Stem stitch research

So, what's been happening in your world? Are you enjoying the New Year, fresh start, world of possibilities? I can't say last year was my bestest ever. Nothing really disastrous you understand, in fact some shining bright nice things amongst the rest if you look hard enough. Looking back on the year though, as a whole, it wasn't all that. I am not all about self fulfilment, I don't feel that each year I must strive to grow as a person, develop as a human being. I sort of think that these things happen almost by accident whilst one is pottering along with just half an eye out for a new experience or an opportunity to say yes to something. I think last year I pushed too hard for happiness. I have no idea if this even makes sense but it seems that the harder I try to be 'progressing' the more the stress of the progression saps any joy from it. 

This year,2015, is about sitting still and letting the happy things come to me. I am going to be stitching away at my City and Guilds work. I am going to continue to volunteer at the local museum, I am going to be winding up the business venture I've been involved in with a friend, I'm going to be doing my physio to make my ankle stronger. I will be drinking Earl Grey, going to the flicks sometimes, watching some gentle T.V, reading the odd book and getting back in touch with the simple pleasures. I believe these things, more than Work or Travel or Excitement, make me content. I hope this year is a year of contentment for you too. 

The samples above are of Stem stitch and Portuguese knotted stem stitch. I have two more stitch samples to complete- straight stitch and woven and whipped wheels. They should be up here by the end of the month, I will be working on them whilst listening to the radio. Happy Days. xx