Much better

When I was mixing Rit colors to create the shade I want, I saved the dye baths in large glass canning jars.  They last forever.  For a small piece of fabric or linen, I can stick it in the jar and shake, or add some to a spray bottle.   Much quicker and easier than another mess in the sink.  I used the soft brown all over and the greenish gray around the edges, then a light mist of it over the brown.  Poured the sprayer back into the jars and I'm done.  Much better.

I didn't want to give you the impression that I am critical of my finishing, I just don't care.  Really.  Why is that?  I feel I need to make excuses for destroying a piece for the sake of appearance which is not what most needleworkers do!   When I want a really aged piece, I'll run it over with the car if I have to.  I'm not that drastic with larger samplers (thank goodness) but smalls are usually bullied by me.  So what do you think makes a piece look older?  I should think about this before starting a project with that goal.  I guess first off, coarse dark linen which I failed to use here.  Most of the antique samplers have fine and high thread count linen......am I correct?  But that scares me. 

I think the only sampler I have that looks older to me, is Eliz Laidman in GAST Uniform Blue.  I really really like the look and it only needed a few stains, darker around the edges, and overall light aging.  If I would have used 3768 or 930, would it have turned out as pleasing?  I'll bet not.  So the threads also make a difference.  I'm considering pulling out my flower thread and testing the results of that matte look.  This isn't rocket science - we all know that the fabric ground and the color of thread would certainly change the look.  But it's hard to visualize the completed piece, just as I thought 3011 would be perfect for Harriet.  It isn't. 

I wasn't going to tell you but I will.  I tried Krylon Matte Finish spray #1311 on stitchery.  It dulls the shiny but also protects from dust and moisture.  Since most of my projects are not protected by glass, many smalls lying around are being handled, I wanted to test it.  If I could remember which pieces were sprayed, I could determine if it worked.  I think I showed it before when I used it on shiny braid trim to dull it.

 

Since giving away or selling lots of charts I knew I would never stitch, my stash isn't overloaded.  But I realized that I have very little in kit and ready to go.  Maybe I should take the time and get the linen and threads ready, keeping in mind my vision for the completed piece.  Not throwing linen rolls all over and making myself nuts trying to chose a piece every time I start a new project will be a big time saver.  I just have to grow up and cut into that yard.  Damn that hurts, but as a reader commented - I can always buy more.  It's hard when you can't see the browns of the unbleached, raw, natural, for each has its own shade.  But I have my dye jars, walnut stain, and leftover coffee.  How much easier this will be!  Just chose a design - the rest is in the  file, the linen drawers will be lighter, and less chocolate will be needed.  Husband picked up Carole's meds and while waiting, came home with M&M peanut butters.  Gone in a day.  I wish I could control myself.

 

I  found that the new verification for comments isn't necessary.  I don't prove I'm not a robot and the comment posts anyway.

 

Baby it's cold outside!!!

 

Have a great day!

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

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