Sunday, July 7, 2013

Isn't It Ironic?

That line from an old rock tune keeps playing in my head.  Here I am in the middle of a stitching slump and all I am thinking about is buying new stash.

First, putting together the patriotic post for July 4th made me want to stitch something new in that area so I went to my favorite "go-to" designer for the quick and easy but clever, too: Glory Bee Designs.  I saw the perfect chart, Patriotic Trio but I also saw another chart I now crave, The Beach Sampler.  Then I checked out Aury's blog and printed off the annual Quaker Patriotic Heart.

And earlier this month, I read on the Homespun Elegance blog that they are re-packaging some old Christmas ornament designs in what I call a super chart with 8-10 designs in one chart.  Well, one of them includes my very favorite Santa ornament ... for which I foolishly gave away the chart since I rarely stitch anything twice.  But then my grandson gazed longingly at the ornament on my tree and of course, I gave it to him.  Now, I need the chart again to stitch another for myself.

I believe I know what the problem is: I am bored to tears with my current stitching plans.  Back in January of 2012, in one of those extraordinary A-type personality brainstorms that engulf me every so often, I decided to list and finish all my UFOs including class pieces.  I made a list and I started stitching and stitching and stitching.  And I have finished up six of the UFOs and one of the class pieces so far.  But a quick glance at my sidebars indicates that I have 17 projects left to complete, and nearly all of these pieces are BAPs.  To further complicate matters, when it comes to stitching, I crave novelty.  Can you say "doomed to failure"?  I believe I have discovered a new mental condition, stitcher's manic depression.  I believe the cure involves some colorful, fun, quick and easy projects interspersed at regular intervals with the more challenging and serious stitching.  I will be calling the folks at Stitchery Row tomorrow for a therapeutic dose of Glory Bee and Homespun Elegance.  And maybe, just maybe, there will soon be current photos gracing this blog once again!

7 comments:

Vickie said...

ooOoo! I hope your "medicine" helps your condition!!

Maggee said...

I have decided that life is too short to box myself in to stitching stuff that really doesn't interest me now. We change, our likes and dislikes change (sometimes like the tide going in and out, but I digress). It is a HOBBY or PASSION, not a job. So, I am going through my stash all the time now, and RAKing charts I will not be stitching. ESPECIALLY BAPs! Got rid of those years back! Life really is too short. We cannot fit it all in. I still work full time, have kids and grandkids, and a sometimes demanding husband that keep me hopping as it is--why be tied down to a schedule of stitching too! It is very freeing--I recommend it to at least scale back. I LOVE all my charts, I just know I won't stitch them. Plus there is the cost of framing... getting higher and higher! Well, I hope you will free yourself of the 'must's' and start to enjoy your stitching again! Hugs!

CalamityJr said...

I think you diagnosed and the treatment extremely well. Now I'll be watching for those new treats!

CalamityJr said...

I'd say you diagnosed the ailment and prescribed the treatment very well. Now we'll be watching for signs of healing!

Laura said...

Oh I hear ya on this one! I finally started stitching 2 days ago myself after a long slump (and dabble into knitting) - I have WIPs I am committed to doing (for others) but they are BAPs and I just really want to do something new (so I am) :)

Laura

Julie said...

Nothing like some new stash to encourage a little bit of stitching.

Kiwiflowa said...

I occasionally feel bad about unfinished projects and stash. However if stored correctly it won't go 'bad' and I should be able to pick up projects started years ago when I want to. Also sometimes I'll sort out some old stash that I don't want any more and take it to the second hand shop for someone elses pleasure. I buy stuff second hand so why not make someone elses day if they spot a cross stitch chart that's I've donated?