Throwing in the towel

 It's time to move on.

You know I have to have symmetry or I get cranky.  Gave it my best, it isn't possible with this border.  The pink flowers are all facing inward, the tan are facing outward.  So alternating the two colors isn't possible without changing the direction of each.  Using the Paint program thankfully prevented a major disaster which I did not see until then.  I have flipped, rotated, mirrored, nothing works.  So ...

Paint also showed how all pink would be overwhelming, even if changed to a pastel.  So now, I will move on, follow the chart, stop trying to modify.  

I didn't realize how large Jane is until I saw the portion I'm working on as a tiny section in the photo!  Hoping I can try the WIP plan again and not fail as I did previously.  Also, my mojo is waning.  I went through the pile of finishes that are not framed (probably won't be) plus the others hanging on my ladder display.  I guess having samplers on wall isn't as meaningful as in hand, and I started questioning the large projects.  Doubtful that any more will be purchased.  The two market pieces I chose are not samplers.

 32 count was ordered yesterday.  Not only do I prefer the two thread coverage, it is a comfortable stitch for me.  Giving up the ease of one thread is not a bad compromise, especially when I can use the loop start.  Tails drive me nuts.  I can't get the needle beneath most times and I have no patience.  The last large sampler done on 32 (Ann Stone), is in that pile of finishes and looks great.  Not a huge difference from those done on 36.

Meeting with a roofer/sider today at Carole's.  Mark is very worried about her.  I told her if things don't change she will end up in the hospital and her doctor, who has authority to determine discharge, will surely not send her home.  She will have to take whatever facility has an opening at the time.  Many folks don't know that they have the right to request a transfer to another facility (waiting list most times) whether on Medicaid or self pay.  Facilities will try to deny that.  We also found out that some of the Advantage plans are not accepted at some of the better places.  Carole's does not accept Mark's plan and has that right, which we were unaware of.  Best to check with any Advantage plan if your preferred rehab/long term facility is included.

Gloomy and spitting snow, not expecting sun this weekend.  Hopefully the snow won't be sticking around, we have to drive to Pittsburgh Tuesday.  Covid caused a cancellation and after six weeks, my stitches are still in.  All were dissolving, but of course they have not.  I can see and feel the "strings" beneath my skin.  This won't be a pleasant visit I am sure.

Have a great weekend folks!

Thanks for visiting.

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Can you see me now?

 

 Can you see me now?

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In the pink

 While deciding on the linen for Sarah, I moved to ...

to check colors on this 36 Tobias.  Sort of greenish and the cool pinks of 3721, 223, and others recommended do not make me happy.  Well .... what does?  

After quite a few (more like 14) stitch-and-remove tests of various pinks, I think the bright but not gaudy 3712 is the winner.  The others leaned to a peachy pink, not good with the darker reds in the body, or too light as the last test of 3778.  As of today, this color is perfect.  The other flower is light, changed from 437 to 3827.  I may do all in pink, depends on my mood.

Another change may be the border, as is.  I stitched the second color and didn't like it as well as this more open vine.  Plus it's less work and I'm lazy.  And tired.  Very tired for numerous reasons.  If the border needs frogged, I will have one color of spaced stitches to remove.  Always an option to fill with the second color later.

This is what hubby made to hold my $2 iced coffees from mcD's instead of the carriers they offer.  I don't follow current music and had to look up Cardi B (her name is on their cups).  Checked the lyrics for two hits, WAP and Up.  Wow.  

Not finished at Carole's, shooting for this weekend.  The kids will be there and I'm hoping their dad will take them out for the day.  I don't want them to hear me rip into him, the pressure beneath my cork is ready to blow.

Have a good hump day!

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Chances

 That's what I take when ordering linen.  This 40 count Prairie Grass works well with the floss colors except for a few.  I do not have a linen stash that offers many options, most are PTP light neutrals.  The stitching is quite slow and deliberate, but I seriously doubt ordering a piece in 36 count would be similar.  Do I chance it?  Sun is out, slight breeze, maybe a dye job is in order. But that's a chance too.  

With a good amount of over one, the Dazor would be necessary.  The light it provides is essential, but I don't care to use the magnifier.  Clarity is excellent, the high stand and arm bug me.  Silly, I know.  My brother's is a pinkish, copperish finish, really attractive, but the same exact model as mine.  The arm is detachable and has a table clamp, but not usable near my chair.  I'll stick with my 4.0 glasses and the good light, but still uncomfortable having to be cautious on this 40.  Good news is that errors could be easily hidden in this border.

I had to start over because I stitched the top left flower, never checking to see if it was the edge.  Nope.  The vine continued down, ten stitches further to the left so my margin was a little short.

 I am miserably dried out today so stitching may not happen.  When I am ill, Sjogren's calms down.  I guess my immune system fights the illness and lessens its attack on me.  But when it's over and no more virus to fight, that high gear activity reverts back to me with intensity.  

I have until 2:00 to make a decision about the linen, whether to chance dyeing or ordering.  If I don't give myself a deadline, there will be no decision for days!

Be safe, be well.

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Coming to a close

 Hallelujah!

Saturday will be a work day, and all that remains to be added is a stand for the mini fridge.  We spent the morning at a clinic where Chris was knocked out for tests.  On the way home we stopped at the recycled medical equipment store and they had the exact tub transfer bench that her facility had.  Perfect.  And free.  Now if she will empty that closet holding nothing she could use, and full length wool coats not worn in 40 years, there will be a place to store it.  But she won't. That store is a blessing to many.

Have not stitched a minute, hands are stiff from wood finishing.  Maybe Sunday will be better.  

Have a peaceful, safe weekend.

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A plan

Finally closing in on finishing her bedroom.  Many weeks arguing about ridding the clutter and allowing us to arrange and plan a layout, and it should be over in a few days.  If there wasn't a hassle from the beginning, this finalized layout would not have been the result.  And it's the best, checks all the boxes.

This 18" base cabinet with three deep drawers will be at one end to hold bills, stamps, plates, utensils, napkins, coffee, snacks, etc.  A black patterned 6' formica counter top will be added with 4x4 wood legs at the other end.  Counter height at 36" will allow her huge chair beneath (it does not fit under standard table height) and be raised to a comfortable position.  The access will be almost 4' wide, a rollout narrow shelf stand can slide beneath.  Mini fridge in black will set upon a stand for easier access with two open shelves below for puzzles.  She will finally eat without having to hold her plate, have a work space for puzzles and correspondence, a counter to hold the coffee maker, photos, and a small but roomy fridge.  Eureka!!  I thought about painting the cabinet black as the fridge with a butcher block top, but pictured the drawer unit stained with black handles and the black counter (less $$$ too).  Yes!  Not what the original plan was and happy it took this long.  What a difference this will make.  

As for stitching, covid leftovers have me up and down but I tested two fabrics for Southward and Needham. I think Southward needs a darker ground and chose a little too green Tobias.

Needham is on a softer Prairie Grass.  It's 40 count.  Not happy, many errors in its future.  But the other Prairie Grass piece was so very different, I have no idea what a newly ordered 36 count would be.  So will I stick with these?  Damn I hope so.  

It's close to 70 degrees.  

Hope your week is going swell!

Stitching this evening .... on which?  The little rolls, the small sampler, the big gals?  Or sit with a bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with walnuts and real maple syrup while watching the tube?

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