Photo of the Week - Work at Your Own Speed
Wednesday June 24, 2009
The other day, my dear Husband came flying into the house hollering, "Come outside and bring your camera!" This is not that unusual, so I knew the drill. I grabbed my camera, loaded batteries, and strolled outside to find this little fellow lumbering across the yard.
Photo © Connie G. Barwick
As I watched the snapping turtle continue on his way after taking time to pose for me, my thoughts immediately turned to several emails I have received in the past year. In each one, the stitcher was afraid that she was too "slow" at stitching because of something another stitcher said. I quickly emailed both ladies and told them that needlework is not a race. In fact one of my Cross Stitch Rules is "Slow Down! Take your time to get it right."
To further quote myself, "Some stitchers are amazingly fast. I am not always one of them. I have to take my time to avoid mistakes. My progress may be excruciatingly slow, but I would rather take my time and get it right the first time than spend hours removing misplaced stitches. It is very important to work slowly when you try new techniques or stitching fibers such as metallic flosses. Cross Stitch is not a race!"
Read my Cross Stitch Rules, then share your own.
My post is not very wordless today, but if you'd like to see more interesting photos, check out Wordless Wednesday at About.com.
Photo © Connie G. BarwickTo further quote myself, "Some stitchers are amazingly fast. I am not always one of them. I have to take my time to avoid mistakes. My progress may be excruciatingly slow, but I would rather take my time and get it right the first time than spend hours removing misplaced stitches. It is very important to work slowly when you try new techniques or stitching fibers such as metallic flosses. Cross Stitch is not a race!"
Read my Cross Stitch Rules, then share your own.
My post is not very wordless today, but if you'd like to see more interesting photos, check out Wordless Wednesday at About.com.
I tell people, “It’s not a competition. If you aren’t having fun, why are you doing it?”
My sister does the most amazing work, whether she is painting, doing needlework or arranging a fruit tray. A big part of her exquisite work is that she takes her time.
I agree that cross stitching is not a race. I’ve finished projects in the past in record time but usually, I can be found working on a cross stitch project a bit at a time. As I’m getting older, my hands get tired and achy much faster than they used to.
If a craft isn’t fun, there is really no point in pursuing it — just my humble opinion
If you go too fast for comfort, you can’t enjoy what you’re doing. There is satisfaction in the finished piece, but for me there’s more in the creation of the piece.
Besides, look what happened to that legendary rabbit when he thought he’d speed past the tortoise to the finish line!
OMG – If I had to speed-stitch what would be the fun in that? The turtle has the right idea about meandering his way through life.
I definitely think there’s something to be said for taking your time with manual projects. We spend so much time rushing around it makes sense to slow down and take the time to enjoy completing a project – no matter how long it takes.
Slow and steady wins the race has always been my motto, so I really appreciate this message — and the turtle is pretty cute, too.
I really enjoyed your blog Connie, I like the way you relate events in your life to your Cross stitch. I confess I always figured that you’d want to stitch as speedily as possible. I’ve found it’s really much more relaxing to take your time with any task rather than working your self up and feeling harassed and pressured. You little turtle was a good reminder of taking life as it comes.
Yes, enjoy the journey! That’s what it’s all about.
I love this! I recall reading somewhere that cross stitch is a very purposeful activity, and I totally agree. I always joke that each of my projects is a WISP – Work In Slow Process. It’s great to know I’m not alone in taking my time!