I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Thursday, December 30, 2010

The hard decision I wrote about in my last post

has been made, and as a dear friend recently told me, this kind of decision can be a mixed blessing.  I have quit my overwhelming job, and for a while am back in my studio, stitching the hours away. I now have time to pursue my dream of working on my designs and handwork as well as my "one day book" ...........but will not have the (play dough) as my friend calls it. 
I know right now, with the way the economy is, it may not be the greatest decision, to walk away from a steady job, however, the pressure, and the way things were just not right for me, is why I have chosen this path...................what a way to end the year and start out the new. {:
Have you ever been there??


I am also trying something new in the work I do. I am going to embellish jackets and shirts with my hand embroidery..........and hopefully find a market for them on my Etsy shop. The jackets and shirts are purchased new..............

and I will draw the designs on and stitch...............I am trying the pearl cotton on this jacket.....I can't wait to see the results,which I will show to you when I have finished.  Have any of you used pearl cotton floss before? Were you happy with the results?  

I was so disappointed when I discovered on my last post that the design I posted would not enlarge when clicked on. I am hoping that this one will. This design can be stitched with regular floss and in basic stitches, however, it is wonderful for larger threads, such as the pearl cotton and will be beautiful done in crewel needlework. So once again, try to click onto the above photo and it should enlarge for you to have a decent size pattern to work with. I will be spending the last of this year and the new year morning hours..........stitching. I say to you all..........
Have a wonderful and blessed New Year!


8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know this was a tough decision and I wish you all the best in the new year. I can't wait to see one of your finished embelished jackets. God bless you.

drafter29 said...

The jackets will be so pretty. I'm looking forward to seeing them.

drafter29 said...

Hope you have a wonderful new year. I'm sure the jackets will be beautiful. Looking forward to seeing them.

Joanne said...

WOW!! Good for you ... I made a similar decision this past summer/fall. It is hard and some people don't get it. But that is OK ... your heart knows what is best for you. The jackets are a wonderful idea !! Can't wait to see what you do !!!

Paula said...

I think the embellishments on the clothing is a wonderful idea, Kathleen!
I also thought of this- are there any bridal shops in your area that you could check into doing some comissioned work for?

Gina E. said...

Happy New Year Kathleen! I'm sure it will be a better year for you, even though you may have to 'tighten the proverbial belt' without your income from outside work. I have never regretted quitting work and retiring, although my husband still makes an occasional comment about how it would be easier if I was earning money as well as him. He can go jump! I still do all the housework, washing, ironing and cooking - and that's unpaid work, so I think I am entitled to use whatever time is left on reading and stitching ;-)

Sharon said...

I have been there! Last year I had the opportunity to retire at 60. If I had waited a few more years it may have been a little better financially. I was extrememly unhappy in my job and I know it was affecting my health. The end of the story is: I couldn't be happier. Have found a way to do with less money and I'm learning the difference between the things I want and the things I need. Enjoy your decision and take joy from it!

Anonymous said...

Kathleen...It enlarged just fine!
Can't wait to see how the jacket turns out! What a cool idea. I think you made the best decision. Sometimes you just have to follow your dreams.