Stitching when Stuck at Home

Updatyed January 2, 2024.
Whether it’s because there’s football on, or because there’s a winter storm outside, or you are sick but not sick enough to be in bed, there are times when you have plenty of time to stitch. If you’re like me though, that exactly the time when nothing seems interesting.

I’m having digestive problems, and I feel terrible. Putting together a coherent sentence is challenging, let alone doing needlepoint that requires thought. Happily, at least I have football to watch.

It’s just one of those times when figuring out the right needlepoint to do can make all the difference. I’ve broken down my suggestions into three categories, guidelines, stitching, and non-stitching. You’re sure to find at least one that appeals to you.

Guidelines

When I’m stuck at home and want something soothing, I turn to needlepoint. With luck soon I’ll be ready to do more challenging stuff.

Here is my list of guidelines for projects that make the cut for times such as these.

• The projects can’t be hard to see (no black painted areas or canvas.
• They need to be small enough that you don’t fight with the frame.
• They shouldn’t use beads or embellishments that will spill if you have a sneezing or coughing fit.
• They can’t use charts or too many things to juggle around.
• Threads, techniques, and stitches should be ones you know well.

Follow these guidelines to find projects that will give you a sense of accomplishment, be a comfort, and not get you frustrated.

Stitching

Because I generally have many projects going at once, I can usually find something that falls into one or more of these buckets.

• Look at your UFOs and WIPS; find one that is easy to do, small, or only has a bit to finish. Stitch it if it isn’t challenging. You’ll be so happy with what you’ve accomplished.
• Get your car or plane project out of your tote bag and work on it. Since these are supposed to be stressless projects, they are good when you aren’t feeling great.
• Stitch on a project that needs only Tent Stitch.
• Work on backgrounds that use stitches and threads you know well.

Non-stitching

• Look through books to find ideas for future projects. Tag them with Post-it flags.
• Organize a simple part of your stash. I just got a new bead container & will be doing this.
• Go through your WIPs and stash. Organize, clean up, and take projects not in active rotation off the stretcher bars. You’ll be surprised at the rom you find.
• Put together a tool kit for travel and to keep by your stitchy chair.
• Make your saved ORTs into an ornament or store in a pretty jar

Now, please excuse me while I go sit down.