Failing the test

 This is very difficult on 36 count Ale.  The threads whether a subtle change or as charted, seem to disappear into the weave.  So many errors over one or three holes instead of two.  And running the tail on the back is next to impossible.  To add to the frustration, a main color (371) is ghosting.  My eyes have been terrible for a week, I'm sure contributing to my problem.

The house light center color is also difficult to see but not quite as bad.  Sides are charted for 371, barely visible, but the outline prevents total fadeout.  I tried 422 instead, easier to see (not much!), and offering a little color.  Undecided on a large pale gold house or a very muted one seen only because of an outline.  You can see a tiny patch of the 371 between the windows.  

 Subbed 611 for the 371 stems and leaves in the border.  But even the 611 is causing visual issues on this Ale.  I should have chosen a very dark linen but wanted the same as my other finish in the book, Two by Julia.  I considered using The Hunter's border colors but they are too strong.

So do I continue to struggle?  Or put it aside for a while?   Start over on another fabric?  

I will list the 40 count linen pieces soon.

In the meantime .....

Dominic's Apple Fritter bites

Peel, core and slice stem to bottom into six pieces (+/-)

Dip into batter, coating completely

Pan fry in small amount of oil (not olive oil), turn as needed to brown and cook apple 

Dust with powdered sugar while warm.

1 beaten egg

1/3 cup milk

1-1/2 tsp oil

3/4 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 tbsp sugar

Beat or whisk until smooth

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Testing ...1...2

 3!  On thread changes, on chart choice, on apple pie or fritter.

Recognize this huge house?

I will be selling these two linens soon, maybe on that FB site.

Enjoy your day!

Fritter it will be.

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Clearly

If you stitched the Nash Sewing Bag, were you able to easily read the chart?

On a tan background, bold symbols are readable but some are outlines, not distinct or clear enough for my eyes.  I need to use high magnification and certainly would not be able to glance at the chart while stitching to verify thread color.  I'll try enlarging with high contrast at Staples, hope it helps.  Not today, not tomorrow, maybe Friday.   I tried using my tablet to photograph but it became very blurred when enlarged.  So I will kit a few projects and maybe start a very small until then. 

Got out my Halloween tree this year.  Moved it, moved it, moved it, and I'll move it again.  It's like elf on the shelf.

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The players

 

 Too lazy to look through charts for a small sampler, these were in the basket next to my chair.  If IA 1812 is chosen, the top alphabet will be left off.  

The fun is at the bottom, the middle alpha is different, the top is routine tedium for me right now.

I made two previous attempts to have more than one project going at a time, didn't work.  The third time may be a charm, we'll see.

Still fighting mojo so I can't take long to start a new project.

Choosing fabric is always a chore.

Enjoy your day,

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Miss Jane Plews

The birds are as charted.  Because of the placement error that caused the right half to be off (no correction), my modified bird did not fit properly on the other side.  So I went back to the chart and its colors, used my brown stamp pad and a stiff angle brush to darken the outline of the bird's light thread.  The original sampler's center area is quite dark from age or soiling, so I added more aging with the brush in that area.  Rather than red along with the bright blue, I decided the cartouche outline should be one color

Boom.

This 2016 design

 from Inguna Krastina was offered free on the Facebook group Sampler Heart under the files. 

click here to join 

PTP Legacy 36 with DMC threads, very few changes where thread was too light for my taste.

Be safe folks.

Thanks for visiting and putting up with me.

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Two minor decisions

 and this sampler will be finished.

The critter was worked from antlers down, removing the grass as needed.  Since the three stitches off were in width, I never checked height.  That's where the problem was.  Adding more horizontal rows than charted caused the angled edge to increase in width.  Never thought of that!  

So the two birds will be stitched, 

and after removing the bright blue in the cartouche border, I need to either choose another color or leave as is.  With so much going on in this area, the blue was too distracting.  I am sorry I didn't study the chart more, would have moved the first row up one.

Border is done!!

I will list Jane's link and info next post.

Enjoy your weekend.

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