Feb 1, 2022

Overstitching

 Not the endoscopic suturing system, nor the embroidery edge technique, but the easier way to change a few stitches.  Rather than remove a few that I would prefer to be darker or stronger, I stitch over them with the other color.  Removal with too many tucked tails and run threads on back results in a real can of worms at times.  I want to clean up HOME whether same thread or a shade darker.  One thing probably done incorrectly, was to stitch the word first because I think stitching around all four sides of a single causes it to lose distinction.  Corners are no longer obvious unless adjoined with same color.  But filling an area and counting to leave a single space would create a real issue for me.

This is not the 612 called for, I lightened to 613 for better clarity.  But I did the first cross base with the darker 470 since neither 612 nor 613 showed well on 471.  To prevent a solid block I alternated the second cross with both 470 and 471 and the variegation is subtle and I like it.  I'm thinking overstitch of the same 613 may do the trick and allow the word to show more.

Her appointment yesterday was excruciating once again, but we stopped at a pharmacy on the way and I purchased a tube of 4% Lidocaine.  The nurse applied it after removing completely blood soaked bandages (she take two anti-coagulants). We don't know how bad the extensive debriding would have been without it, she said she couldn't imagine it being worse.  Last week a scalpel was used, this week, scissors.  Another appointment next week, and we doubt she will be healed enough to rehab with a prosthetic in time for bluebirds.  We can bring her home for a visit when the birds are in the houses (she has three).

An icy mix starting tomorrow.  We may start deep cleaning before the painting that should have taken place a few years ago.  The cans were never opened so should be just fine.  

Stay safe and warm everyone.

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8 comments:

wranglerkate said...

I use the overstitch method too! So glad I am not alone in that endeavor. My best wishes to you and healing wishes for your sister.

Jan said...

I'm guilty of overstitching too.
Wish Carole could finally be comfortable and out of pain.
Keep warm and keep stitching. The little bluebird sampler will be finished soon.
When do the real bluebirds appear in your area?

TheCrankyCrow said...

Ha ha...I have overstitched on occasion...not sure why it made me feel guilty? 🤔 I love the variegation you achieved with your method...It is beautifully subtle. I cringed reading of Carole's appointment...specifically, the debriding. I had no issues with dead bodies (no, I wasn't a serial killer, but some of the physical/forensic anthropology classes required dissection labs) - but living ones with blood? Umm, no thank you. ~Robin~

C M Designs said...

My heart hurts for Carole. Can not imagine what she is feeling or the degree of pain she is suffering. I know it is hard on you to see what she is going through. Life surely is not fair.
Love your sweet bluebird. Hoping Carole will be able to see hers this Spring.
I have over stitched thinking I was covering up a pho pa. Feel better now that I know you and your stitching friends do the same.
Be safe in the storm that is coming. We're having rain on Thursday.
I need to go to the store, but staying in is sapping my strength. The thought of shopping doesn't sit well with me. May order on line and have it delivered. Do need to go to Walgreen's.
Have a good day !
Charlotte in Va.

Truus said...

Was hoping and praying that all was going smoothly to Carole, but it was not -- so sorry to hear.... Still sending healing prayers for her and you too.
Love the little blue bird and did also over stitching -to lazy to frog.
Take care and stay save, Truus from Holland

JustGail said...

What's it coming to when you need to take your own medications to a doctor appointment?! I'm glad you found some, and hope you took whatever was left home for next time. I'm sorry Carole's leg isn't healing as well as hoped.

Thanks for the tip on stitching words after the background and how to fix it without removing stitches. It will come in handy if, more likely when, I forget and do the words first.

Since those paint cans were never opened, maybe ask where they were purchased if they could run them through the paint shaker? It might save a bit of stirring, but would it be enough to make the hassle of hauling them back????

Carol said...

Oh, my! I just can't imagine going through the pain that Carole is on those doctor's appointments... I get light-headed just reading about the procedure. As I've said before, you are the BEST sister in the world, Marly!

I've learned the hard way to stitch the background before the words, too... It really does make a difference. I stitched this piece back in 2017 for my mom's 90th birthday and it's now sitting here in my sunroom. Still makes me think of her and miss her so much.

More snow/ice! This is turning out to be one frigid winter, isn't it? Stay warm and safe ♥

Vera said...

Like everyone else, I feel so badly that Carole is having such issues/pain/problems. Sending all the best healing wishes her way. Beautiful stitching Marly.

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