To conclude

Shortly after our loss, GF was going through her beautiful bedroom furniture.  I went to the house and took personal pieces that I wanted, she never made me feel that anything was taken by her.  The new dresses and clothing I recently bought sister, I offered to her.  Not interested in doing all of this so soon, I expected the bedroom door to be closed and slowly I would take time to complete the sorting task.  Son couldn't enter, but GF and the cats were in there all the time.  And then she moved into her bedroom.  I can imagine what condition it is in.

A few of my grandmother's and aunts' dishes or such, and sister's pink, yellow, and green depression glass which I want, are stored in the attic.  The first Christmas without her, I brought food for everyone to the house at time we specified.  GF had no napkins, flatware, serving spoons, nothing, on the table.  Paper plates and paper towels were given to me when I asked about dishes.  On Christmas Eve, when someone was bringing the food and cookies.  Do I think they will ever use the beautiful dessert dishes?  Sell them more likely.  I want them out of that house.  After winter passed, over and over I asked when would be a good time to come and look through the attic.  Excuse after excuse.  Her son, my nephew, was making it obvious that he didn't want me there.  I needed answers so started him on a guilt trip about all we have done for him over the years.  Finally.  He was embarrassed, disgusted, and couldn't face having us see the house.  How bad could it be?  I know she doesn't clean, but ......  He said you can't imagine.

I showed up last Christmas with their gifts, after grandson and GF were told to get the house cleaned up.   ...........  Flies, gnats, choking stench, cat feces everywhere.  Seriously.  Not a few spots she didn't notice .....  everywhere.  All the cats were roaming, no longer relegated to the basement.  Not her house, but as always, does what she wants.   She has the house to herself while the guys are at work and fire calls. No matter how many demands to get out, how many threats, how many screams, how many fights, she didn't move.  Their clothes and coats till stink.  The house reeks.  It's filthy.  Takes your breath away, and they can't smell it.

The kids?  This is what they are used to at their mother's trash heap.  Hard to believe, but the girl told her counselor that she can't stand how dirty her mother's house is which prompted another CYS visit.  Nothing done.  But their mother's is worse than this?  Both woman are not employed, have all day.  Son has been at end of rope, wanting to look for an apartment for himself to get out of his own house.  On Easter, he went into the mill to use their showers because his bathroom was disgusting.

To top it off, the yellow car I love and gave sister, was taken over by GF for over a year now.  Excuse?  Kids.  I wanted the car back, and also knew sister would NEVER agree to GF having her car.  If he took the keys from her, what if someone needed to be picked up from school, or counselor, or doctor?   This was killing me when I saw her driving around town.  And who is that with her?  Seems she has half-siblings, twins and another brother that were kept from us. Taxi service for the family.  Now I am boiling.

Where does it stand today?  She got a car and is packing to move in with her dad "until the house is cleaned".  If they let her back in, I'm done with them.   A dumpster was rented several months ago, most of the soiled carpet torn out, sofa that was eaten/destroyed by the Dane, all upholstered pieces gone from odor.  We still can't be at the house with that stench, even after carpet removal.  She loved that thick carpet, the sofa she found to match, all destroyed.  Really anything in the house needs trashed.  A service has to be called in to clean, paint, basement sprayed, new furniture, $$$$$$$.  Not a cent from her.  Why do they still like her?  Other than her pigness, she is sweet, kind, sensitive, kids love her.  They are so upset she is leaving.  But I'm sure she will be included in all events.  What about the cats and the two litters of kittens?  I am afraid to ask.  The last ultimatum was removal .... not one cat in the house, all outside.  But she brought several back with kittens.  Are they to physically remove her and bring harm to the kittens by shoving outside?  No agency here will help or offer solutions.  And no cleaning can be done until the source (cats) is gone.  She is still not cleaning the litter box.  Vicious circle.

Did I mention that she was going through son's drawers upstairs and stole money?  But she got caught and said she was sorry while tears flowed.  Funny how when I was close to ripping her face off, she didn't cry at all like when the guys yell.

Honestly, from what has transpired this last year, I do not believe she is leaving and not returning.  In a few days, I will delete these posts, but will mention the final outcome when it happens.  If ever.  I wish I could let this go, but I can't.  

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Before the conclusion

About her doctor ... hospice dosage is up to the prescribing doctor we were told.  We were also told she had several weeks of life left, but that was not a guarantee.  There were many issues, few options, and she was suffering with fear and pain. I don't want to get into details.  But no excuse for the way sister and us were treated, the hospital closed, doctor is retired. This "situation" is about GF, providing background about her ways to better understand.

We have no animal control agency.  We have one dog warden for several counties, Humane Society with no volunteers (only one person who recently quit), a shelter that is tiny and over burdened.  Our new shelter is close to completion, working on donations.  We checked from Erie to Pittsburgh and over to Ohio, most do not offer help to neighboring states.  Except for one litter initially, there were no options.  Still aren't.  Phone calls and emails just for advice aren't even returned.  Even though rescued, they were brought to a house and have been living there, so not considered homeless or stray.  Complicated the already bad situation.

 The next and final post won't be very long.

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Covid

Covid was definitely from them. Sister always had friends visiting, but once the cats came and stink overpowered the house, she didn't allow anyone to visit.  They spoke almost daily and kept asking to see her, but she was too embarrassed to explain. 

My hands were tied at sister's request, and I believe now it was because of fear.  Fear of GF getting upset enough to stop caregiving on the spot.  No notice, even though living there. Would that signal the agency to alert the doctor and she would be returned to the facility?  As beautiful and efficient as it was, it wasn't home.  Family was not considered at that time, to be eligible for mandatory caregiving.  An agency had to report that care was being given with those hours.  

Changing her as soon as needed was always done, and extremely important to sister, never had to wear incontinence briefs before.  As soon as she told GF, it was changed.  Really, the only thing she did but the most important to sister, not having to wait for someone on set hours.  I left the scolding and orders to stop her nonsense to grandson, it was him that brought her there, was closest to her, and sister couldn't get mad at me for ripping into GF.  Didn't matter.  She didn't see a problem.  Her previous boyfriend stayed at the demo place, took care of the cats until he left.  He abandoned them and left them to be razed with the home.  I don't know how she and grandson met and became a couple, don't care.

Because I cannot receive any vaccines and already dealt with a severe covid condition, husband did not want me near anyone infected.  I was keeping up by phone, she sounded fine but felt weak, and one morning, they called and asked if they should call an ambulance because she can't hold her head up and BP is extremely low.  YES you freaking idiots.  Were you watching her and getting what she needed or playing with cats?  They sent her home after a week, she was so weak and nauseous . We argued, they released anyway.

Once home, she was barely talking.  After the EMTs transferred her to her bed, she opened her eyes after being gone a week and said "what stinks?".  Her nose blindness had worn off in that time.  I answered "don't think it's from your room, the whole house reeks".  GF took offense and said "I don't have to listen to this".  I don't remember much after that but husband said I was an inch from her face.  Did she cry and whimper like she always does?  No.  She was smug, arrogant and said I ruined her birthday.  Accused me of upsetting sister by yelling. They all left to go celebrate her birthday and said she will get her hours in later.  Surprisingly, she wanted to go back to the facility.  She wanted to soak in their huge tub, have quiet time to read, enjoy a cup of coffee on their porch, heal peacefully with aides that became friends, and return home when the cats were gone.  If she returned on her own, she could go back home. If she returned on doctor orders because of home care, she would never go back home.  But she still tested positive and they wouldn't take her until negative.

A few days later, she was alert, feeling better, and couldn't stop talking about the best baked beans and hot dog she ever had that husband made for her (low salt and sugar of course).  We bought her favorite treat and drinks, took them over that afternoon, and there was nowhere to set them.  She filled sister's table with open cat food bags, water bowls, dishes filled with food, and toys.  I removed it all.  Home Health was coming the next day to check vitals and instruct caregiver on paperwork and reports so I made sure her room looked decent to prevent a bad report.  I told GF to clean the bathroom which they will check, pick up the sticks in the living room, and get those litter boxes cleaned.  She was not happy at all, some work was done.  By grandson.  I came for the meeting and checked the rooms, litter box was full, house smelled from disinfectant and sprays.  I told her to get the poop out of the box and put fresh litter in.  She stormed out and dumped the box into the garbage toter.  No scooping, no bags, just dumped it all in.  I settled myself down and pulled the chair near her bed, asked if she wanted something from what we brought.  Didn't expect any cream cheese filled brioche bread to be left, but the package was not opened.  GF never offered to get any for her.  But two adult cats were on the table and chewing at the cellophane wrapper.  Everything I removed the day before was back.  I threw the brioche in the trash. 

When the nurse came and was giving us a lecture and instructions, GF takes a tiny kitten and places it on sister's chest as she was lying in bed with the nurse by her side.  Put a tiny kitten on her chest.  "Look how cute".  The nurse said nothing, I was holding my tongue.  She couldn't take the time to pay attention to the nurse, the kittens were still her focus.

Two days later, I saw changes in vitals that I took twice daily, I called the nurse to come again.  Sister, nurse, and I agreed she needs to return to hospital.  Her doctor of 40 years seemed to think it best she expire, too many problems and she's 85, and told her so.  Bluntly.  When I finally got her to agree to hospice for her pain (she did not accept her condition), her doctor walked out of her room, ordered the morphine, and within ten minutes she was knocked out.  I told the nurse we would take a break for some air, hopefully she will be awake with less pain.  He said, "she will never wake up".  The amount he ordered, without telling us, would not give family a chance for goodbyes.  That was it.  And for months I could not stop the guilt, the doubts, the rage I felt toward the house situation, the doctor, and the words not spoken, nor could I sleep.  Losing her was unbearable but these thoughts made it worse which I didn't think possible.  

When son and grandson came here to tell me about her service and hours, they stepped out of the truck and I could choke on their cat urine odor clothing.  I yelled at both for going to the funeral home stinking like that, she would be so embarrassed!  And they didn't smell it at all.  For the following eighteen months, to this day, it is still the case.  And worse.  You can imagine what comes next, the situation I keep referring to.

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Final months

 

There were kittens in the group that were taken to an agency an hour away, but they wouldn't take any more as the numbers grew.   No juveniles or adults were considered. Sister knew this was a disaster, but she saw a caring person trying to save these critters, and still wanted to be cautious and not lose her help.  Always an optimist, she thought they would find homes.  

Sister's bedroom was very large, enough room for the pieces we built to make it like a private apartment.  Mini fridge, coffee maker, desk/table for meals and books, comfy chairs by the windows for visitors, a peaceful quiet place to read and relax.  And now, two adult female cats and eight kittens, impossible to maneuver a motorized  chair around them.  GF spent all her time in sister's room playing with them and tried to secure them when the chair was used.  How can you be so callous to take over a disabled person's personal space, mobility, and ability to have friends visit?  She was more concerned about the kittens' welfare.

The day I brought meals for her without notice and opened the door to her room, the look on her face was again saying .... keep quiet.  I calmly said. "there is cat poop directly under her headboard, and kitten diarrhea under her table.  Easy to see on her ecru carpet".  Her response was "I'll get it" as she sat there playing with them.  Sister piped up quickly with "she'll take care of it, leave it, she'll get it", waving me out of the room.  Her house, her room, her caregiver, I was told over and over to stay out of it.  I wanted to scream. If someone could get me up from the floor I would get under the bed, clean it up, and throw the rags at her.  Furious, but also angry at my sister for strapping me.  But why?  Was she that afraid of losing the live-in help?  And she knew if I started this, I would finish it.  Was she worried about the kids' reaction?  Grandson's relationship?  This was not like her at all.  Whatever the reason, I couldn't sleep.  Seething, guilty, frustrated, torn.  If I had known sister was in her final weeks, GF would have been on an interstate berm with her thumb out.  I would not give a damn if the kids would be devastated.

I was getting to a breaking point, and affecting my health.

Her son works a lot of overtime and with volunteer fireman obligations, kids' sport events, not home much.  Always called on the way home to ask what she would like him to get for her.  Before all this, he kept the house clean and orderly.  There was tension and loud discussions with his son about the messy unkempt house where he, his kids every other week, and his GF were living with no costs whatsoever.  Attempts to remedy were lax and infrequent.  Sister was upset also, talked to the two about it, but didn't want hard feelings to cause a problem.  The cats were also a hot topic. One son, one grandson.  I saw the change in her when coming home.  Independent, outgoing, never afraid of new things, new people, loads of friends.  But losing both legs changed her. Needing assistance to even get from her chair in and out of bed, personal care, the back pain from constant sitting, and the phantom pain wouldn't leave.  But she still went to the kitchen and cooked their favorite meals after adjusting to being home.  Her beloved house?  Didn't seem like hers anymore.  It was her .... and five other mobile active people.  To sit in peace and read her books or talk with friends while watching the woodline and birds, couldn't happen unless they were all out, the floor was cleared, and the Dane in her cage.  What haunts me to this day, is the look on her face when husband and I came to visit during that peace, and starting choking.  I told her our throats were burning from the ammonia air, we couldn't stay.  We walked out and she was sitting in her chair with a look I can't forget.  That was our last opportunity before her downfall.

Once I heard grandson brought covid home, I knew she would get it also.  Hospitals, doctor offices, labs, nursing home, never infected.  It would be the dirty knobs and handles and doors and glasses and dishes and hands that would.  Masks don't prevent contact transmission.  You have to wash your filthy hands.  With vaccines and every follow up booster, I didn't expect it to be life threatening.  I was wrong.

Do you think GF could leave the kittens for a while and go sit with her since she was already exposed?  Or spend the time to thoroughly clean the crap and dust her room before she comes home from the hospital?  Or did she take the opportunity to allow more cats upstairs?

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

Meow mix

We were told that GF received an urgent call from a friend needing help to rescue a few cats from a home that was scheduled for demolition.  The landlord had no intention to save them.  Sister has always had cats, devastated when they passed, and felt these needed rescued but an agency should be contacted.  GF said she would bring them there, sister said my house, sorry, but no.  They can't keep up with the smallest of home keeping tasks and taking care of more pets she knew would not happen.  GF went to the location, found several dead, no food, no water, the smell was unbearable.  She brought three home.  Sister said NO, told grandson, NO.  Next two weeks, every day, she went there to bring more cats home.  No matter what she was told, she did what she wanted.  Grandson was furious and came home from work to find more, she continued.  Thirty?  Who knows for sure.  They were hiding in the basement.  We could not in good conscience throw them outside to fend for themselves.  They were born and raised indoors, never out.  She got two litter boxes for dozens of cats and cleaned them as often as she dusted.   Not neutered, spraying ensued, the house reeked even though it was the basement.  We could not visit without choking.  Sister and the others became nose blind, and did not smell this at all.  Seriously.  They though we were making it up.  I was livid that we could not spend time there. The contractor I hired to increase the deck and move her ramp smelled it outside. Raised voices became screams.  GF whimpered, cried, having a sweet disposition and never a harsh word, they felt guilty doing so.  Didn't matter.  No agency would take them after a wide search including some in the neighboring state.  Neutering needing to be done and because of my generous and caring friends donating, plus our funds, they were over a two month period.  We thought.  She kept several females that she thought may be pregnant.  And then hell broke loose.  I learned there is such a thing as a cat hoarder.

It wasn't until much later that we found out the cats, the condemned dwelling, were hers.  It was her old landlord that called, not a friend.  The old boyfriend was also on the lease and had left there a month earlier.  She claimed she didn't want to get him in trouble by reporting abandoning the cats.  Why not?  But I also realized the habits (or lack of) that she had caused a home to be scheduled for demolition, unable to be salvaged because of filth.  Oh no.  Where are we headed?

She never once offered to help with house expenses, cable, her phone that was put on their family plan, the food, the housekeeper help doing her job for her, nothing.  She had a new lease on a car that her sister needed, and took, and never returned.  GF continued making the payments, afraid of upsetting her sister.  Can you hear my blood boiling?  Two people that have caused her distress, used her for their benefit, given her nothing in return, she complies with their wants. The family that is giving her everything, she defies and disregards.  If GF left, the cats would stay.  No rental would allow that number of cats.  And how would the kids feel, losing someone they are so attached to, not to mention sister's full time caregiver when no one else is available or competent?  Agencies were (and still are) so desperate for help that just about anyone was hired to help vulnerable elderly. The offer from mom's agency was no longer, the woman retired. The apples in that cart were feeling my rage so strongly that the worms left in fear.  But I had no idea how much worse it would get.

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

As time moved on

 

The relationship with sister and GF continued over a year. The caregiver job entailed cleaning, helping with meals, medication, and personal care.  As time moved on, you could write your name in the dust, the vacuum was replaced twice because she used it to pick up wood pieces, sticks, broken dog toys, dog treats, and anything else she didn't want to bend over for.  Frozen meals were thrown into the microwave at times, nothing was "made", and bath wipes were "better than a shower".  I brought food, dusted, cleaned the bathroom, changed the sheets, and made her bed.  GF didn't know how to make a bed, and more surprisingly, why you would.  I could tell sister was not happy about any of this, but tolerated without much criticism to have peace in the house.  My talks with GF that this is not acceptable, were met with excuses, and a look from sister to cool it.  Don't upset the apple cart, even if the apples are wormy.  The frustration was getting to me.  I did not mind cleaning or helping at all, but GF was getting paid by an agency to do a job.  We hired a friend to help with cleaning when the kids were there, and also to help get sister in the shower.  GF made every excuse, never happened.  They couldn't even put things away so she didn't have to move it all in order to clean.  She quit.

The rescue puppy (grandson) turned into a Great Dane, difficult to move out of your wheelchair's way with no legs to nudge her.   The sticks, huge toys, and pieces of firewood strewn about the floor were prohibiting to say the least.  It was difficult to use a grabber and make sure you didn't topple off the chair without legs to balance yourself.  But being alone in her house when everyone was out, was absolute peace to her.  She loved the house they built, her kitchen, view, her beautiful bedroom sanctuary, everything.  So glad to be under that roof again, the chaos was unnerving, but tolerated with gratitude.  Even though she could barely see out the windows because of dog slobber.  I needed a scrubby to remove.

The great-grands.  Autistic boy and his sister also came with the house, every other week.  They loved GF.  Their home life is in a filthy bug infested house, with a mother that gives them 10 mg melatonin every night at 6pm since they were 3 years old.  Living in the attic "conversion" in her parent's house, they had (and still at 13) to be in bed at 6pm.  No outdoor play (she didn't want to wash their clothes), and no baths during the week with mom.  Children Services were sent to the house many times by teachers, nothing, as usual, was done.  Courts favored mom, who doesn't work, has disability checks coming for each child along with half of grandson's check.  50/50 shared custody, but she contributes not one article of clothing, shoes, school supplies, sports equipment, haircuts, doctors. These two kids do not need any more disruption or stress, and grandson can not in any way afford to rent somewhere.  Well then, for a happy safe place they can play outside, be a kid, and take a bath, more tolerance.  Five people, a disabled elder with a large motorized chair, and a Dane in her small cape cod.  

What act could possibly become a catalyst for bickering and stress in sister's final few months?  And continue to this day in an unthinkable dilemma?

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

Where it began

Most you already know, explains how gratitude fostered tolerance.

When sister was coming home from the facility, the government employee handling this change sat down with us/her and reviewed page after page of instruction, doctor orders, agencies helping,  benefits ordered, all signed and verified.  She had no idea how incompetent, useless, and dangerous she was to patients.  And as usual, neither did her supervisor.  She did not do anything, not one of the orders in that discharge file.  Upon arriving home, we waited, but no meds, no hospital bed, no supplies, no delivery orders, no nutrition service, and no caregiver.  The phone number she gave  to report any issues or help needed, went to voice mail.  I called the nursing home to see if they could offer another contact and they had another number for that agency.  No one there.  My local state offices worked from home long after covid but actually, didn't.  At all. We worked with the nursing facility and ordered everything on our own after jumping through many hoops. But no caregiver. Not one agency had anyone available and a waiting list of over a hundred already approved and needing help.  Couldn't get anyone to work, even with bonus sign on.  It was a horrible feeling for this 83 year old, the first time away from the safe and cared for environment since losing both legs. I did this for my mom for six years in my home, and now, coming off a wheelchair and still using a walker myself, was not up to lifting and physical/personal care. 

Sister's grandson had left his partner of ten years six months prior and moved into her house where his father was living alone. No one expected sister to return home from the facility. Shortly after that, grandson's new girlfriend (GF) was at the house all the time. When sister arrived home and GF learned of the problems, she was more than willing to help with personal needs (changing and bathing). Somewhat embarrassing for sister, but welcome. The plan on discharge that never was executed was necessary for her doctor to allow her to return home. If sister did not meet those required rules and receive the over 40 hours per week of aides, she would have to return to the facility.  GF previously worked in a nursing home and she had no problem passing tests for a home health agency.  They hired her for the full time job with sister as her single client.  Finally a schedule and accepted plan in place. Everyone was so relieved and grateful at how this worked out. But even so, sister was having a very difficult time adjusting from facility to home. What would we have done if she hadn't met grandson and been in the house?  After a few weeks, I was still in contact with other agencies.  When one that helped with mom found out it was my sister, they were willing to give us their best.  I was thrilled because I trusted them completely.  But sister said no, she didn't want to cause hard feelings with grandson and she appreciated how GF jumped in to help.  Big mistake.

More to come......

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

Not yet

A few things

First, I received an email regarding the steam press of stuffed finishes.  No, you do not steam the filling.  You steam press the piece after the filling is inside.  Stuff, THEN press. 

OK.

Secondly, the Classic Colorworks color Campfire, lists dmc alternative as 535.  Checked several sources, all claim 535 which is dark gray.  Those berries on the vine are red, not gray.  I chose 321.  The same vine is in Peppermint Pals and Sweater Weather, the berries on them list a red thread.

As for the beard and light areas, ecru wasn't enough contrast, white or 3865, too stark.  My remedy is stitching the first leg in ecru, crossing second leg with 3865.  Happy.  Used this method on the hat band and will do the rest same.  I stitch the sewing method so this will be quite easy for me.

Snowflakes will be all white.

Crabass. 

Out.

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Filling corners

Hiya.

Had a few questions about my pillow finishes.  The filling is Silky Soft.  I've used sawdust but I worry about any staining that may happen from the wood fibers so I line with muslin.  Also helps with the dust.  Crushed walnut shells are perfect for berries and small items but it does shift.  Corners for the ones filled with nuts or dust are always stuffed with the poly fill.  Not sure if anyone else does that but I prefer it.  I've gone so far as to use quilt batting strips to outline the shape before filling the body.  That outline helps minimizes the shifting and allows for a tight pack.

I did a post many years ago about the Steam and Smash which is how every one of the pillows are finished.  By steaming the fill as you go along, it creates a dense and more even finish.  I didn't like how the centers were puffed which pulls the sides in.  

The first fill goes into the corners.  I have a old letter opener that is not sharp or perfectly flat which prevents a poke through the backing or the linen.  I slide it against the inside of the sewn edges to smooth out any seam allowance bunching, then add fill.

Once the corner is stuffed, insert and push the metal blade to hold it in place, steam press it.  I need to steam several times to get the density I want with this Silky Soft.  Other products can almost melt and get flat and hard quickly.  This product doesn't and takes several attempts to decrease the puffy.

Continue stuffing the body and steam as you go, adjusting where needed.  The blade is only used for the corners. A final pressing when the pillow is done.

I purchased corner tools and inevitably created a hole with just about all of them. I have two old metal nail files that have an oval tip which work also.  Any plastic will of course melt with the heat.  Even if the corners are not steamed before filling, the center once smashed will help prevent that square from becoming an X.  Using the envelope method to close (this post) 

gives good access from the back to the corners if you're not happy with them.  Opening can be vertical or horizontal.  Using this method is great with thick quilt batting.  One or two layers cut to fit perfectly with slightly beveled edges, creates an flat even thickness with no steaming needed.  Whatever you prefer, it's all good.  My preference is dense and padded but not puffy.

Hope this answers your questions.

Still working on the Santa and deciding which one of the two chosen projects will be next.

The next several posts, no stitching involved.  Just the story of the situation which I hoped was coming to a close.  So far, it has not.  I will explain the sleepless nights and anger I can't seem to let go.  Not a pleasant story at all, read or ignore until Santa appears!

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The repetitive rant

 I ordered 1/8th yard linens to check for color, and also because I am only doing smalls.  You know what the rant is.  

I'm not naming the colors, does no good.  In the beginning, the second or third order was a little off, but still a sibling to the first child.  Six months later, more like a cousin.  Then an aunt from the past you don't recognize.  And now a step sibling from the second marriage of your neighbor's son.  Does anyone keep samples of their work?  New dyes taking differently?  Make adjustments or change the color name for stitchers ordering online and expecting what they received previously.  Some difference is unavoidable and acceptable, completely different is not.

One order contained a Zweigart color Granite.  Whoa.  Not gray, not brown, not greenish, not reddish.  No mottling, and a really good dark neutral.  This is it (upper left) with Raw and the new lighter Mink for comparison.

Two small BBD that I ordered.  I saw similar finished into a small pouch and I have to try that.  

I think sinus is causing this issue.  We have a white pine that sheds needles all over the deck and isn't stopping.  So I used the leaf blower on high and pointed it up, blew a load of needles down.  And the itching and rash started.  Microscopic mites, some from the nests in the tree?  Whatever.  May try stitching this evening and try to catch up on blogs and IG. 

Post on corners coming.

Hope everyone is finally out of fireworks.

Be safe, be well, be cool.

*********

Again

 Vertigo.  All day, still can't lie down, so another night in the recliner.  Lots of Dramamine, failing to work as well this time.  Too much and the groggy unsteady feeling persists for several days because of my drug sensitivity.  One quarter of the recommended dose!  I would rather deal with intense pain than this.  Everything I look at moves a little, then stops.  

No stitching of course, but here is progress BV (before vertigo).  A heavy vertical slub looks like a seam down the center.

I will be selling the much loved large Kogut Santa charts.  This small one was not fun, too much fill.  No way I will attempt something larger.

A few new smalls, this is one.

Notforgotten Farm has new littles (and new kitty), need to check them out.

Folk Art Basket from Shakespeare's Peddler. On 40, 3.5" and adorable. DMC, no frustrating conversion from several overdyeds.  Chart is another great one, in color, large enough.  The other two BBD smalls need to be enlarged.

Hope to wake tomorrow without the eye movements and dizziness.

And hope your day is calm and stable!

I'll explain about my finished corners next time Rosemary!

**********

Preventive stitching

Error prevention, this is.

Knowing I will have issues stitching around the inserted motifs, they are now outlined and protected.  

Stitching motifs first with the ecru thread will not be noticeable enough on this linen for my eyes and errors will be made.  I have never been able to stitch row by row and leave the correct openings.  Besides, it's quite frustrating referring to the chart so often.  This is now able to be taken anywhere without the chart holder.

I don't care for solid fill, whether Santa's garb or a large house.  But I don't care for confetti either!  Yes, I am sort of slumping, one of the reasons smalls are been chosen.

Have a good weekend.

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Third one's a charm

After starting on the Khaki linen, I wasn't happy.

I had one small piece of R&R  Winter Brew (a favorite) that I was hoarding since every time I searched online, it was out of stock.  Well, I found three places with 40 count in stock.  So I floss tossed and really liked that option. 

Here's the two.  Both designs will be stitched on the same linen.

And either would be a good choice, Khaki is quite green.  I think I'll continue on the WB.  Notice the difference in width?  Both 40 count, and that bottom border is 5 stitches longer on the Summer Khaki for the same number of stitches.

I found two half yard pieces of PTP in 36 count that I need to sell.  Still have a load of charts and linen pieces but I am so hesitant to list on Stash Unloading.  Concerned about keeping the correct item with the correct transaction!

Thanks for visiting.

Be safe.

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That color thing

 I've wanted to stitch these two for some time.  

So why not now?  I haven't found a small sampler that calls to me, most are larger than I'd like.  

Question is, what color linen.  Not the blue for sure, the other calls for Gray, which I purchased and can't locate.  Two bags of 40 count smalls, a minimal inventory, and it's out for a walk somewhere.

Both will be done on the same piece, either the light Khaki or the not-the-older-color-that-I-loved Prairie Grass.  I don't have any unbleached, which would be my first choice.  "Natural" isn't like the unbleached I'm used to.  Maybe a linen browsing session is needed.  Will chose later today.

Have a good one!

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2026 Finish #17

Sweater Weather by With thy Needle and Thread

36 count something

DMC choices

A few changes to hide errors

 

Happy 4th!

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No sweaters here!

It's hot!

Hi folks.  I want to clarify what I meant by jewelry section.  Hobby Lobby is now selling earrings, rings, and small pieces in the front of my local store, but the aisle I call "jewelry" is where the clasps and strung beads are hangings to make your own.  Many options to choose from, not the small packaged beads.  JoAnn fabrics had an entire wall of strung beads, anything you would want. 

Progress on Sweater Weather (Gervais) between the vertigo.  The gold mittens of any shade didn't show on this linen.  I changed to 311, sweater to 321.  So many of my

 Christmas patterns are 221, 3777, 22, 816, I thought a bright red would be a nice change.  I also moved the bottom left border one row to align with the upper part so the margin is the same when finishing.

The "situation" was made worse by my intrusion, caused some issues.  I'm not the type able to "let things go".  

Hope you have a safe and fun 4th. 

 I can't stand the blasts and bombs already from next door.

Be safe!

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Great ideas

 A quick trip to the jewelry making aisle yielded what I hoped.

 Dark gray

Mulberry

Dark blue

Thanks for the suggestions!

Nail polish on pin heads to match color ... brilliant!  A substantial grosgrain, another good one.   Horsehair braid or boning would also work very well.  I have some left from JoAnns.  Inserted into folded seam bindng would be ideal.  I need to check my boning but I think it's half inch, too wide for this.  I'm sure I can find narrower online.  But for these, I already found the beads and I'm happy with them.  

I use boning to slip into a narrow hem at the top of my samplers.  Most are not framed and I press edges to the back, fringe or hem the bottom, and hang freely.  The boning prevents sagging or stretching.  Enough is left for mounting in case I want to frame later.  Or the person who buys it from Goodwill does

Now about those Bubblegum.  From the start, I check for single stems in the center, cut right above the first leaf set.  I do a few more every few weeks and the stems sprout several new branches keeping the center full with new growth. 

They grow back quickly and I trim off the multiples too when straggly.  

 

Impatiens are the same, I keep them trimmed and get full centers, really dense.  

That's it.

Behave.  Stay cool.

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Back in the box

When I pull threads for a project and test changes, those bags never seem to get back in the box.  Until ......

I have no choice if I need to find what I need.  

Bags are sorted by round number,

then transferred to a small box in numeric order,

then to the floss box.

  Good feeling to have them in correct order.  I think Sweater Weather (Gervais) will be next.  What a nice chart.  Quality paper, bold clear print, appreciated!  Some are just copies on regular paper and even on Etsy, do we know if we're getting a copy from Staples?  No difference really.  In fact, Staples copiers actually have better quality paper than some charts I've received.

My Bubblegums after their first trimming, already quite full.

Transferred my knee gel injections to another doctor that uses ultrasound guidance.  May be a better outcome with this method.  Injected slowly, more pain, more whimpering.

I am unable to find pins in the colors I would prefer.  I think beads will have plenty of options, checking HL tomorrow.

Have a good day.

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Now what?

Cording?

I can't see how ribbon would not sink into the ditch.  

I changed the fabric on this one because it was more taupe, you can see this linen is more green.

Do I really need to cover the ditch where the two disc's meet?  Maybe just hang from a ribbon knotted at the top?  I lost all my stitching friends to express opinions, the others have no interest so you are my sounding board.  The one remaining owned a shop years ago, suffered an aneurysm where the heart cath tube inserted, and had extensive surgery from palm to above elbow.  The ulnar nerve was involved and her recovery may not restore full function.  Some progress after 18 months, but a ways to go.  Holding a needle may never happen, and I don't want to make that worse by showing her what she is missing.

Uh oh.  Just thought of a solution.  I will look for beads that go with each piece and space them in the ditch.  I think that is a good option and will mimic pins.

There is news on the situation that is good in one way, bad in another.  And I am doubtful it will actually happen.

Have a good last Monday in June.

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2026 Finish #16

 Petite Susana from GigiR

40 count something, dmc

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