Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Finally finishing has begun

I'm happy to report that I finally got around to finishing something.  Honestly, I've about driven myself crazy with my lack of discipline that has come with the pandemic.  Before I was finishing each project as soon as I was done stitching, at least for the past year.    However, one of the projects I finished yesterday was from 2015 ... oops, but in my defense, I was having a terrible time understanding the directions.  Now the directions were very clear, typed out and any normal person could have put this together in a minute, I'm sure,  but I was not there.  Which is why I kept putting it back in the finishing tote unfinished.  But circumstances made me have to do it yesterday.  Sara's birthday was yesterday, May 12th.  I got notice that the items I ordered for her about 10 days ago, which would have been here in plenty of time prior to the Pandemic, would not be arriving until May 13.    At first, I panicked just a tad, it's not like I could go shopping,  So I thought I should finish a piece of stitching and make it her birthday gift and I could give her the things I purchased when they arrive.  Plus I had a couple of things I was saving for a goodie bag for her so at least she'd have something to open.  First let me say that I loved this project, in fact, Sara originally saw it being offered by a group, could have been Shining Needle, and asked me if I would like to have it.  I took one look and said, OMG yes!  I loved it from the start, loved stitching it and the bargello heart is a favorite of mine of all time.  The project is called Sweet Heart of Mine by Barbara Jackson.
This was such a wonderful stitch and I enjoyed everything about the design.  My finishing experience was of my own making.  Barbara's directions were clear, but for some reason, I was blocked from getting it.  So in the end, I had to just finish it the way I normally finish things and I'm pleased with the outcome.  FYI, the original version has the scissor sheath finished differently and while I was on the road to doing it separately, just like the needle book which is done as instructed, I liked it attached so changed that part of the finish.  The needlebook, etui were done as close to Barbara's instructions as I could personally understand.  In any event, done and gifted.  Because I was set up for finishing, I decided to finish Erica Michael's Needle Berry as well.  I have fallen in love with her berry designs and have a stack of them lined up to stitch.  I chose the Silk Berry patterns but instead of using the silk gauze, included with the pattern,  I stitch over one on linen.  I usually use 32 ct. linen as it's easier for me to see.  I would love to be able to stitch on 36 ct. over one, but that became too arduous for me so I backed it down to 32 and love that as well.  I choose the silk pattern charts because they are packed with more detail than the linen charts.    I didn't realize that at first until Stasi Buhrman and I both did the Scary berry last year.  Stasi did the silk version and when she brought it to me to see I was amazed at the amount of detail which mine did not have.  So now I always stitch the silk design on linen.  I stitched using the colors listed and love it.  
Today I move on to another finish, the Quarantine Project by Brenda Gervais.  I loved this the minute I saw it and thought, how appropriate that I have a stitched reminder of such a tumultuous time in our lives.  Anyway, I'll give you an update once I have it finished.    I started my next new project, Jenny Bean "For the Parlor" from Shakespeare Peddler.  The first section is almost completed and I'm loving doing this one.  I picked a banding which is approx. 8" wide to stitch and it fits beautifully.  Of course, I'm still working on about 5 other projects at the same time, and when I saw the new Plum Street charts I had to have My Peaceful Home and A New Constellation.  I am forcing myself not to start those until I get a couple more finishes out of what's already started.  Well, that's what's been happening in my nest.  Please stay safe and wear a mask when appropriate.  I want to see all of you when this is finally behind us.     

4 comments:

Stasi said...

Sally, the Barbara Jackson piece is wonderful...I know Sara is loving on it!! And your berry--another fabulous finish! So glad you got your mojo back!!!

Debbie B said...

Sally, Sara must have been pleased with her gift! It's beautiful! Agree with you on the bargello heart. I love all of Barbara Jackson's designs. Also, love all of Erica's berries. Don't know how I missed that one. Going to have to fix that. Haha. Stay in and keep stitching.

Sally Rutka said...

Thank you Stasi....it's good to get some of my mojo back...I missed finishing, as much as I hate it, I miss seeing the finished pieces . I think reopening is giving me new purpose even though I'm not sure it's a good idea. Hope to see you soon. Stay safe

Sally Rutka said...

Hi Debbie...Thanks for your kind comment. I have a couple of Barbara Jackson's designs and I too love everything she does. Beautiful projects to work on. And I'm hooked on the berries, and I'm thrilled I found the more detailed charts...match made in needlework heaven. Now that we are reopening next weekend I've found new purpose in getting the finishing done. My mojo is returning.