Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Dawn to Dusk - Brocade

I wasn't planning on sharing an update on this piece until I finished the first row of brocade. However, progress has been very slow as I've been in a slump. It's one part me and one part brocade. I'm sure you'll understand when you see the cheer amount of repetitive stitching and layers involved.

(click on the post to see the animation below)


The brocade is made of up 4 layers: lines in white going vertically and horizontally to form squares, a sort of pop corn stitch in black inside the white squares (you'll have to enlarge the picture to see them), this is then surrounded by stitches in gold thread and finally beads.


I haven't reached the beading yet. I've been stitching each layer on both areas at the same time and I just completed the third layer on one of them. After working on the brocade, I understand why they would be treated as their own row. If you didn't they would never get done. I will have to rethink my strategy if I want to finish this piece before end of year.

Now onto the me part of the slump. I've been thinking about it for a very long time and I think it's directly related to the fact that my stitching area and my "work" area are sharing the same space. It's not very conducive for any relaxation, especially as our work days have been getting longer. I can't move either of them out of my room as I like to have my computer for playing videos while stitching and I need the quiet space for all those meetings we have everyday. What I can do is re-organize the layout of my desk.

I didn't take a before picture to share, but believe me it was a disaster. I forgot how wide my desk is, as I had things piled on both ends of the desk. The screen was also moved from the corner to the center, so all in all it feels like a brand new workspace. There are still a few things that need to find a new home but I already feel much better.

5 comments:

  1. Hi Dima,

    I always enjoy your posts and admire your diligent approach to needlework. I share your dilemma of a shared work and relaxation space. At the end of a work day it is difficult to stay in the same seat and relax with some stitching. I try to go for a walk or do something different for a break I might suggest to you that you convert your desk between work and relaxing space by putting stitching items on trays that are removed during work hours and then switch out with work supplies/papers during stitching time. Tricking your brain that you are in new space! Regardless, we can be grateful we have a space to be in - many folks working from their kitchen tables. Stay well, Sarah

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  2. Hi Dima - I really enjoy reading your blog and appreciate your diligent approach to needlework. I also have a shared work/stitching space and it feels like I've been in one spot all day if I start stitching when my work day is done. Taking a break, like going for a walk, helps. You might try putting your stitching supplies on trays so you can change the desktop quickly from workspace to stitch-space - tricking your brain that you've actually moved! I put my paperwork out of sight and dump wool all over my desk - it helps a little. We can be grateful we have a space - many folks trying to work from the kitchen table!

    Take care, Sarah

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  3. The work space is looking quite spacious and comfortable now. Happy stitching!

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  4. This is beautiful but my goodness, what a lot of work! Hopefully you get into a nice rhythm with the stitching.
    The workplace at home dilemma is one a lot of people are facing now. It's good to get a balance between the two. My table where I sit is a lot more messy than that! I got for a "strata" system with the new stuff on top and the older stuff working its way down the pile LOL

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  5. Wow, that brocade is gorgeous but there sure is a lot of it! Hopefully working it in bits between the fun bits will ease the burden a bit.
    Your workplace rearrangment looks great, hope that'll help get you out of the slump!

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