Gold Work Sampler, motifs finished

If it had not been for the gold work I would never have begun this spot sampler. It is many years since I have done a large counted technique piece and frankly it does not appeal to me now. I expected to find it boring and wondered if one of the other projects currently in progress would lure me away. Surprisingly, I did not tire of it except briefly while doing the large rose and by that time I was so close to finishing that the thought of the gold work kept me going.

© Thistle Threads/Carol-Anne Conway

I have grown quite fond of Queen stitch and found it to be another of those techniques that I find relaxing, despite the counting. I found myself counting all of the time: counting stitches on the chart, counting the four stitches that make up each Queen stitch, counting threads. The constant counting became rather meditative and rhythmic. Even so, I am pleased to have finished the motifs and am really excited to move onto the gold work.

© Thistle Threads/Carol-Anne Conway

As usual, it has taken me far longer than I anticipated. I have been having a problem with my right shoulder. While using the computer or stitching I was getting a burning sensation in the shoulder muscle. I have to use the computer for work so I have been limited the amount of time I use the computer at home and strictly limiting my stitching time to 30 minutes a day or stopping sooner at the first hint of pain. While frustrating, this has paid off and my shoulder is now much better although I still get some pain occasionally. Over the past few weeks I have gradually allowed myself a little more stitching time but I take frequent breaks and still stop if my shoulder starts to complain.

Happy Stitching