Tuesday, January 19, 2010

another WIP "bites"the dust!

On New Year’s Eve, I posted a list of my 2010 needlework goals. (I like the word “goals” versus “resolutions”. The word “resolutions” at times can seem intimidating.) One of my goals was to complete two works-in-progress (WIPs).

Like many of you, I have accumulated quite a few of these over the years. In the fall, I dug out Amy Eliza Herbert, a reproduction sampler from the DAR, that I started before I began designing in 1999. I had about a third of it stitched when, for some unknown reason, I put the sampler aside. As you can see from the photo below, I am nearly done. I need about half an hour to complete the satin stitched sawtooth band near the bottom of the sampler.

In the next photo you can see where I backstitched my name, city, and state. (It is not as crooked as it looks in the photo—remember my linen hasn’t been mounted yet.) Usually I stitch the year also, but since I started the piece so many years ago, I left the year off. None of this information will not show when the sampler is framed.

I find myself with mixed emotions as I put in the last stitches on this wonderful sampler. On one hand, I am so pleased to at long last have Amy completed, but on the other hand, I find myself sad that Amy and I will no longer have our “special time” together. Do any of you feel the same way when you complete a project?

I’ll soon choose my next WIP to finish. I haven’t looked through my baskets yet, but two samplers that readily come to mind are The German Sampler from The Examplarery and The Truth Sampler from Samplers of Sylke. I’ll let you know when I make my decision.

Happy stitching!

15 comments:

Delfi said...

I have this pattern in my stash cupboard. It has been put in the "give away" pile and then removed so many times that I don't know if I will ever stitch it! lol

Yours turned out beautifully, Ellen. :)

Nancy said...

Amy is such a gorgeous sampler! The colors are amazing. I think we do get bonded to a stitching project, and some are beautiful finishes but we do miss stitching them.

Deb said...

It looks wonderful Ellen. I've had this pattern in my stash for years. My NY resolution was to stitch up things that I've had the pattern for ages. This one fits the bill perfectly!!

Tracey said...

How pretty! And don't be sad- you will still have Amy around to gaze at whenever you wish, and will feel a feeling of accomplishment. :)

Margaret said...

Oh she's so beautiful!! Congratulations! You'll be done with her in no time now! I know how it feels when you finish something, sort of a feeling of loss. But she is worth it. :D

Michelle said...

Congratulations on a great finish - she is beautiful!

Giovanna said...

Congratulations, it's a stunning sampler! And I know what you mean about completing a loved project.

staci said...

Oh, you are sooo close to having a stunning finish! You must feel great knowing how close you are to having an old WIP finished!!! It's a gorgeous sampler.

Unknown said...

Ellen, I am so delighted to have discovered your blog (thanks to a link from Bertie). Your sampler is just beautiful and how exciting to be so close to finishing her. I have several WIP that I need to work on but I am so enamored with A&E projects and my current Elizabeth Savilles that I have no desire to work on anything else. I guess that could also be called lack of willpower, LOL.

Carol B. said...

Ellen - the sampler is gorgeous! I absolutely love the colors - what a wonderful addition to your collection of finished samplers!!

If it were me I would pick the Truth Sampler - I love that one and hope to stitch it for myself one day!

Carol B.

Anonymous said...

I love it Ellen. I have been waiting to see your progress on this as you encouraged me to start this last year.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful finish, Ellen. I know that feeling you are experiencing. The thoughts and prayers we experience while stitching a piece seem to become a part of it forever, or that's the way it is for me :)
Congrats on the finish and now take a deep breath and make that choice of which one next.
hugs, babs in alabama

Laurie in Iowa said...

Congratulations on a beautiful finish Ellen.

Vaida said...

A great finish! And by taking a look at it, I do understand, why you feel both happy and sad...

Nicole said...

I have similar goals; I have way too many UFOs! I always feel at loose ends after completing a big project. That seems like it should be a good feeling, but if it is, why do I so seldom actually get there?! That's a beautiful finish; it's good to know I'm not the only one who has projects that have achieved "school age" and beyond.