The latest screw up

 You all know I fail to pay close enough attention to the chart.  You would have thought by now I learned my lesson but no, I'm still at it. But this time it was quite confusing to me since this tree was on all four pages of the chart.  Should I have taped it together and made a photo to follow .... of course.   Am I lazy .... you bet.

The queen stitch is one I do not enjoy or do well.  Ann's wallet covered in them still comes to mind and tempts me to put on my big whities and do it.  Never works.  Previously those stitches were subbed with a fake that certainly looks as such.  I just use the top and bottom points as the queen does but enter the linen instead of securing. On 40 count, not a pretty site.  Decided to use the easy eyelet.  

I assumed those flowers would be pink and .... they are not.  They are now.  But the big screw is the placement.  Going from one page to another and with the center row further down and not visible on the first page, I just followed placement of the two outer rows, but the center flowers have ONE space to the right, not TWO as the others.  The stems are to be short which my error prevents. So my options are to remove all the eyelets and move one space to the right which would be as charted (shown in photo).  But that extra space also moved the entire tree motif to the right. 

Does it matter?  No.  There is enough space for that move, and when checking the bluebirds on each side of the base, realized the one on the left is not charted but appears in the photo.  I'll add it, and space the same as the right.  Do you like this continuous stem error better?  I do not.  As of now, I prefer the eyelet move.

 And after all that 'splaining, should I?  Is this change in the look so important?  I do like the short stems as charted, but also used the Paint program for one other option. That made me realize that the stem being beneath the flower is more attractive. Honestly, my error, moving flowers, or adding another stitch are all good options.  I am still so keyed up and expecting the other shoe to fall (as they say), that overreacting continues.

Another explanation for why a long confusing post appeared, with no answers, no resolution, just a ramble.  And as I tried to proofread, caused a headache.

Hope your day is calm and relaxed!

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Holy shit

It is with absolute joy that I report on the failure of my local doctors, hospitals, PAs, NPs that continued to deny this lung problem could be from Covid whenever I asked.   But it IS!!!  This  morning's CT scan by my request showed it is NOT IPF!!  I have groups of tiny glasslike particles in one lung as a result of Covid pneumonia, not definitive on an xray, yet a single xray is all this diagnosis was based on.  Being tested again, put on another round of antibiotics, told that they are not quite certain, but it does seem to be the cause of my cough and ill health.  And regardless of the hell they put me through, I am grateful.  

I am so sorry for the prior post.  The pros were so positive of IPF and I have been in a panic for weeks, and if I hadn't demanded a CT scan which they claimed was not necessary, we would continue believing the devastating diagnosis.

We're having a party baby!!  I'm picking out a few charts and gifts for the celebration.  Feeling poorly will in no way stop the exuberance and joy.  But If they call back to tell me another error was made, you should be able to hear the blast wherever you are.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.  YOUR COMMENTS BROUGHT TEARS TO MY DRY EYES AND I SAVED THEM IN A FILE, CLOSE TO MY HEART.

You have no idea how you've touched me.

The bitch is back baby!!!

p.s. to Sweet Ann. Card was already mailed, ignore the part about the wallet's return!!

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Part two of- what day is it

 It IS Wednesday.  Veteran's Day.

A grateful thank you to all who have served and are serving today.

This is one of my favorite photos.  My mom's dad staring with pride at his son.   This man could not have been prouder to have a son so committed to this country, and it shows in this photo.  Dziadzia was always looking at him with a sweet smile, almost fixated on his son's handsome face.  That pride is felt by families today, and gratitude from America's citizens, as we honor those serving this country.

This is my grandfather that I wrote about previously, who visited Poland after he lost my grandmother.  My mom and aunt went to the airport to pick him up, he literally fell to the ground and laid there, without shirt, no wallet, no watch, no belt, no socks, no wedding band.  Luggage and contents left behind. A tattered undershirt, torn pants that did not fit, shoes with holes and no socks.  No jacket, no hat, no gloves.  They thought he had a heart attack and ran to help him.  He was sobbing uncontrollably.  Kissing the ground of America.  His village was so poor he left everything he could with them.  Being a man with a simple job and no money of his own, it was a great sacrifice to send money every month, even if all he had were a few coins.

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

Thanks!

I enjoyed reading about your sentiments on family china and traditions.  When I moved Mom in 18 years ago, I had a large set of Pfaltzgraff Folk Art.  The weight of the dishes was more than she was used to and not comfortable for her.  No where to sell the Pfalzgraff and too heavy for mailing, I donated to the domestic abuse shelter for families starting over.  Perfect option for no longer used crock pots, pans, kitchen items and dinnerware.

My sister once scolded me for donating items that belonged to our parents.  Just because Mom had it, didn't mean she loved it and would not have discarded if she could afford to replace.  When she got to choose what to bring here, I was very surprised that she didn't care about most of her items and wanted new!  What about my grandparents, who came here from critically poor villages?  They were so glad to have anything and would never consider replacing items unless they were no longer usable.  But if a friend or neighbor was in need, they would offer what they could, even if it meant they went without for a while because they all knew what it was like in "the old country".  When my grandfather got off the plane from a trip back to his village after Baba passed away, he dropped to the asphalt and cried.  My mom and aunt ran toward him thinking he was ill.  He was sobbing and kissing the ground.  No luggage, no shirt, no shoes, no watch, no wallet, he left behind everything he could for the people in his village.  An undershirt with holes and pants with tears and no belt were worn on the plane.

 

So I need to make a decision whether I want to emotionally hold on to dishes, or offer them to someone who would use and appreciate them.  It's a hard one because they were a gift from my parents.  I need to look in the attic and check if those dishes are usable.

 

I like the old dishes pictured here, I only have one or two pieces.  But maybe I will be surprised when I open the attic's box!  I think it's time to have dinnerware that I enjoy seeing and caring for.  I think Mom and Dad would want that too.

 

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Pears to poke

Hey.  Thanks for the permission to use the stall.  I was scolded several years ago by a department store employee and also read in a local newspaper how rude it is to take advantage of aids for others.  I asked the employee if she noticed the SUV loaded with young girls that used the parking space so they wouldn't have to walk in the rain.  No answer.  I should have told her that she could come into the stall with me and lift me off next time.  I totally agree that if it is not being used, why waste a good set of bars?

 

Look what I found in a set of boxes collecting dust.  Pears are on sale at the market, why waste a good amount of cloves?  It takes at least one bottle of cloves per pear because I only use those with buds and half the jars are usually just stems.  A warm day today and outside is a perfect place to make the juicy mess.  I have bags of grapefruits and oranges that I can no longer eat because citrus burns my dry tongue, so more drying will happen either intentionally and accidentally.

 

 

Hoping to re-pot the ferns today too.

 

If you've noticed the header photo, you know what my special gift was.  And there would be no doubt who the needleworker and artist that created it is.  A few more pics.

 

 

Wool thread is just amazing in the texture and look of a project.  I remember the Paternayan yarn that lined the wall of my old needlepoint shop and I wonder where it all went after the doors closed. 

 

If you want to revisit the posts of Ann's work, each link will open in a new window so you can return to choose another.

https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2014/01/anns-wallets.html

 

https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2017/08/wallet-basics-101.html

 

https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2017/08/wallets.html

 

https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2017/08/wallets-part-2.html

 

Have a great day!!

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A few things

First of all, hallelujah.  Carole took the envelope with the dentist money out of her purse when she removed the candy.  When she said the dentist's money was gone, she was referring to the $100 she had in the wallet for the down payment at the first visit.  The office told her it was not necessary to pay in advance and she planned to return it to the metal box, but didn't.  She was so shook up she forgot about removing the envelope until Friday afternoon and called to tell me.  It was HER money for the dentist that is gone.  Sort of a bright spot in all of this!

 

I have listed the large journal on the For SALE tab if anyone is interested.  I have two, the others I am not bothering with.  If anyone sews garments, I will be listing the 3 yards of gorgeous black silk shantung, 62" wide.  It was purchased over 40 years ago from a tailor in Milwaukee by my aunt and I have had it for many years.  We have no tailors, no dressmakers (mine retired), not even alterations around here and I have no intention to construct a garment.  What an elegant simple sheath dress it would make.  It's not going to Goodwill.  I have burned a corner, the flame is solid orange, fine black ash, she claimed it to be silk.  I sure hope someone can use it, if not here, maybe Ebay.  Priority mail medium box is $15, $30 total for the yardage and shipping.  If it can ship for less, I will do so.  I will list the LBD Sparrow linen here first on Sunday evening.  Not sure about the Meadowlark yet and hesitating on the gingham and dots!  Isn't that just like me?  I drive myself nuts but at least it keeps me busy.

 

This huge troublemaker has been hanging around for two months with another very large orange and white.  I don't know what to do with them and I know neighbors hate animals but someone must be feeding them.  They come to the deck at night and spray everything or beat the crap out of Nitzy during the day.

 

Saw the doc about the Sjogren's.  My assumption that the sinus issue started this was incorrect.  She told me a flu shot can trigger autoimmune diseases.  WHAT??  Rare but yes, it happens.  I had mine 1/11.  This started a few days later.  Never had an issue before.  The dentist would not work on me because of it, that day was so severe I had a hard time talking.  Trying again next week.  Learning to gesture profanities when I can't verbalize.

 

That's it folks.
Have a great weekend and lock your doors.

 

Thanks for your comments.

 

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Details

A few clarifications now that I am settled down.

My sister lives on a wooded road with few houses.  The state line is around the bend.  There are three houses, hers in the middle perched on a high hill.  Her steep drives leads behind the house, you don't know if there are cars or activity until you reach the end, and then you have no where to go without several back-ups to turn around.  The back of the house has much glass and there is no way to miss someone approaching.  She has left the sliding patio door unlocked many times and always felt safe because of her location.  The house next door which is somewhat visible when leaves are shed  (and was for sale), was broken into several months ago.  When they realized no one was home, they tore the back door off it's frame.  She started to lock her door but does not always do so when Chris leaves the house, which is many times throughout the day.  Sometimes he is running down the road for a short meeting, going next door to help, racing out to a fire call, or getting firewood from the lot. 

Her pacemaker has a house unit that monitors her and it was connected to a landline phone which she kept strictly for that purpose.  When Verizon raised their home rates to around $100 for a landline, she cancelled the service (two months ago) and the pacemaker company sent her a new device that is wireless.  Vince tried the landline which was disconnected so texted Chris not knowing if he was at the house.  Since Chris is a fireman and knows the police, Vince knew he would handle it.  Chris lives with Carole on the second floor of her cape cod and takes care of the house and yard, some of her bills, and since he has had so many close calls from his low glucose during sleep, needs her to call Mark or paramedics when he can't be awakened.

It was his girlfriend that was close with Carole and there almost every day, that stole her wallet, his coin collection, class ring, and other items that are missing. After a few days of her denial and crying, he broke up with her and hasn't spoken since.  When you are trustworthy, you don't feel others are not.  When you don't lie, you don't feel others aren't truthful.  When you don't steal, you don't think others would.  Honest people do not see the opportunity of others that are not. 

Carole does not remember if she locked the door when she came home, and if she checked to make sure it was unlocked for Chris, or if it needed to be unlocked.  Yes he has a key, but their Andersen patio door has already had three locks replaced.  That is their main entrance and those locks have not handled the continual use, I don't believe they are meant to.  The period of time between when she came home and when Chris called before coming home was maybe an hour, ninety minutes at most.  They could have walked the steep hill and looked in the front porch window and saw the purse hanging at the back door.  If they found the door to be locked, don't know what they would have done.  Her car was parked at the back porch, Chris's other truck was also there.  They didn't care.  No one knew I gave her money in advance of her appointment.  She stopped here on the way to the restaurant to pick up other things I had for her and I gave her the envelope. She has a metal box where she was to put it, but was tired when she came home and planned to do that later in the evening.  Her small purse is a cross body and never removed when out since she needs hands free for the walker.  The thieves would have taken whatever cash there was, even if it was only $10.

Her road, without lights and lots of places to hide, is no different than the other areas around here that are being vandalized.  In-town homes are also broken in to but not as much as the more isolated areas.  No one can watch her home for comings and goings because Chris has two red trucks and you cannot see their cars or much else from the road.  They walked from the bottom and took a chance.  This drug epidemic is becoming a nightmare.  We had a woman OD on heroin in a grocery store restroom to be found by an employee.  Can you imagine?  Others in their car with babies in the back seat.

Seeing the purse in the tree hit us so hard because it was like a blatant display of a personal violation.  That was not their intention when it was thrown, but it was not only eerie, it was the shock of realizing someone had actually taken it.  We all assumed she had put it somewhere in the house and it will eventually show up.  Amy was a very personal betrayal especially knowing Carole's financial situation, but that didn't make her untrusting of others, she is not like that at all.  But this did for all of us. 

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Seething ...

definition … anger than can barely be contained.  My shock and flashback to The Blair Witch Project became seething rage, until I exploded with expletives that would make a rap star blush.  If that's possible. 

 

We know, have known, have friends with family members, that are addicts. Were any of them hooked because of a doctor, a pharmacy, or medical issues?  Not a freaking one.  I'm sure there are, but I do not believe that for the majority of young people.  Regardless.  Remember my nephew's girlfriend who stole my sister's wallet of several hundred dollars?  She knew my sister has a hard time financially and we need to help her.  Didn't matter. 

 

Carole went to dinner with friends Friday night, came home, changed clothes, and emptied the little Valentine gifts from her purse.  Following her routine, her keys and wallet went into their designated pockets and the purse was hung in its usual location. Saturday, Carole was in a panic thinking she left her purse at the restaurant, they said it was not turned in.  But how could she drive home, unlock the door, empty the candy and change, if her purse never made it home?  Impossible.  She has been tearing the house apart for five days, notified credit companies, bank, applied for replacement SS card, pacemaker ID, and AV node ablation cards, driver's license, registration, car insurance, new car key fob and house key.  What happened to her new purse?

 

Back up to a short period of time after she arrived home Friday evening.

Being hard of hearing, her TV is quite loud and sometimes, even with the noise, she will nod off for a minute or two.  Chris called to ask her if she wanted dinner from the club, he was coming home from the bocce court.  She unlocked the sliding patio door on the back porch for him.  He soon called again to tell her to lock the door because the neighbor texted him that a car was parked in her drive at the bottom of the hill.  So she did.  Vince (the neighbor) texted again to say that he went over to them in the darkness (with his gun) and approached the vehicle.  They had car problems and Vince being the good guy, helped them out and they went on their way. 

 

Today we installed a new kitchen faucet for her and as we drove down the steep drive and pulled away, Mark slammed on the brakes.  He looked at me in a strange way and said "I found her purse" as he pulled off the road and jumped out of the car.  What?  I got out and we stood in the middle of the road staring up into the trees, feeling like we were in a horror movie.  Can't explain the emotion, fear, shock, and uneasiness I felt.  There, hanging twenty feet in the air, was her purse.  Perfectly positioned with its long strap, hanging across from her house in the trees, the eeriest sight you can imagine.  Stunned, we drove back up the drive to tell her that those men came into her house while she was there, and stole her purse.  Mark needed a long pole and ladder to dislodge it. The wallet was emptied of the hundreds I gave her for the tooth extraction, all else intact.  Cash.  Cash.  No credit cards, no keys to steal the car, no bank cards, they only wanted cash.  Drugs.  Again.  I am sick and tired of making excuses, feeling sorry for, giving benefit of doubt, for people that steal from family, friends, strangers, elderly.

 

They were not having car trouble. They walked up the drive in the dark, on to her porch, found the door unlocked and entered.  Her purse was at that door and they would have been hidden behind the wall from where she was sitting IN THE NEXT ROOM.  As they left, they tossed the purse, how it got that high up I do not know.  It was visible from her window once Mark pointed it out, hanging so high among the limbs, it gave her shivers as if she saw a ghost.  I can't explain the ghastly unnerving feeling of seeing it there.

 

I've had it.  I will not trust a car broken down, I will no longer trust a person at my door, I will call police for anything I see. 

And my pistols are now loaded you sons of bitches.

 

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

Oh Sally

Thanks for your help in locating a chart.  I found zilch when I searched for either, even when correcting Crafts to Cratis.  Following the given link to the Museum site I was smitten with Sally.   My last project was done from a photo, another attempt with Sally?  I love the colors and placements but do not care for pieces with more width than length.  Yes I'm weird but you already knew that.  The bluish grayish fabric is necessary for me to love this, I can't picture it on unbleached or light.  Maybe when I can see again!

 

I was going to call the needlework shop in Boardman to see if she would be willing to take my Dazor on a consignment.  It's over 30 years old I believe, the Circline model with the large weighted base and removable arm, plus a spare replacement bulb.  I used it maybe three times for stitching, four times for splinter removal.  I should really think about it though since they are quite expensive and I may one day wish I had it. 

 

Stopped at Pat Catan's for a few things and the parking lot was full.  Many items dwindling to a few remaining, paper mache boxes are almost gone.  They have the three heart set for 4.99 and I should have purchased just to have since HL and Michael's offer very few.  But I just got rid of boxes!  Also passed up a beautiful scarf of peacock feather design for Carole ($4.25!!).  Why didn't I buy it?

 

Left the store and traveled up the road to DD for another $2 cappuccino.  While waiting I see a monstrous SUV pull up with Impeach Trump stickers on it.  Oh no.  Please don't let me be in the middle of another uncivil and immature exchange, I just want my drink.  He comes in and orders two donut holes, one bag for each.  He pays for them and heads to the door.  I received my drink and needed a stir and napkin which are on the condiment display before exiting.  He's standing there, so I wait to the side of the table.  He asked for two bags for the donut holes because he emptied the trays into them.  Took all of the sugar packets, all of the syrups, all of the jellies, salts, peppers, Splenda, and every last creamer.  You son of a bitch.  You're driving a gas guzzling monster of a vehicle that cost upwards of $65000 and you bought two holes just for the bags so you could steal!!!  They are there for customers to use with their purchases, none of which are usable on your cheap ass donut hole, not to fill your cupboard!  

If I didn't have a 40 compression stocking to my waist hindering my Muhammad Ali dance, a brace on the other knee, chapped bleeding lips preventing me from shouting the marital art attack warning KIAI!, and both hands occupied with wallet and drink, I would have decked him. Sometimes I excuse people's behavior, sometimes I want to flatten them.  And sometimes I'm glad my body is unable to fulfill that wish, and my brain is smart enough to stop my mouth from spewing. 

 

Hope your weekend is going swell.

 

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Is it Friday yet?

No you dipstick, it's Sunday!  And I apologize for forgetting to post the Christmas Giftaway.  So here's the offer.  $30 gift card at 123Stitch, open to all.  You can get the 2019 Book of Days or anything you want.  I hope it's something you love!  Please leave your entry in the comments with initials since there are several Debs and Marys, your email if you want, or make sure to check the post on Wednesday the 19th at 8pm EST to see if you won.  If you're no-reply and didn't offer your email, you have until Friday the 21st at 8pm to contact me, otherwise, another name will be drawn.  And of course you may email me directly with your entry.

Just click samplersandsantas@gmail.com

 

 

 

Carole received her wallet in the mail, no money of course.  But she doesn't have to go through getting her driver license and store cards replaced.  We know it was his girlfriend, found out other things are missing, but trying to get someone that deeply cares about her to believe it is difficult.  We can offer her help, but if she is in denial we are wasting our time.

 

If you are looking for another organization to donate to this season, check this site.  Found them a week ago, new to me.

https://www.lukeswings.org/about/

 

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Liquid?

 

I  think not.  After not being used for several months, this is what happened to the tightly closed bottle of Liquid Stitch.

 

I will be using Aleene's Tacky from now on.

 

And this is what Woody Woodf***er is doing to my house.  Again.  We filled and sealed all the other holes before staining and thought we were in the clear.  This time, it's the little Downy.  Regardless of Flicker or any type of pecker, they are classed as migratory and are protected.  I've called the PA Game Commission about poachers, hunters too close, bait piles under tree stands, hunters on posted property, hunting after dark, and I was totally ignored.  But if we harmed a feather on this little guy, I'm sure they would show up. 

 

Maybe I can grab him with a net from the second story window and buy a bird cage.

 

And yes, that is blue sky!  Can't believe it, but it's a beautiful day of sun and a little warmth, unfortunately, Jason is not here again.

 

Even more frustrating, my nephew's girlfriend was the only one in my sister's house yesterday, and her wallet is gone.  I gave Carole several hundred for food and gifts and she had planned to go out today since she is starting to feel better.  Gone now.  After months of seeing things that raised my suspicion, I am now convinced she is on drugs.  She stopped her one and only credit card, the cash is gone, so no shopping now for anything and the new card will be here in 6 days.  License and all other store cards need to be replaced and she is furious, although my too trusting nephew is finding it hard to believe.  She of course is denying it. 

 

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The pony

Hi folks.  Thought you might like to see the adaptation by Pam Gill (http://primitivespast.blogspot.com/) of the infamous pony wallet we all saw on Pinterest.  It's not easy to recreate from a photo!   I really like her addition of another pony to the front.  And I so love her offerings.

 

 

 

 

Oh - I made a box for those gourds, most fit, a few are too long.  But the box is 3# and oversize and a lot to ship.  Can't win.  So they are in the attic.

 

 

I may be gone for a bit.  Can't explain what's happening, not sure where it's coming from.  Restless, emotional, sad, unsettled, getting to the point where I am accomplishing very little and if I do, questioning why I bothered.  Weird weird.  Yes I'm sure the issues with finding trades people and having things in upheaval for too long may be part of it, but I have to ask, why the hell are they so important in the first place?  So I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, and hope to return with something to show, or explain, or announce, or share, or giveaway, or rant about.  Any guesses which?

BTW, I did a little something to the PS charts to recognize them if they showed up on Ebay for much more than I offered, and some have.  Am I ticked?  Yep.
 

Thanks for visiting.

 

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And we have cupboards

Wow.  These babies are heavy.  Poor Dominic could barely hold up his end when bringing them into the house.  They are 4 foot wide and almost 6 tall.  I could not wait to put a basket on top.  My dark brown crocks/jugs or baskets will be displayed there.  Shelves for crocks or baskets to hold items will be made for between them beneath the window so the entire wall be utilitarian.

Lots of storage inside. They will be attached to the wall, painted the same white with more black hardware.  He doesn't have the shelves made yet and that's OK.  Lots of work on my part to ready them for paint. 

The interior is finished but there are door details that need some attention and sanding.  Dom is not used to my style and makes beautiful kitchens, but they are overlay profiled doors, all finished and ready for installation.  He didn't even know what an H hinge is and has never done inset or plank doors.  I'm not complaining because at least he was willing to come out and doesn't turn down jobs.  These details don't detract from the strength and utility of the cupboards.

As for the antique sampler, if anyone held a copyright it would have been the stitcher for the design she created, which expires at death + a number of years and can be transferred to others.  If it's a family heirloom and the rights were passed to them, that's different.  But if it's not your work, you cannot apply for a copyright.  Technically, the chart I created for the pony wallet could have been sold by me.  The wallet owner cannot hold a copyright on the antique, but requested I do not sell the chart so I obliged.  Many pieces do not identify the creator or the location.  If you tangibly work out a pattern for a piece, such can be copyrighted as yours, but not the actual piece.  The image you prepare or photos you take of anything are products of your work, are tangible, and can also be copyrighted if you choose.  Not reproducing, selling, profiting from what you are creating from something you have seen, and there is no way to determine the author or any applied copyright, I cannot see the harm.  But if you wanted to make several and sell them, who are you infringing upon?  You can't copy someone's photo, frame it, and sell it.  But they don't hold the rights to the subject in the photo unless it is from their hands.  And needlework is a different medium than a copyrighted photo, which opens up a new discussion.  Antique furniture pieces, quilts, weavings, have all been reproduced and many to be sold.  The laws are extensive and defined, but also confusing and sometimes impossible to verify when old pieces are involved.  An interesting article on patterns (relating to clothing) is here.  And I'm assuming that quilting, furniture, and other items may be considered in the same category.  An example from the site....

Here, while the drawing of the dress may be considered a creative expression of the author and therefore eligible for copyright protection, the pattern instructions and any dress made from the pattern would not be protected by copyright.

How confusing is that????  I've checked many sites and Googled until the cats came home, there is a lot of info out there.  Sellers may post a legal notice about their work and when you agree to their terms and conditions of usage, that is binding.

 

I need to go play with the paint again or Mark is going to the store and coming home with basic white.  Poor guy has been living with painted plywood pieces at every angle for a loooooooong time.

 

Thanks for visiting!

 

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

 

Anonymous

EDIT - I received an email from someone saying they got an email from me telling them they won Chums.  They are no-reply so I could not have sent it, there is no record in my sent file, and I am concerned about a hacking.  If any of you have received an email from me recently or a notification of winning Chums, please let me know by clicking the postcard on the top right. 


Dear Mindy,

Your comment matched the number drawn by Random for the tiny Chums.  Please email me with your address.  Since this was not a voluntary entry for a giveaway, if you would prefer not to receive it, don't like primitives, or the smell of lavender, I will not be offended!

Am I the only one that goes into a new Dollar Tree and leaves with tons of things she doesn't need, just because "it's only $1"?  I don't visit those stores often but wanted to grab Christmas wallet cards and a few sympathy cards to have on hand.  But I made the mistake of walking a few aisles and found plastic bins and baskets and notepads and pens and trail mix and figs and hotpads and spatulas and Pirouline sticks and foil containers and peanut butter filled pretzels and  .... well, you get the idea.

Thanks again for your encouraging words, good wishes, and prayers. 

Nitzy is doing better even though there are more bright pink amoxicillin drops on my walls than down his throat.

 

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

Wallets part 2

#4  Amy Mitten adapted her Ann Wade 1772 sampler into a Needleworker's Pocketbook.
Amy's website is https://www.amymitten.com/
Ann Wade's tutorial is https://www.amymitten.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=25_73

This was on online class using 32 count Lambswool linen, Fibers to Dye For silk thread, silk ribbon and silk lining.  Stitches include buttonhole, eyelet, cross, tent and more.

 

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#5  Mary Wright Alsop 1740-1829 is part of the extensive collections of Winterthur Museum and Gardens. All Queen Stitches, worked using 21 hues of silk thread on 32 count linen, glazed dusty rose colored inner cotton lining and silk ribbon

Kit is available from The Examplarery, Joanne Harvey

I think the queen (Rococo) stitch is a time consuming, detail oriented stitch.  It takes longer for me to do a single queen stitch than cross or tent stitches and some may find it hard to get into a rhythm, however, I love this stitch and the look of a wallet comprised entirely of queen.  Here is a look a the construction of a queen stitch - http://www.embroiderersguildvictoria.ca/education/stitch-of-the-month-2/april-2015-queen-stitch/

You can watch an interesting video entitiled "Who's your Daddy?" that features the works of Mary Alsop, toward the end.  The long purses or reticules look stitched, but they are actually knitted with the finest of needles.  Amazing work, one of the beautiful items was worked at age 74.  http://www.winterthur.org/Whos-Your-Daddy

 

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#6  Flame Stitched Man's Wallet, Circa 1770.  This wallet appeared on a 2015 PBS Antiques Roadshow and I adapted and stitched this piece on 36 ct linen using Textile Reproduction (https://www.textilereproductions.com/) vegetable dyed wool thread and linen lining.  Both Bargello and tent stitches were used.

 

 

 

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#7  This is a wallet In Progress.  I'm adapting from the Winterthur Collection using 35 count Wichelt Antique Lambswool and Textile Reproduction vegetable dyed thread.  The entire wallet will be a repetition of 4 rows of green threads and 8 rows of red in various shades.  Finishing is yet to be determined.

Included is a picture of the actual Winterthur wallet.

 

 

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And of course, there is .... the ponies.

 

That's all folks! 

Hope you enjoyed seeing these reproduction needleworks.  

 

Thank you Ann for sharing your work and passion!

 

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Wallets

A note from Ann - A few of my wallets were stitched without a pattern, that I adapted from photos and information.  I use them for my personal use only and don't sell, profit or share any of my drawings.  I just want to be sure all understand that some are my interpretation and reproduction of originals I have seen photos of, and I do them just for the joy of stitching them.

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#1  ​This is my adaptation of a 1730-1780 Winterthur Pocketbook​ bequest of Henry Francis duPont.  I used the pictures/information they show online in their Collections section and transferred it to 28 ct linen.  I hand stitched the entire wallet with tent stitch using Textile Reproductions vegetable dyed wool thread, vegetable dyed linen lining and tape binding.

Tent stitch is a small diagonal stitch that crosses over the intersection of one horizontal (weft) and one vertical (warp) thread of linen or canvas forming a slanted stitch at a 45 degree angle.  This is a look at examples of the tent stitch  ...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tent_stitch

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#2  This is an unfinished Bargello/flamestitch fragment that I adapted using my stash for completion so the colors aren't too exact.  Wool threads, mostly Paternayan, on 28 ct linen, with a leftover piece of vegetable dyed linen for the lining and a reproduction clasp for closure was used.  A picture of the original piece (Unfinished fragment) is shown below.

 

 

Bargello is a form of needlework utilizing vertical (straight up and down) stitches that move in a series of "steps" up, across and down the fabric to create a repetitive geometric design.  My favorite choice is 4 threads (steps) up and 2 thread (steps) down, repeated (Flamestitch).   If an alteration is made in the stitch length, step length, or number of stitches taken, the design will be altered, creating patterns such as peaks valleys, curves, diamonds, flames, bars, stripes, or latticework.  Tapestry needles are used for Bargello embroidery due to their blunt end and large eye.  The size of the needle will depend on the choice of fabric and thread used.  For cotton or silk threads a #22 or #24 will work if using 2 to 5 strands;, however, a #20-#22 would be better for wool thread since the larger eye will allow the wool to pass through easily.  For Bargello reference, visit Nuts About Needlepoint, Janet Perry.  http://nuts-about-needlepoint.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

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#3  This design, 1810-1820 Florentine Wallet is a reproduction of a pocketbook in the Old Salem Collection of  Old Salem Museums & Gardens.  It is by Cissy Bailey Smith, Gentle Pursuit Designs and is available at  

https://www.gentlepursuitdesigns.com/store

 

 

I completed this Flamestitch wallet on 32 count linen using Needlepoint silk, silk lining, and pewter clasp  and made a small change to the front closure. 

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One more post with more wallets next.