I hate to say this, but I'm starting to lose interest in stitching "The Sampler Farm" at the moment. It's the over one stitching that I don't especially like, though there is plenty to work on that is just regular cross stitch. Maybe if I start working on the border and keep going on the alphabet that will give me the impetus to continue? I blame it on the weather in part. I want something bright to stitch since it is so dreary and gray out. Green and yellow are good colors to work with, however. I can leave the brown house until later. We'll see. I'm notorious for doing this. Starting and setting aside.
I think I might also do a little seasonal stitching--something small. Inspired by Annemiek's work, I think I might print out that freebie myself. More on Valentine's Day stitching later. Are you a seasonal stitcher?
I think your plan of continuing with the alphabet is a good one - I remember the over one being a bit tedious on this piece too (and I wasn't as confident with over one back when I stitched it). Perhaps do one length of over one and then some more on the ABC/border so you don't get fed up?
A small Valentine's piece would be fun too - I have a bunch of charts all kitted up and I'm going to designate the whole of February as heart stitching month :)
Posted by: KarenV | January 22, 2010 at 02:45 AM
As there aren't a lot of over one parts in this design you might first stitch a bit on the border and then continue with some over one stitching. Maybe alternating would help to bring the fun back.
I'm not really a seasonal stitcher although I'd really love to have a big basket that I can fill with smalls according to the season or a special day. Maybe one day when I'll be retired ...
Posted by: Brigitte | January 22, 2010 at 05:06 AM
I'm not really a seasonal stitcher, but I have wanted to have a basket displaying small pieces for ages. Of course, I haven't done anything about it!
I agree with the other commenters - switch to something that doesn't have the "over one", and work on that a little, but try to do at least a little over one each session, so that it doesn't become an overwhelming job at the end.
Posted by: Susan | January 22, 2010 at 06:22 AM
I agree with the others, I think doing one strand (or even 10 stitches) of the over-one then moving off to do something else might help to keep your momentum going. I had the same problem with Egyptian Garden Mandala - the centrepiece is all over-one ... I figured the same thing would help - one length of thread of over-one then the rest of my rotation working on the outside fun bits :)
Posted by: Anne S | January 22, 2010 at 05:20 PM
Hello Daniëlle, stitching one strand over one is so irritating and especially in this large work you are stitching. I have stitched the ABC-heart that Annemiek is doing, twice and I loved it, did it in blue. You can find it on my blog under "Categorieën" - "Borduren" - and then scroll almost to the end. I hope you give yourself this relaxing time.
Have a very nic weekend Daniëlle!
Posted by: Corrie | January 23, 2010 at 03:21 AM
Karen--I think that's what I'm going to try and do--stitch a little over one and maybe a few letters or part of the border as well so it doesn't become too monotonous. I've also started a small Quaker heart that should be quick for in between times! I don't do much over one stitching so I get flustered easily with it!
Brigitte--I'd also like to fill a basket like that but I've given away a lot of small things I've stitched. I am trying to do some things for myself now so I can display them.
Susan--Initially I was going to save the over one until last, but I do think now it's better to try and do a little each time I pick it up. I like the idea of stitching for the seasons, but I am not good at planning. By the time I've got something ready to go the holiday is almost over!!
Anne--I can only handle a little over one on a project. I wonder what would happen if a chart I really loved called for lots of it. Maybe I will improve with time and it will get easier? This will be a good test!
Corrie--I had to take a peek at your heart and both turned out really nice. I like the blue color--a nice change from red! I think I might do it twice, too, and choose another color the second time around.
Posted by: Danielle | January 23, 2010 at 04:40 PM
I don't really seasonal stitch unless you count the fact that I love to stitch autumnal designs all year round. This is probably because our autumn season is so fleeting and I just love the colours and feel of the weather at this time.
Sometimes it helps to move on to other more interesting parts of the design.
Posted by: Suzanne | January 23, 2010 at 08:42 PM
Hey, it's your prerogative! I wish I were a seasonal stitcher and then maybe I'd have more to display in my house. Maybe I will catch the Valentines bug for February and work on some small freebies.
Posted by: Patti | January 24, 2010 at 02:33 PM
Suzanne--I like autumn designs, too, though I think I have a little bit of everything it seems. I tend to like summer things in summer though--like lots of bee skeps! But it doesn't matter I will stitch anything that I am in the mood for even if it is out of season.
Patti--I don't always stitch for the seasons, but I usually think about it at least. By the time I get my things together the holiday has usually passed! :)
Posted by: Danielle | January 24, 2010 at 05:16 PM