This past few weeks, though, I have really been itching lately to start something new -- maybe something quick? I was a good girl this year, and finished a number of large projects, but summer stitching is very different from winter stitching, don't you think? Frankly, come summer, I don't want to have to think too hard (when I'm not working, of course!)

Really, I need to make a summer stitching plan. Realistically, I'm not going to finish that big Christmas piece in July. I doubt I'll want to work on that heavy cross stitched angel afghan in August. And why not run barefoot (to use a metaphor) with my stitching this summer -- nothing fancy, nothing froo-froo, just a few fun things to keep me happily stitching over the summer months.

Just yesterday I was in a situation where I had about a half an hour to sit somewhere, and I had NO PROJECT along with me. Drat! Half an hour wasted. If you look in my articles archive, you'll find an article about take along projects (and how to put them together). Here's what I need to do -- put together a few of these take along kits and hide them where I'll need them: one in my purse, one in my car (in that neat little stash area between the front two seats), and one in my stitching basket at the top of the stairs. A quick grab on the way out the door, and I'd be ready to go.

Of course, if you don't feel like putting together a kit, see if you've got a ready-made kit. That way, you'll know you have pretty much everything you need for the project. Almost every designer has kits like these, now. Especially good for summer quickies would be Heart in Hand's, Bent Creek's and Lizzie Kate's Tuckaway kits (that come with a pillow to tuck your design in when you're done) or some of the smaller Shepherd's Bush kits (like the needlerolls or small designs).

As with any take-along, but especially with summer ones, the fabrics and fibers should be sturdy enough to withstand a washing (sand, sunscreen, bug spray -- they're all possibilities!) If I select something with a larger count, I won't have to focus so much on the needlework itself. And if the chart has a fun summer theme -- bugs, flowers, a flag, kites, berries -- all the better! I also find that if I'm stitching outside (remember, I have two boys, eight and three) it's good to have something heavier than a plastic bag to put things in. Wind can make it tough to keep a hold of your goodies. You could even machine sew a little draw string bag. Be sure to include some kind of a weight in the bottom -- a bag of jelly beans or coins which you might end up needing anyway!

Recently I started St. Peter's Fair (a kit by Shepherd's Bush that I bought over a year ago for myself for my birthday). This definitely isn't take-along material, but it is perfect to keep in the desk by my kitchen table (in fact, I've been working on it today, Sunday). I have a big window in my kitchen and great kitchen chairs (and a great table). Once it's summer, and my husband and boys can sleep in a little bit (hubby teaches at the U, and the kids, of course, won't have anything going on), early morning time is the best time of the day for peace and stitching. Do you have a spot like this where you like to stitch? A gal in the guild has a "queen's chair" for stitching in -- a huge overstuffed and over-sized chair surrounded by lights, baskets of projects, bags of supplies, boxes of embellishments, fibers, fabrics... If you have this kind of situation (a stitching spot surrounded by your unfinished projects), clear that away for the summer. Don't feel pressured by the really fancy things you're not getting done during the "lazy days." Set out one or two projects by that stitching spot. If you finish one, get another UFO from your stash, or make up another little summer project from your stash.

Of course other quickies for summer could include Christmas gifts. If you like to do ornaments, make up a few little kits as take-alongs or for your stitching spot. You'll appreciate what you've accomplished in the summer come November when you're baking turkeys and writing out cards (and shopping, attending parties, decorating trees...).

Also in my archives, you'll find an article about cleaning through your stash (I think I titled it "Heave Ho.") May is a good time to do that, and as long as you are, you can pick out something new to stitch. Pick out something you've been meaning to start, something you've admired, but have never found the excuse to start. Why not?

Summer is also a time to take trips, and whether or not you can stitch in the car or plane, you can definitely plan to get some stitching done outside the home (or state). Actually, I pretty rarely start something new for a trip. I figure when I'm away from home (far from home), I am stuck working on what I've brought. A UFO makes a good guest on a trip -- something to do on the road or in spare time. If you do start something new, a complete kit is a quick and easy way to make sure you'll have everything you need. You might also consider packing a kit of necessities: a small pair of scissors (that you wouldn't mind losing...), extra needles in a few sizes, small Q-Snaps or a small hoop (if you use them), an extra skein of floss (this comes in handy for miscellaneous reasons). You could also pack tape, bandages, safety pins, a needle threader.

Of course, if you're feeling a little more ambitious, you could challenge yourself this summer to either finish a UFO or two or to undertake a more complicated project. Either way, your summer stitching should be all for fun (and fun for all.)

Remember, each day until June 21st, we're getting more and more sunshine each day. Take advantage of the great lighting! And when the sun goes down, and the fireflies come out to play, take a walk with your sweetie, sip an ice-cold lemonade, rock on your porch, sing camp songs and just enjoy every last moment of the day.

© 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