Category Archive: Schedules

Cleaning, New friends and March goals

Cleaning

 Some days are just not meant to happen the way I had them planned.   When I was getting ready for the knitting adventure this morning, I looked at my phone and found that the service people were coming to service my embroidery machine and my knitting machine at 9.  That put me in fast action as  it was 8:15 and I needed to tidy up some before they came.  At least knitting wasn’t until 10.    So that is exactly what I did.

Now I have these papers and books that were laying all over in two nice neat boxes and I can actually find them as they are standing up.

Then I went to a new knitting/crocheting group which started this morning and meets once a month.  We started out with 5 of us and ended with 10.   So that is a good start.   The room is small and I think after 15 they may have to move to another room

March Goals

The projects I am planning to work on this month:

    1. Frosty’s alter eg0  (WA state)

    2. Under Construction (Judy)

    3. make enough rose blocks and get quilt to the flimsy state     Linking up to  Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal March Linkup)

    4. McKenna Ryan “It’s Fishy” which will be on going for several months

    5. Learn to digitize some embroidery

    6.  Embroider Dish towels using HIA designs

    7. Make screens to keep hummingbirds from suicide as they  get up into the outside skylights and can’t get out.

    8. Make one pair of socks

    9. Clean out greenhouse

    10. plant seeds for peas and greens

That should keep me out of trouble for the month of March and maybe even April.

Do you have some goals for March?

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! a time for scheduling

HAPPY NEW YEARimg_0148sToday I finished scheduling the lists of what I really wanted to get done in 2017.   There are more things, but I knew there were too many to realistically get done.   I settled for a dozen in each category.   Then I spent the rest of the day putting together a kit for each item.

img_0149sThis is 12 pair of socks with the pattern and yarn in each.   The list is under “Construction” at the top

img_0150sThis is the fish quilt and the bear paw, both time consuming and needling many parts.

img_0151sThese boxes hold the other 10 quilts and the 1/2 of the sewing projects.    DH wanted to know how I managed to get 10 quilts in there, but the batting is not in there and that makes the difference.

I did not fair so well on the embroidery projects.  I have two projects with the designs copied onto a jump stick, but I still need to find the fabric I purchased for the one and I need to purchase 3 fat quarters for the other one.

img_0153sOver the past few days, I have been making these chia seed crackers.    So we’ve been enjoying munching these during the day.   Vary the vegetable and the seasonings for fun.

  • 2 cups chia seed
  • 1 large onion
  • 3-4 stalks celery
  • 2 carrots
  • 1/2 red pepper
  • 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes (I used shredded)
  • 3 med garlic cloves
  • 1/2 bunch parsley
  • braggs or soy sauce to taste
  • 1 cup water
  1. Mix all in blender or food processor.   Let set 8-12 hours the optionally you can add 1/2 cup soaked sunflower seeds which I don’t think I’ll add next time.   Spread thinly on the plastic trays or parchment paper in the dehydrator and start checking them after 10 hours.

  2. The original recipe that I took off from was from Lorraine Godsoe in the book Raw Inspiration by Lisa Montgomery.    There are several good cracker/bread type receipes in this ook

2016
12/30

Category:
food
Garden
Life
Schedules

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Small things take big time

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img_0143sToday was a good day to get small stuff done that I keep putting off.  I had 10 things on my list and all but one is completed.

These are the sun chokes also known as Jerusalem artichokes that I have had on my list for a month to check.  They are best dug after a good frost or two.   I planted them in large pots as I was warned they could take over.  It is difficult to get all the little pieces out.   So today I dug through one of the pots and brought in a large bowl of them, scrubbed them well and then sliced them to add to our salad.   They are a high protein, high potassium food with a taste somewhere between raw potatoes and water chestnuts.

Then I checked on the water chestnuts and they are too small.   Next year, I’ll have to find a larger tub to plant them in.   They are only the size of a dime and I’d like them bigger.

I put more salt out for the sheep and brought more hay down from the barn.

I reconciled our bank accounts and filed receipts.

I have my lists made that I want to get done in the coming year.  A list for each:   sewing, quilting, knitting, embroidery and there are things that aren’t on those lists because I just have too many things to be able to do in one year.   So I just put the things on the list I think I can get done.  They are under the heading 2017 Construction goals (at the top)

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Then I weeded the front, which now looks rather bare and needs some nice summer color spots.

I watered the greenhouse and by the time one adds making a couple meals and sweeping the floors into the day, it – the day- is basically gone.  So though it seems I didn’t get anything done, I was busy all day.   So that must be what happens to other days when I come to the end and wonder where they went.   They went to “small” things that need doing.

 

Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

2016
10/03

Category:
Life
quilts
Schedules

COMMENTS:
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Machines are not inanimate!

img_5391aIf machines were inanimate, then they would do what they are programmed to do.   Both my embroidery machine and my quilting machine know – they absolutely know –  the second I walk away from them.  And just like toddlers or pets, that is the moment they choose to act up.

  The pattern doesn’t show well here, but it is crocodiles.   It is rather stitch intensive and the machine does not want me to walk away for even a few seconds.   Therefore the quilting is not finished.   Hopefully tomorrow.

Today was full of phone calls and an appointments.   The locksmith has been out and the locks are all re-keyed.   I have been to the gym.  The power and the sewer have been transferred to our name.   The checking account has been set up and there will be checks coming.   It’s nice when tax deductible and income are all separate.

An appointment is set for tomorrow to get the moss pressure washed off the roof and the exterior of the house and decks will be washed as well.   Then we can stain decks and have the exterior painted.

This weekend, I worked some on my October schedule.   Yesterday and today, I followed it (except the quilt isn’t finished) and it still amazes me how much more I can finish when I schedule.   I realize that without the schedule, I spend too much time on the computer.   Oh, the things one learns and is tempted to make or buy!  But at this point, definitely not another machine that must be tended.

2016
09/30

Category:
quilts
Schedules

COMMENTS:
1 Comment »

20 minutes increments

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20 Minutes increments will get a quilt done.   Today I had several 20 minutes increments.  As you can see the top half is sewed together into rows.   The bottom has a bit more to go, but will hopefully, I will get the flimsy done between other jobs on Sunday.  I see people who don’t start because they don’t have a big area of time, but one can accomplish much even with small time bites.  You might want to try it with whatever you’d like to get done.  I will also be trying this method to get my goals written down for October, November and December.   I have been looking for a big chunk of time and not finding it.   So I need to try this.

 

2016
09/25

Category:
Life
quilts
Schedules

COMMENTS:
4 Comments »

16 Patch quilt finished

img_5343This 16 patch quilt is finished and ready to toss in the washer and dryer.   I like to do that with each quilt so there are no surprises to the recipient.   This quilt measures 52 x 63″ and I’ve used the darker green on the back which is the same as the binding.

I’m so far behind in my schedule making.   Usually by now, I have October on paper.   But not this year.   Perhaps it was because we did so much more outside.   I would like to complete 2 quilts a month as well as some doll clothes and embroidery.   I guess it’s time to put pen to paper.

2016
09/01

Category:
Life
Schedules
Serger

COMMENTS:
1 Comment »

September declutter

IMG_5194Today in serger foot class we practiced with the elastic foot both putting elastic on

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and putting on  a wire edge which would most likely be used on ribbon.

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Then we used our bead foot for beads and

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ribbons, yarn, or whatever would go through the machine for a pretty edge.  The classes are fun with only 4 of us and  the teacher having time to show us extra uses.

We are starting the first day of a new month and the first day of the last third of the year.   It has once again come to my attention that we are not promised tomorrow.   And I wish to leave areas that are easy for someone else to step into and take care of the disposal of items – or at least not leave them a mess.  When hospitalized for 3 months several years ago, I was running a business and was very organized.   Others were able to step in and dissolve the business.   When Mother had to move to an assisted living, we were able to easily clean out the house.   So it is possible.   My goal for this month is to declutter and organize the sewing room and at least one other room.  I usually keep like things in the same area which really helps.   How about you – Do you have a room that could use attention?   Would you like to join me?

2016
07/05

Category:
food
Life
Schedules

COMMENTS:
1 Comment »

Use it or lose it

DH and I have really been pushing ourselves as we realize that we don’t have the stamina that we had when he was still working (now we have to work back up).   We have all seen people who have just kept doing what they have always done and don’t slow down.   Recently I saw where a 100 year woman ran another marathon.   There are other examples we’ve all seen.

I’ve been asked how I get so much done.  Push, Push, Push.   Our bodies were made to move and when we don’t, they slow down.

 My step goal is 10,000 steps per day.  My doctor recommended knee surgery about 5 years ago.  I asked her if there was anything I could do to avoid that and she said “walk”.   So I walk.  Yes, there are a few times when the knee is a bit uncomfortable, but I think the longer I can go without the surgery, the better.  And the knee is never  uncomfortable  more than a few minutes.

  We have added gardening to our activities and when it gets cold, we will go to the gym 3 times a week again (our insurance covers “silver sneakers).   We also go to the gym once a week for senior “yoga” which is really just stretching exercises.

The other thing is we try to put only the best fuel in our mouths, which is why we grow as much food as we do.  That is not to say, we do it all correctly.   On occasion, we indulge in a bit of sugar.  But most of the time, we are careful to eat food as grown, which also means no animal foods,  extracted oils or processed food.  And we eat a lot of our food raw.  We do eat foods that contain oils such as raw nuts, and avocados, however, try not to have fractured foods.  And I no longer worry about weight, though it could/should be less.   I think being happy and content is worth a lot when it comes to our health.

I make *lists of what I want to accomplish each day and really try to get through them, but the only things that I must do each summer day are the steps and the hoop house watering.  Other things that don’t get done, spill over into the next day.   For instance, I had “pick lavender” one day, but I found the bending to be too much for one day, so it spilled over into several days, with one bush at a time.

And yes, we do hire the heavier work done.   That  is not worth killing ourselves and it gives a bit of money to someone who really needs it.  As well, sometimes I make my list short so we can have a “vacation” day.  And each week we observe a Sabbath day.

If you have other questions, just ask, as I don’t mind answering them.

*Lists are made by making an annual list, a monthly list, and a daily list.   The daily list is altered mostly by the weather.

 

2016
05/15

Category:
Garden
Knitting
Life
quilts
Schedules
Shopping

COMMENTS:
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Sock yarn leftovers

It was one of those crazy days where I don’t feel a lot was accomplished and yet it was.   There is just a lot more to do.  So let’s start with explaining about the socks.

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In the photo at the left, you can see I loop the new yarn around the needle and knit it into the next stitch.

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Then the next 5 or 6 stitches, I knit with both pieces of the new yarn.   When finished, I weave in the yarn that I dropped when changing yarns.   This is just my made up way to do it.   I don’t know how the professionals do it.

IMG_4553See where each loop is – there are three.  Those are places where I changed yarns.  I hope that makes it a bit clearer.

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We spent the morning putting up curtains and taking many of the excess items out of the new guest room.   These are the fleeces that have been repackaged and are ready for me to make some decisions on what I will do with them.  At least they are sorted and in one pile instead of overflowing the closet and the corners.

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And the drapes are now up and the shade is working.    Tomorrow, I will get the rugs and trash can.   I ran out of energy today.

IMG_4551I decided to hang this on the screen to cut the view of my very messy table that at times is used for potting plants and other times to trim quilts.

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And this is the end of the hall.  Now, it looks a bit more like a home instead of just a basement.

IMG_4547I did get the binding cut for the circus quilt.   Now to find time to quilt it.

I wonder how people get their houses to stay clean.   We use the entire house and there are always areas that could use “spring cleaning”.   Tomorrow my list includes yoga, getting the rugs for the guest room and it’s bathroom, sheets for our bed, picking up my sewing machine from the “hospital”,  picking and cleaning maybe 6 gallons of greens, fertilizing the hoop house (DH will do the big garden) and watering, mopping the floors downstairs, cleaning the wall the dogs wiped their coats on last winter, and then do a tidy up job on the shelves in the bathroom and cleaning it.    I will ask DH to pick up the chairs that are at the chair “hospital”   And you know what, it won’t all get done, but it is on my list.   Maybe that’s why it seems I’m always playing “catch-up”.    Oh, and if/when all that is done, there is a circus quilt waiting to be quilted.

 

s

2016 Goals revisited

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Quilting ufos to be completed and what needs to be done  The goal is to finish one per month

  1. Circus    due 1/15               appliques cut n sewn,  assembling, quilting
  2. tumbling blocks – blue     quilting
  3. baby block – black             quilting
  4. turtles                                  quilting
  5. heirloom                             quilting
  6. fishing    due 8/1               appliques cut and sewn  assembling,s quilting
  7. storm at sea                       quilting
  8. tell it to the stars              borders.    quilting
  9. mittens                               1 block, borders, quilting
  10. BH king size quilt             skirting, quilting
  11. sunbonnets                        quilting
  12. sunbonnets 2                     assembling, quilting

New quilts I want to make:

  1. http://twosistersandaquilt.com/  These are snowman Block of month
  2. http://www.seamstobesew.com/polls-fixed-and-new-previews-of-sue-and-sam/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+seamstobesew%2FUceh+%28Seams+To+Be+Sew+News%29    another sunbonnet quilt Block of the month
  3. 2 “warm wishes” quilts for charity   on line pattern
  4. shop hop tote that I acquired the kit for in 2005
  5. child’s teddy bear with piping  pattern
  6. “Frost’s alter ego”” pattern
  7. “Gift wrap”  pattern
  8. “rob Peter to pay Paul’   GO cutter
  9. “drunkards path”  GO cutter
  10. an owl quilt   GO cutter
  11. choose a book and make a quilt from it
  12. “twinkle little tree” pattern

That should handle the quilting,     I have spoken for the Cormo sheep, not sure yet how many, 6-10

For sewing the plan is 2 doll dresses per month, plus we need placemats for 10 months and I like a set of 4. My goal is to make them one month ahead of need.  So I will start these in February   I  plan to make a couple “Bendy Bags” and “run around  bags” as well as a bolts worth (about 130) of purple baby hats for the hospital.  Then there is a request for the microwave bowl holder for gifts.

I am doing the yahoo groups knit along wash cloth which is monthly.   They offer 2, but I’ll be happy to get one done each month.   I also have enough yarn to do at least 10 pair of socks.  If I can squeak them in here, I’d like to do a couple crocheted baby blankets as well.

So these are my 2016 craft goals.    What are yours?   I’d love to hear them.