Hello Hannah

 

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Bye bye Bettsy

 I'm sorry girl.

I changed your colors, modified your count to fit perfectly in the second box's lid, the stitching was uncomplicated, your size offers a quick finish.  But I don't like you.

It happens.  

I've tried.  Kept thinking this would change as I progressed.  Why did I feel the need to continue as if obligated?   Weird.  

I'll put you in a pouch, label you as a WIP, and go through the miserable process of choosing linen for your replacement.  One day, after many hot flashes, I may come for you.

It's not your fault.

Ciao.

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More options

I sanded the box back to red and aged it more.  Better.

But wanted to show another option.  My ornaments/tucks are not overly stuffed and sit nicely on the lid.  I steam to smash all my stuffed pieces anyway so this offers more options without needing to mount a piece on mat board.

You all know I have a problem making decisions.  This will either be a help or huge time suck.

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Mission accomplished

We got her into my car!!!  She has had spinal stenosis for a number of years, she can't push off with her hands to lift/move her body.  Plus, she is not slim.  Or close to it.  That is a lot of weight to lift for an 85 year old with bad heart and back.  The curved transfer board we just bought worked great.  Not easy, but doable.  She really enjoyed the ride, the views, being out of the house.  It's been two years since she lost her legs, and except for ambulance rides, has not felt the freedom of wandering the roads without constraints.

I haven't made any purchases for quite some time, and decided to treat myself.  Very small treat, but still nice to get happy mail.

First are two charts, I adore this tiny sweet sampler not seen before.  On 36 count, 5" square, over one is 2.5".  I may consider over one on 32 count, but I will follow the thread colors for sure.  Only two!

by The Sampler House

The second is Chloe Smith.  Love the sectioned design and especially the single color alphabets, even thought script lettering is not liked.  

by Needlework Press

I also purchased two stitching bags and a notions bag with a flosstuber discount.  Paid less for all than some sites for one and will show when I receive.  My preference for a bag is very different from all offered and I hope to work out a pattern and sew a few.

This is my progress on Bettsy, redone a few times with different thread colors.  Two?  Three?  Four.

Hard to believe it's November.  Getting closer to summer.

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Responding

 Hoping this answers a few questions posed about the box.

First, that box was purchased at Michael's, unfinished, and quite chintzy.  Thin wood, lots of sanding, I changed the brass hardware to black that comes in a little package (hinge and latch).  Craft paint and waxed.  I wanted it red, thought the black lining was too stark, so added a mottled black paint over.  

The second box is slightly larger and much better quality, found at Hobby Lobby.  The top is grooved but since the lid will be open, not seen.  The wood's grain was not attractive when stained so it was painted also.  

The leather was a huge bag of remnants at HL for only $6.  Huge.  I could see the large enough cuts through the bag (it held ten which is unusual).  I just cut to fit and used Tacky glue.  Would love to find dark brown.  I don't like print fabric detracting from stitchery, and velvet is way too classy for me.

A small wood scrap can be glued or nailed to the back to prevent the lid from opening flat.  The HL box has hinges that hold the lid perfectly upright.  The display stays in place because of the slight angle and rim.  The stitchery is mounted to a mat and just set on that rim, double side tape could hold in place if necessary.  A pillow finish with less puffy stuffing would probably stay as well.

The sampler asked about is from Scarlet Letter, two of my absolute favorite smalls.  Both on 28 with two threads as I did for years, love the look as much as the design.  Plan to stitch again, maybe on high count, maybe not.

Hope this answers your questions!

Sad evening, as the knock at my door was hunters asking if they could drag the huge buck they killed through my yard.  There is very little area behind us surrounded by houses and one road.  We watched him feed in our yard for several months. It was very dark, he was taken very close to our house.  

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The box!

 Just posted to Instagram.  

Painted boxes in various sizes, only one finished, lined with leather.

Change the lid's stitchery to suit your mood or the season.  Fill the bottom with smalls or seasonals.  Less space than a bowl,  more visible.

Gourds and acorns with a fall lid, ornaments and greenery for Christmas, vintage sewing items with a sampler, or all smalls,  the options are fun!

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