Have you ever felt intimidated before starting a new project? That is what has been happening to me all this week.
First, I wanted to cast on the yarn for my husband's new hat. I am always intimidated by casting on. It is always a crap shoot for me. Either I don't leave enough yarn for the necessary stitches (my first try) or I leave way too much yarn and have a small ball of yarn hanging from my project (my second try). I decided not to try the cast on yet again and just keep going after the second try.
This hat is easy to make. It is just k1p1 all the way until you start the decreases. This my 4th time making this pattern. Hubby just asked that this one be a little bit longer to cover his ears. I am working on it while watching TV at night.
The second intimidating project is the new quilt. I ironed all of the fabric and decided on the placement of the different colors.
Next I had to cut apart the pattern that I spent so much time meticulously taping together. Oh the nervousness! I don't know why as once I got started with the cutting, I immediately realized that this was no big deal. I do know how to use a pair of scissors.
Once I finish cutting apart the pieces of each individual square, then I will pin them to the appropriate fabrics and cut out the fabric pieces. I know how to do that, so I am a little more calm about that process. I had hoped that this could be a travel project, but I'm thinking that I had better get my bearings with it before I think about bringing it on a trip.
The third project that is intimidating me is the UFO I showed a couple of weeks ago that I want to return to and finish.
I have yet to even attempt to try it. I brought it with me when we traveled to see our daughter. I looked at the directions in the car and just put it aside. Now I have already finished 2/3 or more of it, and the stitches that need to be worked on next I have already started, but it sure feels intimidating to go back to it after many, many years. I'm also not confident when stitching different embroidery stitches.
I never get intimidated by cross-stitch or crochet, but the projects above seem a little daunting to me. Speaking of cross-stitch, I have finished the tree on the Woodland Babies birth announcement and added the lady bug and the frog.
They are looking so cute.
I am joining Kathy for some Slow Sunday Stitching. Grab yourself a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa and pop on over to their sites to see what other bloggers are stitching.
Please pray for the people of California who are dealing with those devastating fires.
Thanks for stopping by!
Intimidation is my middle name!! --I think sometimes just the "thought" of a project gets me anxious--once I get into it, it seems to be ok mostly!! :)))) I can see why the embroidery project would be hard to get back into after so much time...
ReplyDeleteI always wish I had left myself notes on what I was aiming for or thinking when I began some projects...but sadly, I never did probably..Anyhow....
My improv pieces around the pomegranate flowers has
really gotten me crazee--I am stepping back to re-think it...
good luck with your projects hugs, Julierose
Such a cute birth announcement! I feel intimidated by some projects too but most of the time, the nervous anticipation is worse than just getting on with it! You will be fine. You are a talented and experienced sewer! Looking forward to seeing you work on these projects. Gail at the cozy quilter
ReplyDelete(Little Penpen) looks like you have it under control. I would love to be able to make myself a hat!
ReplyDeleteYou may be surprise to know that I have never successfully made a hat for myself. I have made many, but I have donated them as I didn't like them for me when they were completed.
DeleteI hope you can find the courage to work on these lovely projects!
ReplyDeleteI haven't knit anything in a long time, but I still remember that problem of leaving too much yarn after casting on, or not allowing enough! Looks like your hat is going well now, though. I suppose the solution to an intimidating new quilt project is taking it one step at a time, which it looks like you are! The cross-stitch tree looks great!
ReplyDeleteHi Cathie: Happy Sunday: I think the hat is lovely, I hope to learn to knit someday soon. I am not so brave to make a quilt, maybe a table topper, the embroidery piece is lovely, so many beautiful different stitches'. The Birth Sampler is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a wonderful time visiting your daughter.
Catherine❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
I must cast on for knitting a different way, Cathie. My mum taught me and I don't seem to have the same problem. Love those coloured yarns for the hat. I agree, some new stitching projects can seem a bit daunting but as we get into it, everything seems to get sorted. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress of your EPP pretty. It's going to be fabulous!
ReplyDeleteIntimidation does tend to slow us down. I've always wanted to do intricate applique, but even basic applique seems daunting to me! This is just one example. But we must stretch ourselves, and you already have such a good start. I will cheer you on! Happy Stitching!
ReplyDeleteI do the knitted cast on and therefore avoid the yardage guessing. Some do not like the edge of it though.
ReplyDelete