A little start, a lot of colors

Hi all.  I'm heady from paint fumes but thought I would show my next little sampler start from Chessie and Me, H. Kesssel.

Small and simple.  The bottom row is all motifs and I think it will be a really nice finish.  These were the types I used to design to sell at the shop, can't find, and may try to work up a few as my next project.

  Right now, we're in the midst of this.

Naturally, the paint I chose was perfect in the half pint sample, and much darker with more pink in the gallon.  Historic selection of Valspar - Homestead Resort Parlor Taupe.  Really a neutral tan/beige/taupe, but where did they come up with that name?   It's a homestead - no, it's a resort - no, it's a parlor!  I don't really care anymore.  I wanted a true neutral with no cream or yellow cast, nor greenish or pinkish taupe.  I prefer this because I like the darker colonial colors on the trim to be a sharp contrast and the walls to be more of a whitewash grayish not warm and not white darker but neutral with no cast of any kind which is difficult to find.  They roll their eyes and run for cover when they see me coming.  Now I have to pick the trim color and it's not easy for me.  Dark?  Very dark?  Gray/green?  Taupes?

 

Sherwin Williams' old Curio Gray has always been one of my favorites and I have it in mom's bedroom.  I'm leaning toward an olive brown, greenish gray, dark blue, mustard, grayish taupe, but that will change I'm sure. Always afraid I will change my mind, and I will, so might as well just jump right in and get this room done.

 

I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend.

I'll have my nose in paint samples and elderberry pie.

Thanks for visiting!

 

 

Finished....now what

Hiya.  I really like completing these quick projects every once in a while.  Gives me a boost.  It's like instant gratification compared to the long wait to see a larger sampler.  Several color changes - I like the rust!

I think I'll start the other Chessie on the same fabric tonight.  But do I finish this into the little drawstring bag that I had planned, or wait until the other is completed and make two cupboard tucks?  Or two bags? Hmmm.  I think I should tape it to the back of the TV for now.  Something this little will certainly be lost as quickly as it was stitched.

 

Have a happy hump day.

 

Thanks for visiting!

Chessie & Me trio

Greetings.  Tomorrow is October.  ?????  Where is the time going?

A quick post to show a few small samplers from Chessie and Me.

The first is my current project, Harriot Simpson, a reproduction from 1777.  The original was stitched on 54 count and much of it over one thread.  It's reproduced on 36 count, over two, and is less than 4" x 5" when completed.  On the cover, some of the stitching is not seen because of thread color which I've changed.

 

The same is true of my second chart, H. Kessel's reproduction.  I didn't like the looks of either until I realized that those blank areas are actually stitched.  You can see on the chart that the entire line is filled with name and motifs.  This is from 1858, is German, similar in size (82 x 91) to Harriot (83 x 66).

The last one is the Scottish Initial Sampler and one on my favorites that I've already stitched.  So small, and I like it so much I didn't even mind the top row's over one.

 

So there's three very small reproductions, no specialty stitches, great for trying out a new linen count or thread.  They're all OLD, and I can't say if they are all still available.  I recently found her lovely blog, Chessie and Me.

Two more things.  I love redskin potatoes and this recipe is one of my favorites.  Melt several tablespoons of butter to coat the glass dish, cut potatoes in half and dip cut side in the butter, then in grated Parmesan (remove excess), place cut side down. 400 degrees for 40 -45 minutes.

The king was sitting in his throne yesterday while the jester was planning an adventure.

Have a great week!

Thanks for visiting.

 

 

 

Brooms and beans

Hello people.  Just a quick show and tell post.  I tried making a little primitive broom and love the way it turned out. 

 After cutting a straight branch while stink bugs tried to set up a condo in my hair, and tripping over roots and vines while retrieving corn husks that were discarded in the woods,  I bleached, dried, and wired it all together.  Drilled a hole, added a leather lace, and here they are.  Much too small for me to ride but I have others for that.  







I will hang them from a peg rack with all the dried garlands in the new room.  One day sometime possibly perhaps in the near distant future. Or maybe the side of a cupboard.
 

 

 

The yellow wax beans that I dried did not do as well as the greens.  They are still drying and shrinking much more than the others, and taking MUCH longer to do so.

 

 

I chose a new project the same way I usually do.  Whatever strikes me at a particular moment for no particular reason, that's it.  I found a tiny reproduction sampler from Chessie and Me under the sofa in my mess room and felt sorry for it.  Like all the big boy samplers kicked her out and she hid.  It's my first attempt on 35/36 count.  I have to say - no problem!!  I'm so surprised that it's not difficult, but I'm sure other linens may be different. I'll work on it more today and show you next time.  VERY small.  Perfect for trying a new count or thread.

  Enjoy your day and stay safe.

Thanks for visiting.


 

DMC linen

Happy Saturday.  Hope the weekend will be a good one for you.  I am one of those people that get stuck and dwell on an emotional issue so mine will be quiet and uneventful.  It started off with a misstep that created a dark blue toenail which I will certainly lose.  Not my favorite color, but nothing to complain about.

 

I wanted to show you the DMC Charles Craft linen I ordered through Wal-mart.  It is less stiff than my older pieces, has a little sheen, but for the price, perfect for little ornaments that I will step on, douse with coffee, and politely "age".  Here's a look along with a few other pieces of Antique Tan and Tea-dyed 28 counts.  The large piece is the Charles Craft.  I just checked to see if they changed the price, and they did - again.  First it was $13.55, then $10.56, then $9.83, and now back to $13.55.  I guess if you want a piece (20x24), you should check daily and order on a low price day!  No shipping charge either with Site to Store.

 

  

My BOAF boys were done on Charles Craft tea-dyed linen.

 

Mark didn't want to wait any longer for a painter so he got the room primed and ready for him.  Good thing.  I hate it.  We had it tinted to match the paint color that is fabulous in my friend's house, and sucks lemons in mine.  My old color is Benjamin Moore's #974 and it is not gray, not beige, not yellow, pink, or green.  Very neutral in my home and I will probably go back to it.  I'm glad he primed it, otherwise, I wouldn't have the opportunity to change it.  Choosing paint drives me nuts. 

  

As for stitching, I was considering Scarlet Letter's Sally Fiske or Lora Turner, R&R's Rebecca Waverly, and Essamplaire's Mary Margaret Mallet.  The two SL's were recently pinned by someone I follow on Pinterest, so that coincidence made me think it should be one of the two.  But usually, something draws me to a completely different design last minute.

I did get my box ready for Midnight Ride and decided to keep the natural wood by sealing it rather than painting.  I didn't order the chart yet because I would like to browse other designs to include in the order.  The eye dancing is getting better so I should be able to stay on the computer a little longer this weekend.

No matter how I try - even lifting him and setting him down on the correct side, this little nitwit still prefers his own position.

I happened to see these items on Ebay and thought they were cute.

Meadowbrooke Gourds has the nicest cut gourds for fall and halloween.  I always enjoy visiting their site.

 

 

 

 

I'm done.  We've had several sunny days and I think today, I will spend some time on the swing enjoying the warmth.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Thanks for visiting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pumpkins for Cathey

Today is Pumpkins for Cathey day in honor of her blogaversary, and we want her to know she is in our thoughts and prayers. 

 Read more about it on Daffy Cat's blog. 
Cathey's blog, Pumpkin Patch and Co. is here.