Normalcy

Finally, I feel back to normal.  My eyesight got back to normal on Wednesday night.  Up until then, I was having difficulty focusing to stitch.  I had to use my boosters that magnet onto my glasses.  Its like wearing a pair of cheaters over your glasses.  

I finished Mary Miller 1842 and am really pleased with it.  The finished size is 9.5x13 inches.  I got a premade frame at Hobby Lobby that is 11 x 14.  It won't be evenly spaced  but, its close and decided a rustic wood frame I paid about $19 was worth the quarter inch difference on the side.  I do love the colors!  I know a lot of folks like red on their samplers.  I like red houses too but, I think that is why I really love this one, the colors are not typical.  

A few close ups of some of the motifs in the bottom section.  The birds are just so quirky!

I have started looking for areas where I can put my initials in or sometimes, if the alphabets are single colors, I will do my initials in the alphabet in a different color which is what the girls often times did.  I did them over one. 

Feeling normal again, I took a trip to Green Bay.  I was going to go with my lovely husband but, that changed.  He was going to take Henry to his camp on Friday but, Ed was having car problems.  We went to help him jump his car on Thursday but, it wouldn't start, the gauge said the battery was fully charged so thought maybe the fuel line was frozen.  It was -14 at 7 am and his car is parked outside at his apartment.  We took him to get some Heet.  He only lives a couple of blocks from where he works and he walked to work then got a ride home on Thursday night.  We had to get to a Tax preparer appointment.  He was up early on Friday and tried to start it, still no success.  Bob went over there and they took the battery to an auto parts store, had it tested (it was dead) and bought a new battery.  Working just fine!  Because he was did all that, when I asked him if he still wanted to go to Green Bay he jumped at the chance not to go.  My friend Arttie was going to GB to get her step daughter to sign her tax returns and her husband didn't want to go either.  Long story short, we went together.  I dropped off some of my picks from Nashville Market, picked up a project (like a I really need one) and visited with Kendra.  We went to lunch, Hobby Lobby and Barnes and Noble.  Quick trip but, spent a lot of time in just a few places.  Usually, we get hustled through these places. 

I picked up With Thy Needle and Thread/Brenda Gervais Quarker Sewing Tray, the thread and I had some fabric at home.  Currently, I have a little basket on the table by my chair but, I have to usually dig around it too much.  I don't really want to order the tray from her website because you get three trays in different sizes and I don't know that I will use them all.  I'm not even sure I really like  the way those trays look. I know we were going to Hobby Lobby and could look for something there. 

I found a napkin holder that will work perfectly.  There was another little wooden box that matched it that will probably be good for something.  I picked that up too.  There were 50% off so only cost me $7 each.  It feels like chalk paint.  I will sand them down a little, paint them and then Briwax them.  I took the leather piece that said "Napkins" on it, super easy.  

I'll excited to start this but, going to wait until the end of the week.  I want to work on Sarah Braizear for a week or so.  

That's pretty much it for now.  Got some energy back.  It doesn't hurt that the weather the last two days has been wonderful: sunny and in the 40's.  

Hope you had a great weekend!

Keep on Stitching!

Monica

I Survived

I am finally up and being productive.  I went to work yesterday after being out of commission since February 5th.  I thought I was getting better and tried going to work last Tuesday but, no such luck.  Ended up at the doctor's office and prescribed an antiobiotic, steroids and an inhaler for bronchitis.  Didn't start really feeling better until this past Saturday.  Went to work until yesterday and made it the whole day!  Feeling even better today.   I think the cough may last for another couple of weeks.  

 By Thursday was feeling like doing a little stitching but, not much more than that.  I am nearly done with Mary Miller.  Since I took the picture, I have filled in quite a bit of the house, the top of the bottom row of windows and the door.  

In the meantime, got my ornament for the Stitching Bee Ornament challenge done.  Prairie Schooler Snowy Nights.  

Super sweet picture of Henry Ford.  Doesn't he look like an angel?

Posted this picture of Buster on Instagram.  I love his little crooked mouth. 

We got a couple inches of snow last night, now it is blowing around.  Its 25 but feels like 12 degrees.  Kind of slow at work so I'm able to go in late and leave early which is a blessing this week. 

Hope you are all healthy and having a good week!
Keep on Stitching.
Monica

Bleach Just Couldn't Kill it

I surcame to the crud.  There wasn't enough bleach/clorox wipes/hand sanitizer to kill it.  It doesn't help that when Bob coughs, he coughs in to his hand that it in the shape of a tube thus, projecting it even further in the room (insert exploding head).  I am on the mend.  Called in sick on Friday but, I think I should be good to go tomorrow.  Fever is gone, still a little congested and the cough is getting better.  I am hoping after this I'm immune to the coronovirus....bad joke but, that would be lovely.  Hope it doesn't get to that point. 

I've done a little stitching but, not until Friday evening.  I was out of commission Wednesday night and Thursday was the worst.  I got the horse done along with the motifs at the same level.  I will probably save the house for last.  It is going to use a lot of floss.  People were complaining they had run out of thread.  When I got the pattern, I figured I would need more Terrapin because that was the border color and Mustard Seed for the house....Just to be on the safe side.   Glad I did.
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 The boys have been wonderful nursemaids.  Henry generally falls asleep trying to keep on eye on me.  Buster generally sleeps on my lap, holding me down so I don't float away. 

It snowed all day but, not very hard.  We got about two inches.  It was pretty watching it.

Hope your weekend has been healthy and your week will be too!
Keep on Stitching
Monica

If I Don't Get Sick, It Will Be A Miracle!

Bob was at a convention last week, Tuesday to Friday.  With his mom's recent health issues, I asked Katy if she could come home for a few days...just in case.  Side note:  I always figure if I'm prepared for the worst, it won't happen.  She had an interview on Monday and drove up after that.  She had a cold but, not really feeling too bad until the day she left.  Bob came home sick.  Both have had a terrible cough.  Katy is good at coughing in her sleeve, sanitizing and washing her hands.  Bob on the other hand, not so good.  He is getting a little better especially since I explained to him I really don't want to get what he has.  I work in healthcare and if get this, I won't be able to work unless I wear a mask.  If you can't breath the last thing you need is to wear a mask.

I finished my first motif on Mary Miller and only have a little more lettering to finish.  I am excited to be getting close to the other motifs.

I found some samplers on the Kitten Stitcher that caught my eye

Sheepish Antiques:  Sarah Salter circa 1815.  A sampler to her grandmother

Scarlet Letter:  Sarah Brown.  To the memory of her brother who died. The colors will go wonderfully in my house. 

Scarlet Letter:  Perform'd by Ann Parnell 1799.  Lots of wonderful motifs!  This one should be loads of fun!  Love the "Perform'd"

We have had some pretty mild weather and no measurable snow.  I don't think there really isn't any snow in the near forecast.  I'm happy about that.  

The Silver Needle had a sale this weekend too.  Everything was 20% off so I got the fabric for Jenny Bean Parlor Series.  It is an odd cut.  I had some 40 count that would fit the bill but didn't want to mess up a nice big piece of fabric.  

Hope you had a wonderful weekend and have a peaceful week.  

Keep on Stitching

Monica

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