Cheating

Good day.  I will draw a name for the threads soon.  Honestly, I thought maybe one person would be interested and didn't expect a group. 

I'm watching progress of Jane Ballard on Sampler Lover's blog and am now on a search. I doubt if I will ever have the gumption to stitch it but I want it. Rebecca Cullin too which is still available. Oh wait! I think the Porcupine Collection was re-released a few years ago. Pretty sure. Almost positive.  ....   Yes! They were. It takes me a while to remember clearly. Kind of like a slow drip and then someone turns on the faucet.  Hold on - let me search....  OK.  I found it on Silent Stitches but there is no info as to size or stitches involved. I also checked Rebecca and know that I would never stitch her. I wouldn't use 40 count and that is a really large sampler with lots of specialty stitches. After doing a few on Mary Haslehurst I realized they are nothing to be afraid of and kind of fun to do (thanks to Mary Corbet's videos) but the size is intimidating. I think Jane is close in size. Never mind. Do you ever buy charts knowing you won't stitch them but you just gotta have them? Why do we do that? Have you ever bought a candle or fragrance that you love so much you don't want to use it because then it will be gone?  This is a sickness isn't it?  I got Misi's (1890 Gable House Goodes) soy tarts. Patchouli Moon is making me swoon and the Flight by Night is an outright delight. 

 So here's what I'm thinking.  Jane doesn't look as complicated as Rebecca, although neither are my simple style.  Is there another online resource that offers the chart with information?  Will I give in and purchase them anyway?  Silly isn't it?  Maybe I will cheat.  Have you ever been in a shop and seen the sampler prints?  When hanging on a wall, you really can't tell especially with the digital clarity.  So I found her print that is offered in various sizes up to 17 1/2 x 30".  For a stitcher, it's cheating, but if it's something I would never stitch, I get a pass.  I thought there was a print of Rebecca too but haven't located it.  Hedgerow House has several available framed, but Pixels offers items with or without frame and even greeting cards.  Very difficult to search these sites for samplers, maybe because I'm not thinking clearly.  But starting with #73 and clicking "next" is the only way I'm viewing them.  I think they're great for people who love samplers and can't stitch.  Me?  The more I look at her, the more I think I will get the chart. But on the other hand, will probably never get to it and I'm an instant gratification gal.  We'll see.  Either way, Jane will be hanging in my home one day.

No progress on sewing my purse together.  Dominic called and  wanted to go over the plans.  He's an excellent cabinetmaker for basics.  But once again, my fridge cabinet was not the standard and he just couldn't grasp it.  I don't know if the other cabinetmakers that refused this job would have felt the same.   So I went back to the drawing board and measured again, nothing out of the ordinary, and met with him again yesterday.  Still a little confused and I think I should bring coffee and donuts to his shop and spend the day watching.   I wanted different doors on the sink and the fridge, just flush plank doors, and he looked at me puzzled. What?  Plank?  Plank?  What's that?  Just random boards with a support brace on the inside. Where's the frame? There is no frame Dom, it's just planks with a brace on the inside. What???  Never mind.  Here's your sign. 

Today I'm painting with my clothes inside out again, and the road crew is here.  Should I put my glasses on upside down and say hello?  Just to mess with them a little.  If you're wondering why I'm still painting cupboards of a very small kitchen, my neck can only take it for a few pieces at a time, I'm sanding, priming, sanding, first coat, light sand, final coat, and no where to really put them until fully dry so there are several days of waiting before starting another.  Rained again yesterday and I can't work outside with the weather we've had this summer, if you can call it that.  Still cool, not even a ripe tomato yet, and my hydrangea trees that always bloom in mid-July are still in bud.

Time to get moving, grab my glasses, and go say hello to the crew. Should I wear my boots too? 

 

Have a great week - stay safe - enjoy what's left of summer.  I just can't believe how fast it's gone by and how chilly and wet we've been.

Thanks for visiting.

 

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Threads

So how many thread types do you regularly use?  Just like my panties, I'm a cotton gal.  I like using DMC and Sullivan floss, it's cheap, it's matte, it's not elegant, it can be tweaked with dye, even Wal-mart carries it, and it burns easily without guilt. Gentle Art Sampler Thread is my second choice but since I use the sewing method for stitching, the variation is hardly noticeable.  What about all the others?  No clue. I've been stitching for 40 years (with a very long break) but don't really know a lot about the materials used.  Color and feel are all I really care about but sometimes I get a bug to learn a little more.  Is it useful?  For me, probably not.  Simple samplers done with simple threads and coarse linen makes it pretty simple.  For detailed and intricate projects taking a great amount of time and skill, maybe knowing a little more about my supplies would make a difference in choice.  If that ever comes, I'll be ready.

I have a messy box with odd threads.  Most of them were given away.  I kept some that I may use one day like the flower thread, skeins of over dyed reds for Santas, wools, but I'm clueless about others.

 

What are Wildflowers, Waterlilies, and Watercolours used for?   I found the answers in descriptions on 123Stitch, and still have no use for them. If anyone would like this little batch, let me know.  Happy to send them to a good home.  

Has your thread ever bled when aging/staining a piece?  I was told at the quilt store that Sullivan (and Valdani) are colorfast and DMC is not.  And that Sullivan is long staple and DMC is not.  Well DMC's website states that it is long staple, as well as being colorfast. The next time I visit that shop I will ask them to check DMC's site and explain why he told me otherwise.  My DMC shreds easily when removing stitches but the Sullivan thread doesn't.  Regarding the long/short staple, a video explaining the difference is here and a text explanation is here.  Superior Threads has many video clips on all sorts of threads that are very interesting and informative here.  I think they relate more to quilting and hand sewing, but still interesting.

 

 These are some other cotton overdyed, described by various online shops ~ 

Weeks Dye Works -  sold in 5 yard skeins. The colors are variegated enough to be noticeable, yet subtle enough to blend naturally, $2.20

Valdani - 6-Stranded skein in hand-overdyes and hand-dyed solid colors, colorfast. Solid colors and subdued variegates, eleven yards per skein (twice as much!), $3.00.

Crescent Colours - a hand dyed floss that begins with cotton DMC six strand floss and gentle fabric dyes designed specifically for cotton, 5 yard skein, $2.20. 

Gentle Art Sampler Threads - six strand hand overdyed cotton floss, 5 yards, $2.00.

ThreadworX - hand dyed, 6 strand, 20 yard skeins (TWENTY!), $3.90.

 

Many stitchers prefer silk for their projects, some are reasonable, some very pricey.  Is there a difference justifying the price?  Probably. I had a giveaway for the whole batch of YLI that I got from a friend but still have a small amount of various silks.  I used them briefly and wasn't happy but guess what - I don't remember why.

Some of the more popular ~

NPI floss - Needlepoint Inc. Silk is reeled, not spun, making the filaments longer and of higher quality, 5 meters, 8 ply, around $3.50.

Gloriana - This spun silk has silk's beauty, luster, and shine but doesn't catch on your hands. Gloriana Silk is soft and remarkably easy to use. 12 strand silk, 6 yard skein, around $7.50.

Soie D'Alger (Au Ver A Soie) silk. 100% silk made in France. Easily separated, moderate lustre. Dry clean only, 5.5 yards per mini skein. 7 strand, about $4.00.

Belle Soie (Crescent Colours) 12-stranded spun silk packaged in 5-yard skeins, $7.50.

 

A site that gives information on other less commonly heard of silks is Thread Needle Street.  If you're interested in the difference between reeled and spun silk, you can read a little more about it at Silkewerk, or Treenway Silks.  Mary Corbett's Needle 'n Thread has very good information for working with silk and her article has Needlepoint Inc. listed as spun but their site states reeled.  After reading this, I don't think I would be interested in using the reeled or filament silk, even if you offered me 10# of chocolate to do so.  And once again I can't say enough about Mary's website.  Unbelievable amount of information on anything related to stitching - the Tips & Techniques listing is a long one and well worth reading, and the instructional videos are the best.

What about strands?  Is a strand the same as a ply?  I found several confusing answers.  Some descriptions state "2-ply strands" and from that I assume that several plies twist together to form a strand.  DMC has 6 strands that we separate, but I think each strand is 2 ply.  NPI is listed as 8 ply, but there are 8 strands to separate, not 8 twisting filaments to form one strand.  You probably know this and I don't think it really matters.  Valdani's floss description uses both "6-ply" and also "6 stranded" for the same product and others interchange the terms too.  Why did I even bring it up?

 

 

Well, this was pretty long and boring wasn't it?  I hope I have everything right - I was getting dizzy going from site to site for information.  But I did learn quite a bit about thread quality and terminology from those sites I mentioned.  Will I remember it all?  Hell no.  That's why I do these posts!  I can always go back to the post and links for reference.  Did you know that you can search a blog by entering a subject in the top left box?  Took me a while to find that out.  I want to talk about storage options for specialty threads but I can't hold my head in this position any longer.  It took several sessions to get the entire post typed sooooooo ..... storage in the next post!

 

 

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Starting with linen

Hiya.  It's raining.  And cold.  Just a quick post on learning to stitch on linen over two threads.  In the last few weeks I had several comments and emails about difficulties with this.  This may not help anyone, but it's how I managed in the beginning and still look at my fabric today.  My first linens were 25 count and I kept literally counting two threads for the "over two" method and getting really frustrated.  One day, I just happened to view the fabric differently and it helped.  I saw a cube.  A little four sided square hole and realized that I couldn't poke it.  Just go to the corners and leave the hole alone.  Does this make sense?  Not sure if I'm explaining it properly but I see a hole instead of threads.  Kind of like this.  Maybe it's just my wonky brain and this won't help anyone, but it certainly did for me.  Thought I would share my cubicles.

 

 

Have a great day!

 

 

 

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Hoping I won't need a match

Greetings all.  Hope everyone is enjoying the second day of the last month of summer.  I can't believe how fast it has flown by. 

My neck has been pulling terribly when I look down to stitch so not much accomplished for a few days.  Today I put the smaller brace on and had another round of sclerotherapy, which because of a new med solution, burns like hell.  So I sat outside for a while with my Magma on my lap, 

 and beneath it was not a pretty site.  One with a brace, the other with the waist high compression stocking and a fiery leg inside.  This is the first time I was hurt on commercial property and after a week, Sears still has not returned my calls or contacted me.  The doctor today told me to contact a lawyer which I've never done before, but may have no other option.  The swelling has reduced but one spot is horrible pain with certain movements and I cannot use that leg for stairs or getting up.  In other words, I need to remember to use mom's handicap bath or I will sit there for hours.  I'm afraid there will be some surgery from this.  It could always be worse and others have much more to deal with. 

 

 This design was very quick but took longer because of the linen playing with my eyes and all the errors.  I also made changes to the chart - increased the amount of stitches in the top flower, extended the stems to fit my project, changed direction of one leaf to match the other side, and changed the center leaves.  I used 632 and 3064 for the flowers. 

Here it is finished.  Well almost.  I need to choose a color for the stamens which will make it fit the purse better.  I did find several in khaki but the newer ones have flimsy lining that's stretched so much the weave is opening. 

My method of checking placement is always to hold items up to a light.  This would have been much better if it was actually the 15 stitch/inch but it will be fine.  If it doesn't end in flames.  Now I need to decide how to trim and attach to the purse.   I had planned on hand sewing it directly under the frame, but there is a stiff support there and no way for a needle to penetrate.  Trimming in chenille would make it easier, but I may just glue the linen right to the edge.

 

While I was stitching, I happened to snap a few of Bud making faces and skinny Squeak taking a nap. That's Bud in the box behind him.

Nothing new on the kitchen since Dominic is taking another (total of 3 weeks) delay in the other cabinets.  I can't get the counters measured until I have those and he has promised that he will call next week.  Ed.....oh Ed.  Months I've been waiting and I will have to start calling others, that are just as busy, not wanting small jobs, and will show up probably later than you will.

 

I apologize for not catching up on blog reading, commenting, and replying.  That slightly forward head bend to view the screen  - AUGH!!!!!!!!!!!  The last time I tried replies, I was again surprised that more than half are now no-reply.  I'm beginning to feel left out.  I have a $7 a month emergency cell phone, don't text, tweet, or Facebook.  How much more left out could I feel?  Can't help it.  I love the new technology but don't want it taking over my young and impressionable mind. .......

Did I hear someone choke on their coffee?

 

Thanks for visiting!

Have a safe and wonderful weekend.

 

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Changing directions

Good morning.  It's raining.  And chilly.  Except for very few warm days, this summer has been more like spring.  We may reach a record low tonight in the 40's.  Sweatshirts in July!

I adjusted Eszter's sampler and then decided to do the floral.  I may end up burning it if the finishing frustrates me and I would much rather set flame to a floral than a sampler.   The linen -what a bitch.  Very little of the design was completed and I had to remove it THREE times.  I really wish all my old pieces were clearly marked for count and color but they aren't.  The warp and weft on this large piece are two very different thicknesses in some spots and that's screwing with my eyes.  But the big pain is the count.  I need 30 or 32 for the design to fit properly and this looked like 32 so I tested on the edge.

Sixteen stitches for 32 count and it was 15 to the inch.  Good.  For the test, I didn't pay attention to the linen direction but when I cut the piece and started stitching, I did.  The selvage on the left.  Why was it looking short?  This is why.

Stitching the proper way was 17 stitches to the inch, not what I had planned or expected.  Big difference between 34? and 30 count when a certain size is needed.  The test area did not have any thick threads pushing the count so I thought it would be more accurate.  After realizing the problem, I went to an area of even threads and tested in my stitching direction, still 17.  I'm not starting over....or am I?  I could add stitches to the stems to extend the design and since this is a prototype for a finish, I think that's what I will do.  It shouldn't look out of proportion but I won't know for sure until I remove all the flowers and start the stems again.  Might be quicker to start over?  Either way, I'm not having fun.

Thank you for the well wishes on my fat knees.  The left is improving, the right much better.  Today I put on my waist high 40 compression stocking because my leg, ankle and foot were swelling terribly.  I had to put a piece of muslin beneath the brace so the velcro doesn't snag the stocking.  Never had knee problems so this all of a sudden gotcha buckling is a real shock. 

The sun was shining yesterday between the rain and I got a snap of the Squeak and Budman.  I'm getting to the point where I can stroke his back so by fall, I will probably be able to grab him.  Much prefer having him enter the carrier for food than trying to get him into it.  Either way, snip snip Squeaker.  Look at that belly on Bud.  When I see Missy, Nit, or Squeak coming, I put food out for them and Bud always intervenes and takes it, so I have to have a little dish for him.  I think I will try to get him into the house when they are eating but he's pretty strong and ornery too.

My sister stopped over and looked at my cupboards.  She looked puzzled and I knew what was coming next.  "Did you sand them and not paint the final coat?  Are these done?  You're not leaving them like this are you?".  Yes O Smart Ass I am.  "I can see why you didn't want to buy new cupboards.  You would have ruined them to look like this?"  This is the same person that asked why I would deliberately stain my stitching and not clean those gourds.  But I thanked her for this...

She follows many Weight Watcher recipes.  Her treat is one slice of bread (torn), 1/2 cup fat free milk, 1 egg, and 1 Tbsp sugar.  She uses that little Stone Wave cooker (she loves it) and in 4 minutes it's done.  I used 8 slices, 2 1/2 cups fat free milk, 5 eggs, 5 Tbsp sugar, 2 drops of vanilla, light sprinkling of cinnamon and one tiny shake of nutmeg in the milk.  Since I make several dishes that need only a hint of pure vanilla, I use an eyedropper.  375 for a half hour in a 7x12 dish.  Fabulous.  See those little sesame seeds?  The bread we use is this..

Wal-mat carries it and yes it is airy and light as all light breads are, but it's good.  And for PB&J and especially the bread pudding, very good.  So if you're a bread lover like me (I don't like the sour wheats) and crave the pudding, using this and fat free milk is a blessing when watching calories.  I used to make one with brioche and a quart of cream, but no more.  Don't even have the recipe any longer. 

Have a great start to your week.

Thanks for visiting.

 

 

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Here's what I'm thinking

Good day to you all.   I've decided to not start Sally until all the Velcro straps and loops are no longer part of my lap.  The brace comes mid-thigh and that size of linen would certainly be catching.

 For quite some time these little coin purses have been hanging around my supplies (JoAnn's and most craft stores). The frames can be purchased separately which would probably be the proper way to go, but these are cheap, fully lined, and the wimp's method.  All I have to do is stitch a design, hand sew it to the edges of the black fabric, or use a fusible to attach a small design leaving the black as a margin, or sew the side pouches straight for a square design.  This is the 6" x 5" size and it also came in red, I'm still searching for the khaki. 

 The free sampler from Eszter at sub-rosa ( design is here) is one of my favorite smalls and I think I can adapt it to fit.  I just love her designs and she offers so many really nice free charts.  Click on FREE in the label listing and also view her designs for purchase in the left column.  There is a translation button at the top and you need to email her for information.  For some reason, my computer gives me so much trouble and her pages take forever to load, then crash, then load, and then freeze.  But I persist!

 

I have another older free design from Gentle Arts that would also fit nicely with just a few extra stitches added to the center stem for height.  I would of course, much prefer the sampler and I think I'll sit outside with graph paper and see what I can do.  It would work as is on a higher count linen and sewing the pouch into a square, but we'll see.  I may change my mind and start something else.  My neck is really stiff and sore so stitching may not be very comfortable right now.  I need to stop at Pat Catan's - my local craft store - to see if they can order the khaki for me.  I'm not crazy about the shiny silver metal but even the individual frames are shiny and nice.  They would be easy to spray paint but I doubt it would stay on the clasp once it is opened and closed a few times.  I'll put up with the silver because the rest is assembled, but I'll also try sanding the metal and rubbing on a little paint to dull it.

That's it.  Ready to chew a few more Advil.  They laughed at me in the hospital about not being able to swallow pills. 

 

Squeak is still looking better and Budman is getting way too heavy.  Like his momma.  Instead of making several trips to the freezer for the chocolate and struggling on the stairs, I brought all of them up.  Was that sheer stupidity or what?

 

Enjoy your weekend - stay safe.

Thanks for visiting!

 

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