if they will be easy to make. I have watched several videos on how to make them and will combine the ideas. I also have 2 smaller notebooks that I may make simple covers for and see how they sell. This is a learning curve for me. 

Knitting

I cast on and knit on the 2nd sock last night. It is moving a long quite quickly. 

I will probably be done them by late next week. 

Thoughts

    I have almost everything I need for gifts to send to BC. I will finish up this week and get the boxes shipped next week. I will do an Amazon order which will be delivered to their house. I need to wrap gifts which takes time. 

    I have to set aside my sewing or just sew for 30 minutes and focus on paper crafts. I need to work on the memory book and get it done. I have my workspace clean which means I don't have an excuse not to do it. I need to look at it, print off some things I downloaded and get busy. 

    As I work on items for the craft bazaar I am trying to figure out how to have a cohesive look to my table while using fabrics I have in the stash. I have a print table cloth which I may buy a darker table cloth. I am thinking of using white and clear containers to put my inventory into. The only deviation at this moment are the cookie boxes I bought to put 4 tree ornaments into. I need to find some way to elevate items on my table and to have the containers on an angle. 

Today

I have to vote today and then make a decision on what else I will do. I will probably do a bit of house work and then do some crafting in the basement. Tonight I will knit. 

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

A Day of Decluttering and Sewing

 Yesterday was damp, brighter and cooler with a high of 5C. This morning it is cloudy, raining, and 3C. Today is suppose to be wet with a high of 7C. 

Lifestyle

I decided not to get a parcel ready until later in the week. Both daughter and I are waiting to see if there will be any action taken on the postal strike. 

Instead, I went to the basement and started to declutter and purge the crafting materials in the storage room. I had a great time going through everything tossing some items, donating others, and giving the rest until the end of 2025 when I will donate what is left. Everything is organized and I got a few more empty tubs. No pictures taken as I forgot in my enthusiasm of getting the job done. It did take me until noon to get the job done. 

Sewing

I spent time in the sewing room yesterday. I had to launder two pieces of fabric. One was dirty due to dust and the other needed to be shrunk. When done, I got busy and had fun. 

The dirty piece is a lovely fat quarter of fairy frost. White with silver threads in it. I cut it into bias strips for piping. Daughter will use it on a fancy shirt. 

The second piece was black cotton. I pressed it good and then proceeded to make an X-large hot pad. The top is from a fat quarter daughter sent me. I used two layers of batting left over from the Scandinavian Winter quilt. It is now ready to bind in black cotton which is on the back.

When done, I will roll it up, tie it with a ribbon. I want to make more of these to sell at the craft bazaar next year. The next one will be using a sunflower print fabric. I have enough for two or I can make one and then 2 square hot pads. I will decide later on. 

I played with the cotton fabrics in the stash. I sorted the Christmas fabrics into colour piles and I have lots left to sew. Less than last year. Though I am planning on sewing for enjoyment this year, I know I will get a lot of it sewn. I love Christmas fabrics. What isn't Christmas fabric is minimal and I can sew it up easily. The pile of fabric for piping is decreasing at a slower rate than I had hoped it would. I may have to make some decisions on it. 

Knitting

The first sock is completed. I am pleased with it as it is the first heavier sock I have knitted for daughter-in-law. 

I will get the second sock set up tonight so I can work on it. I hope it will go as fast as this one did. 

Thoughts

    The postal strike is affecting many businesses in Canada and there is a cry out for the government to legislate the workers back to work. I am going to make a decision on what to ship by another company this week and then ship what is left later on. I am trying not to let the strike affect me but I know that many small businesses in our area have been scrambling to get items shipped to their customers. 

    The prediction of snow disappeared during the night. It is too warm for snow and will be too warm for most of the week. The flurries have changed to rain. We may get a few flurries but no heavy snow falls yet. Our snow doesn't come until late January/early February. Just wait and see that I am proved wrong. 

    I am pleased with how much crafting materials I let go of. I focused on what I want to make vs what I thought I would make. I am trying to build inventory for the craft bazaar and have space for most items now. I still need to do a bit more work in the storage room. I need to take items to the thrift store and get some ready for the quilter's group. I have another mornings work in that room before I am done. 

    I am going to take down the tabs on the sewing room closet and put up one on the "office space". I have part of it cleaned and part has been started. I know this will be 2 tabs only. I am enjoying the closet being clean and purged. It is fun to look for items to sew in there. 

Today

My plan is to do some cleaning in the dining room and lay out the gifts to start wrapping. I may go to New Minas this afternoon to get a few things. If I don't, I will sew. Tonight I will knit on the 2nd sock. The weather is dictating what I will do. 

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