Saturday, April 21, 2007

Non-knitting

Laura followed up on a request I made from her to show me how she stores her cross-stitching threads and such, and wrote this great post, so I thought I would reciprocate.

Everything related to my cross-stitching is contained in this Sterlite storage container that fits under my bed. Not very glamorous, but it has been very practical and I really haven't found anything better.


Lets take a peek inside, shall we?



This is my current work in progress. I started it *years* ago and really feel inspired to finish it for DH's birthday in June. Most of the cross-stitching is complete except the white stitches in the fifty stars. I have put off doing the stars because 1.) there are so many of them and 2.) they are mostly comprised of partial stitches. It will be a bit time consuming, but actually the entire project has been very time consuming since most of the work is in blended stitches. The overall finished projects always look better, but boy are they a *lot* of work.

This is my current stitching cloth "stash" and a few accessories/tools. As far as the stitching cloths, unless I've purchased a kit I love, I only now knit on linen or evenweave. I just don't like the look of the Aida and really don't enjoy stitching on it at all. The knitting accessories include my frame kit, some hoops, needles, magnets, finger protectors, etc. The only thing I really use though is the frame kit.



The stack of patterns includes some I like and quite a few I don't, but most of them holds a memory of something I've stitched and given away, so I doubt I'll ever part with them. Isn't the stack of completed projects shameful? I wonder if anyone else has a stack of projects like this that just need a good cleaning and framing.



This is all the floss I currently own. Obviously most of it is in bags in numerical order, but I am in the process of transferring everything to the cardboard bobbins because that system is much simpler for me. I wonder how long this transfer is going to take? Maybe I could wind ten or so a day? I probably should go purchase more cardboard bobbins and another container though.

In knitting news (for those knitters who stuck it out), the Debbie Bliss Matinee Coat for my sisters 3-day old baby is blocked and ready for seaming, the VLT Handsome Triangle shawl is really coming along nicely, I've pulled out some yarn to start on a pair of socks for DH, and I've got to get with it and finish a square for Julie.

However none of that will be happening on Sunday since we're going to see the grandkids play t-ball, get a re-cap from the step-daughter about their trip to Hawaii, and then go out for sushi dinner to celebrate her purchase of a bigger home (maybe a baby is being planned?), and her new job. We are so proud of her and have lots to celebrate! Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend too!

11 comments:

flutter said...

I think you might be the most organized person alive.

Hasbu said...

I can't believe how organized you are! All my knitting and stitching stuff is all around the house and I never seem to remember where I've put it.

Carole Knits said...

My cross stitch stuff is all stored away in the garage. I used those 3 ring binders for my floss and I had tons and tons of it. Haven't worked on anything for ages, though.

Angelika said...

I had 3 or those storage boxes full of floss at one time and I also have a nice half finished patriotic project in my closet. I know exactly where it is too. Shame on me for having UFO's floating around in my closets.

Micki said...

I don't like Aida cloth either. In fact, I started a large, complex piece on Aida years ago (when I didn't know any better), and I've never been able to bring myself to finish it. I adore the pattern, but I hate the cloth! All those hours wasted...

Cathy said...

Another cross stitch lover! wooooooo hoooooooo! I tend to cross stitch my patterns on linen - tough on the eyes, but I just love how the finished product looks!
As far as storing the floss, I have almost every DMC color - wound on bobbins, but I found the most fantastic case - I don't remember if it is for fishing tackle or matchbox cars, but it is two sided and the bobbins fit in perfectly. It doesn't take up a lot of room either. Let me know if you want me to take a pic for you and I'll be happy to.

Have a great weekend!

Lara said...

Reading your blog all this time I had no idea you did cross stitch too! Maybe I missed a post here and there or something. love the organization. I can only wish!

abby said...

Can't wait to see the coat! I checked Simply Baby out of the library and hope to spend some time studying it soon. Congratulations on the new addition to the family!

Anonymous said...

I can't believe how organized you are - I'm totally impressed and stunned! Seeing all these cross stitch goodies made me long to do that again - I've been a big cross stitcher in my late twenties and have done a couple of really big projects - but ever since knitting hit again, I didn't find the time for it anymore. Unfortunately - I miss it big time!

Karen said...

Wow, you are the organization queen!!! You are going to think I'm making this up, but last week I pulled out my cross stitch stuff and started working on a small (partially done) one I found in the pile. (Actually, a lot of them are partially done - I decided to start with a smaller one.) I had forgotten how much I enjoy cross stitch too!!

Laura said...

I love your eagle. He's fabulous. I usually keep the pictures and charts for things I've completed, too, and have quite the pile of completely stitched, unfinished pieces. Maybe we should share next time you come over! LOL

You'll definitely need another floss box or two (or three) to store all that floss in, gf.

Glad to hear you got the baby sweater all knit. You're nearly there with it! :-)