Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Dilemmas...


Happy Wednesday! So, here's my dilemma. The response to my needle case sets has exceeded my wildest dreams. What's the problem, you say? Well, let me tell you. I DON'T HAVE TIME TO STITCH! For me, that's like not taking the time to breath, or eat, or sleep. Don't get me wrong, I love to paint AND I'm happy to be selling things. I really shouldn't complain because stitching doesn't pay me anything and has cost me bundles over the years. With that all being said, I have managed a wee start on a new sampler. I had to dig really deep in my stash to find this one. It's an oldie from 1987 called The Plantation Sampler. Yes, I know...more pastels. I think there's enough dark green in it to keep me sane though. I'm stitching it on the coolest piece of 45 count vintage Maratime White by Lakeside Linen. It has a decent amount of blotchiness for that aged look that I crave. It is my first time stitching on 45ct. If you never hear from me again, you'll know I went blind and can't blog anymore.

The wee start of the willow tree


Here's what I painted today. It was a custom request and if she likes it, it is sold.

This set is going on Etsy. Maybe. I kinda like this one, and I keep entertaining thoughts about keeping it for myself, but I won't. It's in the 80's here today, the perfect day to sit on the patio and stitch. I hear my needle calling me now....

21 comments:

:: wee bird :: said...

your going to have to stitch half the day,paint half the day and hire a maid for the housework :D
that would be heaven wouldn't it?
lovely ruler set,LOVE the house on it.

Theresa said...

This is a big dilemma, cause your stitchings and paintings are both so beautiful!!!!

Suburban Stitcher said...

What a blessing that you can do something that you love and make money at it! I say stitch when you can and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Unknown said...

Would that snowman set be for a friend in Texas? If so - SOLD! I love it!

Pat Matejcek said...

Tanya
I love it! I can't wait to get it. You did a wonderful job and it was worth the wait. Pat

Marsha said...

that will be a pretty sampler. I love all the animals. good luck with that 45 ct linen. Better you than me.

Karol said...

Looking forward to watching the progress of the sampler it is a beauty! Your painting is great also. If only there could be more hours in the day.

Daniela said...

Beautiful start on your new sampler. Love this sampler.

Rowyn said...

Nice new start.

hope you manage to find a happy balance between your stitching and painting.

mainely stitching said...

I adore the start you've made on your new project. What gorgeous, soothing colors! (And usually I avoid pastels!)

Siobhán said...

45 count, holy cow!! YGG!! I agree with Sue, hire a maid! I keep telling DH that it would be wonderful but so far he remains unimpressed. Love the painting!

Sherry said...

Oh you just can't stop stitching! I love your work so much and wish I had the charts you have to work on! I also love your painting! Your new design with the snow bank and house is stunning!

Alice said...

The Plantation sampler is gorgeous! Another one to add to my wishlist. Its not always easy to strike a balance between everything we love. So much to do, so little time. You were warned that your Etsy shop is going to be a hit. : ) Paint maybe two sets a week, and stitch the rest of the time between other priorities. Its not about quantity, but about quality and last but not least, you must enjoy it.
Alice

Glenna said...

Hmmm. I'd like to buy a set also, but I'm content to wait until you have time. I want to see you stitch also. So I think you should stitch when you want and paint when you want, because I think we're all willing to be patient. And if you can apply the painting proceeds to the stitching stash, so much the better. Love the design--I have it in my stash also! But 45 count? No way.

Julie said...

I can't believe you're stitching on 45. YIKES!!! LOL You've made a great start already - can't wait to see more.

I agree with Wee Bird. Stitch half the day, paint half the day and hire help for the housework. :o) Sounds good to me.

I think whoever requested the snowman is going to LOVE it! I do. I love the sheep, btw.

Michelle said...

Your new sampler is so pretty! Ok, 45 count~I hope you use magnifying glasses :)

Your new ruler sets are wonderful..I need to add this to my wish list!

Michelle

Nicole said...

Wow, beautiful start on The Plantation Sampler. I love the linen! Wow, 45 ct. though. That maybe too high for me! Good luck with that! :) Hope you set aside time to stitch (trust me other stitchers will understand)! :)

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous sampler and gorgeous painting!

said...

Found you through viewing a list of those who had Boston Terriers as an interest and wanted to say hello. Yours is gorgeous! And your art is amazing.

Melissa said...

Tanya, I just had the pleasure of finally reviewing your photo album. What a lot of beautiful samplers! We share similar tastes in designs as I have either stitched some of those or want to!

I hope you get a chance to get back to stitching Plantation Sampler. It looks wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your success!!! I am proud of you! Lovely sampler!!