With December speeding by, I’m trying to get a sense of the things I’ll be doing project-wise next year. I’d like to get a general plan together before Christmas hits, purely for that part of me that’s a type-A personality.
In my previous entry, I listed the random Stich-a-Longs I’ve joined in some form. Today I put together a full list of my cross stitch patterns (excluding magazines, which are mostly there for reference & round robin ideas). I honestly didn’t think I had quite THAT many pieces in my stash… eep!
So now I’m planning my “attack” on all of it. Obviously I can’t do it all next year. I couldn’t do all of it in 10 years. But I definitely want to make a good push at it, and it all depends on the method of my rotation plan.
Based on past experience, a firm hourly or goal-oriented rotation just doesn’t work for me. Nor does stitching pieces in a particular order. One thing that does work is designating a theme for a slot (a designer, a piece size, or a focus slot, for example). So I’m going to be doing a modified blend of a screaming, hourly, and goal rotation.. if that makes sense.
The rule is that I can stitch these pieces in any order. This will allow me to be flexible for when Round Robins come in and such. I must put a minimum of 5 hours on any one piece before I can move onto another piece. I may stay on a project for as long as I’m feeling in a groove on it – progress in any form is a good thing! I must stitch on every piece in the rotation before making any adjustments, such as included pieces, slot themes, starts, etc.
Right now, I’m thinking about this as my beginning rotation for 2010. I expect to have a decent amount of time for stitching this winter.
TW SAL: Floral Bellpull
Small/Commute: Home is Where the Cat Is (will finish this round)
Small/Commute #2: Elemental Dragons: Spirit
Backstich Focus: Egyptian Sampler
Christmas SAL: Cats on a Staircase
TW/DD/BS SAL: Legends of the Dragons (new start for 2010)
Free Slot: For Round Robin
Open Choice: Apache Wedding Blessing
Open Choice: Astrology Sampler
I’m crazy, aren’t I?
I wish I knew how to cross stitch. I just bought a beautiful pillow the other day that had a neat zig-zag cross stitch across the front. It made me want to learn.
Also, you’re not crazy. Just optimistic.
Rosaline – Basic cross-stitch is actually very, very easy. You literally make little X’s (crosses). It’s some of the other embroidery stitches on more complex pieces that can be difficult. Don’t be afraid – you can self-teach easily. Just find a small pattern to start – there are tons at craft stores. Start with something that only has a few colors so you don’t get overwhelmed, and you’ll be fine!
The most important points to remember with stitching are that you need some patience – you’re creating pictures with very small dots at a time. You also need a comfortable spot to sit that has good lighting, otherwise you’ll hate doing it because you’re uncomfortable.