Progress

I haven't made any progress posting to my blog, but I have been making progress with stitching. I've been working more hours and feeling the pain as far as being tired, so I haven't been able to stitch every day. Also, a little preoccupied with financial concerns, given the state of our economy right now. Saps my mental energy.

Just a little to go on Heart's Content "Simplicity, Goodness & Truth." I am embarrassed to say that this was started as a wedding gift for someone some time ago. Since they are now divorced, I guess I am glad it never went to them since I will love to have this sitting on my mantle.

I joined Becky's Let's Stitch blog and it is perfect for me! Many thanks to Becky for coming up with this brilliant idea. I have always felt a little ashamed that I have trouble finishing projects and now I know that I am not the only one out there. It will feel so great to finally show some proof of my work.

I also joined the Me, Myself and I round robin. I had planned on doing our town, but now I am thinking this may be a little too ambitious, since I will have to come up with many of the designs on my own. Once I get a few projects done, I will put more energy into this.

I wish we had a local LNS! There is nothing like lingering in a good needlework shop. Of course, the downside is the urge to buy, buy, buy!

Some comments on blogging and stitching...or stitching and blogging

My, I didn't realize what a world it was out there! Where have I been all these years? I have always been a computer geek, but somehow missed out on the blogging craze. This has opened up a new world for me, since I only know one person in my town that stitches.

So, my question is, how does everyone find a balance between all the blogging and all the stitching? I could be getting much more stitching done if I wasn't perusing all these wonderful blogs. I am so eager to be able to post some pics of my finished projects.

My distractions over the past years have been typical. Very involved in daughter's ice skating, getting my son ready for college, repairing this old house we live in, supporting my husband in his work and hobbies, and working. I did do some knitting along the way. Also tried rug hooking.

Thanks to all of you for providing me with great inspiration and companionship.

Back to the routine

We're back to Ohio from our quick trip out to Colorado to take our son to school. 4 days of driving is just too much for me!!! Of course, DH did most of the driving. He's way better than I could ever be going over all those darned mountains.

I tried stitching in the car. It's just not for me. And there wasn't any time in between sight seeing and eating out to do any. Saw some awesome stuff out there. Completely awe inspiring. I'll be posting some pics on my personal blog as soon as I get it together.

I wish there was a needlework shop in Durango. There is a yarn shop, but didn't go in for fear of making a purchase. I need to go shopping for new stash!

A short history

What got me into this blogging thing was first of all because of my son's blogging, and 2nd, because of all of the awesome blogs out there on stitching, whether it be cross stitch, knitting, rug hooking or any other kind of hand stitching. I was amazed by what's out there on the internet. Always been an internet junkie, but never really searched out the blogs.

It looks like everyone absolutely stitches up a storm while I plod along. I did start a new little project which is almost done. I think I am a slow stitcher, but I don't really know. I got all my tools of the trade organized once again, took inventory of the charts I want to work on, as well as my stash of fabrics and threads. I have tons of DMC floss but not a lot of overdyed fibers. We don't have a LNS in our town and the nearest ones are about 40-45 minutes away, so there isn't much temptation to buy a lot of stuff I don't need.

Shepherd's Bush, a Monthly Musing

Where I did get a lot of my stash was at a Spirit of Cross Stitch Festival that I attended in 1998 in Hershey, PA. I drove out there alone from Ohio in our un-airconditioned 1970 VW Golf. Some of the things I purchased have been stitched. Others, I wonder, what I was thinking?

I also bought many charts at the Charlotte Needlework Market about 5 years ago. At that point, I wasn't working a career job (left that to stay at home with kids) and was feeling unsatisfied with my job. I was looking into opening a shop in our town, and the owners of Needlework Markets were kind enough to let me attend the trade show. Ultimately I decided that the venture was just too risky. Rents are very high and the market probably just not big enough. I had fun checking it out though, and learned a lot about retail and how to start a business.

So, now I feel that it's time to get back to my roots. As a teenager I sewed constantly and then got into knitting sweaters. Cables, fair isle, pullovers, cardigans, vests, etc. I worked at a needlework shop in my home town in my early 20's, worked at 2 fabric stores later. I am drawn mainly to counted thread work. I like the concentration it takes and the process of putting something on fabric where nothing existed before. And it is all so beautiful....

Some more UFO's

Ran out of thread
So close!

Here are a few of the UFO's that I have had stashed away until I get around to finishing them. Just a few stitches and they will be ready to frame! I think the framing thing is intimidating, being so expensive and all. Also, finding a good framer in town can be a problem. Not everyone is good with needlework.

A Walk in the Woods, Cricket Collection

Here is the reason why this sampler was not finished...I miscounted somewhere along the line and went over by 1 little stitch on 2 motifs. I was thinking of fixing this, but have decided just to let it be.

Shepherd's Bush...I made this

early on in my daughter's skating.

Just Nan, Catnip Tea

Heart's Content, over 1 on tea dyed linen.

This is going to be my stitching blog. I am hoping this will help to keep me motivated to stitch, especially to finish projects. I am known for starting and not finishing, whether it be a stitching project (knitting, counted thread or sewing) or a household project, or any number of things I have tried.

As I get older, I am going to refocus on doing the things that have meant so much to me over the years. I am making my own so called "bucket list." There won't be anything outrageous or daring on the list, just simple things that will help me to feel better about myself. Maybe as time goes by I will broaden the scope of this list.

Pics to follow shortly...