The new project

came in the mail today.  Homespun Elegance's Simply Red and three 35 count pieces of linen.  The two finishes on the cover are done differently, and I may try the very tiny method.  The larger one is done over 2 on 28 count (about 5" x7") and the miniature is also on 28 count, stitched with two strands over one thread in tent stitch.  Hmm.  That's interesting.  It looks wonderful in the photo, but I didn't think tent (or the first half of a cross stitch) would show enough detail of a letter.  Using two strands must be the trick.  So should I try that?   It would go quickly without having to do a full cross and 28 is easy to see. I plan to follow the detailed instructions sent to me for over one stitching and that will ensure my floss doesn't slip behind the linen threads.  Originally I expected to use one thread over two on 35 count, but I'd like to try this other method first.

 

Many of you mentioned how quickly I stitched Flora, but she was started and left behind a while ago.  When I picked her up again and failed to regain interest, I just added a few bands.

 

You know it's summer when your deer turn a beautiful shade of rust.

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

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Flora unfulfilled

Yep.  Did it again.  My apologies to Miss Flora Dellow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I picked up half completed Flora Dellow and just couldn't bring myself to continue, so, she's short.  I didn't want to do the dividing bands in the light color, or any color. 

So I just added a few more stitches to even it a bit, a few straight bands, and I think she will make a nice small.  Also did a star on the same fabric and may hang it from Flora.

 

I've been reading posts from several of you about your weight loss.  Good for you!  Then I see Miss Patty posting about her exercise progress.  She mentioned holding a plank for over 15 seconds which piqued my interest.  Heck, I can hold a wood board for that long.  Was it 10 foot long?  A 4x4?  Nope.  Further investigating showed a video of what looked to be a very easy position, beginners on their knees.  It didn't take long at all for me to crash to the floor, roll over, pull off the bed quilt trying to raise myself, followed by two well deserved M&M's.

 

 

Hope everyone had a very nice Memorial Day.

 

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Did you see this?

I have searched WTNT's site and others and have not found any other information.  This is from Needle Case Goodies Facebook and Etsy post.

 

It looks to be over one but maybe can be converted to over two?  We'll see!  Love this sneak peek, may be just what I need for massive slump recovery.  And maybe it's time to put my big girl (cotton gutchies) panties on and stitch over one.  Anxious to see the whole design.

 

I haven't found it elsewhere as of yet.  If you want to learn more, here is the link to the Etsy site..... Needle Case Goodies, or check your local shop for more info on the June release.

Update - Bonnie showed me the link to Brenda's Facebook page - I checked under her name not the business like a stupe (a stupid person) so didn't see it.
With thy Needle & Thread on Facebook
 

 

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Lone star

I chose to stitch only the star from the chart, on 32 count Gunmetal linen.  This lazy stitcher didn't want to fill in the blue so this fabric does the trick.  The alphabet could still be done in 822 or 676 on this color and I think it would look really nice.

 

My plans for finishing?  I want to use the same linen on the back, outline stitch the star shape and fray the edges of the linen.  It will be very small and I doubt I could sew right sides together, turn, and stuff.  A small square ornament would be fine too.  But I'm showing it now because something tells me it may never be seen again once I start the finishing.  It's been a long time since I've set a match to any linen, but my moods lately indicate the time is drawing near.

Enjoy your weekend.

 

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My apology

As I was stitching the Gold Star chart this evening, I realized the chart on the blog post was not the final.  It's OK but I enlarged the gold star and saved it, then somehow managed to post the wrong one.  I'm sorry!  The correct one was posted on the FREE tab and I corrected the one shown on the blog post.

We are so ashamed!!

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How many times

do I go through this process of sorting linen?  Too many.  It seems the organization plans last as long as a Dove chocolate within sight.  For some inane reason, even though I am fairly sure stitching is ending, I almost ordered more fabric. 

I saw Homespun Elegance's Simply Red Sampler and do need it in the stash, so I thought adding a few pieces more wouldn't hurt.  I filled the order previously but obviously did not send it (???) so removing the extra linen was possible. 

 

Going through the stash I see that I DO have 35 count in raw which surprised me.  The written inventory would have clearly shown that fact, but where the hell is it?  And guess what else I found? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO pieces!  So I filled the smaller zip envelopes and have the tags visible front and back, making it easier to keep them neat.  When I had them all rolled they would be pulled out and a mess ensued.   I love these pouches.

The 32s and 30s are in the large size , but I still have the greatest amount to sort, 28 count.  I no longer like that count.  When I started dyeing my own, washing, and drying, some did shrink to a tighter weave.  Not sure if I will attempt that.

Some look very tight, I guess because of thicker threads.  The BOAF (Linens by Design) in Meadowlark and Sparrow are 28 but look like my 32 count piece. 

 

It's another dark rainy day and I may finish the inventory while watching the baby vegetable plants sink deeper into the mud. 

 

 

 

An added note about the glue method.  The trick is pressing the bottom fold, creasing it to where the seam will be. I always did this when hand sewing too.  Creates a perfect guide to spread a thin line of glue so the closure is directly on the crease.  You don't have to fold the backing over the fill either, just push it out of the way or add a thin strip of muslin over it to keep the fuzzys away from the glue.  Here's the way mine looked.

 

 

We haven't identified the birds that nest on our downspout every year.  They are two shades of brown, not large, the nest is mostly mud and moss and a real snark to remove when they leave.  Looks like the babies are pretty well packed in!

 

 

Have a good day folks.

 

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