Wednesday, September 26, 2007

108 Hours I'll Never Get Back

(A.K.A. Keeping my hands and my mind busy)

As many of you know, I picked up embroidery again at the beginning of the year. It has been a good hobby - one that keeps me occupied and less restless when there's a lull. It also keeps me focused on the good when I can be so pre-occupied by the bad.

So, months ago, I started a dresser scarf or runner that I had purchased long ago.... probably around 1995? It features my favorite flower, the pansy. When I first started, I had no idea it would take so long to finish. But, when I finally realized that important point, I started keeping track of the hours. The women in the craft guild think I am crazy for doing so and recommend I never keep track ever ever again. We'll see. Just thought some of you would enjoy seeing the tiny bits of progress along the way.

Yes, it will be 108 hours that I'll never get back, but I did accomplish something I'll hopefully enjoy for a long time.
I started in April and had very little progress directly after. However, in the past 3 weeks, many stitches have been made.





Around the 60 hour mark. Leaf outlines.







Near the 70, the green leaf details are added.







Between 85 and 90 hours, the dark blue details and small green leaves are added.






Around the 95 hour mark, the pansies are outlined with a dark color to make them POP!






Finally, at the 108 hour mark, the runner is finished.







It took me the longest time to create all of these little gold French knots around the border and in between the flowers.

Soon, I hope to have it cleaned, starched, and placed in my dining room. Now, I just need to figure out my next project.

4 comments:

Jeremy Sarber said...

Wow. A real test of patience and commitment. I think you passed.

Owl of the Desert said...

Way to go! It looks great!

Chelle said...

Kudos! It looks great! Be sure to bring it to ArtEast and the October meeting. You know we *need* to see it in person. ;o)

Unknown said...

Yes, but what a feeling of accomplishment! It is something that will surely be treasured, cherished and eventually passed on to others in the future (with a story to go with it).

Diana