Monday, April 30, 2007

Stitching to a deadline

I finished my Part 2 of St Petersburg at the weekend, with 2 days to spare before part 3 is released tomorrow. That was cutting it just a bit too fine for me. I’ve decided I really don’t like stitching to a deadline like that. By Friday evening I was just about sick of the sight of Algerian Eyelets and was relieved to get them finished and out of the way early on Saturday.

The deadline was entirely self inflicted as I didn’t get started on part 2 until after I came back from Scotland on the 13th. And yes, I know that it’s not compulsory for me to stitch each part of St Pete within the month when it is released, it’s just me! If I can do it, I HAVE to, and I’ll push myself to do it, getting completely stressed out along the way.


However, from a designer’s point of view, 'deadlines' like this must be very useful. With a large project like St Petersburg, releasing the chart bit by bit ensures interest is retained throughout the length of the project. I suspect the 'drip-feed' approach in this way means more money for the designer.

I’m sure a lot of stitchers would be completely overwhelmed if handed a chart like this all in one go. The 'drip-feed' is therefore also beneficial to the stitcher.

And on the plus side for both stitcher and designer, one design successfully completed this way is likely to encourage the stitcher to come back for more, and to encourage more stitchers in to this way of working.

However, from my point of view, deadlines are all very well, as long as I have plenty of time to keep up with them. I’d never make it as a model stitcher!

11 comments:

Cheryl said...

Congrats on finishing part 2. It is very beautiful!

Carla said...

I hate deadline also...they stress me out!!!!
St. Petersburg looks beautiful!!!

Laura said...

I love your stitched gardens! (And the view out your window is lovely too!) And those tiny mice - too cute! I may have to make a few... May I add your blog to my blog list? Thank you for adding my site to yours....

jane said...

St Petersburg is beautiful - well done on completing part 2

Sue said...

WooHoo!!! St. Petersburg looks fabulous, I've been trying so hard to get part 2 finished but I just don't think it's going to happen. I am finished with those dreaded Algerian Eyelets though and I'm working on those Rice stitches. I feel the exact same way about deadlines as you, can I steal your post when I show part 2 done? ;)

Carol said...

Oh gosh - I remember those stressful self-imposed Chatelaine deadlines!! Yours is just gorgeous though!

Deb said...

Congratulations on your St. Pete's progress! I'm still on part 1 and not moving anytime soon! I love it but have so much to do that I'm sure I won't be working on it again for a couple of weeks, so yours is inspiring. I adore your little boy and the view from your stitching window. So great to read your blog. Thanks for visiting me, too! Deb

Deb said...

PS: I have some other Genny Morrow designs. Genny was a friend and I went to several of her workshops when she was alive. Email me if you want to know more about her. She was a delightful woman! Deb

Anonymous said...

Looks amazing... I hate deadlines too. We're off to the more civilized side of the border (lol) this weekend so no stitching for me

Julie said...

looks wonderful, just love the colours, so spectacular

Sharon said...

your stitching looks gorgeous-lovely work.