Aug 2, 2017

SPINSTER STITCHER SASSYPANTS

I'm stitching Summer at Cherry Hill on 28ct Wren from Picture This Plus.  When I started the border alphabet, I grabbed two strands of thread and decided that I like the coverage a lot, so I figured I would do all of the letters two over two:


But then I started looking at the picture and realized that there are an awful lot of big full-coverage areas, and I would imagine that the amount of thread needed will far exceed my supply and that of Miss Linda at the House of Stitches.

And then I had a great idea!  Why not stitch the letters and some moteefs in two strands and then do all of the solid background areas in one strand?!  This would make the moteefs stand out and look dimensional, the backgrounds receed, and I might not have to raid a small country for more threads!

So that's what I'm going to do.  For now, however, I am fishing through stash and WiPs to get my basket together for the upcoming retreat.  I have an idea in my head of what I want to play with, but that seems to be changing as the minutes tick by.  The good news is that I am driving, so theoretically I could put my entire stash in my trunk and just work out of it as need be, but then there is the prospect of having to carry it all back upstairs next week when the retreat is over.

Another Futzingday has commenced, dearies!  Do something fun and come tell me all about it!

23 comments:

  1. I's looking fabulous, Coni! I'm cross stitching French Country's Scaredy Cats in between customers....the advantage of being my own boss! :)

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  2. I have a retreat coming up the end of September - and I am already (at least mentally) planning on which projects to bring! So I can identify.......

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  3. Really love your decision to go with background in one strand and motifs in two. Have a great time the retreat, and as long as everything you want to haul fits in the new stair-climbing cart you got from the Amazon, I say, take it. (Now, my husband does not subscribe to the corollary of that philosophy, as long as it fits in a suitcase and that suitcase weighs at least an ounce under 50 lbs. take it, and then take another since on Southwest you can check two bags for free. However, my tiara remains firmly in place.)
    Bursts of energy this morning allowed me to put away clean laundry, put clean sheets on the bed and tidy the kitchen. Beyond that, with appointments this afternoon, it is wise to return to pampered, bon-bon scarfing couch potato queen for a little while. What are bon-bons anyway???
    Oh, and yes, f**** what Betty thinks.

    Prayers continue.....

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  4. I love that piece! So far I have found the fortitude to avoid ordering, I'm trying to be steadfast. We have thunder and lightning this afternoon so no swimming for me. I'll be working on Herbularius from Chatelaine (and I'll be working on it for the next year I imagine!)

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  5. Retreats are so much fun and I can never decide what to take so I usually take a bunch.

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  6. I'm a newbie to your blog. Love your stitch work! I used to stitch...a lot...in a different lifetime. You are inspiring me to pull out my stuff and try again. I am curious, do you use a hands free hoop? and any thoughts on magnification devices? I basically gave up the stitching with the linen because it was annoying trying to use a "hang around the neck" magnifier. Thanks in advance.

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    1. Phyllis, I bought a free standing magnifying light recently and it's a life saver for me. It was under $200. Light and portable too. Check at your local needlework store and beware of cheaper solutions at chain stores of you can. Good luck!

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    2. Hi, Phyllis! I always put my work on stretcher bars or in q-snaps and then hold them in hand. I also wear contacts and x3 magnifier glasses that I got on readers.com or just stitch with my eyes "nekked" if I don't need to see anything in the distance. I might have to change this up soon because it's getting harder and harder to see!

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    3. Thanks for the recommendations! Happy stitching.

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  7. Enjoy the retreat. The letters do look amazing.

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  8. It looks wonderful so far. Hope you share your progress as you go. Have fun at your retreat. Oh and I am a new follower.

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  9. Coni, have a great time at your upcoming retreat. I like your idea about stitching the background or stitch dense areas with 1 thread.

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  10. I love your idea...both artistic and frugal...my two favorite things (well two of my favorite things).
    I'm glad that you are going to your retreat, sounds like a lot of fun...and driving yourself is freedom.
    I love your WIP it's progressing beautifully.
    Hugs

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  11. Enjoy your retreat m'dear. Love the Cherry Hill project + your very creative approach to the thread problem! 😆⚘

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  12. The fun and angst if retreat! Can't wait to hear what the final choices are!

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  13. Great idea about stitching the background with one thread! Can't wait to see how it looks. Today I cleaned my 4 year old's bedroom. It was a disaster. But it is neat and tidy now and he better keep it that way! Ha! Ya right!

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  14. I think you are so smart to use the plies of thread as you are planning. You're right! You will have a most lovely and delicate piece when you are done. I like good coverage, but I have done the single strand fill areas on a couple pieces and love them so much.
    Regarding the Retreat...I'm just giggling at the thought of you and a trunk full of WiPs. Your stitching is so lovely and your project choices are so great...I'd follow you outside and ask to see them all! You'd be putting on some kind of puppet show out there!

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