Delivered

Didn't expect two orders in one day and so soon!   My small linen piece is the same as I ordered a few years back, Lambswool in 35 count.  My older one is lighter and pinker, the new one (same color) is darker and nicer.  Here's the difference in the old and new, I like them both.

And this is Lambswool compared to Weeks Dye Work's Beige.  One of my favorites, it leans toward green, even more than this photo.  I'm anxious to see the Winter Brew in a few days.

I adore Nash's Paisley and always have.  Lots of fill-in stitching which is fine.  All the samplers will be great and one will be chosen for the next project.  Paisley will be a summer project, easy to stitch while relaxing on a swing.

Hannah Jenkinson from Nash (photo from Country Sampler) will be stitched on a lighter linen than called for.  

The only disappointment is the Hinkling chart.  It is high quality paper and the detailed chart is over 10 pages, very nice.  But one color is a very light gray and I really can't see it unless pulled close to my face.  Even then the satin stitch lines are almost unreadable so I have to choose a color and fill this in myself.  Do not like marking a chart but the faint lines will not transfer to a working copy (which looks like a child's coloring book when I'm done).  

I love this sampler and I think it will be stitched next. 

Have a good day buds!!  Be well.

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

Finds

A piece of R&R's Winter Brew 17 x 27.  It took a while since the online shops I use were all out of stock, but there was one piece left at Cardinal Needleworks 

https://www.cardinalneedleworks.com/pages/test

so I jumped on it before I had a chance to browse their other products.  It's happened to me before, when I took my time with an order and lost out so I clicked that Place Order button quickly.  This morning, I see that they dye their own linen and also threads, Colour and Cottons

https://www.colourandcotton.com/pages/about-us

Their threads are DMC based and 8 yard skeins of one yard lengths.  Never knew about this company, will be browsing this afternoon.

Another place I found the Winter Brew is Ye Olde Cross Stitchery if you've been looking for a piece.

https://www.yeoldecs.com/detail.cfm?ID=53871

As for threads, in addition to Colour and Cotton there are also Valdani 6 ply colorfast in 10 yard skeins.  This site has them on sale for $2.69 and many other shops carry them also. 

https://www.embroidery.com/valdani6ply-skeins.ec?efid=3260

 Great selection of colors.  The shop in Boardman has the full line and the colors are rich and gorgeous.  Don't know when she will open again but I may email to see if she could mail them.  I've ordered 10 yard cards of GAST before but I can't say if all their colors are offered as such.  Someone on FB mentioned a company's overdyed floss and they were impressed, but I didn't write it down.  You know how that goes.

I found another skein hiding on the ring and I think this one will work very nicely with the 3777 I've already used, so I'm good to go.  Any red I order without seeing will be a shot in the dark.  The brownish threads would do well for the people pants but since there isn't much variation I don't know if it would be noticeable in such a small area.  Probably won't remove and restitch, but we'll see.

This week's mail will yield NWP's EF 1836-1837, 

Stacy Nash's Hannah Jenkinson sampler, 

Lucy Beam's Family Sampler,

Stacy Nash's Paisley (animal crackers)

WDW Lambswool linen

Gigi R's Mary Ann Hickling sampler

R&R Winter Brew linen.

My lymph nodes are now larger than my boobs.  But that really doesn't take much to do.  New round of antibiotics since I am worse, but no fever.  In fact, this morning I was 91.1.  You think the battery may be running down?

I tried to reply directly to some of you that asked a question but remember, you're no-reply.  I tried my best to reply through blogs or here but I've not heard back from several.  If you expected a reply and never received one, please understand I can't if you don't email me directly.

Making progress on this small piece and happy to not be holding a large piece of linen in hand!  Also enjoying one thread since I am a sloppy and tension-ed stitcher.  My new fabrics are 36 count, I think I'm pushing it if I attempt 40, but the coverage still isn't that great.  Maybe because I'm coming away from two threads and expecting too much of that skinny single strand.

Stay safe everyone!  Sit outside and take in fresh air, nice deep breaths.  If I do that, it initiates a cough that sounds like an elk calling for a mate while stepping on a goose.  The cats lay low on high alert and start looking for a predator.  Silly animals.  My nephew's company (steel) shut down and laid of all employees once the stimulus package was signed.  He can't sit still for two minutes so this will be much harder for someone like him.  

Be well and stay safe.

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

Reds!

Hi folks.  Hope everyone is well.  I sound like an elk calling in a mate while stomping on a goose.  No fever.  Without a fever, you aren't tested.  Mistake?  Who knows for sure, but I will check will my doc again tomorrow.  I'm not sick, just the throat and chest, sleeping a lot, so I'm not concerned.  I have an antibiotic (chewable!) and I started on that already.  How are you and your families?  Any concerns, colds, flu?

I am working on 35 count and doing OK, but I don't think the coverage is as good as I expected.  The WDW Beige linen is perfect for the threads.  The called for Winter's Brew (R&R) is listed as similar to DMC 612 on 123's site.  DMC 611 is used throughout the sampler so I would think that thread would not show at all, but it's very pronounced on the model.  I'm sure some linen pieces are lighter, some darker than that, and ordering online offers no choice.  

I've already changed two colors, the 611 to 610 for the clothing and and 3859 to 407 for the flesh.  Very subtle change.  GAST Pomegranate is the charted red used throughout or DMC 3777 which I've used so far.  But the house?  I want a variegated thread and my closest reds are Mulberry or Buckeye Scarlet.  One is too purple and the other very bright.  I'm not ordering the Pomegranate or any other GAST without seeing it.  Too many skeins dramatically different from others of the same name.  

These Mulberry skeins are subtle and very nice.  One Scarlet skein is pink, one bright, one is like yarn.  The twist is loose, fibers are raised, and none of the three are noticeably shaded.  I will order several (Valdani?) online today between naps and wait until they arrive before deciding on the house red.
EDIT- OMG!! It IS yarn!!  It's wool!!

And speaking of arrivals ... has anyone received or heard about Amercan Country magazine yet?  Emails, texts, no replies. 

The brats are doing OK.  Nit's hair is growing back on his ear except for the scar, but still curled in.  He smacked Petey a few times yesterday and Petey backed up.  Poor guy is trying so hard to be a part of the gang and I think he is making progress.  They were all peacefully napping on the deck yesterday.  He was a big bruiser when he arrived and ate like a horse.  He had round worms and received the medication in his food over a month ago.  Now he is much thinner and hardly eating at all, even fancy shmancy canned food.

Stay well and be careful!  I think this will be longer than expected.

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

New

houses

helpful drink

start

ordered sampler

Mary Ann Hickling 1809, Gigi R

had. to. have.

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

How did this happen?

Mark has been doing most of the shopping because he is concerned about me being exposed.  I will go for the ride sometimes, with my Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer, cleaning everything that comes into the car.  Woke up early this morning, couldn't swallow, coughing, headache.  I will wait a day or two (recommended) to see if I worsen before testing, and I am already coughing less as I drink my Chai tea.  I am assuming a cold/flu.  But after being so careful, how???  And here's the real worry ....  Mark took food and money to Carole last night that I packaged.   She certainly doesn't need my germs.  I haven't seen her in person for weeks.

I have a new project chosen but I'm browsing stash anyway.  Guess what I found.  Samplers.  And Santas.  Not much else!  I considered ordering the latest outstanding Blackbird book, there are two that I love in there, but wouldn't stitch the others.  Then I browsed Stitching Bits and Bobs selection of Ewe&Eye&Friends adorable designs, especially those with houses.  I love how they incorporate easy specialty stitches but many have over one alphabets.  Any can be modified easily, I may choose a few from the Small Sampler series.  But for now, this is what's next.
Blackbird Designs
Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?

Calls for Winter's Brew from R&R.  ????  No idea so I will choose something from stash.  Probably 35 count, after Ann I am anxious to use one thread.  We'll see if with the Dazor's help and my glasses, I can handle that count.  Right now it's hard to keep my eyes open and I may just nap most of the day.

I would like to see Floss Tubers do a presentation on linens.  The texture, feel, heaviness, tight/loose weave, consistency, and most importantly - SHADES of the various types and brands.   From a group of lights, which lean toward a green, pink, gray, yellow cast?  Compared to raw/unbleached, how dark are some of these?  Linen isn't cheap and many of us purchase pieces that come to our homes with an odd cast that isn't the best for our projects.  I know the computer screens (I like to transfer videos to the TV) and other viewing options aren't accurate, but showing the fabrics together gives some idea of their difference plus the opinion of the presenter would be a real help.  Is it just me and my color phobia or do many of you have the same problem? 
What?
It's just me? 
That hurts.  But not unexpected. 

Stay safe folks.  Doesn't look like things will change any time soon. 
I am certainly not leaving the house now, unless my doc suggests testing.
I'm not concerned.  With all the crabby in this crabass, it wouldn't stand a chance.

Be well!

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

To make the BEST DIY face mask

For those of you making masks to donate, this video is full of information and a demonstration on types of fabric and lining for the best protection. Must watch!  Amazon is sold out, my Walmart is also, the fabric stores are closed, but Hobby Lobby has the Oly or the non woven interfacing to order.

https://youtu.be/v8HNYKvlaN8

The Fabric Patch.net also has two other videos, one just a short while ago, on the different types and another option for the nose bridge.  They offer the free pattern for the fitted mask.

http://www.fabricpatch.net/face-masks-for-covid-19-relief.htm
https://media.rainpos.com/220/face_mask_pattern_1.pdf

 

Drum roll

But not too loudly.  Doesn't the mini sampler look sweet?  Just slightly different, enough to be noticed.  Jennifer suggested nun stitch edges in an email after I had already attached the mini.  It can be removed, and I am contemplating her idea.  Would it be a little too nice looking and more formal on this wonky piece?  Maybe.  I need another slice of creamy swiss cheese first to fuel my brain.  I also added the r to Pitminster.  It just bugged me.  

This 30 count linen stretches easily and did so from working in hand.  I'm not a hooper, have used it and been pleased for some projects, but failed to with Ann.  Don't know why.  I'm old.  I've recovered from menopause only for it to turn around and bite me in the ass again.  So many (most) times I have no rhyme, reason, or sensibility.  I pressed Ann but do not want a smooth finish, prefer the slightly wrinkled look for reproductions.  And for those of you squeamish, stop reading.

I will probably dip Ann a few times in a light wash, rinse, and machine dry on low.  The result will be a tighter linen, the stretched areas will rebound, and I will have that overall slight pucker that I want.  All DMC, never had any color run, but will check my left over strand of 919 by soaking it first.  But before I do that, I will lay her on a quilt and use my steamer to see if that does the trick.  It may.  It's what I use to stretch my sweaters in length and also ... ahem.....  butt.  They really hold their shape after blocking this way and when my excess reduces (if ever) I will rinse and dry to rebound.  It's a plan that's been in effect for years.  Whether steaming without shaping will encourage the linen to revive to form, I don't know.  

Right now Ann has a strip of boning in the top fold and I will let her hang for a few days, but she does need framing.  I have so many unframed samplers that I hang from boning and they've been fine for many years, but I can tell that this one will not be.  The wave at the bottom is just from the loose hang, not a stretch.

With Micheal's 60% off coupons, I may be able to afford framing, one at a time.  I don't want to abandon my local framing businesses, but using them, my Lucy Redd sampler would cost over $300 without glass and mounting it myself.  Can't justify that.  I need over $600 to get my Eliquis which I haven't taken for months.  I don't know if that is a reasonable price for a 20 x 22 simple frame, will see what Michael's will be in a few weeks.

I may try to post her to Instagram if there is a way to preview your photos before posting.  No idea on sizing so I need to test a few first.  

Thanks again for all your encouragement on Ann Kirby Hicks.  She certainly enables errors to be hidden and has taught me that an elegant detailed sampler would not be a good idea for a while.  

Or ever.

Be well!!

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

DONE!!!

No drum roll until the mini is attached.
I did not know there was more over one on the tiny sampler.  I hadn't put away your stitching over one notes to me yet so I was fine.  Not happy, but fine.  I considered moving the e closer and adding the r to Pitminster, but followed the chart.  Color changes on this mini?  Of course.

I didn't have a linen color that complimented the sampler, most were too dark or too gray.  So I chose a similar shade, just a little lighter, and it's 28 count rather than 30 but still fits in the space.  It should be hemmed but the linen is heavy and may look bulky.  I'm considering a fringe of just two rows and hand sewing it along the edge.  But first I'll press the hem back to see the result before I decide.  The cross stitching is done!!   It's been a long journey.  Thanks for your support and encouragement!!

My ultrasound was fine.  It was after 2:00 so we stocked up on the $1 snack size Jamocas for the freezer.  Several places here are offering a special take out menu with reduced prices, really good deals.  One is so busy they had to add another phone line.  Other places not as much.  We've going to try to order more take out this week. Many retailers are offering online discounts too.

Stay safe everyone, call family and friends that you haven't spoken with for a while, send out some "just to say hello" cards, take an afternoon ride and stock up on Jamocas.

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

Another row bites the dust

Over one is over!  Thank goodness.  I do have a few larger projects and I'm not sure if I want to attempt them for quite a while.  Honestly, I'm surprised I finished this.  Not quite yet, but the tiny sampler to attach should not be a problem at all.




Still debating if  I should use a slightly darker shade of linen or the same as the sampler.

We now have a confirmed case in my county but they aren't releasing details.  I suspect it may be a worker that came in contact with public and they don't want a panic.  I got a call this morning to come in for the ultrasound review of last week's treatment, not another which was originally scheduled for today.  They are shutting down but this follow up is necessary.   My toe surgery was of course, also cancelled.

Two years ago when I was sanding the cedar siding, we bought masks to wear since cedar dust is harmful to lungs.  I went to the basement to see how many are left and guess what?  They are the N95.  

Little Monkey Mona was enjoying yesterday's sun on top of the grain bin, but still gives me the stink eye.

I'm not going for the ultrasound until this afternoon so we'll get the nuts ground this morning and ready for the pan.  It is very difficult to not eat this nutroll filling with a spoon while preparing.  It is just so good.  I told my podiatrist that a nutroll was designated for him at my Wednesday appt.  He said everyone else is doing take-out, why aren't we.  Rescheduled for April 22, he can thaw it out then.

Have a great day!!  Stay safe everyone.

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

Make masks for family and friends.

https://youtu.be/9tBg0Os5FWQ in case the video doesn't work.
Another with more coverage is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSNQTSIQnLo

There are many others offering instructions for larger masks and other materials.  Just go to YouTube and search Face Masks.

********************* 

YAY!!

I had a GC at 123stitch and they finally listed the Needlework Press EF sampler, so along with Becky's Family sampler I will receive a happy package next week.  But what about linen?  WDW Beige is out of stock, so I added 35 Wichelt Lambswool.  I swore I would never dye linen again but the Beige is a little too green, and the Lambswool a little too pink.  I quick dipped the Beige in a very diluted red to tone the green and it's perfect.  The pinkish one will be quick dipped in a very diluted green.  I always cut a small corner off to test first and completely dry before comparing the change.

 Both top pieces are WDW Beige and the left one was dipped, original on right.  Is there a true non-pink non-green non-yellow neutral that I could try?  That's like asking for an off white paint without a cast!  My Country Mocha is too pink and I don't care for heavily variegated linen.  I have a piece marked 28 count Natural, it's not unbleached but a very nice light tan and I love it but it's very old.  No idea whose linen it is and Natural in most means raw or unbleached so ordering would be a disappointment I'm sure.  I have a piece of 40 in a yellowish shade and violet/purple would be needed to tone it which I am not messing with.  Maybe I will offer it.

Thanks to everyone for offering to send floss!!  I am done with the 919 and still have a 6 strand piece left so I'm fine.  Today is the last day of Michael's 30% off website sale so I may stock up and place an order.  And to Betty, you are no-reply so I cannot offer any help to your question.  All the free charts of mine are listed on the FREE tab, Pears on a separate tab.  

About the caregivers.  Karen works for a private company that contracts with a local county agency and clients that the county never got to.  It takes them months to go through applications and qualifications before approving people for help, and most are told there is no money for new clients.  Home health through the hospital for released patients and some government health agencies may still be working but my sister's agency told her the visits will stop.  Maybe I am incorrect in assuming they all will, I hope so!

I made nalesniki (polachinki) and the bottoms are too browned.  I hate that.  I like them soft, like cheese filled pillows.  Monday I am going for another vein treatment followed by an ultrasound Tuesday and then they will close for several weeks.  My US for the Monday treatment should be a week after which they can't do, but I am going forward anyway.  Wednesday will be nutroll day.  I sure hope my dough cooperates because that grease spot on the wall where it lands is hard to remove.

Stay safe and well!!
Thanks for visiting.

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

Wolf

What a jerk.  My governor announced yesterday at 5pm that the state would be shut down by 8pm until further notice.  Everything except "life sustaining" services.  Couldn't the jackass have done this at noon allowing people a few hours to pay a bill, get a necessity, pick up an order before everything and everyone must shut down?  No.  Wait until the end of day when everyone is closing.  Politicians without brains really tick me off.  And PA is full of them.  Caregiver services are stopped and Karen has clients that NEED her there every day and rely on her to bring food and set out medications.  Who will check on home bound elderly for weeks?  Isn't someone wearing a mask and taking precautions a lower risk than no care or help at all?   Someone with a brain should rethink this. I'm done.

Went to Walmart at 7am for the floss I needed and also to avoid crowds, neither panned out.  Tons of people and no floss in the color I needed, but I did manage to finish with a strand left.  They had boxes of hand sanitizer and cases of TP, even chicken.  I guess if you go that early, inventory is fresh, but gone by 8am. 

This bottom border is off three inches and I have no idea what happened.  No matter how I count and recount, it seems everything is spaced properly except for the height discrepancy.  So why is the width off by three????  Thank goodness adjustments are not noticeable on this sampler.  I should complete the band tomorrow with the pink flowers and attempt to finish the over one line.  We can't finish painting that room or installing crown moulding because we couldn't get what we ordered with the sudden closings.

I hope everyone is staying well and spending some time outdoors for fresh air.  These guys were hunkering on the deck and enjoying the very warm day we had.

Stay safe!!

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

The tree

That fricking tree.  To be fair, it was easier than the one above it, and I have more errors in the surrounding area than the fricking tree.  The tree that has two shades of green (I put the extra strands in the wrong floss bag) and that's fine with me too.  Nothing is aligned as the chart and no one can tell the difference.  This is one wonky sampler.  I found one chart error, and will study the original's photo in case I missed a motif somewhere.  Finally moving on to the bottom border.

This is mine with red apples....

and here's the chart photo with pink ones.

I don't mind the pink.  It melds with the soft motif colors and the tree's shape creates a focal point.  Either color looks good, I'm happy with the red.

A finish is getting close!

Have a great day.  Stay safe.

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

Clean enough?

Hey!  Two in a day!  Mark went golfing before they close that activity too, and asked what our plans are for hand sanitizer.  We have some alcohol left to make our own but Aloe Vera has been sold out everywhere, as has the higher % alcohol.  Since we have been trying for weeks online, in store, and everywhere in between with no luck, here's my plan.  We used a wonderful product called No Rinse for mom, even the shampoo, with great results.  The article I read described the results of hand washing vs. sanitizer and washing is as good if not better.  So.  This product can be used anywhere, no rinsing required.  I can use it straight from the bottle (for 20 seconds), saturate a paper towel with it, or bag a soaking wet cloth as a rinse after cleaning.  The car is where we use the sanitizer most and when we run out, this product should be better than nothing.  There are two different products.  No Rinse Body Bath is concentrated and should be diluted, Body Wash is ready to use and what I ordered.  The last two grocery stores had no wipes so they offered liquid pump soap and a roll of paper towels.  A sticky sticky mess.  

Walgreens has it online and in store (if you can find it) with free shipping.  Amazon and Walmart and others also carry it but some are higher in price.  Vitality Medical has the small 2 oz bottles but I have a few and can refill them so I purchased the 8 oz.  Just thought I would mention this in case you are unable to find convenient products for hand cleansing.  When we run out of options, it may be the best solution. 

The End.

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

This too shall pass

Please offer to help any elderly or compromised friends, neighbors, or strangers with getting supplies. I don't know why the stores have not created purchasing limits as they do for sale items.  Some are getting extras for others, most are not.  What parent has raised these animals to physically attack others because they have something they want?  What entitlement mentality have they been taught?  I know.  I saw them when I was working.  And seeing previews of reality television shows is just as disgusting when they showcase screaming and physical altercations.  A way of life?  

Kids are home a week at Thanksgiving, two weeks at Christmas, a week for "spring break", and three months in summer.  So they're home now for a few weeks or maybe a longer summer.  Most are on their phones and televisions and video games inside.  They can still go outside and get some exercise.   Maybe the people that watch over them all summer and other breaks can be called.  The real concern should be our vulnerable citizens and those laid off, small businesses that need to pay their bills, the lack of schooling for little ones, not the fact that kids are home.  Just my opinion, may not be yours.

Here's a really idiotic thought, but it's not my first and certainly won't be my last.  If this virus will wane when ultraviolet light becomes more intense and humidity rises as summer approaches, why can't infected people be put in a sauna twice a day?  

There's your eye rolling smirk for the day.  You're welcome.

The sun is shining this morning.  My eyes will be bad, but I am convinced I can finish the tree today.  All the apples are hanging and the greens almost filled in, the trunk will be crossed.  I don't see a problem with the bottom border, famous last words!  The over one will be on a cloudy day.  So close!!  Already thinking of what is next.

AND!!  Another fricking skinny wild cat showed up.  Petey is still limping, Nit's ear is finally starting to heal, and this new guy is a lightweight and would be beat down badly.

Wishing everyone peace and safety, calm and deep breaths.  Every time our lungs expand with that air, be grateful, have patience.

An apple a day

keeps the frogs away.

Changed to red instead of the called for pink per your suggestions.  Much better, thank you.  And I'm happy with changing the branches to brown and some flowers to a brighter pink.

The branches look off a row but they aren't, just the photo.  The linen is a bit skewed/stretched from working in hand and makes it harder to visually check placement. 

Thanks to everyone that purchased the last of the boxes.  I kept a few for myself and plan to paint designs on the tall rounds, maybe a pastoral scene.

We cancelled the Cleveland trip and rescheduled for June.  I went for Varithena treatments today, also next week, and again in April.  I was very careful.  We stopped at a grocery store and it was a madhouse, the meat market had a sign on the door stating "one customer in store at a time".  A little boy came out and told us there were twelve people in there.   Hope everyone stays well and can tolerate the temporary changes in our lives.  It's already the 17th of March and its first two weeks flew by so hopefully the next few will also.  Good time to spring clean. 

Take care!  Be well!!

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

Ready

Prices are listed.  

I will be wiping down the boxes and hope it doesn't take the wax off!  Carole is ordering all her items through Walmart pick up and has been.  I asked her if she wipes down the canned goods and packaging ..... no.  It may be overly cautious, but an 81 year old with a  failing heart should be.  Quite a few customers in stores are wearing the latex gloves.  Mark is demanding I stay home Tuesday (Carole's Cleveland Clinic visit) because of my compromised immune system, but she said she will cancel if I don't go because she can't hear the doctor.  Well ask him to speak up!  I used to take things to strengthen my immunity but now I can't.  It's weird.  When your immune system is attacking your body instead of protecting it, strengthening it just increases the attack so you have to suppress it which makes you vulnerable.

I worked on Ann Kirby (I'm tired of looking up her true name) and of course, continued making errors.  The latest branch to be off will stay that way and I'll move the apples if need be.  Two symbols are similar and I failed to notice that, but that's OK.  I prefer the branches to be brown, not green or two shades of brown, so I'm fine with that error and will continue.  

I saw a FB ad for an expanding gate that I thought was brilliant.  It attaches to the frame and the entry door so when the door opens, it creates a barrier so pets can't run out.  This isn't the same photo/video I saw but it works the same way.  Great idea.

Many places are closing or limiting hours around here, schools have several more weeks off without having to make up the time.  Hot Head Burritos wasn't closed!  My favorite fast food in a bowl smothered with Sweet Habanero sauce.

Enjoy your Sunday!

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

Update

Hi folks.  I have the boxes listed on the For SALE tab, haven't worked out prices because the ridiculous shipping costs were unexpected.  Sunday before noon I will add the prices and the sale will be Sunday evening starting at 8pm.  I may get some boxed and shipped Monday before my vein procedure but Tuesday is Cleveland Clinic, won't be home until late afternoon.  

I saw these on IG and ordered two from Buttermilk Cottage.  These perfectly sewn bags with clear fronts are made with heavy drapery fabric.  Only 8"x10", too small for a large project but perfect for a small, or scissors and threads and necessities.  My Magma's magnetic board holds my chart and needle, this bag will hold all else and fits neatly inside.  

The bags are very reasonable at $8 and very nicely made.  I would prefer the zipper be an inch higher but that's me!  Very happy with them.  

Hope everyone is well and has toilet paper.  

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

The box of seven labels

Folks, the sale will be Sunday.  They are ready but I'm not.  Too much sun today and I will take the photos this evening and post them Saturday.

You have no idea how many hours went in to sizing and cropping for this little box.

As for my wonky tree, the branches on this one are symmetrical and it would be noticed if one side was off, plus the hanging apples will not fit so I need those three rows.  Already removed and ready to start over.

That's all folks!!!

The End.

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

Why now?

Just when I am closing in on a finish, after all those wonky motifs, error after error.  Being off a stitch or two would not be noticeable in the body, but it didn't happen there.  But now that it matters I am making simple mistakes and these two have to be removed because the entire tree will be too high.  How can I screw up like this when one branch is only several stitches from it's mirror image?  And how can I count to six three times and end up at seven?  If I hadn't noticed that the branches weren't even, I wouldn't have known that the right is up too high to begin with.  Should I run a thread at each branch position to prevent more frustration?  I think so.  

I fudged the one linen thread error so the main trunk is one to the right which then had to be fudged again where the snake head met the apple, which is one row lower than it should be! Whether in Eve or the trunk base, another error which actually makes the bottom branch THREE rows too high.  It's no wonder there are no cookies left.

The boys enjoyed the warm weather.  When Petey heads toward Missy, Bud growls and takes a firm stance with a glare that makes Petey take notice.  Bud's age is estimated to be 17 and he is missing two fangs so a fight would be no contest.

I have to photo the boxes tomorrow and work out price.  I won't be able to ask what I wanted because postage will be more than the box.  More cookies in the making.  More butt in the jeans.

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The sampler and the boxes

Hi folks.  A few of you asked for the name of the sampler I am working on.  It's from an issue of SANQ, Ann Hicks 1820.  You would think I could remember such a simple name but I cannot and have not.  Ever.  To me, she is Ann Kirby.  I have no idea why, but she is.  Today, it may be because of eating four raw cookies before baking and three after.  But since this name change has been in effect since day one, the piggish sugar high isn't the reason.  There is a tiny sampler stitched separately and attached in the upper right section with Ann's name and date.  Ann Kirby Hicks.

The boxes are finished and unfortunately over a pound because of size so mailing will be Priority, and the rate for a medium box is a whopping $15.05.  Ridiculous.  The rates will hopefully be less if I buy and box myself so I will test that later.  The sale will be Saturday if anyone is interested and I will post the time/prices Friday.

Can anyone help with posting to Instagram from a laptop?  I have the Spoofer program but haven't found any guidelines for photo sizes and cropping.  I'm assuming this would not be necessary from a phone which is what IG is set up for.  Being from a camera, I don't know if they will even be clear but I would like to test it.

I found a number of videos from market on Fiber Talk's You Tube site which I did not see before so I plan to take some time and enjoy them.  Anyone receive an American Country magazine yet or know if it was actually shipped?

Thanks for the visit!

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I don't like change

Visited Michael's to purchase paint for the boxes and found out my favorite brown in Folk Art brand is no longer.  When it was Pat Catan's the store always had a good amount of shoppers.  Yesterday and today, very few, only one checkout for sales, returns, exchanges.  My favorite clerks were missing and I sure do miss the selections and size of Catan's.  I should take the time to familiarize myself with the layout and products, even though their prices are quite a bit higher.  Catan's did not offer coupons, every day was 40% off!

I mixed my own paint color and got a few done except for waxing.  I'm thinking of keeping two or three for myself so I only have two more to paint and label.  I didn't bother searching for additional label designs since these worked out and are the last few.

Waiting for 123 to offer the market charts since I have a GC there, not sure if they will have Becky's sampler so I keep checking her Etsy shop.

Nitzy's ear looks better!  Really surprised at this.  It was so ugly and I did get the topical on it twice daily but he kept scratching it whenever it started to heal.  It is finally closed and not bleeding so I'm using my Cerave healing salve to keep it moist so the scab doesn't get itchy.  

Hope to return to stitching tomorrow.  It rained all day, no sun, so the eyes are better.  My sister is having very brief episodes of double vision and her docs have no idea of the cause.  Checks her pressure, low as always, eye doctor has no answer.  Next week's Cleveland visit will not be a snow day according to the forecast, but I am having my varicose veins done the day before so I may not be very comfortable in the car that long.  Or out of it.

Hope the week is going swell!

Thanks for visiting.

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A few boxes

will be offered this weekend or maybe before.  I have three large, three medium, three small rounds.  These are much bigger than previous offers (10.5" x 5" high and 9" x 4").  They have thicker walls and are really sturdy, leftovers from many years ago.  I may decide to keep one for myself!   I am not starting this again, just finishing off my inventory.  Paypal no longer allows shipping labels to be printed unless you have a business account.  One agent told me as long as there is a payment you can, but another said not unless I change my account.  It was easier before!!  Maybe the postal service didn't like the reduced rates?

I am anxious to get several charts from the needlework show but have to wait like everyone else.  Becky's darling sampler is not listed on several pre-order sites so I must practice patience until it appears.  I was disappointed in the videos, saw only a few, and one did not offer the designers of the shown pieces so I have no idea how to order.

Very warm and nice today as was yesterday but no rides or outside sitting is possible.  I just can't take the sun even with the darkest of lenses.  No stitching can take place when the irritation is this high but the good news - no stitching means no more errors!!!

Have a great day folks!

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Do you have a match?

My lighter is low on fuel.  We do have butane, but I won't look for it.  I am a grownup.  I can handle frustration.  Accept disappointment with grace.  Be reasonable.  

I'm menopausal, give me the damn match!  It's a good thing I have two pair of Lift n Snips because one is always misplaced.

The bottom left is finished after changing and moving the light stems to green, adding one line beneath Vegas after removing three, adding several rows to the bottom of the large plant, moving the stag up and shortening it, removing the blue dot dog and stitching it lower.  I changed a lot of colors to what I prefer because they were just not showing.

So the center tree.  I left a space for the snake and when adding it, realized the top area is one linen thread to the right.  I am not doing it again.  The snake will hide the error, barely noticeable, and I will screw up the top area by one thread, just for spite.

Once the tree is done (and I hope I get through it) the bottom border will be next, then finish the over one, and the tiny sampler to add should be very easy and quick.  I am considering using a slightly different shade of linen.  When pressing Ann from hand rolling and huggers, 

This is Nit's ear.

And this is Bud in his hut.

He loves this spot and after removing hair and machine washing, he's all snuggled in.

Hope the weekend is going well.  I've been searching for videos of the market, seen a few of limited designers.  Nothing sparked my flame as much as the sneak peeks from my favorites.

Thanks for visiting!

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Good grief

What a mess.  I thought I was doing really well!  The motifs were aligned on the left, counted from proper placement, double checked when each was started, and I am so off.  At first, being off one linen thread was not the slightest concern, even two would not be an issue with these motifs.  But I am way past that.

 I do not like charts that are divided into pages especially from a magazine, and trying to line up one to another is part of the problem.  The shaded overlap was fine, but the horizontal 

alignment was not and I couldn't see that. 

The bottom stag was good with the grass on one page, and the blue dog was good with the upper bird that was good with the plant that was good with the left edge and lined up with the small tree that was perfect beneath the green and purple dogs that were matched to the vase.  The 739 plant was going to be removed for a color change, but it needed moved anyway because the brown plant to the left of Vegas lined up with the green bird who is lined up with the tall left plant but it still ran into the 739 plant.  The blue dog is too high and too far for no good reason which made the large flower several stitches too high which bumped the Vegas gal's base that had to be removed and the stag was to be even with the plant because both should be three stitches down to match the horizontal line of the grass but there isn't even enough room for the fricking stag because the too high plant is also two stitches to the right.  Whew! If this wasn't so close to finish, the flames would be high and bright.

Petey's scratches look fine, but Nitzy's ear has lost all hair, the injury is much wider than at first, tissue is missing and the ear is so thin it is curling.  No way this wild child would wear a collar and the doctor doesn't even want to attempt it.  I am using an antibiotic cream but this is not looking good for healing.  I do it lightly while he's sleeping and so far, so good.

Hope your weekend won't be as frustrating as mine!

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