tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42913406754300733752024-03-18T19:56:56.981-07:00Ruth Ellen's Two CentsRE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-85688009017373895842013-05-03T09:20:00.001-07:002013-05-03T09:28:21.173-07:00SPRING IS COMING!!!!<br />
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<b>Me and my little brother, Rick, in the bluebonnets!</b><br />
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Spring is coming....I can see it everywhere, but I had my first trip to Texas in bluebonnet season in the end of March.....probably just about a week ahead of big blooms, but beautiful.. I had a great time....didn't stitch a lick...just knitted and enjoyed my family. Went to Baylor for girls basketball tournaments.....saw tall gal, Britney Greiner.....what an experience. Former President Bush was there with Laura....and the team won. My niece, Katy, goes there and we had a great time.<br />
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Got home to the daffodils blooming, altho I usually look for the pussy willow buds...none yet.....so I could sing..." Spring is coming, spring is coming, how do you think I know? I saw some pussy willow. I know it must be so!" I always sang that with my first graders in the mid 60's....and still sing it today!<br />
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Now, I have been stitching busily since I got back.....and I've even worked a Saturday at the shop and saw many wonderful friends....and actually helped people. Molly is putting me on the list, so may see you sometime. We have the most wonderful bunch of gals here who share their love of cross stitch with you all. We truly feel like family....share each other's joys and challenges, give hugs and cry, and so much more. Of course the framer talks to herself in the back, but she's happy being busy. Have you come in for the framing sale yet? On until the 18th!<br />
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O.K. updates on former projects if I can get this system to work for me. DREAM.....Winter Quakers....and more.<br />
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DREAM is completed with all the dots and buttons.....frame is on the way. This was fun and different stitching it on the light blue fabric and overdyed floss. The buttons finish it off!<br />
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Winter Quakers.....what a creation from Rosewood Manor by Karen Kluba....who by the way is sending a trunk show to arrive by May 10th.....it will be a sight to see. I will point out then all the models I have stitched for the shop. My Winter Quakers is thru the 3rd section of 9 . This pic isn't the greatest, but the best I could do.</div>
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This is another design that Just Another Button Company worked with to create. </div>
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KEEPING PROMISES</div>
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It is Noah's Ark, waves, the animals. and the dove at the top......coming along. It is stitched on a blue green overdyed fabric with overdyed threads.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is much prettier in the real, but Beth, you know the newsletter gabber, my daughter, is stitching this . It is on light blue fabric using Dinky Dyes....threads are silk and in blues and blue greens. It is from Glendon Place. It is called BAKED ALASKA. These are called mandelas.....see one below just the chart which is called GRASSHOPPER PIE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This little Stitch Keeper is from Shepherd's Bush....Includes everything....</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpatkcwC-qIsnLZDhaw0_KOokwMsgFkB-znpLCUanOpKdz1q0X1J9rxCTGgX7Wmqy3HDjtgNGtD-6K-zFccqt0Qlzo4uXhn21q8lEjvcOxtbz8Lge0imFtOzliTt60NRKa8yjEZoO_3zx/s1600/DSCF0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpatkcwC-qIsnLZDhaw0_KOokwMsgFkB-znpLCUanOpKdz1q0X1J9rxCTGgX7Wmqy3HDjtgNGtD-6K-zFccqt0Qlzo4uXhn21q8lEjvcOxtbz8Lge0imFtOzliTt60NRKa8yjEZoO_3zx/s320/DSCF0386.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /><br />And one last project. This is special and has lots of beads...from Mill Hill.....on pink 28ct. linen with all of the threads. It says<br /> "SUCCESS is sometimes just having one more patch than you have holes in your inner tube"</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK4E-tzYETiCQRh7uXq6bAvfy8ExGARqSu9CufFJzu65N5n0oyX7aAHvKnKlRo3jsDFVWXfLkl_qCQ3zHk7pp2a8yfmtXrMcEWvo5_4-SyrFVjy4FhSzvBbAncZc0VS0LWuPkHLNv67pO/s1600/DSCF0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK4E-tzYETiCQRh7uXq6bAvfy8ExGARqSu9CufFJzu65N5n0oyX7aAHvKnKlRo3jsDFVWXfLkl_qCQ3zHk7pp2a8yfmtXrMcEWvo5_4-SyrFVjy4FhSzvBbAncZc0VS0LWuPkHLNv67pO/s320/DSCF0415.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />I'm closing for now to post this....just got a call to pick up my Jim......will add more later<br /><br />MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!<br /><br />RE'S one and half cents!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-28597947506508763992013-03-24T16:07:00.000-07:002013-03-24T16:07:09.909-07:00Next......DREAM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is called DREAM by Just Another Button Company. I am near the end, just adding all of the dots here and there....the buttons come next. I just picked up another like chart from same company called Keeping Promises. Noah's Ark......with darling buttons. Next time I'll share it.<br />
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Now I'd like to add another chart and my start of work.....we shall see what happens<br />
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It worked. This is an Imaginating design and is lovely. I am stitching on antique white, 28 count I believe. There is another like design called NOEL.......done on black. Check the website and link to Imaginating and you may be able to see it. <br />
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Here goes a delightful piece with compensating changes I had to make.<br />
This is a called Patchwork is Happpiness by one of our new French companies. You can see the layout of the design and when I started, which was in the upper left corner, I zipped right along, down the side, across the bottom, and then up to the top. I decided I was tired of triangles and would begin the patchwork. Start at the left side I began with the offwhite thread just two threads from the triangle border. Worked to the next part of the patches and then up to the blue small border. When I arrived at the center, I looked back and realized that I should have left four threads from the triangle border, not two. Therefore my center patch didn't line up........great. and I'm not ripping it out. So if you notice at the center of the patch just at the corner of the paper chart......it looks a bit different than the previous one. Remembering my days in school with our Danish teachers........saying "compensate".....I did just that. I added two stitches in the center of the patch.....you can tell it when pointed out. I will compensate across the remainder of the row with the correct patch. Look for the next blog to check out. I'm not much of a "ripper" and will do most anything not to take out the wrong stitches.......good thing or not good......otherwise I probably would have just put it in a box and looked for it two years from now!!!!! Trust me it will look just fine and if I hadn't told you, hopefully you wouldn't have seen it.<br />
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My daffodils are ready to pop.....just as they look in the picture from a previous blog. Today is Palm Sunday, tomorrow Passover, Good Friday, and then Easter. Interestingly the showing of THE BIBLE on the History channel, which I watched with my grandson, helps fit the puzzle of Jesus entering Jerusalem for Passover celebration......and things took a change. Often I think Jesus adopted me as I follow Him in my life for I wasn't born as a Jew or Israelly (sp)....just my thoughts. My faith is such a real part of how I have survived the challenges of my life. Many times, without the hope, trust, and love that I had been exposed to at Sunday School.....well, not sure where I'd be.<br />
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We all have taken many journeys through our lives....and many are in the midst of wondering "Why?" I know in so many ways that we gather courage from sharing with others to simply lighten the burden . My tree in the front is lighted with BELIEVE and as friends and neighbors drive by I trust they gain hope just seeing it. Many from church always make some comment......BELIEVE....BELIEVE......even sometimes it is hard to do just that. MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the life of others.......with just a hug. <br />
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I need to post this and pack my bags and pray that I can get to the airport and see my little brother tomorrow night......and his family.....love to all.......Ruth EllenRE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-89376162389290014482013-03-24T15:21:00.000-07:002013-03-24T15:21:38.014-07:00Where is spring???<br />
Well, the calendar says it is spring......but .....I am packing to fly to
Houston, Texas, tomorrow and it is supposed to be snowing here. Supposedly it
is very warm in Texas....so we shall see. I have always wanted to see the Texas
bluebonnets and am hoping this is my opportunity. <br />
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Yesterday, the 23rd, I actually was a salesperson at the shop. Beth asked me
several days ago if I'd be there and Nancy, Phyllis, and I held down the fort.
I flubbed on the charge machine and had to ask for help but oh well. The boys
played a baseball game in Maryland......even in cold weather and did pretty
well. I was the dog sitter.<br />
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I have been busy stitching on some of the things the girls brought back from
Nashville. Winter Quakers has been my immediate task. It is on its way to
being quite nice. Karen Kluba of Rosewood Manor has used Valdani
thread....three fine strands variegated. So far so good. I'm stitching it on
an overdyed blue 28 ct. from Picture This Plus. The colors and stitches are
wide and varied.....but enjoyable to put in place. Now hopefully I can get my
picture of this in this chatter. Here goes.<br />
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RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-33900669580197931182013-03-03T19:26:00.000-08:002013-03-03T19:26:01.221-08:00March 2013Well, another year has come and gone.......and yes, I'm still around. It has been one of those years when I wasn't sure if I was coming or going. My 96 year dad had many challenges as the year had begun and several trips back and forth to Ohio/West Virginia kept me in a loop.....loopy! Dad hung in there until my sister, Carma, arrived from New Zealand, her home, in early September. She headed to Pennsylvania to visit here a bit.....and Dad, an answer to prayer, decided it was time for him to "jump off the mountain" with the Good Lord leading the way. He passed away on the 12th, and we all headed "home" to celebrate his life. And......Carm's return to New Zealand stayed right on schedule. We have been blessed. <br />
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Having said that, even though I was totally prepared for his leaving and had given him my blessing to meet up with Mom (she might even meet you with an apple pie, I told him, and say, "What took you so long?") I was missing my parent/s and the holidays ahead were different. His birthday was January 1, so was always a part of our holiday time. God is good.<br />
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Just weeks before we began preparation for Dad's leaving, Jimmy, my older grandson, 11, was diagnose with IBD....intestinal bowel disease....and getting him diagnosed and treated is still going on some 7-8 months later. We must have a genetic connection to this "gut" problem as Abby, his mother, my younger daughter, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease...small intestine....years ago.....and my brother's youngest was diagnosed 9 years ago in Texas. So I haven't been doing "nuthin", but my head just couldn't get around chatting. <br />
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I actually had a hard time even finding how to get back on my 2 cents....and will see if this works. We are beginning our 34th year as one of the largest cross stitch shops in the U.S........and now have the blessing of being one of the few with a door to open and invite you to look around. Things are changing as mail order and internet worldwide are impacting our approach. With that we are meeting many challenges, going forward with sharing our store worldwide and now and then having long traveling friends show up at the door so pleased to see a real shop.<br />
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I am planning on introducing some new ideas and will progress with that in the coming weeks. Beth and Molly are coming home from the market so excited with new stuff for all of us. Check out her "gabbing" on our home page......and I look forward to getting back "with it". <br />
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Make today count..........and make a difference in someone's life......Ruth Ellen<br />
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Would you believe that the front of the "barn" is almost the same......the daffodils are stitcking the green leaves up.....no flowers yet.....but the tree is saying "BELIEVE" and will come down after Easter.RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-45536346581197864122012-03-27T10:36:00.002-07:002012-03-27T10:36:38.800-07:00Pictures for you.....and two cents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYKTGBqkqGj1pCvkjSXTZnPVLt4xBfNBb5CZhBDEkwf8V51YtavzmHBFTZaejGbh1zNGKT_EREYR-cCIxfy1K1qpwIftUpCg22Boq38r71K_faC3nDwjIExKrJBYuqngOyUln_TTNHA2C/s1600/DSCF0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYKTGBqkqGj1pCvkjSXTZnPVLt4xBfNBb5CZhBDEkwf8V51YtavzmHBFTZaejGbh1zNGKT_EREYR-cCIxfy1K1qpwIftUpCg22Boq38r71K_faC3nDwjIExKrJBYuqngOyUln_TTNHA2C/s640/DSCF0076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>SPRING HAS COME.....THE GRASS IS RIZ</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I WONDER WHERE THE FLOWERS IZ?</i></b></div>
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My Easter flowers....daffodils and jonquils......are up and are blooming beautifully just a week after my last two cents. Sadly they won't be around by Easter, but they give us all the joy of the time and hope of good things to come. I love spring....waking things up.....and fall.....putting them to bed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMekPmixaMQ1Tf63TbVuhwsy32ZiaN2_ZFqUyWJDqC5lHs7c4ax6K73mjN-4HeFd2BD9FsbXOY8fYoWTM8fGqphc9m1a2Dktt-uQokjJQSxAA4-pYqbok8SMDBQjilHNyxqFEf956e7ZMy/s1600/DSCF0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="How nice to live so close....to hear them yelling at each other!" border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMekPmixaMQ1Tf63TbVuhwsy32ZiaN2_ZFqUyWJDqC5lHs7c4ax6K73mjN-4HeFd2BD9FsbXOY8fYoWTM8fGqphc9m1a2Dktt-uQokjJQSxAA4-pYqbok8SMDBQjilHNyxqFEf956e7ZMy/s320/DSCF0081.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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One day after school, Abby and the boys arrived to chat with me and here are some shots of them....</div>
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Last Thursday I went to the shop and stitched a bit back in the framing area....It is so interesting the people I see and get to chat with......Ann, who first found us on Rt. 1, followed us to Olde Ridge Village, and now to Springwater Plaza. I was working on the octagonal box that I have shared with you (and now have completed actually) and while stitching I stuck my finger with the needle and blood!!!! on my stitching no less... Remembering my Girl Scout days, I took some of my "spit" and put it on the spot and in just a few seconds it was gone. Our saliva is the best thing to remove the stain of blood and it is real handy!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6l0yUcBRDclkNs-GfKMihXS8gCeYEUJQcT3xKRSdQURlVAowVqOtse2wQNHErDHwp9-DrY3KaLsf7HmI8BHBcalw-4NfHw4wf4NWBh1ExPFbwlAms74DDlajl4jKo6JhahYCbr7900us/s1600/DSCF0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6l0yUcBRDclkNs-GfKMihXS8gCeYEUJQcT3xKRSdQURlVAowVqOtse2wQNHErDHwp9-DrY3KaLsf7HmI8BHBcalw-4NfHw4wf4NWBh1ExPFbwlAms74DDlajl4jKo6JhahYCbr7900us/s320/DSCF0123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schoolgirl Sampler by Blue Ribbon<br /><br />Beth stitched this piece as I mentioned and completed it in 2010. Before starting on an octagonal box by Blue Ribbon...Hand to Work and Hearts to God.....I did get this one she'd done completed . It is at the shop.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">On the last Friday at 9:00,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> actually 8:45 a.m. I big bus from Perkiomen agency...spelling may not be correct, arrived for the annual visit to the shop. Some 30 ladies load up somewhere and make the trek to our shop, the quilt shop at ORV, and on to other places around Lancaster. As I've mentioned many times, we are located and live and a very historical area just west of Philadelphia and have much to enjoy and visit......from museums to gardens.....to quilt shops and counted cross stitch......knitting....take your pick. </span></td></tr>
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I am always blessed with the opportunity to go out, meet the bus, and greet the ladies....and driver. They are always to kind. I share with them how much it means to us that they have taken their time and money to come visit us......a counted cross stitch shop, and other shops around the area. The small retail shopowner welcomes the times that others help us remember why we unlock the door each morning. We had a great visit.....some returnees....and some new people......thanks a bunch for making our day!!!!!</div>
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I have completed Token of Love that I had been working on and it is in the shop now.....this was a delightful piece that I used the overdyed checked fabric that I mentioned earlier. I used the same fabric for the strawberries....put a couple of layers of fiberfill between front and back before I closed up the bottom.</div>
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Oh yes, after the bus left, and I recalled the comments about how nice it was to see so many models and everything to pick from.......I thought here again we strive to make a difference to encourage others to use their hands and be creative. Must admit, we are a bunch of "re-creators" most of the time, wanting to do it just like we see it hanging on the wall. But do your own thing with color and fabric.....take a chance!!!!</div>
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I guess I will post this for now and perhaps add more later. I heard on the radio by our local Dr . Bryan McDonough that chocolate was good to help you lose weight.....works on the BMI. Oh yes, in small amounts.......but maybe chocolate with caramel is good too. All the Easter candy....I have to put my hands in my pockets as I go through the stores. </div>
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I'm not sure you can tell from the picture above at the top, but my Christmas tree which stands inside the barn doors right under the Moravian star, has a purple cloth tied to the handles......this is the season of Lent. The tree lights are not on, just the star, and the spotlight shines at night. On Sunday, the lights will come on as Palm Sunday brings the arrival of Jesus to Jerusalem and such excitement. Good Friday......I always wonder why it is "Good Friday", but the lights go out, the black cloth is tied to the handles.....and sadness is indicated. But early on Sunday morning, EASTER, I'll stretch the white cloth......lights all on.....</div>
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"He's alive"......BELIEVE.</div>
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My knowledge that God loves me in each and every moment comes from my Christian faith and my Bible as I think of all the stories of Jesus that I learned as a child and continue to learn. Grow me up Lord , I say. And He says, "Rest in Me..........and girl.....JUST PEDAL<br /></div>
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I just had the joy of singing the Requiem with my church choir on Sunday the 18th.....what a moving service. There is so much that challenges each of us every day and as I've said before how important it is to lean on one another and share. I recall many years ago in a moment of severe depression that I yelled at God after I saw a bird just flying over my head.....not a care in the world it seemed....and I told the Big Boss, that if He knew that bird was flying over God provided for him.as the Bible stories go.....why couldn't He fix me up. My faith was mightily stretched for many months......but in time I think He got through to me. Google the words JUST PEDAL... this has become my mantra lately.....I have a picture story in my head of sitting on the back seat...often still trying to run the show.....</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and He so kindly looks back and says," Just Pedal, Ruth Ellen"</span></div>
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Love to you......Happy Easter (Easta as they say in Boston)........and always take the time to </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Make a Difference..</span></div>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-69742846844174892982012-03-13T11:36:00.005-07:002012-03-13T11:36:46.234-07:00It's like the South...Carolinas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>ARE YOUR FLOWERS BLOOMING?</b></div>
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I have a few daffodils .....or as Mom always called them...."Easter flowers" . Each Easter morning she cut buckets of those beautiful yellow flowers and carried them to church. At the foot of the cross in front of church the children would come get a flower and put it somewhere in the mesh that had been attached to the cross. I have a picture of her with her red shoes on helping a little boy place his flower on the cross. Under the picture is written.....</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>A Living Testament</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i>Eleanor Ott helps a boy place a flower on the cross outside St. Andrews United Methodist Church on 20th Street in Parkersburg Sunday Morning. Members of the St.Andrews congregation and residents of the neighborhood filled the Easter cross with daffodils, jonquils and hyacinth in celebration of the holy day. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>I have been stitching away......finishing Token of Love and just about ready to get it together and to the shop. It is on 32ct. lambswool and I am using the overdyed red checked fabric for the back and for the strawberries. Work in progress......it is nice!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>This is a shot of the cover .....I hope it shows. It has two strawberries....what else...hanging from the corner to the right .</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I not sure how to finish the edges. The picture above is with the checked fabric folded like a binding and then I'll have to miter the corners....stuff it with something before I close it up.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I'm going to use the checked fabric for the berries.</i></b></div>
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When I complete something for the shop....I walk around and look for something else to do next. Sometimes they "ask me" to stitch this or that....sometimes I do and sometimes not. Well looking around I found this new Blue Ribbon chart with finishing on a Shaker box.....and the words are</div>
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<b><i>Hands to work.......Hearts to God</i></b></div>
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This is the words that 4-H groups symbolize.....I remember 4-H from West Virginia. </div>
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I thought I really like this so gathered the "stuff" to get started. As I began I thought, "It seems to me that Beth stitched something from Blue Ribbon that was delightful.." ....but couldn't remember it being finished. After poking around in the drawers here and there, sure enough I found her beautiful stitching and made up my mind that I'd do this first and then work on the other. It is almost done.....the directions are very good, but think it might be a good thing to offer a simple "watch me do this" so you can learn some tricks to finishing. I will bring it Friday night to Stitching at the Ford for you to have a look.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beth does a beautiful job laying out her work....basting threads.Lower left says BED 2010</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of the box.....the sea</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweaGnIY8lXnrSntsKU6iztbn-Cr8Ev-3bTJIxpJCrWFoqE2vnbDIGNgWWgHM-C1PyDCIo3GWjaR1BuW7-LH7Cejyj7DOtWDDV-QO7gDW4LCmhe55IhsW9899rS7IBzIoN8g-O5TICwDLJ/s1600/DSCF0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweaGnIY8lXnrSntsKU6iztbn-Cr8Ev-3bTJIxpJCrWFoqE2vnbDIGNgWWgHM-C1PyDCIo3GWjaR1BuW7-LH7Cejyj7DOtWDDV-QO7gDW4LCmhe55IhsW9899rS7IBzIoN8g-O5TICwDLJ/s320/DSCF0064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br />Now some more pics of as you go. The sides of the box are now sewn together yet....just basted.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Now maybe I'll get ready for Hands to Work....Hearts to God</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Yet another find.....and something you will love!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have enough lights .....from over the years.....to have one in each room and yet this one above has become my very favorite. It is called Mighty Bright. It doesn't stand quite as high as the Dazor or ...Ott-Lite....notice that label....I was an Ott for a long time....still am...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Now the other day while at the shop.....Lisa who is "just the framer" wakes me up to yet another thing I like about it.......It can be plugged in.....or it runs on 3 D batteries. I like that feature as I tend to move stuff around alot. It is also reasonably priced at about $100. It has LED lights....and very pliable "neck" or post. Sometimes I put it between my legs in front of my chair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Some other shots</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm going to close while I think this is working correctly. During my years of challenges and survivals I recalls some of the most meaningful gifts of words that others have given me...one below is special</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Please give me a few friends</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Who will love me as I am</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>And keep ever lit before me </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>A light of hope</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>So that if I do not come within </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>the castle of my dreams</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>I will still be happy</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>with the life God has given me!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And I have been given those few friends and so much hope that even tho it wasn't supposed to be like this when I got big (The title of the book I will write one day)....I can still hope, meet the challenges, and gain strength I need from God as others share the load.....the bricks I call it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The girls at the shop are like family....we share with each other...and many of our friends who come thru that door looking for something to keep their hands busy.....because of the challenges they are encountering......leave with hope having shared a few bricks to unload the weight of it all.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">AS I ALWAYS LIKE END WITH...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">MAKE A DIFFERENCE........share the love when sometimes it is not too easy...and remember that God uses each one of us on this journey through life.....even if we don't really know Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This too is written on my heart....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jesus loves me.....this I know for the Bible tells me so.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He won't dump me, abandon me, or reject me! He's there at my lowest and highest moments. And when I go to bed at night...I know for sure that he is in charge and I can sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>BELIEVE</i></b></span></div>
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</tbody></table>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-12166499195627489972012-03-02T10:16:00.002-08:002012-03-02T18:07:55.881-08:00SPRING IS COMING!!!!!<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;">Out the back deck watching the swans!!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>It is now March.....actually the 2nd, our Jimmy B's 11th birthday. I called Abby and reminded her of what we were up to 11 years ago. I always called my mother on my birthday to ask her what she was doing.....years ago. This year when i turned 70, I called Dad and asked him what he'd been doing that many years ago. "Oh, I think I was holding a little girl and trying to get her to cry!" Born at my grandparents home, it was different. He has told me that my head was so pointed from pulling me out.....that he wasn't sure all was going to be so good. Never fear, Dad! JB had a challenging birth, but good to hit baseballs a "fer piece" and whack the window of the barn. </i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAFFODILS....</span><span style="font-size: small;">no yellow blooms yet</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>SNOWDROPS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I taught school.....in the early 60's...I had a bunch of 6 year olds, and as soon as the pussy willow began to pop...... I'd come in every year singing......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I saw some pussywillow, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Sitting here at the computer I can see the birds at the feeder. If I were fast enough I'd get a picture of the cardinals, he and she, sitting on the fence rail waiting for the big red headed woodpecker to move on. What a sight. The swans on the lake, just the two, have kept the geese off the lake. They are pretty to watch, the geese, and to see the babies come, but they like to eat and........in the yard. Well, tried to get a picture....and guess what, they vamoosed.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuEod948q4RtgoYpJUEti500xhTzAfkj8dzdlEB1hD-XnRBc1S1UsIduRkW6TPeateRSpvg9C80Mh2te4Xg8AIl889DMSmLhi8CQqMHbiy2H3-bbeDGvDN90MPGTKdm_l85hvbnlqLmTL/s1600/DSCF0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuEod948q4RtgoYpJUEti500xhTzAfkj8dzdlEB1hD-XnRBc1S1UsIduRkW6TPeateRSpvg9C80Mh2te4Xg8AIl889DMSmLhi8CQqMHbiy2H3-bbeDGvDN90MPGTKdm_l85hvbnlqLmTL/s320/DSCF0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Promise of Spring.....it's coming even tho we've hardly had winter!!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just finished a model called "Promise of Spring" by Silver Creek Samplers. Lise and I were both working on it and mine is ready to be framed. It is stitched on 32ct. overdyed linen which you will have to find out about from Beth.....lost my plastic bag....enjoy. Looks a little on the pink side here in the photo, but it is really a nice blue gray.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTvUzvBGZKu70sCvwSwKYZq5Vn8xnqrB_s9b52WGj5W_EzgOM-MiKLznjERPEdZBAIDKD5Op27EpbDCN_KR26LUuvhXT1TcNd-72tTkcv8mo6BcGn39S2QSOav-Qn1kd2L_fX50OYuszj/s1600/DSCF0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTvUzvBGZKu70sCvwSwKYZq5Vn8xnqrB_s9b52WGj5W_EzgOM-MiKLznjERPEdZBAIDKD5Op27EpbDCN_KR26LUuvhXT1TcNd-72tTkcv8mo6BcGn39S2QSOav-Qn1kd2L_fX50OYuszj/s320/DSCF0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is where I am now having completed the border and the words</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next........Token of Love a Redwork Sampler Pillow by Pineberry Lane. I'm stitching this on 32ct. lambswool and getting near completion. Since I gave you that round of "compensating" in an earlier blog I will point out to you some compensating that I did on this piece. I started in the center with the tip of the flower there, and then went up to the zigzag border and worked to the right corner, turned the work upside down (always work down and toward myself.......Danish schooling)....reached the top right corner and still upside down, worked left to right toward the center, completing each stitch along the way. When I reached the top center point, I decided to check to make sure I wasn't "off". With the tip of my needle, I went down along the thread of the "x" that was opposite the other side.......and whoa....I was off by one stitch.!!!!!!! Now what should I do.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HfsMyspXz8717y8seNbloGNveADirPunQasJ1LhxenObWZ0H6zAI8uT5b-86QWUUSHvlGhfE6Bvlq5lSUO9ndYKqBheYnro8pdK_Lypv0HyY0KMptz0nXCIhOPmbPs0jzE7zJJjOtzhR/s1600/DSCF0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HfsMyspXz8717y8seNbloGNveADirPunQasJ1LhxenObWZ0H6zAI8uT5b-86QWUUSHvlGhfE6Bvlq5lSUO9ndYKqBheYnro8pdK_Lypv0HyY0KMptz0nXCIhOPmbPs0jzE7zJJjOtzhR/s200/DSCF0025.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of correction....Corner not to top line</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-_R24peAB5nMHusOHaEhWqlneJ6btszbk4351Wa1td5YHOzlByTUKVx1ku5exyK3yWGKaC3pNEslO088RGGxj3zcFk9HwwwotUZwCmXVnKP8Hw-5WMuVSwhzL8le3qZr2z8AmZxkSt-s/s1600/DSCF0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-_R24peAB5nMHusOHaEhWqlneJ6btszbk4351Wa1td5YHOzlByTUKVx1ku5exyK3yWGKaC3pNEslO088RGGxj3zcFk9HwwwotUZwCmXVnKP8Hw-5WMuVSwhzL8le3qZr2z8AmZxkSt-s/s200/DSCF0024.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Error at upper right ..6 not 5 stitches</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Interestingly, I decided to go to the bottom part of the border, working upside down and to the right (or the lower left corner when straight up), and then still with my work upside down, working that left side to the corner. Then I went back to the top center and completed the top border to the left corner and decided .....hey if it is for me .....a model....I think </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'll leave it. I don't like to pick out 32ct . linen .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now seeing it like this, I think I will take out the stitches in the upper left, make 6 instead of 5, add the second dot in the corner and then I won't have to rip all of those stitches out. So when you see it finished and in the pillow, you can have your opinion. I think Marianne, my Danish teacher , who pushed us to "compensate" would be pleased.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgJfnxLHe-Os5AzMGtCmOeaTgbUJKCTJKwTpgKNDcJbm-cIOaH68GWOpLYzkvsovNVtFl4xF9qXnbFIeuw7LY5UJ3SBFPnQxqNXp0saXe6pDkhF0sLPvMnMJU156zPpFmj0e19cyKE47w/s1600/DSCF0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgJfnxLHe-Os5AzMGtCmOeaTgbUJKCTJKwTpgKNDcJbm-cIOaH68GWOpLYzkvsovNVtFl4xF9qXnbFIeuw7LY5UJ3SBFPnQxqNXp0saXe6pDkhF0sLPvMnMJU156zPpFmj0e19cyKE47w/s320/DSCF0029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The catalog from years back</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NhU17dKgvdLmZ7wbFCJqToaZkEiedd6-RiYhLpE1I2eZepc_ImokUjguxgtgzsgfB5WGUAZ43ej75FRPDFm2G3hZ68-4R6z7l2NUe_eR6OUMTHcYkaTZd8G0gA16hwrRp_IozZ6zBfHA/s1600/DSCF0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NhU17dKgvdLmZ7wbFCJqToaZkEiedd6-RiYhLpE1I2eZepc_ImokUjguxgtgzsgfB5WGUAZ43ej75FRPDFm2G3hZ68-4R6z7l2NUe_eR6OUMTHcYkaTZd8G0gA16hwrRp_IozZ6zBfHA/s320/DSCF0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the left side of the finished design from the catalog</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-H-Hz75h4oKAAhQR0d2cNFylUUsVMeR55N9fH8On6wY-a3nVyi87g-m1v6r9iP697DJaOk6WMEVHxYJNJ-O1BRViQ_D3KjOPAWCsmR-yrLss3RytbZhYpvu_ai9eBfVC7kNCIr_IwakX/s1600/DSCF0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-H-Hz75h4oKAAhQR0d2cNFylUUsVMeR55N9fH8On6wY-a3nVyi87g-m1v6r9iP697DJaOk6WMEVHxYJNJ-O1BRViQ_D3KjOPAWCsmR-yrLss3RytbZhYpvu_ai9eBfVC7kNCIr_IwakX/s200/DSCF0032.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the right side of the finished design</td></tr>
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Well I'm not getting the layout so nicely here, but will continue on. This is a kit by Ida Winckler which I have been working on for years. I will try to show you bits and pieces of it.....and I am getting to the end. In cleaning stuff out, found some things that I believe Abby stitched after her trip there in 1984 with Beth and me. We had much exposure to DHG as we traveled there and also I was involved with Danish American Days for many years down at Pawleys Island, SC<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcV7caTOmHdk26jkjAkdDZOk9Sbf06tDFvfutGhrYSSiuy9Sj9mIEb31ulePS5Bg2HmitkvIu_AXS8fvq5Tsavc48uGNsN4HVuAct8otahrXvEr_Mf6iR-Iyxk7ib5oZD5GwCemGGqcKO/s1600/DSCF4281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcV7caTOmHdk26jkjAkdDZOk9Sbf06tDFvfutGhrYSSiuy9Sj9mIEb31ulePS5Bg2HmitkvIu_AXS8fvq5Tsavc48uGNsN4HVuAct8otahrXvEr_Mf6iR-Iyxk7ib5oZD5GwCemGGqcKO/s320/DSCF4281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not sure what I've done....but can't seem to get the pic up at present. I will go ahead and publish all of this and perhaps edit some things later...9:00 pm I finally got my shot up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TCcTP1-tC0GtA7eCMVa3urvG9z5jJXPIuyy8UY2kR_P6ZFZbWvf7MS-_QaH0fiZDC0DuQ9KHCxZv3TTpb4B9vqsfHj9Wg6_r5yafiuZTQ9Qq1RoOhUTx9OO2FUk82HmD5CcuoJUOTEfV/s1600/DSCF0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TCcTP1-tC0GtA7eCMVa3urvG9z5jJXPIuyy8UY2kR_P6ZFZbWvf7MS-_QaH0fiZDC0DuQ9KHCxZv3TTpb4B9vqsfHj9Wg6_r5yafiuZTQ9Qq1RoOhUTx9OO2FUk82HmD5CcuoJUOTEfV/s200/DSCF0034.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another one of Ida Winckler's designs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbazEzFHHYeeP5Ug8rrn5wpEZWivqlJN5Ih3YT0Bh-Q8YBwm_Ya1HbBlWR8j79nhqvRQZ5jdUOkfbsUx7zCsPdBcsWmCPNPRT96SLDe7E5ZhCd5gRwCMEq_VPlUa2zv03YsOvrzTchCLgr/s1600/DSCF0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbazEzFHHYeeP5Ug8rrn5wpEZWivqlJN5Ih3YT0Bh-Q8YBwm_Ya1HbBlWR8j79nhqvRQZ5jdUOkfbsUx7zCsPdBcsWmCPNPRT96SLDe7E5ZhCd5gRwCMEq_VPlUa2zv03YsOvrzTchCLgr/s200/DSCF0035.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby's stitching above</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Danish Handcraft Guild and School in Copenhagen, Denmark, has so impacted my stitching and knowledge of counted cross stitch. Thanks to Ginnie and Ken Thompson, my life will never be the same. I treasure every week of classes there , traveling and visiting the Danes and really getting to know another culture.....not so different from us at all. As mentioned my first Counted Cross Stitch was purchased in Dordrecht, in the Netherlands in 1971, but it was actually a Danish kit.....Eva Rosenstand...and is my treasured first piece, a bellpull hanging in the front hall. This kit used 6 strand floss where the Danish Handcraft Guild (DHG) kits used flower thread.....a single length of thread that equaled two of floss. While "cleaning out" stuff recently, I found my DHG kits, few books, some things finished and some not and decided to take some shots of them and share. Sadly, it is very difficult to get these any longer as the powers that be in Denmark have changed.....things are different. The pictures I will share with you, are by the designer Ida Winckler. She was a little old lady with a delightful smile, spoke no English or little , but had her own manner of design. At the same time we met Gerda Bengsston, another wonderful designer of flowers and much more. I hope to share some of these with you. Little was published in books or single charts, much to our dismay, so kits were the majority of purchases everytime I went to Copenhagen. I was there many times.........and I have a wonderful collection of designs. Here are some.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have been stitching.....and getting ready for an outpatient round of surgery this past Monday. Several years ago....like 5 just before getting my knees replaced... I felt my child-bearing insides let loose and pull everything else down with it. Having had a hysterectomy many years ago, I was stunned to learn that I had a "prolapse " of the pelvic area. which allowed it to turn inside out like an old sock. I had a wonderful surgeon who explained that this was not an uncommon thing to happen, often genetic, but resulting from large babies and the hysterectomy. That was in 2006. My knees got replaced by October and the following year, I headed for surgery to put that "old sock" back in place......tacking it to my tail bone and creating a bit of discomfort, but nothing like the bulge in the bottom. Now you might ask, "Why in the world is she telling me/us/women and men this?" My doctor was adamant that I take the scenario to others as it is often "swept under the rug" as "Oh, I'm just falling apart and getting old!" Not just older women have this.....others ages as well. We have heard of tacking up the bladder....called bladder prolapse, but I'd never heard of Pelvic Prolapse. When it occurs it grabs the works.......vaginal wall and along with it the bladder and the bowel. AND IT CAN BE REPAIRED!!!! thank goodness. So perhaps because I don't always act my age and lift and move stuff that I shouldn't, my bowel came unglued (untacked) and proceeded with gravity to give me some additional challenges. Miralax, Senekot, Colace....and fiber became my routing friends. Since Monday........If I can just remember that I can't run around like I was 25 fixing and doing this and that.....I feel great. So don't hesitate and say "I'll just put up with the discomfort"......have it checked out and fixed. My Doctor Babak Vakili in Wilmington is my good friend.....thanks to him you're getting this message.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Will close for now......eat some lunch and return after while......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Make a difference ......give others something to share</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Our hands love to keep busy creating...right!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ruth Ellen</span></div>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-69964669566513615142012-02-14T10:59:00.000-08:002012-02-15T05:14:44.186-08:00Snow Flies and so do the Birds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the barn with that little sprinkling of snow. It does look very pretty....only deer tracks across it.<br />
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It is that day for Valentines.....a a big happy one to you. I am amazed at the beautiful hearts that have been created for stitching. Beth has many on the website.....and in the newsletter. As I looked at the calendar, no way can it be February. The little bit of snow I found enjoyable since we didn't have to shovel and it is pretty coming down, but this up and down temperature business is the pits. When I lived in the South we had mild weather most of the time.....except the few years in the mountains....and when it did snow down there, at the beach, it was exciting and everything came to a stop....and we enjoyed it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's done!!!!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last block completed.....Giving thanks on Sunday!!! How appropriate</td></tr>
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I have completed Hawk Run Hollow which many of you have been following my progress. On Super Bowl Sunday, several picked up the "stuff" to stitch it. It was very enjoyable....maybe because the fabric was 28ct. which made seeing it much easier. Finished it measured about 26 1/4 inch by 19 3/4. Each block is about<br />
6 1/2 inches square. On 32 ct. it would be 5 3/4 inches a bit smaller. It is in the process of framing. We selected a reddish brown frame about 2 inches wide. Phyllis' autumn Hawk Run is in the works for framing as well. Hers is long! Hope I can load up some pics<br />
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I had started another block sampler by Brenda Keyes before I began Hawk Run and now I am back to working on it. It is on 32 ct. linen, two strands of DMC.....I use the magnifier bigtime.It is titled A Sampler Story. She gives numerous alternatives that you can use....again one or two of the 24 blocks each of which measures 3 inches. It is different than Hawk Run, but does tell a sampler story.<br />
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Here is a shot of where I am........actually it is a shot of the entire piece.....from the cover and I have completed the 12 on the right side. Don't know why I started there.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is where I am.....the pic is on the left. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14nXJFiniYdHaX5VAPRZxfQlZ_zyx0grfGV68P3Qwjv2pzKagad_IypD9Iq186TYf-D6Gvu0evLazXyBbJuBJYf5-MUJ6uuxGqldI4pI2zJqWNqKrRXi3UdICPWuPHZptTiv0__cp4fMd/s1600/DSCF4321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14nXJFiniYdHaX5VAPRZxfQlZ_zyx0grfGV68P3Qwjv2pzKagad_IypD9Iq186TYf-D6Gvu0evLazXyBbJuBJYf5-MUJ6uuxGqldI4pI2zJqWNqKrRXi3UdICPWuPHZptTiv0__cp4fMd/s320/DSCF4321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is something I found as I was going thru things that I save.......I will write it out...it says so much</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>My Favorite Store</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Strawberry Sampler </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Chadds Ford, PA</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>How could it be?</i></b></span></div>
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<b>It all was so right</b></div>
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<b>I had entered a world</b></div>
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<b>Of beauty so bright.</b></div>
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<b>From the towels and bibs, </b></div>
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<b>To the samplers and clock, </b></div>
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<b>I could see that this shop</b></div>
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<b>Had magnificent stock.</b></div>
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<b>Rabbits and dolls</b></div>
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<b>Were displayed on the wall.</b></div>
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<b>There were so many projects, </b></div>
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<b>I wanted them all.</b></div>
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<b>I started to gather </b></div>
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<b>From each loaded rack. </b></div>
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<b>Then I realized quite gladly, </b></div>
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<b>I'd have to come back.</b></div>
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<b>For stitching is not</b></div>
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<b>An impulsive task, </b></div>
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<b>But rather an act</b></div>
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<b>Of love meant to last.</b></div>
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This was share by Katherine Hoffken, Essington, PA in a magazine that was printed at least 15-20 years ago. In it there was a place to write in about your favorite store. We were thrilled with her thoughts. In those 15-20 years so much has changed in our retail industry and having been one of the "early birds" in the mid 70's, I seen the growth....at times overwhelming growth...of shops around the country.....and sadly the change in the number of shops that are still sharing "this cross stitch stuff". It is because of friends like you all that keeps this poem relative......even those of you on the internet, mail order. As these shops have closed their doors, we know it as our internet base continues to grow. We're always so pleased to have "one of them drop by while traveling....just to say hi and to check us out. </div>
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I will post this now, hoping my chatting you enjoy. The birds are having a blast at the feeders. Their bellies are full. Haven't seen any squirrels yet.....but I won't hold my breath. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like this?.......Hope to chart it......BELIEVE</td></tr>
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Never forget that your presence is treasured in this busy world we live in. Abby, the boy's mom, my younger daughter who endures the challenges of Crohn's disease, says "HI!" We are hoping that she will bring us some new X Appeal Designs in the near future. We live next door....they're in the farmhouse while Beth and I share the old restored barn. It is a uniquely blessful situation.......being able to help out when needed and to share the ups and downs of life. Stress is such a factor in this day.......and I am a firm believer that one of the reasons we have blessed is that keeping your hands busy is so important. Remember the old days when the ladies sat around the quilt....at the quilting bees.....that's what our gatherings really are.......a bunch of us buzzing around sharing with each other. We will miss Stitchin' at the Ford this month due to the holiday weekend, but back together in March. I will bring the teaching frame and share some tricks or answer some questions..........One of my favorite Bible verses......</div>
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<b><i>Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God , and the peace of God which shall surpass all understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.</i></b></div>
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<i>And this modern translation says it well<b> </b></i></div>
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<b><i>Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Through many years of difficult times.......as my doctor says"I have survived!" I repeated many verses over and over until they are really a part of my life moment by moment carrying me through...not always around....what I am facing. </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Make a difference in the lives of all who walk on your pathway!</i></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-6269986319123475632012-02-05T23:01:00.000-08:002012-02-07T18:35:59.040-08:00IIT'S MONDAY 2 A.M.<em>Not sure just where my blog got to and will redo it tomorrow. Have to learn some more to make this work. Finish Hawk Run Hollow. </em><br />
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<em>We had a wonderful group of ladies and a few men in for the sale.....It's amazing to see everyone and know they still enjoy coming into the store. Those of you on the internet.....we'd love to see you , but truly enjoy notes and orders. </em><br />
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<em>Better go to sleep and think better tomorrow........RE</em>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-9616042550368531032012-02-04T16:13:00.000-08:002012-02-04T16:13:24.388-08:00SUPER BOWL EVE<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here we are, the night before Super Bowl. What a fun time we have and have had over the years. Remember the days when we put a yellow line on the floor to keep an orderly flow to the register? The mid 80's and early 90's. We still have a "line-up" at check out time---more orderly I guess. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have been working on Hawk Run Hollow ..... just about to finish but will show you a shot before the final block. I'm not sure why I'm enjoying this piece so much....maybe the 28ct. of the fabric, but I think it is exciting to do a block at a time and see the progress. It is a big piece... and Phyllis' is finished and getting ready for framing. Her's is wide and beautiful. I am contemplating doing one block for the top of a box, but not started yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My plan on this "gabbing spot" is to share with you tips and techniques that I have learned over the past 40 years....many from my studies in Copenhagen, Denmark in the 70's and 80's. My approaches to counted cross stitch are greatly influenced by the Danes approach and don't always "sit right" with more .....can't think of a word....but Guilds across our country. I smile and share kindly why I stitch the way I do. Above in the picture, I had Beth make a photo of how I am holding my fabric.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9k4fiSKqrPDZ_iMJPBJ143RZQl62ky5MjAmkftk8UaDC6MgNnv_YpwpgGv2OaGIXivLusedFS7QxtYAcpVvCe3jaeSFjpiCPrL_tvJj0d7yTN5NkpSSrWtGg_7yVnujaRWuVimgwy7sVY/s1600/DSCF4303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9k4fiSKqrPDZ_iMJPBJ143RZQl62ky5MjAmkftk8UaDC6MgNnv_YpwpgGv2OaGIXivLusedFS7QxtYAcpVvCe3jaeSFjpiCPrL_tvJj0d7yTN5NkpSSrWtGg_7yVnujaRWuVimgwy7sVY/s320/DSCF4303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Note my thumb....it is placed just below where I am stitching....see the under stitch I just completed. If you could see the underside, you would find, my index finger just behind the area pressing against my thumb. And, my little ring finger and pinkie are at the upper edge of the stitching area, helping to keep the fabric in place as I stitch. Some always say, "You're not using a hoop or stitching bars......!" No, my hand is my "hoop". I will try to insert a picture later of this later. One thing we often try to do is hold the fabric we're stitching on with our thumb and index finger......which puts a strain on the wrist and can lead to problems later on. Why this way.......my first class at The Danish Handcraft Guild in 1977, I forgot to take a hoop when I packed. But in the first class we were informed that we would not be using a hoop, instead our hand would become that tool. Not easy at first, but I couldn't even cheat when I got to the hotel because I couldn't even find a hoop to buy! So I made my hand work. We were taught to use "the sewing method", not punch and stab, to place the stitches.....Another lesson I hope to share.</span><br />
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On the left you see how we commonly end up holding our fabric......this is the one that puts a strain on the wrist. On the right my fingers are under the stitching area.....perhaps not like the picture above with all of my fingers, but nevertheless, my index finger is right behind my thumb on the back side of the fabric.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I see a picture of my hand....hands....I'm reminded of something that happened in the early 70's while I was teaching a group of ladies how to do decoupage....hard crafts they call it. It was spring and being a gardener....failing to put on gloves....my hands were a mess. While helping a lady new to the area who was having difficulty adjusting to the move, I reached out my hands to help and quickly said," Oh my, I need to ask the Good Lord for a new pair of hands....these are a mess.!" She very quickly stated, "And when He does that, would you ask Him to give me those. I'd love to be able to use my hands like you do!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, I was suddenly reminded that we are what we are.....with all of the challenges that we never let on about. She had no idea that I had been hospitalized the year before......when we got moved.....battling severe depression. After 5 weeks I joined my family and with the help of therapy and medication, I learned to cope........and to share my challenges with others. That was 40+ years ago and with new medications my life changed dramatically as that of my family. With the help of doctors, we discovered a genetic link to depression which impacted ...... and impacts so many of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After looking at my "wad" of thread tails, I pulled out several ways that we have learned to store and carry our thread or floss as we are stitching. Now if like me you are stitching several pieces at once, you may have to adjust your techniques. I will show you some pics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The floss is inside of a length of plastic......comes 100 to a package....with a hole in one end to put on a ring as you can see.....the pulling end comes through another hole on the opposite end.....and another hole allow for putting the remaining lengths of floss there instead of a "wad"......Tip......right here.......when pulling out a length of floss from the skein, ALWAYS go the the end with the number and pull from that end. You will actually see an arrow in a circle configuration....used to be a hand.....and this allows for the thread to "come out"...usually without getting hung up. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LWUDYSY1mWXQmaaS-h3Ho-iqr8TqUD-e5pyBohkHg4UwPz8nVBPggTkxYrVQpbKA92rMuKH__dmehoBm93fsFNg_4uRqAd4IU_WwfrOFBCcVPLaQxLij94R4WM607wuUO3l-BlHD3FIL/s1600/DSCF4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LWUDYSY1mWXQmaaS-h3Ho-iqr8TqUD-e5pyBohkHg4UwPz8nVBPggTkxYrVQpbKA92rMuKH__dmehoBm93fsFNg_4uRqAd4IU_WwfrOFBCcVPLaQxLij94R4WM607wuUO3l-BlHD3FIL/s320/DSCF4266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The above is a method that many of us have used, winding each color on a small plastic card that was...is stored in an 8 x 10 plastic box. I like this way, altho I find if the floss is wound too tightly, well....let's say....it may not always lay....lie so nicely...but that's just me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, I must get back to my stitching to take with me to the shop tomorrow. I'm just about done with "Giving Thanks on Sunday" .....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hope to see you soon......thanks for being you....and making a difference for those who happen on to your journey through life.....Teach them to stitch!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbA8AliFDUStlE9U5WxpBhF36x2yace5x9KP1PZ55o06K5nHCOSPJIx_maXfF2kNhPXx6jZ3oOwJvnAg6MpWj59w8A2X4roDVA9kOujiZ4xMG9uHAYB0feYkVua2g_AS2ara2CPa1lYU5/s1600/DSCF4214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbA8AliFDUStlE9U5WxpBhF36x2yace5x9KP1PZ55o06K5nHCOSPJIx_maXfF2kNhPXx6jZ3oOwJvnAg6MpWj59w8A2X4roDVA9kOujiZ4xMG9uHAYB0feYkVua2g_AS2ara2CPa1lYU5/s320/DSCF4214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, I have just about finished Saturday Dance on Hawk Run Hollow....that means just one more block to finish this piece.....that will be "Giving Thanks on Sunday". I am so enjoying this piece. Phyllis asked me today is I was getting close. Beth put up her piece beside this one....both from Carriage House Samplings. I'm thinking about stitching one of the blocks and putting it on a box top....will share that later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now a quick shot of the "back".......it doesn't quite look like the front, but I have managed to keep it pretty cleaned up......giving it a "haircut" as I go....clipping the tail threads. Beth always has a great time yapping at the back side of my work.....to which I say...."just don't look at it!" I'm brave tonight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm off to choir practice shortly so will work on it when I get home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While I'm talking about threads....actually the floss I'm using, it is good to mention some tricks or tips about you thread. This chart actually calls for silk which is lovely, but I have seldom used silk as my hands seem to "catch" the fibers, and instead DMC becomes my floss of choice. Because of the size of the piece, I've needed more than one skein of several colors and will try to give a list of those later when completed if anyone might be interested. I used two strands of floss for the cross stitch and for the small amount of back or straight stitches. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I tend to work with a length about 18 - 24 inches long, pulling each strand out and putting them back together for the two....keeps the floss from tangling. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTo2T7c1lq3iQBOgDtpFgSJjkm5FuhdWVOcCU3Fg8cYgPaXS3kB17vqkdoKJx0e7mrBogU5VUYTA13WOEsvBbJdflLPV7HX4VqtChQ4vDfLRPiHos7jcGgo-STdQJNdz08QMSrkB_GBQw/s1600/DSCF4221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTo2T7c1lq3iQBOgDtpFgSJjkm5FuhdWVOcCU3Fg8cYgPaXS3kB17vqkdoKJx0e7mrBogU5VUYTA13WOEsvBbJdflLPV7HX4VqtChQ4vDfLRPiHos7jcGgo-STdQJNdz08QMSrkB_GBQw/s320/DSCF4221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now my next secret, flaw, habit, or mess......my "wad" ... probably because I work on so many pieces at the same time and pull out a length of thread each time I need a new length.....I have the "leftover " strands that I toss together, keeping the skein in another pile. When I'm changing colors I pick up my "wad" and check for what I need...and thus, I create a mess of thread. Friday night while Stitching at the Ford with about 20 of us, my friend says politely to me...."Your wad is on the floor" and yes I had dropped it. Should I admit such a thing....oh well, I just did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Later I will share with you some much neater methods of storing, using, gathering your floss when storing it or stitching with it. And after some 40 years, I have had lots of ways... some good.....some a mess! Wait till I tell you about the hoop with the floss braided on it! Maybe I can put together an example of several. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well it is time for me to hit the road and practice. I'm a member of a 100 plus voice choir at Westminster Presbyterian Church....the big church building just above 926 on Rt. 202. We are a wonderful family of voices ..... me at soprano no less. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't forget to gather up your completed stitching and bring it in for framing. Sale goes on until the end of the month.....check the website for details.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make a difference.......Ruth Ellen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-66018748590412625062012-01-20T10:27:00.000-08:002012-01-21T18:50:03.918-08:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here I am again trying to upload some pics. Beth is standing right beside me to guide me through this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is the cover for The Farms of Hawk Run Hollow. I mentioned earlier that the designer called for 40 ct. and I am using 28 ct. unbleached. The given stitch count for the above is 557 wide by 185 high. On 40 ct. the above arrangement was to be 27 3/4 wide X 9 1/4. On 28 ct./14 it would be almost 40 inches wide. Then our friend Barb S. was in the shop as I was trying to make up my mind and she pointed out that there was another arrangement on the back of the front cover........it is</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This.........was what I found. The stitch count for each block is 92 x 92 and with four across adding one stitch between each of the blocks, it becomes 371 wide and 278....this allows for one stitch between each block. The designer allowed for the center double block in the design. Using the 28ct./14 linen this becomes a design area about 27 " x 20". I cut my fabric .....a fat half we call it....half the width of the fabric by 36". That leaves me plenty for framing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This piece would also work up nicely on 32ct. I'd prefer lambswool or unbleached as the whites show up nicely on the darker fabric. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXDGtINxmyyFE7EasmhOFBqnqqZHb6WixWhBqXcW5ShYPxsqgqCiCLUei_KnJEb89jlgkQrWTnOwubOvRweuldIDBAxIbWqW_SFHUbSrsazrW-gpAQGwHlIQRXsSiPN5zJwG_qIgUH_3X/s1600/DSCF4184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXDGtINxmyyFE7EasmhOFBqnqqZHb6WixWhBqXcW5ShYPxsqgqCiCLUei_KnJEb89jlgkQrWTnOwubOvRweuldIDBAxIbWqW_SFHUbSrsazrW-gpAQGwHlIQRXsSiPN5zJwG_qIgUH_3X/s320/DSCF4184.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now I mentioned the word "compensation" in an earlier posting and this piece is a good example of just that. Over the past 40 years teaching women crafts, painting, and needlework, I encountered many that I would consider perfectionists...in other words it has to be just right ..... or I'll do the "rippit stitch" and put it in the correct way. Convincing a perfectionist that it is o.k. to adjust a stitch or two if it doesn't throw everything off.......is a difficult task. One of my earliest Danish teachers, Marianne, the Baroness! no less, searched for the English word to encourage us not to remove the wrong stitches but to fix it...adjust it .and we found the word......COMPENSATE. It is something that makes life easier and doesn't cause you to throw away hours of stitching.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you look closely in the above pic, you will see 4 threads or two stitches between the blocks. (Actually there are two blocks - left and right in the upper part and then the double block - Auction- begins ) The blocks have a row of gold around each to define the border of each.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, the addition on my part of two stitches, not one between each, looked very nice...I thought. I stitched the four upper blocks, the left one on the second row and then the double block "the Auction". Doing the gold border each time to begin, as I started this double border and did the top row of 184 stitches, I didn't meet the right side where I needed to be. Remember, I've already stitched one third of this piece in the top row. I stopped and began looking at the chart realizing that it was not meant to have two stitches between each block.......but believe me.....I was ripping out what I'd done. I could hear Marianne saying, "Compensate it, Ruth Ellen!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Looking closing at the white and gray bull, cow, whatever just by the front feet, notice the zigzag band and you'll see a one stitch variation just above the gold stitches determining the blocks below. The green border has four stitches then two above the four....unlike all of the other light green triangles with three stitches with one above the center stitch. It worked at this point . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The picture on the left shows the adjustment.....ala compensation...on the top side. On the chart there are five - 5 stitches - between the "n" at the end of the word Auction and the beginning of the stem of the "T" beginning the work Tuesday. If you count my stitches you will note.....see....that there are 6 stitches here - another fix! It doesn't end there. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoc9-9kp-mBYD-STo96nK1gkxVgmVT30R71lb2WATnR6Pxj9b6eJq9ArQfv0a6Fnyox_0XheWFmcnrce91OOOxAJMdVQn51Ojjet54_tRu0Ja7LrIFid7RyWUak8bg77Hl9U7PHECA6gV/s1600/DSCF4185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoc9-9kp-mBYD-STo96nK1gkxVgmVT30R71lb2WATnR6Pxj9b6eJq9ArQfv0a6Fnyox_0XheWFmcnrce91OOOxAJMdVQn51Ojjet54_tRu0Ja7LrIFid7RyWUak8bg77Hl9U7PHECA6gV/s320/DSCF4185.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Again, the chart has four gold stitches on the top of the sunrise.....mine has 5! So the sunrise is compensated right in the center by adding one stitch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Look at the guys hands....because they were right in the center with 2 stitches creating their hands.....I had to add my stitch...or two threads...so each guy has a hand 3 threads wide and 2 threads high, making them look a bit larger than they should be......doesn't bother me and those guys probably had big hands anyway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Working down adding a stitch here and there, I simply shifted an animal in one direction of another to compensate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I flubbed up on some of the colors as well. Those pigs on the right were supposed to be the light gray of the ones on the left. I didn't discover I'd picked up the wrong "gray" until after the 3 on the right were stitched "dapple gray,dark" and should have been just "dapple gray". You can see the pigs on the left are light, the ones on the right, dark. They don't care and neither do I.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is real example of compensating. Marianne would have been so pleased. She was a beautiful wrinkle faced lady with a gorgeous smile. I am so blessed to have worked with her many years ago, and come to know her as a dear friend and wonderful teacher.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7eNfUqHsXtnODCiNA7FUjugDJF8RgYDlzmc4ZM4Aax0QhdoTIGCWFeMqWW_YTD7u5BjhN20zhq-xJInFkQbBUu6cln6c3Ih_PO36Cn9233cRiU08B4w_5Vrb3yqzhXavK2g9bYdPvsGU/s1600/DSCF4189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7eNfUqHsXtnODCiNA7FUjugDJF8RgYDlzmc4ZM4Aax0QhdoTIGCWFeMqWW_YTD7u5BjhN20zhq-xJInFkQbBUu6cln6c3Ih_PO36Cn9233cRiU08B4w_5Vrb3yqzhXavK2g9bYdPvsGU/s320/DSCF4189.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am really enjoying stitching this sampler. Each of the blocks could stand alone as a picture, pillow, or for the top of a box. The chart is $42. I believe, which , after working on the piece , I find it quite worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is Fishing Friday that I'm working on now and will start soon on Saturday Dance and then.....Giving Thanks on Sunday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How appropriate after all that stitching. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GrGlJ2gYIUtMha1g5HVeh9yb9dQDoPJgitsnu4ybTNQp-whXUgyaIFjzRcXPRBK8hK7k7V7kik8lUfIBGuQVRJIELptJyBT84iX4gYh-5pFuf8SL2BxUmqMAxF4pyzXnY7lOxLrs0ttm/s1600/DSCF4112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GrGlJ2gYIUtMha1g5HVeh9yb9dQDoPJgitsnu4ybTNQp-whXUgyaIFjzRcXPRBK8hK7k7V7kik8lUfIBGuQVRJIELptJyBT84iX4gYh-5pFuf8SL2BxUmqMAxF4pyzXnY7lOxLrs0ttm/s320/DSCF4112.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The first block is HAWK RUN FARM with all of those cows in the meadow and the sunflowers blowing in the wind at the bottom....and of course the crows are having fun as well. When I started this, I was stitching with my friend who loves to work "over one" intersection......up one and over one......instead of up two and over two for those of you who don't do linen (I'm going to work on that) later....anyway, Marian says," That would be so neat if you stitched it over one......HA......but having vocalized my feelings, I took a corner of the fabric and tried one little sunflower.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjS5eFwCCS6xyU-SRCxU_DH2ppQ0UWUY7lmTMDV7wqpDG2MF6ivbJ20wJDMcbesR5IPIpF4A3GwgxpzWfaBEG7AC5lEoX2bB3y4VbBHBZFdnnxqpksQjRwBbpzFIZ3mDehm2efSxrvddM/s1600/DSCF4111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjS5eFwCCS6xyU-SRCxU_DH2ppQ0UWUY7lmTMDV7wqpDG2MF6ivbJ20wJDMcbesR5IPIpF4A3GwgxpzWfaBEG7AC5lEoX2bB3y4VbBHBZFdnnxqpksQjRwBbpzFIZ3mDehm2efSxrvddM/s200/DSCF4111.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I must say it looks very nice.....almost cute....and I may do just that block "over one" when I'm finished. Working on 28 count is not so fine as 32 or higher. I love the Double Yolk Wednesday too......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is a story about how we got started cross stitching here in the U.S. and guess that I had a part in that story having found Ginny and The Counting House at Pawleys in 1974, later having ownership in that shop and several others. Sadly The Strawberry Sampler is the only remaining of the four. Those working there share over 150 years of working at TSS...that includes me and Beth. We are blessed to stick the key in the door each week and make our knowledge and materials available for you to see. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are so blessed as well with our online or internet friends and are thrilled when they make a visit to the shop......on a vacation or just a run through eastern Pennsylvania. I will share with you that we are located and live in an historic part of the country with many museums and sites to visit.......just west of Philadelphia. We have a direct route....easy one from the airport to Chadds Ford. Andrew Wyeth and his family was and are our "local artists" with a museum of their works. Andrew's granddaughter, Victoria, is a tour director at The Brandywine River Museum. We also have Winterthur with a wonderful needlework exihibit; Longwood Gardens, known around the world with beautiful grounds of flowers and so much more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Call us for local places to get lodging right smack in our neck of the woods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And one more thing.......check this out.....We just received our copy of Country Gardens published by Better Homes and Gardens. When Beth opened it she said....."Hey, look at this! Here is Marie Stotler, who just happen to have been in the shop today!" She is a very talented lady and we are blessed to have her right here where we eat, sleep, and share our love of counted cross stitch. Go grab a copy.....it is a nice gardening magazine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have a wonderful weekend.....come see us.....bring in your pieces to be framed and get ready for Super Bowl Sunday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Learn from yesterday, Make plans for tomorrow, Live today......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">..and Dance like no one is watching!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-20719899453924307922012-01-19T08:52:00.000-08:002012-01-19T08:52:47.827-08:00TRYING THIS AGAIN<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well, I'm trying this again and hoping to succeed. I had a big lesson yesterday at the shop from the 3 computer literates who are more than 20 years younger than me......"When you started playing the piano, did you start by playing anything you wanted......or did you have to learn?" Well, after admitting that I began with John Thompson's 10 fingers bit.....Here we go, up a row, to a birthday party. It got through to me that I couldn't give up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The pics on the right were to go between the paragraphs written about......what I have been up to...so insert where you feel they are appropriate.....and understand where I'm going and......more been!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now I'm not sure what just happened by I am going to figure this out. This is one of the sewing portfolios opened and laying inside the large tray. And this pic is a shot of the trays I love. On the right side of the posting you'll see some shots of the trays as I use them on my lap or on the end table by my chair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The picture just below the four of us opening the shop in 1979!!!! is a picture of Hawk Run Hollow, one that I am stitching and one that Phyllis has been working on. Oh my, I just did something and right there it is! This chart came in several months ago and I loved it. I have taken some updated pictures. The designer called for 40ct. parchment linen. I have magnifiers, but I couldn't bring myself to work this big thing on 40 ct. .....so I'm using unbleached 28 count which reminds me of the Danish linen I used to work on years ago. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Also the arrangement of blocks of samplers....12 in all with the center a double block.....was quite wide on 40ct./20 stitches to inch....or on 28ct./14 stitches to the inch. I found, thanks to Barb Summer, that the designer had shown another arrangement in the chart pack.....That is what I am using. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to "publish this now" and hope to learn even more and discuss the above piece with you talking about the term "compensation"........something that is very helpful to me!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Till then......stitch it, share with a friend, and oh yes, make a difference!!!!! RE</span>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-52392883571070172962012-01-18T15:26:00.000-08:002012-01-18T15:26:01.058-08:00<div align="center">
Still working out the kinks....computers are so great....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmm_0xAyq8Y-jLLfucD54dMAv2iRCGloRhA343-GcZyNqm2k9PSOrVpBSv2NgCXf-VUAzpoHh2pm8jC4S8YJMhor1-YezBraSC435EJ70KPoTkZGdzhGA9dnSBM1GWEiXnJGoGcV94w2r/s1600/4+old+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmm_0xAyq8Y-jLLfucD54dMAv2iRCGloRhA343-GcZyNqm2k9PSOrVpBSv2NgCXf-VUAzpoHh2pm8jC4S8YJMhor1-YezBraSC435EJ70KPoTkZGdzhGA9dnSBM1GWEiXnJGoGcV94w2r/s320/4+old+shop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A motley crew to be sure....</div>
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</div>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-70876707389785662362012-01-18T13:15:00.000-08:002012-01-18T13:28:23.691-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're working thru some technical difficulties....but hang in there with us!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfQuffvPL8_lXy5FJjK27PEcCDhv8ZXGKJgsLTXI0vD5RCgCPYt8_ueHxrOe5a1oGX2Y0kGsoTUnkDDngSaAJFhVkI7evtAXPskePXmOhjj3KGRMCwrhbYX5pZ11lhgmEJKTpkdG8oS_C/s1600/rdpp5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfQuffvPL8_lXy5FJjK27PEcCDhv8ZXGKJgsLTXI0vD5RCgCPYt8_ueHxrOe5a1oGX2Y0kGsoTUnkDDngSaAJFhVkI7evtAXPskePXmOhjj3KGRMCwrhbYX5pZ11lhgmEJKTpkdG8oS_C/s320/rdpp5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In the meantime, here's my progress on Farm at Hawk Run...I'm getting dangerously close.....<br />
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And here's a picture of mine next to Phyllis' Autumn at Hawk Run....Wow!RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-91671111718437978222012-01-12T09:10:00.000-08:002012-01-16T09:56:42.615-08:00Lost.......now Found!<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">I lost my 2 cents for a few months-----oh yes, nearly a year..... </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I hope you have been stitching and enjoying the comfort of "keeping your hands busy".....something I think many of us need....and enjoy. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The year has been a challenging one for me, flying back and forth to West Virginia to visit my then 95 year young Dad who had chosen to live in our house by himself since Mother passed away in 2007. He is one tough guy and stubborn to a point. I look and sound like my mother, we find it sounds "like old times" with the two of us fussing about this and that. I have worried about him falling, not eating, and having a car accident. In late June I flew in only to find him .....let us say, not in good shape....not eating and very weak. So taking on the "in charge" roll, I followed through with plans to move him to an assisted living place ....close to my brother and his family just across the river in Ohio. The challenge was how to convince him it was time to pack it in and change his living spot!!!! Now I had checked this place out and we all agreed it was the right spot, but I waited for my brother to return from vacation and the other one to fly in from Texas to back me up. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">( I was going to put his picture with his bees at this point, but .....it is at the top. After he retired many years ago, he started raising bees......what an interesting hobby or job)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Knowing it would not be an easy transition for him as we had talked about this many times before and he wanted to "stay home", I managed to get his strength built back somewhat by getting him to eat and two weeks later as we completed watching the fireworks flying in the sky in the City Park close by, we started into the house via the concrete steps, railing, and open door. He started up and I followed behind.....and then things began to happen. I'm convinced God was working in the next few seconds. He lost his footing, and fell back into my chest......and somehow I held tight to the railing, grabbed him by his belt. and held on to stabilize him...neither one of us fell....or I might not be writing this. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The following morning, he looked at me and said, "Ruthie, I think my lights might have gone out last night if you hadn't been behind me!" To which I replied, "Hey,Dad. Look at my lights.....I think we learned that you must make the change and head to the Inn in Marietta!" He said nothing, agreeing without saying anything, and we headed off to breakfast at Hardees. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The rest is history......3 days later we were greeted at The Inn by Patty, a wonderful lady who'd been visiting him for several years on a monthly basis. He gave her a hug and said, "Now you won't have to go so far to see me!" Behind him, I cried tears of joy that with his walker...his horse he calls it....we went inside, down to his room fully equipped with bed , chair, bathroom, kitchen necessities, and pictures. In matter of days, he sold his car and made plans to sell the house. That ended my trip in June/July.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In September, he was honored as the oldest living employee of the Shell/Kraton chemical plant in Ohio and was the center of attention. I managed to get him to say, "I'm living in an assisted living place now.....not a nursing home.....but walk to my meals and have someone to talk to everyday!' Again, what a joy to hear his words. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The months since .....the house sold, insides gone, and Dad turned 96 on January 1, 2012. Things are so different for him and for me....the oldest fixer/caretaker of the four kids.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">If you've been following Beth's chatting on our website, you have seen some of my "creations"...sewing portfolio ( a fold up stitching holder for my stuff); then came the trays in green, blue, red, tan...in a variety of sizes; and then the snuggle sweatshirts to keep me warm while I'm stitchng. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Now I'm going to try this again.....adding some pics<br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Why these things? Well, both my mother and father were very creative in finding something to make something else work.....and they passed that on to me....bigtime. I learned to sew as a teenager, using the old Singer pedal machine....and used a jigsaw to cut stuff out and paint in Dad's workshop. I made my own clothes and even made a suit coat for my brother and he wore it. So I love to create.....and watch what happens. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The sewing portfolios are a triple fold of quilted fabric; pockets for fabric, thread, books/and or charts, scissors, pencil and whatever you might use. It comes in several patterns of fabric which Beth has pictured and I will hope to do the same. I place mine on the endtable next to my chair or on the arm of the chair to gather my stuff together. It folds up nicely to take with me. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The trays were an accident......waiting to be used. I have a habit of making stacks of papers, magazines, stitching, and whatever needs a bit of organization until I find time to put it where it belongs. I found an unpainted wooden tray just about the size of a cross stitch book....a little bigger....and I put my stitching in it beside the chair. Then I ran across a smaller tray and stuck my scissors, bits of thread - wad as others call it - and my metal chart holder. Everything is right there.....and I leave it to come back to in the evening with my diet coke close by. So.....then I started finding trays here and there, got out the paint, and created.....the assortment of trays we have. I love it....trays on my lap sometimes or on the table. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Then, when we got our budget for our oil heat for this old barn we live in, I decided I would be wearing sweatshirts and turtlenecks and the heat would be much lower than it usually is. I found I would stick my needle in the fabric of the shirt and then came up with the decorative fringe.....from my years of sewing. The sweatshirts are primarily Hanes brand with the cuffs removed and fringe added on the sleeves and around the neck. Another brand with nice colors is Gildan, with a tighter band on the bottom.....so I cut the band off and simply hemmed it. Most sizes are Mens XL or 2XL . Colors are primarily navy, a periwinckle blue, red, and a few others....see pics. We have tried to give measurements for them.....so if you are ordering online you can check before ordering. I'm sitting here with my navy shirt on and will be heading to the mall soon......feeling very comfortable in my "snuggle shirt". </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Well, I've done it again......I was trying to add some pics and pushed the wrong button, but I will persist. This is my job today.....to get this online....be patient. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Ruth Ellen</span></p><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-60594837939625449522009-11-04T12:39:00.000-08:002009-11-04T13:00:22.265-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3dKdVxRO0fsQZbn0OhgSbr55e1go2chZcmGU3GRpVmp6q4HjRvPkHZwQSvtCCFtblpuZzcRR-gft03VN3MtFNl6NHf0Izy2xQH5ODyTckxyR_wNm11gvAsPrKVxF9TOzw1as6K9gBvkG/s1600-h/STR+fabric.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400352077637938434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3dKdVxRO0fsQZbn0OhgSbr55e1go2chZcmGU3GRpVmp6q4HjRvPkHZwQSvtCCFtblpuZzcRR-gft03VN3MtFNl6NHf0Izy2xQH5ODyTckxyR_wNm11gvAsPrKVxF9TOzw1as6K9gBvkG/s320/STR+fabric.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSoD-cVdjCeZVPhpguLAw_niDK_ug6-M04X9QIbPvDfH79W8P4H_PAqIPAijQ4XTvVgLEMyvvvDnlK9p_h-84qKvuNqPzrenYawwHsXDBN3zWtGt9sU-Notn4oeU3xFKJbD4NaVBklTKb/s1600-h/patch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400351778344230914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSoD-cVdjCeZVPhpguLAw_niDK_ug6-M04X9QIbPvDfH79W8P4H_PAqIPAijQ4XTvVgLEMyvvvDnlK9p_h-84qKvuNqPzrenYawwHsXDBN3zWtGt9sU-Notn4oeU3xFKJbD4NaVBklTKb/s320/patch.jpg" border="0" /></a>Whoops....this got published in the midst of some other shots.....the sign at The Patch in West Virginia.....painted on a piece of slate. It hangs in our house now.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjm4qWgpVsE2sDO7-y3X8JXilKKjhYT_QBOgVmnO35dfJFQm0PvrHZlMm0m3oIOuctL8EljKWZpD1pqSBfHsmqoKAwHu5EcjR9v7NxMxpM77JnXzkne3NzYtai0T1qWpIyykL4r38L2ojs/s1600-h/early+signs.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400351533423189586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjm4qWgpVsE2sDO7-y3X8JXilKKjhYT_QBOgVmnO35dfJFQm0PvrHZlMm0m3oIOuctL8EljKWZpD1pqSBfHsmqoKAwHu5EcjR9v7NxMxpM77JnXzkne3NzYtai0T1qWpIyykL4r38L2ojs/s320/early+signs.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Like that apple green background on this sign......our countertop was the same color...remember that! When the counter was made, this was the right price. We actually moved it to the new store in Olde Ridge Village in 1982</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDYcAwtazUa0Fcg5lAAyJYctqsGcRCmXJWUbRmvJhLpSXIp9VIG9qOdKbVAFfnx028N6hGSXEK1Uws9isVZp4zQ9ENa-sgmLGXU8xIgByKsMxXT0I8vDHwtpz2LbOljA4GneVtIq1fVyf/s1600-h/welcome.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400351373498656642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDYcAwtazUa0Fcg5lAAyJYctqsGcRCmXJWUbRmvJhLpSXIp9VIG9qOdKbVAFfnx028N6hGSXEK1Uws9isVZp4zQ9ENa-sgmLGXU8xIgByKsMxXT0I8vDHwtpz2LbOljA4GneVtIq1fVyf/s320/welcome.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Look for the Welcome Sign in the picture of the four of us getting ready to open. Notice the strawberry fabric.....I found this - maybe I mentioned this before - when I was visiting Dad and cleaning out fabrics that Mom had stored away. She saved everything! Thank goodness!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwgYOxa2BHAPw5sm-tGt4w-27E8Qjy0hMKGsDxYT_xyREplCQGPzqlGaYEppXN6mtBWKr1V3u4nvUhukW5MDT6mLyHa0o9kTdsFsrQlaKq-MFqGD1_MJvYc1P2nGW3WXeiQv2jgOSKgln/s1600-h/getting+ready.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400351064564105970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwgYOxa2BHAPw5sm-tGt4w-27E8Qjy0hMKGsDxYT_xyREplCQGPzqlGaYEppXN6mtBWKr1V3u4nvUhukW5MDT6mLyHa0o9kTdsFsrQlaKq-MFqGD1_MJvYc1P2nGW3WXeiQv2jgOSKgln/s320/getting+ready.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This was my cardboard sign posted in the downstairs at The Farmhouse Shoppes before we opened.......telling everyone</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><div><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Counted Cross Stitch</span><span style="font-size:130%;">..everything you need to count on!</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-79238385898151533512009-11-04T12:35:00.000-08:002009-11-04T12:38:42.307-08:00Getting ready to Open<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIOqOGJ5S6SMtmtsqvcXpiRQ-t_5k4zty5bOr_m6zQLByZJXShwPovD7bQHpzIhjBV6u0m8vEWjOBdJqNFI3CP-dv9xecvOyWryTl8Z9aYj5kdiaqqskERMJNkwbIWeuUvboc0Ajj3Tzn/s1600-h/4+old+shop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400350478576844722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIOqOGJ5S6SMtmtsqvcXpiRQ-t_5k4zty5bOr_m6zQLByZJXShwPovD7bQHpzIhjBV6u0m8vEWjOBdJqNFI3CP-dv9xecvOyWryTl8Z9aYj5kdiaqqskERMJNkwbIWeuUvboc0Ajj3Tzn/s320/4+old+shop.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291340675430073375.post-52195625042814020862009-10-08T22:11:00.000-07:002009-10-21T13:30:21.474-07:0030 years..did you say 30 plus 4 in West Virginia<span style="font-size:130%;">How on earth did I get started in this........fearing that you've heard this sequence of events before.....then you'll have to hang in there because I might stitck in something new. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Moving to Delaware in 1970 was one of the greatest challenges in my life. I'd never been so far from home (West Virginia) and everything seemed bigger and faster....and me the country girl, maybe the hill billy where "cricks" and "hollers" were a part of our lingo....had a hard time coping with the busy traffic and big grocery stores. My struggles to adapt with a 3 and 6 year old were tremendous. I had battles with major depression and had to learn to cope and rewire my thinking. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">After some adjustment and much therapy and getting the girls in school, i</span><span style="font-size:130%;">n 1971, I was fortunate to travel with my husband to Europe on one of his business trips. Having never been abroad I really didn't know what to expect.....but I never expected to find a beautiful bellpull hanging in the window of a very small shop in Dordrecht in the Netherlands (Holland).</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Asking to look at this piece of embroidery that I had no clue what it was, the ladies in the shop went to the back and asked a young high school girl to come and translate for me, and it went something like this...."You have a chart or graph that has symbols and a color name and number. After sorting out the bundles of thread, you matched them with the symbol in the chart, and begin making x's on the fabric"..</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Having made x's on gingham as a kid and creating my own design, I figured I could make this happen. My kit.....and kits were and still to a large degree are the packaging of the embroidery in Europe and Scandanavia. ...the kit I saw in the window was an Eva Rosenstand kit made in Denmark. My first Danish Connection. This handwork was like nothing I'd ever tried before and I was fascinated watching the design grow and become something by using this chart, little bits of thread, and a needle on a perfectly blank piece of fabric. I was quite used to those little blue x's stamped on and then worked on. I loved sewing, quilting, a little needlepoint..filling in the background.....This fine stuff was flat out new to me, but I started on that bellpull in the hotel room and marched back over several times for corrections. That bellpull so changed my life and made the connection to many others out there that now are history....but mainly special friends. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My girls were 6 & 9 when we were transferred back home to West Virginia. The year was 1973.....and home seemed to feel so good. For many years when we wanted to go to the beach and living on the western side of the mountains, we drove south and spent many a vacation at Myrtle Beach, SC. We seldom went farther south only to find places to eat. Picking up one of those "Suncoast" brochures with this and that in it....places to eat and see...I happened to find The Hammock Shop ad which included </span>a reference to "the side porch" where Ginnie Thompson had counted cross stitch. Suddenly, that terminology connected with the bellpull I was working on.......I was making cross stitches and had to count every one of them. I had to go to this place! called Pawleys Island, SC. And we did and the rest began the history of the past 34 years...4 in W.Va. and 30 in Pennsylvania.<br /><p>I met Ginnie Thompson that day and she would become my mentor and encourager to share counted cross stitch "up north"!. The basement of our home became the first location of The Strawberry Patch which took off like crazy. I quickly decided I couldn't keep this up in my neighborhood and began looking for a real place. With a friend who had antiques, we jointly rented an old house to open business. Our charts were sheets of paper only; we had 30 DMC colors; hardanger fabric; 11 and 14ct. aida; eventually some linen. In 3 years, it grew and grew and I found out that my college years provided me with skills to teach others.....but not to run a business. </p><br /><p>I made my first trip to Copenhagen, Denmark in 1975 to buy from Eva Rosenstand, The Danish Handcraft Guild, Clara Waever, and OOE...for those of you who remember those company kits. They sold only kits and that was a learning experience. In 1976, I traveled with my sister, Carma who was still in high school, to Pawleys to take a class with Jytte....one of the two Danish teachers at The Danish Handcraft Guild. I recall Pat and Gloria...of Designs by Gloria and Pat....two of our first U.S. designers being in the class. It was beginning to happen.</p><br /><p>The following year 1977 was my first trip to take classes at The Danish Handcraft Guild with Jytte and Marianne being our Danish teachers who later came to Pawleys to teach during our Danish-American Days in the 80's and 90's. I traveled many times after '77 to take classes meeting so many wonderful people and coming to find Copenhagen a place away from home. During classes over the years, many of you have heard "the stories" I've shared from those very special years. </p><br /><p>Back to Delaware in 1978......The Patch was sold to my antique friend and I vowed I didn't know enough about business to do this cross stitch stuff again. After trying to find other needlework shops to let me teach and to begin to carry the basics......not.....I finally started to look for a "spot" and found The Farmhouse Shoppes in Concordville, PA on Rt. 1 (where Duffers is now located)...on the second floor with 300 sq. ft......ultimately to grow to 900 sq. ft. So Carm, Beth, Abby, and myself got the place ready....note the pics.....and The Strawberry Sampler took off. ....and so did counted cross stitch in the areas north of the Carolinas. My nickname was the "egg dropper" captioned by the designers in this growing industry in the early 80's. </p>Now, I am going to post!!! this and then continue later, adding the pics (which I have to get help on) I will try to keep more to date with this, and tell you the rest of the story.....Ruth Ellen....October 21st ....4:30p.m.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><br /></p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>RE's Two Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04677339392353764112noreply@blogger.com0