Winging it

No flowers.  No vines.  Thought this sampler start turned into a heart would be perfect for a colorful bird. 

Or an eagle with spreading wings.

1776 and 2026 may be in the heart's arches, one on each side.  

About the bleaching.... I've done pieces over and over without damage.  Linen is pretty tough and I use a strong solution for a quick dunk, no soaking.  I don't care if it deteriorates years later on the wall at goodwill.  It's tricky and testing a corner is necessary.  Some ptp linens turn a wild green, others don't.  I've had FOAW turn very odd shades, nothing like the original.  Too strong bleach may cause that but I don't take it slow.  

That heart shown in the prior post is from an oldie but goodie..

Quilting Bee Hearts

So many options for the quilt prints and colors.  Would make great berries too, if only I could make a cap.

My sister's friend that has so much heartache with her children and grands, lost her husband last year.  Today, her beloved daughter, the only responsible family member that cared for her, helped her deal with health issues, didn't steal from her or have her in tears for so many nights, passed away from cancer at 53.  Heartbreaking for such a good person to feel so alone and deal with so much.

Please send a prayer for Kathy O'N.

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A plan

Until the sewing machine gets a new needle and my pounding head from the steroid injection subsides, my started/abandoned stitch is the plan.

First of all, I do believe the linen color was an issue.  So the bleach and Rit came out, the result very good.  That does not always happen!  Since the bottom corners will be eventually trimmed off, testing was done in that area.  Good! Better!  Did the dmc change?  Not noticed at all, so did the bleach lighten?  

I used this larger heart shape as a template and will search for a bright floral to add to the body and create a great heart pillow.  Ya' think?  Something like the vine shown here, will take some time to find the perfect size.

My local Dollar Tree has these pet dishes, no skid bottom, bought all the colors.  The stainless steel bowls slide or freeze, the porcelain break in this weather.  Bought a few extra for testing dye and paint.

That's all this bright red faced pounding head crabass has to report.  Well, there's that other situation that has not changed, another post.

Have a good one!

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Nope. Not over.

 Somebody flipped their lid again.

Good thing I used Tacky on the leaf edges.  Saturate with wet Qtip or eyedropper, lift off, tweezer can remove any residual globs if necessary.

Matching leaves are not the expected finish, but I think it will be a lovely berry.  A smaller cap and stem over in brown may finish it off.  Or not. This is wool but not felted, may double and stitch edges.  Never thought to match the thread, but I think it will be super duper.

PA that did my injection today was fantastic.  But she said my elbow growth can't be drained, needs surgery in a hospital.  Nope.

Not wanting a larger more detailed 2026 patriotic, I plan on stitching again, removing a stripe and adding the 2026 beneath.  Or flipping it vertical with date on left, right, stripes center.  Maybe just stitch a second with new date?  

It was 50 yesterday.  It ain't today.  But better than last week.  

Enjoy your day.

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Over and out

If I plan on more berries. I better find a less frustrating method to cap them.

I don't like small or short caps on berries this large, this size is ok I guess.  Still not convinced, but it's fine.  I viewed multiple videos and all were the single piece short leaf.  I guess having a preference for symmetry in designs, plays into my need for balance.  Too bad, huh?  For now, this will stay.  But I'm not happy.

Truus I was thinking like you at first (natural stem), but with individual leaves I couldn't manage a neat top with a hole for the stem.

Lots of appointments this week, considering stopping PT.  I can't see how it will help my back, no improvement yet.  Very little work on posture and I think it is the key.  Many videos available, can follow at home.  My therapist is loaded with studs, nose rings, inked head to toe (in her mouth too!), and so much fun.  Makes a difference when you get along with the pros, she's one of the reasons I've stuck with it so far.

We may get out of single digits this week.  Long way to go before the mountains of snow decrease.

Have a good day.

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An inch

I tell my physical therapist to make sure all this stretching will not add an inch to my height.  I have slouched for decades to fake being two inches shorter and now they're pulling me out!  But that unhealthy position is a big part of my back issue today.

My berry lost an inch and is more attractive, balanced. 

Now ....

Before ...

Maybe this alien looking, swollen head berry's height is what made it look off to me.

The more I see this, the more I love it.  I think Becky should release this as a big berry.  

I think I'll search for berries stitched in a Quaker design, maybe adapt some motifs in my puny stash.  The alphabet shown yesterday could have a nice floral or vase motif added beneath to shape for such a finish?  I don't like the short and squat designs, more like the Berry Basket series from HOD.  It's a thought while I fight a slump.

Puppy Bowl today.  Hope they have highlight reels.

Enjoy your day.

Be safe.

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More wasted time

Hi folks.  Hope everyone has power and warmth.

Who is planning to watch the Olympics for two weeks?  Or specific sports in that time? Who is planning to waste time starting projects they lose interest in?  Raise your hand.

Mine is waving at full height.

The recent berry construction is being done over.  I like the leaves, not the stem, and the berry itself needs to be shortened a bit.  Tacky glue is easily removed with water, had no issues disassembling and removing any glue.

Decided to try Mary Spinney's interesting mid section, but without multiple colors.  Love this quirky gal.  But as much as I like this sampler and thought more subdued threads would be fine, it's not working out.  Why?  Linen color?  Maybe.  As is, fine.  But adding other colors, no.  Several rows of lower case alpha removed, bands also.  Enough.  Move on.

 

School busses, delivery trucks, newspapers, all without interruption.  US mail?  Two deliveries in ten days.  That second delivery was a glorious box of chocolates along with another hand made card from Brenda.

Planning to choose another stitch, found a few smalls on IG, one is (kitted) quite costly with a box I do not like at all, another with subscription (patreon).  Moving on, lots of things to chose from.  Isn't the number of designers and style options amazing?  It's exciting to come across those not known/seen before.

A can't find my 4.0 magnifiers. ?????  When searching for others, trying to see the strength is difficult.  So I set the label onto wet clear nail polish, let dry, added two top coats.  Made labels for the others I was sure of, so much better.  I use three different strengths ... reading, stitching, sewing machine.

Hope your weekend is enjoyable.

Be safe.

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