Since the last time I updated you on this 56-count silk gauze project, I’ve progressed on it a lot more than I realized.

This means one of two things: Either, 1. I’ve had a whole lot of 15 minute stitching sessions; or 2. Those sessions have been a whole lot longer than 15 minutes.

It’s a combination of both, I think. Plus, I’ve taken to stitching on it when I know I have other stuff to do, but I just can’t seem to settle on what to do next.

Every have that problem? I suspect I’m not the only one! I call it “Holiday Dinner Dishes Syndrome.” It happens after every holiday dinner, when it’s time do the kitchen, and the mess is pretty extensive, and you just don’t know where to start. The only thing for it is to plunge right in!

But instead of plunging in lately, I’ve paused to think at my embroidery frame.

It’s a good place to think! But it’s hard to tear myself away from it when the thinking’s done!

So I’ve almost finished the panel on the right side, which features an eagle swooping towards a running rabbit. In retrospect, I might have changed out some of the colors, to enhance the rabbit a little bit, but what’s done is done.

Besides, on this particular project, I’m not too keen on swapping out too many colors, as I don’t want to risk running out of threads.

On projects where I have the same type of thread on hand, I don’t mind switching out colors. But on this project, not only don’t I have this particular thread on hand, but it’s an over-dyed thread. I’m not sure how separate batches of color would turn out.

The background on the eagle panel isn’t complete, as you can see. My plan was to leave the backgrounds, anyway, for times when I need “mindless” stitching. I’ve needed a bit of mindless stitching lately, so I’ve been working on backgrounds, too!

Hmmm…silk gauze is not the easiest stuff to photograph, but there’s a quick shot, anyway, of the whole thing so far.

Next time, I’ll set up a decent photo shoot with good lighting and a solid background, I promise!

More Information

If you’d like to read more about this project, here’s the list of articles I’ve written about it so far:

56 Count: Miniature Tree of Life – kit review, where you can find it

Setting up Silk Gauze for Embroidery – project set-up

Strategies for Stitching – working out some kinks in approach

Turning Corners & Keeping Things Straight – some tips on lining up the sides of the design to minimize errors in counting

The Peacock Panel – working on the left panel & some tips

If you want to find out what my “15 Minute Policy” is and how I apply it to projects, this post on managing time with embroidery might be of interest.

Stitching in the Wee Hours

In the interest of self-preservation, I’ve kept my frame set up this week so I can indulge in some quiet stitching time here and there, despite having 109 family members in town.

Nothing beats a bout of stitching in the wee hours of the morning, anyway, right? It’s a great way to start the day!

Hope your week’s going well! I will see you next Monday!