Wow

 Unbleached thirty count, two strands, over two, blast from the past.  What a difference.  So quick and easy.

Following the chart color of 407 for the border, but changed the 3777 to 347.  I think the really bright red looks close to the original piece and a little more primitive.  Surprising since muted and dusty is the norm for an aged look but on this coarse dark linen, none are.  Can't figure that out but it is what it is.  And I like it.

We went to four Amish greenhouses in search of the Vista petunias in Bubblegum pink, Silverberry, or Paradise.  Carole wants ferns and Bubblegum for her house as always, and I was so worn out I decided to purchase the same for here.  Only one greenhouse had the Bubblegum, no other Vista colors.  We found one large Vista mix in another greenhouse, that was it.  Prices were quite high so I am glad the tunia we were looking for was in the smallest 8" pot and less $$.  I am very surprised that the other colors weren't available and especially that the Bubblegum best seller was not even offered at several places.  Or were they already sold before Mother's Day?

Our garage door will be coming in soon and I still haven't found a paint to match the stained cedar or even come close.  Computer matches have had green or red tones.  Almost impossible to match a charcoal brown.

Happy hump day.

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And another

 from Ooh la la.  I'm using a coarse 30 count with two threads and will distress and break a few threads to age when completed.  I don't have wool in a red shade which would look great on this, but sanding a little will age plenty.

The original done in wool.

Missy did not run from the new plush cat as she did with others, but it's not a comfort to her.  More of a what the hell is that.  I brushed her on the sofa with the cat at the other end, she stayed afterward and stared at it.  And yes, I always need peroxide and a bandaid when finished.  I guess it will just take time as you've mentioned, and I will remove the shelter and box that he lounged on top of from the deck this afternoon.  Or should I not?  She is constantly checking it and sniffing to see if he is behind, inside, or atop.  Adopting another is out of the question.  This girl is not friendly, has even attacked large feral males.  If we would consider it, the new member would be a senior.  We've been restricted by family and pet responsibilites for over twenty years, do not want another twenty.  Good grief I'll be 71 next month!  

I plan to apply for part time work soon, which also sends the message to others that I will not be available.  Husband thinks it is a mistake for her to return home because of how much she will be relying on others, but I don't blame her for trying.  My feeling is for her to stay where she is, and we'll work out a transport for weekends at home.  Best of both worlds.  No daily meal prep, no bathing struggles, no meds to manage.  For two days, easy meals, family and friend gatherings, peace in your own home, back to 24/7 care for the week.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

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It's all over

 but the pouching.  

I have several deep red fabrics that will work nicely, but I'm thinking .... too formal for a primitive piece.  That in no way means they won't end up as the backing.  The pattern uses the linen front and back, I don't know if I want to do that.

The larger prints should do better on the next two because they are more uniform, less wonky, can handle a larger print.  But if they are to be the backing, I will lightly mist with bleach to age, or sand.

The bottom right corner bugged me, so I removed the leaf vine and brought the right border to the bottom.  Better!

I need to stitch at least one more before construction.  Too distracted right now. I'm still not settled from the shock, and also worrying about the test.  I need to go out of town or have a cath here.  I guess it's silly but going to a new facility and dealing with strangers doesn't sit well.  I had a reaction during an IVP to the iodine contrast (related to shellfish allergy?) so that adds to the anxiety.  I know.  I already have big girl panties so pull them up.

We've tried several plush creatures, some noisy, some quiet, Missy is not interested.  She runs from a few and ignores others.  Tomorrow the final attempt is coming.  Solid black full size plush cat.

Wishing you all a wonderful and special Mother's Day.

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This is a fun stitch

 that looks SO much better in person!!

Friday is one of the golf days for husband.  I have never ever asked him to not play.  This morning I opened my dry eyes with the thought that he should not go today.  No idea why, but he obliged.  

Happy Friday folks.

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Next time

 I found the bag of 3777 under a little rag rug that Nit frequented.  Wow.  Sorry I didn't find it sooner!  And after comparing the overdyed I'm using, the color doesn't appear a great difference but look at the stitching.  Have all the threads I've used been from a darker area of that skein?  Nope.  I alternated pulling a brighter strand every other time.  So what the heck?  

Maybe it worked out for the best because the next pouch will be a darker linen and require a brighter red, the 3777 could be perfect for it.  I don't want the pouches to be the same thread or on the same fabric.  This lighter sand can handle the darker.

I read a story about a woman walking as she did so often, to her mom's house.  On the way, she was attacked by three dogs (article said used for fighting) that were registered as dangerous but still escaped.  She lost both arms, her colon, possibly her esophagus, massive wounds to her face and body.  My dentist has two Mastiffs in office that are as sweet as can be, I've played with and kissed, but now I need to request my exam room door be closed.  I would be unnerved to lie there reclined and vulnerable as they enter.  I can now understand why the five year old neighbor is needing counseling.  I've had dogs as does she, but things have changed.  I am afraid to take a walk!  There has never been a problem here or the wooded area surrounding in decades, and I don't believe there would be a problem.  But that fear, even unrealistic and improbable, can't convince me to be reasonable.  My pepper spray is outdated, I will get a new.  Some are labeled for canine attack, not sure of the difference.  One day I may settle down and that fear will be gone, but a spray kept in a purse or pocket at all times, seems prudent these days.  Be safe ladies!!

Have a good day.

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Error #1- fixed

 Once the larger right side border is stitched, the sampler will be balanced.  Easy solution, no stitch removal, whew.  I like it.

The thread is Needle Necessities overdyed that I've had for years.  A furball has hidden my bag of DMC 3777.  I can't find it anywhere so decided to use this thread, the shading hits several DMC reds, no purplish or bluish areas.  The fabric is one of my favorites, PTP Sand.  

Last year's post https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2021/06/blog-post.html showed Missy at Bud's grave.  She has somehow known from the beginning, but is spending time with all three now.  She has taken to Nit's favorite spots inside.   May be a silly thought, but we are searching for a black plush cat in a sleeping position to see if it comforts her.  

Mark is driving Carole's friend and me for a visit tomorrow.  I made spinach/pine nut pesto and will top a few cheese ravioli with it, along with a few other treats.  I have to mark "specimen" on an odd looking container for the resident's kitchen fridge.  An little old snoop is always taking her drinks and foods.  There is a kitchen with coffee maker, microwave, fridge, cabinets and counter for residents to use.  As I said, a wonderful facility, so many features to make it feel more like a home.  If you want to see a few photos, they are on this post https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2021/06/a-nice-layout.html.  This kitchen is adjacent to the activity/lounge and across from a nurse station so a watchful eye can prevent accidents.

Enjoy your day. 

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