Cheat sheet

Greetings to all!  Hoping you're having a good day.  We're missing the snow storm this time so it's good here. 

In Mary's progress, I realized that the stem stitch is not used for the curved line in the borders, rather the chain stitch.  Video time. 

 

 Since I lost all my bookmarks from crashing, I just entered the stitch + video in Google and came up with many sites.  The best, and all inclusive, is Mary Corbet's Needle 'n Thread.  You can enlarge the video to full screen by clicking the right bottom corner and they are very well done and clear.  The videos are at the bottom of the post (not the arrow at the beginning) in which she features photo examples of variations.  Bookmark her site, and you won't have to search any where else.  I enjoyed the stem so far, and like the chain even more.   I removed the improperly done stem and filled with cross because I didn't like the look in small random areas.

The bottom freehand area is a little scary, so I copied the chart's bottom reducing in size until it fit my linen.  I thought I had it perfect in this photo until I realized the border's backstitch wasn't the edge of the chart and I was two threads shy on each side. 

 

 Five % enlargement was perfect.  I used a green highlighter to show the stitched edge, and I will pin this to the linen and use it as a guide for size, stitching the center area first.  Then I'll cut the larger end flowers off and lay them right next to the stitching area.  If I could find my tracing wheel and paper, I would cheat even more, but I don't think these small designs would trace well on the rough linen.

This is the most unusual sampler I've ever done and it will definitely be framed.  I don't think this design would display as well without one. 

As for my computer, I bought a new hard drive, reinstalled Vista and now need to get all my work back into it.  Until then I am still on 7.  Now my camera batteries were replaced and it changed the settings so when I import a photo, it's the size of Connecticut.  The only organized task I can count on, is the large bin in which I throw all manuals, receipts, warranties, and guides for everything purchased.  Do you notice that many new items come with nothing?  They want you to download or view user guides online which is fine and saves paper, but my aunts and uncles never had a computer and never will.  When I try it, for some reason, I don't understand as well as having the paper in my hand.  Makes no sense - they're the same words!

For those of you that liked the fabric I showed last time, it's a older design in the Williamsburg Sampler Collection of Windham fabrics.  I did find one place that had pieces left in green. 

Scroll down to find it here

Thank you for visiting with me.

Have a safe and happy day!!

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Nothing really

Hello people.  The start of another week that brings us closer to warmth!  I haven't needed it in the last few days because of continual flashes.  Just when I think it has slowed to a very tolerable level, I get several days in a row of flash on, flash off, flash on, flash off.  Just like that commercial for The Clapper.  The great Spirit of Menopause was just clapping away and flipping my switch on and off.

I messed up on my stem stitches.  After watching the video, I realized this was similar to the way I do my backstitch and always wondered why the back side was nicer looking.   But as usual, menobrain didn't pay close enough attention and was too lazy to check the video again before starting. 

Instead of coming back up at the END of the prior stitch, I went over four and back two (into the middle of the prior stitch).   Maybe the bargello stitch was still lingering in my mind.  It looks OK but I will probably remove these small areas of stem amidst the cross stitches and stitch them properly.  The top left is all stem but other areas in the border are a mix.   The videos all showed the stitch used as an outline, but I wanted to see area work.  I started in the same holes as the cross and it gets a little crowded but makes a really nice fill.  The ends are showing linen but since the thread doesn't cross over, I guess that's the way it should be.  It's very easy to do (even if you're doing it incorrectly) and I'm anxious to get to the larger area.  Rejecting a sampler because of specialty stitches is a mistake I've made quite often.  Why am I afraid of them?  They are usually smaller areas and with all the videos and help online, should be fun.  Except for the queen.  I won't go there and don't think we will ever get along.

I received my order from Misi of 1890 Gable House Goodes and just love my berries.  I also received her closet scents and her packaging is just wonderful.

 

  A piece of fabric also came from a blog bud - isn't this a great piece?  Nothing like this can be found around here.  Thank you again!

I've been allowing the filthy little brat cats in the house and I finally touched Missy without blood being involved.  She was not happy and I got a look that could kill!  She starts roaming and when I try to chase her out, she slides under this hutch.  The old man Bud usually sleeps on a rug that he likes at the back door, and Nitzy is like lightening.   We couldn't find him last night because we weren't looking on the FURNITURE!  He was watching us walk by from my upholstered chair, curled up in the computer wires I threw there, and resting his muddy hair against my neck pad.

It's still snowing here and my neck is having a really bad morning so I'm staying home.  Maybe tomorrow I will venture out to our brand new Kohl's.  Finally!  It's a smaller store than most and I need tall sizes which they don't carry, but I can always find another bracelet and golf shirt for the husband.

Have a wonderful week!

Thank you for visiting!

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Learning curves

Good day to you all!  The start of another weekend.  Here's my reasoning as to why the older I get, the faster time flies.  When young, we were always wanting to be older so we could do all those grown up things.  Seemed like it took forever.  Now, we want the opposite.  If I'm in a line at the store and in a hurry, it's a long wait to get to the register.  If I'm in that same line hoping to have a few more minutes to remember the item I need to run back and grab, the register comes much quicker.  Time doesn't change, our anticipation of it does.  Being the queen of procrastination is even worse because the day I planned on making a decision and didn't, is long gone.  But to me, it must be the same day because the decision isn't made and I certainly wouldn't have let the day go by without following through on my plan.  Explains why I'm more confused than most.  How could a week have gone by when it's still Tuesday?   Remember my decision on my flooring?  It's been a few weeks, he won't return our calls, we've made a few trips to go see him and he is always out on a job, so I can't trust him.  We had to start over and I finally told my husband to just order the regular oak that I hate and I'll deal with it.  Like I've said before, compared to others, fretting over paint colors and wood types is embarrassing.  The numbness in my arms is not subsiding this time and I will not get in that car and drive all over like a white knuckled putz.

 

 Here's Mary!  I have to finish this last row and it's on to the stem stitch.   I search for and watch videos on specialty stitches instead of referring to my books and found plenty to view. 

 

 

That stem stitch looks very easy and fun to do, my problem is the curves.  This will be my first freehand and I will probably cheat with either marks or threads on my linen to help with placement. 

 

I received my Spring 2013 issue of Early Homes (ordered online through Carole's Country and I have to say it is one of their best.  Don't miss it.  This is not grunge primitive, rather more colonial and sparse.  Some issues are very formal and I didn't care for them but this one is perfect.   It's published twice a year.

Mary Moseley escaped and was found here.   Where will she show up next?                            Enjoy your weekend, stay safe, and stitch happy.  Welcome to new followers and thank you all for visiting!

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Pear VII

 Hi everyone.  I'm posting the pattern under the Pears tab and giving you a few options.  I had a difficult time choosing a green that I liked.  So you'll see a choice of two shades of green (or your own) and a chart that is over one (for words only) in case you would prefer that.  Changing the fancy heart to all pink is another option.  When I started this project (several times) I originally did the over one but this is the third finish and I had no intentions of repeating that chore.  Can you tell how indecisive I am?  

 

  I tried an easier method for the stem.  I pulled the fabric through the sewing machine to miss two stitches  leaving a hole for the stem.  Thin cinnamon sticks or grapevine pieces are what I usually use, leaving them long and inserting between the two quilt batt layers.

The mylar was inserted to help the batting slide easily into place, but I didn't leave it in.  Card stock paper can be used too. Interfacing on the linen and also the backing held the shape well enough. 

 Here is Bonnie's February pear done on 40 count.  This is very nicely shaped and I've seen quite a few that are beautifully finished in the various pear forms.  I'm using the same template for each of mine but maybe I should try something different.

 

Thank you all for the prayers and offers to send cards to my cousin.  I will check with her sister and get the address for the nursing home.  We've been sending greetings to her devoted friend's house who visits her every day and I'll check with her too.

 

I'm making some progress on Mary but having a flare-up of the neck problem and my arms are quite tingly.   The rest of the center is verse and all one color of basic cross so it should go without a hitch, but that stem stitch area doesn't look like it will go as easily.  I'll show how Mary is coming on the next post and until then, have a wonderful and safe day.

Thank you for visiting!

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Coming to a blog near you...

Something new to me

Greetings!  How is everyone today?  My cousin in CA is on my mind continually, so regardless of aches and pains, numbness and restriction, jowls and fat, I am grateful for the day.  She is now realizing that no progress is being made on her right side paralysis and she will never be able to return to her sweet home, her flowers, and her much loved rescue pup.  Her hopes are fading as is her will and spirit.  

I am back to stitching on Mary and decided to complete the body first.  The stem stitch scalloped border will be a new adventure for me and having the center to line up with would probably be a help.   And I'm also delaying the unknown which is what I do best.

Here's what I did with the Rabbit Folk.  I found burlap ribbon in the floral department of Hobby Lobby and then saw it at JoAnn's.  I'm never in that section so maybe this has been around for a while but it's new to me.  It also comes in a much wider width which I plan on using for garland outdoors.

 Love this stuff.  How perfect for seasonal items.  Just pin or stitch to the strip and wrap around boxes, baskets, hang vertically down a door, side of a hutch, over a doorway.  Not too much fuss and finishing required of the stitched pieces, plus charms or sprigs, even photos can be mixed in on the strip.  I'm sure it can be stabilized with a fusible if needed. These are just quickly pinned and ....... that's right .......probably won't stay there. 

 

 

My dad smoked a pipe when I was little (well, younger - I was never really little) and I got to keep the red Prince Albert cans for crayons and pens.  They were flatter, shaped like a flask, but when I saw this rusted old round tin, I had to get it.  It certainly gave my fusspot clean machine brother a head turning when he stopped by.

 

 

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

Thank you so much for visiting and welcome to new followers!  I appreciate every one of you that take time from your busy days to see what the menopausal maniac is up to.  I wonder if the nickname Flash will stick with me for life!  That's OK with me.