October 16, 2011

Just One More Row: Ruthy and Mary Ann

Greetings, all! Do you suffer from "just one more...[row][stitch][thread]" syndrome? I do, consequently, I am not getting a lot done around the house, although Ruthy (and now Mary Ann) are profiting. If you're thinking of stitching Ruthy, she's very time-consuming, but a fun and absorbing stitch. She may have been stitched free-hand by the original stitcher, but you and I, if we want Ruthy to look as her picture does, are going to have to count and count and count. And outline. And stitch and stitch and stitch. And after an intensive week of this, you'll look at her and think simultaneously "ahhhhhh" and also "That's all I accomplished even though I haven't eaten a real lunch in days and haven't folded the laundry and gone grocery shopping so that we're down to eating Triscuits and cream cheese over the sink for dinner?"


I finally put Ruthy away. I was tired of outlining leaves and satin stitching them, and tireder still of the filling stem stitch. I wanted to cross stitch! So I pulled out Mary Ann Gollins and finished up the basket in the center of the row.


Here's most of what I've accomplished so far. There's a lot left to go. But after all of Ruthy's outlining and filling and counting, it feels like Mary Ann is flying. [Edited to add: I started Mary Ann Gollins early this year. I did a conversion to silks from what I had on hand: AVAS, NPI and a couple of Silk 'n Colors. I'm stitching her on 40 count Picture This Plus Legacy. I stopped because I suffered uncertainty and doubt about her colors. While the charting is fine, the photo of the finished project is not clear and so badly reproduced that even the colors are not a sure thing. Added to which, the called for fibers are Madeira, so in order to do the conversion I had to find a conversion from Madeira to DMC then to silk, and I limited myself to what was in my stash since I wasn't working at the time. So I was left feeling uneasy about my choices, although I've decided to just get on with it, since in the end, who's going to know? For me, indecision=paralysis, and not just in needlework.]


Off I go to get some chores done and then go back to stitching...something.

Pink: "And spend some time with the bunnies."


Happy week ahead!

31 comments:

Melissa said...

Glenna, Ruthy is just stunning! I'm so glad you are stitching her so I can learn as I go!

I didn't know you had started Mary Ann Gollins - are you using silks? She is very pretty!

Cari said...

I don't care how crazy Ruthy is to stitch...SHE IS BEAUTIFUL. I am definitely going to get her. Although it is a ton of work I really think she's worth it. I love the color and the texture. I have plenty of cross stitch to soothe my brain!! Hugs dear friend...and hugs to sweet Pink too!!

Mindi said...

Ruthy is looking lovely, but I can see how slowly she would go. But, all that time and attention is paying off, she's going to be fabulous, and a true treasure.

Mary Ann Gollins also looks great, you did well with the colors.

Mouse said...

oooo just gorgeous :) looks fab and a wee bit of hard work too ... love that basket of fruit too and pink is sooo cuddly :)love mouse xxxxx

Margaret said...

Wow, both projects are gorgeous!! Ruthy is amazing! So much work too! And Mary Ann -- wonderful! I love the colors you're using!

Jan said...

Ruthy may be a pain in the (insert word here) but she is looking phenomenal. Are you bringing her Wednesday night? I'd like to see it in person.

Laurie in Iowa said...

Ruthy is stunning... however long it takes to stitch it is well worth all the effort.
I think the colors on Mary Ann look wonderful.
Hope you were able to spare a few minutes to cuddle the bunnies.

Penny said...

Ruthy looks to be well worth the effort ~ she is so pretty! I think you did a great job choosing the colors for Mary Ann Gollins, another pretty one.

marly said...

Wow Glenna. Both pieces are treasures. Amazing work on Ruthy. Boy did you hit the nail on the head! Indecision=paralysis. Triscuits and cream cheese? I'll bring the hot pepper jelly.

Catherine said...

Ruthy is stunning!! Great progress on everything.

Nancy said...

Both of your samplers are looking gorgeous Glenna, but Ruthy is absolutely stunning! She looks worthy of eating Triscuits and cream cheese over the sink. I suffer from just one more row syndrome with every project - I always have and always will! Beautiful picture of Pink too!

Karen said...

OMG...your latest is certainly beautiful! I can see why you love it.

happy stitching on your next....

Natalia said...

Glenna, I have to say that I love all your projects, but my very favorite one has to be Ruthy. I love the colors in it and you are doing a wonderful job with the stem stitch, but I see how it is so much work :-)

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Everything is so pretty! Yep Jack and I both have that one more row or stitch-itis.

Giovanna said...

Wow, Ruthy is spectacular! Great going on both pieces, and I think you've done fine on MAG's colours.

Chris said...

Ruthy and Mary are looking great. Your stitching is very beautiful.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Ruthy and Mary Ann are both looking great.

I can totally relate to the paralysis/indecision thing. Sometimes I have to have a good talkin' too with myself and like you said, just get on with it. :o)

Michelle said...

OMG, Ruthy looks amazing!!!! I love all that texture from the different stitches. WOW! And Mary Ann is looking beautiful too. Indecision means paralysis for me too (which is how I end up with some many started things and so few finishes).

The Fab Furs said...

Ruthy does look very time-consuming, but worth the effort, and Mary Ann's basket has lovely textures. Pink also wants you to go to the grocery store and get bun supplies.

Katherine said...

Glenna - awesome progress; Ruthie reminds me a lot of The Chase. BTW - your house sounds like mine right about now - I never thought to blame it on my stitching! Great idea!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Ruthie is gorgeous Glenna, stunningly gorgeous!

Unknown said...

it is really cute. hugs

Karen M said...

I know where you are coming from with the one more row thing, and also the paralysis from indecision thing. Based on the growing pile of UFO's around here, paralysis must outstrip doing one more row. Oh well. Most of the time spending time with the bunny is more important anyway....

krayolakris said...

Your color selection and stitching are stunning!

Siobhán said...

Glenna, your Ruthy and Mary Ann are both gorgeous!! Ruthy is well worth the effort. LOL about standing back and thinking, "Damn, I do such great work" while also thinking, "... but that's it?!?". ;) I think the colors look great on Mary Ann, too. I am always afraid that what *I* think looks good might look ghastly to everybody else, but I am trying to get better about going with it and enjoying. I think the conversion you did is spot on--looks great.

RG said...

PINK is in! Triscuits and cream cheese are OUT!

Unknown said...

Both pieces are beautiful, and your color choices look great to me!

MarchAnn said...

Glenna, I loved seeing Ruthy on Saturday, you are doing a really great job with her as all your other projects.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and you are more to join Jan and I in stitching DBS. I am really glad I am working on Herbie. We'll have to keep each other posted on our Chatelaine pieces.

Valerie said...

Ruthy is such a beautiful sampler! I love your stitches...they are beautiful!

Yes, I too am one of those that says "Just one more length of thread/row/stitch" etc. It certainly does lend itself to fewer hours of sleep not to mention even less housework getting accomplished!

Deb said...

I can never stop being in love with your gorgeous stitching, Glenna. If only I could accomplish what you do! I adore Ruthy!!
Sending hugs to you, as always,
Deb

Paulette said...

Omgosh.... what have you done to me????? Now I simply must stitch Ruthy after seeing your progress! Shame on you, Glenna. You are evil.

Paulette