I discovered something this past weekend--stitching over-one sections on my "Sampler Farm" is much easier when I can do it sitting close to a window and using lots of natural light! Not that I didn't already know this, but I rarely get to stitch in the morning and lately there have been so few really sunny days, I just don't get the opportunity. I don't wear glasses but I can tell my eyesight is not quite as sharp as it was even five years ago! I do use magnifying glasses for stitching on small count linen or on over-one stitching, but that sunshine made such a difference as well!
I know I just posted an update to my sampler, but I was so happy with the progress I made on my over-one stitching that I had to share these photos as well. I was afraid I would be stuck doing all the over-one at the very end and then it would be so frustrating the project might well get set aside. But I'm feeling quite pleased with myself and I think you can't even tell I counted wrong on this section with the sunflowers.
I've also been working on a couple other projects, so next time I'll share my work on those. I do love it when I get so wrapped up in a project, though, that I don't want to put it down, as this is when I enjoy stitching the most!
Beautiful!!! Yes, daylight can help a lot with the over one. Or a very strong ott/daylight light. :D
Posted by: Margaret | March 01, 2010 at 09:20 PM
Margaret--I was wondering if I should splurge sometime on an OTT light--I just use a plain old lamp, but I bet an OTT light would make a big difference when stitching small areas!
Posted by: Danielle | March 01, 2010 at 09:40 PM
I have to agree that daylight is the best stitching light, but I never really get to take advantage of it either. So Ott light it is, which works just great, but I prefer the sunlight.
Posted by: Debbie | March 02, 2010 at 06:37 AM
Great pictures! I noticed too that my stitching benefits a lot from natural daylight, especially as my eyes age.
Posted by: Giovanna | March 02, 2010 at 07:53 AM
YGG! this over-one looks fabulous!
Posted by: beritbunny | March 02, 2010 at 09:36 AM
Natural light is the best I would agree. Barring that, get an ott light. During the Olympics I tried stitching in our TV room without the ott light and I just couldn't do it (I do have poor eyesight).
You are making lovely progress on Sampler Farm!
Posted by: Melissa | March 02, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Sampler farm is looking gorgeous, great progress.
I'm another one who rates natural light for over-one. I'm currently stitching an Eileen Bennett sampler that is all over one on 35count and the only place I can work on it is under the skylights in my study.
Posted by: Karoline | March 02, 2010 at 12:58 PM
Debbie--I will have to try and do more stitching on weekend mornings when I can--it makes a huge difference--so much better than a regular lamp!
Giovanna--My eyesight is not as good as it was--a little depressing but that's pretty normal from what I understand. Now I just need more sunny days! :)
Beritbunny--Thanks--I'm really enjoying working on it.
Melissa--Thanks--I tend to use a plain old lamp, but I wonder if I can work faster if I get a better lamp--you can see so much more easily with so much natural sunlight! I think I may check out those OTT lights next time I go to Michaels!
Karoline--The end is almost in sight with my Sampler Farm--yay. I love working on small count linen, but it can be a strain--it's amazing how much easier it was to see with so much sun--I knew that, but I never get to stitch in that sort of a setting! Maybe I'll take my stitching out on the porch this spring!
Posted by: Danielle | March 02, 2010 at 10:28 PM
It's lovely Danielle! You are doing a great job with your over one so not to worry. The colors on this piece are just gorgeous.
Posted by: Patti | March 03, 2010 at 07:44 AM
It's amazing how different your stitching looks in daylight. I take mine to the park if the weather is good, put my tablecloth at the picnic table and stitch while the children and my DH play in the playground.
Posted by: Suzanne | March 03, 2010 at 10:52 PM
Patti--Thanks--I'm really enjoying this one--even the over one stitching!
Suzanne--That sounds wonderful. I'm looking forward to taking mine out on the porch when the weather finally turns nice. Bring on spring! :)
Posted by: Danielle | March 03, 2010 at 11:20 PM
Your Sampler Farm is looking awesome - I just adore the rich colours of this one :) As for stitching in sunlight, I have to say I can't stitch without my daylight lamp - I even use it during daylight as my stitching chair isn't near a window, and it makes a HUGE difference to my stitching. I have a portable one in my bedroom for stitching in bed as well - stitching life is indeed bliss with a special daylight bulb! :D
Posted by: Anne S | March 12, 2010 at 05:50 PM