Not more hoodies!

Hi everyone.  I still have continuing computer problems with an uncooperative printer.  My boxes haven't shown up, I'm still unable to comment on many of your blogs, and I'm flunking verification like never before. Then there's Halloween which was to be Wednesday.  Much of the candy was gone before the trick or treat hours, but when no one showed, it was all gone by Saturday.  Which it turns out, was the day of trick or treating since they postponed it from Wednesday and didn't tell me.  I ran out and bought more candy, no one showed, I ate it again.  As for stitching, I completed two more new pear designs which I don't want to show until I post the charts.  I hope you'll like them.

 I decided to work on a Prairie Schooler Santa and will start on him tomorrow, probably the largest design in this leaflet.  I really don't look forward to going through linen for a sampler right now after the problems with the last choices.  What's kept me busy for a day or two is changing my hoodies again.  I didn't use tapes or binding or much time to do this.  SO much better!  No hood in the way of my purse strap and I can wear a scarf if needed.  Here's what I did this time. 

Folded the hood to the inside and started pinning while making sure it lays flat without excess.  This leaves a very short collar at the back which is fine with me.  The neck opening is larger because of the hooded style but I always wear a turtleneck or scarf so it's not a concern.  

Once it's pinned, I machine sewed with matching thread in the ditch on the right side using a basting stitch. Checking to see if it lays OK, I then stitched the top edge.  Using the basting stitch is important for all the areas, and keeping a slight tension on the fabric keeps it smooth.

 Then went back and stitched in the second ditch. Cut off the hood. The End.

Here's the finish and another that had pull ties. 

The neck as I said, is a larger opening with a short back collar.  But it looks neat, is much easier than trying to make a regular collar, and no more hood in the way.  The pullover hoodies I changed last time are working out great, but the pink jacket I changed to a regular collar will be redone to this shorter version.

Mark is off for two weeks and we'll be getting some things done around here, my EVLA surgery is next week, and the second round of injections is this week.   I worked up a plan for a bench that will help with the stitching clutter and am anxious to see it made.

I hope the desperately needed help to Sandy victims starts soon.  What the heck is going on?  All talk and no action?  I understand that not everything can be done at one time but no help at all is unacceptable.  

Thanks for taking the time to visit with me and welcome to new followers.  Sorry for not having more to show.  I'm so disappointed that my sampler start didn't work out.  My mind is also on my dear cousin who suffered a massive stroke last week.  She moved to CA but we talk all the time and laugh much.  My sis and I have so much fun when she visits.  She can't move, can't speak, and our everyday tasks have become a blessing when we realize how lucky we are.  She is aware of what's happened and can do commands with her left hand, but nothing is improving.  Being in pain and able to express that, treat it, or deal with it, is still a blessing compared to being a stroke victim. 

 If the computers and router cooperate, I'll be back in a few days.  Until then, stay safe, be thankful for everything you feel, and every stitch you make.

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