Scale

 This is way off!  

I thought I could use the box I already have to copy that door decor I recently saw.  I should have stood back to gauge scale before filling and hanging.

So I grabbed a basket until hubs can make one with a wider box, and longer back.   It should work for Christmas greens too, although I love the blue basket.

But it's too long for cornstalks, and although sprayed for protection, I don't want it exposed to weather for two seasons.

Hope you have a great weekend!

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Boxing

 I still have a set of paper mache from label days.  This fits perfectly, and the sampler's  bottom section would fit on the smaller box.

More of the piece shows compared to a drum, and I thunk this is a good option.  I have plenty to hang on cupboard doors, but completing the vibrant bottom section as it is meant to be, makes a beautiful sampler.  Still torn between two options.

If I continue on and complete the sampler, labels may be printed for the boxes.  Too perfect in size to not do so.

Rain, no storm.  Phooey.

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The beat of the drum

 may be too loud.

That's a tall piece.  The sewing gauge leaning on it is six inches, this is about 7.5 without the top.

The second part would be shorter, but this one is quite tall and I'm not sure I like it.  I could leave more margin at the seam adding some width which may balance its size.  

I think I will search for a small to work on until I have a decision.  Right now, as I have done to many other samplers, fringe the bottom, hem the sides, pin to a cabinet door.

We loaded a few corn stalk bundles in the car while yakking with the owner who was working outside.  We've purchased our corn and bird seed from there for many years.  I went inside to pay while feeling so sad for the kittens in the tiny cages waiting for adoption.  I was surprised at the bill.  We paid around 2.50 last year, this year double.

We may get a thunderstorm!  Haven't had any all summer, and when this one passes I will wash windows and decorate the front.  It is dark so soon now, and I'm mumbling obscenities.  Crabasses have an extended vocabulary of profanities.

Happy stitching!

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Drum?

 Getting closer.

I love the 3328 buds in this wide band, and am glad I used that color in the tail and a few other small spots.  The bottom section has more of this color.  Bottom section ..... or second drum?

I dislike stitching borders, will be crabby during that task.  Not a good time for decision making.

Enjoy the day!

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Mums the word

 From our fall Amish greenhouse, the biggest mums around.  My size 9 for reference.

For $10.

Chris asked me to find nice ones for Carole's October b-day, he wanted tri-color if possible.  They were all mauve, white, yellow, not ours or her favorite mum color mix.  So solid yellow and rust with one bronze filled the car.

One last note about the china (and crystal).  It's mine, not from family.  Mom had a set that was offered through a local grocery.  Each week, depending on total spent, a piece could be purchased for a few cents or free.  No idea how long it took, but she had the complete set from cups to platter.  It wasn't what she liked, but in those days you got what you could and were grateful. She did not want to bring them here and told my brother to put it all out for the garage sale.  So I don't have an inherited set to donate, just mine, but my friend has three!

Very close to requiring a decision on completing the entire sampler or ending with two drums.

Last week of September.  Damn.

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The box

I am liking the idea of a stitchery displayed on the inside of an opened lid with other goodies in the box.  I have a smaller one from HL that is hinged, perfect for a small sampler or other work.  Changing the box contents and stitchery for each season would be a fun project.

The large box I showed was from Mom's stainless flatware that we use daily, my sister has my older set.  This is Mom's silverplate exactly as she stored it.  Bagged with pieces of polishing cloth in each and it prevented tarnishing for decades.  I don't remember when she last used it.

My friend has had such a difficult time with her mom's house and contents after she passed.  I asked her ... if your mom came into extra funds, would she have kept these items?  Or would she have had no problem selling house, furniture, tchotchkes and getting new.  I could see the tension release in her face.  Except for the sentimental items, she knew her mom would have left most behind.  It helped her resolve the guilt of donating so much.  Our parents would have been over 100 now, and that generation went through a lot.  They held on to everything except when offering to someone else needing help.  It wasn't the dishes or tablecloths that were important to Mom, it was the pearl collar and necklace that was her mother's treasure, now mine. Personal things.

My friend is finally selling that house, and is realizing her mom would be happy with helping a young family fill their home with her things.  But it's not an easy task for some items.  No one wants china!  Every family is different.  Mementoes are so important to some, and others empty houses a week after a funeral and leave with nothing or only one keepsake.  Personally, I had originally kept more, and as time passed, realized all would end up in trash one day.  Finding someone to care for and enjoy items now, for me, is better.

Hawaiian sliders with turkey and swiss today.  Good grief do I love these babies.  Ham and swiss just as good, so many options.

 Enjoy your weekend friends.  Be safe!

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