When mama ain't happy

 ain't nobody happy.

But I am!!  Took a while to find a gold that wasn't too close to the 420, or a rust that wasn't close to the 400, and the brown of 801 seemed to be a good choice.  502 was a close second to coordinate with the 500 but I didn't care for it next to the bright blue. 

Cold windy and rainy tomorrow, the FIRST OF NOVEMBER.  WTH???  We are both walking like cave people from another day of blowing and raking 10" deep leaves.  Our yard is 190 x 210 and not one spot is immune from the fallout.

I've never had an orange mum with red center, most all here are gold/yellow and orange.  It's really pretty.

Have a good Sunday!!

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Seeing the light

 No I'm not.  The 738 and ivory are causing me much distress.  I don't like thread that melts into the linen to begin with, and I just can't distinguish between the two.  I'm coming up in the wrong hole, can't count the linen threads, can't tell if I finished crossing the stitch.  I'm giving in.  

I need to assign a new color to those symbols but will still use ivory in some areas like the side border flowers.  But alpha, no.   I'll remove those light letters (third time) and decide what color to use tomorrow.  I had already replaced the 738 in the zig zag upper border, should have realized it wouldn't work in the body either.

Hope your weekend goes well. 

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Confused?

Sorry.  I've posted before about my method of filling in blocks of stitches.   Several posts showed detailed photos but I never use labels and can't seem to locate them.  So here goes.

I used to fill in blocks like roofs, houses, grass with the standard sewing method of first half of the cross the length of the row and then returning with the second half.  I go from left to right /////////// and then return right to left with the other half of the cross \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\.  Over a larger area with my tension issues, ditches appear between the rows.  So I started filling the entire area in with half crosses (basically a tent stitch) working all the same direction either vertically or horizontally.

Once filled in, I complete the stitches going the opposite direction.  This roof was stitched horizontally, so I would be completing with vertical.  This gives a really nice appearance to the block without ditches.  For me.  If using an overdyed and you want the striations to be horizontal, the first fill would be vertical.  Striations going top to bottom would be the opposite.   

This is another fill that was completed vertical after first filling in horizontal.  The left half is completed (and no ditches!) and the right only has the first cross.   I don't believe there will ever be another post that has those two words this many times.  Wow.  Am I explaining it?

I turn the piece upside down every other row so I can utilize the sewing method (top to bottom).

This is the way the back looks when using this method, a bunch of squares.

I hope this helps!  It's just a way for me to create a uniform block instead of my usual ditches and pulled/overlapped corners.

I searched for a similar color to the 738 in an overdyed (for Elizabeth's house) and most looked too bright, too gold, too yellow, and unreliable on a monitor.  So I took a shot and ordered a skein of Weeks that may or may not work out.  

Can you believe October is ending this week?

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Get this straight

Make the door one row wider so it centers under the window.  Done.  Not the first change I've made to this and certainly won't be the last.  

And this is a big one coming up.  I love this sampler.  I do.  But it's flat.  If I had access to overdyed threads and could hand pick a skein that wasn't all over the place, I would.  A rarely use those threads for that very reason and have stitched many a house with DMC.  But this one, right at the top, sort of large and very pale in color, needs something.  I could carry on with the rest and wait for a few skeins of overdyed to come (I trust the subtlety of Colour & Cotton, maybe even Weeks) or I could pattern the house.  My blocks of stitches are so much nicer when I do the horizontal/vertical method.  For overdyed, filling it in with vertical rows and then completing the stitch with horizontal rows works.  No need for individual stitches and allows me to use my preferred sewing method and still get the shading.  Sounds easier than my other idea.  Brick it.  Brick it good.  More work for sure, but using the called for 738 with maybe 422 would be such a subtle difference and give it a little ...... depth.  What say you??

I spent part of the very warm Friday dipping my pinkish linens into a diluted green bath.  I can't tell you pleased I am with the result.  Yes I can.  I'm pickled tink!!  The Faun is now very neutral and looks closer to the Vellum I am seeking (123Stitch is on back order as are all the shops listing 36/40 count) and I am so happy with it.  A few others were also done and blowing in the breeze.

I soaked my 28 count unbleached and after a dozen times, finally had rinse water than wasn't dark brown.  It's a little lighter, a little tighter, close to a 30 count.

Leaves leaves leaves and then leaves.  We've never seen them fall so rapidly.  Three days in a row where so heavy no grass could be seen.  I'm tired.  Thank goodness for mom's shower chair that I can height adjust for landscape work and push myself out of with those side handles.  This is AFTER we were done on Saturday.

Hope the weekend is a good one!

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Enjoying Elizabeth

 Hi buds!  Even though the eyes are causing slow progress and several misplaced pokes, I am enjoying this sampler.  The moifs are easy, the large side borders beneath can tolerate errors, the body is simple alpha.  This is a good sampler for anyone wanting a large finish with no over one or complicated borders.   The big yellow house is close and I hope this thread color shows well.  If not, I will change to a brighter or lighter.

Speaking of large size, my tunic tops in my new size are in at Kohls and I will have something to wear.  Tek Gear has really nice casual tunics and I don't even need tall size.  Mid thigh and hides it all!.  Well, it hides rolls and thighs but I'd have to add black side panels to hide the width.  Why don't they have tops with black side panels or vertical accents?  I look at women's sizes for Carole and am surprised that they continue to offer asymettrical hems hanging low at the sides and shorter in front which makes anyone look wider.  If the lower hems are at front and back with the sides shorter, you look slimmer!  

Have a good day!!

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Chart drawing

 Carol Sferra was the name drawn and since she included her email in the comment, I was able to contact her directly.  Thanks everyone!!

I found the small canned pumpkin and the purchase limit was three.  I got three!!

But it's dark before 7:00 so I'm still crabby.

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Spool hugger Thursday

 And it will be 78 today and 80 tomorrow.  Then we'll knock 30 degrees off and it's all downhill from there.  The end.

Elizabeth is coming along on the 35 count Winter Brew.  I do love this color linen.  Several shops have listed Vellum but when I order, I get a backorder notice so no stock is available.  I emailed a recommended shop showing inventory but they never replied.  It's been over a month since my request at The Attic and no reply from them either.  People are busy!  I will try calling both tomorrow.  I have Wren and also Faun and although I love seeing your work on them, I'm still disappointed.  The Faun has too much background pink (you know I have that pinky problem) and the Wren is very dull.  Half yards of both so I may take a snippet and try a dip.

The single border (except for the top) is all first leg of the cross.  It's easy to remove if misaligned so I usually don't complete the stitch until I'm sure it's correct.  I can finish them without needing the chart if I'm outside or waiting in the car.  So far, all looks good.

I told you how disappointed I was that my supposed orange mums are dark red.  Well, looky here.  They are just starting to open and what do I see?  Orange.  Never saw an orange start out burgundy!

Hope your day goes well.

Be back this evening for the Stitching Girls draw.

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The frame or stand pouch

Here it is.  Very well made.  Heavy soft napped outer fabric, lining is silky and sturdy.

24" long without handles, 16" wide when lying flat.

Gusseted bottom, of the lining also.

Velcro closure, nylon straps.

First class shipping within US is included.

$45.00

Email samplersandsantas@gmail.com if interested.

Thanks.

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Sharing the girls

 Hi everyone.  My day is a gloomy, dark, rainy one, but as long as I'm here to complain about it, it's a good day.   Hope yours is also.

I got Elizabeth Clayton's threads onto the drops and cut my tunic top along with the loops because I had the floss in my lap.  I also wasn't paying attention and folded the length to create the pull through loop, and cut it.  Hey!  It was a loop!  So all in all, high gear of crabassiness.  (I have not found a spelling check in the new format so crabassiness stays.)  I pulled Winter Brew in 36 count, and started.  But I can't see well enough.  I just did the Gigi R design on the same fabric!  Seeing the eye doctor again tomorrow.

Once Ann's threads are on the drops, I will make an effort to begin her border.  Mary will be done on a lower count linen and her border is freehand after the body is completed.  But I want to start her also.  Never before have I worked on more than one, but I can't make up my mind and am tired of waiting for the gumption to begin.

I will list the bag tomorrow but today I am offering Kathy Barrick's Stitching Girls.  

My version is with a simplified dress, very abbreviated from the original, and I am finished with the chart.  If you are interested in this offer, comment on this post with your initials or contact info (email is OK also).  If more than one request, I will draw a name Thursday evening around .... oh wait.  Supernatural is on at 8 so let's make it 7 pm.

Why can't we align photos next to each other anymore?

Petey is still scratching and swatting me right after he rubs his head on my hand and arm.  I'm not going to waste another flea med vial since he bolts, instead, I will use a spray.  But not spray it.  I poured some into a small glass and have a dropper handy.  When he is busy eating and I see the tick on him I hope to land a direct drop on it.  Best I can do.

Have a good day!!

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Next step

Put the floss onto thread drops, 

add to separate floss stands, 

gently nudge linens to the shade I prefer, 

and suck it up.

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Where's the pumpkin?

 I keep missing the new canned pumpkin stock, which may be a good thing.  Otherwise, my piehole would be filled.  Trying to cut down on calories and fat, I usually put the filling in a casserole dish and bake crustless.  

These green tomatoes are the last of summer's bounty, love the color, frying this afternoon.

We went for a ride yesterday and the sun was making the colored leaves sparkle.  But a beautiful day with colored scenery doesn't change the fact that summer is over and I'm ticked.  We stopped at Apple Castle in New Wilmington and the fields around the store were filled with cars.  The hay wagon was giving rides through pumpkin patches, people were picking their own apples from acres of trees.  We passed but on the return spotted a parking space so ventured into the crowds inside.  I bought an orange cauliflower (their produce is all local) and my goodness it is great.  The taste is as if it was smothered with butter, very very good.  I hope to get another this week.  Down the road off a very narrow and dusty lane, an Amish farm was selling pumpkins of any size for THREE DOLLARS.  There were many so large that a dolly was handy for transporting to your car.  My inside decorating amounts to the huge wooden bowl filled with large gourds and my twig tree.  Pumpkinhead is still guarding my unframed samplers.

I haven't decided on fabric for the drum, the brown matches the basket perfectly, but I do like the muted red.  Probably not the best choice for a drum though, better for backing.

Some of us are already into cold weather habits.

I will be offering this frame tote in a day or so if anyone is interested.  Not sure if Facebook groups would be a better place, but I am not that experienced with the site.  The new format showed me messages that were sent a year ago, never saw.  Very nicely made with gusseted bottom and fully lined, 24" high and 16" wide (flat).  

Hope your weekend is peaceful!

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Being left out

 Hello stitching buds.  First off, if anyone has spotted PTP Vellum 36 or 40 in a shop, please send me the name so I can call them.   Thanks much.

Has anyone decided that a border was not necessary and finished a sampler without it?  Have I considered it?  Yep.  I'm trying to decide the next project and chose a few medium sized and several large that I have been avoiding for some time.  The Sarah Needham border is too magnificent to ignore, but what about Ann Spence's?  Ann's is the style that I dislike most, not in appearance, but in execution.  The sampler is mostly motifs (which I usually have issues with) but I do want to stitch her.  So how about working on smaller and easier projects between stitching the borders of a few big girls?  If they're completed, maybe I would be less reluctant to start them.  But do you think it's better to work borders as the body is stitched, easier to keep aligned?  Unless the body is off and all of my mostly motif samplers are.  Stitching the bottom first and working up each side would be my choice, with a horizontal basting line every 30 threads.  I am considering this for Ann, Sarah, and Mary Barres and weighing the good and bad of this idea.

The pin was removed this morning.  He had no choice since there is infection, which is why it's been so painful.  Antibiotics causing diarrhea and a yeast infection coming up! 

My gorgeous fern still growing like mad.  The orange mums I purchased?  All five are dark maroon.

Hope your week is going well.  Thanks for visiting.

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

Finished

 All the little floaters (that's what I call motifs in mid air) were not stitched.  I actually prefer this without them.  They aren't really distracting in the model because of the light linen but on this Dolphin they are quite noticeable and there were many more to stitch than the few that I did include.  But also, my dryness has been so bad I can't focus even with the magnifier and darker fabric is extremely difficult.  So I'm done. 

It fits perfectly in my little recessed shaker box lid, but I think I would prefer a drum finish.  The color of the box stain against this color linen is not very pleasing to me.  And we all know the crabass must be pleased.

The cream linen for the needle roll won't be shipped for a while.

I ended my subsctiption to A Simple Life magazine a few years ago but searched for the 2020 Christmas issue which features the Primitives in Pine house and the sneak peek looks really nice.  They are ending publication with the Winter 2021 issue.   I found it on a site that charges 9.95 for shipping.  Really?  No thanks.  I purchased it on Ebay and can't wait for delivery. 

I've decided to tell my doctor Thursday that I want the pin removed and out of the boot.  My toe is so painful to the touch (I am hoping that's because of the pin) and since I have been limping around since May, it's time to give in.  That afternoon I am taking Carole for her mammogram, it's also her birthday.  

Mid October.  WHAT??

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

My favorite little tool

 The Dritz sewing gauge is used on so many of my projects for a variety of reasons, and is critical to me when mounting needlework.  Whether laid flat, on edge, upside down, it makes the task much easier.

I should have been finished with this but it was a bad eye weekend.

Happy Monday!

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

SALLY!!

 Just posted this on Instagram.  Finally done with mounting except for a few tweaks.  The forced smile on pumpkin man (16" tall) is how I feel.   The 28 count showed the shiny white foam beneath and the edges look like they are ready to rip.  This linen had wimpy threads and I am sorry it's what I used.  The brown paper liner was needed but is free so if I change my mind before framing, I can pull it out.  

 

Posting from a tablet is no easier!

Enjoy your weekend.  

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The little

 35 count Dolphin with a few color changes

The reds on the right are charted, my choices on the left.

I'm leaning toward the 3777 and 3830 but 22 is a gorgeous red on this dolphin.   I would like to do the tiny matching needle roll on beige linen with the same reds and the bird in a blue-gray to match the dolphin.

Have I mentioned how I hate this new laptop?  I transferred my contacts and many are missing so I have to keep referring to the flash drive.  Those damn things are so little and easily misplaced.  Have I also mentioned how I hate the new blogger format?  Am I supposed to remove the links to the photos?  I have been!  Good grief why couldn't the changes be in increments.  And what are all the icons in the gray bar at the bottom of the preview for?  Too much clicking happening and what the hell is with the redirecting when I want to read someone's blog?  I clicked on the link!  If I didn't want to go there I wouldn't do that!

For those of you interested in Petey, he is bumping me with that big head constantly wanting scratched or pet, until I touch him.  Then he draws blood with his dirty claws.  He started doing this a few weeks ago and only does it when being pet.  Right after the swat, he puts his head down and shoves it into me again.  Doesn't matter if I scratch the top, side, back, ears, he swats.  Hard and fast.

Even with a fresh nutroll bribe, I am having to continue with the boot and the pin stays for now.  I really like him but should have kept a few shells in the nuts.

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

Is it a coincidence?

 Hi folks.  Just want to mention a strange happening.  Comments left on posts are sent to my email (except those from AOL and Yahoo) but lately, I am finding several in Junk mail.  They are sent from Google/blogger/gmail that always came to my inbox before.  Always and frequent.  FROM THE POST, not from a device or personal account.  No matter how many times I correct this, remove from Junk, Add Sender to Safe List, they continue to go directly to Junk.  Why?  The other comments from the same post do not.   Turns out, those particular readers have mentioned on their blog or FB page that they are pro-police or pro-Trump. That is the only link between these readers and since all comments are emailed from Blogger and the same post, is this really possible or a strange coincidence?  I use Windows Live Mail which has emails forwarded from gmail.  Is anyone else seeing comments from certain people in their Junk folder or is my laptop possessed?

I got my wire tree out, which is sort of falling apart.  The spray applied to the wire cracks off and makes a mess.  One day when  I feel like wasting more time than usual, I may chip it all off and have a skinny wire tree.

I adore these little labels which if I remember correctly I printed from a website offer.

The new blogger format is a royal PITA.  Previously, I could upload all the photos I needed for the post and insert them as needed.  Now, when I go back to add text the other photos disappear and I need to search for them again,  If anyone can tell me how to move photos within the draft, please do, because I can't.  Left right or center are my only options and there is no way to put two side by side.  So I combined them into one photo and sure hope they go back to certain features that were removed.

I don't know what happened with the boot foot, maybe I curled my toes trying to prevent a fall and the pin moved, but holy crap is it painful now.  Wasn't before!  Seeing the doc tomorrow morning.  I walk like a caveman anyway (hate being tall and try to go as low as I can) and now I'm a caveman with a limp.

I started a new little.  Different fabric, a few different thread colors, and I can't find my camera.  Later.

Have a great day!!

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

Why I got an A+

Found two larger ones at Agway, none were as large as previous years but we've had so little rain this summer it may be why.

No you can't actually see those errors, which is why I got an A+.  

1.  I started one row down instead of two.

2.  One stitch has two threads on the left side and three on the right.  The stitch beneath was in turn one thread off as was the rest of the border.

3.  I aligned the rows to the border, not realizing it was off.

4.  I had to create a three thread stitch in the right border to line it up with the left (or remove the left), and then do the same at the bottom edges to lengthen them.  Otherwise, the border would have run into the body.  Since the first row was up one, that error actually helped.  It got to the point I was quite confused!!  Why was I too low if I was following the border error, and with the body starting one row higher?  WTH??

And there you have it!!  This would have been noticeable on 28 count but not on 40.  I checked placement on the spool to make sure the added rows would not create a problem.  They don't!

What's next?  Big or little?  One of each?

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

Open that Magma!

And there tiny Bethia is resting.

 The eyelet stitches that will secure her lacing to the spool will be the last stitches.

The story behind the stitch.

And I received a reply from Christmas in the Barn.  YES!!!  They do have the sepia and color prints of the Biblical Wreath,  $21.95 total.  If Kimber Lee had not mentioned it I would not have resumed my search of years ago.  These prints were popular and are finally available again.  I have one but ordered another since mine has a crease.  A reader was searching for this several years ago and I can't remember who!!  If interested, here is the link again 

https://www.facebook.com/Christmasinthebarnok

I'm going for a ride today and hoping to find a large pumpkin.  Haven't seen any yet that are.

I'm shipping the tags tomorrow, giving them one more day for the finish to harden and cure.  Thanks!!

Have a good day.

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