Category Archives: miscellaneous

A Work in Progress

It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do

Sense and Sensibility Jane Austen

I have been thinking a lot about what I say (and buy) as opposed to what I do.  I read a lot of blogs, buy a lot of craft materials and look at a lot of pretty things on pinterest, but my out put is minimal. I think about craft, but there always seems to be something more pressing to be done. Craft feels like an indulgence that has to be done in the margins, which makes no real sense because the amount of money I spend on craft suggests it is extremely important to me. However, I know the way I spend my time says something about my priorities and what is important to me.  It is time to think about my time and how to best spend it. Sometimes you just have to get on with it – there is never going to be a perfect time and there is always going to be something that needs to be done at home.

Back to the start – again!

Yes that does mean I am completely back to the start. I twisted it when I joined the round – so frustrating. I’m having to dig deep to stop myself from quitting.

On a lighter note I am enjoying this bird needlepoint (canvas work) – it is super easy to do – doesn’t require any great concentration or eye power (I can easily do it while watching T.V)

Fine Cell Bird Cushion

My small collection of finished objects!

It is a strange feeling to look back and see how little I finished this year. Just one pair of socks, a pin cushion, canvas work sampler, canvas work pendant and one quilt block. I have taken on longer projects – with the my weekly embroidery course plus I have taken on extra (maths) students this year, which does eat into my time.

One of the highlights of my year was the Canvas Work class – for three hours a week I sit down with like-minded souls and stitch. Every week I would think ‘no I don’t have the time for this’, but after ten minutes the calmness seeped in and at the end of the session I was ready to face my hectic life again.

This year it is all about finishing things off :- Miss P’s socks, Miss A’s hat, fingerless mitts, sampler quilt, embroidery and a tapestry cushion kit I bought in Sydney.

Unfinished Projects

And this …

I have been thinking about the unfinished lately and why I have numerous unfinished projects – not to mention the fabric, yarn and embroidery thread (both machine and hand) stash. I think it comes down to greed, which is quite a shocking thought. I’ve always considered greed to be about food and money, but I have decided it can about anything. As soon as I see something new and interesting (not to mention pretty) on a blog I simply must have it – I have this fear that when I am finally ready for it it will no longer be available. And although this might be the case, there is bound to be something else equally pretty and available when I am ready. I also do this with books and to some extent magazines.

I have no idea what steps to take to overcome this problem (and it is a problem because I am feeling overwhelmed by all of the stuff I own). I’ve imposed ‘no buy’ bans, but as soon as I get a bit stressed I pop out and buy sock yarn, or fabric bundles or a new craft book.

SewWitty’s 2013

I was quite disappointed when I look back on 2013 not much finished. I was away for July, but still very little was done.

My sampler quilt has proven to be quite a road block. I either need to knuckle down and finish it or give it up.

Last year’s goals

• Miss A’s Plus Quilt – No progress made at all
• Baby Clothes Quilt – No progress made at all
• Master knitting socks using the magic loop method. – Done although I think I am happier with double points.
• Master knitting socks two at a time – Done although I think I enjoy knitting one at a time.
• Attempt colour knitting – No progress made at all
• Finish digitising my foundation quilt blocks and release the set – I have finished the digitising, but not the quilt.
• Start working on a new embroidery set – something modern without too much fill – I started working on blackwork and will continue with this.

2014 Goals

• Finish the Sampler Quilt and release the designs.
• Design and knit 4 pairs of socks.
• Continue digitising.
• Baby Clothes quilt.
• Miss A’s plus quilt.