Special for Teresa

Teresa is starting counted cross stitch on 28 count linen and needs a little help, so I will try.

Teresa, count the threads from the blue pin as 1, skip a "hole" and then it is 2 at the red pin, up to the yellow again skipping a hole then over to the black pin and there is your square of over two threads.

to begin to stitch, bring your needle up at the lower left corner and then up to the upper right corner. This is half a stitch.

Continue counting across the row in this manner of skipping a thread/hole to the number of stitches you need.

the return on the row is the same only in reverse.

the next row is repeat of the first. Always skipping a thread/hole for the count of 2 threads.

I hope this helps. We are all here to assist you, just let us know what you need!

Pretty colors

I love the mail delivery...in this case UPS. What I do not like is that they ring the bell then drop the package off and are gone before I can even open the door. I finally ordered the complete 24 skein set of the new DMC Coloris floss....

just love the  colors! They are still not avaliible in the stores, at least not here in Arizona, so I ordered directly form DMC. I spoke to Iris and she could not be more pleasant or helpful. As it happened, the order department was closed when I called but Iris assured me she would submit the order first thing the next morning. The next day (Friday) Iris called to let me know that for $2.00 more I could get free shipping. Together we selected 2 more floss colors and there it was, free shipping. Delivery was yesterday. the floss was packaged in

this nice black envelope along with the other item that I ordered...stitchable cork.

the piece measures 10 inches square and is paper thin. I have a project in mind. It will be interesting to try it out. As for the floss, I have no project in mind but hopefully I will find something to use them with.  Our weather has been so nice...Mr H and I have been sitting outside daily. This morning I spent at the Hyundai dealership getting the Elantra a first oil change and inspection. I spent the time knitting while there. Presently it is a bit warm for me outdoors so inside it will be. I probably will work on the ornament as the stitching is almost finished. I already have the backing fabric and it will be a simple finish. I am keeping track of the hurricane as I have friends in Florida and family in North Carolina. So far all are safe. If you are in the path of Mathew, please stay safe...take no chances. Happy that you took time to visit and as always, thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a good day.

What day is it

"What day is it" asked Pooh

"It's today" said Piglet

                          "My favorite day" said Pooh. (A.A. Milne)

I like Wednesdays...not sure why, but I do. I always liked the middle of the week.
We are starting to have outside weather...you know, when the temps are favorable to enjoy sitting outside finally. Mr H and I did just that for the last 2 days...well, not all day but for an hour or 2 and that was pleasant. I took knitting out on Monday

what? oh you noticed the pattern is different... well it is. I was not happy with the way it was so out it unraveled and now I am doing the Broken Rib stitch.  I have it stretched a bit so you can see it and it will look good blocked. Once again, it is the same on both sides.  Yesterday we sat outside in the yard and I took my Hawaiian quilt block to work on

I now have one complete flower stitched. Well, I still have to stitch the small stamen in the center of each one. I did it on the previous bloom to the far right. My hand began to cramp so I took a break. I am still not 100% happy, but I can live with it. I must try to get a photo with the better color of the back round fabric. It is not showing the pale yellow as it really is. Today I plan to work on my ornament which is coming along. I must tell you, I follow the San Francisco School of Needlework & Design blog. My goal is to go and take a class there. Anyway, they posted about their Stitch at Home Challenge and it sounded so interesting. You had to send an email to be accepted. I sent it thinking I would not hear back. I was wrong! I received an email saying I could participate and a packet would arrive.

The challenge is that you must design a project and use every one of the Swarovski Crystals ( 19 of them) . You can use whatever other materials also. When complete you must fill out a form and either mail the project to them or a photo. The challenge is being called "Jewels of the Sea". I have an idea or two already. Super excited am I! Did you happen to notice the strange looking post yesterday...oh Blogger! So, I am off to brew another cup of coffee and grab my ornament and sit outside for awhile.  The temp is only 64! and will reach the mid/high 80's today. Love this weather.  Glad you came by today. Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a great day.

An experiment with Romaine lettuce

.I saw someplace on FB about growing from what you have. So, I took a head of Romaine and cut about 1 1/2 inches

and then put it into a small cup with about 1 inch of water which I changed daily. Finally after a week, it began to sprout and today I planted it in some soil. As you can see I started another one. Have no idea how long before I can pluck some leaves for a salad...obviously a very small salad....but I thought I would give it a try. It does work.





A very nice temperature so far today, in the low 70's and chance of rain in the forecast, but this morning....

the sunrise was amazing. The sky was just so golden! Our Monsoon Season is officially over so we are headed for Autumn.  Here in Arizona, it means temps out of the triple digits. The air conditioner will finally get some down time. My goals for the day are to stitch, knit and sew....a bit of all. It is football day so Mr H will be talking to the TV most of the day. The results from Friday's lab work came back. After reviewing 3 vials of blood I need Vitamin D. Always something to add to daily pill intake. I don't hear the dryer so it is time to remove the towels and I need another cup of coffee and breakfast. Happy to have you visit as always. Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a great day.