Monday, December 31, 2012

Life’s given me lemons, so I’m starting a blog


A few years ago, I went back to school to finish up my Bachelor’s degree in political science and found I had to take a “stitching hiatus”.  It wasn’t conscious, it just happened.  Between a demanding full time events organizing public service job, some housework, a tiny bit of cooking, tons of reading and homework, and spending some time with my friends and family, I just didn’t stitch anymore. 
 
Let’s fast forward a few years, to last spring.  Wow, instead of having only been away from stitching for a few years, I kind of felt like Rip Van Winkle when I saw all the online communities of stitchers, forums, blogs, Facebook groups, etc. that had cropped up.  My LNS had closed down, but I could now connect with stitchers around the world.  I voraciously read other stitchers’ blogs and discovered some amazing, new to me designers, like Châtelaine and Little House Needleworks, who were using eye popping variegated threads and silks, shiny crystals, along with wonderful hand dyed fabrics.  I bought lots of new stash, participated in exchanges, got involved with a Mirabilia Round Robin, and joined a Mirabilia Facebook group or two among others.  I can’t tell you what a thrill it was to have Nora Corbett, whose designs I have been stitching for almost twenty years, like the photo of my finished Maidenhair Pixie. 
 
I thought about starting my own blog to keep track of and share my stitching, especially with my Round Robin friends, but I barely had time to read other stitchers’ blogs and with Facebook taking up so much of my time, I put that thought away for another time.  And then life dropped a bag of lemons on my head.  The government needed to cut jobs and the powers that be in our department decided that one member of my team had to go.  I was the, um, lucky one chosen.  I get to be on a priority list for the next year as I try to find another government job while sitting at home.  The logic there kind of escapes me, but hey, I’ll take it.  
 
And so, with extra time on my hands, thoughts of starting my own blog going round and round my head and a new year beginning, here I am, the Red Couch Stitcher.  It likely will not surprise you that my living room couch is red, and that I spend many hours on it stitching with my faithful companion Bart the Pomeranian snoring by my side. 
 
I hope you will enjoy my blog, my stitching, my random thoughts about stitching and life, and the antics of what is surely the cutest dog around.  In my eyes at least.  My sister is convinced Bart is part squirrel, part cat.  But anyways…  Welcome to my red couch!
 
Julie

3 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about your job. :(
    I hope you can make lemonade very soon. :)

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  2. Hi Julie!

    I had a similar experience with University just getting in the way of my stitching as well. Although I was never a prolific stitcher. That's all turned around now. I got back into stitching almost a year ago now, one of the ladies at my work at brought in THE MOST BEAUTIFUL Christmas Cross Stitch by Lavender and Lace. I got inspired! All our LHNs had closed years ago and we only had Michaels left and let's just say their chart selection leaves much to be desired. It was crap and out dated! So I took to the internet wondering if cross stitch was really still like it was 10-15 years ago when I first started stitching. WELL, I found blogs, websites, shops and facebook groups gallor! I jumped in head first and haven't been able to get out the craze ever since.

    I'm sorry to hear about your job. I'm in somewhat of the same position myself right now... my contract is up in March and the government says they are cutting jobs. Very scary... especially since I really haven't been out of university that long. But I love your positive attitude! Keep at it and everything will fall in place very soon!

    Melissa

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    Replies
    1. Hi Melissa!

      I really hope that your contract will be renewed. It's such a scary time right now. I'll keep my fingers crossed on that front for you. I don't have any definite news myself, but things are looking up and I'm keeping myself busy.

      On a happier front, it really is amazing what's online for stitchers now isn't it? I'm constantly making new discoveries and I love it. I really liked all of your exchange pieces, there are some great ideas there for next Christmas!

      Julie

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