Two steps forward

ten steps back.  Do you have any idea how many times I have removed and restarted with different colors on this sampler?  I lost count myself.  Yes the pumpkin looks great on this brown linen and it goes very well with my sampler sack, but I want the stronger colors in the bottom section.  So for the last time, I am removing the latest choice of pumpkin and replacing it with the 612.  I'm sticking with three colors in the alpha and it will take a while to remove the pumpkin, but I may continue with the rest of the project first and go back later.

 

 

Hornies are a real bitch.  To size something so small has not been fun and quite time consuming.  I like seeing "bits" of samplers but for some reason, I have to have it more concise and balanced.  Geez.  I wonder what that reason could be.

 

Houses do not work well on these because of the size and after finally uncrossing my eyes yesterday, I am limiting the sampler designs to three of these four. 

 

Everything will be for sale at one time.  Because these horny hornie measures are made of 1/4" thick wood, they must ship with the package rate of $2.60.  I was going to take one of my many Death by Chocolate Zucchini Breads down to Bruce for sympathy, but my favorite postal guy follows the rules.  No bribes. 

 

Have a good week.  So upset that we are in the 20's of August.

 

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Hornbook measure

Good idea?  One cute little hickeymabob instead of several for corner measuring?  I thought about this when working on my hornbook and the corner tags (which I still love) and finally got around to having Mark cut a few. 

Each side is a measurement so you have 2, 3, and 4 in one piece. A hole will be drilled in the handle for hanging.  Didn't get that far yet.  Not easy making such a tiny label.

 

What do you think?  Should I make a few for sale?

 

 

 

Have a good weekend!

 

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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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