With My Needle

Thank you for all the kind comments on my recent accomplishments. I’ve even surprised myself this year!

Several people asked how I was able to get so many things finished. I think part of my “secret” is that I typically wake up several hours before Tom does, and I use that time for stitching. If I’m lucky, I can also get in some more stitching at night. I usually can’t stitch much during the day.

I prefer to stitch in hand versus using a frame. I like the “feel” of the linen. Several asked if I’m a “sewer” or a “stabber”. Depending upon both the project and the particular stitch, I use either the sewing or stabbing method.

For example, on my current project, the Amy Eliza Herbert sampler, I’m using the stabbing method because I’m working with two plies of thread and railroading the stitches. If I’m using only one ply of thread, I can work cross stitches and some other stitches with the sewing method. Closed herringbone, four-sided, and nun’s stitches are several that I always work with a sewing method.

If you want to see a fast stitcher, look at people who do the two handed method. Wow--do they zip along. They work with one hand, usually the dominant one, on the underside of a frame and the other hand on top. Unfortunately, I’m not coordinated enough to do this.

I think the other way I stay focused is to make a list of what I hope to accomplish each year. This year I surprised myself by surpassing my initial list. (Last year, I fell way short.) I’m now trying to make my 2010 goal list. I just need to remind myself not to get too enthusiastic, but instead to be realistic. I have also decided that I’m not a good rotation stitcher. I need to stick with one project, although occasionally I may have two “active” ones in my needlework basket.

Below is my current progress on Amy Eliza Herbert. I can’t remember when I started her, but I know it was before I started designing in 1999. Sadly, this lovely sampler was put away for heaven knows why. I’m so happy that I stumbled upon her again. This sampler was charted by The Porcupine Collection in 1987. According to information in the chart leaflet, the large house with its three sections is typical of houses found on samplers from New Jersey. Amy’s original sampler is part of the DAR collection in Washington, D. C.

One of my goals each year is to finish at least one WIP (work-in-progress). This year that piece was Dutch Beauty. In 2010, it will be Amy.

My teaching schedule (posted both at my website and in the sidebar of this blog) has just been updated. I have a couple of openings for next year.

Happy stitching!!