In the past I have come to designs that I felt were too difficult for me. After much hesitation, I passed over them and worked on designs I was confident about. Seeing the unworked circles that I had passed over each time I picked up this project was a blow to my confidence. Eventually, I didn’t pick up the project. In fact, for the whole of 2022 I didn’t work on this project at all. I finally came to the conclusion that my lack of confidence wasn’t working for me. I picked up the project and examined the designs that challenged me. I read the instructions for each of the stitches. Then I dove in.
Here is the first design that stumped me. It’s a lovely little cup of coffee, complete with steam rising from the cup. Click on an image for a larger view.
The Open Buttonhole Filler Stitch in two colors creates the design of the cup. Whipped Backstitch and Pekinese Stitch create the handle. Drizzle Stitch creates the steam. Here’s a side view of this design to show off the steam:
This view shows clearly the three dimensions of this project.
I’m not certain what this particular design is supposed to be. If you have some ideas, please share them with me in the comments.
This one uses the Open Buttonhole Filler Stitch for the top of the design. Backstitch edges the bottom portion of the circle. Needle Weave Bar ‘holds up’ Bullion Knots which seem to ‘hold up’ the top half of the circle design. Colonial Knots fill in the open stitches on the top.
Now that I’ve completed these two 1″ circles, it all seems easy. I wondered why I was so shut down by them. I guess that’s the definition of experience.
I am exactly half way through completing the project. I’ve done 45 1″ circles and have 45 to complete. I’m prepared to move forward and work out each challenge that I face.
If you would like to see earlier posting on the progress of this project, click on the “Hand Stitching” category in the right-hand column.
Your needle skills are amazing!
Thanks Shari! I’m enjoying getting back to this. I think it’s interesting timing — that I am back to it at the end of the year and will be working on it at the start of the new one.
Franki, these are stunning! I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed by a project that seems beyond one’s capabilities. I’ve been there. Trying & breaking it down to manageable sections has seemed to help me. Personally, I can’t see you being stumped by much. Your work is amazing and I always have been inspired by you. By the way, the design you aren’t sure about reminds me of a tree with fruit (apple?)
Thank you Leslie! My time management motto is the “Swiss Cheese” method: biting off small chunks which makes the big block look like Swiss cheese. Eventually you have no cheese left — end of project. Once I made my mind up to get back into the project, that’s what I did. Funny how we have to learn our lessons over and over again.
Yes, now that you mention it, that design could be a fruit tree! Thanks for that thought.
Beautiful work, Franki. The mystery flower looks like a David Viburnum. Don’t know whether it grows where the designer lives.
I looked up viburnum. Perhaps it’s a Viburnum Mohawk. It’s native to NY and the designer is in Ohio — both in zones 7/8 where this plant is hardy.
So glad you’ve resumed work on this lovely little project Franki!
So am I, Sue. Only half way done so there will be plenty of fun new designs ahead.
You are a maniac! these are all so fabulous…..and so beautifully detailed!
and Happy New year !
Thank you Toni! Maniac! Quite the compliment. 🙂 Happy new year to you!