All alone!

EDIT - That's why my blogging break is always interrupted.  I've been working on my long list of things to finish, but there are no stitchers to share it with but you!

 

Remember the stitching journal I wanted?  Searched and searched, found none, and I know that most people use their "devices" to store info, but I'm a limited device person.  Besides, you can't save a linen swatch in them.

 

I wanted flexibility (since the body lost it I need it somewhere in my life) so that I can move, add, store.  Bound journals are just paper. 

 

Ta-da.!

My ARC from Staples to the rescue.  Martha Stewart also has this system and it's her inserts that I am using.  All from Staples when they have the 20% off bag sale.  I am such a coupon addict.

 

You can get dividers, plastic pockets perfect for swatches, even zippered inserts.  The plastic discs can be purchased in a larger size if the journal becomes thicker.  This is the medium size but it also comes in full size.  The littlest one would be sufficient for project notes and color changes, but there are no inserts offered, just paper.

 

I have a mid sized 3-ring binder but I prefer this for its flat shape and convenience. 

 

I glued a label to the front so I know which one is for needlework (I have several), and this will work out great.  The acrylic/vinyl cover warped/curled after the glue dried which also happens on the paper mache journals.  Always glue another piece (heavy card stock or light cardboard) on the inside of the cover to stabilize it.

 

I also have the special paper punch (the small cheap one) so I can use card stock to make my own dividers or pockets if needed.  A small swatch of linen counts and colors will be stapled to a few heavy pages and kept in the back for reference. The plan was to print my own pages with headings but it's not necessary.  I'm lucky I got this far. 

And I couldn't wait to share!  Maybe this will excite the mojo and lift me a step higher out of the slump.

 

My SIL purchased a needlework journal from a shop many years ago, and it was really nice.  She took a photo of each finish and included that on the page which offered areas for changes, designer, fabric, threads, dates, and recipient.  I need to remember to ask her daughter (who now has it) to bring it with her next visit.  I would love to see it again.

 

I'm leaving now.

Have a good one!

EDIT - Christine mentioned that she has one from Yarn Tree which never showed up in my searches.  Here is the link if anyone is interested.  Read the shipping page, there is a charge for orders under $25 and also under $100 for wholesale orders.  Not sure if an individual can order but your local shop can get it for you too.
http://yarntree.com/cross-stitch/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=344_346

 

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Lost and found

Yep.  This sampler was completed in 1990.  I forgot about it, recently found it, worked the design for one of the corner squares, lost the file, found it again, and now it's on a box.   It would make a great corner if I can't find decent square boxes. 

I love it.  At the time, I was using Scarlet Letter's 25 count, and discarded all the charts since no one around here stitched.  I may have to locate another and try again on a higher count.  And a different color house.  Sorry Vickie.

 

The house reminds me of Merry Wind Farm's Elena Tratman.  I think it is also done in a satin stitch but I'm too tired to get up and look for the chart.  I think this sampler is one of those that looks spectacular when stitched compared to the photo.  I see many charts online and think they're very nice, but when I see someone stitching it, wowzer. 

 

 

Enjoy the end of summer days. 

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Hiya

Between the hot flashes and the humidity, I keep sweating the electrodes off and beeping like crazy.  Did a little shopping this morning at JCP (no incidents with mannequins or posts this time) and started beeping.  Reminded me of the time my cousin's dog swallowed the little squeaker after tearing into a toy, and started squeaking with every step.

 

Not getting much done, but did manage some larger boxes. They raised the price again, 75¢ each, so between the postage increase and that, they will be higher in price.  And I may use Etsy since I hope to have the berries offered too, along with a few other box sizes and labels.

 

Thunderstorms make these guys crawl on their bellies and howl to get in.  Once here, they decide to park near a register for the cool air.

 

 

August is half over.  Can't believe it.

Hope all is well with everyone.

Have a great weekend.

 

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Zucchini cakes

This is the recipe we use for wild mushrooms and call them pizzarelles.  Mark just changed the recipe to use zucchini instead.  I love them and devour as he is making them, and then grab a few from the fridge later.  They don't last very long.

 

The zucchini is shredded and must be drained and toweled or they are too soggy.  Adjust with more bread crumbs if too runny or start with one or two less eggs.  Mark makes them often and adjusts but I asked him to try measuring.

Recipe is .jpg file so you can click on, right click and print if you want to, or save.

 

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Third time

damn well better be a charm. 

 I was stitching last night when I noticed a very large slub running vertically.  As I always do, I try to pick the fuzz to the back.  This was that rottenrat linen with synthetic feel to its threads which I realized as soon as I tried to pick.  It wasn't a slub, just a piece of rope pretending to be a thread that immediately broke under a slight tug.  I removed it all and rewove another thread from the edge into the empty space, but it wasn't right.  That piece of rope left a space too vast to fill.  That's right.  Vast.  At midnight I was grabbing more linen and dyeing.  Sprayed with the darker solution after drying and it spit.  That's right.  Spit.  Several times.  Spit spit spit.  So I have larger spots mixed in with the fine.  I like it.

 

This piece is 12" wide and a lot longer than needed, so I will start on the rows and not worry about stitching the vertical border to make sure the length is proper.  That's right.  Proper. 

It's still not the warm happy golden brown of Sparrow, and very close to the first two failures. 

 

Tomorrow I am posting the recipe for the zucchini pizzarelles or pancakes that everyone loves.  And then I may be taking the rest of the month off.  Unplugging completely to enjoy the last few weeks of summer.  Still not feeling well and the monitor goes on Wednesday.  My cardiologist is on indefinite leave because of a sudden diagnosis and both Carole and I need to see someone else. 

 

Have a great day!

Save a big zuke for tomorrow's recipe.

 

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Thank you Lynda!

She hit the nail on the head.  She asked "is the fabric the right way up?".  Being upside down and sideways myself, I had no idea.  So I got out my trusty sewing gauge, and looky here.

Going horizontal, I have 29/30 count.

But going vertical, it's only 26.

233 stitches ÷ 13 would be 18" length.  That's still smaller than I would end up with, but explains the mystery.  But doesn't explain why the weave looks even while being 3 or 4 threads off per inch.

 

I started on another piece of linen that I dyed in that group of browns, and checked the count both ways before starting.  I should have enough and the colors I chose should be fine.  The linen is warmer and happier than the crabass I wanted but that's OK.  What will I do with this piece?  Wet it and throw it in the dryer.  Usually, it comes out smaller with a tighter weave, maybe it will correct this.  Maybe I caused it when dyeing.  Whatever, I would never have thought to check this had Lynda not mentioned it.  So thank you again!

 

Have a great day everyone.

 

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