Hello boys and girls! First off, just wanted to show that I have been stitching behind the scenes. Trying to make new labels, I combined my sampler bag chart with another design. The round boxes are easier to get and are not cock-eyed like some of the ovals. This is the largest 6"x6" but I can adapt this design to the 5" and 4" too. I'm still working on a few others while stitching Mary. Speaking of her...I removed the line of stitching and correctly followed the chart for Mary's name. In the instructions, it does show the "offset" stitches being one thread over from the others, but I still had trouble until I found the secret that no one told me. 
Stitch the border beneath that line first, and you can line up the entire row by following the border stitches. They told me when to be offset and when to line up. Easy peasy. But I'm still not happy. The linen color could be the cause, but these floss hues are not setting well with me. The majority of the verse is blue DMC #161 which I thought was too strong. So I tried 931 dipped in the gray dye. Still not happy. Looked through my color cards and came up empty with the blues. The 611 and 632 are fine, the ecru changed to a gold since it was invisible, but it seemed a blue looked out of place. Nothing really wrong with it and others may like it, but I just thought the blue was too cold, and the brighter blues too bright for my taste. Here's the blue and the cover-up with the 500 series I chose.
So it looks like the end result will not be the colors of the Mary's original design. Does that bother some stitchers? Yep. Does it bother me? Nope. If the stitcher is not pleased with what she is creating in her hand, what is the point? I asked last year if you thought a designer would be insulted by our changing colors after they labored over their design to find what they felt was perfect. This is one of the topics I want to post in the near future. For now, I really like the 501 and 502 in the main body, and may use 503 in place of the gold, or change the gold to a different hue. I love the sampler, want to finish it, and not regret choices when it's on the wall.
I want to show you my new basket, too. I custom ordered a basket from Ann at 1803 Ohio Farm Baskets for my new nasty cupboard and love it. I chose her long skinny basket with higher sides and shorter handle. For years I've been searching for a basket for the tank lid (of the commode) to hold items and this fits the bill. Perfect side height for the standard tissue box, with lots of room for other items. I can even lay a piece of homespun over the contents. It's staying where I had planned but the width makes it usable almost anywhere, including mantels.That's all for now. I sure hope I don't forget to draw a name tomorrow! Until then, enjoy your weekend start and thank you for visiting.
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22 comments:
Marly,
I would hope that the pattern designers can appreciate any artistic liberties that we take with their color selections. As long as credit is given to the original designer with alterations noted, ofcourse.
I LOVE how the basket looks on your "nasty" cupboard. Simple is my favorite look! ~Ann
What can I say?... Your choice is perfectly fine. I am not fond of blues, but it is hubs favorite color. Talk about opposites attracting??? It works for us. Anyways, LUV the sampler, the new box and of course your basket. It all makes so much sense. You are always thinking... way to go!
Blessings & Peace,
Barb
I forgot to add a P.S. to my comment!
P.S. You didn't think throwing the sampler in your stitching basket for a year and ignoring it was the right choice? LOL.
~Ann
Oh I loooove that basket!!! I need one! :D Where did you get it again? I know you've mentioned her before, I seem to remember that at least. Your Mary is looking good -- glad you figured out the whole offset thing. I think that the colors are fine -- one can never match the original entirely, right? Like that sampler box too!
never mind -- found the etsy shop. Sigh.....
You know - I think that if you want to change colors - go for it. You're the one that has to look at it and be happy. I've changed colors especially on old samplers because I figure that the person who reproduced it may have put her spin on it colorwise, or the sampler was done so long ago that new floss colors or silks may have come out that look better. So change all you want - it's a good thing.
Love your color choices. Looks great to me. And I think changes are totally fine in general, because it's your wall it's hanging at after all.
That basket is a beauty. Love it.
Hello Marly, great choice, I like it. Love the long basket from Ann, it is beautiful on your nasty cupboard, I love that prim cupboard. Blessings Francine.
I much prefer your greens, even though blue is my usual color of choice wherever possible. I thought the blue stood out as too strong in your previous post, so I agree with the greens. I agree that now the gold stands out a bit but am unsure whether a duller gold or another of the greens would be better. I'll be anxious to learn your choice. Very lovely sampler. ... jan
Hi, Marly. I'm a lurker, never having much to say and not enough time to stitch, BUT wanted to tell you, I received my Nov 2012 issue of cross-stitch & needlework today and your blog is mentioned on page 8 in Fab Finds!! Congrats!
Karen
Marly ~
I'm sure your color changes will be just perfect and if Marly ain't happy, ain't nobody happy (my little paraphrase...lol!). You do such remarkable work I am in awe.
Anywho, Ann makes THE BEST baskets!!! And she is a real sweetie, too. I had the pleasure of spending the day with her at the Sauder Village rug show.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren
Love your new basket. So different! I am not real adventurous when it comes to changing colors. I think it is way ok to do so. You need to love your work!
Like the choices your making.
Kathy
I always change out any blue reds with warm reds on anything I stitch, but I'm an autumn and can't help myself. I appreciate how you painstakingly choose your colors. hope you show a picture of long basket on the tank!
Yes - Just wanted to congratulate you on the mention in NOV's Cross Stitch and Needlework Mag. You have a great blog!
ooOoo! Marly that is cool to be mentioned in the mag as stated above. Good for you!
I used to worry about that designing thing as well. You know me ... the purest definition of anal OCD. I would never DARE to change colors thinking "this is what the designer said to use, who am I to change that?" But I have made changes on occasion & my world did not come crashing down around me so yes. There have been times when I've totally avoided buying a chart that I love because "the house is pink" ... but hey! I can change the color of the house! Hooray : )
Oh my goodness marly, I think the one doing the stitching is the way it should be...no matter what. It looks just wonderful. But I do know what you are saying though.
Love the basket from Ann - she does some beautiful work.
Karen
Marly, I much prefer your 500 green choices to the blue as well. It makes the piece more earthy and warm. As for changing colors to suit your tastes, go for it! "Perfect" is always in the eye of the beholder. To me, it's much more interesting to see each stitcher add her own personal touch to a foundational design.
I would think most designers would appreciate different variations on their patterns. I know that when I design something, I love to see what other people have come up with. Also I love the round boxes and your tank basket is perfect.
Barbara
I don't think designers would have an issue with color changes--or at least they shouldn't. The main thing is--it is their design, but color is personal. Lovely basket for your nasty capboard..looks like you found a place for the nasty thing. Your round box is fabulous!
Judy heartland stitcher
Ahhh...easiest comments first: I much prefer your substitutions to the original design colors. Second - would the original designers care? I highly doubt it....Although I know much research goes into figuring out exactly "what" that original color was, I still can't help question whether it is really, truly, "right" in all cases....Also, most stitchers "of the time," didn't have the resources we do as readily available....I'd like to think Mary may have also preferred the 500 series, but did not have access to them. For me, I envy souls with eyes like you.....I see, I stitch....I don't imagine or wonder what might be if I dared....and for that, I am 500 series green with jealousy.... ;o) Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin
I love your chosen colors, Marly... I'm always making changes here and there on charts whether it be in colors or design. I'm sure I drive the designers crazy! (Not that they are paying any attention to my blog, I'm sure!) It has to be for you and you're the one that will be looking at it for the next who-knows-how-many years...
I so love that basket--just perfect for bathroom storage, but it will be a great addition to your new little cupboard, too. I can just see it filled with your stitching and other little primitive goodies right now :)
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