The Return of ‘Anne’s Orchard’ Clutch
Since we last caught up, I’ve started a new job, and the change in routine has had me lacking in time to do much other than the bare necessities! It’s also the first time in several years that I’m working full time again. So the poor body and mind is taking a bit longer to get back into gear with all the fun stitching things I’ve got planned!
After completing the elephant stitch sampler, it was time to consider ‘what next’ to stitch as part of this stitch-a-long. I enjoy this stitch-a-long, as it is helping to get the pile of unfinished projects down. The support for the group is incredible! I did consider starting another new project, but given the overflowing basket of as yet unfinished projects, I thought the better of it.
The project I’ve chosen is another project that has been hanging around a while. It has been on nearly every holiday I’ve had in the past two years, although not many stitches were added over the years! So perhaps it’s now time to finish it!
It’s quite a nice project – a project where you can do as much or as little as you like. From looking at what I’ve done already, I was definitely taking the approach of doing a lot. I’m also surprisingly happy with what I’ve done already.
So whilst I haven’t done anything other than contemplate the project this time round, I’m hopeful that next time we check in with each other, some progress will have been made.
So here’s the ‘starting’ point of ‘Anne’s Orchard’ clutch!
Join the others!
I’m sure the others have made some real progress, so do make sure you head over and see what everyone else has been up to! There is always so much to see, and is a great and lovely time catching up with everyone. If you would like to join, please get in touch with Avis, and she will give you all the details.
Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, LucyAnn, Kate, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Steph, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Tony, Megan, Deborah and Connie
See you in three weeks for the next SAL update, and hopefully some progress on the clutch!
That looks a lovely project 🙂
Thanks Carole. It’s a very pretty piece, hopefully I can it justice.
You really must finish this. It’s lovely! I no longer have a pile of unfinished embroidery. The SAL is great for clearing up all the WIPs.
Thanks for the encouragement Avis! I really enjoy the SAL for this very reason, it’s great to be able to work steadily (if not slowly!), through the pile!
Congrats on the new job! Hoping that the transition goes smoothly and you get into a rhythm that allows for plenty of crafting time.
I think you are wise to dip into those UFO’s; the finishes will come more quickly as you settle in with work and life, you will enjoy thinking about your next big project while finishing these off. Love that blue!
Thanks so much Kathy! I think one thing working full time has shown is how much I didn’t appreciate the part time work! I’m still struggling to find time, but slowly things are falling into place.
I’ve certainly got plenty of UFOs, and it’s nice to work on the variety of different pieces I’ve started over the years!
I do hope that you adjust quickly to working full time so you can find some time to do fun stitching, The clutch is looking beautiful! All of those stitches are awesome!!
Thanks so much Ginny! I’ve not worked full time for a few years, and I’m not used to the lack of time to do my stitching! I’m sure I’ll get there eventually – I’ve done it before!
l love this piece! The fabric color is beautiful and the embroidery done so far is gorgeous. Looking forward to your progress.
Thanks Christina, the fabric is a really interesting blend which feels a little like denim. I’ll have to find out what it is! Hopefully it will be a ‘stress free’ project.
Such a pretty project, I’m glad it’s come out of retirement. I hope the new job leaves you enough energy to complete it 🙂
Thanks Kate. Fingers crossed I can work out how to balance everything! It seems to be a steep learning curve, but I’ve finally had a week where I feel like I’m getting on top of things at work. Hopefully the ‘home’ part of the equation won’t be too far away to falling in place too!
This looks lovely. A bit like Wedgwood “jasperware”!
Thanks Rachel. It does have that Wedgewood ‘feel’ to it. I’m looking forward to seeing how I can develop this piece!
Lovely and very different to your recent projects.
Thanks Alex. It feels very ‘refreshing’ compared to the last projects I’ve completed. Another different approach to stitching a project, which is fun!
How pretty! Blue and white are my favorite combination.
Thanks Pamela! I find it is always a lovely combination. Hopefully I can do it justice!
A new job — well done! But working full time does take time — mental energy as well as physical. I love your work too. It is so fresh and of course your stitching is beautifully controlled.
Thanks so much Anne. Having not worked full time for a while, it is taking a while to work out how to balance everything. But I feel like I’m getting there with it! And hopefully there will be some stitching too 🙂
good luck with the new job.
Love the new project with all that white on blue!
Thanks Claire. The white and blue is really pretty isn’t it.
Congratulations on the new job, which is no doubt exciting to the point of too much! This project is beautiful and I’m glad you’ve returned to it.
Thanks Tony. I’m enjoying work, I now just have to work out how to stitch, blog and work! If only… This is a pretty project, and I’m looking forward to stitching it again. A nice summer project for me.
Ooh, this looks like a lovely project. I hope that work is not too gruelling – have just gone back fulltime myself so I know it can be very tiring! Good luck!
Thanks for both encouragements Deborah! Good luck with going back to full time yourself, I know you enjoyed your Friday’s off at Hampton Court! I hope you’ve worked out the whole balance thing better than I have!
What a lovely embroidery! I´m glad you decided to finish it!
Thanks Gun. I’d forgotten how pretty this piece was until I pulled it out again!
Hoo boy, a new full time job. I hope you quickly figure out how to make time for your needlework endeavors. The elephant turned out so well – no surprise there!
Yes, more changes, and I’m wondering how anyone ever gets anything done beyond the essentials! Hopefully I work out the tricks soon, as I’m missing my stitching and blogging time!
This is beautiful! I’m definitely going to enjoy watching this progress
Thanks Wendy, that’s really sweet of you to say that! I hope you enjoy it’s (no doubt) slow progress over the next few months!
What a lovely embroidery, good luck with your new job too, it can take a while for life work balances to settle down after such big changes 🙂
Thanks Margaret. I feel like my life this year has been full of changes that take me longer to get used to than I expected. But, onwards and upwards as they say!
I really like your next project.
Sometimes deciding what to work on next is the hardest part. I think you made a good choice.
Thanks Linda. I’ve got so many ‘WIPs’ it is a bit tricky to work out which one to do next!