I’ve purchased more linen, new charts, but for months I have not really
had an interest in stitching. And my tastes in decorating are very confusing
right now. I still like the stark colonial and shaker style, but lighter and
looser is appealing to me more and more. Sort of a mix of primitive, farmhouse,
Pottery Barn. An old pine table with galvanized dining chairs. Adding more samplers to the walls is not in my vision.
My brother made a comment that
struck a chord. He has searched for and collected so many antiques over the
years, one being oil lamps from the 1800’s and another, early Indian arrowheads and
tools he’s dug for in the area. Both are extensive. Most were boxed since he and
his wife were planning to move into a larger home (and open a shop), but life got in the way. She passed and
he has a houseful of boxes. He recently emptied a group for display and felt very let down. After some thought he came
to a revelation. He realized that the hunt for the lamps, proper period
burners and chimneys, and digging for the artifacts was the thrill, not the display. Got me to thinking about stitching. Sort of what my brother is feeling. For years, I couldn't wait to hang that sampler on the wall or Santa on the tree, but then slowly that became less important. Searching for designs, choosing linen, changing threads, and creating the piece was the fun. And now I am not anxious to, nor is it a goal, to create a sampler for display. Many stitchers may feel the same because I read about dozens of completed projects languishing in drawers for years, no strong desire to see/display all that work. So maybe for some, the process is indeed, greater than the result.
But when you lose the desire for both, it's tough baby!
Goodbye February. How quickly you passed.
Goodbye February. How quickly you passed.
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11 comments:
What an interesting post with some very salient points. I agree that often it's the searching and acquisition that gives us so much pleasure - I also agree that it transfers from hobby to hobby.
This is a very thought provoking post, Marly. For me, the pleasure is in the actual stitching. I've had to control my urge to stitch because I was accumulating too much and few want or appreciate the finished project. It was/is the same with sewing so I'm doing a bit more crocheting but now that I have 6 cowls and wear none of them I really should quit. So what's next ..... I seem to rather enjoy just wasting time - perhaps that's what retirement is all about - just going with the flow. :)
It sounds like the hunting and gathering syndrome...It is the chase that satisfies..
once complete you don't need the finished product, unless of course it is quite unique and meaningful to you..... We stitchers do go at such a frenzy and over-produce, don't we? However, your needle is something you should not abandon...you
do such beautiful work... just at a more leisurely pace... Are you itching for Spring?
Such an interesting post. At 63 I've been staring down retirement, but each year decide to work a bit longer, partly because of the uncertainty surrounding the cost of healthcare and other things. It has also occurred to me that if I fell out of love with stitching, it would leave a big sad hole in my retirement plans, so just in case, I'm sticking with the workforce for now.
I have cross stitch unframed, punch needle done but not "finished" and rugs rolled up because I have no room to display them. I give many things away, but I have this need to create. As with life, for me it is the journey, not the destination.
For you...do whatever makes you happy.
Hugs :)
Lauren
I totally feel what your saying. Your post is an inevitable affirmation...So well put! Dreams fade away, but the desire is still with you.
For me "that is life".
Folk Art Hugs and Peace for all,
Barb
Oh, I so relate to this post, I’m thinking as I age...just turned 70, I’m wanting a cleaner look in my decorating. Such is life I guess. Still loving your blog.
I understand, Marly. When my husband was living we "ran the roads" going to yard sales, etc. Looking for what we could find that suited our taste and maybe plans. We had talked about opening an antique shop.......having a B & B (collecting tea pots, pretty plates, etc.). It was the "thrill of the hunt".
Then, as you say, life got in the way.
He had his second open heart operation in 1998 and it didn't go as well as the first one. I lost him in 1992 at the age of 52.
I have sold many of the things in my own yard sales and some went in the trash.
I have stitched some samplers........not the beautiful ones you've done and mine are not framed yet. I do love my PS Santas though !
I've found, as life goes on, that our interests change, even our desires for what we thought we wanted or had to have.
I used to love to garden and still do, but after living in this house for almost 51 years we now have snakes in our yard. That dampens the desire to dig in the dirt.
Don't know what I'll get into next.
I hope whatever you decide to do will be fulfilling and a joy !
Charlotte in Va.
Such a thought provoking post! I am 42 and not there yet. But after reading your post I begin to wonder. Waiting to see what you decide to do with your samplers
Hi SAmplers & Santa,
Please what is your cover design from?
Karin
in NY
Hello! Perhaps one of my favorite pieces' saying sums it up: There is 'Joy in the Journey' ... I enjoy your honesty and humor when you post! Hugs!
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