Let us not be confused
With kaleidoscopic reality.
Using wisdom and courage to act,
Let us not add to the confusion.
Deng Ming~Dao
I mentioned last week that there would be a little more textile and fabric involved here this year and this little number is what I am starting with. It is a needlepoint series called "Word Play", designed by Brenda Gervais from Country Stitches.
I purchased January and February's kits and decided to start with February so that I might be able to display it during the month. :-)
….oh how the times have changed. With aging comes all kinds of new challenges, which includes the ability to see these teeny little squares on a piece of 35 count linen. Thankfully this pattern is worked one strand over 2 threads and with the aid of a magnifying glass I am able to do this. (even if I feel like an old lady with that around my neck)
Sadly I do not think I am going to be able to do this kit that I purchased last year. It's called Feather Thy Nest and this particular design is worked with 1 strand over 1 stitch on a 28 count linen. My eyes no longer have the ability to see that small which is disappointing, but there are enough designs that do not call for such small stitchery that I won't focus on what I can't do, but rather on what I can do. 🙂
I mentioned in my last post that I had found my word. As I thought on it a little, I realized that choosing a word was kind of like making a resolution which I resolved not to do, so instead of embracing a word, I am just going to work towards that word (which is actually 2)
"Time Management"
I'll let you know how it goes…. :0)
The Woolen Rabbit 
I finally finished a 22-count project that was over 20 years in the making and decided NEVER to do that again. I am glad I finished it, but it was a struggle.
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These kits are so beautiful!! Sadly, I am in the same boat as you with the eyesight and tiny stitches. The joys of getting older.
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I solved my inability to see problem by buying some 6.00 readers online from speert.com. They’re a little funky looking, but they do the job!
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I’m so with you on the eyesight! Pretty kits. How small can Margene see btw? Didn’t she used to do a lot of embroidery?
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Oh how I can relate! I bought one of those battery operated round tap lights and with that sitting below the fabric on my lap I was amazed to find that the holes seem to be so much bigger. A friend uses a light box sitting on her lap but the inexpensive light works just fine for me.
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I never even tried working on linen so my hat is off to you!
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Good luck – definitely keep us posted, as I need some help with that department as well!
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The sampler is so darling. I spent years stitching counted thread designs and had to buy a magnifying lamp to keep from going googly-eyed.
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Oh how fun, and the kit that will never be is adorable! You need the light that has the magnifier in the middle….things that seemed impossible are possible once again!
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What about getting another piece of linen and doing the sampler over 2 threads? It’s beautiful! I’ve given over my needlework for knitting the past few years, but I keep thinking about pulling out a project and working on it. I still have some that I’d like to do. Hadn’t considered the eyesight issue!
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So pretty Kim! I’m battling the sight thing as well…what the heck are we going to be like in 20 more years??? TGIF!
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Get a Bausch & Lomb Sight Saver magnifier that hangs around your neck. It’s what I use, and it works great.
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Just started reading your blog, so I’m uninformed about your eyesight, but what about those inexpensive close-up glasses you can get at the drugstore for those of us with “long-arm” vision?
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I too have the aging eye problem. You can use the pattern and thread and purchase larger count linen. I like 18 count linen over one. Easy to see and it looks great although a bit different than the higher count linens.
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