Thursday 14 January 2016

DUCJC 2016 - Day 13 - Save Water

Good morning!

Thanks again for your recent comments. I'm glad you're keeping up with me!

Today the children chose the second of the Lizzie Kate Green series for me to stitch. Here's how I got on:


Save Water by Lizzie Kate
Stitched on 16ct Muted Garden hand-dyed aida by The Crafty Kitten 2 over 1
Stitch count 40 wide by 63 high
Estimated stitching time 11 hours
Stitching time to date - 2 hours 15 minutes


Obviously, I started with the easy bit first! In a way it's a shame I'm using DMC instead of WDW threads as the variegated writing really does look nice. Nevermind, I still like mine!

For tomorrow's piece, I was curious how long it would be before my son, Toby, chose it!

See you in 24 hours!
Rachel x


PS I have had a couple of questions and comments about how I am able to stitch for 2-3-4 hours each day. Here's my explanation:

Firstly, I only work a few hours each week, the rest of the time I look after my mum who lives with us and is more-or-less bed-ridden. She cross stitches small projects and sometimes during the day I will sit with her and work on a piece while we chat away about nothing in particular. She needs/enjoys the company and even though I have to put up with her ramblings I get the benefit of being able to stitch for a little while!

Secondly, depending on what the children are doing, I can often fit in an hour or so of stitching after dinner.

Thirdly, a couple of years ago I deliberately set about limiting my sleep to around 5 1/2 hours each night as I was fed up with always feeling tired and exhausted during the day despite having a good 7-8 hours' sleep. I now use that "spare" time from about 10pm to stitch, uninterrupted, for maybe 2-3 hours.

I don't feel guilty about how long I stitch for because I know it's not at the expense of family life or the usual daily chores. To me it's essential downtime from my sandwich-caring responsibilities. If you flip the coin though, I don't get to go on holiday. I may get a couple of weekend breaks each year but haven't had a decent holiday for over seven years! That's why I need cross stitching as an outlet to stop me going mad!

I hope that explains it. I'm just sorry that I cannot share some of my stitching hours with those of you who are desperate to stitch but just don't have the time. :(

14 comments:

Justine said...

Thanks for sharing your stitching time secrets! I think stitching is a former of meditation and is definitely an essential part of my day, and yours too as well!
This series didn't really grab me at first but I really like seeing yours and this one is so cute. I might have to put them on my wish list! Lovely fabric today too.
Wonder what Toby chose for tomorrow?

Annie said...

I agree that our crafting/personal time is a must! It makes us better at whatever else we have to do if we've had some downtime for ourselves to recharge.
Love the new start:)

Mii Stitch said...

I really like the series (as you know, because I have it too :)) but what makes it even nicer is the fabric you have allocated for it!! Perfect :)

Katie said...

I really like this one. The special threads look great but they cost too much. I always figure I can buy more stash by using just DMC haha. I can't wait to see what you work on next. I'm glad you can work in so much time for stitching. You deserve it. I don't keep track of time because I don't want everyone to know how much time I "waste" of stitching haha.

Sarah said...

This would be cute in kids bathroom.

Because I'm home all day, I usually get in about 4-6 hours of stitching.

Sarah said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Esmeralda said...

Love this one again and the fabric is beautiful
Curious whats on the menu for tomorrow :)

I stitch around 3 till 5 hours a day
The best and most productive hour is the one from 6 till 7 am
Husband to work, kids still in bed just me my coffee and a needle
Xx

Preeti said...

Cute start!! :) Thanks for sharing your stitching times. I cannot define mine but sometimes I don't get time to stitch for a week as well. I think I complain more, rather I should squeeze in stitching even if I find 15min of spare time.

Stitcher said...

Love Lizzie Kate! She's one of my favorite designers. Okay. I have to know more about this....."a couple of years ago I deliberately set about limiting my sleep to around 5 1/2 hours". How did you do this? I've been saying forever I wish I didn't have to have so much sleep. How do you change it?

Heather said...

Cute design :) When I see this saying it's usually accompanied by a glass of wine lol

Linda said...

Pretty start and fabric Rachel.

Linda

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Another great start. And I think we're seeing a new series "Rachel's Life Style Tips"!
If I'm not working I can manage a good few hours stitching in a day but during term time there is more going on outside the house.
I try to get jobs done in the morning so I have their afternoons free to stitch and the evenings to blog read!
I have to go to bed early because I co-sleep with my son but then I need my sleep!

Tiffstitch said...

I hope your Mother likes seeing what you're creating as well, even if it's the same "how lovely" every time. :) I stitch every night if possible after work and DD is in bed. It's a great stress reliever for me as well, although DH does nag me if I don't get my 7-8 hours of sleep.

Brigitte said...

I love stitching with DMC and usually choose them for my projects. And on the wonderful fabric that you chose they look really good.
When I was still working my main stitching time was in the evening when everything was prepared for the next work day. But I also stitched for half an hour or so when I came home just to relax and to get down. Now I'm retired and sometimes I stitch during the whole day :) That's fun.