Monday, March 24, 2014

Something Big

Typically I stitch on "smalls" but I have started something BIG.  My collection of Heaven and Earth Designs totals 5.  I did start Wintery Heirloom back in 2009 but have done very little stitching on it.  Recently, I decided to stitch this design...

Heaven & Earth Designs
Designer: Jane Wooster Scott

And in one week here is what I managed to complete...


Given the size of the design (18 x 22) I have not stitched very much.  It's only been a week and I am finding it difficult to stay on task!  With each stitch I find myself am thinking: 

What other projects I could start?
Have I messed up?
When will I finish this?
Will I finish this?
I must be crazy!

I discovered a few gadgets that are helping to make this a more enjoyable stitching experience.  The first is the Easy Count Guideline thread...


When you grid your fabric with the red nylon thread it allows you to easily locate the exact point to stitch on the fabric. It really is instrumental in keeping you stitching faster and more accurate. Since the thread is nylon there is no chance of splitting the guideline threads with the needle.  A must have, especially when stitching any of the HAED.  Click HERE for a video demonstration.

The second is this View Stick Magnifier which clips directly to your pattern...

When I purchased the HAED I probably should have paid a bit more for the EXTRA LARGE printed version! Wow, the print is quite small on these patterns but the stick magnifier is helping.

The last is this Storage Clipboard from Staples...

Not only does it hold my pattern but it also opens up allowing me to store my supplies in the 9.5" x 12" storage area.

I just love it! 

Today I headed to the post office where I found Amy's wonderful Halloween Ornament in my box. She stitched this cute little Prairie Schooler owl...

2014 HOE Halloween Ornament round #3
Designer: Prairie Schooler
Design: Heads Up
Fabric: 28 count Lambswool Linen using DMC
Stitched by: Amy V-M

The eyes make him so adorable.  Thank you, Amy!!!

  Thanks for stopping by and...

Until Next time ~ remember:

"Never wish that life where easier, wish that you were better"
Jim Rohn

9 comments:

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I remember when you bought it, cause I bought one too...and I gave mine away! HA~
But you will get it done girl! Look how much you already got done! Are you doing tent stitch or full X's?
Is someone getting married? that'd be a great gift! :)
With all your gadgets and set up of the piece, its gonna be a piece of cake to get it done!
The ornament Amy stitched for you is cute as a button!

Shirlee said...

I know it will be gorgeous when you finish it my friend! I admire anyone doing those huge pieces with so many color changes. It would drive me insane : )

Dani - tkdchick said...

Wow you made great progress in one week on you HEAD. Great tips!

I'm working on a large project (not HEAD) but I don't grid... why grid when I can get started right? But I have been working on it in 10x10 blocks which is kida the same!

Melissa said...

Wow. Every time I see one of these large projects I am amazed at people who stitch them! I'll be cheering you on!

Carol said...

I love Jane Wooster Scott and this HAED is gorgeous!! Good luck with it, Marie--I am afraid I would never have the patience, but I look forward to watching yours grow!

Enjoy that cute owl from Amy :)

Jennifer said...

A week? I don't think i could get that much done in a MONTH. It's going to be stunning when it's finished - and I KNOW you'll finish it. You won't be able to stop staring at it.

That chart holder is so cool!! How do you use it while you're stitching? I use a scroll frame to stitch while sitting in a chair - do you keep your chart holder on a nearby table or some other set up?

Sometimes when a pattern is too small to read, I use our printer to photocopy sections at a larger size - makes it easier to read. I did that when I worked on a Stoney Creek piece, plus I also used colored pencils to color in various sections of the chart so I could see where each color went. Sometimes it was easier to look for a block of pink or a block of yellow, especially when very similar looking symbols were right next to each other.

Stitching Noni said...

Great tips and ideas. Love the clipboard idea! Love the HAED's and have a couple but I still haven't dared start one!! I admire people who do stitch them :)
Can't wait to see more!

Brigitte said...

Oh wow, this is really big. BUt it's worth every single stitch, I'm sure. I love Jane Wooster Scott and have bought two of her HAED designs but haven't started any of them yet. But each time when I go looking for a new big project I keep them in my hands and think about starting them. I just am a bit anxious about their bigness, lol. But if I don't start I will never find out if I can manage them. Thanks for all the tips.

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