Remember .....

REMEMBER.

Whether resting at home or abroad.

 FROM THE FIRST TO THE LAST.

* * * * * * * * *

I'm testing for covid tomorrow.  

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No.

 No. No. No.

Tiniest little kitten, smart enough to shelter and hide from hawks, eating, his cry sounds like a barking crow.  Too young to be on its own.  Where are the littermates?  And Missy?  Her reaction was not good and I am keeping her inside.  We haven't touched the baby, hissing and attitude of course, but I believe food inside of a carrier would work.  

Our shelter is small and never has room for cats, I will call Angels for Animals in Ohio Tuesday.  Keep fingers crossed for me please.

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The 40 difference

 At 59:27 during Saltbox Stitcher's video, the BBD design of my last small sampler was shown. Her border was noticeable because she used a lighter linen and it looked much nicer.  The 407 is barely visible on my dark linen, so I am changing to the red.  Being three rows wide of alternating stitches, I could have just added the red and kept the 407 in place.  But it was too much so I removed it.  Carol's looked SO much better.  I can't tell you how much I enjoy her floss tube.  L.O.V.E. her.  I wish she was weekly. 

Now about Meg.  My cataracts are progressing and not near qualified for removal, but the linen had more to do with my frustration.  It took a while before realizing this.  Meg's simple border, as much as shown here, was two days of work.  Over and over, constant removal.  I used 40 count recently without a problem, yet I struggled with this one.  

Meg was put aside and I started on Mary Bell, another small sampler.  Same problem.  My stitches were in the wrong holes and I was struggling to see.  WTH???  Maybe I mottled the linen too much and it was throwing me off?  I decided to try another piece of my limited 40 count stash.  This new piece was not as troublesome.  I was actually in the right hole!  Both Meg's border and Mary's were easier.  Similar in color, both 40 count, same needle, same 4.0 mags.

But those first pieces were not Flax, they were Lambswool, and neither had the orange stripe.  That linen had finer threads resulting in a looser weave, yet I could not get those stitches in the proper hole.  Zweigart's orange stripe is a heavier thread, tighter weave, which I assumed would be more difficult to see. I guess I need to check for the selvage stripe, but most of my 40s are small cuts which may not always include it.  Probably not necessary since side by side I could see the difference.

Holding my breath, I can't tell you how many people have covid that I have been around.

Whatever you plan for this weekend, remember the reason.

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Meg

 Until I decide on the border of Kezia Turnock, Meg Adams seems to be a good choice.  The sampler is done over one on 28 count or over two on linen of your choice.  I tried over one on 28 and also 32 (see those tiny letters next to the 5.5" wide chart) for just a few letters, and know that the entire sampler in such would be a royal PITA for me.

I chose a neutral 40 count over two and hope to start this evening.

Possible color changes in this one, but won't know until the floss is tossed. 

Happy Monday as we close in on the end of May.  Already!  

Good grief.

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Rolling along

on a sweet cheese Nalesniki kind of day.  A short time before serving from the oven, we top with sour cream and a sprinkle of sugar.  

Terrible storm last night.  I move my flowers under the swings when heavy rain is predicted, but the wind actually knocked a few over.  My Grabber Buddy helped with the loads of fallen branches.

Sending a few crepes and other goodies to Carole along with some laundry.  Chris and Matt are taking it all up today for their visit.  This was one of the hankies being pressed, we love this black edging against the colors.  Wouldn't this make a great sampler border?  Pastels outlined with black is not in a design I remember seeing but that doesn't mean there isn't one.

Hope your week gets off to a good start.  Mine starts in the dental chair finally.  

Be well, stay safe!

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Options

Knowing full well that the pouches will be added to the pile in need of sewn finish is pushing me to do it now.   That pile is large enough.  After a load of options and closures, I settled on two.

 Fringed flap on front piece that won't interfere with opening.

Simple drawstring.

Since I plan to age and stain a little, the construction should be fairly simple and primitive.  Adding closure buttons or loops would appear a little too modern or cute to me.  This week anyway.  Next week may be a button and loop party.  

I haven't found a chart for the third pouch, two may be enough.  If I do add another, it will be very small and have a leather flap.  Sort of like this rosary pouch on Etsy from CLNleathercraft, but I envision an oval shaped bottom.  Leather lacing for a strap, maybe just initials and a few motifs.  A leather flap will be too heavy and the body needs to be structured enough to hold it.  How do I know?  I've tried it before and failed.

We visited with Carole and took food goodies, one was the Tortellini crock pot soup/stew/something.  Very easy.  Crumbled cooked Italian sausage, 6 or 8 oz bag of fresh spinach chopped, 24 oz low sodium chick broth, two 12 oz cans of petite diced tomatoes with juice (or one 28 oz), an 8 oz brick of cream cheese chopped.  Low for four-five hours, stir a few times to blend cheese during cooking time.  Half hour before serving, add 19 oz bag of frozen cheese tortellini.  Continue cooking until tender, anywhere from 15 minutes to 30.  You can use seasoned tomatoes or add Italian seasoning to taste.  A few years ago I started to lay a towel over the top of the crock and secure with the lid to catch the liquid.  When wet, I slide the towel to the dry end and it works great to keep the meal from getting too watery.

Sunny and warm today.  There is a fat hairy spider between the screen and window which will now not be opened all summer.

Enjoy the weekend, be safe.

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Pouch #2

 Just posted to Instagram, Ooh la la finish of the second pouch.  It's not sewn yet, will wait until the grouping is stitched before deciding to flap or not.  

30 count unbleached, DMC two strands over two.  I was surprised at the DMC conversion to 647 and 648.  The are quite dull and not the recommended conversion for the GA colors which are 522 and 524.  I used 503 and 3053, because .... well, you know how I am.

As for aging, I may dab/drip a brown or gray dye in a few places after testing in the margin area, especially where the pouch would have been handled most.  Adding a drop of water immediately after sometimes creates that ring that mimics a stain.

Missy is starting to eat a little, not much though.  How a cat can eat the head, bones, fur, and paws of a mouse or mole and turn down $2.00 a can food is baffling.  But she was on her own and survival depended on that hunting, even 12 years later, habits die hard.  She will not leave me, and is continually talking.  We are allowing outdoor time since she loves it.  I have not removed Nit's favorite "hut" on the deck yet.  She still goes to it first thing, several times, sniffing and rubbing.

Have a great weekend folks.

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Halo halo halo

Hello.

Going through a pile of crap in the spare bedroom, I found another piece of the Waverly upholstery fabric.  I had a camel back sofa upholstered in it many years ago and have 2.5 yards extra.  I don't want to lose that sofa but with no upholsterers, have no choice.  If anyone wants this piece for chair pads or something, you can have it for the shipping cost.  Yardage weighs 2# and would probably fold into a medium Priority Box.  Email me if you want it.

I had such a difficult evening.  All the old photos were gone through and I burned the duplicates and ones of unknown persons.   The kids with ratty clothes playing outside, row houses with front porches and everyone sitting out and talking after dinner, picnics with the guys playing cards, just so emotional.  My aunts, my parents, uncles, cousins, looking at how they lived and struggled with very little.  Yet they found pleasure in getting together, playing cards, and telling stories.  Connecting.  Wireless meant something different back then.  Nothing plugged in, it was person to person, face to face, this was the original wireless.  How I wish I could go back, spend more time with Nona and learn some Italian, take my aunts out for the afternoon, and more importantly, have my parents tell me in their own words about their early days.

And then .... the tiniest little frick of a tick has caused inflammation and itching.  I got him with my gifted tweezers for stitching.  Hated to use them but needed that pointed end.  And now we wait to see if anything develops in a few weeks.  Geez.

I have never seen a rainbow on a bright sunny day, nor one that is not arched, nor one that has no beginning or end!  Weird huh?  I must have snapped the lens 25 times to get the right area.  I can't look up at the bright sky for more than second so just held up the camera and clicked.  The second photo shows a ring around the sun and after searching online, it is not uncommon.  Called a halo, certain conditions can create a rainbow ring.  Huh.  A rainbow ring.  Who knew?  Probably my husband.

May is half over.  WHAT???

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A good match

 With the prices and selection this year, I am glad we bought the petunias.  No sense searching for anything else and that bubblegum pink with lime green vines looks great against the dark house.  But the front door gets only a few hours of sun and they will not do well there.  So what did I find today that is the same pink and tolerates part shade?  

Bingo!

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Wow

 Unbleached thirty count, two strands, over two, blast from the past.  What a difference.  So quick and easy.

Following the chart color of 407 for the border, but changed the 3777 to 347.  I think the really bright red looks close to the original piece and a little more primitive.  Surprising since muted and dusty is the norm for an aged look but on this coarse dark linen, none are.  Can't figure that out but it is what it is.  And I like it.

We went to four Amish greenhouses in search of the Vista petunias in Bubblegum pink, Silverberry, or Paradise.  Carole wants ferns and Bubblegum for her house as always, and I was so worn out I decided to purchase the same for here.  Only one greenhouse had the Bubblegum, no other Vista colors.  We found one large Vista mix in another greenhouse, that was it.  Prices were quite high so I am glad the tunia we were looking for was in the smallest 8" pot and less $$.  I am very surprised that the other colors weren't available and especially that the Bubblegum best seller was not even offered at several places.  Or were they already sold before Mother's Day?

Our garage door will be coming in soon and I still haven't found a paint to match the stained cedar or even come close.  Computer matches have had green or red tones.  Almost impossible to match a charcoal brown.

Happy hump day.

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.

And another

 from Ooh la la.  I'm using a coarse 30 count with two threads and will distress and break a few threads to age when completed.  I don't have wool in a red shade which would look great on this, but sanding a little will age plenty.

The original done in wool.

Missy did not run from the new plush cat as she did with others, but it's not a comfort to her.  More of a what the hell is that.  I brushed her on the sofa with the cat at the other end, she stayed afterward and stared at it.  And yes, I always need peroxide and a bandaid when finished.  I guess it will just take time as you've mentioned, and I will remove the shelter and box that he lounged on top of from the deck this afternoon.  Or should I not?  She is constantly checking it and sniffing to see if he is behind, inside, or atop.  Adopting another is out of the question.  This girl is not friendly, has even attacked large feral males.  If we would consider it, the new member would be a senior.  We've been restricted by family and pet responsibilites for over twenty years, do not want another twenty.  Good grief I'll be 71 next month!  

I plan to apply for part time work soon, which also sends the message to others that I will not be available.  Husband thinks it is a mistake for her to return home because of how much she will be relying on others, but I don't blame her for trying.  My feeling is for her to stay where she is, and we'll work out a transport for weekends at home.  Best of both worlds.  No daily meal prep, no bathing struggles, no meds to manage.  For two days, easy meals, family and friend gatherings, peace in your own home, back to 24/7 care for the week.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

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It's all over

 but the pouching.  

I have several deep red fabrics that will work nicely, but I'm thinking .... too formal for a primitive piece.  That in no way means they won't end up as the backing.  The pattern uses the linen front and back, I don't know if I want to do that.

The larger prints should do better on the next two because they are more uniform, less wonky, can handle a larger print.  But if they are to be the backing, I will lightly mist with bleach to age, or sand.

The bottom right corner bugged me, so I removed the leaf vine and brought the right border to the bottom.  Better!

I need to stitch at least one more before construction.  Too distracted right now. I'm still not settled from the shock, and also worrying about the test.  I need to go out of town or have a cath here.  I guess it's silly but going to a new facility and dealing with strangers doesn't sit well.  I had a reaction during an IVP to the iodine contrast (related to shellfish allergy?) so that adds to the anxiety.  I know.  I already have big girl panties so pull them up.

We've tried several plush creatures, some noisy, some quiet, Missy is not interested.  She runs from a few and ignores others.  Tomorrow the final attempt is coming.  Solid black full size plush cat.

Wishing you all a wonderful and special Mother's Day.

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This is a fun stitch

 that looks SO much better in person!!

Friday is one of the golf days for husband.  I have never ever asked him to not play.  This morning I opened my dry eyes with the thought that he should not go today.  No idea why, but he obliged.  

Happy Friday folks.

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Next time

 I found the bag of 3777 under a little rag rug that Nit frequented.  Wow.  Sorry I didn't find it sooner!  And after comparing the overdyed I'm using, the color doesn't appear a great difference but look at the stitching.  Have all the threads I've used been from a darker area of that skein?  Nope.  I alternated pulling a brighter strand every other time.  So what the heck?  

Maybe it worked out for the best because the next pouch will be a darker linen and require a brighter red, the 3777 could be perfect for it.  I don't want the pouches to be the same thread or on the same fabric.  This lighter sand can handle the darker.

I read a story about a woman walking as she did so often, to her mom's house.  On the way, she was attacked by three dogs (article said used for fighting) that were registered as dangerous but still escaped.  She lost both arms, her colon, possibly her esophagus, massive wounds to her face and body.  My dentist has two Mastiffs in office that are as sweet as can be, I've played with and kissed, but now I need to request my exam room door be closed.  I would be unnerved to lie there reclined and vulnerable as they enter.  I can now understand why the five year old neighbor is needing counseling.  I've had dogs as does she, but things have changed.  I am afraid to take a walk!  There has never been a problem here or the wooded area surrounding in decades, and I don't believe there would be a problem.  But that fear, even unrealistic and improbable, can't convince me to be reasonable.  My pepper spray is outdated, I will get a new.  Some are labeled for canine attack, not sure of the difference.  One day I may settle down and that fear will be gone, but a spray kept in a purse or pocket at all times, seems prudent these days.  Be safe ladies!!

Have a good day.

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Error #1- fixed

 Once the larger right side border is stitched, the sampler will be balanced.  Easy solution, no stitch removal, whew.  I like it.

The thread is Needle Necessities overdyed that I've had for years.  A furball has hidden my bag of DMC 3777.  I can't find it anywhere so decided to use this thread, the shading hits several DMC reds, no purplish or bluish areas.  The fabric is one of my favorites, PTP Sand.  

Last year's post https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2021/06/blog-post.html showed Missy at Bud's grave.  She has somehow known from the beginning, but is spending time with all three now.  She has taken to Nit's favorite spots inside.   May be a silly thought, but we are searching for a black plush cat in a sleeping position to see if it comforts her.  

Mark is driving Carole's friend and me for a visit tomorrow.  I made spinach/pine nut pesto and will top a few cheese ravioli with it, along with a few other treats.  I have to mark "specimen" on an odd looking container for the resident's kitchen fridge.  An little old snoop is always taking her drinks and foods.  There is a kitchen with coffee maker, microwave, fridge, cabinets and counter for residents to use.  As I said, a wonderful facility, so many features to make it feel more like a home.  If you want to see a few photos, they are on this post https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2021/06/a-nice-layout.html.  This kitchen is adjacent to the activity/lounge and across from a nurse station so a watchful eye can prevent accidents.

Enjoy your day. 

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Final mention

This is breaking our hearts almost as much as Nitzy's suffering.

We only allow her outside once a day for a short time and she goes directly to their graves, lies in the shelter next to them that they all loved in the summer, and then stares.  She will come in and cry and cry and cry, allowing us to touch/brush her for the first time in a decade.  Well, some blood is involved but not as much as before.

Last time - I'm still getting emails about the charges and why we did not go forward, and I will explain once more.  In PA, you can file charges if a dog enters your own property killing/attacking your domestic animal of any kind.  But.  Since these attacks were toward animals, even though horrific, courts usually feel they are not a danger to people.  Completely different case if a person was harmed. This is what officials were trying to explain to us about the process.  Both dogs were kicked and hit to stop them but did not retaliate or attack.  The requirements to house a dangerous dog may not even prevent these two from escaping again, and we do not trust this man to keep them muzzled.  They had two other dogs for a brief period, not cared for, and took them to the shelter.  I can't sleep thinking about this and have nightmares of what they may do.  My only hope is that someone will shoot them and they are not in a fight club.  I hope this explains it, no more questions please.

Rain and storms tonight, working on the sampler and enjoying it.  Both appointments went well.  If Mark doesn't respond to treatment, an MRI will be ordered.   I cancelled my HeartFlow test for now, I do not believe my blockage requires a stent, no symptoms, but will have it rescheduled before July.

Be safe everyone.

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Error #1

 A big one.  READ THE ENTIRE CHART.  PAY ATTENTION.  When will I learn?  How many recent errors were caused by failure to refer to the chart?  Many.  And this time, right off the bat.  It clearly states to leave two inches at the top when finishing as a pouch.  Well I did not.  I don't want to add a piece of the PTP Sand linen or fabric I will use for construction.  My only option is to turn upside down switching the top and bottom border patterns.

Switching this with the vertical right side border will also work.  But the more I look at the chart photo, I think these leaves need to be at top.  Whether I start over and follow the chart, switch top and bottom borders, or use the same for both, needs to be decided before I go any further.

Afternoon appt with Carole's surgeon followed by Mark's appt for his knee, which will probably result in some sort of surgery required.  We have one hour and thirty minutes between the two and an hour road time.

First time, had an iced Taco Bell Cinnabon Delight coffee, was very good.  I wonder if Torani brown sugar cinnamon or vanilla cinnamon syrup (both come in sugar free) will mimic that goodness.  Methinks it will.

As for the neighbor, she did report it, was told first offense without person injury would not be a case, as Lauren experienced.  They did not witness their cat's killing on their patio, not admissible.  Both of us could have filed charges after reading the PA laws.  We were misinformed I believe, or we misunderstood.  The officials handling this took it seriously and were in touch regularly, I'm thinking they are familiar with these types of issues and have seen outcomes. Has nothing to do with police protecting one another.  The owner was fired and arrested previously.

Have a good day.

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A start

 as soon as I choose a freaking linen.  BBD's book Ooh la la offers a sweet pouch with a simple design.  

Kezia requires too much thought right now and as happened before, this book slid off the pile and was on the floor.  Best way to choose the next project, let the stitching spirits do it.  This book was not even in the running!  But I realize now, the perfect choice.

I went through the linens and plan to use 36 count.  Recommended 32 count would be a little larger pouch but I prefer the mottled fabrics and have none in the lower counts.  I have one piece of PTP Legacy barely enough for a larger sampler and do not want to cut it. 

 Many models in this book were done on Oaken and they look exactly as I would prefer, but several floss tube videos claim it to be very green as is Veldt.  Is it?  We've all been through it except the lucky ducks that can see fabric before purchasing.  I just don't understand the green in everything.  Hazelwood sounded brownish and lo and behold, it's exactly like the Affogato, pinkish ground with olive green, not brown, mottling.

Or is it the other way around because my other Affogato is much lighter (yes, both are the same color).   So which one is the real Affogato?   I'm seeing a trend here and future purchases will be with other dyers.

And I showed these before, Caramel Macchiato, Buttermilk, and Oatmeal, no difference.  Much darker and much greener than shown here, not a good fit for the project.  Colour & Cotton and PTP have been the most consistent and reliable color wise.  

There is another chart in this book, also red, very similar in size that could be a second pouch, and even a third red sampler that is slightly larger.  Three red samplers, simple and similar, hanging together on a peg sounds good to me.  Linen?  Who knows.  But if I plan to stitch all three, should they be the same linen?  Probably not.  Similar?  Yes.  

I want to thank everyone for the sweet cards we received.  This one is handmade by Brenda and so special. The dogs are gone.  We don't believe anything he reported to police and if they are in fact in Louisiana now, I'm sure they will be fighting, or killing, probably both.  My neighbor that had her cat killed and dog attacked has stopped speaking to me because I didn't pursue a lawsuit.  She had vet bills, emotional trauma to her kids, her husband is an officer, but it was all put on me.  She wanted the dogs removed so her children can once again go outside.  Accomplished.  But she is still ticked, and that's her problem.  After speaking with others, I do not believe we would prevail.  Missy is beside herself and constantly searching for her son even though she was sniffing him and knew he had passed.  I'm still not sleeping well, to be expected, some visions are hard to forget.

Good news - Carole is being fitted for the prosthesis.  Finally healed and her new neighbor is a gem.  They are at the end of the hall with a glass door that leads to the largest porch, very private area.  Staffing is suffering, I don't understand why people are not working now but did at the worst time.  Signs for help everywhere and the facilities are no different.

Hope May brings peace, comfort, warmth to all.

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