Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Fruit of the Vine and Something Simpler: A "Maynia" of My Own Making

Those of you in the "stitchy" world are probably very familiar with "Stitch Maynia."
I am not going to define it for you because I am not entirely sure there really is a definition.
It was started several years ago, and, at that point in time, those who participated started a new stitch (or other craft/sewing) project every day for the entire month of May.
Crazy in and of itself if you are me....me who gets a bit "phobic" when I have more than 2 or 3 WIP's going at one time.  (Hey....it took me a long, long, time before I "therapied" (my word and I like it) myself enough to allow myself to have 2 or 3 projects of each type of craft in progress at a given time.)

Now I understand "Stitch Maynia" can really be whatever you want it to be....Start or complete projects... Whatever number you choose....1 each day, 19 for "2019," stitching, hooking, punching or a combination, although it appears the cross-stitchers were the originators of the concept and continue to be the most populous of participants.

I don't participate.  Enough said.  



I'm manic enough if you ask Crow Daddy.

(I had a dickens of a time getting representative colors in the photos....It is, after all, once again raining here in Nod.)

manic:  mental illness marked by periods of great excitement or euphoria, delusions, and overactivity

So, ok...after re-reading the definition, I guess he is, in part, correct.  Not so much in the "euphoria" or "overactivity" departments, but I was, indeed, "greatly excited" to finally finish my "Fruit of the Vine" needle roll.  It is the first project in the "Birds of a Feather Handworke" Club series by Tammy Black of Scattered Seeds Samplers.  It was stitched on 32 count "Country French" Golden Needle linen using the called-for DMC flosses, 1 thread over 2 and, GAH! (read on), 1 over 1.  I had to brush up on my Symrna stitch and stem stitch, but, hey, I remembered.  I was also "greatly excited" that I actually completed it prior to getting the second club installment even.  And, ok, truth be told, I was perhaps a bit "euphoric" that it turned out quite decently if I say so myself.


Ok, ok...it's 99% finished.  See that little triangular pinkeep in the floral fabric that is at the end of the needle roll in the photo?  It is supposed to be actually attached to the bottom of the needle roll and 2 ribbons (matching the needle roll ties) attached to either side.  I, however, couldn't quite decide how best to attach it and as I pondered it, I began to consider that, perhaps, I didn't really want it attached.  Time will tell.


As for the "delusions" part of that definition, I have always admired the beautiful pieces that many do using 1 over 1 (i.e., 1 strand of floss over 1 thread of linen for you non-stitchers who are graciously still with me).  BUT, after doing the little "needle number labels" for the needle sizes 1 over 1, I swore (really SWORE in language that would put any sailor to shame) that I had to be nuts to think I could do 1 over 1 on any large-scale project.

After all that "stress" of 1 over 1, counting endless threads between stitches and to the edges to get a perfect 3//4" seam allowance, and recalling almost-forgotten embroidery stitches, I decided to treat myself to something much simpler.


 This quick and easy stitch is by the talented Tina Woltman ("Early America, The 1815 Shoppe").  This is stitched 2 over 2 on 28 count natural linen.  (I really prefer 2 over 2 for the simple fact that it is so much easier, not to mention quicker, to start a thread.)

So there you have it....a "Maynia" all of my very own making.
Now on to those "delusions of overactivity".... ;-) 

(P.S. An interesting tidbit:  Both of the designers mentioned above, Tammy and Tina, are from Wisconsin.  Hmmmm...methinks some of us make better use of those long, long, winters than others of us.)

(P.S.S.  To those wondering about my missing hooking mojo:  I am getting closer...really I am.) 


14 comments:

Donna G. said...

Pretty projects. You did a great job on the needle roll. I think I have a similar project in my stitch stash. I may need to take a look at it after Maynia is over!

Lori from Notforgotten Farm said...

loving your stitches my dear Crow ~
L

Dicky Bird said...

You are so funny! Manic...I get that! Anyway, beautiful job!

Saundra said...

I have done some stitchery but never the cross stitch type. That appears way too tedious a task for my old hands. Can't wait to see your hooking mojo return.

Anonymous said...

I love the work you do so much, having dipped my toe in realm of needle work over the years I appreciate the skill and patience to do this beautiful craft. Needle keeps are something I have always wanted to make but sadly learned of them too late, my eye sight has left me now to the point it’s an impossible task . But I can enjoy reading of others! Your photos of what you do and your home are so authentic, like stepping back in time, it’s very calming, you do what you do so beautifully, take care my friend. I’m on my way back home today from seeing a big city doctor that has confirmed what we knew already but was good to hear from such a world renowned doctor.

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

Hi Robin,
You certainly did a wonderful job on your lovely needle roll and need to give yourself more credit for you talents!! Beautifully stitched, my dear!!!!
Always love your blog posts, and your great sense of humor, too!! I truly think if I participated in Stitch Maynia, I would seriously lose my sanity, but perhaps that is the point.....to just "lose your mind in stitches!" I think I would just run out of places to keep all these projects and would need to have someone build me a new room to house them all in!!! Hmmmmmmmm......maybe it really ISN'T a bad idea after all!!!!
Hope you enjoy your week and am happy to hear your mojo may be returning soon!!
Heart Hugs, Sweet Crow~
Julie xo

marly said...

Love it! That over one is not my favorite for sure, but in so many samplers that it is hard to avoid. I really need a roll like this since my needle sizes are mixed together. Such a lovely design, it's a shame to roll it up! Excellent finish!

Farm Girl said...

I love your projects. I think it would be so nice to be able to do that, but I think my life is just too crazy at this point. I barely have been able to pick up my hook this week.
Did you see that we got snow and we have had nothing but rain?
Maybe we are getting your weather now.
I love to see what you have been doing.
I love your posts!

Rugs and Pugs said...

Sweet, sweet finish on the needle roll!!!
Great to see a post from you ❤️

Prims By The Water said...

I say the Maynia was a ploy by the Cross Stitch pattern makers to purchase more patterns...and I think it worked. I would never have enough time to do this...but your needle roll is awesome. Even if the little piece was not sewn on. Great Job! Janice

elaine allerton said...

Your stitchery is just so lovely !
Enjiy yr posts!
Great job done!

Marfi-topia said...

love these projects!

Winnie said...

Robin, I do love your stitching "mania" crow projects!! What a great job you did too!! The patterns are so Prim Perfect and easy to leave out year round.

Speaking of Crows, Crowfriend and Crowette have brought their three Crowlings to the backyard daily. They are so fun to watch as two seem bigger and older, while the littlest one, still is begging for food......constantly! Poor Crowette, it reminds me of an unsatisfied infant begging to be nursed 24/7!! The two older ones love to get in the birdbath and take baths together. It is roasting hot down here and this seems to be a Crow answer to cooling off. They are so adorable all splashing about!!

laixinjie said...

Your stitchery is just so lovely !
Enjiy yr posts!
Great job done!
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