Quirks
Definition - a peculiarity, peculiar trait or mannerism)
Do you have a quirk or two (more)? I have several but I'm here to discuss only one. :-)
You know I usually refer to myself as a processor - for me, it's all about doing and staying busy. I don't like to 'just sit'; when I do I start yawning, release deep sighs and decide it's time to go to bed. However, if I have something keeping me busy then I'm good to go for many hours. I can spend hours in my sewing room but there are some evenings I do enjoy watching TV (NCIS, Criminal Minds & CSI, NY) so I like to have some handwork handy. It might be binding a quilt, hand applique or embroidery.
So, where's the QUIRK in that? Well, I enjoy doing embroidery but whether it ever becomes a finished item really doesn't matter to me. Silly, I know, but I seriously don't care. I could suddenly get a wild hair and decide to 'finish' one but quite frankly it's doubtful. LOL Recently I had a friend say, "Why do you do so much? Why do you bother? What are you going to do with those? I don't understand?" I tried hard to explain but she just didn't get it but does she have to - I do these because they keep me busy, they make me happy and because I can. :-)
Here's a sampling of some of the embroidery projects I've done that are just sitting in a cute box. Be still my heart. LOL
Tisket-A-Tasket by Bunny Hill Designs (2009 free BOM)
2009 Free BOM by Gail Pain Designs
Ring In The New by Kathy Schmitz
Gingerbread Men Monthlies by Cedarberry Stitches (you can purchase it as an e-pattern) I worked on these between Christmas and New Year's last month.
A few more - left to rightSewing Bird by Kathy Schmitz, Winter Wishes by Cedarberry Stitches, Santa by Bird Brain Designs & a Fall Friday Freebie by Kaaren at The Painted Quilt.
Let me share a little story - a few months ago I offered to do some embroidery for a fellow blogger (she doesn't enjoy handwork). She said she'd think about it and get back to me but she never did. Sigh! Earlier this week I offered the same to another fellow blogger and she flatly turned me down. Oh well - I'll just keep stitching and enjoying myself. :-)*
So, do you have any quirks? I'd love to hear from you. :-)
*
I appreciate your visits - come again. BTW, I have no idea what the Wabbit Daze Gang is up to in that last post - I heard them laughing, snickering and giggling. Stay tuned. LOL
*
In Friendship!
57 comments:
Why would anyone turn that kind of offer down? I love them all, especially the redwork baskets though. Those would make a beautiful quilt!
I totally understand, it's not about the product but the process. And what nuts to turn down your awesome work.
I have more quirks then I can count, though not as many as DH!
I love all you are doing and I think I have the same "quirk". I love to do embroidery and I think I have most of those patterns! Oh, and I love Two Bits. Great job
You do the most awesome embroidery and you are so fast. I love all of them...I understand just doing it to do it...I sometimes just try out blocks just because...they never turn in to anything. But I have fun, and that's all that matters...that's why we do this. Have fun!
I have too many quirks to list here.. but I dont like to 'sit' either.. my hubby doesn't know how I can read a book in a night and watch TV (I read during the ads silly man).. I cant just sit.. I am too lazy to get up and do something so why not sew???
Lissa
I'm like you - I enjoy the process more than the product. I stitch and sew and crochet because I can't imagine not doing those activities.
I can't believe someone would turn down such an offer. I would jump at it. I understand your keeping busy because I, too, like to keep busy and stitching in the evening keeps me awake and if my hands are busy I'm not bored and snacking. Some of my projects are in baskets also waiting to be put together, but that's ok. They're available if I ever need to throw a quick gift together.
Nola
The fools!! You may send me a set of those Ring in the News if you like!!
I'd never turn that offer down - and I've also done stitching for other bloggers. It goes both ways.
I like all your pretty embroideries- and have some here to match them - in a pretty little box. LOL
Some day I might take them all and mix them up and start putting them together in a redwork quilt - who knows - but until then I just enjoy doing them and looking at them.
Quirks? Me? Quirks? Well - I probably have a lot - but I consider them eccentricities and that makes them more acceptable - right? right? RIGHT?
I don't like to sit still either - so I always have something to cut out or stitch sitting nearby. I carry a bag around with me where ever I go and the nurses often ask me what I am working on when I'm waiting for Don at an appt.
Well sheesh if you are offering I would happily have you stitch the under the sea bom that is just starting...really beautiful stuff and I am on the edge of doing it myself!
I see we share a quirk. I embroidery just to embroider. Friends ask all the time, "what are you going to do with that?" And my response always is "I don't know."
I'm glad to hear that I'm not alone in this.
I really do understand. It's about the journey, not the destination. Hey, you can embroider for me anytime!
That is a LOT of stitching Darlene!! I think you could have stitched a Dear Jane quilt together with all those stitches. My quirkiness .... hmmm.. I think it is that I rarely finish anything but then I keep buying fabric... but maybe that is the personality of a quilter -LOL. And maybe my obsession with the Dear Jane quilt, which I WILL finish!
You do beautiful work Darlene - someone must be nuts to turn down your offer. Keep up doing what you love!
I love your quirk and wish the bug would bite me to stitch in the evenings but I can't hardly see straight by then half the time. You've got some wonderful stitcheries and ready for the next step. (wish I could say same) Those silly wabbits must be up to something fun.
I think your hand work is beautiful! I really wanted to do the Bunny Hill one, but the closest I got was printing out the patterns. Maybe one day ;-) Do what you love, that is what is important.
I totally know what you mean about your embroidery. I have reached the same conclusion about my cross stitch. I realized that I was delaying working on projects because I didn't have more wall space for framing and already had a bunch of stitch and unfinished small projects. I had a lightbulb moment one day where I realized that I enjoyed the stitching process just as much as seeing the projects finished and that if I die with a whole pile of stitched, but "unfinished" projects, oh well. What do I care at that point? LOL
In my opinion, if it makes you happy then keep doing it. And I don't understand why anyone would refuse the gift. I like them all, especially those Christmasy words in the wreaths (joy, hope, etc.) They would be nice as the center of a patchwork pillow.
Hand stitching to me is a permission slip to NOT waste time sitting with the TV on. I love the fun of seeing how things turn out. I've even pulling things out later and they ending up as gifts for others. Time is short, you have to grab the moments....
I love to stitch too! And I have the Gail Pan blocks all done and ready to put into a quilt! Unfortunately John's accident slowed down that process a bit, but I'll get to it. Are you looking for a home for some of your stitcheries? If so I'd be happy to make them into something. Your stitching is beautiful! :0)
Oh boy do I have some embroidery for you to do! I love it, I just can't get to it. Eventually I'll get it done.
Quirks? I have many. I may be just one big quirk. I kinda like it that way.
I totally get you! I don't find you quirky at all :)
It's like asking someone why they grow so many flowers in their garden, and what are they going to do with them!?!?
ENJOY them, of course!
If it makes you happy, that's all that matters!
I'm just like you...I make things because I like to make things! Sometimes I look around my house and say to myself, this is too much stuff. But, I can't help it, I love to quilt and stitch and nothing is going to make me stop!
The patches are delicate and the detailing is awesome.The pictures chosen for the same are my favorite.
heritage patchwork
The intricacy of each patch makes the design so novel.Each one has a meaning to convey and little beauty to add.Love the dainty work.
quilt
I too love stitching. The relaxig time sitting in my chair stitching. And it is so easy to have as a in the bag project :) You have made so many wonderful stitcheries here and it will make georgious quilts. Your Ring in and the gingerbread men are so lovely. Can't understand the lady turning down your lovely stitcheries.
Keep on stitching :)
Thank you for saying out loud that it doesn't matter if you finish these stitcheries or not. I feel the same cause it's all about me, lol. What I love to do is the stitching. I know I have quirks but I'll have to think about it.
Just wonderful Darlene.. I wish I had the same Quirk as you... at least I would have these all made up.. and not on my (human) harddrive ..hiding.... somewhere...lol...
Wow, I think your stitching is just beautiful!! I would never turn down an offer from you :-) Thanks for sharing all your wonderful 'work'....it isn't really work when it's so much fun, right?
I don't consider that quirky at all. We love to create and regardless if something gets "finished" you've created some beautiful art!!
For me it's therapy that soothes and relaxes.
Lovely lovely blocks!!
Your stitcheries are gorgeous! You inspire me! Wish I could take an embroidery class from you. I'm scared to get started! LOL
Your work is gorgeous! I love to do the handwork when watching TV as well. In fact, it seems that we share the same taste in the same TV shows! LOL Have you seen the 12 red work designs that Alex Anderson has posted on her website? They are 12 floral designs inside hearts and she has posted them for free. If you can't find the link, just ask me and I will send it to you.
I like the process AND the product!!! I love the mindless knitting behind the kitty blankets I make for teh shelter, but sometimes it just feels like it drones on and on. I'm THRILLED when it's done, but feel the need to cast on for another one because I love the mindless knitting at night when I can't think (or see) to knit on my socks.
I can't think of any quirks right now, but I KNOW I have them.....
I just found your blog for the first time today and am in love with everything you do! I cannot believe someone would turn you down to do embroidery like you do--I would never turn you down! Your work is gorgeous! I think I am going to get a cup of coffee and read your whole blog! Thanks so much! If you had a followers list, I would join! (Actually I am on my blog!)
Everything is beautifullll! And boy, if you don't use them, what a heck of a giveaway or sale you could hold ;o)
You certainly are getting a lot of embroidered blocks done!
I seem to have the same quirk, Darlene! I can't sit still without something to work on. I love doing handwork - finishing, well, that's another story.
I cannot believe anyone would turn you down on handwork. How silly!
Hm...laughing, snickering and giggling...what could they be up to???
Well done! I totally get what you are talking about. Same thing happening in my life. I have drawers of stitcheries completed.
Stitch your heart out.
Darlene..no wonder you can't stop doing redwork your stitching is wonderful..I have a question..can you show us how you stitch?? if it is to much trouble it is okay but I wondered how you did your stitching..do you use a hope? what needles do you use??
I had to think hard if I had any quirks..I can't come up with any yet..I am very against being ritualistic in anything but will get back to you if I do.
Your blocks are all so beautiful, I am amazed that someone turned you down. If you are not going to put them into a quilt or wall hanging, you could always have a giveaway. I know there are a bunch of us who would adore them.
They are all gorgeous. You do dazzle! I think you should have a giveaway. I do have lots of quirks. How about a tutorial or some information about making the stitchery? I have done other kinds but not this kind and I would love to start. I just don't know how.
It's all clear now, I wasn't sure why I had so many stitcheries done but not made into anything. Thanks for helping me out. I love seeing all of them together, you did a great job.
Oh, how I wish I had a quirk that produced such pretty things -- and I'm so glad I didn't turn down your embroidery -- I love my first block!!! One of my many quirks -- love my 1/4" foot -- and use it for the whole quilt (even the binding)! Weird huh?
Yes, I do have MANY quirks, but I'll have to tell you about them later! :) As long as you're happy to stay busy with your handwork, I say stitch away. Who cares if they ever make their way into a quilt. If they make you happy, then they've served a great purpose.
I hate to "just sit" too. Whenever it's time to watch television, my husband has to wait while I gather up some work to do. (Criminal minds is one of my favorites, too.)
Your stitchery projects are so pretty. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
I share what you call a quirk. I love the process. It doesn't even matter to me whether I am the best at something (although I always try to do my best work). What really matters is how I feel when I am working at something I enjoy. I always carry a bag of stitching with me so that I am ready to work whenever I want to.
I'm not very fast, so I often have the same items to work on for quite a while.
People are always surprised that I do not have a lot of my handiwork displayed in my home. It's not necessary for me to hang something for display. The pleasure is in the process of needle to fabric (or seam ripper to fabric when necessary).
Thank you for sharing your quirk with the world so that we enjoy the process of talking about it.
Amen on having hand work available in the evening. I too can't stand being idle....
Lovely stitching. Keep doing it.
Amen on having hand work available in the evening. I too can't stand being idle....
Lovely stitching. Keep doing it.
You're not alone....I have the same quirk. I love stitcheries that are out there but I honestly don't like finishing them. I would rather hang small quilts than stitcheries and the boys would eat anything I made into pillows. So I'll keep making them and putting them into a box.
Can't believe people would turn down your beautiful handwork.
You sound like me--I can't stand to just sit and watch tv and btw, we also like the same shows. I like to stitch while I watch or listen. You were very productive last year. The blocks look lovely.
And what's up with all this rain? I move here and there goes the weather. I sure hope I didn't bring it.
Hi Darlene - I just gave you an award on my blog, you and the wabbits always cheer me up!
You're so funny! I feel the very same way about stitching. It does something for my soul! I love your blog and look forward to following along. Thanks for visiting my blog, I appreciate it!
Hi Darlene, How the heck did I miss seeing this post a few days back? I also love embroidery. You have some beautiful stitched pieces there, love them all. I totally understand where your coming from I too love to stitch and sew for the enjoyment of it. I don't always have a plan for what I make. Sometimes someone will ask me what am I doing with whatever I made and I think I don't know I just wanted to make it, may keep it may give it away don't know. Keep stitching, you do lovely work and do what you love. I also love to watch the CSI shows and Criminal Minds.
They are fabulous -- all of them. I like stitching too. Your Rouenneries Schnibble is gorgeous - congrats on finishing early!
I have a Quirk and her name is Cindy - ME - I'm crazy, I'm quirky but I SEW...LOL
I am the same quirk and I am proud of it and you should be too. You do fabulous work. It is fun and keeps us out of trouble, right? lol
Loved reading this, Darlene! What you wrote at the end, offering someone something just like that and then being turned down sometimes happens to me too. Not sure what it is.
My quirk: buying novels. I have loads that still have to be read, but then if I see a book that sounds good or has a lovely cover ... bingo ... I buy it (O:
Have a lovely weekend!
Keeping my hands busy seems to relax me. "Each to their own" my Nana always said. So, while I don't always understand WHY people spend hours doing crossword puzzles or Suduko or something like that - they don't have to understand why I keep making quilts. Just acceptance both ways. But I have to say - I sure do like what you have to show for your quirk! Cheers! Evelyn
I like to do hexagons in front of the TV, but as for everything else, I love the mental process, not the actual one. Well I like to spend hours on the internet and looking through old quilt mags to decide on a pattern. Then I'll spend hours looking through the (rather extensive) stash choosing fabric. Then I'll think about it a lot more, then maybe cut a few blocks out. Don't like cutting much. Then when it comes to sewing, I don't like that much either to be honest. I wish the quilts would make themselves once I've decided what to make!
Post a Comment