Another pause

 I've been struggling, managing, but today there is no drop or gel that is allowing my eyes the slightest relief.  Almost completed the tree, I chose DMC 22 for the berries/apples, but the rest will have to wait.  Of course the errors I chose not to correct have trickled down, but wonky branches and long legged figures hide them well.  

I appreciate all the suggestions and information you've been offering for Budman.  The other vet is just so swamped with patients and does surgeries two days a week.  They may allow a visit on one of those days, and are trying to squeeze him in.  He is still losing, sometimes succeeding in eating soft pate food, and believing he remains ruler of the brat pack.  The vet warned us of the pain and suffering that could come quickly with a failing heart.  I certainly do not want this, and Bud deserves to leave in peace.  Several times we witnessed him going in tight circles, seeming as if he is confused which the vet said may be small strokes.  Another one today, so we need to have a realistic conversation with both vets.

I hope you had a nice end to January. 

 Seeing any winter month leave is a cause for celebration.

Thanks for visiting.

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Crab(gr)ass. Boom.

Done!  Time to move back into the body and finish this gal.

Because of my thread tension missteps, this section would have been obviously skewed if I didn't use the two direction method.   Just look at how nicely this lays without pressing or manipulating.

And I've showed the back before, but you can see how the stitches make a grid that really stabilizes the linen. 

 I explained the situation and was scheduled for a filling, but that didn't happen at my dental visit, over a $100 for him to look at it.  He told me to make an appointment and gave me the estimate of $364.  I'm not in pain until brushing or sweets hit it.  Is the pain worth a second bath of fritters?  You bet your sweet apple it is.  Mom's recipe is very simple. A few drops of milk can be added if batter is too thick.

1 egg

1/3 cup milk

1 tsp oil

3/4 cup flour

2 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp baking powder

Slice cored apples into rings or wedges, dip in batter, fry in a little oil (not too hot)

Dust with powdered sugar.

Devour.

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A catty kind of day

For reasons too numerous to mention.

Bud is still thin and not eating enough, but he is trying his best and at times will get a half can of Fancy Feast down without bolting.  Where's the pate?  Everyone in the cat food aisle is complaining about the scarcity and wondering if the newer "stuffed" food at the higher price is replacing the old favorites.  I found a vet that is willing to work with us and will be seeing her soon.  Bud really enjoys lap time now.  Nit and Missy still enjoy drawing my blood.

And the outside rival really enjoys his heated house.  Can't get him out, but when he does vacate, Nit enters and refuses to leave.  He has been threatening Petey for several days, and doesn't remember that he got his clock cleaned and lost part of his ear last time.  That's why we call him the Nit!!

Dental visit tomorrow, haven't found a new office yet so this one tooth will probably be my stimulus check.  We lost another two local businesses, and residents are questioning why our school is getting another almost 4 million in covid relief. 

I am WAY off this week, thought it was Saturday.  But honestly, does it matter?  Apple fritters will be hitting the pan soon, I don't give a damn what day it is.

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And crab(gr)ass it is

 Much easier and less tedious when the rows are short.  The first half stitching horizontally seemed never ending but completing the stitch in vertical rows is a cinch.  Turning the linen upside down every other row is the only annoyance, and very tolerable even for a crab.  

And once again I am so pleased I discovered this fill method.  Look how even this block is!  Before, my rows were obvious and distorted the linen.  You're probably tired of hearing about that but it makes me happy every time I see the greatly improved result.  

Happy Monday!!

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The grass is always greener

 But what type of grass?  

Tedious and repetitive.

So I'm wondering if thin and delicate blades of fine fescue are acceptable, or if the second half of the cross is necessary, changing delicate to a fat blade crab(gr)ass. 

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Little fixes

 Hiya.  How's your day week month year going?  Mine continues to test my patience.  On top of all else, the tooth that has been bothering me (crowned) has been examined by my dentist and also hygienist, looked good to them, now feels like my finger in a light socket.  A piece at the gum line came off during flossing, and I know there is decay that they did not see.  So until I can get in to the office, bitch, bzzzzt, bitch, bzzzzt.

A few trees in the top section of Elizabeth require freehand vines, and I want to fully complete that area.  Many times I've left small annoying tasks till the end but failed to return since they are most times not noticed or forgotten.  I was never happy with the vase colors in that section so tried to remedy that.  The end result of replacing light threads with darker did not justify the work involved.  Outlining in the darkest blue worked, no shredding, no crabbing. Well .....

Happy weekend!!

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Filling

Hi folks.  I'm continuing to feel unwell and trying to get answers, and I hope you're doing a lot better than I am!!

Since I am prone to errors and even more so when the threads are not highly contrasted to the linen, I usually don't complete the cross of stitches that must align until I'm sure they are correct.  So much easier to remove a tent or uncrossed row if the border or outlines are off a thread.  

The house was also first cross only, necessary for my fill in method (vertical rows first followed by horizontal rows) to control my tension.  That method is also great if using the sewing method with overdyed thread.  The base is completed, and the top cross done horizontally allows the variegations to do their stuff while still working the sewing method.

Took quite a while to complete all the stitches which surprised me.  I was thinking .... single rows, how long can that take?  More than you thought nitball.  They are numerous and long!  But all are now fully crossed, house will be soon, and I can focus on completing the bottom area.

I've been craving sweets, especially nut twisty donuts, but the easiest and path of least contact comes from my oven.  Being lazy in activities other than needlework, I tried the ready to bake packages in the dairy aisle, next to the cans of biscuits for sausage gravy (can't beat McDonalds but only at few locations).  Huge bonus with this pack of 24.  I separated, wrapped, and froze half with the time and temp on the card.  Smaller batch, less piggy.  The number of baked cookies is never what's expected because I prefer dough to baked, and a few are always plucked off the baking sheet.

Have a good one!!

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AUGH!!!!!!!!

 

Even when you find what you love, nothing is for certain.

I give up.

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Another one down

 Christopher & Banks.  Damn.  A wonderful collection of coordinates, stylish, with a snappy attitude for us older gals.  I ordered a few things for Carole online, hoping they fit.  Sorry to see them leave.

Michaels announced that my store was to close the end of January.  I've been waiting to feel better before perusing aisles for the final time.  The sun was out so I couldn't drive, as Mark pulled into the lot I got excited to see it empty thinking not many shoppers for contact.  How long do you anticipate it would take before you realize that a store with no lights, an empty lot, and blacked out doors is not open for business?  It's not the end of the month!  Put the lights back on and open the damn doors!

I ordered another small piece of Sand, and rather than tinker with tone on the two Faun pieces I think I will sell them.  Probably 13 x 17 and 17 x 26 but I'll check that and what I paid.  The Murky is a wild child and Fox & Rabbits Seaweed is a glorious dark green. 

 I considered using it for Merry Christmas with a very light gold (or bronze) thread for the words, but haven't decided, also have the called for Brash.  The Seaweed is 40, and I would prefer this design in a little larger finish, but need to choose something because it's too fabulous to sit in a drawer

I mentioned a while back about finding small old insurance policies of Mark's aunts in PA unclaimed property.  Inheritance tax in PA is not owed on life insurance but when turned in to the state, it is cashed which allows taxation.  We had to pay an attorney, it's been almost a year, and tax was of course owed.  We received notice today that the state thinks we should have known about these policies (his uncles were beneficiaries, long deceased) and despite the attorney's argument, decided to charge us a penalty and income tax from the date of death.  It wasn't turned in to unclaimed until two years ago.  So we owe more for the penalty than the tax and after the legal fees, a complete waste of time and expense. 

Have a good hump day.

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Much better

 Every time I unrolled Elizabeth she seemed off, like the crabass stitching her.  But now that the border is becoming filled, great improvement in balance and she looks so much better.  I knew she would be great when completed, but when the end is near and something doesn't look right, it's bothersome.  Pleased as punch now.

After several attempts with different golds and their removal and reappearance, I decided to repeat just two vine motif colors and the leaf positions.  The light thread looked OK but only visible when close enough to see it.   

 Hope your weekend is enjoyable!!

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Fabric bulbs

 Good morning.  It's a dark and gloomy morning with afternoon rain expected, not terribly cold, so husband's group decided to hit the links early.  It's rare that I have morning alone time.  

Our Altmeyer's and Michael's are closing in a few weeks.  I missed the framing sales before Christmas, and would have to visit the store in Ohio.  My procrastinating has cost me the frames I liked at a very good price, reupholstering of two large sofas and two chairs (he closed), the color stylist I planned to use to blend the gray as it grows (she left), the chairs I chose for the dining room (they closed), all just in the last few months.  I really need to do better but my indecisiveness is the real cause.  When you can't make a decision, you can't move forward!  Glenna's words, indecision = paralysis.

An online order had to be returned to Macys, and while there, found a nice top for Carole.  She's lost (without trying) about 40 pounds and needs new.  I don't plan on buying much because the last batch of outfits, as before, were never worn.  I really miss our Macy's that closed, and I am very concerned that this Ohio branch will have the same fate.  The store was bare, half the racks as before. 

Hobby Lobby had what I needed to make (maybe) these fabric light bulbs I saw on Pinterest.  Not sure the size of wooden spool required but since my trees are all small, I chose the 3/8" and 1/2".  I need to keep this in mind before taking a match to any stitching.  Little stitched snippets would be a good fabric option.

 I plan to paint the wood a bronze color or stain dark.  If the coverlet scraps can be sewn and turned for such a small shape, that's my preference.  If not, wool or cotton print.  Should be quick and easy, and I would like thin leather lacing for the hanger.  Will I ever make them? 

The vet never called last night as he promised to talk about the injections.  His assistant did earlier after speaking with the doc and told me the injections are not going to help.  ???  Bud raced out the door when I fed Petey and refused to come back in until late last night.  Had the same problem this morning, can't get close enough to grab, but he did come back in a little while ago.  Petey is crying at the door, never refuses food, but after three types and chicken offered, is still not happy.

Hope your day goes well.

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Thank you

I so appreciate all the links and information to help with caring for Bud.  I requested the antibiotic injection but the doctor said it would not be as effective and require frequent visits, too much stress for his failing heart.  The gloves are rather heavy and trying to hold a small syringe and push the plunger at the right time would probably not work.  Bud is amazingly strong as the vet remarked, and I could not hold his mouth open regardless of the video instructions saying it's possible.  No it ain't.  Giving him a tiny piece of Valium which I thought would be best, is not recommended either.  First of all, in order to get anything into him, I need to push it down his throat, and we just can't manage that.  He only eats the watered pate on his terms, and trying to keep the others away from it until he is ready to try is an all day hassle.  The vet said that any type of sedative or like product affects how the heart beats and lungs work, his heart is critical and any change could cause an event.  I have a call into his unit about the situation and will see if he would change his mind about using injections.  Bud's issue will not be resolved with anything other than surgery, out of the question.  We are basically just buying him more time and comfort.  The medication is Clindamycin, targeting the mouth. Amoxicillin injections which are usually given, would have no response.  My brother is telling me to see his vet, always loaded with patients and a long wait, no thanks.  

My wrist is much better, the soreness is the spot where it was shattered many years ago, and two of the punctures are deep and on the tendon from base of thumb into wrist.  Not a problem but I wonder if the one in the fatty part above the wrist is a bite or claw.  Very tender and red but the hole is small.  I'll keep an eye on it. 

This lucky duck received a fat half of 36 Vellum in the mail and my 123 order shipped yesterday.  This duck also continues to have issue with symmetry and can certainly accept most of it in reproductions.  But not always.  The spaces in these marked areas range from two to four.  I moved a few.  Couldn't help it.  No plans to align the inner edge which doesn't catch my eye as quickly as the outer.

This should have been completed months ago and I am trying very hard in my misery to continue.  It's to the point that I can't speak for more than ten minutes, miss talking to friends.  Ridiculous.

Hope your day is pleasant.

Thank you for everything.

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Not much hope

 This is very difficult as so many of you know and have experienced, but I don't think we can give Bud more time.  The antibiotic would help with the bacteria, and pain management is critical so he can eat.  He is the lone social of the brat pack, and does allow us at times to pet him, and be a lap cat for a brief brushing.  But even applying flea meds to his back is tricky.  

The first attempt at inserting the syringe failed, we tried again this evening.  His mouth being so painful contributes to the resistance I am sure, but I can't take the chance of a bite from a mouth full of bacteria.  My brother was almost hospitalized and required medication for six weeks.  Bud not only was trying to bite me but somehow in his attempt to escape from the wrapping got his claw caught on my bracelet.  In a flash, everything was happening, my wrist yanked and twisted, pain was bad enough to nauseate me.  I can use my fingers now, the punctures from his claws are cleaned.  Bud won't allow us near him but he isn't limping, I assume his leg was not injured.  Four syringes of meds a day for two weeks?  We've already lost four doses.  Feliway is no help, catnip either.  Not able to get the Covid vaccine, we decided I cannot take the chance of an infection that could be very serious.  I am really upset about this, and terrifying Bud when trying to immobilize him is stress on his bad heart.  One more attempt tomorrow, more Feliway, but I don't have much hope.  

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The Budman

 Hi everyone.  Bud's exam in the vetmobile did not go well.  As thin and old as he is, doc said he is a tough customer and was unable to fully examine Bud's mouth.  The assistant was large and strong, and even while wrapped, Bud was extremely difficult.  His gums are bright red, very swollen, and bled when touched.  The further back he tried to see the more inflamed it was.  There are cancers that could cause this, or the plaque buildup, but his heart is so bad the anesthesia could be fatal or cause more injury. So he offered an antibiotic that targets the mouth, and gabapentin for pain.  With two professionals unable to handle him, he doesn't expect we will be able to insert a syringe four times a day.  Already failed twice.  Mark could not hold his head still enough and honestly, the stress to Bud is just as damaging.  So we will try to keep him happy and comfortable but I can't see that lasting much longer.  

Continuing stitching progress and all errors but one are standing proud and staying put.  And I am very anxious to be done with Elizabeth.  Elizabeth was my MIL's name, she died at 54 from ovarian cancer.  Mark said there was always a container of baby powder on the edge of the tub.  Elizabeth was his sister's middle name, who died at 43.  Elizabeth was my dearest friend's name who passed several years ago.   None of which have anything to do with the Elizabeth Clayton sampler, but reminiscing usually accompanies this type of mood.

Hoping you all have a pleasant Wednesday  It won't be long before January disappears.

As did the pie.

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One thing leads to another

Nice to hear I'm not the only one that is somewhat obsessed with error location.  Most times, it leads to more.  The edge aligns with the 1 but not the A further down, don't know why.  But the C is two spaces below the first T and it should be three which would make the A part off by one more, but since the C error moved it up a row which should correct alignment by the A but not the 1, but the second T doesn't line up with edge even though it moved up one because of the C error yet it's down one, and that long looking stitch in the outside edge turns out to be over three and off one linen thread.  So I baked a pie.

This pie plate is Anchor Hocking and the only one I found with handles this large.  Others are just too small for arthritic hands with a fat hotpad.

The spool huggers help but I still gather some areas when stitching in hand, and found it's a good idea to press and allow the linen to relax every once in a while.  I also wanted to unroll and see the entire sampler so far. 

 Beneath the vase will be several rows of grass, so this is very close to the bottom.

This vase and greenery are all color changes, not because I planned it, but that's another story.

Do you wear those fuzzy socks instead of slippers?  I do.  And I found a brand that is the softest and best fitting online.  Earth Therapeutics with Aloe.  They offered 15% off and free shipping at $25 so I got four pair and they are heavenly, total comfort. They do leave a ring around my Polish ankles but what doesn't.

Anxious about the vet visit tomorrow and wish I didn't have to pay the extra $$$ for a home visit, but he panics and bolts at times and having him in the carrier if that should happen would be terrifying.  

Have a good evening.

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Moving on

 You know I love borders but only the look, not the creation.  This one could not be more forgiving and simple, yet I have spent hours trying to locate the error causing me to be off in width, length, and alignment.  Why?  Just move on!  Is it necessary to locate the errant stitch?  If that happens, would I remove all the others because of that little bastard to correct it?  No, it does not change the body nor is it noticebable.  Then why does it create such a drive to find it and any others contributing to the shift?

All it takes is a few in millions to throw off the balance, destroy common sense, inflame emotions, and become a controlling force that consumes.  I've let it go before, time to do that again.  

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

Ewe & Eye

 Didn't they have some really special little projects?  Not routine, most with a few specialty stitches, but small enough to not be daunting.  So why did I sell most all?  This Christmas Sampler was one I had missed and thanks to Laura, discovered.  And found on Ebay.  The very small chart photos are hard to examine but I grabbed it without hesitation because I do love the elements.  Will of course darken the thread color for those areas not displaying.  Next project?

I've been disappointed in two recent online orders that list items as in stock only to discover they sold out before mine could be filled.  It's not like I need them now, but I want them now.  I have a short attention span and will change my mind about wanting them by the time I get them.  

But tonight, I am planting my butt and during stitching breaks, scouring the atmosphere for whatever I want.  After news of another issue, I deserve to pamper myself a bit.  I've mentioned the progressing Sjogrens and how miserable I was.  The last two days have been more painful and unrelenting, with a loss of taste.  On top of the dryness and fissured tongue, BMS (Burning Mouth Syndrome) (not to be confused with Bitching Mouth Syndrome) has been diagnosed.  What the hell is that?  Simple.  Your fricking tongue is on fire.  Always.  And feels like it's waking from numbness.  Months to years duration.  Ice cream and sweet decaf iced coffee have become mainstays in my daily diet.  Watermelon is very comforting but that's a long way off.  C'mon summer!!!

I hope all is well with you!!

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Cats

 Two houses, one heated.

But I'll sit on the roof in the drizzle and cold.

This is why we call him Nit.

And someone is thrilled with his new house.  He had a very late dinner, retired to the house, and only left it for breakfast.  There are clear exit flaps front and back but I removed the front for now.  Since we inserted it in a shelter, he can't use the rear "emergency" exit.  Does anyone believe he would be challenged?  LOL!  As you can see, Petey is a brute and fills his house.

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

Bud of a different kind

 The last heated house came today and because these brats are so filthy, I made covers from an old percale sheet.  The fleece covers that were included hold the cat hair and in order to remove for cleaning, the power plug must be pulled through it.  Mark has a safe extension cord in the back and I have no plan to crawl in and unplug to remove for washing.  It took a while to measure and cut but I made a sort of pillow case with a slit for the cord, can be slipped off and on with no cord involvement.  Yay!  Quick and easy hair removal on the smooth fabric.  So the crabass is pleased!

That large opossum is probably a female because the little ones came to visit the following night.  They ran as soon as I appeared at the door.   Last night I was on the phone with Carole and heard a racket, it was a huge raccoon that knocked Petey's dishes away from him, scattering the cat food across the deck.  I had to dig pieces out of the spaces between the decking or the opossum would be.  

This brought back memories of the sweetest little raccoon ever, and deserves posting again. Every day we were visited and the face on this sweetie was irresistible.  Petite and friendly, we named him Bud.  One year, Bud came to get his daily baloney and bread, turned to look behind, and then gave the go ahead to a litter of six tiny furballs.  From then on, Bud became Budette, we were honored to be trusted with yearly visits of her offspring.  She's the second from the left.

The normal life span in the wild is 2 to 3 years, much longer if kept.  My gal Bud was with us for five years.  Every day, she would come to our back door and look in, I would talk to her while she was dining on the deck after gently taking the food from my hand.  Raccoons are not gentle, docile critters, but she was so different from the very beginning.  Most days, she would go into the cat box beneath the plywood and take a nap after dinner until it was dark.  We wrapped 4x4 pieces of plywood with plastic and leaned them to create a dry place for food and shelter when attempting to civilize the brats.   

One year, I could see the change in her face and fur, told Mark she was failing. Bud became slower and the look in those sweet eyes told me she was nearing her end.  One morning, I prepared the cat dishes and as I opened the back door, I saw her little leg sticking out of the box she napped in.  She came to be close to me during her final hours and I am still emotional about it.

This was her last litter.

My sweet little girl a few months before she died.

Bud (a.k.a Budman), the oldest of my cat rescues, can't be seen until next Tuesday with a home visit.  The surgery if it's decided to take the risk, will be at the doctor's farm which is about 40 minutes from here. 

That's all I got.  I removed the side border flowers and will worry about them later.  It took quite a while!  I think the next step will be the figures and if they don't show well, I'll try two threads for the second half of the cross.  Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

Hope your day went well.

********************** 

Settle down crab

 WTH?  I have never had anger and temper to this degree.  Not all the time, just when I get frustrated.  You know ... impatient.  Well ....intolerant.  Maybe .... drained.   Possibly .... overloaded.  Well, yeah, all the time.

Elizabeth continues on a much slower path, still hoping for improvement in my condition.  But as I usually call on you for help, once again, I have two questions.  The first is not related to stitching, but the sampler itself.  I am not one to research or have interest in the maker or their ancestry.  Diane was nice enough to let me know that Elizabeth married David Fisher on December 28, 1814, so I'm sharing that info.  I don't believe I ever came across the stitcher designating/dedicating the sampler "to" someone.  In this case, Mrs. Rhoda Hutchinson in New Jersey.  Not really important, I just find it curious. 

The second question is one I asked before.  When looking at this piece from a distance, I cannot see the Ecru or the 712 I substituted.  This is bugging me because the border appears to be just a wandering vine with missing flowers.  Adam and his girl won't be noticed either.  So I've tested over ten various light threads with a touch of color thinking that may help.  Nothing.  In fact, although a noticeable difference in skein, hardly a wink on the linen.  The last one 3823, will replace a few test flowers before I decide.  Backstitching didn't help and made the lighter buds look different than the others.  If 3823 doesn't stop me from throwing something, I plan to use 437 shown in the bottom photo.  Do you think replacing the light flowers would be a mistake?  My opinion (since I change colors all the time) is that it would change the overall look but be fine.  Mark said to just use the darker color from the start.  I guess he's tired of ducking.

Oops.  One more.  The chart said to fill in Adam & Eve's hair, ram, and serpent with black.  Stem?  Satin?  Quarters and halfs as needed?  Anything I want?  That's the way I like it.

Been waiting for the vet to return my calls, thinking of calling another mobile vet if I still don't have a reply tomorrow morning.  Bud will be very upset regardless of who it is.

Have a good day folks.  Sorry to be asking your advice again.

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Score!!

 Hello people!  Ever since I caught a glimpse of Ewe  & Eye Christmas Sampler from our favorite Serial Starter, I've been searching.  Today, score!  Ebay offered several charts for $9.95 including shipping.  Stitching Bits and Bobs have a huge variety of their charts including this one and Christmas Spot, but $8 to ship two little charts always stops me.  Not knowing for sure if they are in stock (you never know for sure) I decided to just grab the Ebay offer before it sells.  I am so sorry I sold all those sweet designs with houses.

Problem with this guy.  Every year we have to deal with critters taking over the houses and you would think my nasty disposition along with being nowhere near petite would have him running.  Nope.  He went into the house.  We rocked the box, banged on the wooden shelter, he was not leaving.  I had to offer stew!  That did it.  But how do we keep him out?  He started scratching the styrofoam and you can see the white bits on the deck.  Maybe this is the same one from last year.

Have a good evening!!

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

You were right

Thank you!  Rust was the preferred color, and it is absolutely the right choice.  I didn't release the spool huggers from the rolled top area but when I did, oh my.  The blue would have been very distracting and overpower the softer colors but really didn't see that until viewing the entire piece.

With the outer border being the same, this rust will be perfect.

I've been stitching with breaks this afternoon, but struggling.  By bedtime, this entire bottle of drops will be used.

I am using a larger needle, easier for me to hold, but this floss is nothing like before.  And I offered hundreds of my excess old DMC, never imagined it would be preferred.  This example of separating and then breaking off is after two pulls to remove.  Time after time this happened and the 500 is doing the same.  In my decades of stitching exclusively with DMC, and the tremendous amount of frogging, this may have happened twice when tugging hard.  With the new floss, nine out of ten times!  My eyes were not this bad when I began Elizabeth, no frogging, so I don't know if the rust shreds.

Carole is having breathing difficulty again and is calling Cleveland Monday, could be taking her soon.  Rules may still be one person per patient, and depending on how I feel I may stay home anyway.  Mark is very concerned knowing that I cannot take the vaccine and doesn't mind taking her himself.

This is an old photo of the Nit, but maybe how some are feeling today.

Or maybe curling up with another feels better.

Enjoy the first weekend of the new year.  And that's the last reference to 2021.  Do you tire of hearing about it?  It's just a number reminding us of how quickly we're aging.

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Another month closer to summer

 Does that make a nasty crabass smile?  Not even that.  But I have hope that eventually, it will.

So here we are.  Made it to the new year.  I don't belong to the gregarious groups that enjoy celebrating and hosting great parties for the new year.  Good thing or I'd really be ticked.  It's almost midnight and the cats are in the garage condos, my single Advil is not doing much, and stitching is extremely frustrating.  I need to make a change, hoping to get your opinion.

The thread is too similar to the linen.  I am removing more stitches than placing, always one thread off.  The DMC never shred like this before but since I moved to a higher count linen, maybe that's why.  The friction being pulled through a smaller hole must weaken it?  Who cares why.  It shreds!

I have one more full row and New Jersey in the last before changing to the dark green for Adam ......

There isn't much beneath that (blue box) of the problem thread but I must change the color.  Because of all the dark green in that area, I think continuing with it would be too much.  Do you agree?  My other options are the blue in the alpha and single border encasing the body, or the 400 that I am using in the outermost single border. 

Their bodies and the border flowers in the very light thread do not show in this photo and I plan to use an even lighter thread for contrast.  So what should it be.... blue? ..... or rust?   

Help!!!

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