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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Next

 Good day to you.

My days have mostly been leaf pickup, too exhausted for much after.  We will decide about Carole's ride later in the day depending on weather.

The project I mentioned may be finished today, but I can show you the stitching project I'm working on.  It is the almost perfect size for it, but I have another that will work also.

This is an oldie, Bettsy Wood 1808 from Sheepish Antiques.  Changed a few colors to darker shades, planning the barely visible over one in black.  Sweet and simple, I think I can handle it.

Have to mention again what a great help having the pulled thread list for kitted projects is for me.  I note which have been removed to work on another, and replace when finished or purchase another skein.  The shipping tape on the clear pocket with chart title has held very well, and the thread page slipped behind.  A notebook listing all pulled threads with the chart title would be ideal, but I know it would be misplaced, for me, best to keep them with the projects.

Hope you have an enjoyable day.

Be safe.

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FFOs in the game

 Not much time to play, but making some progress.  Hope to show you this weekend.

The "sex" that is visible is as charted, wrong vowel for six.  

My brother had a procedure, he's back home and doing well.  No rooms, so he stayed in the ER over 24 hours, went right to surgery, stayed in recovery until time to be released.  The people I spoke with over the phone were wonderful, kind, helpful.  They could not find him in the patient directory, but sent me to other departments hoping they had info on him.  They did.  Three stations, just as pleasant as could be.  

Carole's ride and Rita's custard will be Sunday.  Not many leaves left to see and rain predicted.  Couldn't be helped.

Have a good day everyone.

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Sun

 Beautiful warm day, two more before it will be 40's.  Getting leaves done, washing windows.

Even though I took a tumble on my bad knee, skinned enough to lose a pound, back to a brace, and a bee hiding in my straw stung my lip, sun and warmth makes everything better.

This is my yellow mum,

the other is bronze, a beautiful deep reddish orange with yellow center.

I've seen this size for over $30, can't believe I paid $9.50!

Matches the red maples.

I am working on a project to share with you, in a few days.

× × × × × ×

and then this happened

 Just returned from the ER where my brother is unexpectedly, no rooms available, patients are in the halls.  So until we have some answers or testing, will have to postpone getting Carole in the car for a ride tomorrow.  Been trying since her birthday.

Enjoy your days.

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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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