Ween Beans

 As my sinus continues to pound, I thought the head banging task of choosing a linen color would be a good idea.  These larger samplers were kitted and I expected not to change anything.  I was wrong.  As I looked through them, contemplating a start to rotate with the smalls, my selections needed a second look.  Trying to work more than one project at a time didn't last long and I need to try again.  The floss tube channel, Recovering Monogamous Stitcher, caught my eye since I am monogamous and what a great stitcher.  Her projects are gorgeous, mostly samplers, her personality and voice is as pleasant as can be.  I still have a problem understanding how 56 count is stitchable!

I have a piece of Oatmeal linen that I will sell soon, too greenish for me, and Ween Beans was also in the folder to sell.  Hmmm.  It's dark, strong, but when I put the floss colors on it, ooooh baby.  I can't picture this beautiful sampler on such a dark ground and wonder if it would be too much contrast and detract from the design.  Bright colors on colorful dark (not a neutral dark) are not my preference for beautiful floral borders.  Soft and elegant is nicer but I need your thoughts please!!

This is quite a bit stronger in color/depth than the chart's cover photo.  The colors really pop on this, but I am concerned maybe too much, and a marking style sampler would be a better choice for the Ween.

We spoke with Carole last night about returning to the facility, even for a month to regain herself and get more therapy for independence, it is out of the question even after admitting she made a mistake by leaving.  So we will continue with the next project to make her bedroom more accommodating.  Mark wants to pay for this also, I said no.  What would Stella do?  LOL!!

Dentist today for more consults on how I can be fixed without mortgaging our house.  Most options are not feasible because of not having saliva.  

Have a good days folks!  Stay safe.

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The Stella in me

 These past few days have been.... stressful.  The headboard made it, it looks wonderful.  I cut down and edged her massive puffy king comforter to a double size.  The bathroom cabinet is hung.  The broken leg bench is fixed.  I made her favorite kugle, Hawaiian sliders, goulash, crostini.  That's all that went well, and only because they were jobs planned, made, and completed by us.  She is having more issues, looks terrible, is miserable, and needs to return to SNF.  

My 20 year old cheap wifi router croaked.  Went to Walmart (it's our only place to go) and found a basic router for $63.  I know it's necessary, but I thought about the linen that could have purchased.  After checking online (no manuals are ever included) I see that Walmart's price is $41.50.  Did they not increase the website price?  Who cares?  I added to the cart for pickup and a few hours later, it was in my car and the same for $63 was returned.  I saved $20.  Mom Stella would insist on that being put away as a saving, and I used to agree, but no more.  I've decided to buy what I want as long as it doesn't add to debt.  I will soon be 72 and see no reason to continue "only what is necessary" fiscal thinking.  Bull cookies.  Stella's lessons will never be completely ignored, but a little change is in order. 

Over a month ago I purchased these from The Wishing Thorn.

The Tindale Sisters two charts (in one offer) are very similar, not sure about doing both.  But framed and displayed together, maybe a few colors changes in the body, would be nice.  Either bottom would be great as a drum also.

I found two charts from the upcoming show that I plan to purchase, both small, and need to decide about that honker piece of linen I need for the two big girls.  I also decided to order several small pieces of 32 count and use two strands of floss.  I don't know why the 36 counts are looking so sparse but I want more coverage.  I do have a few pieces of 40 for a tighter stitch, but I'm not as comfortable straining to see it.  I don't know if it's only me, but if a selvage edge is right or left, I can see the weave much easier than if that edge is top or bottom,  On the small pieces without a selvage, I can tell where they would be when starting to stitch.  That's really weird isn't it?  I see an almost v shape to the weave like a knitted pearl stitch, and it's not on every piece but certainly too many!

That's all I got.  Still taking cold meds, plan to do a little cleaning today.  Stella would say there is no such thing as a little cleaning.  If it's halfway, it's not clean.  

Yes, Stella.  I hear you.

Be safe!

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Now ....

 How do we get it in the car??

Five foot wide and over four high!

Headboards made from old paneled doors are nicer, this was a flush pocket door.

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Sidetracked

 That's what happens when you can't focus on your plans and covid is rebounding.  If throat, sinus, and cough are the worst of it, I can handle that and be grateful it's not more severe.  Day by day!

Here's the headboard work.  Keep in mind, we didn't expect or intend for this to be "showroom" quality.  More functional than decorative.

The hollow core door is 28"wide, he cut length down to the 54" width of the double bed and inserted a scrap piece into that edge (not necessary).  Oak cost would be close to the full yard of linen I need for Mary Carr and Mary Barres and if I can't get that, no one gets oak. Pine it is.

We constructed the end posts with 1x4s and ripped the filler strips to the 1.375 door thickness, recessed in post for a 1/4" reveal.  Left a 28" opening for the cut door to slide in, nailed and glued.  Simple, does the job.  I do not like the post caps one bit but I was again napping and missed barking the order.

There is no linen in my mailbox, but oak boards would have too much grain compared to the oak plywood anyway.  Considered painting blue to match the barn doors if the stain was off.

The End.

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On a roll

 BBD roll.  

After my Zofran and Advil, I plan to pull linen scraps and kit these sweet rolls.  Ah.  Sweet roll.  Have not been craving sugary treats which is a good thing whether from the meds or the virus.  I will try my best to keep it that way.  Still need the sweet in my tea and coffee.

I have another BBD pinroll working copy that I enlarged, bird with a berry, no idea where it came from.  That one makes five.  I do plan to get back to samplers, but I am picturing a bowl filled with these tootsie rolls.  I've not been keen to hiding half of a design with this shape, and I may add some sort of vertical border at the seam to increase the size a little.

These are all from the BBD Book Sewing Club.

Come on Zofran!  Do your stuff!!

Enjoy your day everyone.

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Sun is out!

First - Maureen, oh my goodness there is no reason to apologize for your comment!  It was in no way offensive, insensitive, or judgmental.  Please, do not feel you owe me or anyone an apology for your thoughts. 

Mark is working on a headboard for Carole's room.  Using one of the doors that we removed, he will construct a post at each end with a simple top cap, the slab door will be horizontal between.  The trapeze bar above the bed was attached to the hospital bed (now gone) so he modified and attached to the wall.  It stands about 6" away from the wall and the pillows fall through, so the headboard will help and dress up the place a little.  Because of the bed being adjustable, the headboard cannot be attached to its frame, only the wall.   I am hoping our caution and PITA wiping of everything near to me will end soon and we can get over to finish the room.  If the throat, head, and cough persist for some time in lieu of serious complications, I won't complain.  But how long before I am not contagious??  Too many differing guidelines.

So what's next on the stitching station?  I don't know.  I have the big gals kitted but am still resisting such a commitment.   Lots of final finishing to do, but not until the head clears.   Sometimes all goes smoothly and sometimes my words can make the old metal machine rust.  Yes, they are that abrasive!

Maud Fuzzard may be picked up again, and I would like to use two strands to recreate her heavy primitive look.  The 36 count of the two BBD projects did not have good coverage with one thread.  In fact, I had a difficult time getting a nice cross.  The stitches were loose and messy as if there was too much room.  Does anyone use two strands on 36, maybe depending on the linen?  A lower count would give me the rough look of Maud's original but I wanted a smaller finish.  We'll see.

Hope your weekend is peaceful!

Thanks for all the good wishes.

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Pinroll finish

 Added a few scatters to fill the empty spaces.

Used Colour & Cotton (Garland & Marsh) for the bird.  

Relapsing today before I even test negative.

The reason I want the vaccine is to not feel as vulnerable to severe illness.  I know people are still susceptible and many of our vaxed friends have had it multiple times.  Cases as mild as a sniffle, and next time hospitalized.  One friend was hanging on to life two weeks after a booster.  A local young woman had a mild case until the sixth day when it struck with a vengeance, she died two days later.  This evil released to the world is so unpredictable. 

Enjoy your weekend folks.

Be safe, be well.

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Pinroll

 Hiya.  How's everyone?  To those of you who received the vaccine, I'm envious.  

But I am up and about, I ate yesterday, and although not near proper (never was, never will be) I am so much better.  The Paxlovid meds are staying down thanks to Zofran.  Fever has left the building.

This is the little pinroll from the same BBD book that I plan to stitch titled The Budding Twigs (no idea why that name).  I will be finished with heart racing jittery dizzies from meds tomorrow and will pick up my needle then.  Using the same fabric as the Spring Green finish, the bird will be blues and browns and maybe a thread I find on the floor.

 This goes with the sewing box design, Her Fair Works, but easily adapted to any of the other great pieces in this book by using the same linen and thread colors.

Then again, I am up!  Maybe I will browse a little and find another small instead.  I've only purchased two BBD books since samplers and Christmas related are what I prefer, and very glad I did.  I've already completed four from Ooh la la.

Enjoy your day, be safe, be well.

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Finish.

 Doing OK.  Weak and unsteady, probably the meds, but got this done before the shaky hands started.  

 

I like the abbreviated finish, changed bird to blue, less  background scatter, added grass, no initial.

Would like a mini pom edge in the gingerbread-ish color.

I plan to do the pinroll in this book next, when steady hands return.

Have a good one.

Be safe! 

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Linda Blair and I

 Dammit.

I cut the Paxlovid, used mouth gel, and vitamin water.  As soon as they hit my stomach, I can outdo Linda Blair (the Exorcist).  No warning, full force.  WTH?  So the only option I have to fight this covid is not going to work.  Great.  I'll try Tylenol for my raging fever and joints, and hope for the best.

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

Wow

 Can't believe how quickly I am worsening.  Muscles, joints, chest, terrible chills, weak, can barely speak or swallow with the throat pain, what the hell???  Got the Paxlovid, will start with the evening dose at 5.  Between the fear of choking again (from way back when), my very small gullet, and water not being as slippery as saliva to get it down, I need to cut or crush any and all pills except for tiny.  Paxlovid is not to be cut, there are three pills to take at once twice a day, but I have no choice.

Fingers crossed this progression stops with the medication.  New rheumatologist end of March, but after three other opinions, I expect her to agree, no vaccine for me.

Take care!

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

Again

 covid

A few changes (of course) and I plan to remove the bottom leaf and end this design short.  I do not like words (spring green) unless on a sampler.  Adding some grass to that area and ending there, mistakenly added another row to the house height. 

I will ask for Paxlovid tomorrow, the monoclonals helped greatly last time but they are no longer offered to those like myself that are unable to get the vaccine.  Last time, no respiratory involvement, but this time all lungs and throat.  

Have a good day folks.

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About that linen

 I am not sure if this is Gingerbread or dipped Gingerbread to tone and darken, or if this is a darker Ale.  The linen matches dmc 3862 very well. 

My throat is so painful I can barely talk, obviously not working at Carole's today.  Non-drowsy cold meds still put me to sleep, I hope to stitch between naps.  Sunny warm day, and here I sit.  Damn.  Good day to binge SBS (saltbox stitcher) floss tube.  I don't subscribe to many videos, and some I change speed to 1.5!  I can stop and slow down when something catches my eye.  

Hope your weekend is swell.   

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A slow down

 Yoi.  Cleaned carole's bathroom today and it wasn't easy.  Her cast iron tub has no finish, neither does her floor.  I doubt wax would help the linoleum, the tub should just be replaced.  I purchased a wall cabinet for storage and that didn't sit well with her.  Wants nothing changed, wouldn't pare down the toiletries, makeup, nothing.  Been dealing with this for some time so not a surprise, but my paining old body was.  Did not expect the on my knees stretching and scrubbing would be a problem!  Good grief.

My next project, should I decide to stay with it, is also from Ooh la la, Spring Green pincushion.  I want to make the matching needleroll also.  Took a while to get threads right.  The WDW Tarragon DMC alternative is shown as 3768, but I didn't like that blue as leaves.  Checking a few sites showed the DMC match as 3022.  Nah.  Chose a lighter and darker green from my overdyed.  Very limited stash, but had the perfect shades.  DMC 3721 and similar are not my favorites, especially on this gingerbread linen.  Switched the 3721 to 355 for flowers and I'm a happy crab.

Not a sampler, but this design is too sweet to pass on.

High winds tonight.  After a few advil I should sleep through the howling.

Thanks for visiting!

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

Boom. Again.

I added two rows to the last band to make it more of a square, and also didn't think a single row fit nicely with the other heavier bands.  Outside border is not stitched .... yet .... I think it would crowd the design because of the heavier thread.

A Little Bit French from BBD Ooh la la book.

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

Ooh la la

 Continuing with the flower thread, the look is heavy with full coverage, and I like it for this project.  A small area on this 36 count was stitched with one strand dmc and the difference was dramatic.  Not for all samplers of course, but I was imagining this and also Maud with a heavier thread.  

I didn't realize Ginnie Thompson thread was still available, there is a website http://www.flowerthread.com/ and it includes dmc conversion.  Mine is decades old, a little fuzzy that gives the look of wool.  I'm using Thread Heaven and a shorter strand.

I am leaning toward 32 count with two dmc threads for some projects.  Excellent coverage which (to me) gives a stronger appearance in color and definition.  Flower thread only requires one strand.

As for my neck problem, that is not recent or related to the minor surgery.  I have two vertebra in my neck that are pushed forward into the spinal canal and have been for many years.  When diagnosed I had to wear a brace when in the car, but a physician seen later said it was not necessary.  Hard to get that fear out of your head once heard!  I would love to take road trips but the first doc's reaction to my tests and warnings about quadriplegia have stayed with me.  But hey, cars have many more air bags these days!

Have a good one!

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

Seeing red

Hi to all!  The snow melted, we'll be in the 40's for a while, follow up in Pittsburgh next week should not be a problem.  Because I've been warned that a jolt to my neck could easily result in paralysis, road trips are a real fist grip.

For some reason, small red samplers have been distracting me from the ridiculous task of choosing colors for Maud Fuzzard.  This one from the BBD book Ooh la la will be 4.25" on 36 count.  

Also distracted by Fat Thread Syndrome.  Yes, it's a new threat.  Many old sampler photos I've seen are stitched on coarse or loosely woven linen, threads are fat and heavy.  Wool?  I like the look.  Not for elegant or detailed works, but great for primitive marking samplers.  I could use my 28 or 30 count, but I want a very small tuck.  This test is with flower thread.  I may have a red wool, need to look before I go any further.  

I love this linen color but only the count is marked in the selvage, no idea what it is.  This is Ginnie Thompson flower thread 370 that is easing my FTS.  I really like it.  Will my attempt to mimic those old pieces not work on higher count linen?  I need to stitch more to decide.  

About Maud, I can't decide on the gold, three different choices here.  So she will be set aside while I treat my affliction.  The BBD will not take long.  Hopefully.

Have a great day!

Stay safe.

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

Clutter Colonel

A few notes on the background.

The reason I want order is because we are still working there and have more projects to do.  Disorder is also affecting Carole's mental state which is already fragile.  Right now, her focus is adjusting to her new life and if I can help ease some anxiety, I will.  The look on her face shows how unsettled and lost she still is so after two years of terrible stress and responsibilities, I can handle a few weeks more of non-critical help.  I'm sure once she gets her bearings, she'll be spouting marching orders. The real stress has been the kids well being, they are doing better after court ordered custody, and we feel will continue now that it is almost over.

Harley was adopted months before Carole announced her homecoming, no one was expecting that.  By then, Matt and the kids were attached and Carole is smitten with the big galoot too.  A PITA at times, she is still a puppy although monstrous, and pups love to play.  

I am great at organizing and giving orders, enjoy doing so, and refuse to give up my rank.  We just spent another four hours there jiggering the trapeze aid over the bed and fixing the sliding barn door.  Several smaller projects to do that will offer more storage space and solve the kitchen/food clutter.  Bathroom will have woven stacking organizers tagged with everyone's name, big enough for all essentials plus.  The kitchen counter will also, and those tags will make it easier to see what favorites need restocked for who.  When we walked in today, all was neat, swept, orderly.  They knew I was coming.

Once we get her bedroom arranged, a bookcase built, and fabric bins for her mess to hide in, Tracy should be full time and take over.  We've worked out a wall surround for her TV that will offer a great deal of display area for her angel collection and photos in her personal space rather than the living room.  That will probably be the end of our projects which have been numerous to help her adapt.  Harley will miss seeing us so often!!

Any conflicts or issues will be solved among themselves.  I am the Clutter Colonel.  Carole will still expect me to continue handling finances, bills, appointments, phone calls, but I will explain that she is perfectly capable to handle such matters very soon.

I have not stitched, can't decide on fabric or count, and this needs remedied quickly before I decide it's time for a break.

Have a fabulous weekend folks.  February!  Getting closer and closer to spring.

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

Background noise

 A candy coated description of the added stress and commotion.  

And I'm betting it is not what you imagined!

Carole came home in December to what was her house, now her son's (Chris), after being gone for two years.  Early July, Chris's son (Matt) left his SO of ten years when she refused to agree to counseling and moved in to the house.  The court was for full custody of their two kids who do not want to live with mom.  The 8 and 9 year olds also now live in the house every other week, soon to be full time since mom failed to follow court ordered counseling.  Matt's dear friend from work passed away suddenly from an aneurysm, her husband decided to take her new pup to the shelter which was devastating to their kids.  Matt knew how she and her kids loved that pup and adopted it so the kids would know she had a good home.  That "pup" is a Great Dane, now eleven months old, and very hard to manage when she is in play mode.  Then Matt is introduced to Tracy, who is now staying at the house and has been helping Carole since she arrived home.  She left her job to be hired through an agency as her caregiver.  Chris is type 1 diabetic, ADHD, very high strung, stressed.  Matt is as messy as can be, unless you count Tracy in.  The two youngsters are like their dad.  Maybe it's selfish, but none of us thought Carole coming home with her needs and adding to this scenario was a good idea at this time.  

So in addition to Carole, there is Chris, Matt, Tracy, Sophia. Matt 2, and Harley the Dane occupying a three bedroom cape with a one car garage.  The house is packed full from attic to basement with Carole's "treasures", Chris's crap, Matt's junk, kid's clothes, more toys than Walmart, a massive dog crate, huge motorized chair, manual wheelchair, disability aids, and a sampling of all strewn throughout.  It's difficult to take a meal, leftovers, or even a treat to one person when five others are there.  No, they don't expect anything and are also contributing to her needs, but it's uncomfortable for me.  They all pitch in, continually ask what they can do for her, personalities are thankfully not an issue.  

I can't take clutter, disorder, deafening noise, racket from three conversations, kid's screaming (one is autistic), a barking dog that can knock me down, not having a place to park, not having empty counter space to set something, on top of trying to deal with needs no one can fill for a sister slapped in the face with reality.  Not only of her condition, but her home's also.  Yes, they've been told, are driving Chris nuts, are as nice and sweet as can be, but more work is needed. When you have lived without order, you don't recognize it since it becomes the norm.  Matt does not make enough for an apartment (most here are drug infested and unsafe), and Chris wants his grandkids in his home, they don't need more changes right now.  Both men working shifts and with Tracy, someone is always available to be with the kids, very important.  Now that I am done with health crap and ready to start the dental, I will be the toothless bitch with crooked fingers and enforcer of new rules.  Any bets?

The end?  

Not by a long shot.

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

Down time

turned into damn time.  I could not find a suitable linen color, nor could I decide on count.  The previous two projects were lower count, two threads, I wanted to go back to 36 or 40.  Nothing looked right.  The single thread looked very skimpy and I had a difficult time stitching on those counts.  Really difficult.  Maud's original, like other primitive marking samplers, has pronounced thick stitches on a coarse fabric and it suits this design.  I went from 36 Ale to 30 Rook to 40 Legacy to 32 Copper Penny, some letters looked cramped while others loose.  Ended with 32 count that I dyed, two threads, but it didn't look right.  It is actually 36!  Dammit.  After a frustrating day, I realized something else was not sitting well.  Thread colors.  730 and 832 did not play nice with the others.  Changed 730 to 829 and 832 to 783, perfect.  Finally ready for needle to fabric.  A is two threads B is one.  Tomorrow.  I've had enough for today.

I only use my cell phone as a convenience when away from home, and for texting.  We have digital landline service through our cable and I do not like talking on a flat cell.  Tracfone is my carrier with 90 day service cards for $21.  I have purchased 1000 texts for $5 (plus taxes) from Walmart online.  This tech dinosaur found out there is a simple method to transfer landline calls to a cell when leaving the house.  Dial *72, wait for the beeps and dial tone, enter the full phone number you want the calls to go to, hit # or wait for confirmation.  Hang up!  Have someone call your landline to check, it should ring once and then start ringing on your cell.  To stop this service, hit *73 on your landline and wait for the beeps, hang up.  Try it a second time and it should say that the transfer was cancelled.  Cool beans!!  I don't have to worry about missed calls now.  Most of you know this or no longer have a landline.  I'm old school!

Hope tomorrow, a very cold day here, is a good one for all.

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

And then there's Maud

 I'm on "light duty" and need to start another simple project to keep busy.  So next up, the second chart I downloaded from GirlWithAGavelStitches.  Small, and her name grabbed me.  Maud Fuzzard.

Maud Fuzzard.

I always have issue with choosing linen color.  Very few are favorites because most slide out of their mailing package green or pink.  My first small piece of PTP Legacy was quite light.  After viewing a few floss tubes where the color looked darker, I took a chance on a second order and it is wonderful.  Fat quarter, I can't cut it.  I just can't!  Another reason I like 123Stitch is because of their offer of 8x12 pieces, great for ornaments and tucks.  PTP is my favorite linen, Legacy and Ale in both 36 and 40.  I do not care for smooth and silky linens, my Hemingway is such.  I need a few small pieces in a deeper brown and will check that next week.

For Maud, I do have an 8x12 Ale in 36, and was hoping for the same in 40 count.  Nope.  Still small in 36 and I changed a few DMCs for it.  Not color change, just hue or brightness.  813 for 799, 3852 for 832, 3773 for 224.  Minor changes, but my preference of hue.

If I don't get started or my eyes get tired, I may do a post on the "background" tomorrow.  Gotta keep busy, can only nap for so long, and it's time for a boring personal post don't 'ya think?

Have a great evening.

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

Done. Again.

 Susanna Hartley 1824

Color and other small changes (errors left in place) on 32 count, two threads, over two.

I see that I need to finish the 680 in the roof.

You will notice the "band" on the original, not sure if that is a thick linen thread or a mend, but I like it.  Anxious to finish, I didn't put much thought into it.  Several linen threads were pulled out of the fabric's edge and I stitched a band with them to mimic that look but it's not as noticeable.  I may do again over three threads instead of two.  Or not.

Surgery was fine, came home from Pittsburgh in fog but thankfully not snow.  Stitches opened at the end, so I pulled the hanging suture thread to close, taped the end of it to hold, and then applied steri-strips.  Sort of like a blind hem stitch.  We're good.  No big deal.

A few things settled, certainly calmer than I have been the last few weeks.  

Hope all is well with everyone.

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