Taking it Slow

I have been making an effort to make some changes, I really desire to have less stress and more joy in my every day life.  One of the things I am attempting to do is spend a little less time on the computer and more time doing things I enjoy like reading and working on hand sewing projects.  As much as I love machine sewing, there is just something pleasant and quieting about stitching by hand.

I spent the first part of the year working on hand-quilting a quilt, but since we came back from vacation I haven't decided on another project.  I've been thinking about doing some embroidery and have been collecting a variety of patterns, but after a month of trying to decide I finally committed to this pattern:

This is Block 3 of the Gentle Domesticity Block of the Month series by Jenny of Elefantz Designs.  It really called to me because it will remind me to take time to breath.  I plan on making the finished piece into a journal cover.  I wasn't sure about my choices for the fusible applique part of the piece, but then I thought about my shoebox full of tiny prints for making miniatures with and found the perfect fabrics!  I just love the green with the birds.  I have a ton of embroidery thread from my cross stitch projects and also some Aurifil 12 weight thread and Aurifloss embroidery floss as well so I think I am set for materials.

I did have to hunt up a proper needle - a cross stitch needle is too dull!  I found one good one, so will have to put that on my supply list for my next trip to the store.

I started off with the blanket stitching since I felt pretty confident in that.  I used the 12 weight Aurifil (from the finishing set I won last summer)  I think it worked wonderfully for this!

I made a start on back-stitching the bird and the bows for the curtains.  I think I'll have to wear my glasses because the stitches are super tiny!  I pulled some pink and blue floss to add more color.  I'm enjoying this immensely, so I don't think it will take me long to finish it.  I've got my eye on another project to work on next, but I might try to finish the back-stitching on my Cat project that's been waiting for a while first!

I'm joining in on the Slow Sunday Stitching link-up on Kathy's Quilts to encourage me to keep working on these projects - it's fun to see the projects everyone is working on and I feel like it will keep me accountable to work on mine as well!