Who wants Hannah Haines??

Hi everyone.  Got snow?  I do.  Several inches that will melt in a day or two, and I plan on celebrating it as being the last. 

I will be finishing Hannah in a day or two and since there is interest in finding this OOP chart, I thought I would offer it.  A little more border and one more line of stitching ~ decision time. 

Frame?  That would be nice.  My wonky style pictured it as a sack with an end flap and big black button, perfect size for my rulers.  And then I happened to set down my 10.1 tablet after cleaning the screen.  I've been looking for a pouch and this sampler's size is perfect.  But do I want a padded pouch for it or a stand?  A stand, which I haven't found locally since the majority are for iPads.  They are available online so maybe I will order and make the pouch to hold the tablet in its stand.  Or not. 

And here's some news - I think I finally have a cabinet maker!  After 18 months of waiting for broken promises from four carpenters, this gentleman named Dominic (my dad's name), is meeting with me Monday morning in his shop.  Here's the catch.  I can't have what I planned.  He will only make the three cabinets I purchased doors for, won't install, won't come out to the house for measurements, won't do the fridge cabinet, won't do the large corner pantry cupboards in the new room.  At this point, I don't give a damn.  I just want things back in order, painted, completed.  I will never get what I wanted or the changes I drew unless I order an entire new kitchen.  My cabinets are solid wood, I like them, I refuse to replace the entire lot in order to get a few additional.  If Ed can't come to help us, we will be doing the additional features ourselves.  Am I disappointed?  Yes.  But it's just a kitchen and I will accept what I have and let it go.   Right after I mail this sweet thank you note to the cabinet makers that failed me..

"Just want to thank you for telling me to purchase custom doors from my cabinet company in order to save you time and setup. Your dishonesty caused me to pay a load of shipping costs. I also appreciate your efforts to feign integrity by making promises you failed to keep. Your lack of respect for customers waiting months only to find out you now refuse their calls is unparalleled.  Since your business has reached the top of these negative ethics, your work probably reflects the same . I will be happy to tell others and encourage them to tell their friends, too.  Word of mouth is certainly important in any business."

Don't mess with Mother Menopause.

Anyway, if you would like to have Hannah Haines in your stash, leave a comment on this post, initials if anonymous, and Random will choose on Thursday at 8pm EST. 

Have a great day!!

 

 

 

Progress!

Good day to all!  I am loving my big needle and big linen while sitting on my big....!  Scarlet Letter kits began my journey into samplers, most were on 25 count, and they are still many of my favorite finishes.  I haven't used that linen for years but felt Hannah needed it.  And it's so easy and quick!  I am using Black Crow and Cinnamon GAST and have two fabrics that would be perfect if I want a zippered pouch finish.  On 25, it measures 10" x 3 3/4".  Lots of inquires about this chart, so............you know what's coming!!

 

Have a safe and fun weekend.

Another quick and comfortable sampler

How are you?  Still waiting for spring aren't you?  Don't hold your breath.  Been busy with appointments and more family health issues, but wanted to quickly show my new project.  As usual, I had several samplers chosen, one of which was Scarlet Letter's Fanny Hancock and when she popped up on Pinterest, I thought that was the sign.  But last minute, I decided a wonky little primitive piece would be better. 

  Meet Hannah Haines.

 

 This sweet sampler is from Hands to Work.  The alphabet is not the ordinary and I chose 25 count unbleached linen because I prefer primitive/early looking pieces on a coarse higher count.  Another very easy and quick stitch.  Fun!  I'm not quite ready for a more involved project.

A reader directed me to a blog and website that is very interesting.  I haven't had time to check it out other than a quick browse and you may be familiar with it if you like embroidery and historical stitchery.  Their website, Thistle Threads, is here and will direct you to their blog and other interesting information, historical work, instruction, sources, and more with every click.  Thank you Mary!

 

 

After a run under the vacuum, this brat pad shows another reason for not allowing them to roam the house.  These cats are filthy!!  No hair on this, and just take a look at what else they leave behind.  I have a lot of these protective pads left from caregiving and they really come in handy.   Time for another load in the washer.

 

Enjoy the weekend, stay safe, be comfortable!

Thanks for visiting.

For the second time..

Lydia Hinckley!  And I wouldn't even mind stitching her for a third time.  I will remove her partner Frances from the mount board and sew them both for hanging.  I don't want a lot of color on the back so I'm using two different neutrals and will age the linen a little before sewing.

It's so hard to find fabrics that I like locally.  I do have three quilt shops within a half hour but only one carries Moda (limited choices) and I seem to like their designers best.  Most of the fabrics I see are for quilts (guess that's why they are called quilt shops)- bright, floral, colorful.  I like muted, simple, and drab.  I have to go for scans Thursday and Friday may be another golf day for husband so the web will be my shopping guide.  No I don't like to drive any distance by myself because 1. I am directionally challenged and couldn't find my way off a one way street, and 2. I'm a white knuckle driver waiting for another old fart to smack me.  Yes I have a GPS but that bitch has an attitude and we don't get along.

All your purchases were mailed yesterday and I thank you.  I hope you like them!  Here's a few things I learned yesterday. 

1.  Never sell ALL your inventory - keep a spare in case of a finishing accident.

2.  When waxing the finished product, remember that it can get slippery.

3.  Never wax an item over a sink with water filled dishes.

4.  Put the dirty dishes where they belong - in the dishwasher.

 

I'll be 63 in a few months and still learn something every day.  We went to the Social Security office and my husband signed up for benefits.  He'll be 66 in July and this visit really drove home that we are "seniors". Without pensions, it will be a change. The majority of our friends and neighbors are retired teachers with 100% salary for pensions (all over $68,000 a year PLUS full social security), and they still complain even though they are making much more in retirement than when working. ?????  He's still not sure when he will leave the job, no earlier than July, but maybe not until January.  I guess it will depend on how the fish are biting.

The sun is shining and temps in the 50's are coming my way for the weekend (after a snow dusting this afternoon).  My CA cousin is in rehab for a few more weeks after her six bypasses and I thank you all for your well wishes and prayers.  The surgeon is amazed, never thought she would make it through the surgery.  My MN cousin in the nursing home doesn't understand the concept of a gift, and the beautiful pink journal and card weren't received with joy as I had hoped.  So sad.  So quick.  A vibrant, world traveling, honored teacher, can no longer understand the world in her early 60's.   Embrace each day, learn something new, be grateful for your thoughts.

Stay safe - thanks for visiting.

Sale started!

Click here to go to the sale page or the tab under the header.

Journal notice and a comfort stitch!

Good morning!  How's the weekend going for you?  I have cats in the house, snow spitting on my house, and this in my bag...

 

Give me stiff lower count linen, a size 24 needle, and I'm happy.  Ahhhhh.  This is me!!  Scarlet Letter's Bliss and Hinckley are two of my favorite small samplers.  So quick, easy to stitch, and simple in design, perfect when you need a comfortable project.  I've been wanting to stitch Lydia again since she left home in a giveaway.  I had a wide frame chosen for Frances but I think both will be sewn and hung from a peg or cupboard.  This chart was sold the end of February on EBay and looked like a newer print version.  Mine is from 1983.

A few journals will go on sale tonight at 8 pm EST, and there won't be any more of this style.  I receive emails scolding me for not posting at the sale start to remind you so I will! You will choose from the drop down menu which design you prefer.  Click on the Journal tab under my blog header to go to the sale page.  If you are redirected back to the sale page, that means they have sold out.  I've been searching for others and found a few that can be ordered but they are nicer than these paper mache and will be more in price.  I have decided to offer these for $10 including shipping, US only.  Shipping can't be combined because more than one jumps to Priority weight.

There are not many available so please don't order more than two.

 

I need to remove this 40 compression stocking and take a quick shower.  I have the full length with the hip panel and waist belt but still need the glue.  Friday it will come off until injections start again.  Wearing latex gloves to get it back on helps tremendously.  The first time I ever wore this heavy compression and removed it, it bunched at the ankle and I was losing circulation to my foot!  Could NOT get it off but eventually I stood on the end of it while pulling my leg out.  Summer is coming - don't forget to buy a bottle of It Stays for your sling backs and top straps. 

I'll leave you with a video I saw on Karin's blog Countryfolk Keepsakes.  She is so funny and her work is wonderful.  I'm a country music fan and totally clueless about current pop artists.  I'd heard of Pharrell so clicked on, and can't stop bouncing.  Hope it gets you smiling.

 

Clap along if you feel that happiness is the truth!