What is the point at which you set a project aside or give in? I think I learned something about my impatience regarding needlework. Or maybe not. But I always prefer to believe I am right.
This small sampler whose body is letters, motifs only at the top, should be quite easy and relaxing. It is anything but. So I took the time to examine why I have made so many errors in a tiny space, third time on one motif and it's not even completed. Never before considered how my attitude and mood related to a project. Supposedly a relaxing stress reducer, sitting quietly, maybe listening to music or a book. Not at all if my stress level, anxiety, sadness, anger, worry, fear, or hunger is cluttering the back of my brain whether conscious of it or not. For me, maybe not for you. Concentrating on color changes for small areas and motifs requiring focus cannot happen, cannot calm me, cannot erase deep seated thoughts. Right now, I need minimal color changes, letters, verse, recognized repetitive patterns, simple motifs without wandering stitches.
I had to change thread colors as always to be noticed on this linen color and once again, struggled testing lighter shades that never satisfy. Seven different beige and yellows were not working and I told Mark to hide the lighter. Cannot. Even though the majority will be few colors of eyelet stitches, my frustration with the top motifs have turned me against continuing. Using a single strand on 32 is not my favorite and two was very heavy and awkward. So I am moving on. I need something familiar and consistent.
Is there a point that makes you say Uncle? Is it continual errors? Too many thread changes? What does it? Do you think your frame of mind or current issues interfere with how you stitch? Or does needlework take you away from it all?
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13 comments:
I was working on a sampler for two weeks I didn't like the colors and the chart was very difficult to read, every time I sat down to work on it I was miserable, I had completed one side of a difficult border of flowers and several motifs, and to top it off it was on Lakeside linen, but when I decided to abandon it I felt so much better. I was able to save a good size portion of the linen and I moved on to the next project and I'm so glad I did, it isn't worth wasting time if its not making you happy!
I have the same connection to mood and success, so if I am struggling, I put my project aside until I feel better. A lot of the time I pick up simething simpler, as you plan to do. It's supposed to be enjoyable and satisying, so if I'm not feeling that, I'm moving on!
https://www.facebook.com/HelloFromLizMathews/
look for her hope design of late
I wonder if a one color design,you pick the color, might be more relaxing for you now. If it is not making you happy now stop for a bit and find another design. I do like that Liz Mathews Hope design. If I remember it could easily be one color.
I usually find that stitching calms me whether I am worried, angry or upset about something, the very act of having to concentrate seems to rid my mind of other things. I wonder if you would be better stitching something in monochrome, or limited colours. It is probably not your taste, but I am hoping to stitch Rosewood Manor's Green on Green sometime soon, using dirty reds instead of greens.
I have a question for you.......what do you use to hold your Magma, I think that's what you call yours.
I bought one of those things that folks use to hold their Ipad, lap top, etc. It holds the Magma perfectly.....can see the chart much better and it makes stitching much more pleasant for me.
Maybe it would help you ?
I find stitching relaxing until I have to fix a mistake or a kitty wants to get in my lap. Then, sometimes, I want to give it up. Don't usually....most times I'll put it down and go back to it.
Praying for relief for you from all that is affecting you.
Charlotte in Va.
I completely agree that my mood dictates my choices in needlework. I've become a "user of what I have" in many cases and go off suggested colors based on what I have on hand; however, I'm not very good at choosing colors so just go with the flow and keep fingers crossed. I will say, I don't like mistakes and lots of times will even fix errors in samplers so my eye doesn't go to that part of the piece each time I look at it. I also listen to books while stitching....joined our library and love listening while I stitch. I'm a slow stitcher and it's relaxing.
Hope you find your comfort space!
hugs
ann
When I need a re-start for energy, I try a single color or one of just varigated. Working a set of small pin pillows for a friend. She loves salt-glazed stoneware. Take a look at Priscilla's Pocket, Stoneware Pinpillows. Will not use the edging, I want them plainer. Almost done.
So far, the only project I've abandoned is a huge crewel wildflower project I started... ummm... 40?!?! years ago. I got bored, and then upset because I pulled the stitches too tight and the fabric puckers now. I've been pondering if I can undo what I did and restart, as I still like the picture. But where to find the crewel wool yarn in colors I'd need???
After stitching Statue of Liberty, I thought Halloween sampler would be easy. No frequent color changes, no backstitch, no multi-page chart. Well - I made soooo many errors. I think the only mistake I did not make was using the wrong color. I came close to putting it in timeout, but kept it in sight and finally finished it. Stitching while tired or distracted is not good idea for me, no matter how relaxing needlework is supposed to be. I'm better off just to take a nap or watch that TV show.
But - I haven't been stitching much over the years as you have. I'm guessing I'd permanently abandon a project if the linen could not stand up to repeated removing and restitching, or if I hated the linen for some reason (though I might restart on different). Or if I could no longer find the threads I started with, and there was not a reasonable substitute. Or if there were bad/confusing instructions or charts. Or if a project were in time out so long my tastes changed.
Marly: I have never abandoned a project but have come close, some designers use such light colored threads that make no sense to me.
I do like the start of this sampler it looks very pretty so far.
Maybe a little or big break is in the immediate future.
I hope it is warming up in your area, it is here finally.
have a very sweet day.
Catherine
I do I believe I am the Queen of Abandon (and, no, NOT in that way LOL). I would hate to think of all the projects unfinished in my life. And, yes, I know full well that my disposition impacts heavily on my stitching/hooking/crafting endeavors...yet I "force" the issue. It's a catch 22 in ways as it are these pastimes that do ground me and give my life balance....so I reach for them when I am most in need...and that's when things fall apart...when I least need them to. I find it a bit ironic to read all the comments about monochromatic colors...yet that is exactly what I picked up in this last bout of "need." I set aside the tortuous witches and decided to do a quick little two-color heart....I made more errors in that one little piece than I can even admit to myself. And yet, stubbornly, I kept going back....determined to get my mind off the troubles of my heart. Hah. So the answer to at least one of your questions at least for me is "YES!!!!!" ~Robin~
Try one of the iStitch band samplers. They can be done monochromatically and I find them to be very soothing. Take care.
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