Christmas Sampler

Ewe & Eye

 Posting to IG, chart photo and my finish.  On 36 count, 4" x 3.75".  Sweet!

Enjoy your day.

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Simplify

 Hi folks.  First off, I didn't mean to complain about those ocular issues.  I've had them before, this was the first kaleidoscope and quite fascinating.  Painless and fairly brief, I just wanted to mention this common disturbance, maybe avoid a panic if you experience one for the first time.  

So the little Ewe & Eye is on the verge of completion, changes galore.  I had a little difficulty in interpreting the instructions for some of the smaller motifs.  So I chose my own stitch and color, even position in a few cases.  A little project like this has so many possibilities for personalization (changes to hide errors).  The design has a sawtooth top border and several rows of stitches at the bottom.  Nope.  A single row will outline, maybe a double.  So much going on in the body, I think a simple outline would be much better.   

No idea what's next.  Maybe a book.  Reading, not writing.  I'm not doing much at all (except napping), and don't really have anything kitted other than two big girls.  Am I really ready for another large sampler?  Nope.

I don't like to pry or intrude, but I had a comment left a few weeks ago from Unknown, and it's been bothering me.  Their young niece was diagnosed with stage 4 lung, waiting for additional tests, and she has been on my mind.  I can't imagine, and if that was your niece, I am so hoping that tests showed treatments are available.

Stay safe everyone.  

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Kaleidoscope Vision?

 Yes there is such a thing and it can scare the bejeebers out of you.  One of many disturbances called ocular migraines that may or not accompany headaches.  They usually disappear within 30 minutes.  The one I just experienced looked like a C-shaped kaleidoscope and is already increasing in size, ready to leave.  Whew.  

My Covid antibody test also came back negative, I am trying to get in to one of the two pulmonologists here for a talk.  The PA of my PCP office scheduled an appointment for two weeks.  Maybe because I have an autoimmune, my system would not create antibodies since it's too busy attacking me.

I have changed colors (big surprise) and also where they go.  This fabric was self dyed and it's very close to Winter Brew.  As always, the light threads do not show well enough for me, even using white.  When the stitches on 36 or 40 are so small, they get lost.  I need to come up with something for those motifs but haven't as yet.  Already two shades of green, two of brown, two reds, one gold that isn't bold enough.  

Snowflakes will be double thread of white, and as I'm typing this, 3790 or 3021 is popping into my head for a few of the motifs.  Very dark, but might be a good alternative.  I already darkened the stag with the archival ink, but if a very dark gray/brown is added to this design, I think I will remove and stitch him again. 

The wagon wheels are different than eyelet because they are outlined with full stitches except for the corners.  These are three stitches high inside so the spokes are not over two. 

Bud is still enjoying the attention he's getting, but we may have to make a decision soon.  He is so thin and we've tried everything.

Have a good day.

Stay safe.

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Wagon wheels

Everyone OK?  Safe, warm, healthy?  Balding and bitchy?  It's all good.  Especially when you order new gutchies (big girl panties).   Could it be a year of staying home, or the fact that I'm older and boring, maybe the lack of shopping in person, that results in underwear bringing excitement to my life?  Nope.  It's the simple things, the comfort you feel when nothing is binding, riding, or digging.  And coughing until you choke requires extra pairs.  My front loading washer is huge and small loads don't move.  Would be wonderful if I needed new because I lost fifteen pounds.  Thirteen.  A little over ten.  Losing your appetite will certainly change the scale.  But then your mood lifts, you have a few meals, and there ya go.  Those pounds are back before the food hits your stomach.  

So what's that have to do with wagon wheels?  Not a damn thing.  But as I struggled after removing more floss than adding it, my satin stitched apples (?) were horrible.  I tried various stitches, but then decided to just find the center and go round, like an uneven overgrown eyelet.  I am really pleased with the result.  Using the same color as the house was quite boring so I changed to a brighter red.

Sweet!!

Have a good day and stay safe!!

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Snow, sleet, rain, ice

Be careful!!   The white crap is treacherous tonight!  Got our meds, another Covid test, a full freezer, and we'll be safe for a few days.

The name attached to the number drawn was Carolyn CHM.  Please contact me with your preference of shop and we'll get that GC taken care of!  Thanks everyone.  As soon as I get my clearance of second Covid negative, I will offer the berry chart.  I've been ill since Christmas so I believe the virus has left me (with pneumonia!).

No stitching to show.  Why?  You can't believe the number of mistakes!  It looks to be aligned properly now so I can move on as soon as the eyes cooperate.  Surely won't be leaving the house!  Tomorrow will be a nalesniki day, one batch cheese and one batch jelly.

Stay safe everyone!  

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Not all questions have answers, but we have a give *way!

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE UPLIFTING AND MEANINGFUL COMMENTS!!

 Saturday.  No doctor visits, no tests today, trying to relax.  I have to say it is not easy.  There are times when ridding your mind of doubts should come easily, but do not.   Weeks of despair don't disappear overnight, unanswered questions and lack of confidence in information remain.  Normal I suppose.  But I won't feel safe in this retraction until I have blood proof that Covid is the cause.  Are they sure that it is not the beginning of IPF?  Am I being foolish?  Cautious?  Skeptical?   Why didn't a doctor (not the office staff) speak with me about what to expect?  Is this lung involvement at the end of the virus?  Start?  Does it matter?  Are the ground glass particles what fill with fluid quickly and become threatening as we so often hear?  Should I be looking for symptoms?  Should I be quarantined if I am to be tested again?  No one said Mark should be.  As one crisis seemed to resolve, should I be nonchalant about the lesser?   I thought the shaky and breathless mornings were from anxiety, but continued today.  I feel someone should be offering answers and at the very least, informing me of changes or symptoms to be wary of.  So as the fog is lifting, the questions keep coming.

Holding a needle is still tricky, a steady hand has not returned.  I managed to start Ewe & Eye's Christmas Sampler and already need to modify since I am two rows wider.  No big deal.  Changed the roof color to brown instead of green, and should have chosen a darker brown for the stag.  No big deal #2.  Easy fix.  Ranger brand archival ink to the rescue.  I just test on a cloth and very lightly brush the top of the already stitched threads to slightly darken and shade.  I use an artist's small flat angled brush for excellent control.

 My giveaway was to be an Erica Michael A&E large berry chart I recently purchased. but even though I test negative, I'm sure many of you may not be comfortable receiving it.  I use an aerosol spray (carefully as ink runs) and wipe the plastic bags for anything I mail, also for packages delivered to me.  But I understand it may limit participation ..... so ..... something not from my home would be best.  Twenty dollar gift certificate.  I love 123stitch, but as long as you verify that your shop choice offers GCs, you can choose.   Monday evening at 8pm EST, Random will put a smile on someone's face.  Leave your initials in your comment if anonymous to enter or enter by email.

Samplersandsantas@gmail.com

I hope your weekend is a good one as we crawl towards spring.

Stay safe!!

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