I love these pieces, I really do, I just don't know why I don't seem to get more accomplished on them than what I do. I finally finished up Block 1 of Houses of Hawk Run Hollow, all except for the name and year. I'm leaving out the year, because really who knows when this piece will ever be finished. If I sound frustrated at this point, I am. Its been over a year since I started and I haven't even reached the halfway point. 
I still enjoy stitching on this and I have to remember, the joy is in the stitching, not in the finishing. I guess its because there are just so many things out there that I want to do, and as much as I would like to start, I can only work on so many things at a time.
And part of the problem with this one and the CHS Alphabet series, is the 40 count fabric. I love the look of the stitching on this fine count, but my eyes have decided that its a little too fine for comfortable stitching. Which is a quandry because I can still see well enough to read so I don't feel I'm at the point of needing glasses. I tried a magnifier that clamps onto a table and as long as I can get it positioned properly, it works great. But most of the time I can't get it positioned properly. So every time I plunk myself down for the evening, I have to get hubby to help me adjust everything just so and I dare not move until I decide its beddy-bye time (and, sigh, this means no bathroom breaks either). That also means that I have to have everything at my finger tips, all flosses, scissors, snacks, drinks, and of course remote control!
So meanwhile I'm still plodding away at my CHS pieces, slow but sure wins the race......and eventually I'll need those reading glasses!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Carriage House Samplings
Posted by Wendy at 8:02 am
Labels: CHS Alphabet, Houses of Hawk Run Hollow
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22 comments:
They're both looking great Wendy!
I know what you mean about the 40ct - I love the effect and the fact you only have to use one strand of thread, but the fine count is a struggle sometimes. I only work on 40ct in the daytime, as my stitching light isn't really good enough for such fine work in the evening, so my 40ct pieces are a bit slower going than I would prefer. I'm trying to "downgrade" to 36ct for bigger pieces now, as I can work on that count at night.
You're not alone! 40ct means 'daylight stitching' for me as well and I'm NOT ready for reading glasses just yet, thank you very much... :o)
Both your CHS pieces are looking wonderful! And you WILL be able to stitch the year one day and it will be beautiful!
Thanks again for your help on my alphabet!
Nice progress on both pieces, Wendy!!
I think they are beautiful...and they will get done in time...you have tenacity Wendy :)
I don't know how you stitch on 40 ct. personally....I'm 36 and don't even want to think about it :) LOL!
Your pieces are looking lovely, they will be so worth it in the end!
Wendy, you are going where I wouldn't dream of! 40 count...you brave woman! I need my progressives for everything...and I need extra help when I do fine work like stitching. I use Mag Eyes and just got a magnifying lamp. I do look funny with all these accessories!
Wendy, both these pieces are stunners. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever get these big ones finished too, and I don't even stitch on 40 count. I'm stitching the Village on 36 count, but even that is a struggle.
Anyway, your alphabet (and Harmien's) have really got me thinking. Don't I need another big project? Like this alphabet? I think I do...
Both pieces look lovely! Any stitching on 40 ct is an accomplishment! Congrats on two beautiful pieces and just stitch on them when you can - like Karen suggested, maybe save them for daytime stitching on the weekends or something. That might help!
I used 40 ct for CH designs too. It was a real struggle to even count the stitches I'd done. What a lovely blog you have. Lots of nice stitching and pics! xx
Your CHS WIPs are absolutely gorgeous! I have VOHRH as a WIP and I feel your pain - I've only done two blocks of mine and I started last August. It will be worth it in the end, though. :)
Yep, in my ideal stitching nook, I'd have a great daytime lamp with magnifier. ;)
Your stitching looks great. But 40 count! Wow..I don't even attempt 40. Have you considered getting a pair of those cheap magnifying glasses? I know they're still glasses but I think you could still say you don't technically "need" glasses yet. ;)
Gorgeous progress, Wendy :)
They both are looking wonderful. I love the look of the higher count fabrics as well, but they don't really like me. Generally I work with a 28ct, although a 32ct isn't to bad. However, much beyond that and I have problems. I have contacts, and for 28ct still need to use my reading/stitching glasses. I don't need them for reading yet, but stitching they really come in handy. I have a magnifier too, which I sometimes use, but the glasses tend to be easier and don't need as much adjustment to get the placement just right.
Sue
Wendy, I haven't even tried to stitch on 40 ct! Perhaps you should think of the glasses as 40 ct stitching glasses. They're just a different style of magnifier. :D
Hang in there-you'll get it done soon! It's looking great!
I know how you feel. I purchased a couple pairs of reading glasses at Target. They were really cheap -- they were in the $1 bin in the front of the store. They have made a huge difference and made it much easier for me to stitch!
But your stitching looks fantastic regardless!
Both projects look great Wendy. I've never attempted 40ct and from the sound of it better not try. Why not try some cheap glasses to make things easier on your eyes. They're not really glasses you know - just stitching magnifiers you place on your nose instead of beside you.(lol) One of the women in our stitching group wears glasses and then wears a pair of reading glasses in front of those when stitching and truly she is one of the coolest people you can ever meet.
Lovely to see your HOHRH again! If it helps any, I started mine in January 2005 and am not quite at the halfway mark either. I am also holding off on the personalization until the end. Thanks for the SB freebies (and others)- they arrived today and I love them!!
Wendy, these are exquisite on 40 ct., so have no fear about hurrying! Sometimes just those little treks into smallies breaks up the momentum nicely. You're doing very well. I had to start using the magnifiers everyone's telling you about. They really work very well, and you don't waste time adjusting the mag. light.
Deb in FL
I got my first pair of glasses a few months ago and I'm THRILLED! Honestly, I've wanted glasses since I was about 5 years old (and false teeth too, but that's not the point, lol) and I totally LOVE them! I don't need them to read or do anything else with, the optitian says I could fly jets for the airforce with my eyesight, lol......I just need them to stitch with. They're the BEST thing EVER!!!!!
You're progress is great! Even slow progress is progress....but I know what you mean about all the other projects you'd like to crack on with while this piece is still finished. I hear ya' lol.
I love both projects, Wendy and they are coming along beautifully! I think it's amazing when anyone stitches on 40ct.
Both of these are on my *to stitch* list and when I do it will be on 32ct. ;-) I wear tri-focal progressives and can't see a blooming thing without them! lol Don't give up on these lovelies... You'll get there in the end... and if it takes two or three more years... well, then that's perfectly okay! :-) I know you'll have a lot of other lovely finishes along the way and we will all be here cheering you on! :-)
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