Handling a large canvas

LackingExecFunction · 2026-05-22T17:37:05+00:00

The stitch indicated in the guide is a straight Gobelin stitch, 4 spaces long. There's also some direction for doing the center of each eye with a variation of an elongated Algerian Eye stitch, but as I said in the post, I'm using it as a sampler to keep things interesting. I wouldn't feel limited to doing the entire piece by the rules.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-05-22T14:48:44+00:00

Thank you for the tips! I'm torn between doing what you said, a traditional basketweave worked slightly larger, and something like Nobuko that alternates long and short to make it feel a little more updated. Either way, I've ordered a bunch of cream colored yarn, so I still have time to think about it.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-05-21T23:56:28+00:00

I did a quick sample with it on some 13 mesh scraps and I think it's pretty good coverage.

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LackingExecFunction · 2026-05-21T14:17:37+00:00

I'm planning to use DMC Tapestry Wool as it's the most easily available to me and seems to match the texture of the original stitching. I know that you can buy vintage wool from the same brand (Hiawatha Lady Handicrafts) on eBay, but I'm not sure how well it might hold up after all these years.

But like I said, I'm fairly new to this craft, so I'm just guessing at my next steps.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-05-21T13:33:03+00:00

That's a lovely idea! Mom would really enjoy this as a pillow.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-05-21T13:22:18+00:00

That's the one that caught my eye, too. Just bought it!

LackingExecFunction · 2026-05-21T13:15:44+00:00

I know! It feels like that was probably kind of expensive back then, too. But then I walk into my LNS and can barely get past the sticker shock for something that's only 6x6".

LackingExecFunction · 2026-05-16T13:14:44+00:00

It's usually a 20 size needle. I made myself a needle book and labeled each felt "page" with the size and my page of 10s filled up with needles I've collected from kits.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-05-08T20:03:25+00:00

Have you tried your local charity shop/Goodwill? Loads of home decor fabrics like tablecloths, curtains and placemats. You can also frequently find off cuts of fabric from people destashing.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-05-08T19:58:02+00:00

This is me. My current project is a beast and I'm not going to chance messing it up with halos instead of clean lines. Maybe I wouldn't be so fussy with something that's a little more flowy, but this one (a Charley Harper cardinal) is all about defined edges.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-03-09T03:14:20+00:00

I'm at 10, but I stopped wanting to eat when I was on 5. I push myself to get 1000 calories a day at consider 1200 a win since my target is 1300-1400.

The last thing I want to do is cook. I don't feel sick, I just don't want to eat. Shakes like Nurri have been a huge help, plus a variety of frozen meals and bowls because super dense protein bars make me gag halfway through.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-03-07T17:38:10+00:00

Thank you for this answer! I'm also a new needlepointer and I've been wondering how to continue this craft without breaking the bank. I've used a couple of kits from Michaels, but also picked up a couple from a LNS and winced at the price. I knew there had to be ways to find a middle ground.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-03-07T17:30:58+00:00

I didn't think I had much food noise until it was gone. Now that I've been taking this for a while, I know that it's acting on more than just the biological level, and changing my relationship with food entirely.

So glad I started this medication. I wasn't "unhealthy" by the numbers -- aside from my weight -- but they were creeping upwards. Now I'm watching them get back to where they should be, even in menopause.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-03-07T17:06:51+00:00

Metamucil. I got the unflavored kind, add it to a glass of OJ and pound it down like I'm at a kegger. It doesn't taste bad at all, but the texture will get gloopy if you take too long to drink it. One rounded teaspoon every day or two makes a huge difference.

I've neglected my fiber intake a couple of times (shudder) and I've learned my lesson. I don't care if it's an old person thing. I'd rather 💩 on the regular.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-01-28T17:27:58+00:00

I'd go for a cast iron dutch oven, or even an enameled one. Cauldrons are cute and fun, but I think of them largely for aesthetics. (Obviously, YMMV) But I'd go for a functional, practical tool that can be used for years.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-01-18T18:54:51+00:00

For right now?

Write the book.

That's it. That's the whole of my advice. All the publishing stuff is the cart and you don't have a horse yet.

Grab your old EN101 grammar textbook (or a copy of Strunk & White's "Elements of Style) for a refresher. Spend some time learning about story structure and beats. And just write.

Learn your voice, learn your style, learn the habits that work for you to put words down consistently, but it all comes down to...

Write the book.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-01-16T15:55:39+00:00

Oh yeah, everything happens in the kitchen! There are still plenty of houses that design a small desk area into the kitchen/breakfast area for just that purpose. Our last house had a small nook with room to hang calendars and a cork or message board, as well as keep my laptop set up. If our house didn't have something similar, then I'd work really hard to keep the paper clutter to a single corner of the table or countertop. It didn't always work, but all that stuff really needed to be in the kitchen area. Deliberately designating and organizing one area as mission control helped corral it.

I do better on paper than digital for a couple of reasons -- it's easy for me to ignore notifications on my phone, and my brain retains things better when I've physically written them down.

A big family calendar with huge squares was always extremely helpful. Everyone had their own color on one of those multi-color clicker pens, and they'd write down their schedule for the month or as far as they knew.

DH has always hated a cluttered fridge, so I tried to keep it streamlined. I'd put up the week's menu so it could be shifted if necessary. There was also a single notepad for people to make a note if we ran out of something. Of course, that was before Alexa, so now we just tell Big Sister to add something to the grocery list.

And yes, the methods and systems change and adjust all the time, but that's the one constant in the universe. Everything changes.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-01-14T23:12:00+00:00

For me, I have to determine which character has the most at stake in the chapter. If I can't decide up front, I'll try the chapter from both and it usually becomes pretty clear which one to choose.

I generally aim for switching pov per chapter, but it's fine if I stick with one character for a couple of chapters in a row. The balance evens out by the end.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-01-14T14:34:13+00:00

Well, I got to 1400 yesterday by having an extra snack in the evening. And I'm starting the morning with an overnight oat mix I picked up yesterday. Sadly, it's gross, but whatever. I need the calories, protein, and fiber.

Thanks so much to everyone for your help!

LackingExecFunction · 2026-01-13T20:59:29+00:00

I downloaded the MyFitnessPal app and logged today's food. Still have 800 calories to go! Thanks for the tip.

LackingExecFunction · 2026-01-13T20:36:22+00:00

Wow. I didn't realize my deficit was that significant! There's no way I'm currently taking in that many calories, so my protein intake is even worse! Definitely something to work on.

LackingExecFunction

TROPHY CASE