See the needle in the fabric? It was placed there in frustration. Not because my stitching isn’t good enough (it is) and not because I’d made a mistake (I hadn’t) but because this is taking ab-so-lute-ly f-o-r-e-v-e-r! I stitched a good part of the morning and all afternoon yesterday and all afternoon today. I’m still not finished with the leaves. There’s only the darkest green to put in on 5 and 1/2 leaves. Only.
Does it sound like I’m complaining? I’m not. Really, I’m trying not to. But in order to write about my stitching, I have to accomplish something – more than a little something. And this project isn’t going to be one I can write about very often because it takes so long to get anywhere.
Time for a deep breath and a reality check. This cap will take months. Maybe a full year. A long time. It’s detailed – really detailed. It’s intricate – very intricate. Everything about it is small and delicate.
The distance from the outside of the left leaf to the outside of the right leaf is only 6 cm or 2.5 inches. The blue flow is only 2.5 cm or 1 inch from side to side. You’d think something that small would stitch up quickly, but the one strand of Pearsall’s silk I’m using is very fine.
Am I enjoying every single stitch though? Yes, I am! I love it sitting back and taking a look without the daylight magnifier. It’s as if a flower garden is slowly growing on the fabric.
And, I have some exciting news coming! Watch this space next time!
I am sure somebody famous has already said the journey is important and this piece of work will be a forever piece for many generations to come.
I have often thought about trying silk work, but the crewel work takes me long enough and to do the silk would stop me doing the crewel work.
Exciting News??????? How lovely
The most important thing is that you enjoy stitching.
Some time ago I needed 1,5 hours to stitch about 10 to 15 alternating chain stitches. It took so much time because the thread was silk, I had to take care not to damage it. There were 4 threads in my needle, two light green and two less light green, hard to tell the difference. I had to stitch into the same hole where my needle came out, taking care not to pierce the thread and swap the greens. But I succeeded and was happy with the result.
Kathy, your work is stunning.
Sometimes it is worthwhile creating something that takes time so that you can sit back and admire a good session’s work.
Secretly, I often enjoy a bit of self-gratification (of the sewing kind!) towards some stitching well done and the feel good moment it gives me.
Don’t worry that it will take a long time: true followers, such as me, will stay with you all the way.
Your work is exquisit be patient. We had Lynn James do a slide presentation at our guild on Plymouth Jacket. She was one of the stitchers on the Plymouth Jacket. She had done a sample piece to qualify to work on the jacket. Similar to the Trivalian Cap you are doing. It was fine detailed exquisit work but oh so beautiful. Take heart. I am looking forward to following your work on the cap. Ana-Maria K.
Other than to write about your progress, what is the rush? Is there a prize for how fast you can stitch and complete an item?
It’s for sure that you are doing more than I am — on many levels.
I am happy to watch your progress, knowing how much goes into doing fine stitching. I’m not in a rush to watch you rush.
I’m here, I’m pleased to be a part of your blog family, and I’m smiling whenever you gift me with your progress.
Shalom, my friend!
I’m with Debbie — a “dyed in the wool” crewel person who has yet to dabble in the intricate and delicate world of silk. Some day, I will. In the meantime, I’m enjoying seeing your project emerge gradually from your needle. Do you plan to actually construct the cap at the end?
Hi Susan,
Yes I do! I think that will be the best part. When it’s all finished it will be a little less than 6 inches tall. IÄm hoping my father will make a beautiful, turned wooden stand for it.
Liebe Grusse,
Kathy
This will indeed be a slow cloth but as long as you are enjoying the stitching, what does that matter.
What you have done so far is beautiful.
Silk work does feel as though it takes forever, but it’s so satisfying to look at, and the colours you’ve chosen just glow!
Even if it is slow work, it is nevertheless a beautiful piece Kathy. And I think that the slower and more methodical you are with it, the more it will reward you. Keep going.
Have something else that is not as important but is quicker to work on the go at the same time to give your eyes, mind and hands a chance to relax a little every now and then.
BTW how is the Marriage Pillow coming along?
Every one of the comments tells you something. I particularly like Marney’s comment, “Is there a prize for how fast you can stitch?” She must really enjoy what she does, not just stitching but in life.