Friday, May 28, 2010

Am I nuts?

Probably. I love doing counted cross stitch -- something about the precision, detail, and twiddly stitching really appeals to me; I find it calming, really (despite the fact that it makes the Adorable Husband twitch to watch me stitch).

I realized that I haven't stitched anything in almost two years. Not sure why - too much going on, not enough leisure time, always something else to do instead of plopping down for a bit of zen-like focus on a blank piece of fabric, a printed chart, and a photo of what it will eventually look like.

So I spent some time web-surfing and looking for what sorts of patterns are out there now. I've always like the huge charts from Mirabilia and the extremely detailed architectural charts that I've found. I tend to not like the "crafty" sort of charts that abound -- kittens and teddy bears and amish-style samplers aren't my style.

And then I discovered that, in the last few years the 'fine art' style of cross stitch has simply exploded. Scarlet Quince and Heaven and Earth Designs have page after page of absolutely stunning charts -- huge, detailed, multi-year projects. I'm in heaven. My wish list at both sites is embarassingly huge.

So, I've resolved to start a project - -and picked a piece designed by John Godward called 'Pompeiian Lady', which just leapt out at me on the site when I saw it. I ordered it immediately and expect it to arrive this weekend.

The chart that is. I still need to figure out what I'm going to stitch it on and collect the whole 'kit', which is at least part of the fun.

At my normal 'resolution', this thing is 22" x 47". I'm going to have to work smaller than I'm used to, or I won't be able to actually hang it anywhere, it will be too huge. 334,400 stitches.

I'm insane, aren't I?

And now I'm going to have to get the other charts for this artist from HaED, or risk them disappearing/being retired before I can finish. (hm, possibly a birthday gift? Must tell the Adorable Husband...)

Definitely insane. Possibly certifiable.

4 comments:

laurafingerson said...

Wow!!! I can't wait to see it hanging in your house! On a really large, long wall.

Phouka said...

In two years...or so!

Ellen said...

Just saw your post, and wanted to encourage you in your stitching. That chart you purchased is gorgeous, and is going to keep you busy for years literally! I'm working on a HAED chart, and haven't made all that much progress, because, like you, I've been away from stitching for a while. Addicted to the internet. Sigh. Anyway, I have bunches of charts and such that I'm de-stashing (need to sell them to get some money - I'm very poor - disabled), and some are from HAED. If you like I can send you a list. Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing from you, and will read your blog. My email address is:
angelicabeads@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Ellen

Anonymous said...

I just finished doing Brita (his daughter) as Idun by Carl Larsson. It is the girl in red dress with apples. The goddess Idun guards the apples of eternal life. It is the biggest thing I've done, and it is a great feeling to have it finished. Go for it! I worked it on Aida 14, cream color. The tiny stitches of higher thread counts are only in my past lives now.
MIL