tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82658408004452690592024-03-14T01:17:26.946-05:00Shakespeare's PeddlerTheresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-31800167413169379032015-03-05T10:35:00.001-06:002015-03-05T10:35:49.658-06:001836 Louisa Horsey Sampler Kickstarter Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PrEpdkUEJ_E/VPiDWh86yPI/AAAAAAAACIw/mBTl3DiKm-s/s1600/sampler19562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PrEpdkUEJ_E/VPiDWh86yPI/AAAAAAAACIw/mBTl3DiKm-s/s1600/sampler19562.JPG" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
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I will do a market update soon, but wanted to share with you my new <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/834098970/louisa-horsey-1836-memorial-antique-sampler-reprod" target="_blank">Kickstarter Campaign to purchase and reproduce the 1836 Louisa Horsey sampler</a>. I found this sampler two days ago on the Internet and was captivated by its beauty, quality, and heart. The campaign will help me come up with the funds to purchase the sampler, which is on hold at the dealer's. (I only need 69 people at the $25 level to fund the project; if I receive more than my goal, participants at the $10, $25 and $40 levels will receive extra gifts!)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9dXYVj1gpmo/VPiDXgvNDyI/AAAAAAAACI0/avhPNsjOIpQ/s1600/sampler19562-023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9dXYVj1gpmo/VPiDXgvNDyI/AAAAAAAACI0/avhPNsjOIpQ/s1600/sampler19562-023.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm always looking for new samplers to reproduce, but I have certain things that I look for. I love pieces with unusual elements and fun motifs. Samplers with more than just plants and flowers are fun to stitch, and this one has lots to love: a shepherd and shepherdess, folk art angels, an unusual border, a gorgeous urn, and a host of animals, including birds, sheep, a dog, butterflies, bugs and bunnies and more.</div>
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In the above picture, you can see what a treat it will be to stitch the border, as the flowers alternate, including a flower with a lovely navy blue coloring, still bright after almost two centuries.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ0e5gMFEk8/VPiDZZvBU8I/AAAAAAAACJI/LWRt40hh_H0/s1600/horsey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ0e5gMFEk8/VPiDZZvBU8I/AAAAAAAACJI/LWRt40hh_H0/s1600/horsey.JPG" height="330" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you look closely at the bottom border, you'll find two figures tucked inside. The shepherd and shepherdess are wearing beautiful clothes, and would you look at that man's fantastic calves?</div>
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The sampler does have a somber tone, focusing on the death of dear brother Henry, who died the day he was born. But the verse is hopeful, and I admire this girl for dedicating many, many hours to creating this one-of-a-kind sampler.</div>
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Follow this link: <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/834098970/louisa-horsey-1836-memorial-antique-sampler-reprod">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/834098970/louisa-horsey-1836-memorial-antique-sampler-reprod</a> to read more about the project and the rewards for participation. People who contribute $10, $25 or $40 will receive rewards in the mail (at $25 and $40, you receive the graph to stitch the sampler.) I have one month from today to raise the funds. Thanks for your help!</div>
<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-78860598602400853592014-12-10T17:13:00.003-06:002014-12-10T17:13:51.390-06:00Here I AmThanks, everyone for your concern.<br />
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Since the end of August when I was recuperating from several biopsies and surgery, I have been coping with changes in my body chemistry, which resulted in the undoing of my mental health medications. I suffer from general anxiety disorder, including intrusive thinking, and some obsessive/compulsive tendencies. These have been controlled for years by medication (and I've done my time in therapy.) When my iron levels shot back up, and my metabolism kicked back in, I was a nervous wreck and, frankly, spent a lot of time in bed.<br />
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I've been working closely with my sweet and gentle psychiatrist, and am finally able to face the computer and work again. I had really gotten to the point where I would just sit down at my computer some days and stare at it, unable to do any work at all. I wasn't stitching at all. A combination of four different medications now means that I can sleep properly, function much better, and can face the things that I need to do and want to do.<br />
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I used to be able to juggle a shop and an online store and design under two different companies, and I think that has really gotten to be too much for me to handle. My shop has closed, and I am scaling way back on my online store in order to spend more time designing and stitching samplers and working on other creative endeavors. I probably won't be doing much more designing for Raise the Roof Designs anymore -- look for the "odd" chart now and then. The back catalog will (mostly) still be available for Raise the Roof and Shakespeare's Peddler, too.<br />
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One of the things I started dreading about designing was the idea that I had to try to fit my designs in a box. Some shops refuse to carry designers' graphs if they use certain thread or fabric companies' supplies. There's also that added pressure of what will sell ... August? Better be putting out some Halloween things. Is this sampler too big? Too small? Too many colors of thread? Will it fit on a fat quarter?<br />
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I've had some grand ideas for designs that I have continued to put off, knowing they wouldn't fit someone's criteria for what makes a good/sellable design. And I think designers, as the cross stitch world has gotten smaller, have felt more beholden to the opinions of the outspoken. That's robbed us all, I think, of the grandest things a designer can create.<br />
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This week, I am starting work on some of those dream designs of mine. I'm not going to be using anything discontinued in terms of supplies, and will continue to do conversions on the charts to other thread lines. I hope you like them. I know that I will. And I feel really good about moving forward and being my most creative.<br />
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Please check out my clearance on my Etsy shop: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall" target="_blank">Letters Great & Small</a>. Anything marked CLEARANCE is 15-85% off the regular retail price. None of my designs are on sale, except for some discontinued Raise the Roof charts. Everything is limited to what is in stock. I have more in storage that I will add as things disappear. It will be great to start the new year with clear space and a clear mind.<br />
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Thanks so much to those of you who have stuck with me the last (almost) 18 years. I still value you as sisters in stitches, and continue to appreciate what you give me -- business, advice, support, inspiration, and the chance to be doing something so fulfilling.<br />
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God bless,<br />
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TheresaTheresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-55061417057078043272014-08-21T18:01:00.000-05:002014-08-21T18:01:04.161-05:00Thrift Shop Thrills Numero Dos: Hollow BooksVolunteering at the thrift store always gets my creative juices flowing -- I see so many things that don't have much purpose as they ARE, but do have purpose in what they COULD BE. Last month, my new Thrills piece showed how to take cruddy old cookbooks and turn them into gift wrap, tea towels, gift cards, stickers and more.<br />
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And now, I'm showing you how to make your own hollow book (for keepsakes or to use as a pincushion.) Simply find yourself a couple of these babies:<br />
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Yes, the old Reader's Digest Condensed books. They were published from 1950-1997 and came out four to six times a year. These were classics and other books that were edited for length and put all in one volume. We get them all of the time at the thrift shop, and only really sell them to people who do this with them:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1f3MpiwSFc/U_Z2LTdzkYI/AAAAAAAACHg/7155K_2Onoo/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-08-21%2Bat%2B5.43.31%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1f3MpiwSFc/U_Z2LTdzkYI/AAAAAAAACHg/7155K_2Onoo/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-08-21%2Bat%2B5.43.31%2BPM.png" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
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And yes, those are very cute, cool, and clever, but seeing as I like having 10 fingers, I will leave the power tools to someone else. My idea was something more like this:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psJpoUx9v1M/U_Z1MUWviwI/AAAAAAAACG4/w6mddj9ha8w/s1600/deerbook2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psJpoUx9v1M/U_Z1MUWviwI/AAAAAAAACG4/w6mddj9ha8w/s1600/deerbook2.jpg" height="383" width="400" /></a></div>
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Huh? What do you think? Who needs a $50 frame for a little piece of needlework, when a thrift shop find can become a frame with a little elbow grease. (The darling golden strawberry was made by Stacey Nash -- love it love it love it!)<br />
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In my instruction book, you will get all of the tips on the best way I came up with to hollow out these books and make them into needle-works-of-art. This is definitely a weekender project, and I can see all kinds of fun applications with these -- especially depending on the covers you can find. There are some that are wintery/Christmasy, lots of kitchy covers, and old-fashioned almost calico patterns.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YRisKMhBRzY/U_Z1ND3u7ZI/AAAAAAAACHA/laQv1qUb9X0/s1600/deerbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YRisKMhBRzY/U_Z1ND3u7ZI/AAAAAAAACHA/laQv1qUb9X0/s1600/deerbook.jpg" height="381" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Side note: the SUPER COOL piece of pottery I scored while hitting garage sales with my friend Jennifer two weekends ago -- $8!!! It's brand new and hand-thrown!)</div>
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My instructions tell you step-by-step how to prep and hollow out your book, and I include two patterns to put inside (but encourage you to find motifs that are meaningful to YOU!) This is such a fun project. And you can do it! It was also a neat way to use up some trinkety trinkets and trims that I had lying around hither and yon.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-7BJJyaxxo/U_Z1PW-V00I/AAAAAAAACHU/zT0Ka1XYq2o/s1600/gelatosherbet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-7BJJyaxxo/U_Z1PW-V00I/AAAAAAAACHU/zT0Ka1XYq2o/s1600/gelatosherbet.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></div>
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Speaking of hither and yon, I haven't shared any kitten pics for a while. Everyone has been sick for weeks, and we finally had to go to the vet to get everyone kitty Z-Packs. They're on the mend now. Right now at home, I've got Shrimp, Lister, Stephen and Colbert, and these two fluff balls -- Gelato (with black ear) and Sherbet. They are FUNNY kittens. When Sherbet plays with the others, she screams like she's being mugged or something. They'll soon be up for adoption.</div>
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Our shelter completed 1,006 adoptions/live releases in June and July this year. We're hoping for another 500 for August, as we are participating in the Rachael Ray $100,000 shelter challenge. Seeing all of those happy animals and new pet owners really makes the hard work worth while.</div>
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Yes, I'm working on other things. No, I didn't do market releases. This summer, I had a few different biopsies (including breast). I had to do some medication adjustments on my psychiatric drugs, and got bifocals. Oh, and after finding out I have been anemic for probably the last 8 years or more, I was put on iron pills and yesterday had a D&C/oblation surgery. So...this summer has been my "tune up" summer. Get ready for some good needlework designs coming up, especially now that my energy is back!!!</div>
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Thanks for reading -- stay well.</div>
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Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-24616852434301474922014-08-07T09:57:00.000-05:002014-08-07T09:57:15.521-05:00Summer Clearance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night I had the shocking realization that summer is almost over! In the south, that's a big deal. This morning, when I was getting dressed, I looked at my long-sleeved shirts and sweaters and thought ... soon!</div>
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Getting ready for a market season and new fall designs, I need to clear out some of the more than 700 items on my Etsy site at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall">https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall</a>. Everything is 20% off today through Sunday when you shop and enter the word hooray in the coupon code area. HOORAY!</div>
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Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-72197495764306230712014-07-24T16:13:00.000-05:002014-07-24T16:13:15.208-05:00Thrift Shop Thrills and Free to BeLong time, no write. I've had a busy, crazy, up and down summer. Nearing the end of it, though, and I'm feeling renewed and happy.<br />
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Earlier this month I went in for an exam, and ended up having a uterine and a breast biopsy. The uterine situation may require surgery (but is not life-threatening...I'll spare you the details), and the breast biopsy had great results. I also found out my hemoglobin was NINE (should be 12-15), which would explain why I've been surviving on Coca Cola and caffeine and needing early bed times and naps. I was exhausted the last few years, and figured it was just old age. Nope...I started taking iron pills, and about a week later, I had several "vroom vroom" moments where all of the sudden my whole body would go flush and hot. They lasted just a few days, and I asked my friend Jennifer (who teaches anatomy and physiology) what those were. "That was your metabolism kicking in."</div>
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I am finally awake, only drinking Coke for enjoyment, and feeling much better. Thank goodness.</div>
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Oh, so the cupcakes above were made by Harrison's girlfriend Christiana in celebration of my breast biopsy results...can you tell what they were supposed to represent? (They were yummy!)</div>
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So, I have a new graph under "Raise the Roof Designs." I've been volunteering twice a week at the Thrift Shop that supports our shelter, and see loads of items that don't sell, but that still have some quirky life in them. I've got ideas already for three more in this series. This is "Thrift Shop Thrills: Cookbooks." I give instructions for five projects: stickers, wrapping paper, notecards, recipe cards, and tea towels (and there are seven designs for tea towels, two of which are below... I haven't made the Crock Pot yet, but it's on the list.)</div>
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Above is a box I bought on sale at Hobby Lobby for $3 decorated with stickers made from cookbooks and scanned and shrunken copies of my grandmothers' recipes in their own hand. They're stained, which makes them look really cool and legit.</div>
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I made my own tea towels out of muslin, so they were extra cheap. You can also buy tea towels pre-made at most craft stores. I used the opportunity to try some fancy borders, and did mine in black, but hey, to celebrate this "era," use avocado green, goldenrod, or rust.</div>
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The wrapping paper was super-fun to make, and you can see one of my notecards above, too. I bought carnations (of course) for the above gift decoration, but would love to see people use those little fake vegetable and fruit picks you find in the floral department of a craft store. My boxes were too small to support those. This is all meant to be something crafty to do, where you can't really screw it up, and where you finish in a short time. </div>
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I am able to buy these cookbooks for 33 cents and $1 at the thrift store, but try garage sales and estate sales, too. Don't limit yourself to cookbooks -- make wrapping paper for a graduate out of an old textbook or dictionary. Use a 1960's travel book to make notecards and stickers for a friend who likes to see the world. Make stickers out of fine art books and decorate a box to hold your goodies. </div>
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You can purchase the pattern now from me at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/197558709/thrift-shop-thrills-cookbooks-craft">https://www.etsy.com/listing/197558709/thrift-shop-thrills-cookbooks-craft</a>. The distributors will have theirs soon.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0cfq4NXvi4/U9Fnwj3QnXI/AAAAAAAACF8/Ov4umDVXYSs/s1600/womensfull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0cfq4NXvi4/U9Fnwj3QnXI/AAAAAAAACF8/Ov4umDVXYSs/s1600/womensfull.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
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Southern Pines Animal Shelter asked me to design a t-shirt to sell to help fund lifesaving surgeries for feral cats. Until this summer, the shelter has always been required to euthanize any feral cats that come in through animal control. The trend now in sheltering is to practice trap-neuter-return, which means those cats, after being fixed, can go back and live their lives where they were.</div>
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It has always made me feel so sad to see animal control come in with animals in the back. Possums, raccoons, armadillos, and other wild animals are released out in the wild. But all of these beautiful cats with shiny coats, bright eyes, lean muscles and strength have been killed for years and years. Why? People tend to think of a feral cat as a "bother," but somehow adoptable. These cats are too dangerous to handle (mostly, they stay clear of people.) They could not be adopted (I've been bitten a few times by a feral cat, and let me tell you, they bite HARD!)</div>
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Everyone would think we were crazy if we were euthanizing squirrels or snakes, but for some reason, it's sensible to euthanize wild cats. So, I designed two t-shirts (the purple one is a ladies cut, and the grey/green one below is in men's sizes.) Proceeds from the sale of these t-shirts will literally save lives by providing spay and neuter surgeries to feral cats coming in to the shelter.</div>
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The design shows that there are two different kinds of cats -- those who have made it into homes and are living their lives as pets, and those who live outside as wild creatures...both kinds are beautiful!) Free to Be means that these feral cats will be free to live their lives just as they are, hooray!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0aRKZJHoO0/U9Fnxux4CLI/AAAAAAAACGE/fcZpnhVD3-Q/s1600/briart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0aRKZJHoO0/U9Fnxux4CLI/AAAAAAAACGE/fcZpnhVD3-Q/s1600/briart.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Briar says: "Deese are de links, and what your money will do, pee-pulls.":</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Help save a life ($13.00 from the sale of a $20 t-shirt will add to our pot of funds.)</span></b></h4>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195569747/help-save-a-cat-free-to-be-t-shirt" target="_blank">Women's Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195559334/help-save-a-cat-free-to-be-t-shirt" target="_blank">Men's Medium, Large, X-Large, and XXL</a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Save a Tom ($32 purchase of this t-shirt will save the life of a male cat)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195561650/save-a-tom-free-to-be-womens-t-shirt-to" target="_blank">Women's Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195559808/save-a-tom-free-to-be-t-shirt-to-save" target="_blank">Men's Medium, Large, X-Large, and XXL</a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Save a Kitty ($57 purchase of this t-shirt will save the life of a female cat)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195570673/save-a-kitty-free-to-be-womens-t-shirt" target="_blank">Women's Small, Medium, Large and Extra-Large</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195560230/save-a-kitty-free-to-be-t-shirt-designed" target="_blank">Men's Medium, Large, X-Large and XXL</a></div>
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In the meantime, I'm busy working on some fall graphs and more Thrills. Thanks, as always, for your support, and I hope you are having a wonderful summer.</div>
<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-8539983286679960802014-06-07T15:55:00.000-05:002014-06-07T15:55:50.953-05:00Sweet Temper and Sweet Kittens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAuHJZeElOE/U5NzmeIqE8I/AAAAAAAACEM/pcP7TC2LyRw/s1600/ace.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAuHJZeElOE/U5NzmeIqE8I/AAAAAAAACEM/pcP7TC2LyRw/s1600/ace.gif" height="400" width="375" /></a></div>
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Kittens have been coming and going lately -- five kittens have gone back to the shelter in the last week or two, and we have three new ones. Ace (aka Prince Eric, above) was always the biggest in his litter of six, and so he was ready first. He's having a good time at the shelter playing with lots of new friends, and I have no doubt he'll find a home soon.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bivD5-5H8BE/U5Nzq10-azI/AAAAAAAACEU/eTykyFz56Ck/s1600/smee.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bivD5-5H8BE/U5Nzq10-azI/AAAAAAAACEU/eTykyFz56Ck/s1600/smee.gif" height="331" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dear Smee was my little sweetheart, and when I go to visit him, he gets happy and purrs like crazy. He was almost adopted yesterday by a young girl and her parents, but she decided on a girl kitty named "Grasshopper." Smee won't be there long. Gentle Ben (aka Dwarf) and Ursula are also back at the shelter waiting for their new families. </div>
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Of course one of the downsides to having so many kittens around is that it makes it very difficult to stitch. I'd sit down with my new sampler design, put on my cheaters, and immediately, I'd have a lap full of squiggly, rambunctious fuzz balls. Still, I pushed through, and have a new sampler to present. It is called ....</div>
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The Sweet Temper Sampler</h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAjocwuKK6M/U5NzxCfb1zI/AAAAAAAACEk/R0gKblRaNkY/s1600/sweettempercover.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAjocwuKK6M/U5NzxCfb1zI/AAAAAAAACEk/R0gKblRaNkY/s1600/sweettempercover.gif" height="378" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sampler is slightly larger than my Mercy Goodehart Sampler, and measures 301 by 297 stitches. It was so much fun to work on. When I design a sampler, I think of it from a stitcher's point of view, and give the chart lots of little surprises....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSW3TBe0ixQ/U5NzwC7GwQI/AAAAAAAACEc/7ew79fPBdNc/s1600/sweettemper4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSW3TBe0ixQ/U5NzwC7GwQI/AAAAAAAACEc/7ew79fPBdNc/s1600/sweettemper4.gif" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Like a heart-in-hand, spool and needle....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4ns1LaPJiA/U5Nz1u7MWmI/AAAAAAAACEs/KLjgS1WS-u4/s1600/sweettemper3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4ns1LaPJiA/U5Nz1u7MWmI/AAAAAAAACEs/KLjgS1WS-u4/s1600/sweettemper3.gif" height="377" width="400" /></a></div>
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Or some pretty spiderweb roses....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa4VXUGUJMA/U5Nz7UAPiuI/AAAAAAAACE8/xvdw2Xtu_vo/s1600/sweettemper2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa4VXUGUJMA/U5Nz7UAPiuI/AAAAAAAACE8/xvdw2Xtu_vo/s1600/sweettemper2.gif" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Or a house tucked into the border.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aH3LlPeH9K8/U5Nz2DUVrkI/AAAAAAAACE0/66V731yI9NA/s1600/sweettemper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aH3LlPeH9K8/U5Nz2DUVrkI/AAAAAAAACE0/66V731yI9NA/s1600/sweettemper1.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
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I realized when I was stitching the sampler, that I gravitate to verses with the idea of humility. This is an old verse I found and tweaked a bit. I was going for a summery sampler in dusty colors. The border seems to be a favorite element to those who have seen the sampler so far. I also included the sentence: "Jesus wept." As children, we all knew this (very short) Bible verse, and would joke about having "memorized" it. I like the idea that it conveys the idea of humanity in Jesus -- that he had the same emotions that we do.</div>
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The design is available right now in my Etsy shop at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192231314/the-sweet-temper-sampler-cross-stitch">https://www.etsy.com/listing/192231314/the-sweet-temper-sampler-cross-stitch</a>. Separate listings for the linen and threads are also on my site. Some of these items are on order, so if you order them now, you get first priority when they come in.</div>
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SUPPLIES:</div>
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40 count Creme Brulee Linen by R&R Reproductions</div>
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Au Ver a Soie Silks 1441, 3833, 2516, 4525, 3815, 2542, 2635, 3735 (2), 1814 and 4534</div>
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Needlepoint Silks 693, 333 and 203</div>
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Gloriana Silk Floss Vanilla, Hazelnut Dark, Antique Black and Spanish Moss</div>
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There are several specialty stitches: spiderweb roses, satin stitch, and Smyrna cross. The rest is cross stitch over-two (there are no over-one areas.) I hope you like it -- I LOVE IT!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vIM7PQCn8A/U5Nz-_bsNgI/AAAAAAAACFM/10p_CVcIBPI/s1600/cinder.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vIM7PQCn8A/U5Nz-_bsNgI/AAAAAAAACFM/10p_CVcIBPI/s1600/cinder.gif" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Two of my new kittens were happy to have their pictures taken today (the third was very busy!) Above is Cinder, and below is his sister Ella. Cinder's two favorite things are to get his belly rubbed and clean someone's face. He's very social and friendly.</div>
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Ella is a bit of a fuss-pot. She has a LOT to say and likes everything just-so. She's a beautiful diluted calico -- pale orange and pale grey with white. These two have about a half a pound to gain.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-536uHFz5L5o/U5N0AtAlz4I/AAAAAAAACFU/uBU0aotiVeE/s1600/wendy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-536uHFz5L5o/U5N0AtAlz4I/AAAAAAAACFU/uBU0aotiVeE/s1600/wendy.gif" height="400" width="361" /></a></div>
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Two of our flock will fly the coop next weekend -- Wendy (above) and her sister Ariel. They've been good company the last two months or so, and it is always an amazing experience to see them grow and develop. They leave my house about the time their ears get crazily big for their tiny little faces.</div>
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I hope you are enjoying summer so far -- we will be going to a blueberry farm this week to pick blueberries, and we've got corn, grapes, pumpkins, and sunflowers growing in the backyard (among other things.) It's hot, but hey, it's summer! A very good time of year.</div>
<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-22192930541167624162014-05-15T22:30:00.000-05:002014-05-15T22:30:40.445-05:00New sampler coming soon, and oh my gosh, a house full of kittens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kitten season is definitely here -- I took two phone calls today from people who had found small (bottle-feeder) kittens. They needed advice on what to do. And earlier this week, PetSmart called me...some guy had run in with a box of kittens, set them on the counter, and hustled back out. (That's what I get for becoming known around town as a crazy cat lady.)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zKrEvLkiCg/U3V-jRKLwCI/AAAAAAAACCg/XMmu0L8lM00/s1600/10171622_10202586627241516_4940887084910203445_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zKrEvLkiCg/U3V-jRKLwCI/AAAAAAAACCg/XMmu0L8lM00/s1600/10171622_10202586627241516_4940887084910203445_n.jpg" height="400" width="363" /></a></div>
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The whole litter received rock star (ladies) names. They all looked similar, and three were bobtails. They are going into foster care at the shelter for a few weeks, and except for some fleas, these babies are healthy and happy.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mDPP7awKU8/U3V-nSwsX3I/AAAAAAAACCo/VXCTZLcPPII/s1600/mercy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mDPP7awKU8/U3V-nSwsX3I/AAAAAAAACCo/VXCTZLcPPII/s1600/mercy.gif" height="340" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our little Mercy isn't so little anymore. She's nearing the two pound mark, which means she'll soon go up for adoption. We've had her since the day she was born, so it has been a joy to watch her grow. She originally was about the size of a roll of quarters. Now she's leaping, bounding, meowing, playing, wrestling her friends and enjoying the heck out of life. She's definitely got a joie de vivre!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5JLxqysrU4/U3V-r-om_xI/AAAAAAAACCw/aRCkTnqipxI/s1600/tyandsmee.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5JLxqysrU4/U3V-r-om_xI/AAAAAAAACCw/aRCkTnqipxI/s1600/tyandsmee.gif" height="273" width="400" /></a></div>
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My bottle feeders took up so much of my time the last month. But I was happy to help them. They still have a ways to go, but they're developing, learning, and having a ball. Plus, I'm like the Pied Piper around here. Everywhere I go, I've got a gaggle of kittens following me. I have to mind my feet and walk softly.</div>
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Above is Smee napping with Ty (who we adopted last year.) Smee is my faithful little companion. If I'm out of sight, he meows and meows, and he loves a good cuddle.</div>
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As proof to his cuddling abilities, please notice Smee (nose and cheek visible) sleeping with his sister, Ariel.</div>
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Ursula is a black beauty. This picture was taken right as her eyes were changing from blue to green. She's independent, quiet, and even keel, and she will have medium-length hair. This whole litter has been very sweet.</div>
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We interrupt these kittens with a brief sampler announcement. This was taken a while ago, but I am making good progress on a new (original) sampler design. I'm stitching in silks on 40 count linen and will release a supply list soon. The look I was going for was "dusty summer," and I've used brown/rose, a root beer color, a caramel color, a deep sooty grey, a few rusty reds...it's really turning out nicely, and it's been fun to stitch. Lots of little surprises in this one, and a few specialty stitches.</div>
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The working title is "Jesus wept." It is often quoted as the shortest bible verse. The thing I like about it is that it shows Jesus' humanity -- it is a human condition to feel sad and weep. It says volumes about his humanity to show sorrow and grief.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-RFpzTzUSw/U3WDow63gpI/AAAAAAAACD4/XifRQpdYqXY/s1600/il_570xN.602837069_n2tn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-RFpzTzUSw/U3WDow63gpI/AAAAAAAACD4/XifRQpdYqXY/s1600/il_570xN.602837069_n2tn.jpg" height="236" width="400" /></a><br />
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I'll also take this opportunity to plug my Etsy shop: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall">https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall</a>. I've been busy adding new things every week -- now I've got over 700 items in the shop, including almost 300 different sampler designs. I've been able to get more of some old (classic/beautiful) Carriage House Samplings designs that the distributors aren't carrying anymore, as well as some Scarlet Letter samplers, the new Lizzie Kate designs, and some fabuloso scissors by Bohin (they're lime green, cherry red and sunshiny yellow.)</div>
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I'm also having a CLEARANCE, so if you type the word "clearance" in the "search this shop" bar on my shop, you'll find everything that's on sale (up to 50% off!)</div>
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Okay, back to kitties, because there are more!!! This is dear little Wendy. She has been one of my favorites, because she's quiet, calm, gentle, and humble. She was the only one who didn't scratch and bite for the bottle (she sat on my knee and waited her turn.)</div>
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And this is Ace, aka Prince Eric. He is HUGE (already at about 1 1/4 pounds.) He's got long legs, a long body, and LOOOOOONG hair. I had made a comment on my Facebook page that he seemed a little slow -- that was confirmed by our shelter vet who did some tests on him. She said she believes he has a slight brain abnormality, which means it takes him a while to catch on to things, but he eats, cleans himself, uses the litter box, and is absolutely darling. He will make someone the most lovable cat!</div>
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My husband loves Dwarf (we call him Gentle Ben.) He has a very, very gentle demeanor and loves to just sit with you. I think he'll be pretty big, but he has got a great personality and is a really attractive little cat. In this picture, he's getting beaten up by Ariel, but you can see he doesn't worry too much about that.<br />
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This is Ariel. She has been one of the most demanding, grabby, bite-y, complaining-est kittens I've ever had. Well, she had been. (One day while I was bottle feeding her, she lunged at my face and bit my nose so hard I bled, simultaneously gouging the bags under my eyes with her needle-like claws.) Now, though, she has about 30-50 kisses a day for me, again and again and again. She's calmed right down, is very polite and loving, and she is a doll baby. She's been a good lesson in patience for me. And of course I love her.</div>
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Life is so good. It makes me happy to see these little boys and girls grow and learn about the world. I opened the window one day, and little Wendy just sat looking at the big, big world, marveling at it all. I am so gosh darn blessed to have time with them.</div>
<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-49494635158463601662014-04-08T19:46:00.000-05:002014-04-08T19:46:50.493-05:00Kitten SeasonKitten season always starts around Easter, but of course, there are always a few who make it into our care early. We've already got one success story this year:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSI5rc-hkks/U0STyOsggfI/AAAAAAAACBw/Jb3ByL1yP7E/s1600/flossie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSI5rc-hkks/U0STyOsggfI/AAAAAAAACBw/Jb3ByL1yP7E/s1600/flossie.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Flossie came to us (already named!) a few weeks ago. She and 24 other cats were taken out of a hoarding situation, and almost all of them were immediately spayed and neutered. There were a few small kittens and poor old Flossie. She was just 1 1/2 pounds, and a little thin and pretty dehydrated like the rest of the cats the shelter took in that day. She was also too small for surgery and hissy to everyone...well, everyone but me! I took her home, and we only had her a few short weeks. In that time, she turned into the sweetest thing, utterly calm, trusting, gentle and quiet.</div>
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During my Friday volunteering time at the shelter (when I do adoption counseling), I met a woman and her daughter who were looking for a kitten. We didn't have any young ones at the time, but I showed her a picture of Flossie. She said like she felt it was meant to be, and I met them on Saturday with Flossie, who had come up to weight. They fell head-over-heals for her, and Flossie has been spayed and is now in their tender care. It was so neat to see her new teenage girl cuddle her, and kiss her gently on the nose (over-and-over). I know she is in a good home, and I am happy to have been part of the process to get her there.</div>
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And you may remember about three weeks ago, I took in Trulia and her newborn baby kitten (we took mom and Mercy home the day Mercy was born.) She was an only child, which is rare. So the next time I went to the shelter, I looked in Trulia's file. It seems Trulia, who is less than 2 years old, had just had her SIXTH litter. Her original owner didn't want her anymore, because "she kept having kittens." So, all this poor young cat has done since she was probably five months old is be pregnant and take care of kittens.</div>
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It made me feel very sad for Trulia -- her growth was stunted (she is a small, 6-pound cat), and her body was so worn out from having kittens, that she could only muster one this time. Still, she is a devoted mother, fiercely protective of her kitten, and a strict disciplinarian. I promised her that Mercy would be it. Then she could go be adopted and live a happy, much easier life.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUYbaQBO1-4/U0ST2WiqaDI/AAAAAAAACCA/MdhkyMhO7Ds/s1600/DSC_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUYbaQBO1-4/U0ST2WiqaDI/AAAAAAAACCA/MdhkyMhO7Ds/s1600/DSC_0636.JPG" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then along came Little G (short for "Goodness" and "Geoffrey.") He came into our care as a single, and at three weeks of age still needed to either nurse or be bottle-fed. Trulia took to him immediately, and she has been caring for two kittens. Mercy is happy to have the company, and they get along famously, except for when it's time to eat (then they're fighting for space.) I have been supplementing with a bottle, and both youngsters got their first taste of real food yesterday...and they loved it. God bless sweet Trulia. She is amazing.</div>
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Her daughter, Mercy, is quite a looker. She has grown quickly, and wobbles around, peeping and exploring. She likes to be held, and will have longer hair than her mother. We'll get to hang onto Mercy for another six weeks or so -- Little G may go back to his original foster who was having trouble getting him to eat.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5YBOz36MNo/U0ST4NZqeSI/AAAAAAAACCQ/jxv2ElDaszs/s1600/DSC_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5YBOz36MNo/U0ST4NZqeSI/AAAAAAAACCQ/jxv2ElDaszs/s1600/DSC_0627.JPG" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
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And, I can't leave out Brows. She has a sad story, too, like pretty much all of the dogs and cats we take in at the shelter. She came in during an ice storm with six other siblings. They were newborns, and she is the only one who survived. Several of the employees tube-fed Brows, which is tricky, and once she was a pound, I took over, and she's been a handful ever since. She's lively, silly, energetic, crazy, and so, so loving. I love this picture of her with our cat, Ruby, because Brows almost looks like she's thinking: "Just look innocent, and she'll never know what you did earlier."</div>
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Brows will soon go for adoption, and the family who adopted Flossie is meeting her on Thursday to see if they'd like to adopt her, too. It'd be nice for Brows to go live with her good buddy that she grew up with here (they had a ball together.) Either way, she'll soon be ready for adoption -- just a few more bouncy, crazy days.</div>
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I hope your days are filled with happy moments just like mine are!</div>
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Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-68959860353125352552014-03-18T16:07:00.002-05:002014-03-18T16:15:46.845-05:00Mercy Goodehart's Sampler<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ1vhwFw-kQ/UyixTApzHSI/AAAAAAAACBI/MnFahRDmrzU/s1600/mercygoodehart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ1vhwFw-kQ/UyixTApzHSI/AAAAAAAACBI/MnFahRDmrzU/s1600/mercygoodehart.jpg" height="361" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercy Goodehart's Sampler, an original design by Shakespeare's Peddler</td></tr>
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Finally, Mercy has finished her sampler. This was definitely a labor of love, and this was a lot of fun to stitch. I love the colors and am really pleased with the finished design. Mercy is a fictitious stitcher, and I have sprinkled fictitious initials throughout the sampler (including RW, the initials of her instructor.) Simon, Mercy's faithful tabby cat is up in the righthand corner, and you may notice tiny initials in each of the four corners: M, M, L and I -- for Matthew, Mark, Luke and John ("I's" and "J's" were sometimes used interchangeably.)</div>
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The entire sampler is worked in lovely shades of green, gold, dark chocolate, cream...and even a pale teal blue and a vivid red...all are Needlepoint Silks. I have also included a DMC conversion, for those who prefer to use these threads. (See below for the supply list.)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AMchWNSKt0/UyixXCTvVXI/AAAAAAAACBg/ttJwyM0Z7JI/s1600/DSC_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AMchWNSKt0/UyixXCTvVXI/AAAAAAAACBg/ttJwyM0Z7JI/s1600/DSC_0593.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Everyone who sees the sampler is enamored with that crazy striped bird. He was fun to design, but even more fun to stitch. The stitches are primarily cross stitch over-two and over-one (for the verse and other words). I also used Algerian Eye stitches for the large alphabet. I toyed with the idea of NOT filling in the background behind the smaller alphabet (it added considerably to my stitch time.) I think anyone could leave the background out, but I'm actually really happy that I decided to plug away at it, as I think that cream stripe adds visually to the piece.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7L_pzepYwWg/UyixWs2q_rI/AAAAAAAACBY/d-spPfnoS6Y/s1600/DSC_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7L_pzepYwWg/UyixWs2q_rI/AAAAAAAACBY/d-spPfnoS6Y/s1600/DSC_0594.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Supply List:</u></b></div>
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Stitch count: 315 by 273</div>
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(about 17 by 15 1/2 inches on 36 count linen)</div>
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<b>Fabric:</b> 36 count Vintage Exemplar by Lakeside Linens</div>
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<b>Needlepoint Silks:</b></div>
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203</div>
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222</div>
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315 (I used my first skein down to the last few strands...you might need 2 skeins.)</div>
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333</div>
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336 (2)</div>
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356</div>
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505</div>
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587 (3)</div>
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641</div>
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692</div>
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693</div>
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764</div>
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851 (3)</div>
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901</div>
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953</div>
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965</div>
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Frame is by Neblitt's, my local frame shop (isn't it gorgeous?)</div>
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The chart retails for $18.00, and you can get it and the supplies on my Etsy site: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall" target="_blank">Letters Great and Small</a>. Or ask your local shop to order it from Norden Crafts or Hoffman Distributing.</div>
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<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-84834480858209056642014-03-16T13:16:00.000-05:002014-03-16T14:17:36.084-05:00Miscellany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AuuokM3oYg/UyX4xfln0bI/AAAAAAAACA4/zP-6W3YmH0U/s1600/brows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AuuokM3oYg/UyX4xfln0bI/AAAAAAAACA4/zP-6W3YmH0U/s1600/brows.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's been a busy few weeks here at the house. My friend Sue came for a visit from Minnesota last week. She enjoyed the MUCH MUCH (MUCH) better weather here. Minnesota has pretty much been a frozen wasteland this winter. </div>
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I took her one afternoon to volunteer at the thrift shop and then the shelter. And there was a kitten who needed fostering -- she came in during an ice storm about a month ago, and several of the employees tube-fed her and her siblings. Only Brows survived, and she is thriving. We'll have her for four weeks or so. She's funny, sweet, gentle, and very loving. And what a face!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcrRbyyXZm0/UyXdVFPbKHI/AAAAAAAAB-w/Gkhh2CpMUK8/s1600/houses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcrRbyyXZm0/UyXdVFPbKHI/AAAAAAAAB-w/Gkhh2CpMUK8/s1600/houses.jpg" height="400" width="367" /></a></div>
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Sue suggested we tackle a craft project (something we could finish in an evening.) I dragged out about 20 of my craft books, and she settled on a book called "Fanciful Felties from Mummysam: Sew People to Meet, Places to Go and Things to Do." (Mummysam is also known as Samantha Cotterill...she used to sell some of her figures on Etsy, but now you can find her at <a href="http://www.mummysam.com/">www.mummysam.com</a>.) </div>
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You can find the book on Amazon (and yes, it qualifies for Prime) for about $8 now. Well worth it if you like to craft. Above are the two buildings we made. I had a bunch of felt here, batting, thread, buttons and pins. We weighed them down (so they'd stand up straight) with those flattened glass marbles you get for floral arrangements (I had a bag of those in my closet.) I think they turned out really cute, and although we muttered our way through a few of our ineptitudes, we ended up with something cute that will remind us of our time together.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0bwUrOXqYA/UyXhax87hpI/AAAAAAAAB_k/aCYj1HA_Rdc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-16+at+12.35.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0bwUrOXqYA/UyXhax87hpI/AAAAAAAAB_k/aCYj1HA_Rdc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-16+at+12.35.30+PM.png" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
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(These are some of the projects you can make using the book -- it really is fun to look through.)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPIow9H9cKQ/UyXdYh4Qn5I/AAAAAAAAB-8/Qnu7MxK_Ksw/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPIow9H9cKQ/UyXdYh4Qn5I/AAAAAAAAB-8/Qnu7MxK_Ksw/s1600/soup.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></a></div>
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I have been trying a lot of new recipes lately, using Pinterest as inspiration, and digging through my wonderful cookbooks. Above is a recipe I've made about four times in the last month (the first time I made it, Harrison asked if I could make it again the next day!) It's VERY easy and tastes like something you'd get at a great restaurant. Although it's called "Spicy Thai Coconut Soup," it's not HOT spicy...just flavorful. A few of the ingredients are going to be things you probably won't have on hand, but they are easily found at the grocery store. Here is how I make mine (I have made a few adjustments.)</div>
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<b>Theresa's Spicy Thai Coconut Soup:</b></div>
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Olive Oil</div>
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts</div>
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1/2 pound white mushroom (fresh -- sliced thin)</div>
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1 red bell pepper, cubed</div>
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1 inch of fresh ginger grated (or a few shakes of powdered/dry ginger)</div>
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4-6 cloves of minced garlic</div>
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1-2 tsp. of lemongrass paste (find this in the produce aisle)</div>
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4 tsp. Thai red curry paste</div>
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6 cups chicken broth</div>
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1 can coconut milk</div>
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2 Tbsp. sugar</div>
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2 Tbsp. soy sauce</div>
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Fresh chopped cilantro</div>
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Salt & Pepper</div>
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Cooked white rice (prepare this as you like -- I enjoy Jasmine rice, but you can use your favorite)</div>
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Cook the chicken breasts whole in some olive oil in a pan on the stove until finished, seasoning with salt and pepper (and you can do a little garlic powder, too). When the chicken breasts are cooked through, slice them as thin as you can (after they've "rested" a few minutes on the cutting board.) Yes, you can chop the breasts first, then cook them, but I find that chicken cooked this way can turn rubbery and lose a lot of its flavor and is less juicy.</div>
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While the chicken breasts are cooking, you can handle the rest of the dish. This comes together quickly! Start your rice. I use a rice cooker, so I just dump in 3 cups of rice and 4 1/2 cups of water, turn it on, and forget about it.</div>
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In a large and deep pan (I use a non-stick wok), heat a splash of olive oil (medium heat), then sautee your mushrooms, red bell pepper, ginger, garlic, lemongrass paste, and red curry paste for a few minutes. Then add the coconut milk, chicken broth, sugar and soy sauce. Simmer while your rice and chicken finish cooking. When the chicken and rice are finished, toss your chopped cilantro and cooked chicken into the soup.</div>
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To serve, ladle the soup in a bowl, then add a big scoop of rice. This is a very satisfying and comforting dish, comes together in really about 20 minutes or so, and tastes out of this world.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6m1k9yLgNtY/UyXfVq-JlrI/AAAAAAAAB_U/jwPg6yZqGVc/s1600/mercy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6m1k9yLgNtY/UyXfVq-JlrI/AAAAAAAAB_U/jwPg6yZqGVc/s1600/mercy2.jpg" height="337" width="400" /></a></div>
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I received a call from Amanda at the shelter yesterday. Trulia, a cat who had been in our care in the Cat Cottage for a number of weeks, was a bit of a hider. And it turned out she was hiding something important -- she was pregnant. Yesterday, she had one little calico baby, and the shelter was desperate for someone to take mommy and baby in. My cats don't typically like another adult in the house, but I knew Trulia was quiet and gentle, and she and baby are now set up in our guest bathroom with the door closed.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eutgS7u8GaI/UyXfUsJMqdI/AAAAAAAAB_I/RJ1KDv_Q8lA/s1600/mercy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eutgS7u8GaI/UyXfUsJMqdI/AAAAAAAAB_I/RJ1KDv_Q8lA/s1600/mercy.jpg" height="353" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm waiting to see if any other babies show up -- cats can prolong their deliveries over the course of 36 hours or so. But I think this little sweetie will be it. We may name her Mercy (or Marcie.) She is so strong already, and quite large for a new born.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SbQ_XXoijY/UyXfVp8hHUI/AAAAAAAAB_M/dzXlV6wcRIQ/s1600/truliamom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SbQ_XXoijY/UyXfVp8hHUI/AAAAAAAAB_M/dzXlV6wcRIQ/s1600/truliamom.jpg" height="336" width="400" /></a></div>
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After hiding for weeks at the shelter, Trulia is genuinely happy to be in a quiet home with a fluffy blanket, her own litter box and food, and a lot of love and affection from my family. And she is taking very good care of her baby, too.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFvpgHsUdWc/UyX3xkArhiI/AAAAAAAACAw/63oeXyTMQo8/s1600/1546283_743497635669261_1629610143_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFvpgHsUdWc/UyX3xkArhiI/AAAAAAAACAw/63oeXyTMQo8/s1600/1546283_743497635669261_1629610143_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Here's a better picture of Trulia taken by the Pet Photography Project folks at the shelter. Trulia is about three years old, a petite cat -- around 6 pounds -- and was found by animal control. She is very affectionate and will be up for adoption in about a month or so.)</div>
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Diane and I are thrilled with the results of our charts for charity project to benefit animal shelters in the United States. We had another drawing yesterday, and Lynda Ruth Bowers from Canada is this week's recipient of these two autographed charts from Diane and me. We'll have six more drawings, and in order to quality, go to my Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall" target="_blank">Letters Great and Small</a> and purchase Neighborhood Friends and/or Cats in the Garden. All proceeds will be going to six lucky animal care organizations in the United States (read about how you can vote for your favorite with your order on the Etsy page.)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZoa1CFuolA/UyXoWoMTR6I/AAAAAAAACAI/FM61L-ilgMU/s1600/sneak1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZoa1CFuolA/UyXoWoMTR6I/AAAAAAAACAI/FM61L-ilgMU/s1600/sneak1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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After this busy few weeks, I am finally rounding the corner on the Mercy Goodehart Sampler. It is beautiful (if I do say so myself.) I have a little bit of the verse and a few other small elements to finish, hopefully today. I will update my blog and Facebook page as soon as it's ready (with a supply list.) It's been a really fun project.<br />
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Keep those needles busy -- and take care of you! - TheresaTheresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-88517930066161879042014-03-08T13:59:00.003-06:002014-03-08T13:59:29.020-06:00Drawing #1Diane and I have a few surprises in store to keep the momentum going for our fundraiser for animal welfare organizations in the US. (You can read more about it on my previous blog post.)<br />
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Every Saturday, we are going to draw a name to receive two autographed charts (one from each of us.) Each week will have its own theme, and this week is spring on the farm.<br />
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Our winner this week is Valorie Ryan from Texas, and she will be receiving both of the above charts in the mail from us (Spring at Bean Family Farm and Mrs. O'Leary's Farm).<br />
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So far, there have been over 250 orders for these charts, which means a lot of great things for animals in need. Make sure you go and purchase your charts -- we will be doing other fun events and giveaways as time progresses.Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-17516841803415211912014-03-01T16:53:00.000-06:002014-03-01T18:04:05.587-06:00Charts for Charity by Little House Needleworks and Shakespeare's Peddler<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oVc0e2ZDHA/UxJibWiLdKI/AAAAAAAAB9k/ustCVG6HEIc/s1600/Neighborhood+Friends+small+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oVc0e2ZDHA/UxJibWiLdKI/AAAAAAAAB9k/ustCVG6HEIc/s1600/Neighborhood+Friends+small+copy.jpg" height="236" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neighborhood Friends by Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">Pets bring so much joy to our lives: they greet us happily at the end of the day, they listen when we need a caring friend, they snuggle up to us when we sleep, and they are our constant loving companions. Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks and Theresa Venette of Shakespeare's Peddler wanted to help this country's homeless animals and have created two designs, the proceeds from which will benefit dogs and cats looking for their fur-ever homes.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82aUxuitI_g/UxJ1VbwCDHI/AAAAAAAAB-M/HCpIXRVOFaM/s1600/catsinthegardenwebshadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82aUxuitI_g/UxJ1VbwCDHI/AAAAAAAAB-M/HCpIXRVOFaM/s1600/catsinthegardenwebshadow.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cats in the Garden by Shakespeare's Peddler</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">Both designers have donated their designs "Neighborhood Friends" and "Cats in the Garden," and Theresa is donating the printing of the patterns. So, 100% of the sales of these two designs will go directly to non-profit animal welfare organizations. When you purchase either or both of these designs from March 1-April 30, 2014, you can nominate an animal care organization in the United States to receive a portion of the proceeds.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">To nominate an organization, indicate your choice in the comments section of your order form on Etsy. The organization must be devoted to helping homeless, lost, injured, abused, neglected, or abandoned animals and must be verifiable (we will need either an address, a web site, or a phone number for verification with your nomination.) The organization must be in the United States, but does not need to be restricted to an organization that helps dogs and cats (other animal welfare organizations are welcome!) If you do not nominate an organization, your vote will go to Best Friends Animal Society (<a href="http://www.bestfriends.org/">www.bestfriends.org</a>). When you purchase both charts for the special price of $15.00, you may nominate two organizations.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">On May 1st, we will draw from all nominations and choose three organizations to receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the charts. Additionally, funds will also go to Southern Pines Animal Shelter (Theresa's shelter of choice), Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue (Diane's organization of choice), and Friends of Homeless Animals Inc., of Rhode Island (chosen by Valerie Morrell, who had the grand idea for this venture.) The charts will continue to be available after May 1st, and funds will be distributed at the designers' discretion.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">These graphs will not be available through shops or through the distributors -- this allows us to give more to the animal organizations, since we will not have to give anyone else a cut of the sales. These are not "free" charts. You may not reproduce these graphs for sharing via photocopies, scans, electronic copies, or any other method; the designers retain all copyright privileges. You will be getting an actual pattern in the mail with your purchase -- these charts are not available as a downloadable PDF.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">Thank you so much for giving a little -- we are happy to give you a little in return, and in the end, we hope to give a lot to many, many animals.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">You can purchase the charts here:</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/181137306/neighborhood-friends-exclusive-cross" target="_blank">Neighborhood Friends</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/181149751/cats-in-the-garden-charity-cross-stitch" target="_blank">Cats in the Garden</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/181150279/buy-two-neighborhood-friends-and-cats-in" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Both Charts</span></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">(Diane's chart calls for DMC floss on your favorite neutral fabric that will ensure the white shows up. Theresa has suggested Sampler Threads, but has a conversion to DMC floss, and again, she encourages you to use your favorite neutral fabric. Both designs have the same stitch count of 139 by 75.)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">***</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">A little bit about our three chosen organizations:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">Southern Pines Animal Shelter is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Last year, this private non-profit organization took in 6,000 lost, abandoned, abused, unwanted, and neglected animals. They operate a low-cost spay and neuter clinic and an adoption center and have helped reduce the number of local unwanted animals by thousands in the last few years (through low-cost and free spay and neuter surgeries.) Thousands of animals are adopted locally, and the shelter also works with transport rescue organizations to send still more pets to states far away where those sweeties can find loving homes. Theresa is a board member and steadfast volunteer at the shelter, and fosters many, many (many) kittens every year. You can find out more about them (including available pets, and find out how to donate or volunteer, at <a href="http://www.southernpinesanimalshelter.org/">www.southernpinesanimalshelter.org</a>.)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue: "We don't get the elegantly coiffed, classically beautiful, completely trained, perfectly behaved dog. We get the leftovers. Dogs that other people have incompetently bred, inadequately socialized, ineffectively "trained," and badly treated. Most Rescue dogs have had it. They've been pushed from one lousy situation to another. They've never had proper veterinary care, kind and consistent training, or sufficient company. They've lived outside, in a crate, or in the basement. They're scared, depressed and anxious. Some are angry. Some are sick. Some have given up. But we are Rescue and we don't give up. We never give up on a dog. We know that a dog is a living being, with a spirit and a heart and feelings. Our dogs are not commodities, things, or garbage. They are part of sacred creation and they deserve as much love and care and respect as the next Westminster champion. So please, please don't come to rescue in the hopes of getting a "bargain," or in need of "getting" anything. Come to Rescue to give, to love, to save a life -- and to mend your own spirit. For Rescue will reward you in ways you never thought possible. I can promise you this -- a rescue dog will make you a better person." - written by Diane Morgan. You can learn more about the Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue at <a href="https://southern-az-golden-retriever-rescue.org/">https://southern-az-golden-retriever-rescue.org/</a>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">Friends of Homeless Animals, Inc. of Rhode Island (a 501c 3 charity): "We rescue small dogs with big hearts! We do not have a shelter; all dogs are fostered in volunteers' homes. Every dog we take in is nurtured and given all necessary medical care as we work to find them forever homes. All dogs under FOHA's care are spayed or neutered before adoption. It is the strength of our members that makes the difference-caring individuals who step forward to save, nurture and rehome dogs who would otherwise face life in a puppy mill, shelter or even euthanasia. We hold many adoption events throughout the greater Rhode Island area all year long. Learn more about Friends of Homeless Animals, Inc. of Rhode Island at <a href="http://www.fohari.org/">www.fohari.org/</a>.</span></span>Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-66230286162053439482014-02-19T06:09:00.001-06:002014-02-19T06:09:48.098-06:00Some Finishes from Around the WWWI was just thinking the other day about www -- how long (already) it's been part of our vernacular, and how useless (ultimately) it is, because really, what other system do we have in place? It's kind of like telling someone your address, but first stating that you live on Earth. (Occasionally, I accidentally type in "qqq" and wonder if I'll stumble onto some whole other Internet.)<br />
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I'm always really pleased to see when someone has felt inspired enough to stitch one of my designs, and I always enjoy checking out how people make the designs their own by creative framing or by changes in my original instructions (which really are just suggestions.)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qcku65ON75c/UwSYc9uxEHI/AAAAAAAAB8U/0ysB6-NYt20/s1600/Brenda+Flasowski+Witchy+Washy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qcku65ON75c/UwSYc9uxEHI/AAAAAAAAB8U/0ysB6-NYt20/s1600/Brenda+Flasowski+Witchy+Washy.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cyndi stitched this piece, and Jill Rensel did the framing (the picture here is from <a href="http://renselstudio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jill's fantastic framing blog</a>. Jill has done the framing for Shepherd's Bush for eons, but she also does other creative framing (and yes, you can ship her your piece if you don't live nearby.) The design is Witchy Washy, a design I came up with almost ten years ago already. Rod at Hoffman Distributing said at the time he felt the design had "legs," meaning it would be popular for a long time...I still sell about 30-50 of these charts a month, even ten years later. It is my all-time best seller. (Love the purple mats and spooky frame on this one.)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmyPqsKx4F4/UwSYh9jWVcI/AAAAAAAAB8s/DV5ckLOrKyg/s1600/cindy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmyPqsKx4F4/UwSYh9jWVcI/AAAAAAAAB8s/DV5ckLOrKyg/s1600/cindy.png" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cindy stitched my Jenny Bean Friendship Sampler and said she's on her way to stitch Jenny's Christmas Sampler as well. She said she had a really fun time stitching it. I had fun stitching my own model, too. I typically don't enjoy stitching my own designs as much, because I'm fretting about color choices and deadlines, but I did like doing this one.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4AXd7zPAp8/UwSYfs48q6I/AAAAAAAAB8c/lC1DsgP3zBk/s1600/Cyndi+Gillingham+Cackle+and+the+World+cackles+with+you.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4AXd7zPAp8/UwSYfs48q6I/AAAAAAAAB8c/lC1DsgP3zBk/s1600/Cyndi+Gillingham+Cackle+and+the+World+cackles+with+you.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is my (Raise the Roof) "Cackle" design, performed by Cyndi and framed by Jill Rensel. I used just a few colors of floss in this one, so I've seen a number of different versions with different purples and oranges and such. No idea how I thought of the saying for this one, but it still makes me smile: Cackle and the world cackles with you; shriek and you shriek alone.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eCmJQKVxB0/UwSYjyKPwwI/AAAAAAAAB80/KXS3LGna8Pk/s1600/Jannie+Morgan+Witchy+Washy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eCmJQKVxB0/UwSYjyKPwwI/AAAAAAAAB80/KXS3LGna8Pk/s1600/Jannie+Morgan+Witchy+Washy+-+Copy.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's WW again ... a pretty green mat this time. Marilyn stitched this version -- she did a great job! I also see she dates her pieces. I never think to do that anymore.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlJ0WH28WMk/UwSYhdistLI/AAAAAAAAB8k/9e2j9FPYi5w/s1600/Jen+Bailey+Elizabeth+Milner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlJ0WH28WMk/UwSYhdistLI/AAAAAAAAB8k/9e2j9FPYi5w/s1600/Jen+Bailey+Elizabeth+Milner.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Jen stitched my Elizabeth Milner piece -- how pretty it turned out! Jill Rensel did the framing. This is a frame I've used a few times. It's a Larson-Juhl frame and is made to look old and beat up (some of the beading is even missing.) And it's expensive...funny how we pay so much for things like weathered jeans, crackled furniture and beat up frames. Our forefathers would shake their heads.</div>
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(You may notice that the border seems crookedly stretched ... well, Elizabeth had some "issues" with stitching a straight line, and so her border is actually a little more freewheeling than we're used to.)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu5sM9UBUtc/UwSYk6GBYjI/AAAAAAAAB9E/tA4Ro_0RuAA/s1600/lyn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu5sM9UBUtc/UwSYk6GBYjI/AAAAAAAAB9E/tA4Ro_0RuAA/s1600/lyn.png" height="400" width="377" /></a></div>
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Lyn said she stitched this version of my Passport Pincushion for an exchange, so this one is going to live with someone else. I love how she made a quilted pincushion base! She said she had fun picking out the motifs from the chart included with the instructions and will also be making one for herself.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufT2jWP9als/UwSYkH6UbgI/AAAAAAAAB84/zvKpDBmLLMw/s1600/Marilyn+Fronk+Witchy+Washy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufT2jWP9als/UwSYkH6UbgI/AAAAAAAAB84/zvKpDBmLLMw/s1600/Marilyn+Fronk+Witchy+Washy+-+Copy.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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WHAT? Here's WW again -- this time stitched by Marilyn. Jill put some bats on this mat and polka dots one one of the interior mats. Great job Marilyn and Jill!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JNMgViW7QHw/UwSYneakzjI/AAAAAAAAB9U/_dvJnDhnmU4/s1600/smallframed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JNMgViW7QHw/UwSYneakzjI/AAAAAAAAB9U/_dvJnDhnmU4/s1600/smallframed.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></div>
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Veena worked and worked and worked her way through Ann Dale, which is larger than large (did you know there are 60,000 stitches in it?) She made some changes to the colors (her version ends up brighter than mine), and I think it's just lovely. Don't you?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvte1MGJNFM/UwSYme_ZJ5I/AAAAAAAAB9M/BzUsGb-2nCU/s1600/Susan+Dunn+Boo+Scurry+Yum+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvte1MGJNFM/UwSYme_ZJ5I/AAAAAAAAB9M/BzUsGb-2nCU/s1600/Susan+Dunn+Boo+Scurry+Yum+-+Copy.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Susan stitched this version of my Boo Scurry Yum (Raise the Roof) design on a fun over-dyed fabric. Jill did the framing, once again. This was another one of mine that I actually really enjoyed stitching -- I love Halloween colors.</div>
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If you have finishes you're proud of, share them on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shakespeares-Peddler/341437349478" target="_blank">Shakespeare's Peddler Facebook page</a>. I am proud of all of the work that went into creating these pieces -- nicely done, ladies!</div>
<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-60093350310743618542014-02-08T11:02:00.000-06:002014-02-08T11:02:02.984-06:00Needlework UFO Adoptions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For over a year, I've been kicking around the idea of how to facilitate a UFO swap online. There are so many of us with so many projects we aren't finishing, won't finish, don't have time or energy or desire to finish, and so these poor projects sit idly by in a dark drawer with some other orphan buddies.<br />
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Back in 2001, my husband and I went to London, and we visited the Victoria & Albert Museum, which has a wonderful needlework collection, including many, many UnFinished Objects. And while there is a certain amount of beauty in something that has been started, the satisfaction comes when a needlework piece is finished, framed and admired.<br />
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So, I have started a new group on Facebook to help these wayward orphans find homes. I am including here the same rules I have posted on Facebook. I may edit these rules as issues pop up. I do not accept responsibility for any transactions (except my own) on the page, but am the administrator in that I will keep an eye on the goings-on. I hope that you have fun participating in or just watching the group. You can visit and join the page by going to this link: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/needleworkUFOs">www.facebook.com/needleworkUFOs</a>. Encourage your friends to like and follow the page. The more people we have, the more fun it will be.<br />
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<b><u>THE RULES:</u></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Many of us have needlework projects we have started that we have either lost interest in or just don't have the time or energy to complete. These sweet little projects sit alone in dark drawers, tucked in boxes, or stacked in totes under the bed with the dust bunnies.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">I have organized this page for people who would like to find these wayward orphans new homes where they may someday soon find com</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">pletion and a place on the wall where they can proudly be admired and enjoyed. Please read the rules below if you would like to participate:<br /><br />1. Anyone can follow this page, even if you never plan on adopting a UFO. It does not cost any money to join, and you are not obligated to post or adopt.<br /><br />2. UFO's (or orphans) can be any type of cross stitch or similar handwork project (like you would find in a needlework store...embroidery, Hardanger, punchneedle, ribbon embroidery, Brazilian embroidery, class piece, etc.) Please, no quilting, knitting, crochet, sewing, painting, or other craft projects. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">I reserve the right to delete any projects or posts that I feel do not match the requirements of adoption or which are spam, offensive, or otherwise unrelated to our group.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">3. To post a UFO for adoption, include a picture of the project (if you can iron it first, that may help you take a better picture.) You can also include in the picture the supplies that come with the UFO (if any). If you see a UFO you would like to adopt, simply contact the owner via Facebook. I do recommend that adopters practice first-come/first-served.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">With the photograph, include a description with as much information as you can give. Some ideas are what percentage (estimate) of the project is left, the designer's name and title of the piece, how long ago the design came out, the types of stitches used, whether or not you will be sending any supplies along with it (threads, embellishments), and whether or not the piece has been exposed to smoke or pets (this really matters to some people, as they have allergies.) Also, if there is anything missing or damaged, that is good for the adopter to know.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">4. The UFO's must come with the original instructions (<u>not photocopies</u>, unless the chart was originally a copyright free design) AND the UFO (the needlework you're got started.) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">If you've got the fibers and embellishments to send as well, that is great as dye lots will vary.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">5. Include what you would like in exchange for the adoption (this is your "adoption fee.") You can post free adoptions here, if you like. Or, you can ask for a Paypal money transfer (set a price), send it COD, ask for a gift certificate from a shop, swap for another UFO (or specific patterns, supplies, etc.), chocolates, hand cream...or even ask the adopter to make a donation to your favorite charity. It's up to you. The current UFO owner is responsible for paying for shipping, so work that into your adoption fee (or keep it in mind.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />6. Remember when asking for your fee that what a project is worth to someone else is usually not what you spent on it, or the time you put into it (although you may include that information in your listing). Asking for a reasonable fee or swap is the best way to find that orphan a home. If you are willing to accept "offers," include that in your description, but let's not haggle each other to death. If your "price" is firm, please say so.<br /><br />7. How the adoption is handled is up to the current UFO owner and the adopter. I do not gain anything by operating this page and take no responsibility for people who don't pay, for projects that aren't as promised, or for any other flake-out or weirdness. I would hope that everyone can play nice and that we can all trust each other, but, as with anything, buyer beware. It's best not to include your personal information (especially addresses and phone numbers) where everyone can see. Include those in your private messages to each other either via Facebook or e-mail. I really recommend against anyone giving anyone else their credit or debit card number.<br /><br />(Also, adopters, keep in mind that everyone has different stitching techniques and abilities. We don't all cross our X's in the same direction, some of us are fastidious about our backs, and some of us aren't, some of us are really skilled, and some of us are still learning. If you have any questions about the project, ask them before you adopt. I do not encourage "refunds," but how the adoption is handled is up to the two involved parties.)<br /><br />8. It is never a bad idea to use tracking when shipping a package, and it is usually an inexpensive addition. Make sure to pack projects securely. If you can put everything inside a plastic bag (or wrap in plastic wrap), that will protect against water damage in transit. When an adoption is either pending or completed, post that information in the comments of your original post, so you don't continue to get questions. I recommend just putting the word "ADOPTED!" You are welcome to delete/take down your post at any time.<br /><br />9. Please also feel free to post pictures when you finish a UFO that you adopted here. We'd all love to see these orphans get their day in the spotlight!<br /><br />10. If there are transaction issues, <u>I will not serve as a mediator</u>, so please don't ask. But, if someone is abusing the system (adopting, but not paying, accepting payments, but not sending...or is being harassing or threatening), I do reserve the right to kick that person off of the page. Please feel free to invite friends. This is an open group, and I hope we can have a lot of fun with it.</span></span>Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-46293518171290440962014-02-01T16:03:00.000-06:002014-02-01T16:08:18.122-06:00I BELIEVE!!! (UFO-ology)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HL1-8-WKZsU/Uu1eWL2wiUI/AAAAAAAAB6M/zcS3nog93uM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-01+at+2.48.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HL1-8-WKZsU/Uu1eWL2wiUI/AAAAAAAAB6M/zcS3nog93uM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-01+at+2.48.01+PM.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I want to believe I'll work my way through my UFO's. After making some good progress on my Mercy Goodehart model this week, packing lots of orders, and updating my Etsy site, I was feeling like today might be a grand day to start something new out of my stash.</div>
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Buuuuut, my stash is right next to my cabinet with my UFO's (UnFinished Objects! BWOO-HA-HA-HA-HA!) How many of those do I have anyway? I've never really been one of those to keep track, make lists, check things off, come up with a system. I estimated I probably had about 20, but I was wrong...I had 21. Twenty-one is too many to justify starting something new (as much fun as that is.) So, I made a list, and I will let myself start a new something when I check something old off of the list (the Christmas gift I'm still trying to get done doesn't count.) </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfbLjjls9wU/Uu1ecD9kmEI/AAAAAAAAB6U/IVBr63X9n5M/s1600/sisterhood.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfbLjjls9wU/Uu1ecD9kmEI/AAAAAAAAB6U/IVBr63X9n5M/s1600/sisterhood.gif" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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I took pictures of a few of them for you to see. This one is Sampler Sisters of the Thread by The Primitive Needle. Lisa, the designer, lost her life in an automobile accident a few years ago, and I still think of her. She was bubbly, and gracious, and kind, and a talented needlework designer. I really like the color scheme of this one.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1xVgkeX8TE/Uu1ee8GCPhI/AAAAAAAAB6c/BwOA5vdSkz8/s1600/pelouse.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1xVgkeX8TE/Uu1ee8GCPhI/AAAAAAAAB6c/BwOA5vdSkz8/s1600/pelouse.gif" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
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This one is Pelouse Interdite by French designer Mouton Rouge. The words on the sampler mean: Keep off the grass! I bought this at a trade show I went to with my dear friend, Sue. We had a blast eating out, drinking martinis, and playing dolly derby in the parking lot (luckily, there were no serious injuries.) Cedar Hill Designs had some of the Moutin Rouge offerings there, including the models, and I loved this one. I remember sitting at one of Graham's science fairs working on it. And it's ALMOST done -- just that bottom left corner left (a turtle and a snail.)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToHyLbW-FKk/Uu1ee5FU2BI/AAAAAAAAB6g/dxgVc7nsAeM/s1600/sarah.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToHyLbW-FKk/Uu1ee5FU2BI/AAAAAAAAB6g/dxgVc7nsAeM/s1600/sarah.gif" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've stitched a number of Blackbird Designs pieces, so I was surprised that I only had a single UnFinished One in the cabinet. Sarah Tobias inspired an entire book by Blackbird Designs (and friends.) I really liked the colors in this sampler (I think there are just four.) I am about half-finished with this one, too. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQeulP6lbqM/Uu1ejdi1U0I/AAAAAAAAB6w/GnE5-6HroNg/s1600/wildflowers2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQeulP6lbqM/Uu1ejdi1U0I/AAAAAAAAB6w/GnE5-6HroNg/s1600/wildflowers2.gif" height="326" width="400" /></a></div>
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Curtis Boehringer was a big-deal designer about 20 years ago. His charts were so interesting to me, because although you could tell they were cute, his patterns were just photocopies of the charts, with the flip side sometimes being a line drawing of the piece. In other words, you didn't really know how it was going to look until you were done! I bought this set of T-W-E-L-V-E wildflower charts, and to tell you how old they are, they are actually charted for DMC Wildflower Thread, long-since discontinued.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCXa6Su1gjs/Uu1eiwa3ZCI/AAAAAAAAB6s/gKr4BE7h9-o/s1600/wildflowers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCXa6Su1gjs/Uu1eiwa3ZCI/AAAAAAAAB6s/gKr4BE7h9-o/s1600/wildflowers1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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But that's okay! I am stitching mine in DMC floss (although I haven't probably stitched on this one for ... gulp ... six years?) Still, I think this is really pretty. I'm using a super long piece of Glenshee that I had as a leftover scrap. The linen is really texture-y, and this will look dandy above a door or window when I'm done. I BELIEVE!!!</div>
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Okay, now we're getting into serious business. This is Elizabeth Hudson by The Scarlet Letter. This is a big ole sampler, and the colors are bright and cheery.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Tjpp-uJPSE/Uu1kaC2OAWI/AAAAAAAAB7k/SLM5AVpGzyQ/s1600/il_570xN.541068371_3t45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Tjpp-uJPSE/Uu1kaC2OAWI/AAAAAAAAB7k/SLM5AVpGzyQ/s1600/il_570xN.541068371_3t45.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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This is a picture of the original, and I actually have the charts for this one for sale in my Etsy shop (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/173184279/elizabeth-hudson-cross-stitch" target="_blank">click here to go directly to that page</a>.) There is something like a MILE of verse on this one, and it's all over-one, of course. So you do like a tenth of a mile of verse for a while, and then you stitch a pretty band, and I am really dying to get to the bigger bands of flowers. I'm stitching mine on 36 count hand-dyed linen with the Au Ver a Soie silks (which have a nice sheen.) I picked 36, because of all of that over-one verse (I didn't want the words to get all bunchy looking.)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vHD4r-JNCA/Uu1epfj7NBI/AAAAAAAAB7E/ToVFrd3YmqY/s1600/scarlet1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vHD4r-JNCA/Uu1epfj7NBI/AAAAAAAAB7E/ToVFrd3YmqY/s1600/scarlet1.gif" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can see I'm at the Queen Stitch stage with the band of strawberries. Each strawberry is its own wonky shape (you should see the chart!) But, I love wonky things, and it makes each strawberry unique. I actually don't mind Queen Stitches one bit, and with the over-one, some Satin Stitch, and a few other fun ways to pull my thread through the fabric, it's a fun piece to work on. But very large. I BELIEVE, THOUGH! I BELIEVE! I PROMISE, I BELIEVE!!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4rXjCx54CM/Uu1ersQTmdI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/A_Ka1K45hBk/s1600/hannah2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4rXjCx54CM/Uu1ersQTmdI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/A_Ka1K45hBk/s1600/hannah2.gif" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hannah Pepper is a three-part chart that came out in Fine Lines Magazine about ten years ago. I was sorting through old magazines here one day and came across the issue with the first third, and it had the reproduced sampler alongside the original. I noticed that the reproduction was done in bright colors, as the sampler might have first been stitched (red, yellow, brighter greens.) I liked, though, the antique next to it, in which the colors were faded and dull. So, I dug through my stash and pulled out colors to make one that looks like the antique.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYg2wBnFox8/Uu1erJgLA0I/AAAAAAAAB7M/i_dgeITPS5s/s1600/hannah1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYg2wBnFox8/Uu1erJgLA0I/AAAAAAAAB7M/i_dgeITPS5s/s1600/hannah1.gif" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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There aren't too many colors in this one, so I actually just have my threads organized on a wooden palette. I'm stitching it on a 40-count hand-dyed linen, and so far, it is beautiful. Once again, I am so anxious to get down to the bottom (alas, I've got a lot of over-one verse to slog through first. This sampler has TWO separate verse sections, the second of which is much larger.) The bottom has a nice pastoral scene with animals and plants and such.</div>
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So, here is my list of what I haven't finished (but I have stitched probably a few hundred different things in the last 30 years, so I'm not too disappointed). I have included their "status" behind, in case you're wondering. If something has been discontinued, try eBay or Etsy. I've included links where I know you can find some of these charts right now for purchase.</div>
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<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/173184279/elizabeth-hudson-cross-stitch" target="_blank">Elizabeth Hudson</a>: The Scarlet Letter (available)</li>
<li>Hannah Pepper (chart is in three separate issues): Fine Lines Magazine (discontinued -- regularly on eBay)</li>
<li><a href="http://cloudwww.thesilverneedle.com/samsarahdesigns.html" target="_blank">The Flock</a>: SamSarah Design Studio (available)</li>
<li><a href="http://cloudwww.thesilverneedle.com/samsarahdesigns.html" target="_blank">Alphabet Baubles</a>: SamSarah Design Studio (available)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.shepherdsbush.net/shop/Shepherds-Bush-Designs/Shepherds-Bush-Kits/Shepherds-Bush-Halloween-Kits/p/Happy-Haunting-x662464.htm" target="_blank">Happy Haunting (kit)</a>: Shepherd's Bush (available)</li>
<li>Pelouse Interdit: Mouton Rouge (discontinued)</li>
<li>Life Has No Blessing: Mary Engelbreit (discontinued)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/77277436/new-witches-garden-sampler-pattern-from" target="_blank">Witches Garden Sampler</a>: Notforgotten Farm (available)</li>
<li>Birdhouse Sampler: Prairie Schooler (discontinued)</li>
<li>Sampler Sisters of the Thread: The Primitive Needle (discontinued)</li>
<li>Wildflowers of America: Curtis Boehringer (discontinued)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/173165880/asenath-whitcomb-cross-stitch-pattern-by" target="_blank">Asenath Whitcomb</a>: Carriage House Samplings (available)</li>
<li>All Our Troubles: La D Da (available)</li>
<li>Heart that Gives: Ewe & Eye & Friends (available)</li>
<li>Christmas Sampler: The Prairie Schooler (discontinued)</li>
<li>Roses are Red: La D Da (available)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/162179968/thank-you-sarah-tobias-by-blackbird" target="_blank">Sarah Tobias</a>: Blackbird Designs (available)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theheartscontent.com/store/products/be-mine-with-cherry-frame/" target="_blank">Be Mine</a> (kit): The Heart's Content (available)</li>
<li>Four Seasons: Marjolien Bastin (discontinued)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.stacynashprimitives.com/Sewing%20Needfuls.htm" target="_blank">Colonial Homestead Pinkeep Drum</a>: Stacy Nash Primitive Designs (available)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.stacynashprimitives.com/" target="_blank">Christmas at Hollyberry Farm</a>: Stacy Nash Primitive Designs (available)</li>
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So now I'm off to figure out which one is the CLOSEST to being done, so I can start something new.</div>
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How many UFO's do YOU have? Leave a comment!</div>
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(P.S. I work in-hand, if you're wondering, so the pictured needlework all got a quick visit with the iron before I took out my camera!)</div>
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<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-18394961348221116822014-01-28T13:03:00.001-06:002014-01-28T13:16:39.457-06:00The Queen of Hearts and a Few Late Christmas Gifts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAaCWQYEV30/Uuf7S-P8OSI/AAAAAAAAB48/q-BqzdznxFs/s1600/queenofheartstilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAaCWQYEV30/Uuf7S-P8OSI/AAAAAAAAB48/q-BqzdznxFs/s1600/queenofheartstilt.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/177332715/queen-of-hearts-cross-stitch-chart-by?ref=shop_home_active_13" target="_blank">Click here to purchase this chart on my Etsy site.</a></td></tr>
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One of the nice things about moving my business home is it's giving me a lot more time to design and stitch, which I love. This is my new Queen of Hearts sampler, which is available now on my Etsy site. I will be mailing this to my distributors in the next few days.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yciVFF5snT8/Uuf7U58onQI/AAAAAAAAB5E/V1VoLSm9DF0/s1600/queenofheartscover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yciVFF5snT8/Uuf7U58onQI/AAAAAAAAB5E/V1VoLSm9DF0/s1600/queenofheartscover.jpg" height="400" width="310" /></a></div>
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I stitched the sampler on 32 count Natural Belfast, one of my favorite fabrics, in one strand of (mostly) Sampler Threads and one color of Weeks Dye Works. Because I used one strand, the sampler is very light and soft looking. I wanted to design something in honor of Valentine's Day, but something that wasn't necessarily screaming VALENTINE'S DAY. You could hang this up all year.</div>
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My friend Jennifer and I finally exchanged our Christmas gifts this weekend, and this is what I received! It is so pretty, and stitched on 40 count Silkweaver linen. She even stitched our initials on it. How nice is that? And she knew I'd love a cat on there somewhere...see him? We have a great local frame shop, so we can find cool frames for our needlework (and if they're in stock, sometimes you can stand there and wait while they throw it together for you.)</div>
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This is a Stacy Nash piece from a while back, and of course she got the chart at my shop. Jennifer used to come one or two days a week to help me pack orders and organize. It was always nice to have her company, and she is one of my best friends in the world. She is smart and kind, and I'm so glad we found each other.</div>
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THIS is what happens when you let your son choose which project you're going to stitch for a friend for Christmas. I had three in mind -- this one is Maria Selby Humphrey's sampler from 1831, a Blackbird Designs Loose Feathers pattern from a few years ago. Jennifer teaches at the university, so I liked that there was a saying about education on it. I stitched it on 30 count hand-dyed linen by R&R Reproductions in Sampler Threads and a little DMC floss.</div>
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The reason we were a month late in our exchange was that I was still trying to stitch away on this BIG sampler, which too me through more than a few episodes of Game of Thrones (I plowed through all three seasons in a week.) There were some specialty stitches in the sampler (mainly satin stitch), and I kind of wish I had done that top alphabet in eyelet stitches. The frame I was able to find has got a faint gold pattern on it, making it look like an old hand-painted frame.<br />
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The most fun parts to stitch, of course, were the top and the bottom. I almost always start in the upper left corner, and I was DYING to get to that bottom right corner to stitch that happy basket of fruits. Jennifer was pleased with her new sampler -- she and her family just built a beautiful house out in the country on her parents' farm land (each of the siblings owns a portion of it.) It overlooks pastures, cows, chickens, sheep and lambs, and rolling hills dotted with trees. I am happy to have a little piece of me out there in the country.</div>
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I have also started stitching my Mercy Goodehart sampler and oh boy, is it going to be pretty (if I do say so myself.) I made a good number of changes to improve the design. I'm stitching in Needlepoint Silks on 36 count Vintage Exemplar, and of course I'm using my +2.0 cheaters.</div>
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Happy stitching to you -- we're stuck inside today as the entire town is shut down for an ice/snow storm we're having. It's actually not too terrible (for this North Dakota girl.) Everyone's got the day off, except me. I'll be (oh no!) stitching on my model by my big picture window overlooking a snowy back yard.</div>
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Stay warm -- I am hearing from a lot of you that winter is giving us another blast of arctic air. Let's hunker down, stitch, and make it through together!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/166269419/jane-pattison-cross-stitch-sampler" target="_blank">Find the Jane Pattison sampler graph on my Etsy site by clicking this link.</a></td></tr>
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(P.S. Valerie V. sent me this super-cool picture of her version of the Jane Pattison Sampler, which she stitched on 40 count Porcelain by Lakeside Linens in Sampler Threads. Jill Rensel framed it, and Valerie says she's goign to hang it all year. Great job, Valerie! Love it!)</div>
<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-43745207089381213122014-01-21T22:44:00.001-06:002014-01-21T22:44:27.976-06:00Postal Rate Sale and Other News<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Click here to go to my Etsy site.</a></td></tr>
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Postal rates are increasing by about 6% on Sunday -- darn it! So, I'm having an Etsy sale with FREE shipping until Sunday. Just enter FREESHIP in the Coupon Code box when placing an order to qualify. Make sure you put that code in the Coupon Code box, and not in the comments area, so Etsy can make sure to deduct your shipping charge. This is good for US shipments only. You'll find me at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/LettersGreatandSmall</a>.</div>
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Until today, I didn't realize a few weeks had gone by since my last update. I've been getting back into the groove of the needlework community, and am enjoying devoting more time to designing. I'm just finishing up a sampler called "The Queen of Hearts," which will be released soon, and I just finished my last Raise the Roof monthly angel, January's Angel, complete with a cute fox. The entire series is available on my Etsy site as well.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnOE1hhDYvo/Ut9JZt7iTJI/AAAAAAAAB4k/2Kpl5bk0Im8/s1600/halfpint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnOE1hhDYvo/Ut9JZt7iTJI/AAAAAAAAB4k/2Kpl5bk0Im8/s1600/halfpint.jpg" height="330" width="400" /></a></div>
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I did have some sadness this month -- not one of my Christmas kittens survived. Poor little Half Pint (see above) was the first to pass. He survived ten days, which was more than the one they figured he'd make it at the shelter. I think he had fading kitten syndrome, and even veterinary intervention didn't help him. He died napping with his brother. Scout and Nonie (aka Thread and Stitch) did better, but soon developed tell-tale big bellies and gastrointestinal issues. It turned out to be FIP, and that condition is mean, nasty and not survivable for kittens that small, so we made the decision to put them to sleep rather than let them suffer. It was heartbreak all around, and I shed my tears. I know that it won't be long, and we'll be back into kitten season. There will be plenty of them who need help, and I'm ready.</div>
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I have been working on tweaking my Mercy Goodehart sampler that I designed a number of weeks ago -- a large old-style (yet original) sampler. I've made some improvements and hope to be stitching on it in a few days. It will most likely take me three or four weeks of HARD CORE stitching to get it done, but I think you're all going to really like it. I won't be giving any more sneak peeks before I'm getting ready to release it.</div>
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Also, if you're into Pinterest, I've been getting back into it, doing sampler research (and coming up with meal ideas for my family...they're eating so much better than they did for six months.) You can follow me, if you like at <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/xspeddler/">www.pinterest.com/xspeddler/</a>. I've got a pretty cool board filled with almost 200 AMAZING samplers and commentary by me on each one as to what I like or find interesting about that one.</div>
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This one, for example, is the most expensive sampler ever sold. It is by Hannah Otis and sold in 1996 for $1.3 MILLION to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The Otis family had lent it to the museum for decades, but needed an influx of money to pay for some inheritance expenses. Luckily, the MFA won the auction, as this sampler is of Boston Commons, and has an amazing provenance to the area.</div>
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I hope you're all having a good January and staying warm. It is in the 30's here tonight in Hattiesburg, which, hey, is cold for southern Mississippi. Would y'all quit sending us your icy vibes?! Have fun with your needlework projects, and I promise it won't be so long until I update you again.</div>
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<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-22710553760618425002014-01-01T18:03:00.001-06:002014-01-01T18:03:09.093-06:00New Year's Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Do1EjPJg_rU/UsSpRblQAVI/AAAAAAAAB3M/zHWtlHfCTT8/s1600/il_570xN.538640104_1jlh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Do1EjPJg_rU/UsSpRblQAVI/AAAAAAAAB3M/zHWtlHfCTT8/s400/il_570xN.538640104_1jlh.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Go to my Etsy site, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Letters Great and Small</a>, and save 20% off of the merchandise you purchase before the end of the day on Friday. It's my little way of saying: Happy New Year!" Simply choose what you like, and when you're checking out, enter the code: ILOVESTITCHING to receive 20% off of your goodies (with the exception of shipping.)</span></div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-82449184208979637852013-12-27T17:31:00.000-06:002013-12-27T17:31:56.371-06:00Passport Pincushion and Christmas Cheer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a new project chart to release, yes on Christmas week (when ISN'T a good time for a new chart?) It's called "Passport Pincushion" and the packet takes you through the process of making your very own Passport Pincushion. The instructions come with full-color pictures of steps of the process as well as a page full of sampler motifs to use to create a pincushion like mine.</div>
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The beauty of the project is that you can use bits and pieces of a lot of your charts that you may already have. You can create themed pincushions (think holidays, samplers, letters & numbers, seasons, colors, primitive, French...whatever strikes your fancy.) The instructions include how to make the little "Stamps" to decorate your pincushion and how to affix them. I also tips and ideas for other additions...you can see on mine that I like to include various embellishments, scraps of fabric, and even specialty stitches sewn right onto the pincushion.</div>
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You can make these pincushions any shape or size, and they can not only be used as pincushions -- make ornaments, pinkeeps, box tops, framed pieces...your project is sure to be as individual as you are. I have taught this project as a class in the past, and creative types found this to be extremely fun...and people who are more "Type A" found it challenging, but rewarding. You have to get over the idea that it will be perfect...make it messy, make it yours. I just hope you have fun with it. You can purchase the chart on my Etsy site "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/173874194/passport-pincushion-needlework?" target="_blank">Letters Great and Small</a>." I will be shipping charts to the distributors the first of the week.</div>
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Just when I thought kitten season was over, here came three more little dearhearts. A litter of six came to the shelter the day before Christmas eve, and they saved the three in the toughest shape for me. Little Half Pint here only weighs 8 ounces, and our vet tech did not expect me to take him, as she said he was probably near death. He was lethargic and weak (and is half the size of the others.) I said it wasn't fair for any creature that small to be in a cage alone at the shelter on Christmas Day, especially knowing he would probably not make it. She was really happy that I took him home.</div>
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The good news is, that several days later (after spending a few days in my warm robe pocket), he is eating well, using the litter box, and scampering around the house. He is not gaining weight yet, but isn't losing any, either. While I was doing photography this morning, he found a bit of lace on the couch that he made use of as a pillow, so I couldn't resist taking a few snapshots of him. We will have him a few months -- it will take him probably eight weeks or more to come up to weight, and I do realize that as the runt of the litter, he still is not out of the woods. </div>
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We had a nice Christmas with my mom and dad who drove from South Carolina to spend a few days with us. Christmas eve was time for homemade gumbo, and we had a big turkey dinner on Christmas. I made cranberry bread, too, and peanut butter kiss cookies, as well as my grandma's crescent cookies (made with a cream cheese dough, shaped like croissants, and filled with sugar, cinnamon and chopped walnuts.)</div>
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The cats all loved playing with the leftover ribbons and boxes, and the afternoon was spent cooking and playing cards. Time with family is what is best for Christmas.</div>
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I am ready to face 2014 with a thankful heart and a busy needle. This year was full of changes for me, and I am ready to tackle my new challenges while devoting more time to my family and my craft. I wish you nothing but the best for 2014.</div>
<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-38670290743322381122013-12-10T18:37:00.001-06:002014-02-19T06:26:28.842-06:00Mercy Goodehart, some pie pops and (of course) some catsIt's hard to believe the year is so quickly coming to an end -- I have dived in deep into designing, and spent a good part of this week working on a new sampler to start stitching soon (as soon as my Christmas gifts are done...I'm getting there.) My friends Kathy and Jennifer are working on things for me, and I for them, but I'm going to have to share those projects AFTER Christmas...because they read this blog. (You're just going to have to wait, ladies!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercy Goodehart design by Shakespeare's Peddler (to be stitched/released in 2014)</td></tr>
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This will be my first big design of the new year -- I've pulled the threads and fabric, and I'm actually super-excited to start stitching on this one myself. I've worked a lot of little secret elements into this sampler, which will come with a bit of a backstory for Mercy (she's fictitious.) I designed the border to be more fun to stitch than the same old flower repeated again and again. There may be some tweaking to do yet, but so far, I'm really proud of it.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possible color palette for Mercy Goodehart</td></tr>
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This is my color palette so far ... I will probably add an over-dyed silk or two. I like to use at least one over-dyed (variegated) thread, because it makes the sampler look more like the real thing. My old samplers have some neat color variations. Too much, though, and it gets overwhelming. I'll release an actual thread/fabric list once the design is getting ready to print. This one will take a while, as it's big, so be patient with me. The working title is "Mercy Goodehart."</div>
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I've also been busy updating my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy site: Letters Great and Small</a>. This week, I uploaded yards, and yards of Lakeside Linens in different counts and colors, as well as a bunch of Christmas-themed charts (including a sampler stocking by Carriage House Samplings, above.) I've got almost 300 items up already, and many, many more to go.</div>
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We had some sad news this fall -- Giblet, a cat we adopted three years ago after Thanksgiving, has been missing for some time. She was a quirky cat -- not very nice, actually, but we loved her just the same. We had her in and out of the vet to see if she was sick (and thus, crabby), but she was healthy. He recommended we allow her to go inside and outside, and while that helped, she was never really one you could pick up or pet with any reliability; in fact, one year for my birthday she gave me a black eye by punching me in the face with her paw. About four or five weeks ago, I let her out when she asked, and she has never returned. I do wish there was more I could have done for her. We provided her love, comfort, food, and care while we had her, and we do miss her.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ty, the amazing, crinkly-furred, wonder cat.</td></tr>
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In the meantime, we fell in love with one of our foster kittens. His name is Ty, and he was brought to the shelter one afternoon by a gentleman who found him next to a dumpster by a tire shop (and so, the name "Ty.") This man had Ty fixed and got him all of his shots, then surrendered him to me at the front counter of the shelter. He had the most unusual fur -- kinky, curly, frizzy, and kind of a mess. He hung out at the shelter waiting for adoption for a number of weeks.</div>
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One afternoon, I came across Ty in the euthanasia room. He had developed ringworm (a skin fungus) right up against his eye and was slated to be put down. I had to try to save him -- he is such a nice cat, and that generous man had put so much love and effort into him already. After careful applications of a topical ringworm treatment (with Q-Tips and a steady hand), we were able to beat the ringworm.</div>
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But of course, by then, we had fallen in love with him. He sleeps a lot -- he's growing (you can see he's got big feet already.) But he is gentle, affectionate, social, and has a tail that makes me laugh (it is shaggy, very long, and looks like something you might pull out of a clogged drain.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUh9xG34ljs/UqelGtt-OKI/AAAAAAAAB1I/uCdngCHdgYM/s1600/tysleepy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUh9xG34ljs/UqelGtt-OKI/AAAAAAAAB1I/uCdngCHdgYM/s400/tysleepy.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We think he's going to be big -- would you look at those ears and feet!</td></tr>
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He gets along with all of our other cats, universally, and although I'd love to call him Oliver (he looks like an orphan boy -- he's got very big gold-green eyes), the name has kind of stuck.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYdQb8uZDzc/UqelGggx-xI/AAAAAAAAB1M/PmGaYxyGm3M/s1600/lolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYdQb8uZDzc/UqelGggx-xI/AAAAAAAAB1M/PmGaYxyGm3M/s400/lolly.jpg" height="346" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lolly is now available for adoption at Southern Pines Animal Shelter</td></tr>
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Lolly went back to the shelter for adoption this week. The poor dear was terrified to be leaving home. I have no worries that she will find a good home. I know not all of you keep up with my Facebook page, but little Shoe passed away a week after we got her. I think she had been out in 40 degree temperatures by herself for too long by the time she came to the shelter, so she went downhill very quickly. More sadness, but she did have our love and affection, if even just for seven days.</div>
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Steve attended a communication department Christmas party last weekend. We were supposed to bring something to share, and I had seen online a few places where pie pops are the latest thing. I picked up some long lollipop sticks at the craft store, pulled out my faithful piecrust recipe, used some blueberries I had in the freezer, and oh man, were they good! My recipe and directions follow:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L15k_AS9x4U/UqelKfGUpPI/AAAAAAAAB1g/zAH3vFQftOE/s1600/piedough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L15k_AS9x4U/UqelKfGUpPI/AAAAAAAAB1g/zAH3vFQftOE/s400/piedough.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pie crust circles waiting to become pie pops</td></tr>
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<u><b>Theresa's Magic Pie Crust:</b></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(this will yield about 24 pie pops)</span></div>
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1 cup unsalted butter (COLD!)</div>
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</div>
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1/4 tsp. kosher salt</div>
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Ice water</div>
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In your stand mixer, start by mixing together the butter, flour and salt. As soon as the butter chunks are about the size of marbles, start drizzling in the ice water while the mixer is going. (You want everything to be as cold as possible.) Drizzle water until the dough just comes together, then STOP!!!! Do not over-mix. Refrigerate while you make the filling.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsvgcLKQ8l8/UqelWlYOODI/AAAAAAAAB14/qUHvfpDuIKY/s1600/blueberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsvgcLKQ8l8/UqelWlYOODI/AAAAAAAAB14/qUHvfpDuIKY/s400/blueberries.jpg" height="381" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade blueberry pie filling. This made the house smell amazing.</td></tr>
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<u><b>Blueberry Pie Filling</b></u> (yes, you can cheat and use store-bought)</div>
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4 cups frozen blueberries</div>
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3/4 cup white sugar</div>
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3 Tbsp. cornstarch mixed into 3 Tbsp. water</div>
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1/2+ tsp. ground cinnamon</div>
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1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg</div>
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2 Tbsp. butter</div>
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Simmer blueberries on medium heat with sugar (and a splash of water, if you feel like you need it) until it's all bubbly. Stir in the cornstarch mixture (while still simmering), and stir until the mixture thickens. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. This will make a nice healthy portion of the filling -- you could use the rest as a pancake or waffle topping, or make a smaller pie, depending on how much you use. Pull off the stove and let cool.</div>
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Roll out your pie crust, then cut circles using an over-turned juice glass (or, if you're well-stocked, a round cookie cutter). Lay out one layer of rounds on a cookie sheet with a Silpat mat or parchment paper (to prevent sticking). Press a lollipop stick into each round (about half-way up), then spoon about a teaspoon of filling in the middle of each round. Cut a small ventilation hole in the un-used rounds (I made V's) to prevent explosion (this is crucial...don't skip it.) Gently lay on top of each filling-topped round, then press down tightly with your fingers all of the way around, making sure to really get that area around the stick.</div>
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Sprinkle each little pie with sugar, then bake in a 350 degree oven, until the tops of the pies start to turn golden. These get pretty puffy and flakey. But don't worry, the puffiness will go down as they cool.</div>
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When they're done, allow to cool, and as they do, push the lollipop stick up into each little pie as far as it will go. They will seem really loose at first, but the sticks will become more stable as the pies cool. I arranged them on a big platter, but I would love to find another way to display them a little more artfully.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7OhIfWyr3Y/UqevfLnnfdI/AAAAAAAAB2I/MOnD64BLW1A/s1600/piepops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7OhIfWyr3Y/UqevfLnnfdI/AAAAAAAAB2I/MOnD64BLW1A/s400/piepops.jpg" height="241" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pie Pops ready to go feed the minglers at a Christmas party.</td></tr>
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The partiers didn't seem to care, because they were eaten lickety-split. In fact, one graduate student I didn't really know marched into the kitchen where I was standing with my husband just to say: "Those pies...that's the best thing I've put in my mouth all day." Then she left. The beauty is you can use other kinds of fruit/filling -- peach, apple, cherry, raspberry. I think they'd even be good with a savory filling like sausage, onion, rice, mushrooms...you get the idea (just skip the sugar sprinkles on the top). <br />
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I hope you are enjoying your December so far. Next to October, it's one of my favorite months, and I am feeling very happy (although a little behind in my preparations.)<br />
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Best to you and yours!<br />
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TTheresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-68938731510405443592013-12-05T14:03:00.000-06:002013-12-05T14:03:28.638-06:00December's Kittens and December's Angel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_b-6LGswIs/UqDVsFmb8mI/AAAAAAAAB0o/gBZLpkE_gjE/s1600/bane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_b-6LGswIs/UqDVsFmb8mI/AAAAAAAAB0o/gBZLpkE_gjE/s400/bane.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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Bane says: "What? How many days until Christmas?" He's back at the shelter now and waiting for his new home. I hope he gets there for Christmas. What a great gift he would make! Bane and his sister Helga spent time at our home getting bigger and better. He's cuddly, social, and happy-go-lucky.</div>
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We had four kittens go back to the shelter this week: Bane, his sister Helga, Pickle, and Pom Pom (see my previous blog post...she was immediately adopted and went to live in Jackson.)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwlBW1-QEwY/UqDVV4vxr1I/AAAAAAAAB0M/uFCSkTIjGFU/s1600/helga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwlBW1-QEwY/UqDVV4vxr1I/AAAAAAAAB0M/uFCSkTIjGFU/s1600/helga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwlBW1-QEwY/UqDVV4vxr1I/AAAAAAAAB0M/uFCSkTIjGFU/s1600/helga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwlBW1-QEwY/UqDVV4vxr1I/AAAAAAAAB0M/uFCSkTIjGFU/s400/helga.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a shot of Helga when she was younger. You can tell by her ears that she's going to be a big girl.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZqjuxzL3lU/UqDVVl5ArxI/AAAAAAAAB0I/hAiAWCbFSLg/s1600/pickle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZqjuxzL3lU/UqDVVl5ArxI/AAAAAAAAB0I/hAiAWCbFSLg/s320/pickle.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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Pickle was a tricky kitten -- we took her in six or eight weeks ago. She was the runt of her litter and borderline feral. She didn't trust people and hissed and hid from us the first two weeks. Over time, though, she became more and more trusting, loving, and happy to be held. Now, she's very sweet, purrs loudly when she's being petted, and she's looking for her home for the holidays.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-KAShWUR3k/UqDVaQzZLkI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9mguAw1Sxlo/s1600/lolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-KAShWUR3k/UqDVaQzZLkI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9mguAw1Sxlo/s1600/lolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-KAShWUR3k/UqDVaQzZLkI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9mguAw1Sxlo/s1600/lolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-KAShWUR3k/UqDVaQzZLkI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9mguAw1Sxlo/s1600/lolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-KAShWUR3k/UqDVaQzZLkI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9mguAw1Sxlo/s1600/lolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-KAShWUR3k/UqDVaQzZLkI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9mguAw1Sxlo/s400/lolly.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Just little Lolly is left. A few months ago, a nice older lady brought about half a dozen kittens to the shelter. The woman was getting ready to go to Texas for some serious medical treatments, and couldn't take care of the kittens that had been born in her yard. She had bottle fed Lolly, and was particularly concerned for her welfare. Since Lolly was too small to stay at the shelter, I told her I'd take her home to care for her, and I have. Lolly is oh so nice, and we have enjoyed having her here. Another day or two, and she'll be heading back to the shelter for adoption.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkOnWNAkirM/UqDVTpypGHI/AAAAAAAAB0A/RKrgXWkbJ9k/s1600/decembersangelsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkOnWNAkirM/UqDVTpypGHI/AAAAAAAAB0A/RKrgXWkbJ9k/s400/decembersangelsmall.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
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December's Angel is finished -- and I've only got one angel left to go in my Raise the Roof angels series (January). This one was fun to stitch, and it's <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/171916950/decembers-angel-cross-stitch-pattern-by" target="_blank">available for purchase</a> in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy shop Letters Great and Small</a>. I'm printing today and getting ready to ship charts to Norden Crafts and Hoffman Distributing.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NjBmwNOA8uU/UqDVqCJ7n8I/AAAAAAAAB0g/Qefk9b-V_Bk/s1600/sampler18511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NjBmwNOA8uU/UqDVqCJ7n8I/AAAAAAAAB0g/Qefk9b-V_Bk/s640/sampler18511.jpg" width="521" /></a></div>
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I have purchased a number of my antique samplers from <a href="http://www.madelena.com/" target="_blank">Madelena</a> in the U.K. This is one they've got available for purchase right now, and I absolutely love it -- the colors and composition are fabulous-o. It would not make an ideal sampler pattern, as a lot of it is specialty stitches (the sky, the flowers, the butterflies are executed in filling stitches.) I just thought I'd share a picture of it -- if you haven't been out to Madelena, go check them out. They've always got around 100 samplers for sale, and even if you can't afford to buy one, they are definitely fun to look at.<br />
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Christmas is much too close for comfort, don't you think? I'm starting to pull my gifts together (I purchase some early throughout the year), and I'm busy working on pieces for my friends Jennifer and Kathy. The 2.0+ cheaters I bought are working great, and I am blazing through the X's. I hope you're blazing through your X's, too!Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-89145370019350790982013-12-03T12:17:00.000-06:002013-12-03T12:17:07.840-06:00New Chart: Primitive Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XP1S-eu_eAg/Up4L_F8QfeI/AAAAAAAAByM/_f5do0pKSHo/s1600/primitivechristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XP1S-eu_eAg/Up4L_F8QfeI/AAAAAAAAByM/_f5do0pKSHo/s400/primitivechristmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's so much fun to be back designing -- this is one I finished this weekend, and am in the process of printing today. It's called "Primitive Christmas" and is stitched in Weeks Dye Works over-dyed threads (Bark, Blue Spruce, Crimson, Gold, Guacamole, Kohl, Merlot, Mocha, Peach Fuzz, Rose Quartz, Whitewash ... yes, I did provide a DMC conversion as well.) I used 36 count Natural Edinburgh linen by Zweigart. The stitch count is 101 by 105. You can <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/171652575/primitive-christmas-cross-stitch-pattern" target="_blank">purchase the chart</a> through my Etsy site, or ask your local needlework shop to get it from Hoffman Distributing or Norden Crafts.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chYt5WC6oNc/Up4MAlVdOoI/AAAAAAAAByU/JO61z-EhWv0/s1600/pcsideview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chYt5WC6oNc/Up4MAlVdOoI/AAAAAAAAByU/JO61z-EhWv0/s400/pcsideview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I finished mine as a box top lid using a $4.29 paper mache box from Hobby Lobby. Three colors of paint, some basic crafting supplies, et voila! An inexpensive finishing technique. I have included finishing instructions in with the pattern, for those of you who are feeling craft. It probably took me 90 minutes to paint the box and do all of the finishing.</div>
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The bad news for me that came along with stitching this piece is that I've had to upgrade to 2.0+ cheater glasses to see the linen. I went at least 5 months without stitching one X this year, and I feel like the time away from making my eyes work really hard has left them weakened. Yes, I will probably need to go see the optometrist. Drat!</div>
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0klGuFQfR_8/Up4MA0qZCWI/AAAAAAAAByY/_OK2JsUVXUc/s1600/pompom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0klGuFQfR_8/Up4MA0qZCWI/AAAAAAAAByY/_OK2JsUVXUc/s400/pompom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the only decent picture I could get of Pom Pom before I had to take her back to the shelter yesterday. Yes, she's gorgeous. She had ringworm on the top of her head a few weeks ago, and I knew I had to take her home to get her better. She is probably the, um, daftest kitten we've ever hosted, but also one of the very sweetest. Lots and lots of kisses, a very swishy tail, and oh, so bumbling. She never could jump onto something without either falling off of it or having to scratch and claw her way up after a less-than-ideal attempt. But she never lets that stop her -- she purrs all of the time, loves people, loves other cats, and really, has just the most endearing (simple) personality. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9CkjhAnpxk/Up4S2-hII9I/AAAAAAAABzw/13YKK1kS8so/s1600/zero.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9CkjhAnpxk/Up4S2-hII9I/AAAAAAAABzw/13YKK1kS8so/s400/zero.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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In fact, I'd put her in the same intelligence category as our dear Zero (this is Zero when he was about the same age as Pom Pom.) Not a lot going on upstairs ... but we love him to pieces.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUF3G2e6IAM/Up4QbORGQCI/AAAAAAAABzM/q1jBLAt68EQ/s1600/jane3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUF3G2e6IAM/Up4QbORGQCI/AAAAAAAABzM/q1jBLAt68EQ/s400/jane3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now that it's finally December, I'm getting into the mood for Christmas decorating. And as I was sitting here, I looked up and to the right and saw my Jane Pattison reproduction. It's one of those samplers that doesn't scream Christmas, but with the colors and pine bough border, it is one that you could definitely hang this time of year (or all year!)</div>
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To me, this area of the sampler really has a "Blackbird Designs" feel to it, don't you think? I think it's those partially-finished bird, and the wonkiness of the motifs (I love things that aren't centered and perfect.)</div>
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You can purchase this chart on my Etsy site, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall" target="_blank">Letters Great and Small</a> at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/166269419/jane-pattison-cross-stitch-sampler">https://www.etsy.com/listing/166269419/jane-pattison-cross-stitch-sampler</a> for just $15.00 plus shipping.</div>
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Keep watching my blog and Etsy site -- I am going to be releasing pieces with greater frequency, and I could not be happier about that.</div>
<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-4718029447329391242013-11-29T12:46:00.000-06:002013-11-29T12:46:26.208-06:00Christmas Season Greetings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lolly, Ty and Bane were all tuckered out after a big day of turkey and fun at our house. Dinner was, oh my gosh, so good. (One of our guests said the dressing was the best he had ever had.) And now I've got Christmas music on my iTunes and am thinking where I might put the tree this year, now that I've got the old tree spot loaded up with my needlework business things.</div>
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Before we eat, we go 'round the table and say what we're thankful for -- and my sweet husband said he was glad that I quit my way-more-than-full-time job at the shelter that was causing us both a lot of stress. I said that I was thankful to be back with my family, and I can't tell you how utterly happy, relaxed and contented I feel.</div>
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Now that I'm back at it, I'm looking to clear space, so I'm starting to list some of my old shop models on my Etsy site: "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall" target="_blank">Letters Great and Small</a>." I got a lucky 13 listed today, and am still digging through the piles. Of course I've only got one left of each of these models -- so go look quick, before they're gone. (The one pictured is a Ewe & Eye & Friends piece called Joyful Heart.)<br />
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Also, don't forget to look for my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170629518/sale-for-thanksgiving-euphrasier-enout?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">French Cathedral Sampler Graph</a>, which will only be on sale through Monday for $7.<br />
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This afternoon, I'm going to try to get a new model finished and start the printing. Tomorrow, I'll be uploading hand-dyed linens to my Etsy site. Such fun, so good to be back, so happy.Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-5413578926307922542013-11-25T12:56:00.002-06:002013-11-25T12:56:50.737-06:00Thanksgiving Door Buster ... and Belly Buster!Last Thursday was my final day as manager at the animal shelter, and although I do miss my employees and the animals, I am so thankful this week to be back with my family, cooking them meals (that didn't start out frozen in boxes) and visiting with them. I feel like I've been away for six months.<br />
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I was reading on Facebook about how large the newspapers are going to be this week, stuffed with holiday specials. I thought it might be fun to offer y'all my own little door buster.<br />
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Euphrasier Enout's French Cathedral Sampler</div>
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This is a sampler I picked up a few years ago, one of the first ones I purchased, actually. I am still charmed by the cathedral, the acolytes, the birds and CATS! The saying at the top says that fortune fades, but beauty is forever.</div>
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Anyway, I still really like this one, and it was fun to stitch, so I'm offering it to you through next Monday for just $7.00 (regular price is $20). You can find it on my Etsy shop, Letters Great and Small at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170629518/sale-for-thanksgiving-euphrasier-enout">https://www.etsy.com/listing/170629518/sale-for-thanksgiving-euphrasier-enout</a>. I also just listed some great holiday patterns by The Primitive Hare and Lizzie Kate, and this week, I'll be beefing up my store with lots and lots (and lots) of hand-dyed linens.</div>
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I am stitching on a primitive Christmas sampler. I worked on it yesterday while watching Ken Burns' documentary about prohibition. After that one was done, I started another of his films about the dust bowl. If you've never seen any of his work, you should. He's got great films about the national parks, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson, jazz, baseball, and most famously, the Civil War. Netflix has got them where you can watch instantly from your computer.</div>
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This morning I prepped my grocery list for the feast on Thursday. Steve and Harrison came in and tried to see what I needed to add, but I hadn't forgotten anything. I've been making this meal for years, and think it's the most delicious meal you can make, and it's not that hard to do. Everything is homemade here at the house -- and I can't wait for those familiar smells: turkey, potatoes and gravy, stuffing (outside the bird), cranberry sauce (with apples and orange juice), green bean casserole, Mississippi sweet potatoes, apple pie, pumpkin pie. </div>
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Our friends Joy and Michael will be joining us this year, and they have ordered kuchen from South Dakota. Kuchen is sort of pie, sort of cake, sort of pastry filled with a custard-like filling...it's a dessert commonly served in areas of the country settled by the Germans. Peach and strawberry are my two favorite flavors, but there are lots of other varieties, including fig, apple, rhubarb, blueberry, cinnamon, you name it. If you're looking, there's a pretty authentic recipe here: <a href="http://library.ndsu.edu/grhc/foods/recipe/kuchen_memories.html">http://library.ndsu.edu/grhc/foods/recipe/kuchen_memories.html</a>.</div>
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We start Thanksgiving Day with the Barefoot Contessa's favorite party starter: whiskey sours and dill dip. The boys help with cutting up the vegetables.</div>
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<b><u>Ina Garten's Herb Dip:</u></b></div>
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1 brick cream cheese (8 ounces)</div>
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1/2 c. sour cream</div>
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1/2 c. mayonaise</div>
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4 minced green onions</div>
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2 T. chopped parsley (fresh)</div>
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1 T. fresh dill (minced)</div>
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1 tsp. Kosher salt</div>
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3/4 tsp. black pepper</div>
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Sometimes I run this through the food processor, or sometimes I use my beaters. It's always good with cut up cucumbers, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. I also add to the tray various pickles, olives, and cherry peppers.</div>
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<b><u>Ina Garten's Whiskey Sours:</u></b></div>
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3/4 c. whiskey</div>
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1/2 c. fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)</div>
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1/2 c. fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)</div>
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2/3 c. chilled simple syrup (simmer in a saucepan 1 cup each of white sugar and water until the sugar is completely dissolved)</div>
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We sip these while we make the food -- the citrus flavor is so refreshing. Make sure to serve on ice with a maraschino cherry (or two...or three). We always make a sticky mess of the counters with all of that sugar syrup and hand-squeezed citrus juice, but it is worth it. These put a little blush on everyone's face, and soon everyone is relaxed, chatting and having fun.</div>
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Whatever you'll be doing this week, I hope you'll be doing it with family. Happy stitching, and I am thankful for all of you!</div>
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Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265840800445269059.post-11473717829422244082013-11-11T12:11:00.000-06:002013-11-11T14:13:27.802-06:00Hannah Carter's Christmas Tree Sampler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I found and purchased Hannah's sampler last year online, I felt really lucky. It's always fun to add another sampler to the collection, but also, a Christmas tree on a sampler is extremely rare, especially in the 1830's. Christmas trees were uncommon with simple folk in Britain until the 1840's -- and in fact, only royalty (and the rich) had such an extravagance. As a teen, Queen Victoria had a Christmas tree in her room in the 1830's.<br />
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I also love that Hannah finished her sampler just a few short weeks before Christmas. It makes me wonder if her family had a tree, or if she really just wished that they did. Note the moth that is drawn to the tiny lights all over the tree. How charming!<br />
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The sampler itself is fairly simple in its style -- a number of stark black alphabets against the linen ground. The negative space around the letters and alphabets gives if kind of a Quaker feel (as do the particular alphabets chosen.) It was typical of a Quaker sampler to be stitched in just a color, or a few, but I can't be absolutely certain that is what this is.</div>
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The linen she used is a 30-count, and it has aged nicely. There is a little thread loss here-and-there, but overall, it's just in grand condition. Hannah was a fairly good little stitcher -- there are some flubs here and there in the border and in the lettering (the verse is especially quirky, as a lot of the letters are different from word-to-word.) The fibers are silks, and I am recommending Gloriana Florimell Antique Black and Needlepoint Silk 693. Stitch count is 208 by 255. The stitches used are cross stitch, cross over-one, Algerian eye, and four-sided stitch (MY FAVORITE!)</div>
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The verse is one found in a New England children's primer brought to America on the Mayflower by the Puritans. The poem is called "Learn These Four Lines by Heart." I found a charming snuff box online (from a previous auction) with this same little poem on it. I love the idea of it -- a virtuous statement along with the purpose of the snuff box: "Please, please try to be a virtuous and Godly person...now here, stick this up your nose." (The box is thought to be from the late 1700's to early 1800's.)<br />
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Hannah would no doubt be proud to know that so many of you are looking at her work today. You can purchase the chart by going to my Etsy site <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LettersGreatandSmall?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Letters Great and Small</a>. Or you can have your favorite shop order the chart for you from Norden Crafts or Hoffman Distributing, who will have their copies in the next couple of days.<br />
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In personal news, I am nearing the end of my time as manager at the animal shelter -- the 21st is my last day. I am anxious to get back home to my family, and feel almost like I have been away for six months. I was able to bake an apple pie and make ham soup yesterday -- how wonderful.<br />
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I also have a number of foster kittens, including dear little "Shoe" (above) who came in to the shelter late on Saturday. A local man went out to his mailbox that afternoon and heard squawking. He looked around and found a shoebox in the road with the lid on. When he opened it up, there was a little cold and hungry kitten inside. She is a Siamese/tabby mix (pale creamy grey with faint striping.) And she would not have made it the night without his help. She's only 10 ounces and probably 2 1/2 weeks. But boy, is she cute and spunky. She uses the litter box like a champion, and has a hearty appetite, as you can see by the food all over her face this morning.<br />
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She'll be with us through the holidays, no doubt, and we're glad to be able to help her out.<br />
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Happy stitching -- I'm excited to be getting ready to come back to the world of needlework!Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256135412273734149noreply@blogger.com15