Spangled Finish

Even as I used the last piece of DMC 310, I think this sampler was conspiring against me!  When I took my other 6 samplers in for framing, I thought for sure, I had maybe another week till a finish on Spangled.  Nope, two weeks. A full two weeks of constantly stitching on this piece, realizing I have put my own form of pressure on myself, to complete this, and get it framed for a Christmas Gift.  Just when I thought I was finished, I realized I forgot to add a motif here, oh and I forgot another one here.  And….oh boy, these 3 dots aren’t stitched.  I finally got to the very last length of DMC 310 to finish the backstitching, and I can tell you I had to pick out at least 3 major thread knots.  Not only that, but I actually pulled my needle off twice, it went flying and I had to get on my hands and knees to locate.


As soon as the last stitch was put in, I was already heating up my iron, to quickly press and run out to the framer.  I was never so happy to finish this and have it gone!  Don’t get me wrong, Long Dog Samplers are just plain beautiful.  They have lots of color and variety, but they should under no circumstance be undertaken when under a timeframe!  Way too intricate in thread colors and thread changes!  We as stitchers just don’t need the pressure!


I thought I would take a few days off, before starting a new project, just to unwind from Spangled, and to be quite honest, take care of some other things.  I managed to sort through the last of my mom’s jewelry to decide what to do with it.  Some is just displayed, waiting for the girls to arrive at Thanksgiving and decided if they want anything left.  I managed to break down some IKEA wire storage racks, so it’ll be easier for my son to take back with him to Norfolk, I put an ad on Market place for my mother’s suitcases, and let my kids know about some of the items that will be traveling back to their own homes when they leave after Thanksgiving.  With my husband pushing at downsizing, it’s time to get rid of things, and also not to be free storage for my children’s things that no longer live here.


It’s bad enough trying to get my husband to go through and get rid of things.  Sometimes, I feel like I’m rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, with his things.  If it were up to me, I’d absolutely have no difficulty tossing lots of the stuff.  But, if you ever watched an episode of Hoarders, where a family member gets rid of something without the Hoarders approval, well…….all I can say is MAJOR MELTDOWN!


I have a couple of sewing projects, I really should just finish, and I still have to clean the living room up, and I still have a major grocery shop to do before Thanksgiving, for those “fresh” items like apples, and grapes, and celery.  Maybe prebake a few pies before the big day.

In the meantime, I wish you all the happiest of stitching!

Spangled to Death!

Another week has flown right by and I’m still not finished with Spangled.  I know in every project I have every stitched, that you come to the point, where it seems like you are NEVER going to finish.  In fact, you know you are “just over it!”  Yup that’s my Spangled State of Mind.  But, I still keep stitching away, and telling myself ONLY one more week, maybe as much as two. (I hope not)


What’s been happening in this household?  Well, we got new carpet being installed on Fri., yea, since this carpeting is the original builder carpet.  Meanwhile, because we have pets, that chose to sneak in the living and dining room when we weren’t looking, and leave piddle stains, there was a lot of pre prep work that needed to be done before installation.  Including ripping out the old carpet and padding ourselves, removing all the staples and strips and nails.  Cleaning the floor, then painting the subfloor with heavy duty Kilz.  I have a gate to keep the girls in the kitchen, but members of my family, who I will not mention, would leave the gate wide open.  I now have purchased an additional gate that goes across the dining room entrance, and a very wide gate that goes across the front entryway hall. 


Once the carpet is installed, the cleaning of items to be put back into that room will begin, just in time for all the kids to arrive for Thanksgiving.  Speaking of which, we now have both the Thanksgiving and Christmas Turkey.  I have even purchased a few more Christmas gifts, amazing considering I have been somewhat under the weather.


I had my flu shot, but I really felt like I had some sort of bug.  Achy, chills, I slept most of one day. No barfing and trots, so that’s always good.


My sister had gotten me hooked on watching some of these Floss Tubes.  To each their own, but I really couldn’t be one of those “serial” starters.  I viewed I don’t know how many different stitchers, pull projects out of their cute little project bags, and each one had a couple inches of borders done, and maybe some flowers or leaves.  I’m too, anal for that.  Once I start a project, I absolutely must finish it, (probably the same reason, I’m so over a project at its end.)  I’m just too much a monogamous stitcher.  At most, I might have two projects going.  But that’s just me.   

At this point, on my next post, I will hopefully posting a picture of the finished Spangled, on it’s way to the framers.  Until then, happiest of stitching.

Spangled Some More

Happy November Stitchers.  So far, it’s been beautiful weather here in Virginia.  Unlike my childhood memories of growing up in Michigan, where it seemed like the month of November was grey and dreary.  It’s my birth month, and Thanksgiving, and the kickoff to Christmas.  Course as we all know all the retailers are doing the kickoff to Christmas earlier each year.  I was seeing Christmas decorations in all the stores in October, it won’t be long, till the retailers start advertising and decorating for Christmas right after the 4^th of July!


I decided to do a little retail therapy myself, and went to In Stitches in Alexandria on Sunday.  They are open on Sundays the first Sunday of each month.  But I did get to chat with my favorite, Patricia Eaton, while she helped me with some fabric purchase.  I really shouldn’t have but I bought another chart, and Patricia will be ordering a Scarlet Letter chart that I have had my eyes on.  Like I always pray “Dear Lord, please let my eyesight last longer than my stash!”

Speaking of the Holidays, I already started picking up Stocking gifts for my family, as well as filling my pantry and freezer with items needed for the big Thanksgiving meal.  All the kids will be here, so we will have a full house.
  

I am proceeded with the downsizing of items from my house, a thing my husband is pushing for, as he nears retirement age.  He also wants to move to someplace smaller.  In the meantime, I am trying to move him from his office on the first floor, into the room in the basement, which we used as a bedroom for my mother.  The room is much larger, has a lot more opportunity for storage and organizing, and it’s certainly quieter down there.  I then intend to turn his office into a little stitching room for me.    I cleaned the carpet in there, and started moving his books into the bookcase.  He already moved one of his very large lateral filing cabinets into the room, and I also emptied his lateral filing cabinet in his office, so it can be moved to the basement as well.  All while trying to empty the living room and dining room of furniture in preparation of getting new carpet in both rooms. Yes, I have been busy.

I almost forgot to mention that both my sister and I got "shout outs" on Fiber Talk with Gary Parr and Vonna Pfieffer.  We are mentioned about the 4l:57 mark.  I often post things for my sister, as she is technologically challenged.  It's only in the last year or so, she has figured out how to take pictures with her phone and text them to me.

Meanwhile trying to finish Spangled in time for framing and gifting for Christmas.  And…..I really want to start stitching on Hannah Pepper, which has been in my stash for eons.  Hopefully by my next post, I will have put the finishing stitches in Spangled.

Until next post, happiest of stitching, with no frogging!

Spangled Too!

Hello Stitchers!

I can’t believe it’s almost Halloween, and in a few days it will be November!  With November, means some deep cleaning in preparation of the kids being here.  The hunt for two large turkeys (one for Thanksgiving, one for Christmas.)  Last year, both large Turkeys were bought at Walmart.  My husband checking out in one aisle and me in another, each of us with a very large turkey.  For anyone else out there that serves Turkey for both holiday meals, you know how difficult it is to find a large turkey, closer to Christmas, that doesn’t cost a small fortune. 

Because our children are all adults, and don’t live near us, I have adopted my Grandma’s tradition! Which is to celebrate Christmas, the weekend after the 25^th. Her logic was each of her children had their own family, plus in-laws, and Christmas Day, would be reserved for the nucleus family and their in-laws.  I have, also, come to find out, allows me more time with my kids, and of course grandbaby, when they can spend a weekend, instead of a few hours.  I usually make a small prime rib, for my hubbie, my youngest son, and myself, for Christmas Day.  Then do the full on Turkey meal, with stuffing and mashed potatoes and gravy, when the full on family is here.

I already put the kids on notice the plans for the holidays, so that they request time off, make travel arrangements, etc.  Course, my adult kids, will have much fun at my expense, as they know my request for a Christmas list from each of them, is right around the corner.

I think I may have lost all of my followers, due to my inactivity, while I was caring for my mother.  I hope they’ll come back and take a gander at my blog.  Well, maybe I can get the word out that I’m back!  

Both my sister and I are stitching Long Dog Sampler charts as gifts.  Call us nuts!  As we both are stitching like fiends trying to get them finished well before Christmas, and get them out for framing, while a sale is going on!  

Here is my progress on Spangled:

Here is her progress on Plight of Fancy!

Laundry and house cleaning are calling my name, so I better get back to it! Until next week, the happiest stitching to all!

Spangled

Happy October Stitchers!  Although, realistically almost over.  I love the fall.  I love the colors of the leaves changing.  I love the snap in the air on those sunny days.  I love the smell of burning leaves.  There is just something about the fall that brings back so many memories of football games, and bringing out the wool pants, and Bermuda shorts with knee socks.  Carmel apples covered with nuts, hot apple cider.


I actually had to purchase more Halloween candy.  I started buying Halloween candy we actually like, so when we have the leftovers, we’ll actually eat it.  Instead, I end up breaking into the bag ahead of Halloween and causing me to purchase more Halloween candy. 

I was going to run numerous errands today, but alas it’s raining, which makes me want to stay home and read or of course cross stitch, while curled up under some warm throw and watching old movies and reruns  Not to be totally unproductive, I’ll throw in a couple loads of wash.


One thing I did today, was to donate my mom’s hearing aid and several pairs of her prescription glasses.  The Lion’s Club has a recycle program.  While the man was here, he also mentioned, the Lion’s partner with another charity that will take medical supplies and equipment.  Out, went many of my mom’s medical supplies.  It was nice to donate those things, and not worry about trying to sell them,  getting them to another charity.  I have a few other things to round up, and the Lion member, told me to just call him, and he’ll swing by and pick up those additional items.   What a relief!


Still stitching away, trying to finish up Spangled.  I am happy to say, I’m almost down to the last four pages of the chart, which is the bottom of the Sampler.  I will say, I feel pressured to complete this as quickly as possible, so that I can also have it framed in time for Christmas.   Once finished, I can get back to Hannah Pepper, now that I have a piece of fabric she will actually fit on.  After that, I intend to stitch The Historic Countries Mystery Sampler from Fine Lines Magazines.  But that will take a trip to In Stitches to purchase some 36 ct. linen, a fat half of that in the perfect shade of white!

I know both my sister and I are particularly choosy about the linens we use.  Both of us like linens that are a bit stiffer.  The Stiffer the better!  Then there is the whole white color choices.  Do we want a bright white, white that has some yellow in it, white that has some brown in it?  Even better to be able to see and touch the linen rather than order it over the internet.


Well back to Spangled.  According to the chart, it was suggested to purchase this much Gentle Arts threads.  Of course, all of the measurements were in meters.  Thank God my husband is the math genius and converted the meters into yards for me.

Raven 70 yards

Moonlit Path 10 yards

Wood Rose 15 yards

Sable 15 yards

Pink Azalea 15 yards

Cherry Bark 15 yards

Barn Grey 20 yards

Sugar Plum 10 yards

Cider Mill Brown 15 yards

Antique Rose 10 yards

Cornhusk 15 yards

Tropical Ocean 15 yards

Buttermilk 5 yards


I decided to use DMC 310 in lieu of the Raven.  So I ordered 14 skeins of 310.  If the chart called for 15 yards, I actually ordered 2 10 yard skeins, as it was cheaper to order 10 yard skeins when you needed more than one, than to order 1 10 yard and 1 five yard.

Since I have not completed Spangled, I don’t know if I purchased too much thread, or not enough, but will let you know!


Until then, Happy Fall, and Keep on Stitching!

Spangled

Spangled by Long Dog Samplers

Size 205 X 277 stitches
Chart calls for either DMC or Gentle Arts Sampler Threads. 
I am using 36 count ivory linen.    The chart suggested either, 32 ct. or 36. Estimated finished size on 36 ct. will be 11 3/8" by 15 3/8'.

This is a gift.  Which means every spare moment I have been stitching like a fiend on this project.  I'm hoping to finish it, and get it framed before Christmas.  I decided to use 36 ct. Ivory, because I had some in my stash, not delegated for another project.

You could use any color you wanted.  After looking at the directions further, and the amount of thread required, I decided to use the GAST threads for the colors and DMC 310 for the black.  It takes a lot of thread, so if you are trying to economize, I suggest using ALL DMC.  Cheaper, but more importantly, the variation in the hand dyed GAST threads, really isn't all that noticeable.  I find GAST threads show their true beauty when they are stitched on larger areas, as you can see the variation better.  BTW, I had to have my husband do the math for the amount of thread required, as the chart shows meters.  I knew that perfect score on his SAT's on the math portion, would come in handy some day, because math is surely not my forte! I will let you know in a further update of Spangled the amount of thread purchased. 

I also, hope to make some changes to my blog in the future and as time permits, including adding what I have in my stash.  I can't tell you how long it took me to figure out how to add a tab, add pages, and finally link the page to the tab.  Hopefully I'll remember!

Anywho......these are my progress pictures of Spangled, so far.  Enjoy, and Happy Stitching and I'm glad to be back, sharing my stitching journey!

Hannah Pepper

Finally, got around to starting this beautiful sampler, and realistically it was just a fake start!
Printed in several issues of Fine Lines magazine, I looked forward to the challenge of this stitch.

Thought I was appropriately prepared, even printed out all the errors, that were discovered by previous stitchers. Or so I thought...…...not once did they mention the stitch count was way off, and not corrected until the second part of the chart in the following issue.   And I mean way off.  At least 100 stitches.  Needless to say, it didn't take me long to figure out, I didn't have enough fabric.  Another ugg!

So while I waited on new fabric for Hannah, I started on Long Dog Sampler - Spangled.  Tomorrow, I will post pictures of what I have stitched so far, and it will bring everyone current, what I have been stitching over the last year!

American Sampler

What a fun stitch, due to all the various stitches.  A sampler by Sandy Orton, which appeared in Treasures In Needlework Spring, 1993 issue.  I stitched on 26 count natural brown/undyed linen using DMC.  I started using 25 count as the chart called for, and ended up stopping and getting a stiffer linen.   Especially needed due to ALL the Queen Stitches.  Another finish!

Frances Eden 1809

Always a very favorite of mine since I saw her in a magazine. I searched high and low, for the chart and paid a hefty sum for the chart on ebay.   Wouldn't you know, several years later, The Attic, got Handiworks to rerelease the chart.  UUUUGGGG!   Here is another sampler I completed in my absence and wasn't able to share my progress on my blog as I have done in the past.