Let's Talk About WIP

Been watching Floss Tube videos and everyone has been talking about WIP.  I thought I would re-visit what I have out there.  I was surprised I didn't have more.  I have a lot kitted up but, haven't started working on it.  

I have Autumn at Hawk Run.  When I put it away, I wasn't sure I was all that happy with it.  I'm doing it on 36 count a PTP I think over two with one.  I thought that was the problem but, when I looked at it yesterday, I think I'm pretty happy with the coverage.  I will finish this off this year.  Once I finish the graveyard, I think I only have two more sections to do.  I'm pretty happy with it.  

 I started this fall but, didn't get very far.   It really wouldn't take long because there really isn't that much stitching on it.  Autumn Acorns from the Humble Stitcher. 

 I have Sarah Braizear that I would say is not quite two thirds or so done.  I have a lot of satin stitching to do around the border.  I really do love this.  It will be really spectacular when its framed. 

I forgot to take a picture of Hannah Pepper.  I don't have much of a start on that one.  

I don't understand how some stitchers can have as many starts as they do....don't take it the wrong way if you do...

I like to get things done.  I mix in a small to break up some of the intensity of a large piece.  

I like to start things too.....which leads me to the BBD freebie of a red sampler.  The pattern calls for three reds.  I have those picked out:  DMC 498 and Victorian Motto Sampler Antique Roses and Carnberry.  I may decide once I start to just do it one of the colors or maybe throw out the DMC.  

I did a little decorating for Valentine's Day and put out a bowl of smalls. 

Update on Mary Miller.  Sorry about the winkles.  I did throw some old buttons on it to give it a little more visual interest.  I really enjoy working on this.  I got a lot of work done on her in the last few days.  Just because I figure you all want to know, we've had ten inches of snow since Wednesday.  

In the past, I have talked about looking for Floss Tube channels.  One of the channels I regularly tune into is Lost in Floss.  Barb and Leanne were really sweet and entertaining.   I really enjoyed watching them.  Last night Leanne lost her fight with cancer.  The floss world will miss her.  Prayers for Leanne's family and Barb.

Hope you've had a good weekend!
Keep on Stitching.

Monica

Why Do I Run Out of Time?

Weekends just go too fast!  I run out of time.  I really had plans to get some serious stitching done but, it just never seems to work out that way.  We had about eight new inches of snow Friday to Saturday and we didn't need to leave the house on Saturday.  Got the weekly cleaning done because Thursday we took a day trip....more to come.  

After talking to my sister, cleaning and lunch, I decided to work on my sewing room.  It really was out of control.  I worked on it for about three hours, putting things away and doing some re-organization.  We had an extra Sterilite three drawer piece that fit between my sewing table and a cabinet perfectly.  I put my 32, 36 and 40 count linen in it sorted into each drawer.  Works great, not pretty but, very effective.  Moved furniture, vacuumed and was able to put the card table I used at Christmas away.  Next thing I knew, it was time to get dinner ready.  I got a little stitching done in the morning and then last evening.  

Today wasn't much better.  Pay bills, do laundry, iron, visit the MIL and my Aunt Helen.  She was done with my sewing machine.  One of her neighbors came over and she was telling him about it.  He took it out to the she where air compressor is and blasted the bobbin case.  He must have gotten out 25 years of lint, thread and pins and "it works perfect!"  We got home and POOF, time to make dinner again.  UGH!!

Kendra at the Stitching Bee has a Ornament Challenge.  Submit it once a month.  I decided I'm going to do Prairie Schooler from Snowy Night and Winter Wind.  There are more than enough for the year.  I just love the houses!!

 Like I started, Thursday we took a ride to Escanaba to do a little shopping and have lunch.  One of our regular stops is an Antique/junque shop called The Orange Cat.  We can always find something that must come home with us.  I found two things, a little oak table marked at $30 but, after Bob and the owner discussed Escanaba topics, he took $10 off.  He often sells us things less than what its marked.  He has a love of collecting and the items speak to me, asking me to  take them home.  I think he appreciates that. 

 I also found a Pyrex Gold Butterfly pattern.  I collect pieces of this and use them all the time.  The only thing I don't do with them is put them in the dishwasher.  I have some small casseroles that I am especially fond. 

 

My latest pictures of Mary Miller just aren't popping up in Google Photo at the moment.  It is on my Instagram:  #thehooplessstitcher.  

There is a new designer that you may have heard of, Hewitt Hill Samplers.  If you sign up for her newsletter, she will send you a PDF file of Betty Glover 1837 you can find the website HERE.  

I also finished Louisa Acton Aged 11 from 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers.  It is a freebie SAL.  

It turned out great.  It will fit in a ready made 5x7 fram.  Just have to lace it up.  Alas, ran out of time.  

That about sums it up.  After the snow and clean up, Bob's snowblower broke but, he assures me it ias a simple fix.  Hope so, it needs to be ready for the next storm. 

Got to get some stitching time in. 
Keep on Stitching
Monica

I Was Feeling In Need Of An Adventure

I was thinking I needed an adventure.  Its been since a couple of weeks before Christmas since I have gone anywhere. You have to understand, our main retailer is Walmart....ugh!!

I made no plans, thinking I need to pick up the sewing room (yet again) and work on kitting up projects.  Then, Arttie texted me yesterday morning, asking if I want to go with her to JoAnn's since it was the last day of their sale and interfacing was 75% off.  She needed a bolt. I jumped at it since Bob wasn't interested and had no plans.  

The weather was cooperative....more to come about that.  The snow was all very much south of us.  We picked up coffees on the way out of town.  She figured we'd stop downtown Menominee, MI at Quilter's Haven and the Elegant Ewe (yarn and some very old cross stitch).  The downtown is really pretty nice:  old buildings, lake front and revitalizing.  

First stop was Quilter's Haven and they were having a sale.  I found a really lovely wool pack, with 10 5x7" squares I got for  $12.50 (originally $15)  and two fat 1/8 for $.50 from $ 1.30 and a small scissors for $2.50 from $3.  Some great deals!!

The on to the Elegant Ewe.  Its in an old, large house.  Gorgeous house but, the shop will make you crazy.  She has a great selection of yarn but, it takes too much work to find things.  I picked up a skein of self striping sock yarn,  

We then ventured to the second floor where the cross stitch is.  We peeked in the first door.  The bedroom was full of yarn and fabulous bedroom antique furniture.  I should have taken a picture.  

We found the cross stitch room.  She hasn't bought any new cross stitch in fifteen years?  We found some awesome old stuff.  I am a fan of Homespun Elegance and I thought this was a timeless pattern.  I now have the wool to try my hand at applique.  I usually use the wool to embellish my cross stitch finishes.  

Arttie found some Prairie Schooler  annual Santas from the early 2000's.  I found some patterns I had never seen before.  I already had most of the other stuff.  The prices were also from the late '90's early 2000's:  $6.  AND THE ORIGINAL CARD STOCK!!!  I don't know I will do all of the them but, there are several that coordinate with some other pieces I've done. 

Had a great lunch at a little cafe down the street from the shops:  The Serving Spoon.  I had a great Chicken salad on a croissant for lunch.   We did make it to JoAnn's and picked up some general supplies.  Arttie got her interfacing.  We headed home.  

The trip down was a little dicey.  No snow but, the wind was blowing out of the north and we were headed east.  The snow was blowing from the farm fields over the  highway.  There was an accident because of it that slowed us down only for a few minutes.  They were cleaning it up.  Once we made the turn south, it was much better.  The way home later in the afternoon, was much better. 

Buster after rolling in the snow this morning.  Crazy shih tzu!

I did get the Jane Marshall sampler from Hands Across the Sea to raise funds for the Brigades in Australia.  I toned down the colors:  DMC:  356, 729, 758, 869, 930, 932, 3051. 3053, 3777, and 3799.   I'm going to do it on 40 ct Burch Newcastle Linen.  I may grunge it up a little.  Haven't committed to that.  I have been watching the Flosstube videos from the Primitive Stitcher on dying and have instant coffee, imitation vanilla and pearl grey Rit dye.  I have other dyes and walnut crystals already. 

My progress on Louisa Acton.  I'm very nearly done.  It is super cute, fun and turning out well, if I must say so.  :)

Was on my exercise bike on Friday and this was the sunset.  The picture doesn't do the colors justice.  

I also finished the fund raiser from Sassy Jacks.  I plan to finish it as a scissor fob but, loaned my sewing machine to my 91 y/o aunt.  Her machine took a dump and she's working on a quilt.  She called in a panic.  I trust her with it and got a frozen homemade apple pie.  She only made 80 this year.  I'm telling you, she's a dynamo.  I hope I am at that age!

This is a long post!.  The MIL is back in the ED on Monday....3 times in 3 days.  The assisted living was concerned she was in Afib again.  I think it was a combination of pain and her blood sugar was very high.  She is doing better.  She doesn't seem to be in too much pain either.  Bob takes her to the orthopedist on Friday.  I'm hoping it really isn't broken and they take her out of the sling. 

Going to wrap this up.  The Packers are playing!  Go Pack Go
I do post pics almost daily on Instagram thehooplessstitcher. 

Keep on Stitching
Monica

The Starts To The New Year

I really should be finishing some of the projects I have out there but, decided on some new starts.  

The first one is a freebee from Lianne van Leyen of 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers called Louisa Acton,  Age 11.  I'm doing it on 40 count Heritage Newcastle Linen from Picture this Plus, I think.  

I'm using  Classic Colorworks:  Barn Doo, Cocoa Bean, Dublin Bay, Ye Olde Gold and Weeks Juniper.  Initially, I thought I would use Pea Pod but, I didn't like it so I ripped it out and started with the Juniper and I think I like it better.  

I also started on Mary Miller 1842 from The Scarlett House.  I had ordered the kit from The Country Sampler in Spring Green.  I love the colors of this.  I wasn't sure I would like the Weeks Verdigris and Teal Frost but, I really do.  I am using the called for thread and 40 count Buttercream from Lakeside Linen.  

I'm taking a different approach on both these samplers.  Usually, I stitch the border first and then do the fun stuff.  This time, I stitching the borders as I.  Not sure if there is a conventional way of doing this.  If there is, I would assume its stitch the border first but, I'm the boss of my stitching.  

I'm having a hard time deciding which one to work on each day because they are truly fun stitches. 

It has been an interesting weekend.  Bob's mom took a little fall on Thursday.  She really didn't start having problems until yesterday.  She needs help with dressing and bathing at her Assisted Living.  The aide was getting her ready for bed (before dinner since she gets into bed right after supper.)  Bob took her the ED at about 430 yesterday and got home a little after 8 last night.  It always takes four hours.  They aren't exactly sure if its a Rotator Cuff tear or a bone chip fracture at the head of the humerus.  She is in a sling and swathe immobilizer and will need to follow up with an Orthopedic doctor.  We really aren't interest in pursuing surgery.  She is going to be 91 in February and probably wouldn't survive the surgery and then the amount of Rehab is tremendous and she isn't capable of participating that much.  Will have to see what the Orthopedist says. 

We got another three inches of snow today.  We had seven inches last Monday.  We had a lot of melt around Christmas with unusually warm weather and fog.  Fog always makes snow melt faster....don't know why. 

Final tally for Hallmark Christmas Movies:  Hallmark channel  66/95,  Hallmark Movies and Mystery 27/81.  My family think I'm crazy.  I would have gotten a few more in but, Bob could only tolerate so much.  Pooh on him!

Finally, started watching an interesting series on Netflix:  Messiah.  Only watched two episodes but, its interesting. 

I think that wraps it up.  Hope you have a good start to the New Year.
Keep on Stitching
Monica