Request

Janet and Maureen - you're no-reply - can't contact you!  Please email your addresses so I can mail your cards.

samplersandsantas@gmail.com

 

And to JustGail - brilliant!  Thank you, stones will work very well if the little hoppers have any smarts.

************************* 

DMC card

I have two extra dmc color cards W200N of actual thread still wrapped in cellophane.  Color numbers 3801-3830. I will probably keep my older guides so I can have them in other rooms.  Not that I stitch there, but my odds of finding a misplaced guide are much greater if there are three.  Although many dye lots have changed somewhat since the original booklets were offered, the majority of my floss is from many years ago and matches them.  If you are interested in this card, the first two requests will get one, either comment or email.
Updated - both gone. 

 

If any of your homes have basements, please check outside in the window wells for toads and frogs.  Every day for two weeks I have found small to large ones unable to get out.  After removal I set them in heavy cover from the cats, and they end up in the same place the next day.  So I put a wide board inside the well at an angle hoping that will allow them an escape, until we get covers for the wells. But for the next few days I will still be on a toad check. 

 

How do I prune the petunias?  Any shorter stems coming from the center of the plant get cut back to the first leaf.  I then carefully separate the thick clumps of flowering stems and pull out about a dozen, and clip those too.  You can clip first and then pull out, doesn't matter, just be careful to not break others while removing.  You end up with stems a few inches long in the center.  I do this in July also or whenever the edges of the plant are too heavy.  The Vista varieties don't really need this or any trimming, but I do anyway.  You can see several new stems including buds already branching out from a cut 10 days ago and this keeps the center full.  I fertilize too.

 

Took Carole to her doc today and she is a little better, fluid is gone, strength will take some time to regain.  Cardio appointment next week.  Thank you very much for your prayers and concern.
 

That's it. bye.

 

**************************

 

Clap on

Clap off.  The Clapper!  Remember that commercial?  Well being in the dark about most products, I did not realize there is another item named clapper.  I found it while browsing You Tube for a project and proceeded to several sites in search of.  Ordered Riley Blake's models in both sizes from The Fat Quarter Shop because their shipping was less.  So I am now the proud owner of two blocks of wood, 7" and 12".  If you're not familiar with these blocks, they are used by tailors and quilters to press seams flat.  You steam the seam or pant leg crease, then apply the wooden block for 10 seconds.  The wood absorbs the heat and moisture from the steam allowing the fabric to develop a crispy flatness!  Who knew?

And I have a bargain for you from Michael's.  You can order online and pick up in store or have your order shipped and receive 30% off all regular prices.  So I ordered my floss and got them for 39 cents, ready for pick up at the Ohio store.  You don't get the % off in store, and my order is paid for and ready at the service desk.  Wowee!  No bending over and trying to see the numbers on those fricking little labels.  

https://www.michaels.com/coupons/

Promo code is 30May19W until June 1.

 

Met Carole in the ER this morning and brought her home around 2:00.  The booster diuretic although low dose, is a nasty little pill (metolazone) that causes extreme weakness and also diarrhea which dehydrates you further.  They checked her out and told her to go home and rest, keep drinking fluids, and stay out of the hospital.  The ER docs are not hospital employees but from a group, and do not encourage you to stay because of infection risks.  So she's napping and I'm relaxing.  It's just too bad I came home and scarfed down 4 Dove darks and a cookie.  Such is life.

 

Have a good day!

 

****************************

Tunias

Hi folks.  We went to Home Depot for another few bags of mulch and they are LOADED with flowers as is Lowe's.  Usually by Memorial Day the nicer baskets are gone but I think the numerous Amish greenhouses are garnering more sales every year.  Their plants are nicer, larger, and cheaper.  The 4" pots of vines and such are $3 and $3.50 in New Wilmington and $4.50 and $5 at the big stores and Kraynak's nursery.   Baskets $15 to $18 (mine were $13!) are $25 locally.  My 10" basket petunias are growing rapidly and you can't get more bang for your buck that the Vista series.  I prune the centers to keep them full and transfer to larger containers, maybe that helps the prolific blooming.  This is the Fuchsia color and the newest color (Paradise) is lighter and more on the coral side.  Next year!

 

The Silverberry grows like a maniac too.  Already pruned once and they are both doing so well, even without fertilizer yet.  If you want maintenance free tunias, look for the Vista series.

I was surprised to see Creeping Jenny come back from last year.  Our ground is like concrete but it's rooting itself in the mulch.  Love that color.

Taking Carole to the doc tomorrow, will stop for an iced coffee.  I bought the stainless steel tube and make my own, much better than DD's.  The sweet lady that worked at our local coffee roaster/shop for 20 years passed away from C. diff after a routine surgery.  She was in the hospital for quite a while fighting while our small community prayed for her, but it took her in the end.

 

Hard to believe last weekend is already four years since my friend Patti passed away, and over thirty years since we lost Mark's best friend to the tornado.  I've mentioned him before.  He was an umpire at a Little League game when the twister headed toward the field.  He put two youngsters (his niece and a young boy) in his vehicle and sped away only to be lifted by the gusts.  He then got them out and threw them into a ditch, laid over them, and was picked up and gone in an instant.  An F-5, half mile wide, not lifting for 47 miles.  No one was expecting that in Ohio and Pennsylvania.  

 

Going through sampler charts, I may list them on the FB group that I can't remember.

Hope your week is so far, so good!

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

******************************

Winner winner

After scrambling the names and choosing a number from the 34 email and comment entries, Anonymous Cherie from WI was drawn.  Cherie, please email me with your address and I will mail tomorrow.  Thanks to everyone for entering!

 

Bud had a relaxing day outside, we worked around him.  You don't realize how old you are until it takes an entire day to accomplish half of what used to take a few hours.

Hope you all had a very nice weekend, and honored the young men and women that rest in foreign lands, separated from those that loved them, and those resting among us. 

 

*******************************

Wet feet

I'm sure you've seen the video and photos of the Old Guard a few days ago in the torrential rain and wind.  The dedication and discipline of Honor Guards is remarkable.

 

 

We are working around the house today, Spectrum was here all morning to fix a problem they can't find so new cables will be run later.  I finally found brown chair glides for outdoor, the white was noticeable, and added them to all benches, tables, and chairs. 

 

Prevents their feet/legs from rotting and also the marks left on the decks.  Some of them I can't remove with scrubbing, but the nylon/plastic glides keeps legs up just enough to prevent those stains.  I added a rubber washer over the nail to raise some of them further. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can't even tell.  And it may give me an extra few years of use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the day of remembrance and gratitude.

Note for JustGail (no-reply), those mangoes are from Del Monte and found at Walmart (canned and 4 cup packs).  And I appreciate the offer of mailing floss, but I plan to order a new Santa and will add them on.  Also may be visiting HL or Michaels' soon and hope they have the full selection.  Thank you!!

************************************

Purple Pants

meets Golden Boy.

We went shopping again for Carole this morning.  Chris has worked two double shifts in a row but still went to get a few things for her including electrolyte Gatorade, but she is nauseated and dehydrated, not feeling like eating.  So I got Cozy Shack tapioca, rice pudding (OMG), fruit cups, ricotta, whole grain bread and crab cakes.  All very low or no sodium.  She loves mangoes and the diced canned were 0 which surprised me, and easier to have a little at a time than peeling and dicing fresh.  She isn't going back to the doc until Wednesday and even though taking a very lose dose of booster diuretic, it is making her very weak.  Cardiologist is June 6 and I am anxious to speak with him about trying Entresto for her CHF. 

 

Hope your weekend is going well as we remember and honor those who sacrificed.

 

**************************

PITABP giveaway

Pain in the ass bird pillow.  You want it?  When I stitched this years ago, I had many errors to deal with and then my finishing method caused the fabric to be cut short.  I can't recall details nor do I want to, but the fringe is right up to the stitching, machine sewn to the fabric.  Hopefully, if no pups grab it for play, it will not fall apart.  Anyway ….  I love the green fabrics and ended up with this 5 1/2" x 7 1/2" pillow.  And I don't want it.  Do you?  If you're in the US, leave your initials in the comments or email me.  Will draw a name Monday 5/27 at 8pm.  If I remember.

 samplersandsantas@gmail.com

 

Have a great weekend!!

***************************

Almost purple

Hello folks.  My sister visited the doc yesterday and he confirmed what I told her last Friday, she is in congestive heart failure again.  And of course, she has nothing in the house including toilet tissue and was "planning" on shopping one day soon.  So I've been busy picking up her prescriptions and necessities since she can't.  I told her to cancel her lunch yesterday and dinner tonight with friends, she obliged.

 

My doc appointment was to include a pneumonia booster and I said "are you nuts?".  She stepped back and smiled, said I was right in not taking it.  One more time - the nasal flu vaccine has a tiny amount of live virus, the injection is dead.  I received the injection.  It's not the vaccine itself that caused my condition, it's the body's reaction to it.   The immune system creates antibodies to protect against those viruses in the vaccine and certain cells go into action.  In my case, that action went overboard and started attacking itself, which is autoimmune disease.  Am I going to try another shot that may stimulate my immune activity again?  No, but that's my case.  It's rare, and no one vulnerable should forego vaccines that could save their lives.

 

So about the purple.  Walmart, JoAnn, Pat Catan had none of the newer colors, nor did they have anything under #150.  So I tossed some purples and found them too much on the strong gold of the linen.  I ended up with the not-really-a-purple shade of 315, which when compared to the red does look violet.  I'm very pleased with it. Decided to put a few patches on his bag and will use black backstitches over them.  Maybe.  I'm not happy with the coverage on either of these 35 counts with one thread, but I can't use two.  After I finish Purple Pants I will pull another 35 linen for Blue Man.  Then on to Ann.

 

Got sidetracked a little and haven't worked out an item for the giveaway yet.  Soon!!

 

Happy Friday!!  Wait.  Is today Friday?

 

**********************

More options!

I am so glad I purchased the DMC collection guide.  Not only are the 100 series included that I missed, but the 35 newest colors too.  Since they are listed by color family and I was not familiar with all of them, I checked the linen against the columns of blues to make sure 3768 would be best.  And there it was on the opposite side.  A gorgeous plum color (29) that I would never have seen, also 32 at the bottom left.  The purples seem to look better than the blues on this linen (which is Straw, not Havana), and I plan to choose one of those and use blue on Santa #4.  JoAnn does not carry the new colors unfortunately and I will need to place an order.  I know it's important to visit your local shops but both are 45 minutes away and I don't want to spend almost 2 hours to get a few skeins of floss.  It's still hard to visualize the color without having the skein in hand but I love 29 on this linen.  Will it be too dark?  We'll see!  I don't think the 844 I started for his boots is dark enough, will switch to black.

 

I may be having a small giveaway this weekend!

 

***********************

Golden Boy

with a touch of purple.  A little change in his beard length, his hat, a few berries to the tree, and a sackful of errors.

On to Blue Boy.

 

I can only stitch for short periods at a time and I know 30 count will be easier. 

 

Took Carole for blood work today, she is still out of breath, taking more Lasix and will see the doc on Thursday.  There is no one else to help out.  Her only son works and is a volunteer captain with our fire department, my 75 year old brother takes more of my time some days than 80 year old Carole.  Her grandson works at a facility for troubled boys almost an hour from here and has three little ones of his own.  My only local female cousin (my age) has dementia and calls me often, is starting to need help herself.  Her husband died young and they had no children.  On her wedding day, her daddy died on the dance floor from a massive heart attack right after the bridal dance.  My husband's sister died young, all other family members did too.  So there you have it!  When I say "small family', it's true!  Because both sets of grandparents came to this country alone, neither of my parents had any aunts, uncles, cousins, or anyone else in this country.  And I do not mind at all if a comment is left for me or an email voicing concern.  I am always touched that you care!

 

I got my DMC booklet today and I love that all color families are together making it much easier to search for the perfect blue.  I do wish the threads were loose, but it's very nice and BIG!!  I ordered the very large rings and needle case for $5 to save shipping charges of $9.

 

This little brat has given me nothing but trouble for three days trying to catch her for the flea meds.  Last night I was outside before midnight saving a mouse from her cruel play.  The little guy climbed up the rusty leg of the my planter and hid in the petunia while I distracted her, Missy could not figure out where it went.

 

That's it! 

Thanks for visiting.

 

*********************

If loving him is wrong,

I don't want to be right.  Before I start big girl Ann, the last Santa stitch will be repeated.  Two different linen colors and coats.  One Santa position will be reversed.  Can't help it.  I love this little guy!! 

 

 

  

 Using 35 count again to be the same size as the other, hoping to breeze through wearing 3.50 lenses without much difficulty.  If not, I will change linen count to something easier.

 

First on Dolphin with gold coat.

 

Then on Havana with blue.

 

When you're in love, you sometimes go overboard.  But they will be spaced out on the tree and not noticeably repetitive, especially because of the difference in fabric and coats. 

 

 

 

 

 

Carole has been having trouble with her breathing and rather than listen to me, she has held off visiting Urgent Care or the ER for her congestive heart failure.  This started Friday.  The great grands come every Sunday and to feed and sugar load them is more important.  Her lungs can fill so quickly, but when it comes to the little ones, she is maddeningly unreasonable.  So instead of an IV Lasix and home to rest, she will end up being admitted and I will spend two days at the hospital again.  She's calling the doc today, now that the kids are gone from Grandma's Toy Land, and they took home pulled pork sandwiches, pasta and meatballs, cheesecake and cookies, because no one stops playing long enough to eat.  Drives me nuts.

Enjoy your Monday!

******************

Candle sale

Greeting folks!  I signed up for sale notices from Yankee Candle and somehow almost missed this one.  Today is the last day for a 3 for $39 large jar candles.  They are out of a few of my favorites but I ordered anyway because I can exchange them at the Ohio store for the scent I want.  Can't pass up the large tumblers for $13 each!  I am really surprised at some of the candle prices elsewhere and if I don't like it, I'm stuck with it.  At least with Yankee (especially with a sale) you can exchange if you aren't happy.  Good deal.  My favorites for summer are Sage & Citrus (out of stock but I will exchange for at the store) and Lemon Lavender.   Holiday Bayberry is the best Christmas candle and Balsam & Cedar a close second.  The promo code is 3FORMAY.  Any more than 3 are charged at the sale price of $13. 

 

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

https://www.yankeecandle.com/

 

********************************************

Weekend guard

Certainly not the greeter.  Unless you like to bleed.

 

 

************************

Finally

I decided on a trim color for the what once was a dining room.  Not sure what this very small room will be, maybe with its good light, a place to stitch.  But after tossing around solid white everywhere, I decided on two shades.  I still prefer a colonial look with trim being a different shade than the walls, and don't want to overpower the small rooms with darker colors.  Besides, I have too many favorites in beige/tan/neutral.  My nephew's son painted three bedrooms with my changes!  So I started today with White Duck for the trim, White Dove (with a little less yellow tint) for the walls, both very neutral without yellow or pink. There is a subtle difference in the whites which shows well enough to not be a solid white room.  Farmhouse is fabulous with all white, as is traditional and colonial if there is plenty of trim and moulding, but neither apply to my house.  No looking back, I burned the paint sample cards.  Once all the dark is covered, it may be too light for me, but I welcome a change, and whatever it is, it's fricking paint.  Get over it!!

 

 

I also ordered the DMC color guide.  Because.  That's all I got.  How can I find the new colors for possible substitutions when my JoAnn selection is limited?  I can't stitch without changing a few colors!  Besides, in store lighting makes the floss look very different.  They are grouped by color family in this new guide and I will no longer have to go back and forth with my supplement cards.

 

The rain has stopped and this is day two of sun so I am working on the flowers and repotting into liners for buckets and tubs.  Rain and storms for the next few days are possible so best get my large rear in gear.

 

Have a great day!!

****************************

A new week

I hope it's better than last.  And I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day.

 

I finally gathered my floss bags and put them back in my box so I can pull the many colors for Ann.  My nasty habit of not returning floss to it's rightful home creates a time consuming search when kitting.  After all was is order, I was missing three colors.  Could be a Missy issue and the bags are behind or under furniture.  One of the floss colors is 154.  ?  I thought it was a misprint.  After searching online I found that 150 -169 were released years ago and I was unaware, maybe during my long break from needlework.  How odd that none of those colors were used in any project until now.  Maybe because most of my samplers charts are older?

When I offered the huge bags of floss to you, I assumed I had most of the colors because my old large guides started with 208 as did my inventory.  So I went back to that post and saw that I did not claim to have them all.  Whew. 

These are my DMC guides, one ending with 3708, another with 3799, and three supplement cards.  I tried locating a card of the 150-169 and found none offered.  But I did find that DMC's site offers actual thread guides of all the colors.  Is it worth it for me?  Probably not.  I am boring and have my favorites, not feeling like I'll be stitching that much anyway.  But for as often as I change thread colors, it may be helpful to have all in one book rather than pulling out several cards.  As you can see from my samples, I've used them a lot.  I like the loose threads because I slip the linen or other thread colors beneath, sometimes only using two strands for a sample.  It appears the newest book has them wrapped.

 

If you would like an up to date color guide with actual thread samples, you can order here

https://www.dmc.com/us/color-card-35-new-colors-9004428.html  Reasonable compared to other sites where I've seen as much as $65 charged.  The booklet includes "454 + 35 NEW solid colors and 18 variegated DMC Six-Strand Floss colors".  Shipping is 8.95 but if you spend $30, it will be free.  I'm assuming it's been available for quite some time.

 

The threads and linen are ready, I am not.  I'm losing interest in stitching Ann, my eyes have taken a bad turn again as has my mouth.  If you've ever bitten into pizza and had the hot cheese slide off and burn your lips and tongue, that is the closest to what I am feeling 24/7, along with eye burn.  Several of you mentioned that you were hoping the meds were helping.  I'm not taking anything yet because my diagnosis is not limited to Sjogren's.  Through testing, he found more than we expected and is more baffled than before.  Not sure what to do, what to expect, when the avalanche will hit, but my numbers are off the charts and it's coming.  The medication he recommended is widely used but the one possible side effect is losing your vision.  With the unusual circumstances involving this case, I am not sure I am willing to take that chance even though it is remote, and I haven't made the decision yet.  Do I help prevent the worsening of this and the onset of another disease but risk my eyesight?  Do I wait for the avalanche at which time I will have to take the drug, maybe too late to help?  Only I can make that decision and it's a little daunting.

 

Hope you have a better week.

 

************************

Another mishap

Are your JoAnn stores like mine with fabric bolts stacked against the wall?  Do you slowly walk along that wall, eyes moving up and down, top and bottom?  Do you ever look to your left or right while browsing thinking there may be an obstacle along the long open wall?  No?  Well you should, just in case there is a guy on a 10 foot high ladder changing a light bulb.

 

I have not started Ann yet because I knocked my equilibrium off a few days ago.  Happens rarely but it is a nauseating and miserable few days until balance is restored.  The Epley Maneuver helps many but I was just too sick to comply this time.  The drug makes me very sleepy and lightheaded so bedtime has been early.  I think I'm on firm ground now so I searched for linen. 

This is the 28 count drawer where I found a 30 count Rook, but too small.  Two pieces large enough but I really didn't want to bleach unless necessary.  I checked the fabric kitted with the other girls and found the color I wanted in a piece larger than required which switches me into whining about wasting fabric. 

I hate cutting into large pieces as much as I hate left over.  This was dyed by me and I seriously doubt I would ever (or want to attempt) another dyeing session with the same result.  A very nice warm brown/tan, not too dark.  But why the hell would I save it when it's the color I was hoping to use?  Bonehead crabass that's why. 

I went to Pat Catan's after the doc and they are unloading their warehouses, sales galore.  Lots of items sold out, tons of card stock and fabric, square mache box sets.  I purchased two sheets of the mylar blanks (stencil material) for only $1 each.  This material is perfect for lining a drum finish or a pouch, even ornaments that you want to be structured.  It can be against the fabric or sandwiched between fill/batting.  They received word that the store will remain open as Michael's which does not compare to the selection and prices Catan offered.  The employees are already looking elsewhere because they were told wages will be the same as for new hires (which they will be), hours will be limited to a max of 16 per week.  Some of these people worked there for over 10 years and were full time, many are over 65 and need to work.  This will all take place in August.  Honestly, I was never impressed with Michael's selections or their prices. 

 

Visiting the Amish again this weekend for a few 4 inch pots.  When I was sick, Mark drove back out there and bought me 3 hanging baskets of the darker Vista petunia I wanted.  It looks so much darker than what I had before!  It's a damn flower.  They're all beautiful so suck it up.  This was last year's plant.  

 

Hope your weekend brings some smiles.

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

************************

Uh-oh

The entire sampler is on 40!  Was so excited I guess I whizzed by that part.  Can't do that much on 40 right now and don't have a piece large enough anyway.  Finish of 20" x 19" on 30 count, and I thought the other girls were big!   The camera may put 10 pounds on but the laptop sure made this gal look a lot smaller.  19" x 17" on 32 count but there is always the issue of one thread or two.  Depending on the 32 linen, two seems bulky and one looks skimpy.  I will look through the 30 and probably have to do a bleach dip.  My 30 is a very dark unbleached and I want a softer brown.  I was hoping to be done with linen tampering but don't trust the online colors for a new purchase.  Browns can arrive reddish, tans can be too yellow, some have pinkish hues.  I'll cut a small corner off and wet it for comparison to the bleach bath fabric so I don't get carried away. Wet fabric is always so much darker and I've had many surprises of it drying way too light.

 

 Oh well.  Onward we must march!  One page at a time.

 

Flower potting today, doctors tomorrow.  Woody Wood****er is keeping me busy too.

 

*****************************

Ann's surprise

Hi folks.  Received my magazine today and studied details that were not noticeable when viewed online.  The biggest one?  There is a tiny piece of 40 count stitched and hemmed, attached to the sampler!  How cool is that!   Another plus are the motif placements that will allow errors and misalignments to go unnoticed.

 

Seeing it up close and personal, it's a gem.  I left myself large pieces of linen to complete the big girls I had chosen, and I need to check the remaining inventory of fabric for Ann.  She has pushed the others aside and is the front runner in the 2019 crowded field of hopeful candidates.

 

 

Hope your week is going well.

 

*************************

Body linen

Hey.  I finally found some linen blouses that are true tunic length.  It's not easy to find blouses/shirts that have enough length (for my height) to cover those bigger areas, but I found several that I ordered and love.  Thought I would share!  Much nicer look and fit than in these photos.

 From TJMax website, both Jones NY

 

https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/jump/product/Long-Sleeve-Button-Down-Linen-Top/1000447952?cs=Category_Browse&simRec=true

  

https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/jump/product/women-clothing-tops-linen/Button-Front-Stripe-Linen-Top/1000447604?colorId=NS5764139&pos=1:33&N=1336439232

 

This one is oxford cloth, not linen. $ 16.99!!!

https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/jump/product/Collared-Button-Down-Roll-Up-Sleeve-Tunic/1000449754?cs=PDP&rrec=true 

And from Sierra, another Jones NY

 https://www.sierra.com/jones-ny-pink-combo-yarn-dyed-button-front-linen-shirt-long-sleeve-for-women~p~553wa/?filterString=s~jones-linen%2F

 

So reasonable and really nice linen.  I'm tall and they cover my wide bottom nicely, can be used open as a light jacket too.  Good prices.  I don't have stores locally and even online shopping did not yield anything close, so I'm happy to have found them.  Thought if you like this style and have trouble finding, you may be interested.  Sleeves are all long, but buttoned up in the photos. 

 

 

******************************

I bought a sampler chart

for the first time since ….. ???  I think the last one I purchased was Merry Wind Farm's Ellen Ford.  Maybe there was another but I can't recall. 

 

I have wanted Ann Hicks 1820 for years and never snagged it on eBay.  Today I saw it on Pinterest and decided to try again.  I searched all the engines, usually if the subject of the search is on Ebay or Etsy it is shown in the results.  Nothing.  Nada.  Zippo.  But I visited eBay anyway to request notification if it becomes an offer.  Bingo.  There it was!!  But failed to show in my searches!  So I jumped on it and now am the proud owner of SANQ Winter 2004 Vol 37 with Ann Hicks.  This chart was not two-part was it?  I've seen finishes of Ann and did not like them because of the light linen and if I ever stitch it will try to use something darker, similar to the photo.  I have never liked stitching from a magazine, does that bother you?

 

 

Whether I stitch her or not doesn't matter right now.  I have her.  Have wanted her.  And with some of our charts, isn't that what really matters???  LOL!!  I can't explain it either!

 

***********************

I have a habit

of abbreviating even the smallest project.  I changed the green and the flesh tone, decided to not do the border. 

He's a tiny little guy on 35 count over two, one thread.  Guess how many times I stitched the boots.  How about the bag.  Tree?  Even with much repeated stitching he is very quick.   At only 2-1/2" x 2-1/4" he will make a fine ornament for smaller trees.  I had a terrible time trying to focus so if he was a large sampler, it would have been all over but the shouting.  Lots of shouting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went for flowers today at five different Amish greenhouses, ended up with white instead of pink this year.  Most all baskets were combinations and I prefer solid color but after putting them out, they are kind of blah in those spots.  Got Carole's Bubblegum petunias for her and gave her a few candles from my inventory and leftover wax. 

She has a little candle crock pot with glass liners and she can use all the candle ends for melting.  I put the jars in the freezer overnight which allows the candle to slip right out. 

Smack it to crack it and the wicks can be removed, container recycled.  The jars with the narrow top need to have the wax broken before removal.  I haven't seen those little crocks in a while, most have a dish for melting.

 

Hope your weekend is going swell.

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

**************************

It's May

Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and flower shopping.

 

 

And cats jeopardizing screens.

 

Heart is from Prairie Schooler #13, A Prairie Year. 

Love that Santa, but I sold the book.

 

 

Have a great day!!

 

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Pears to poke

Hey.  Thanks for the permission to use the stall.  I was scolded several years ago by a department store employee and also read in a local newspaper how rude it is to take advantage of aids for others.  I asked the employee if she noticed the SUV loaded with young girls that used the parking space so they wouldn't have to walk in the rain.  No answer.  I should have told her that she could come into the stall with me and lift me off next time.  I totally agree that if it is not being used, why waste a good set of bars?

 

Look what I found in a set of boxes collecting dust.  Pears are on sale at the market, why waste a good amount of cloves?  It takes at least one bottle of cloves per pear because I only use those with buds and half the jars are usually just stems.  A warm day today and outside is a perfect place to make the juicy mess.  I have bags of grapefruits and oranges that I can no longer eat because citrus burns my dry tongue, so more drying will happen either intentionally and accidentally.

 

 

Hoping to re-pot the ferns today too.

 

If you've noticed the header photo, you know what my special gift was.  And there would be no doubt who the needleworker and artist that created it is.  A few more pics.

 

 

Wool thread is just amazing in the texture and look of a project.  I remember the Paternayan yarn that lined the wall of my old needlepoint shop and I wonder where it all went after the doors closed. 

 

If you want to revisit the posts of Ann's work, each link will open in a new window so you can return to choose another.

https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2014/01/anns-wallets.html

 

https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2017/08/wallet-basics-101.html

 

https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2017/08/wallets.html

 

https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2017/08/wallets-part-2.html

 

Have a great day!!

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