Get this straight

Make the door one row wider so it centers under the window.  Done.  Not the first change I've made to this and certainly won't be the last.  

And this is a big one coming up.  I love this sampler.  I do.  But it's flat.  If I had access to overdyed threads and could hand pick a skein that wasn't all over the place, I would.  A rarely use those threads for that very reason and have stitched many a house with DMC.  But this one, right at the top, sort of large and very pale in color, needs something.  I could carry on with the rest and wait for a few skeins of overdyed to come (I trust the subtlety of Colour & Cotton, maybe even Weeks) or I could pattern the house.  My blocks of stitches are so much nicer when I do the horizontal/vertical method.  For overdyed, filling it in with vertical rows and then completing the stitch with horizontal rows works.  No need for individual stitches and allows me to use my preferred sewing method and still get the shading.  Sounds easier than my other idea.  Brick it.  Brick it good.  More work for sure, but using the called for 738 with maybe 422 would be such a subtle difference and give it a little ...... depth.  What say you??

I spent part of the very warm Friday dipping my pinkish linens into a diluted green bath.  I can't tell you pleased I am with the result.  Yes I can.  I'm pickled tink!!  The Faun is now very neutral and looks closer to the Vellum I am seeking (123Stitch is on back order as are all the shops listing 36/40 count) and I am so happy with it.  A few others were also done and blowing in the breeze.

I soaked my 28 count unbleached and after a dozen times, finally had rinse water than wasn't dark brown.  It's a little lighter, a little tighter, close to a 30 count.

Leaves leaves leaves and then leaves.  We've never seen them fall so rapidly.  Three days in a row where so heavy no grass could be seen.  I'm tired.  Thank goodness for mom's shower chair that I can height adjust for landscape work and push myself out of with those side handles.  This is AFTER we were done on Saturday.

Hope the weekend is a good one!

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Enjoying Elizabeth

 Hi buds!  Even though the eyes are causing slow progress and several misplaced pokes, I am enjoying this sampler.  The moifs are easy, the large side borders beneath can tolerate errors, the body is simple alpha.  This is a good sampler for anyone wanting a large finish with no over one or complicated borders.   The big yellow house is close and I hope this thread color shows well.  If not, I will change to a brighter or lighter.

Speaking of large size, my tunic tops in my new size are in at Kohls and I will have something to wear.  Tek Gear has really nice casual tunics and I don't even need tall size.  Mid thigh and hides it all!.  Well, it hides rolls and thighs but I'd have to add black side panels to hide the width.  Why don't they have tops with black side panels or vertical accents?  I look at women's sizes for Carole and am surprised that they continue to offer asymettrical hems hanging low at the sides and shorter in front which makes anyone look wider.  If the lower hems are at front and back with the sides shorter, you look slimmer!  

Have a good day!!

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Chart drawing

 Carol Sferra was the name drawn and since she included her email in the comment, I was able to contact her directly.  Thanks everyone!!

I found the small canned pumpkin and the purchase limit was three.  I got three!!

But it's dark before 7:00 so I'm still crabby.

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Spool hugger Thursday

 And it will be 78 today and 80 tomorrow.  Then we'll knock 30 degrees off and it's all downhill from there.  The end.

Elizabeth is coming along on the 35 count Winter Brew.  I do love this color linen.  Several shops have listed Vellum but when I order, I get a backorder notice so no stock is available.  I emailed a recommended shop showing inventory but they never replied.  It's been over a month since my request at The Attic and no reply from them either.  People are busy!  I will try calling both tomorrow.  I have Wren and also Faun and although I love seeing your work on them, I'm still disappointed.  The Faun has too much background pink (you know I have that pinky problem) and the Wren is very dull.  Half yards of both so I may take a snippet and try a dip.

The single border (except for the top) is all first leg of the cross.  It's easy to remove if misaligned so I usually don't complete the stitch until I'm sure it's correct.  I can finish them without needing the chart if I'm outside or waiting in the car.  So far, all looks good.

I told you how disappointed I was that my supposed orange mums are dark red.  Well, looky here.  They are just starting to open and what do I see?  Orange.  Never saw an orange start out burgundy!

Hope your day goes well.

Be back this evening for the Stitching Girls draw.

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The frame or stand pouch

Here it is.  Very well made.  Heavy soft napped outer fabric, lining is silky and sturdy.

24" long without handles, 16" wide when lying flat.

Gusseted bottom, of the lining also.

Velcro closure, nylon straps.

First class shipping within US is included.

$45.00

Email samplersandsantas@gmail.com if interested.

Thanks.

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Sharing the girls

 Hi everyone.  My day is a gloomy, dark, rainy one, but as long as I'm here to complain about it, it's a good day.   Hope yours is also.

I got Elizabeth Clayton's threads onto the drops and cut my tunic top along with the loops because I had the floss in my lap.  I also wasn't paying attention and folded the length to create the pull through loop, and cut it.  Hey!  It was a loop!  So all in all, high gear of crabassiness.  (I have not found a spelling check in the new format so crabassiness stays.)  I pulled Winter Brew in 36 count, and started.  But I can't see well enough.  I just did the Gigi R design on the same fabric!  Seeing the eye doctor again tomorrow.

Once Ann's threads are on the drops, I will make an effort to begin her border.  Mary will be done on a lower count linen and her border is freehand after the body is completed.  But I want to start her also.  Never before have I worked on more than one, but I can't make up my mind and am tired of waiting for the gumption to begin.

I will list the bag tomorrow but today I am offering Kathy Barrick's Stitching Girls.  

My version is with a simplified dress, very abbreviated from the original, and I am finished with the chart.  If you are interested in this offer, comment on this post with your initials or contact info (email is OK also).  If more than one request, I will draw a name Thursday evening around .... oh wait.  Supernatural is on at 8 so let's make it 7 pm.

Why can't we align photos next to each other anymore?

Petey is still scratching and swatting me right after he rubs his head on my hand and arm.  I'm not going to waste another flea med vial since he bolts, instead, I will use a spray.  But not spray it.  I poured some into a small glass and have a dropper handy.  When he is busy eating and I see the tick on him I hope to land a direct drop on it.  Best I can do.

Have a good day!!

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