The agony of one

How was your Easter?  Our turkey was the best we ever had.  From now on, fresh only, no "solutions" or additives.  Well worth the extra $$. 

Instead of candy, I always get my nephew's grandchildren new shoes for summer.  The 2 year old was happy, the 7 year old's didn't fit, and the 3 year old wouldn't put them on.  He always sticks that little tongue out when he first sees you and the doctor said he is autistic.  So now all three of them get a disability check.  I told their father that if the doctor feels they are autistic, he should be ordering some form of early therapy, or go get a second opinion.  My sister was worn out because these kids are ACTIVE!!  They will sit for a story but it better be short, especially on a warm sunny day.  A few of their games/toys are electronic but most are for outdoor.  Personally, I love the Stomp Rocket.

Now for the stitch slump.  When I have to force myself to pick up a needle, over one is the worst type of stitching.  Hannah has four lines of it and after one, I decided to stop.  Extremely difficult and tedious to remove it now.  Not sure if I will stitch the last line of the chart (her name) or just end it here with a single bottom band.  I added a little center motif in place of the queen stitch heart, filled in all the missing stitches, added a dookey after "heart" to extend the row.

 

 

 

With my neck and back causing numbness I didn't want to look down for any length of time, so I turned my Lacis hoop to the side and flipped it up so it's really high and close.  I never did order the smaller hoop for it but will.  I much prefer sitting on a smaller aid when needed than using a large floor stand.  Stitching in hand is my method but for the over one and because of my numbness, the flipped up hoop was necessary.

So many of you have no problem with over one but I do.  I never remember the rules and end up searching for the stitch I know I put in, but it disappeared.  As this article explains (here) I need to pay attention to the linen threads.  It is very important to see if the horizontal thread goes over, or under, the vertical.  Doing it wrong allows the floss thread to slip under the linen thread and disappear.  If I concentrate or pay attention, the over one stitches would not be so aggravating but I just don't have the ambition right now.  And, I just can't seem to remember things so a copy of these instructions should be inserted into my charts that call for over one.  Maybe I'll do that today.  I will still be listing some charts for sale, maybe Facebook, maybe Ebay, and I am undecided about selling some smalls.  I am tired of many and want to clean up the house, ridding it of clutter and "things", still loving Phoebe Troyer's home on Pinterest.  But I may be sorry and should probably pack them away for now.

 

My cousin Patty received the Jenny box and shed a tear, she misses her mom and also her sister who she admitted is now totally lost to her from the dementia.  It came the day she received her Medicare card.  Tough day, I know too well.  But she's relieved because her health care was costing her $998 a month and she doesn't work, only her husband in a medium income job. While my well off friend pays $100 for the top of the line plan because she lives off her own money, therefore, no W-2 or income which is what your cost is based on.

 

March is already ending this week.  Time flies when you're having fun getting older.

 

Have a great week!

Thanks for visiting.

 

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the Ink Spots

Greetings folks.  I want to wish everyone a joyous Easter.  We won't be having our traditional breakfast and dinner this year.  The fresh turkey I bought for Thanksgiving is finally making its way out of the freezer and will be the first time ever, a bird will be gracing the Easter table.  Not happy about that, but it's easier than arguing with my sister.

 

My right arm and hand are numb again so stitching is hit and miss but I am plugging along.  A few more stitches and the four rows of over one begin.  There is a large center heart done in the queen that isn't stitched yet and I haven't decided if I will do it or change it.  R&R's reproductions are charted as the samplers are found including missing stitches.  I usually fill them in and did on the top of Hannah, but decided to follow the chart for the mid section.  What bothered me was the color I chose for green, 731, way too yellowish.  The entire sampler is my own choice and darker than the original.  I didn't want to go back and change it so I got my artist brushes out and inked it.  Yep.  Inked it.  Ranger archival ink pad.

It's not a great difference but the yellow is toned down considerably and just fine now.  In this photo, the 1234 and large motif on the left were inked.  Always looking for the easy end to a problem. 

Using the small flat brush on the raised thread is quite easy, very light touch.  By not holding the brush upright, having it horizontal, the bristles don't touch the linen.  I used a liner brush for a few. 

 

This looks better.  Still undecided as to filling in missing stitches, or leaving as is and aging when finished.  That's another reason I am not too concerned about inking over threads, I age pieces with spots anyway so if I happen to smudge the linen, (or make a chocolate fingerprint) it will not be noticed at all and contribute to the look.

 

 

The blue linen came out fabulous.  I ordered three dark pieces anyway, Gunmetal Dolphin and Charcoal.  Why?  I can get the shade I want myself!  But you never know for sure.  When I dye, I'm using scraps or linen that I do not like as samples.  The next piece I try may not come out the same and that's happened.  The sources and colors of my old linens are unknown so each could dye differently.

Staying home and chewing on Advil today, Mark is golfing (it's 38 degrees), maybe we will go out later for a few errands.  My printer that died again, may be running after my 4 day fix.  If it is, I will try to offer a few boxes for April but I'm not sure.  The new monster sized printer I purchased after the first death does not print the quality I want and it's sitting in the basement.  Just don't have the gumption to shop for another right now.

For Elaine - I can't reply to your comment or email you.  The pincushions are by Hands on Designs.  The series is called Block Party.  Buzz, Java, Home, and Wool are the chart titles.  You can find all four here.

 

I won't be back until after Easter so I want to again wish you all a Happy Easter!!

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

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Block Party

As usual, I am out of the loop.  While searching online for linen that I do NOT need, a series called Block Party from Hands on Designs showed up.  You've seen them?  What a cute cute cute idea and something different for those that have stitched it all.  Each side is different and each has 4 pins to spell the theme.  There will be 6 in the series and the chartpack comes with the little wool top piece for $10.  I've not seen any on blogs and even though my crippled fingers only bend to samplers, I think the idea is unique.
 

Home................................Java 

 

Wool.....................................Buzz

 

 

Note to Sandra - I can't contact you (no-reply) about the trees but they were all purchased several years ago and I check every year, but haven't seen them since.

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I've got the blues

Rit's liquid denim blue mixed with pearl gray. Gray with a touch of denim on the left and denim with equal gray on the right.  Back to soaking for a darker shade.  Whatever is left will be poured into a glass quart jar and stored for future.  I think I'll try the denim full strength on another piece.

 

If I am absolutely sure of the count in my mess of mystery linens, I use a permanent marker in a corner rather than having a pin or staple invade the space beneath my nails.

 

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Jenny finish

 

Bunnies

 Sale - originally I said to leave comments with email addresses but some of you can't, so instead, click
samplersandsantas@gmail.com (or top right column link) to send me your purchase request with item#.  Bunheads are through Paypal or check, charts will be through online gift certificate and I will send info when I ask for your mailing address and confirm sale.
Thanks!!

Buns measure 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", all with the same dark blue print backing.  The bottom edge is glued, not hand sewn shut.  The set is $14 including shipping (US).
SOLD

 

 Usually I just donate small charts and cards like these but thought I would show you first in case there is one you have wanted.  Samplers and a few other charts will be on EBay in the future.  All include US shipping and payment will be made to 123Stitch as a gift certificate.

 

1.  Prairie Schooler Amish Life  $4 SOLD

2.  Prairie Schooler Mary had a Little Lamb  $4

 

First item is $1 and the second is 50¢ for any of these four designs

3.  Bent Creek Pumpkin Patch   

4.  Heart in Hand Wee Santa 2002  SOLD 

5.  Cedar Hill Shaker Cat (the chart's winner never claimed it in the giveaway)  GONE

6.  Sigrid Designs Santa Mouse   

 



7.  Scattered Seed Queen Esther   $5 SOLD
8.  La-D-Da littles A Bird in Hand  $1  SOLD

9.  Cedar Hill Country (quilt designs)  $1 or 50¢ with another  SOLD

10. Niky's Primitive Christmas  $2  SOLD

11. Tina Woltman Jingle Bird  $2  SOLD
12. Cedar Hill Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep  $1 or 50¢ with another