As the optician says

One?  Or two? 

One?  Or two? 

I have the same question.

 

Thirty count used to be my favorite and I do have some left, but followed the chart with thirty two count.  Those two threads per inch make quite a difference and cause me quite a dilemma regarding floss threads.  I do not like the sparse look of one thread on 32 count, but two threads are heavy and bulky.  At least mine are.  And I really don't like stitching with two strands any longer.  The stag is one, and it's OK I guess, not as large an area as his coat.  But the dark blue contrast on the lighter linen is too open for me.  I tried a lighter blue for less contrast but it wasn't enough color.  See the heavy thread over his back compared to the single thread below?  It's raised like a little sausage roll.  My SIL used two strands on 32 Belfast almost exclusively and her work was perfect, no sausages.

 

 Linen to thread contrast would not be as noticeable on a darker linen but neither would this design with its dark thread.  (sigh) (nose blow) (cough).  I need to order 35 count raw/unbleached linen which is perfect for one thread, but I don't think there are too many options for that, most are dyed.  I will stitch a larger area of the blue before deciding if I want to start over on my last piece of beige 35 count.  Hoping I can put on those big girl panties and continue on this piece because I'm sure when completed, it will be just fine.  And it's seasonal, not something I will look at every day.  There 'ya go.  I knew if I yakked about it, sensibility would prevail.

 

I'm not sure if I will order all 13 skeins of wool needed to stitch Ellen (unexpected car bill for Carole) but did find a decent sale price for them.  Most online shops had the GASWT thread for $3.20-3.35 and Stitching Bits 'n Bobs has them for $2.64.  Simply Wool Threads. That's a really good price.  Ellen calls for Buckeye Scarlet (4 skeins) Dried Thyme (3) Grecian Gold (2) and one each of Harvest Basket, Driftwood, Dark Chocolate, and Forest Glade.  I may use the GAST cotton, but who knows?

 

I'll leave you with another one of our visitors.

Enjoy the last few days of October.  I'm still in shock!

 

***********************

A slump slows you down

but doesn't prevent you from acquiring new projects.  Not when they are this great.  I haven't received a new sampler chart in a while and don't really need any, but when I saw this from Merry Wind Farm, I couldn't pass it up.  Different.  Small.  Not complicated.  Fits a standard frame but would make an excellent sack too.  Plus, wool threads.  I tried them once and my uncontrollable tension caused issues and breakage.  Being sick has made me weak so maybe now's the time to try again!

 

I pulled colors for Notforgotten's Blue Belsnickle and will start after meds kick in, followed by Melinda's Ellen Ford.  Click either title for their Etsy sites.  I will order the wool threads this afternoon.

 

I want to mention that several readers have told me that they are no longer getting post updates through email.  I have no idea why, but if you are having this problem, add your email again in the right side bar, or email me and I can add it to my settings so you will receive the posts.

 

Have a good day folks.

 

***************************

Melanistic

That's what a whitetail deer with black hair is called, and rare.  First one either of us has ever seen!  Some have black faces but this one was marked on the majority of his body and neck.  Not a very good photo, taken at dusk through a window.  He is quite skittish and when he came back for more corn, my movement scared him off again.  I hope not into the path of a hunter.

 

Remember the old cast iron sink with drainboards they took out of the woods?  That's the back of it you see leaning against the tree behind him.  No place for it and no ideas for a outdoor stand/display.  It's quite large and very heavy, Mark said once it's in place, it will never be moved again!   I have two words for that.  Locking casters.

 

****************************

Coloring

and getting ready to pick a linen for Belsnickle.  You know I always change a few colors, haven't really decided if that will happen and I am fairly sure Mr. Blue will stay, but the border may end up green or brown.

 

I had a difficult time discerning the symbol patterns so I colored them, but then enlarged to make it easier yet.  With my stitching attitude still snarky, I need to avoid any little frustrations.  I've done this with many samplers and designs, always a huge help.

 

 

It's turned chilly, so that means I'll be hosting three flea ridden brats more often.  I want to buy a cat tree for them but haven't seen one that has removable/washable covers to the perches.  These cats are filthy and always leave a dirty spot wherever they lay.  And this gives new meaning to the term, face plant.
 

 

Starting to feel human again - thanks for your well wishes.

 

Have a good day!

 

************************

Simple

I started stitching a few Christmas related words to sew into tiny hearts or squares for the small trees. Yule, Wish, Hope, Eve, Jolly, Star, Bells, Holy, Noel, Joy are some that I may use.  I should of course have the fabric cut first because I may be limiting the heart shape, but then again, I want them very small for a feather style tree so hearts may not work.  Whether I stitch a green sprig of holly or gold star will be determined later.  I didn't realize when ordering this linen online that the pattern was actually .... paint?  I wanted to age the fabric and darken the white but it won't take.  Anyone have a suggestion?   Maybe the Ranger ink pad will work, haven't tried that yet.

 

I should be getting Belsnickle in a day or two but I am still pretty sick and not in the mood for following a pattern.  I may have to go to the doctor again. 

 

Weather changed!  My warm days are over replaced by a blustery wind.  I like wind and after raining the sun appeared, leaves were blowing down against a dark sky but rays of sunshine were breaking through.  Sounds idyllic for a fall day.  Eh.  I'm just trying to talk myself into it.  A week from today will be November and I will need something sweet to get me through.

 

Hope your week is going well.

 

*******************

The robe

Thought I would share a vintage robe that my sister found in her downsizing attempt.  She dated a serviceman that was stationed in Japan late 50's (?) early 60's (?).  He bought her many items there, pearls, ivory, silk scarves, and this robe.  What exquisite workmanship.  There are no tags except for the Trademark Made in Japan but I believe it must be silk.  Fully lined to the edges throughout, even the sleeve seams are covered in tape. I tried finding something similar in online vintage shops, hoping to sell it for her, but haven't found anything close.  Most are kimonos. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Isn't it gorgeous?  The inside impressed me almost  as much and I wonder if it was handsewn.

Funny, I don't ever remember my sister being thin enough for this.  There isn't enough to wrap around me but oh so luxurious and light.  For now it will hang in the closet and I will look through the silk jammies and scarves for more treasures.  The ivory carved daisy necklace was a gift he sent to Carole's little sister (moi) and it is sized for a girl.  I have since removed the yellow ink from the centers.  It's real ivory from 50 years ago before they banned it.  So sad and disgusting that majestic animals are mutilated for profit including removing the shark's fins and putting it back into the waters to slowly suffer and die.  Uh oh.  SOOT!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This wasn't very interesting was it?  But I thought you might like to see a beautifully made article from over 50 years ago.  

 

I didn't start any stitching and probably won't until my right hand is without tissue held to my nose.  Don't worry Roann!  I used a Clorox wipe on the pillow, packaging, tape, and box!

Have a good day!

 

***************************