Crooked Rows Yield More Corn

One time a few years back, a farmer's wife and another farmer's wife that had a Ph.D. were sitting in my office, and we were discussing the likely topics of conversation at the morning "board meeting" that frequents so many rural area cafes. Apparently, one thing that farmers love to make fun of is other farmers not being able to plant straight.

One of them mentioned that "God loves a crooked row as much as a straight row" and further added to it, "crooked rows yield more corn." I got to thinking about it, and it does seem like that is quite possible from a mathematical point of view.

So, I asked my husband, who helps a farmer since he has been retired from Caterpillar, which is true? He laughed and said, "regardless, I am planting them straight. There is no way that I would even think about planting them crooked, regardless of the yield."

Today, I guess it is not really that much of an issue since farmers use GPS to guide their tractor's through the fields. But it amused me, and I designed this little piece to remind me of it.

But I am still wondering whether crooked rows yield more corn or not. :-)

Does anybody know?

Swirling Leaves

Last weekend I made a quick little project at a class at the Camp Gotta Stitch sponsored by the Stitcher's Express of Mattoon. It was a short, easy project and I appreciated learning to do a standup. I sure could use some practice tying bows though. Does anyone know someone willing to tutor a left-handed person? I think this was done on 28 count evenweave. Unfortunately, I do not know who the designer was.

Splendor XII "Celebrate Your Heart"

We are having a once in a lifetime snowstorm going on in the Midwest--Snowcopalypse 2011! Since my university was closed and I couldn't go to work today, I spent the day doing a little needlework and framing. I finally got around to framing this piece that was designed by Maureen Appleton of The Heart's Content in 2005, but I stitched it in 2008--and am only three years behind on framing. I love Maureen's designs and that she uses "over one" stitching on fine counts of fabric to create a high resolution result. I think this one was on 40 count. The rubbed cherry frame is by Steve Seilo. Although it came with a red thread, I changed it to blue because blue is my favorite color. :-) Happy storm, everyone!