Wednesday, April 17, 2013

My old eyes...


For at least a month now I've been trying to finish the goldwork on this piece of stitching. It's for my Casket class and it will be part of a little scissor case. I've not been able to make any progress and I couldn't figure out why. Then it occurred to me last week the issue is I'm really struggling to see the stitching.



I have a new pair of progressive glasses (cost a small fortune) but they don't help at all and in fact my cheaters are far better for stitching than they are. Once I realized what the issue could be, I asked my casket group for recommendations for magnifying glasses or lamps. One of the ladies suggested I use a pair of cheaters along with my glasses. That did the trick - I was able to see well enough to finish the stitching on the piece. I have also ordered a magnifying lamp that has interchangeable lenses and a no heat lamp. That should come next week. I’m still looking for an affordable option for stitching when I'm not around the lamp - there was a lot of strain with the cheaters and glasses. Not something I want to do long term.

But as a result of finally being able to see – the finished cuff of my scissor case! I hope to put the scissor case together this weekend so I can start stitching the next item for the class – a pincushion.

I have made my first installment payment of my double casket. $110 dollars a month for 24 months. Yikes! We are on the home stretch of the first class having just finished up month 12 of 18. That means in September I start the second class which is another 18 months long. I’m still afraid to start work on the stumpwork – I haven’t even done any of the many sampler kits I purchased. I don’t know what my problem is. Nor have I finished learning Adobe Illustrator so I can start to design my casket. Again, I don’t know what my problem is. Time is always an issue but I’ve been sitting around at night bored out of my mind. I just need to start something, anything and I think the rest will start to role.

I’ve started work on my half bath and so far have the tile floor finished and the toilet installed (all done by yours truly). I wanted to install a beadboard wainscoting but the $$$$! Yikes. And I didn’t have the skill level yet and really didn’t want to ask for help. So I found the coolest product at Home Depot – paintable wainscoting wallpaper! I swear it looks like the real thing and I haven’t even painted it yet. Only took two hours to do the entire bathroom. Next up the pedestal sink and trim work. I need help with both of those but I’m learning. Hopefully someday I won’t need to make phone calls to family members.

Until next time!

6 comments:

JulieF1962 said...

I have been using a Mighty Bright magnifying floor light and reading glasses for a few years now, and it works wonderfully for me. The light is made up of LCD lights so there is no heat given off, and you don't ever have to replace bulbs.

Rugs and Pugs said...

You are quite the handy woman! Yeah for you.
Every time you talk about the casket stuff, I wonder what you are talking about. Did I miss a post way back when or it it something cross stitchers know about? I am just clueless.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

marly said...

I have a monster base floor lamp with removable adjustable arm, a circular fluorescent bulb and magnifier. Never use it. The dollar store specs are better. I also have a magnifier that hangs around the neck to use along with the cheaters. What we go through to stitch!!! Nice bath!

Giovanna said...

Your stitching is so beautiful - congrats on finishing this piece.

Teresa S. said...

Good for you for being so handy!
I use lighted magnifiers all the time. I have to keep small projects on 28 ct for travel projects when I can't use the magnifier.

Susan said...

I have the same issues with my progressives - glad it's not just me not being used to them. That wallpaper is too cool! Will definitely have to look for it.