Saturday, January 4, 2014

a daily project for 2014

I've seen lots of ideas lately for a daily stitching practice. I like having something easy to pick up and stitch when I'm stuck on a project. I decided to cut up some of the vintage cloth I've accumulated, that I probably will never use, into 5½" squares. My hope is to do some small stitching motif on one square each day throughout the year and then stitch them all together into some type of blanket. I've already cut up enough for a little over a month and have stitched on 3 of the squares...

click on the images for a better view...

5½" squares to get me started

some bullion knots, the number 1 and a flower motif (the white is hard to see)

a leaf and flower motif with cast-on stitches

I received 2 beautiful Amaryllis bulbs from a friend and I am so enjoying watching them open up into gorgeous flowers. It's amazing how many flowers are produced from just one bulb.

such a beautiful pink/peachy color

love how the light comes through the thin petals

I have done a bit more work on the Fun Times cloth...

a bumpy bit (about 2" wide) with embroidered vines

and the Downton Abbey coat is growing slowly...

it measures 17" so far

I know there's lots of weather out there, so stay safe and warm. We go from 22 degrees one morning to 75 degrees the next afternoon, but expecting a freeze again Sunday night.

22 comments:

Stitching Lady said...

You are courageous to cut up lovely handkerchiefs and- I supose - table cloths with lovely lace on it. Thin fabric to stitch on.... Very brave. I could not trust myself to ever finish what I cut in advance.

Ms. said...

A saily 'practice' is such a comforting thing. Perfect. Oh the red of that coat! So rich.

henrietta (aka ani aka zani) said...

the color matches are just perfect with the flowers and the cloth - fun times. inspirational. yes, daily practice is a good discipline. cheers to the new year.

liniecat said...

That's a great idea to cut the squares up and stitch them bit by bit.
Your right that's a stunning colour flower. They are exquisite aren't they. I have one slowly growing here but Ive forgotten what colour it is, so it will be a surprise when it opens lol

jude said...

i've been doing the 3" square thing since whispering white. got lots of pieces to work with. nice and portable.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I hope you enjoy your daily project. I'm feeling a little strange not having one, but there's still plenty to do! I used to grow an amaryllis in my classroom & the kids kept sketch books to track its growth.

Jeannie said...

Happy New Year! I love the idea of a daily practice. I always loved following Judy and her skein of floss a day. I suppose it doesn't matter when you start, just start! There is too much chaos here to dig anything out, but soon! Your amaryllis is beautiful. I picked up a couple extra bulbs after Christmas. They should bloom around Valentine's Day. That is about when I am hunting for anything green or colorful in the yard. Have a beautiful weekend and happy stitching/knitting.

karen said...

I love your ''stitch a square a day'' project. Just think what a gorgeous cloth you will have when they're all joined. Amaryllis....gorgeous....the stripe on the leaves echoes cloth, ticking maybe

Nancy said...

That flower is gorgeous! Like the daily stitching project...I look forward to watching it grow. My daily stitching project is to at least take a few stitches a day!! Haha

Carmel said...

A great idea to have a small project to work on...looking forward to seeing your little treasures as you go along...good luck and happy New Year.

margaret said...

you have certainly set yourself a challenge here, will be good to see your pile of squares being stitched. Re your flower Mum had one that flowered for 3 years before it died off completely so do not throw it away when it finishes flowering

blandina said...

I love your project since I like you need something to stitch every day. And the final result will be spectacular!

Deb G said...

What a wonderful daily project for you! And the coat is really coming along. I think I might need to see if I can find an amaryllis...

Anita said...

You have got an interesting challenge this year.Have you planned any color scheme or theme for this 'stitch a day project' or will you be working on it as you go? The Amaryllis looks beautiful.

Rachel said...

Good luck with your daily practice - I hope you find it illuminating and pleasurable.

Peggy said...

Deanna, I love this -- so inspiring, it's along the lines of what I'm deciding on, too -- a year-long project, only monthly. Your knitting is really coming along -- I watched most of the opening episode of Downton Abbey last night, so good.

neki desu said...

tremendously productive!
i have started a daily study of machine knitting via some great books i bought.hopefully by the end of the year i'll be proficient

Nat Palaskas said...

Love the idea of your one square a day. They will end up into a gorgeous cloth at the end. Keep warm, we saw some snow storm in the news. Hope everyone keeps safe - Hugs Nat

Anonymous said...

Deanne, this is absolutely fantastic! I thought about something similar....but I know I don't have the Stamina to go on with a project for 365 days!!!!
I've got an idea: in case YOU miss a day...you might ask your online friends to supply you wit hte missing square. I seriously shout out to be available when needed.
eva
PS Austin was wonderful...cold, sunny, just great. Loved the Exhibition at the H. Ransom Library!!!
eva, again

Jillayne said...

This is such a wonderful idea Deanna - it will be a treasure to look back on and remember stitching each one. This will be fun to follow along with.

Stitching Lady said...

...and of course your amaryllis a delight - a wonder of beauty - love to see it.

BumbleVee said...

I found my way back to this post from something somebody said..I think it was "Hot" .... mentioning your stitching a day project.... maybe I could manage some tiny pieces too and I'd feel like I did something stitchery-wise. At the moment, it seems I never find any minutes to stitch... yeh...I know...I just have to make those moments...but, sometimes easier said than done .... so, this looks like a tiny do-able thing Deanna....thanks for this.... I'm off to play with some fabrics in a box of lovely pieces...

Vee

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