My Wish & a Freebie to Stitch

From Craftyideas by Kincavel Krosses (with permission to copy and share)

Witches and Goblins and Ghosts; OH MY, The Potential Liability!

I haven't participated at all in Halloween activities in at least 15 years, despite the fact I did a couple of designs recently. 1) My DD, my costumed TrickRTreeterGreeter, moved out 21 years ago; 2) There have never been many children come round - last year only a couple were out and about; 3 & 4) A whine:  I'm allergic to chocolate and can't eat sugar so having mostly full bags of leftovers around is just too tempting to resist; and 5) Premises liability issues - I have cracks in my driveway that even I trip over on occasion - read ## below if you are interested or for your horrified amusement. [Being a lawyer often takes the fun out of otherwise entertaining activities.] Sad to say, but I park my car at an angle to block the drive, don't turn on my porch light and keep the inside dark as possible. Or I find somewhere else to be for a while. Of course, had I young children or a grandchild, I would get back into the ghoulish swing of things - elsewhere.

OTOH, My DD goes beyond the ghostly pale when it comes to Halloween. She has had

the occasional a costume party with decorated house, and for years has set up increasingly more elaborate spooky displays in her front yard. This year they added dead groom sitting next to dead bride in coffin on the porch, created more spider webs to drape from eaves and trees, upgraded the graves scattered throughout the yard, and likely added more scary noises/music, etc. The last 2 years she and her DH were Zombie Wilma and Fred. This year it's Mr. & Mrs. Frankenstein - full make-up, of course. The resultant increased vehicular traffic has encouraged other neighbors to join in.

## Promised really spooky legal stuff:  [Appears to me that when it comes to Halloween, the level of  duty and responsibility owed to Trick-or-Treaters falls somewhere between the highest and this slightly

lesser level. We call this, appropriately, a "grey area."]  A person (that's them) who enters the premises (your yard and/or abode) with the landowner's (that's you) express or implied permission (you decorated your house/yard, turned on your porch light, sent out an invitation, didn't stop a crasher at the door, etc.) for his or her own purposes (to acquire candy, free booze, etc.) rather than the landowner's benefit (unless you are deliberately luring them there a la Hanzel and Gretl or Hannibal Lecter), such as a social guest (the fairy, the pirate, the sexy French maid, et al), is called a licensee. An owner or occupier of land (you) has a duty to warn a licensee (them) of a dangerous condition that creates an unreasonable risk of harm (they might hurt themselves) if it is known (or should  have been known) to the owner or occupier (you again) and not likely to be discovered (seen, spotted, knew in advance about) by the licensee (them again). (One assumes this means you must need bull horn specific warnings from the porch before they step in your yard or put up brightly lit fluorescent yellow or orange signs in both pictographs and text, or include a Caveat, in bold at least 10 point typeface, in your invitation.) There is no duty to inspect for defects or to fix known defects. (That's good news, but I wouldn't bet my life savings on it, and you aren't completely off the hook since you can still get sued, which costs you $$, even if you win ...) The owner or occupier (ah ... yes, still  you) does have a duty to exercise reasonable care in the conduct of active operations (encouraging said fairy, pirate, sexy French maid, et al to come into your yard and up to the door and perhaps inside for a party, etc) to protect a licensee (yes, still them)  [whom you] know is on the property. (You don't have to go out looking - but I wouldn't depend on that actually "knew" defense working for Halloween when that "should have known" is hanging out there.) HOWEVER, (and this is for real, well so is the above but this adds another aged witchy wrinkle), an even higher duty of discovery and notice of hazards and care is due to children who can't fully recognize nor appreciate a possible a hazard or dangerous situation, and then there are those DWI Dram Shop laws that can sometimes be extended to hold the individual supplying the booze liable. And for the record: NO, my DD doesn't listen to me either.

Nonetheless, I sincerely wish those of you who do enjoy getting into costume and decorating in black, orange and purple, a wonderful Bubble, Bubble Toil & Trouble Day!

Here's a FUN and generic "Trick-or-Treat  Liability and Indemnification Agreement" to possibly make sure the hand and mouth you put the candy in doesn't come back to bite you. Imagine the screams of horror and the jagged tooth rictus on your teen and adult visitors' faces when you won't let them snatch at the goodies or through your door until and unless they sign it - in advance. Hey, Halloween might be still be fun after all!

Bits of Floss: Halloween Biscornu Freebie

HAPPY  HALLOWEEN  STITCHING

Size:  44w x 44h
Approximate finished size:   25ct: 3-1/2"    28ct: 3-1/8"    32ct: 2-3/4"

• Read all instructions first
• Copy / Paste to save this information
• CLICK on picture/chart to enlarge, then "save as" or "copy/paste"
• Try printing in LANDSCAPE first.
• Suggested fabric: 25ct, 28ct or 32ct evenweave - Not particularly suitable for aida
• DMC or your favorite other threads, fibers or overdyes
• CLICK HERE  or  HERE  for instructions on making a BISCORNU. READ BEFORE YOU CUT YOUR FABRIC AND BEGIN STITCHING
• Rather than a Biscornu, these make a perfectly good ornament as well - or 2 of them.
• For Instructions on stitching Algerian Eye and the 1/2 Diamond Eyelet, see this site.  For the 1/2 Diamond Eyelet as charted, only stitch half. 
• I would dearly love to see your finish. I'll post a photo of yours in the "Gallery!"
• If you run into any issues, please let me know immediately

    HAPPY HALLOWEEN STITCHING - LindaMc - Bits of Floss    

My Thanks, Appreciation and Gratitude for

Each and every person who is serving or has served in the United States military, and for those far too many who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
   

*******************************************
MY HONOR ROLL
  

My Father, Jim - WWII

My Brother-In-Law, Brett - Vietnam

My Son-in-Law, Dan - Post Vietnam & Middle East - Career Military (Retired)

My Best Friend's Father - WWII, Korea and beyond - Career Military (Deceased)
My Uncle, "Tex" - between WWII and Korea (Deceased)

My Son-in-Law's Father - WWII and beyond - Career Military (Deceased)

My Sister-in-Law's Husband - currently serving

My Aunt, Louise Maw  - in the first training class for Occupational Therapists near the end of WWII and 
later in charge of the OT Program at the VA Hospital in Waco (Deceased)

My Cousins and Other Relatives - WWI, WWII, Korea, the Cold War, Vietnam and Beyond
(Living & Deceased)

My very long time ago former Brother-in-Law, Lt. Col. Sam Brooks - Vietnam and beyond
Career Military (Retired)

My High School and College Classmates - Vietnam and beyond 
(some Killed in Action far too young, some Career Military)

And so many others I have known or met whose service is certain and my appreciation great.

 

This Memorial Day, may we always remember all women and men who have ever served and sacrificed.

 

Linda

** For my many free Patriotic Charts: click on Patriotic under "Lables"

1990 PS Santa

1990 PS Santa

From Bk 36 - St. Nicholas II

Both were stitched on 18ct Fiddler's lite in late 2010. I'm currently stitching the 1991 Santa directly beneath 1990 and left fabric to stitch a third below that. Since I already stitched 1992 Fishing Santa years ago, I'm thinking maybe the1994 Sunflower Santa for the 3rd Santa, but reversing the direction so that it faces opposite the 1991 Fruit Basket Santa.

My First Over One

Stitched a few years ago with GAST on 28ct white Monaco. No, still not "finished." I can't recall the designer. Anyone? Since I had the necessary floss still handily stored separately in a Ziploc bag, I started on the 1991 PS Santa (with fruit basket & pineapple) instead of the EMS berryball. How many times have I set that aside now?

Mother's Day & Orchids

Mother's Day was great! My DS and her DH were at my parents' house when I arrived but left before a late lunch. DD and her DH brought barbecue and gave me a very nice card. I gave my Mom a card along with a beautiful multi-branched phalaenopsis* covered with blooms and buds. I was finally was able to give DD the orchid I had purchased for her birthday in March. My offer to take her to lunch is still hanging out there - now in permanent limbo. After DD left Dad wanted me to watch his new Les Mis DVD (10th anniversary ed). I'd already seen it 3 or 4 times, but it's his newest focus and had declined previously. But I enjoy Les Mis and because it was important to him, I watched it again. Mother napped. Sitting back down on the couch after a quick break, I felt something stick me. It took 2 or 3 minutes to find and needle nose pliers to extract a long sewing needle embedded in the cushion. At least it didn't embed itself in my tush !

Orchids: *Phalaneopsis have blooms which last for months so though the one for my DD sat in my window or by my bed for 2 months, it had only dropped a couple of them. I have had some phals that had blooms lasting more than 5 months. Although some orchids do require meticulous care, I've found both phals and dendrobrium AND my catteleyas (which bloomed even after they froze - but never longer than 14 days) to be incredibly forgiving, over- or under-watering being the primary culprit along in orchid demise. As long as all the leaves haven't wilted and turned yellow and the roots haven't all dessicated, they can usually be nursed back to growth, and often bloom. For as little as $10 at Kroger, well worth the investment! Try one! Ask me if you have any questions. Warning: like potato chips, you can't stop at just one.

Photo: These are a couple of my dendrobiums from a few years ago. The small stained glass hanging was made unassisted by my daughter when she was 11 or 12 (25+ years ago). I'd picked the center white pansy from my flower bed and pressed it with that type of project in mind. The house in the photo background left is the other side of the small, spring fed creek that runs across the back property line. It's bed is about 15' lower than the house sits - meaning I have a very steep backyard covered with native trees and vines. I call it "my forest."

1989 PS Santa Finished - Next in Line

Stitching finished. Because the white is difficult to see as any shade different than the Fiddler's lite fabric, I substituted gold for Santa's tassel and the ribbon on the wreath.

Next project will be an Ellen Maurer-Stroh complimentary Christmas design from years ago that I've always wanted to stitch. I've always called it the "BerryBall," but EMS' name is "Christmas Greetings." Probably also to be stitched on the 28ct white opalescent.

1989 Santa Progress & Some others

JBW Angel for my cousin

I made a special trip to my thankfully nearby LNS yesterday to get 844 and 610 to finish the 1989 Santa. She's increased her DMC price to 65 cents - still less than the 10 mile RT drive to Hobby Lobby or Joann's.

JBW Tree

PS Santa

These others are stitched 1 over 1 on 28ct opalescent Jobelan. My cousin is undergoing treatment following a recent mastectomy. Her favorite color is purple. I'll finish it as a small ornie. I'm also covering a travel pillow with a purple themed flannel to send as well. The small Santa will be finished into a 1-1/2" ornament (similar re the Joy-Love-Peace Tree) for the counter-top Christmas tree my DD displays in her bathroom. I originally gave her the tree and several 1-1/2 to 2" cross-stitched onries (18ct-22ct) in 1990 for her dorm room. If you look closely you can see a stain running diagonally upper left to lower right across the small Santa. I stitch sitting on my bed watching TV. I had set my cup of maybe 3 or 4 sips worth of water on the window sill over the end of my bed. ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN :( I had some of my stitching in various ziplock bags (except for one bubble-wrap-interior shipping envelope in which I was still "safely" storing the fabric) in a box under the window. Naturally, when I left the room for a few minutes the cat knocked the cup off. I thought those shipping envelopes were leakproof !! Because I also drink hot tea from that cup the water apparently absorbed some of the color, or perhaps it's from the kraft paper exterior. The stain wasn't noticeable until it dried. The fabric creases now have a very light stain which I'll have to stitch over or around now, and I really didn't intend to stitch everything on it over one, but now probably will have no choice. GRRRRRR !! Anyone know how to get a stain out of opalescent fabric?

A Blessed Easter to All

He is Risen

New Easter Bunny Freebie

Click to D/L Chart

I haven't created a chart in a long time, but in order to absolutely wait until the last minute to file my IRS stuff, I spent this morning creating this. All downloads are subject to the copyright information on the right. See the Cloud Tag on the right for other Freebies, including ones for Easter.

In exhange for the free chart, would you please read and comment about blog designs below. Thanks and Enjoy!

Christmas Greetings Bookmark

Count: 27w X 113h

Finished Size     14/28 ct 1-7/8w X 8h in

                         16/32 ct 1-5/8w X 7h in

                         18/36 ct 1-1/2w X 6-1/4h in

Use 2 strands of floss for crosses and backstitch

Use 1 or 2 strands of Kreinik Braid

Use 2 stands for simple French Knot

This pattern will fit a Charles Craft Bookmark, or make your own out of your favorite fabric with lace or rickrack as an edging, if you so desire. Back with felt. Choose your favorite shades of red and green. Overdyes in muted tones would be lovely. Perhaps a Kreinik gold braid? Back stitch the letters. The little dots are French knots. If to be used in a book, do NOT substitute beads for the French knots.

Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved

LMc Designs / Bits of Floss

Download and use are subject to the Copyright information on the right side of this page. Please respect designer's Copyright.

I'd love to see your finsihed Bookmark!

Merry Christmas, all!!

LindaMc 2010

Check out My Christmas Freebies From Earlier Years

Click on Christmas in the Tag Cloud on the bottom right for charts.

Freebie: Father's Day

My Dad doesn't hunt, fish, golf, drink, watches but isn't into sports, etc. so unless it's mushy, most Father's Day cards just aren't appropriate. He does play Scrabble. So I designed this quick stitch, then made into a card by lightly gluing on to 1/2 sheet of 80lb white card stock, folded in half to make a card. Color options are indicated on the chart, but you can choose your own. I think I stitched it on 16ct Fiddler's Light, then fringed the edges to within 3 squares of the design. My Dad has a refined sense of humor, which is the reason for the HA. : ) I see I left off the happy face symbol beneath it. I made up the alphabet script on the fly to fit the space available. I designed and stitched this in 2004 and the displayed-ever-since card is doing just fine. The card stock may or may not be acid free. I'm thinking I used acid-free stick glue, however. My personal opinion is that by the time anything might start to degrade, I won't be around and no one is going to want anything I've glued with or to it anyway, so generally don't worry about things like that. Download of the design is subject to the copyright information on your right. If you do stitch it, I would appreciate a comment and possibly a photo to post! Perhaps with you and YOUR Dad. Thanks.

Easter Freebie - He Lives

Click on image to be taken to a larger photo. Stitch with or without the back-stitch crosses in the background. Those look best in a very pale shade of the suggested colors or perhaps 211. Enjoy.