I'd been looking for another kit, I fancied an alphabet sampler, one like those which were stitched in Victorian times. I found this one on the Sew and So website. It's by Historical Sampler Company Limited and was just what I was looking for.
I also wanted a snap frame. I think it will be better than a hoop, especially when stitching a large project, though time will tell.
I'm going to start this hobby as I mean to go on, being organised, and to that end I asked for a storage box, bobbins and number stickers. I also got bought a bobbin winder.
I was all set to get started on the lovely sampler I've been bought but reading Marlene's post on her Poppy Patchwork blog over the weekend about the Stitch Along she's just about to start now has me in two minds. It's being run by Maja on The Snowflower Diaries blog and it's called Joyful World. There are twelve different parts to the Stitch Along, each one being a month of the year. I'd love to have a go at stitching this but there are lots of other knitting and crochet projects waiting in the wings to be started too so I've a decision to make. Do I...
a) Forget all about the Stitch Along, I've got plenty of other things to be getting on with.
b) Join in with the Stitch Along and put the alphabet sampler, and other projects yet to be started, to one side for now. There's no way I'd be able to keep up with the Stitch Along and have another cross stitch project on the go too.
c) Print out each month's Stitch Along pattern and stitch it at a later date, though that may not be for quite some time.
I don't have many things on the go at the moment, just two crochet blankets, but there's other things waiting for attention. I got a needlefelted hare kit for Christmas 2014 which hasn't yet been attempted. I want to crochet an animal from Edward's Menagerie, I got the book and yarn for Christmas 2014. I've got various yarn which would make lovely shawls, I've never knitted one before but I fancy giving one a go. I keep saying that I'm going to have a go on Eleanor's sewing machine but still haven't got round to that.
If only there were more hours in the day.
Oh, at times, I think many of us do wish for more hours in the day ... and they tell me it gets worse once you retire!
ReplyDeleteWith any hobby, job - just day to day things it does always help to be organised!
You do have a lot of choices ... which will you choose?
We're watching your space / blog for an update!
Have a good week
All the best Jan
I stopped working in 2010 and I have no idea how I ever fitted it in now. I think the more time you have, the more time you want. It's good to have lots of hobbies, I'm never bored, though I'm very slow at everything. Still, it's all enjoyable. I'll let you know what I decide.
DeleteGo on Jo I dare you, if you join I will - it's a pretty design broken down into 12! x
ReplyDeleteYou're so naughty egging me on like that. I only joined the Spice of Life Crochet Along because I'd seen posts from you and Jo (Angel Gem). I might succumb, I'll let you know.
DeleteI recently started cross stitching again after several years. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed it! I have lots of projects I want to try now. Enjoy your stitching!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a lovely, relaxing hobby. Once you start on a hobby, there's lots of things you see which you want to have a go at. I'm quite slow at crafting so I have to limit myself but the Stitch Along is so lovely, I might not be able to resist.
DeleteWrite all your options on pieces of paper and put them in a hat. Draw out the papers one by one and write the order down in a list. Start at the top with project 1 and work your way down.
ReplyDeleteOr you could go just do the one you want to do first. You know which it is, don't you? Oh yes you do! :)
xx
Ha ha, you know me so well. I think I just want everyone to tell me to go for it, but I do think your list idea is a good one. You know what I'm going to do, don't you?
DeleteI know exactly how you feel - so many wonderful projects and so little time. It takes quite a bit of discipline to hold back from starting something new, even when you know that you already have too many things on the go. I've wanted to participate in a knit-a-long for some time now, but have held off as I just don't have the time...one of these days, though.
ReplyDeleteIt does take discipline to hold back, I've been quite good so far but I'm getting a bit naughty as I get older. The Spice of Life is the first Crochet Along that I've taken part in, it came to an end some time ago but I'm still going with it. I don't have the time to craft to a timescale but it doesn't stop me enjoying it at my own pace. It would definitely be the same with this Stitch Along, I know I wouldn't keep up with everyone else but it's still enjoyable to take part.
DeleteDecisions decisions, that's what I could do with... more hours in the day.
ReplyDeleteI think if there were more hours in the day I'd just find more things that I wanted to do. I thought I'd have loads of time when I stopped working but it hasn't worked out that way.
DeleteI would go with option c, it's lovely to follow SALS/CALS/KALS but they can be time consuming and if you have lots of other things that you really want to do they will just get pushed aside and you may never get around to doing them. I followed 5 CALS last year and they took over my life, having said that I've already started another CAL but it's just a short one so that I can do other things as well, I love the sampler, good luck with your decision. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's definitely the voice of reason. It's the sensible option though not necessarily the preferred one. Do I go with my head or go with my heart?
DeleteGo with your heart ALL THE TIME when considering your crafting - it's supposed to be a pleasure not a chore.
DeleteThat said, I'm so tempted by this SAL, It's a few years since I've done any stitching.
You're so right. You may have just given me the nudge I need. I think I could have resisted most Stitch Alongs but this one is so lovely.
DeleteI'm happy to have two projects on the go at once, but I don't knit or crochet. I miss counted my second box and now face an evening of unpicking.
ReplyDeleteYou're such a fast stitcher, you can easily keep up with two projects. I think if I do start the Stitch Along it will have to be done like the Crochet Along I'm taking part in and done at my own speed. I'm sure I'll get there in the end.
DeleteI feel the same about the lack of time in the day with my own hobbies and interests, Jo! I do like your sampler and you look as if you're organised with all the various sewing accessories whatever you decide.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it matters what your hobbies are, there is never enough time for them. I was really pleased to open my gifts from Mick on Christmas morning and find so many things I'd put on my list to do with cross stitch, it's a hobby I can see me enjoying very much.
DeleteLovely idea. Agree about the storage issue - working on that very thing at the moment.
ReplyDeleteMy knitting and crochet things are slowly taking over rooms, I need to get some order back. I'm starting as I mean to go on where cross stitch is involved, everything organised and in its place.
DeleteOoo I like the idea of the stitch along patterns I think I may collect them and then do a single picture incorporating them all thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteI like how they build up to a single picture too. The two months which have been released so far are so cute, they really appeal to me.
DeleteI love doing cross stitch but also knit and crochet.I was very ambitious at the end of November and bought a Xmas sampler kit thinking I could finish it by Xmas.Ha!Ha!Must pick it up again and it might be done for next Xmas.I prefer the locking frames to a hoop.They leave less of a crease in the material and are easier to move.Good luck.Just going to have a look at the challenge you mentioned.Barbara
ReplyDeleteI'm so slow with all crafts but I enjoy doing them and that's what it's all about. I haven't used a locking frame before so I'm hoping that I get along with it ok, time will tell.
DeleteI love the alphabet one. I've never tried anything like this. Do you have to be a patient person? My friend does little kits to make cards etc
ReplyDeleteI've only just started on this hobby and I do have to be patient because I'm very slow, but it's very enjoyable. Like you say, there are little kits which don't take very long to stitch up but I'm sure this alphabet sampler will take me a very long time.
DeleteIf it was me, I'd copy the stitch along and do it later but that's because I'd rather not put pressure on myself with time limits. Crafting - of any kind - is meant to be a fun thing to do and adding time limits would, to me, take some of the fun out of it. But then, maybe that's just me.
ReplyDeleteI agree that crafting should be fun and I agree with you about time limits taking the fun out of it. I should have said that if I did decide to join the Sitch Along, it would be at my own pace just like I've done with the Crochet Along I'm taking part in. That was finished a long time ago but I'm still going with that in my own time.
DeleteA hard one, go with your heart I would say. I clicked through and the SAL is beautiful if I had time I would be tempted!
ReplyDeleteIt's very tempting, isn't it? I think it's a beautiful design and I'll definitely give it a go at some point in the future if not right away.
DeleteI'm printing off the cross stitch, too lovely not too but keeping up..I fear I will fall behind so will do it at my own pace one day..xx
ReplyDeleteI think that's the best way to do these stitch alongs, crochet alongs or knit alongs. I'm still going with the Spice of Life Crochet Along though the final pattern was published some time ago. I feel bogged down if I try to rush and keep up and it's much more enjoyable going at your own pace.
DeleteWhichever you choose to do you will be very organised I am sure! The sampler is beautiful isn't it and well worth making I am sure. Hope that you enjoy making whatever you decide on! xx
ReplyDeleteI love the sampler, it was just what I was looking for. Of course, now I've seen this Stitch Along, I want to take part in that too and the sampler may be put on a back burner like so many other things. There's just so many lovely things I want to make.
DeleteJo you are so naughty, you have made us all look at the stitch-a-long and now we all want to take part! I am still enjoying my crocheting, but want to get back to (handmade hexagon) patchwork. I can't do both but do the odd bit of knitting from time to time. I don't know how often each chart/pattern will be released, I don't imagine that they will only release one chart each month? To be honest I would not want this project taking a year to complete, although it truly is lovely. In similar circumstances I have kept patterns and started the pattern when it is a convenient time. Good luck making your decision.
ReplyDeleteHa ha, I'm exactly the same when I see things mentioned on blogs, I always want to make them too. The pattern is released in monthly installments so it will take a year to make, though I don't think I'd keep up with that, I would go at my own pace. If you'd rather complete the pattern in a quicker time, you're best starting at a later date, or as you say, keep the pattern and start it when you're ready to do so. I like the idea of how it builds up a bit at a time.
DeleteI think your best bet would be to print out the Stitchalong instructions, pop them into a nice folder and then they are there "just in case". Even if you only did one and used it for a cushion or had it framed, you'll be pleased you took the time to look and print. I've so much I want to do, but am trying to finish things up. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI shall definitely print out the instructions, it's just a case of when to start it. I must admit that I'm very tempted, it doesn't help that Mick's also telling me to go for it. I probably don't have much hope of resisting.
DeleteIt's good to have plenty to do like this at this time of year. Enjoy whatever you end up doing. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteIt is. I'm glad I've got so many winter hobbies for when the weather's bad and we can't get outdoors. Things tend to take a bit of a backseat though during the summer when I'm busy with my gardening, though I may find things are different this year without my allotment.
DeleteJust go for it. I've loads of unfinished projects, but I'll get around to them eventually!
ReplyDeleteLiz
Ha ha, I knew there'd be someone who was straight to the point. If I'm honest, I think this is the advice I want to hear.
DeleteI've just popped over and seen the SAL and am smitten by the fox! Good luck with your decision, it's a tough one, but it's wonderful to have so many lovely things to choose from.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
It's really lovely, isn't it? I thought you might like the fox. Not tempted yourself?
DeleteThis sounds so familiar! I have so many projects either half done or yet to be started I don't even want to think about it.
ReplyDeleteI'd do the Stitch Along as it has a deadline of sorts, and you can always return to the cross stitch at a later date (or not hehe).
I think it's probably fun to start with everyone else even if you don't finish with them. I always set out without expectations of when I'll finish a project as I know I'm slow at everything but I still enjoy the process.
DeleteHmmm...I think I might do the stitchalong. I've never actually done any craft-along things but I'd like to try sometime. Your sampler kit looks very nice. I haven't tried a snap frame like that but I think it looks handy. I have the same organizers, bobbins, labels, etc., and they have made my stitchery projects so much easier! You'll be so glad you used them. Happy stitching, Jo. :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a lovely Stitch Along, a type of calendar with twelve different parts. I'm very tempted to get started with it right away. I'm looking forward to trying the snap frame, I think it will be handy for large projects but I'll probably stick to the hoop for smaller projects. I thought it was a good idea to get the storage box and paraphernalia at this point rather than trying to organise things once I've got started, it makes sense to start as I mean to go on.
DeleteI'm amazed at the craftsmanship you showed here. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteI probably will go for it, I'm very tempted.
DeleteHow I would love to have a go at cross stitching, my mil is brilliant at it! You really are organised! If it's something you'll enjoy and have time for I'd deffo give it a whirl. It's just about time I suppose.xxx
ReplyDeleteIt is, I don't like having too many projects on the go but I don't like to pass up something I really like either. I think this is a fabulous design.
DeleteI think I would go with option c. I know what it's like to have so many projects or the makings of projects and not enough time.
ReplyDeleteI can get a bit stressed if I have too many things on the go so starting this at a later date might be the sensible option, I'm not sure I can resist though.
DeleteTell me about it, definitely up for more hours in a day. Perhaps the stitch along and put the sampler on hold for now? It's so hard isn't it when you just want to do everything xx
ReplyDeleteIt is hard when everything is calling to you. I think I would like to join in with the Stitch Along as it's just getting started, though I know I won't keep up with it. It's nice to take projects at your own pace.
DeleteYou need a time turner like Hermione in Harry Potter, then your days can last as long as you need them to!
ReplyDeleteThat would be the answer, wouldn't it? Just think of everything we could get done then.
DeleteOoh go on Jo, you know you want to!! Yes, more hours in the day would be good, wouldn't it. You could print off the SAL and get all the bits ready to start at your own leisure, as you did with the Spice of Life.
ReplyDeleteI know I've said this before but a lamp with a daylight bulb is invaluable if you're stitching at night or in low winter light. I'm going to have a look at the SAL now!! xx
I've decided that I'm definitely going to do it, it's too nice not to. I know I won't be able to keep up with it but I shall do it in my own time and have other projects on the go at the same time. It's good to have a variety of things to pick up when you feel like it. Mick bought me a magnifier and light for Christmas, I haven't tried it yet but I'm hoping that it will work well. I hope you'll join in with the SAL too once you've seen it.
Delete