Slump shopping

Greetings all.  Another weekend, January is flying by.  Spring items are already coming in to the craft store.  For the first time ever, we have a large flock of robins.  I was seeing one or two in the yard when we had the warm December, but the other day my crab apple tree was loaded with them.  No worms to be found, very cold temps, I don't know why they are still here.

I ordered just a few items last week even though I am still somewhat slumpy.  No charts and no desire for new charts.  But I can't pass up my favorite linen and thread color.  Uniform blue from GAST and these skeins are perfect, gray blue, no purple.  Two pieces of Rook, not as dark as my original but very nice, coarse feel just like I prefer.  Nothing like that unusual piece I gave away.  Also got a piece of Abecedarian which isn't in the photo, because after being in the house for a few hours, it's lost misplaced.  Decided to do 35 count since I am loaded with 28 and 30.  And my first mini pom pom trim!  They are SWEET.

I checked Facebook today and what do I see?  A video of a dog lying in the street after being run over and another dog covering his body and not leaving him.  Not one fricking car or bike stopped.  There are a lot of cute photos and videos to click but I always seem to open the link at the wrong time.

I had several emails about hanging samplers without frames.  Originally I used horsehair braid to insert into the top hem and it's fine for small light pieces.  But after finding this much stronger flexible boning, I feel it's the better choice for larger projects.  It prevents the linen from stretching and sagging from it's own weight when tacked to a wall.  Many photos of old needlework pinned on the corners, sagging in the center, appeal to me.  But.  What if I decide to frame later on?  Not sure if that stretched linen would go back to shape, even if washed.

Finishing the edges of an unframed sampler is easy with a Dritz sewing gauge or my vintage Gajit.  Just set the gauge and line it up with the stitching, folding under the edge while finger pressing followed by the iron.  Coarse linen presses so crisp I didn't need to run a line of stitching for a hem.  I never fold it too close to the design's edge making sure the pressed edge wouldn't show if ever mounted for framing. 

I left the mantel and wall bare after Christmas décor was removed and thought it was the perfect place right now for Sally.  I saw these large black plates somewhere and loved the look, bought four, now I don't want them.  That's me.

 

If you plan on buying any Santas Sunday, please state in your email request if you are using Paypal or check since the price is different.

 

 

Enjoy your weekend, stay safe, eat cake.

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

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