Mourning summer's end

 but getting a jump on Christmas.  

Hobby Lobby 50% off this week, a plastic needle (no pinching!) primitive little tree for $11.50.  Could not pass this up.  Perfect for any room, decorated or not.  I love the simplicity of a bare tree.  I also got very small wreaths for a few bucks in the same needle/material for cupboards.  I have several small trees that are very sparse and their needles are .... like real needles.  

The trunk is wound with satin ribbon and I usually wrap in brown burlap strips if I want it textured and more primitive looking.  But for the money, a nice little tabletop tree.

I've mentioned several times about ads appearing regarding a subject I sent in an email.  Well to my surprise, I logged into my medical records for test results, saw that my cholesterol was quite high, and what do you know!  I am blasted this evening with ads for products that lower cholesterol.  Are you kidding me?  My personal medical records and test results that I viewed on my private laptop?   First time ever for ads such as these, impossible to be a coincidence and for every outlet I visited to offer ads for the same subject.

Whine with me these last few days of August.

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Jane

 Remember project #2, Jane Southward?  The 3011 vine was not showing well enough on my linen (seems to be the norm).  For some reason, Confederate Gray popped into my head even though I'd only used it once for a small ornament years ago.  I took a chance and ordered a piece for Jane.  Bingo.  I think the 3011 is showing better on this very neutral fabric.

The chart photo is on a golden brown and I don't know if this gray will not do justice to Jane's colors.  We'll see.  I'll stitch a small area with a darker green on my first linen before I decide.  

After some work on Jane I will go back to Ann for a few more rows, then Kezia.  I do have others kitted but three projects at once seems reasonable, any more may lead to a loss of interest.  After being monogamous for decades, I like having other options if I tire of a project or need a break from overthinking.  I have to say that my stitch station is making it so much easier also.  

Having blood work done this week, my tooth fixed, Missy is doing well (but that wound is ugly), and I feel like a wet rag.  I don't understand how I can move gravel for hours and be fine, and other days can barely stand up straight.  

Our friend had very mild covid in January, and has been needing care since because of mental inabilities.  He was taken to a neurologist and found after testing and scans that he does not have dementia or Alzheimer.  He has a severe case of covid fog.  The doctor said he has so many patients with this, all older, all had mild covid, most recover in a few months but some are severe cases like his.  No treatment other than rehab offered to brain injury or stroke patients.  So far, no improvement.

Hope you have a good start to this week.

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Expo

 Happy Saturday.  The last one of summer.  Can you hear me wail? 

Are you checking the new charts offered in the Expo today?  I found a good listing of them at Shepherd's Needle's site.

The hydrangeas are dried and green, my tunias are starting to fade, and we're close to the end of moving gravel.  And I have tired of the "white" trend.  I want my colonial colors back, even if very light.

My facial ravioli is about the size of a cavatelli now, palpitations have slowed also.

Missy is no worse, as I was brushing her I hovered my hand several inches over that leg and she screamed.  If I moved closer I'm the one that would need antibiotics.  The white/black (female?) that she watches has been around all day.  Missy cries (not howls) through the screen and this stray will respond and get closer.  They happened to be outside at the same time and Missy sat, they stared, and then she walked away.  The stray bolted as soon as Missy started moving and there was no intent to follow.  The yellow (male?) won't leave either.  It could have been him that attacked her.   

I know you will shake your head, but after all the floss skeins I was trying out, all very similar, I had the wrong color in the 890 bag.  It's actually 936!!  The 739 was in a different bag also and I will continue using it.  The end motif was done in 890 and the others to the left of it were stitched in the 936.  I made the mistake of having the cut lengths unmarked and that's how they entered the wrong bag.  I realized the error when I was completing the tree to the right of the lion and saw a slight difference from the already in place 890.   Whatever, I would rather remove one on the end than all the others so will continue throughout with 936.  If you study the colors, you can see a slight difference in that last motif.  Really odd since skeins next to each other are not close, 890 is closer to 500 than 936 yet ....

 And here's the kick.  The original 3011 I used is more my style, more primitive, more dusty, softer.  But I allowed the photo of Melanie's work to influence mine and I'm OK with that.  Have you ever been torn between your usual color style and something completely different?  Were you disappointed or pleased with the end result?

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Bumps along the way

 Like this one.  Accessorizes my chipped off front tooth.  I never felt it.  Was working close to the woods and pine trees, came inside and saw a little red spot.  By last night, it looked like a ravioli, perfectly round.  No itch until I touch it, and I believe it is water filled.  It's getting smaller, leaning to the other side of the family, morphing into a pierogi.  Husband wanted to take me to ER and that's ridiculous.  Heart rhythm is nuts at times but that happens often.  

And Missy got up last night and used the litter box, took a little of the Lil Shakes liquid food, is better today.  I was able to get a look at that swollen leg and saw that the bite went through to the inside of her thigh.  Two inch above the joint is quite dense, no cat's tooth is that long.  It's possible that there are two bites and just happen to line up.  We see her fur in the grass but never heard the sounds of a battle.  Odd for another cat to come this close and attack in daylight.  I drop peroxide on the holes when I can, and will hope for the best.  My brother can get the liquid amoxicillin, but administering may not be possible.

Now about that Kezia.  Yes, I am certifiable when it comes to colors, but this was a definite needed improvement.  I tried the 935 and it was nice, but no oomph.  So I decided it has to be as it should with 890.  When testing, I pulled the wrong bag and used 712 instead of the 739 (the light threads in the motif).  Wow.  Love!  So I removed the 3011 and 739 and all future border bumps will be as the last one.  What a difference.  I hope to fill the 712 in this afternoon, turn my bump into a gnocchi when I smile.  If that green bugs me in other areas I can sub the 935, but it will stay in the border.  Brighter is better, especially on darker linen.  Thank you Adele, I am so glad you offered help, would not have seen the light.

Have a good day.

Thanks for visiting.

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Kezia Turmoil

 Wasn't a good day.  My front tooth chipped off a good deal after hitting the new bottom crowned horse teeth.  I have another break out, itchy as hell, the cold/sore throat returned, Missy was attacked on the deck by ????? and has a large bite, and I saw a stitched Kezia.  

Adele was kind enough to direct me to a photo of the sampler (I've only seen the chart photo of the original) and the stitcher was following the over one border and called for colors.  Yikes.  This may be silk but the color is spot on to 890.  Am I permitted to show this from the Sassy Jacks FB page?  You can see the progress and other photos by Melanie Poe Rainer here..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/255266094663345/search/?q=kezia

I don't know her linen choice, but mine sure looks sick after seeing hers!  She is stitching the border over one as intended.  I am not, I wish I was .... or could.  This is the problem with seeing only the original on the chart and not a stitched model with the brighter colors.  I searched online for a photo of a finish, there were none.

I do not like this green with the 781 at all.  But look at Melanie's work!  That is gorgeous.  

 The 3011 currently used is great, very soft and subdued, is that what I want for her?  Or some pops of color?  I think I should pull up the big cotton whities and keep the 890.

There are no vet openings and I have no antibiotics for Missy, which would be impossible to get into her mouth since we can't hold her.  An injection would be the best, but we can't handle her without getting bit, let alone when she has a painful injury.  Two vets would not accept her as a patient previously because she can't be handled.

My six month CT scan of my lungs has been cancelled, no one is working at the testing and diagnostic centers, and this was scheduled for mid September.  They already know.  My option is the minimally staffed ER at the hospital.  I do not want two high dose CT scans on my chest within weeks of each other but the heart angio scan can't include the lungs.  They're right there!!  Use Landscape setting!!  Whatever.

Moving gravel again today, found a place to transfer it all and it will work well.  

Have a good day folks.

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Tenting

 Short post, relapsing and crabby.

Changed 890 to 3011 in the border and her name was also that symbol.  Once again, 3011 did not show well enough on the greenish linen so her name is in 3031.  Looks much better.  The surrounding border is tent, and it's not a problem.  Up at top right and down at bottom left, stitch is not disappearing.  

Have a good day.

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Slow and steady

 will be the plan for Kezia.  Oh that border.  Not my cup of tea, not sure of the method I should use.  I wanted to complete the entire vine outline and return to fill with the motif, but don't have enough confidence.  If I complete several sections at a time, it will be easier to catch placement errors.  The vine alone has no reference and I am fairly sure there will be errors.  Yes, I changed the crown and a few stitches in the vine for symmetry.

You can see how much green is in the Affogato piece.  Kezia, like Jane, recommends Cocoa linen.  I do think this one would be better on a lighter linen but would need to change the 739 in the border.  I purchased a piece of Old Gold linen and it is very dark, greenish gold.  I have a few others coming and wonder if they will be worth husband's $$ win on the #12 green.

Not sure how much longer I will stitch on Kezia before returning to Ann or choosing another.  Who am I kidding?  A few more vine bumps and I'll be ready for a walk.

Have a safe and peaceful day.

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#3 and the Stitching Station

 

I've named my modified tray table the Stitching Station.  It is!  I can hang four projects at once, bags and all along the sides.  Not sure if the bags will stay but certainly the floss rings will.  

I have magnets on a raised strip so I can easily grab my scissors, and magnetic strip for holding working needles.

I can pull it over my lap and have a large surface to work from.  If Missy or my bladder requires a quick dash, the table with all my doodads is simply pushed aside.  Want to move to another room?  So so easy.  

This organization station will make a huge difference for me since most times, items are piled to a side table, some hit the floor, some require a search to find again.  YAY!!!

This added bonus is a real help also, you know, because of continually changing threads!  The DMC book slides right under the tray and is held by the legs' hardware.  Perfect!!

And this is #3, Kezia Turnock.  I never received a reply from Sassy Jacks about the symbol error, and since the over one chart's vine is 3031, that is what I chose to use.  From Robin's research of the chart, it would appear to be 310 since that color symbol .... well .... too much for a menobrain to explain. I'm using 3031 for that symbol in the border, but elsewhere will use the 310.

The linen is 36 Affogato, way too green, and very very similar to the Tobias of Jane that is also very green.  I've heard from others about their Tobias and it is the gorgeous amber mottle of my other piece.  Nothing like Jane's piece.  So after many obscenities and a bit of chocolate, I ordered a piece of Confederate Gray.  Why?  Don't have an answer, it just popped into my head and I hope it's a nice color and works with Jane's brights and pastels.  

Going to see Carole tomorrow, the sore throat is gone, never blew my nose but stuffy, now a cough that can call in wildlife.  I can't take cold meds or some cough, not a good idea with my level of Sjogrens (decongestants dry you).

Have a good day folks!

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The tray project on a roll

 How is everyone on this next to last summer weekend?  As crabby as I am?  I only had two mornings and nights this entire season that were not chilly.  I remember many morning coffees sitting on my swing and sweating from the temps.  Not this year.  Not here.  We did experience some very warm temps in July during afternoons, not enough for me to feel like it's summer.  And now, the lengthy lines at Starbucks and Dunkin for fall flavors!!  Yoi.

Now about my new aid. The folding wood tray tables can be found at Walmarts and Targets or online, not expensive.  I've used one for a while but have recently modified to become a stitching station. Easily pulled up over my lap, a full tray before me to hold project bag, stand with chart, my extra floss bags hanging from hooks, a row of magnets to hold scissors and needles, a spot for my glasses.  These cup hooks will be screwed under the edges, not in the side, so as not to extend past the tray.  I'll show you the tray next time!

These clipboards at the Dollar Tree fit nicely into my 13 x 10 project bags (the large clip models do not) and help keep chart pages from damage.  They have been a real help when attempting to kit for the first time. 

This was another item considered, a toilet paper holder!  This comes disassembled and the tall rod for extra rolls does not have to be installed.  On Amazon you can find various styles, some with just a single rod to hold floss, others such as these with a small tray that could hold beeswax, glasses, scissors.  I had planned to get this double sided to hang project bag on one and floss on the other, and cut a yardstick to glue to sides of the top table for a lip.  If too tipsy depending on the size of hangings, a weight can be placed on the bottom board.  A neat item for holding the floss rings and if using thread drops, no tangles. From shiny chrome to black pipe, a simple and unobtrusive floss holder.  But if thread drops are on it day and night, best throw a bag over to prevent pet play!  Where is your floss kept during stitching?

I decided not to attend Shaker Woods today.  Instead, I plan to move more gravel as joints allow.  

Have I decided on Jane's green vine and linen choice?  No.

Have a good weekend!

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Moving on to #3

 I haven't received a reply yet from Sassy Jacks regarding the unlisted symbol.  If you have the Kezia booklet, do you see the border vine color of symbol 2 shown (the over two chart)?  I'd appreciate info if you do.  

As for Jane, I am putting her aside to start sampler #3, probably one of Two by Julia.  I do not like the 3722 pink on this linen, too cool.  I searched for photos online and have found only two, the flowers are both done in  pinks.  Neither of these fabrics are the recommended Cocoa and I have no idea what it actually looks like or how dark it is.

But do you think the 3011 green shows well enough on my dark linen?   Is my chosen fabric not a good fit?  The lighter colors look wonderful on it as do the brighter flowers, but the only darker greens are the 930's.  These two and the chart photo show a prominent vine, mine is not.  I think that large border is a showy feature of this sampler and don't want to find out half way through that it fades to the background because the center colors are strong.  

This photo, the first time I saw this lower contrast, explains why two pinks are used.  

This one (my chart) appears apricot but it is because of the photo's contrast.  The color listed for DMC is 437 and named Pumpkin Patch from GAST.   Doesn't sound pink.   Does it annoy me because of the size of the project and I don't want to have all the work end in disappointment or regret?  Or just that I like too many options and can't make up my mind?  Or both?

Until I decide, having another sampler kitted and ready to start is a plus!  Most times when I am stumped all stitching stops until the question is answered.  Working on others at the same time may give me a better solution.  Sometimes, it overwhelms with too many threads pulled and the longer options are studied, the more confusing they become.  We'll see.  Right now, I like the brighter pink and apricot, but I am concerned about the border green.  Any speck of doubt for such a large project must be resolved.  If not, errors abound because the stitching is not the focus.

Bunnicula.  Love it!!

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As always....

 you may not get what you see.

A few stitchers emailed about the Tobias linen of Jane and were going to try to find a piece.  Just wanted to show the difference, and what you may get, or not.  

The linen I am using that I absolutely love was no longer in stock when I tried to order another piece.  Very different and subdued compared to an earlier piece, which is also a beautiful color, both 36 count Tobias, different shops, different shipments.  Just saying .... good luck!!

I am starting Jane again because of a mishap that I cannot correct.  Missy and her claw were involved, need to remember to snip those long serger thread chains that dangle and tempt.  A Missyhap.  I tried my best but it was too much fussing reweaving both warp and weft. This fat quarter has three inches to spare, so the sampler will still fit since the breaks are near the edge.  The damage is not shown, I don't post obscene photos.  Since the sampler has very little leeway on this fat quarter, this second start will be at the center mark.  I really dislike starting anywhere other than top left but with minimal margins, it's the best option.  I'm already crabby so what's a little more?

My friend in SC has the same symptoms as I do, kept testing negative.  Goes to the hospital and their more invasive swab showed a variant.  It's her third covid bout since spring.  I am still improving but the turkeys were not happy when I sneezed and scared the crap out of them.  

A tomato was knocked off the vine and partially eaten, leaving two tiny punctures a half inch apart like fangs.  ????  The cat?

Be careful!  Stay safe.

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Number two

I'm not having any problem with the 36 count!  Isn't that strange? 

I adore this Tobias color, lighter than my other piece, and perfect.  I pulled Kezia to start but had a problem with the symbol.  This wonderful booklet offers the border in over one and another chart for over two, but the symbol is not listed for the vine.  I thought it was 310 but after checking through a magnifier, it is a symbol not listed.  So she went back into the basket and the second pull was Sarah Needham, but I need a piece of linen for her.  Third was Jane.  And yes, already a thread change.  I am only substituting if I don't feel the charted color shows well on my chosen linen.  And I learned something important. 

 As with the yellow in Ann, choosing a lighter or darker shade doesn't always work.  Brighter is better.  These two are very similar, but the 3827 is brighter and that's what worked.  Going up and down from the 437 on the DMC card still didn't present as well on this dark fabric.  

Working only two (let alone five) at the same time is messy and I don't like putting away the work, the chart, all those floss bags every time.  So my plan today is to drill pilot holes into the side of my oak tray table, install the hooks, and keep the floss rings hung around the table for easy access (they are tagged with sampler name).  The projects will be stored in the bags and without the bulky floss bags, easier to handle.

  The basket is working well to store these bags and I bought extra clipboards to hold the current working page and thread list.  A few extra hooks on the table can also keep scissors at hand.  I actually worked up a wood project that I will show soon, not quite finished yet.

Feeling better today, thank you for the well wishes!

Have a good day.

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Oh no

 What am I seeing .....

not again.

This is the female (?) that Missy took off after a month ago.

Her solid yellow boyfriend is around too.  And mean.

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A dizzy tizzy

 Holy hotcakes.  I am unstable, wonky, a little dizzy, yet I attempted this band.  I can't tell you how many times I have been frustrated with frogs.  Why can't I catch on to this pattern?  I decided to do the bottom and top separately with the first cross and then follow with the second and fill in the few middle stitches.  I still haven't got the hang of it!  But thank goodness I only did the first half, made it so much easier to remove rather than the full stitch.  Trying again.

Still negative, but feeling so weird.  Last time the Urgent Care nurse swabbed me four different days and I kept getting worse.  Wasn't until the doctor in the hospital swabbed me and dislodged my eyeball doing it that it registered.  I've heard of a few that were not + until they were tested in the deep caves of the sinus.

Anyway, my cousin that was not to survive is now released to a nursing home for rehab, eating and speaking again.  I don't know who has authority over her health, no kids, husband gone, has a significant other but I doubt he holds her rights.  She has dementia and they may want to keep her, even though on meds and not serious at this point.  Something we all need to think about.  My other cousin that developed FTD (frontotemporal dementia) had no legal documents and the state took over her care and where she would go.  Her sister fought it, but lost.  Another thing that I've seen here three times in the last few years is single mothers with several children, different names, different fathers.  Tragically two were killed, one sent to jail, and without guardianship registered with the court, the children were separated to live with fathers, some they barely knew.  And certainly did not know their girlfriends and their kids.  Tragic.  Who would think at that age a situation like this could tear the family apart, but it happens.

I've been in sweatshirt in the evening and morning most of July, and now it's really cool and I'm dressed for snow.  The chills from whatever I have aren't helping.  That's it.  Fall.  Mid August and we'll be in the low 70's for weeks.  Dammit.

This is my Wave petunia that is not doing well, and my Limelight hydrangea tree.

Back to napping.  

Hope your day was good.

Oh .... Truus, that missing stitch is what I do when testing a new color to make it easier to find the end.

Be safe everyone.

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

The minors

Hi folks.  It's Sunday morning and I can barely swallow.  Tested and negative so far, but since this started yesterday and more symptoms popped up today, I will continue testing.  

My husband won some $$ golfing so I bought linen!  Was considering a drive out to Shaker Woods which started yesterday but ....  If I continue to be negative, maybe next weekend.  The last time we were there was many years ago and hubs thinks it's about time I do something fun.  We'll see.  I wear a neck brace on longer rides because of my wonky vertebrae and need to remember who I lent it to.  Uncomfortable, but it stabilizes and would prevent further movement toward the spinal cord.  Both incidents of being hit by others happened within two miles of home.  But they were in town on two lanes, not a major higher speed highway.

 

Ann is the only sampler I've been working on and I am very surprised (and a little concerned) that this 30 count requires my 4.0 glasses and the Dazor mag.  I worked on 40 not that long ago and I'm almost afraid to pull out the 35 count in the kitted projects.  I'm following the thread colors except for three so far and they are mainly adjustments for better show.  The 3046 appears a little dull on this linen, the 3023 is barely visible, and 3033 is hardly seen and looks dirty.

The dividing band and letter N on the left are 3046 and the right is 676.  Not much change except for a more clear yellow.  The 3023 will now be 3022, and 822 shows much better than 3033.  Very minor difference in these changes but enough to offer more clarity.  The large area of blue in this piece may not be readable with the 927 used throughout.  DMC 926 may be subbed but I need to see how well it will show.

Time for Tylenol and a nap.  

Enjoy your day!

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

Before you stitch,

 measure twice.  Top and bottom.  This may be the first time the cut was off, I've never checked before.  But a few of these starts need every inch of the fat quarter width and it would be foolish not to.  Edges are fully serged, I have not cut.  

It happens, I'm sure not intentional with all the pieces flying out for shipping.  It may only be one in a thousand but if you're that one that measured the top and it's good, measure the bottom too, just in case.  

This is the Paperbark that was too apricot for me, so I got out the Rit and now it is Bitch Beige with meno mottling.  Not bad, but the result looks more like it was tie-dyed.  The very small piece of Creme Brulee by Tabbycat that I ordered has one side with solid dark mottling and the other side has none.  Like half of an Oreo.  Can't help that in a small piece.  

I started Ann Stone on 30 count with two threads over two.  Meh.  It's like the old days when all my projects were 25 to 30 unbleached with two threads.  

It's been a frustrating morning dealing with someone that .... well ...... why bother. 

Hope your day is swell.

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

Ta-da!

Leveled this walkway and decided to just add pea gravel and tamp well for now.  Those rubber pavers (recycled tires at Lowe's and Home Depot) also come in two foot squares, but this area is not a priority right now.  We would need the peas as fill around the pavers (they are 3/4" thick) so we'll have them in place and can easily add pavers in the future.  

Added bonus is a nicer view from the window that I can load with shade annuals for color and greens at Christmas.

Front of garage tunia.  Some will be going to Carole's since hers are sickly looking. 

I know this is boring, but I'm boring, and little things like this are exciting to boring people.  It's a shame ain't it?

Have a great day!!

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

I just said that

 Didn't I post recently to measure your fabric, not to assume the dimensions?   I guess I wasn't paying attention.  It's a good thing I happened to check because I need 17" minimum and the piece I chose ......

I am pretty pleased with myself today.  Being disgusted with this mess and no sign of help coming, I waited until husband left for golf and I started removing the 7" of gravel they dumped where the concrete patio used to be. 

Raked and then shoveled twenty wheelbarrows to another spot, moved some smaller barn stones as edging to hold it in, and after a short rest, I'm good!  Only 1/8 of the pile, have no idea where the rest will go.  What a mess and expense this mandated project has been.  Not even a year later and they raised the monthly fee.

This back corner is a perfect spot for seasonal decorating in the tub and wheelbarrow.  This is behind the deck and swing and used mainly to get to the bird feeders.  No need to install labor intensive pavers here, we'll add crushed base or sand along the stones and get the rubber ones. 

They are flexible so no cracks, no need to be perfectly leveled, not slippery, no sealer needed.  Great alternative for a outdoor spot without a lot of fuss, 16" x 16".  Meant to go over old patios or decks, I'm sure I can lay them over sand or crushed stone that I can get in bags.  Less work!  Less maintenance!!  Very neat looking for this small area.  

Be safe!

Thanks for visiting.

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

p.s.  Also want to mention that I'm not saying you shouldn't indulge in stitching pretties!  I'm saying don't think you need to, especially if just starting out.  Nicola and others love the accessories and accoutrements and that's great.  If something increases your pleasure of stitching, go for it.  I love seeing the items and stitchers' delight in having them, but don't feel you're an outsider or odd duck if you can't afford them or prefer the basics.  That's all folks!

As Jackie Gleason would say ...

 AND AWAY WE GO!!!!!

If I find a thread color isn't working for me I will change it then, not before.

There are a few linens that I still don't care for, one is a piece of Paperbark, another is Hemingway.  My limited stash of fat quarters yielded colors (all neutral) that l am pleased with for these projects.

So far!

I just shortened and taped a 5x8 plastic bag to my project pouches and inserted yellow paper for easy identification.  Yes the beautiful fabric ones would be nice, but after decades of stitching, I don't even have a needle minder.  It's how I started long before there were pretties and would rather the money go to fabrics and charts.  Nothing wrong with expensive scissors and hundreds of $$ in bags and dookies if you can afford them, not in the least!  But if some of us are more comfortable with just the basics, nothing wrong with that either.  A completed beautiful sampler does not offer a hint whether the stitcher stored supplies in plastic or glorious fabric, cut with $100 scissors or $5, used a finely crafted wood frame or held the linen in hand, whether bauble fobs dangled from tools.  Personal preference determines what you feel would make your needleworking more pleasurable or offer a better result.  It's our choice, and whether we have it all, or very little, we can create a beautiful result as did the young girls whose work we reproduce.  

Have a good day!!

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