To Guide or not To Guide

Speaking of stitch guides I just wanted to write about them today adding in my two-cents to other cyberspace conversations. I have long since known my talents lie elsewhere when it came to deciding the right stitch for the right place. For instance, take the kimono on the left. I began this canvas without a stitch guide about 10 years ago. Back then my idea was to use as many different stitches and as many different threads as possible in one little canvas. The kimono demonstrates this concept better than anything else I've ever stitched. I disliked how this was turning out and must have stitched it 5 times over because I made so many faulty stitch decisions; so many that I put it down and didn't stitch anything for several years. A few years ago I finally finished it and made the kimono into a kimono and I vowed never to stop stitching again for any reason under my control but I was still gun shy when it came to making stitch decisions. For one thing the whole process is very time consuming, taking up precious stitching time,  I concluded  I was better off leaving it to the experts.

Then I found the canvas on the right which is testimony that perseverance in learning, observation and practice can break through even the hardest head. I fell in love with Patt and Lee Designs' canvas even though it didn't have a stitch guide at the time. I had to create my own if I wanted to stitch it. So I began flipping through all my stitch books and decided to let Father B's Book of Stitches guide my way. Years ago (like maybe 20) I stitched his Tale of the Chinese Plate and remembered there were 12 stitches recommended for Asian themes. I picked every stitch on the Geisha canvas and every thread too as I recall. I am so proud of this fact because I didn't think I would ever attempt doing it again, and it turned out I actually could choose stitches to my own satisfaction. Now I wonder if I should? I'm a stitcher. Even so, recently I was encouraged to expand beyond my reach. Who me?

Creating a stitch guide is an art form and while I feel more confident in my ability, the professionals (you know who you are Judy, Ann, Robin, Sharon, Amy et al) that have devoted much of their careers to designing painted canvas and charts have gained my attention and earned my respect. I'd have it no other way.  How about you out there, do you decide on your own stitches to your own satisfaction? And to the exclusion of using professional stitch guides? Sharon G has wisely pointed out that they are only "guides,' suggesting they can be used together with our own judgment. Not bad advice Sharon. As for me, I really like having a stitch guide, but I'll keep dabbling with stitches taking in what I can glean from you all and asking for advice along the way.

Wishing you all well this hot steamy weekend. Take good care 'til next time.

Tale of the Pesky Kimono

MAGIC project #2 is done, finished. No, I didn't stitch it in two different colorways, just playing with my photo software. It's been about 7 years since I first purchased this canvas. I had such high hopes in the beginning that it would stitch up quickly and that I would miraculously find just the right stitches and threads to use. Didn't happen that way. As a much less experienced stitcher 7 years ago I didn't know about the wonderful stitching support groups and lists and all the help available through them. Thinking it was a gorgeous canvas worthy of fine threads and stitches, and with Jo Ippolito's 300 stitches dictionary by my side, I thought I was prepared.

The real trouble began when I attempted to create a stitch guide; I had no experience and ultimately no business attempting this. I stitched and then frogged, stitched and frogged for months. I just do not have the talent nor experience to instinctively know what stitch best fits where. Frustration stitching this particularly problematic canvas caused me to put my needle down for about 3 years. Back then, back before discovering my needlework groups, I was still practicing the don't begin something new until you finish what you've started mantra. And I didn't want to work on the kimono so I ended up not working on anything. Big mistake rectified only after learning that it's natural to have any number of UFO's and WIPS in one's stash. That it's a normal part of being a stitcher. Thankfully I cast aside this notion of nothing new until old is finished.

Once the stitching was in, the poor kimono took a rest while I tried to figure out how to finish it to hang on a stand. I looked around on the Internet for help, but didn't find what I needed. The first thing I did was to cut away the canvas around the stitched design and basted on an interfacing for stabilization. Next I needed to find the right fabric for the back; naturally choosing a slick Asian fabric that frayed like crazy. The color and pattern were right, so what's a little fraying with everything else it had been through. The fabric was basted to the back of the canvas wrong sides facing inward. It was finally time to apply the velvet trim to the edges by hand leaving armhole openings. Voila! Done. Goodbye. Shoo! Actually I learned many valuable lessons stitching this kimono, that even though I was discouraged many times, I became a better stitcher because of it somehow. Becoming more aware of my limitations and levels of tolerance and patience, I now plan and proceed with my stitching projects differently than I did back then.

CATCHING UP!

Hi all! I have missed my blog. Thank you for not giving up on me. I've been stitching and making progress on my WIP's for the past few weeks and have other things going on preventing me from making a contribution here. I've been reading and enjoying yours, however. Currently I am not in Colorado but have traveled to NM to visit family. I drove so I have Teddy with me plus 6 stitching projects. I'll be here for a few weeks but didn't bring anything new to work on. That took will power. I had nearly self-talked myself into the "you're on vacation, take a new project" mentality, but I overcame that idea. Well actually my daughter reminded me that I would be making a side trip to PFOS. Dilemma resolved. :)

Before beginning this blog entry, I took photos of everything discussed; however, I have been unsuccessful in downloading and, therefore, editing my photos on the laptop I'm using. I will add them later once I figure out the picture software. It may also be an incompatable memory card.

Stitching priorities include my MAGIC projects; I've stitched 2 sides of the border and am working on the third of the Rooster; also finished the chicken wire fencing. I only have until November to complete the stitching; I think I'll do it. I'm using Silk and Ivory for much of the piece which is so nice to stitch with and no separation of plies.

As pointed out previously, I am nearly done with the Halloween fairy piece....if I don't do the background. I'm seriously considering mounting the design into a round box top. It's 7" in diameter so that may not be as easy as it sounds. I also need to think of how I want to address the fairy wings that extend outside the circle. Think I have that covered. This leaves me with 3 fairy canvas's incomplete for my MAGIC commitment. Lastly, I don't like to bead, but think a few additions to my Japanese Kimono would be a nice improvement.

Here is another project I finished but haven't framed; it's a prototype for a program I will lead early in 2009. I pulled the threads from my stash to do a test run of the stitches, etc. The point of this project is to feature a piece of jewelry attached to the geometric design. Instead of jewelry, I decided to attach beach glass in the shape of an angel, collected from the beach off Long Island Sound in the 70's. The glass has great sentimental significance since my close friend that collected it has since passed on.

I have completed 99% of the actual program model in exactly the fibers and colors suggested by the designer. This colorway is much more subdued than my bright stash piece. This will be presented for sign-ups at our meeting in September

I have also been involved with the SNS (Shining Needle Society) Stitch project given by Beth Robertson and Suzanne Howren; It's the first in a series of three notebook classes of stitches. I have enjoyed this type of "cyber" class and highly recommend this method of learning as there is no travel involved, you have benefit of fabulous national teachers and you can proceed at your own pace and in your own time. I don't think I should include a photo.

Lastly, but not least I have brought the remainder of my Cozy Toes to work on if I finish all the other projects. So I have my work cut out for me while I'm on vacation and better get busy.

Thanks again for bearing with me over the past two weeks during my period of dormancy.

Yours always in stitching!
Madonna