If you have children, pets, significant others, a job, a busy schedule, you know how valuable stitching time alone can be. I try to do a little stitching every day (some days it's a lot.) But there are things you can do to make the stitching time you've earned more enjoyable. Here are some tips from me about how to enjoy your stitching time.

First and foremost you need to be comfortable. Although I admit that there are times I hunch over in bed, butted up against my wooden headboard, needlework in hand. Not terribly comfortable. If you can sit relatively straight, you'll be able to stitch longer without getting cramps in your back, arms or legs. I like to park myself on the couch where I have a window behind my back. It's much easier to see your needlework with light behind you, and natural light is about the best. A lamp over your shoulder is nice, too, when it's dark outside. (I put my feet up on my coffee table, but shhhh, don't tell anyone!)

Part of my being comfortable is having a clean area to work in -- I hate being in a messy room while stitching, so I pick up that room before I start. (Remember, I have kids! So sometimes this takes a little while to accomplish.)

I also like to multi-task while stitching. I turn on the radio or the television so I can have some company. I like something kind of non-engrossing like the Food Network (cooking shows), the Comedy Channel, or documentaries. That way I can drift in and out of my needlework and the show without feeling like I'm missing anything. I wouldn't suggest a murder mystery -- you're sure to miss all of the clues. You may invite a friend over to stitch, or talk to your spouse who may be doing something else. Stitchers are often accused of being anti-social, but I am capable of carrying on a conversation while stitching. Just because I'm not looking at you doesn't mean I'm not listening.

I pretty rarely snack while I'm eating, but there's no law against it. You probably don't want to eat something greasy or sticky while stitching (well, you probably do want to eat that kind of thing, but you shouldn't!) In the winter, I like to sip on Russian Tea while stitching. Good chocolates are nice, too. Cookies. Hmmm...I must be hungry. You might consider burning a nice-smelling candle, or turning on some music you like to listen to. Set a calming mood! I've heard/read that needlework lowers yoru blood pressure. Think about what a nice environment to stitch in would do for you.

You als omight want to get rid of distractions. If you don't want the cat or dog (or other creature) on your lap while you stitch, put it in another room. If you don't want the kid in your lap (on top of the table, under the table, hanging onto your leg, digging in your needlework basket) while you're stitching, do so when said kid is sleeping or with someone else. Although I must admit, I stubbornly try to get stitching done sometimes when all of the above things are happening -- I don't get a lot done, but it's something. If you like to answer the phone, stitch near it so you don't have to make a mad dash. (I recently did a tumble down the stairs trying to answer the phone -- glad there was no one there to see it.) If you don't want to answer the phone, turn off the ringer and turn on the answering machine.

Take a break every once in a while (every half hour or 45 minutes or so) to get up, stretch, relax your eyes, or get a drink/treat. Again, I'm guilty of breaking this rule, too. And I've heard from a number of you about thoes "'til 4 in the morning" stitch-a-thons you put yourselves through. Fun?! Yep! Still, you'll stitch happier and longer if you give yourself little breaks.

Make sure you have all of the supplies you need next to you. You probably have your own methods of organizing your supplies while stitching. Teresa Wentzler has some really good tips about organizing while stitching on her site (you'll find a link on my links page). And make sure you throw away the little floss creatures when you're done (you know, the ones that accumulate as you finish strands, and toss the leftovers on the arm of your chair or on the carpet.)

Really enjoy your stitching time -- it's so precious! If stitching is making you tired, bored, frustrated, or grumpy, by all means, STOP! It's a LEISURE activity, an indulgence, a luxury. It shouldn't make you feel bad. Take a break from it once in a while. You'll come back refreshed and ready to stitch.

© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com