Everything is 40% off.
This was the first dash through accomplished without a shopping list:
Looking at the charts and my bill, I've come to a realization about why I don't stitch many smalls. I don't think they're worth it. Now before I get lynched let me explain:
See those four Lizzie*Kates? They each cost ~10. And I can probably finish one in less than 5 hours. So that's $2/hr.
See that Mira? That cost ~25. And may take about 85 hours. So about $0.30/hr.
Now what about a Teresa Wentzler? The last one I bought cost ~25. And that will take at least 145 hrs.
See where I'm going with this? I'm more likely to buy and stitch larger charts (even if they stay in my drawers waiting to be framed) because some subconsicous part of me feels that I'm getting more "value for money".
Admittedly HAEDs would be "worth" more on my scale, but I don't think a steady diet of them works for me.
So what about you? Any strange and twisty thoughts influencing what charts you buy/stitch?
20 comments:
ohhh... I'm soo jeaolous.
I kind of know what you mean. I was looking at several smalls that belonged in a series. I thought they would look nice stitched together on the same fabric. But if I bought each one, I would spend a lot more than if I had just bought 1 large chart. I added it up and quickly decided against stitching it. Most of the smalls I stitch are either freebies or from magazines.
Nice stash by the way!
Hi Blu :) nice stash haul :) mmm I have lots of small charts but I have stitched quite a few over again :) but I do love the meatier bigger charts and ones that challenge my stitching too :) but I also have lots of freebies which can do that as well ..lol ... does that help at all???? hehehe love mouse xxxx
You know, I sort of have to agree with you. I do stitch smalls, but they are mostly from magazines or freebies. (Mill Hill kits are an exception, and one of my biggest vices. ;) ) But I don't buy Lizzie*Kate or other expensive smalls. Like you said, $10 each, and I need six to make a large design. Are you kidding me? $60 for a pretty simple design? If I want to spend that much (less actually), I'll but a Chatelaine. :P
I'm sorry your shop is closing. :( That makes me sad. It looks like you got some good deals though.
I mostly buy on impulse (not very good for my budget, lol) so I get what happens to be calling me the loudest! I agree with you about hours in and all that though!
No matter how much it cost I prefer bigger designs.
Whoa! Nice stash, especially that Ink Circles design! I've been thinking of doing another one once I'm done Tanglewood. Too sad that your stitching store is closing. It seems that we have too few here in Canada. As for the smaller designs, well I usually just use freebies for smalls and buy the big charts for my longer stitching projects, so I'm in agreement with you about the cost vs time. It'll be great to see which one you will stitch first!
Nice new stash. Good to take advantage of these clearance sales.
I always think the price of smaller designs is way out of line too. I just like being able to finish things more quickly!
I hate buying any chart that I think I could graph myself. But, if it has something interesting in it, that I cold use again, I will buy it
I tend to stitch the larger pieces. Smaller ones are usually gifts or from books that I adapt for my purpose.
Shame about your local shop. I haven't got a local shop so most of my purchasing has to be done on-line
Having just been at my LNS yesterday, I understand what you are saying. I sorta feel that way too. But in the end it all comes down to what calls me and what I'll really stitch. I will stitch and finish the smalls. The big ones (other than Ink Circles) all sit partially finished in a drawer and never get looked at again. That's a waste of my money. :( I have just become very picky over the years and only buy what I WILL stitch.
I hear ya.... I don't stitch smalls too. I do think about cost vs. time and also they don't seem to catch my attention as much. Also, since I like to frame and display finishes, I'd rather have 1 big piece than a few small ones.
Like alot of others, my smalls are freebies or from magazines.
I actually prefer to buy books - the TW books are amazing value, it probably works out a penny an hour!
I get the RU Craft catalogue and mostly buy books on ofer so for £10 you get 30plus designs.
Interesting, Blu! You know I never really thought about it, but I agree... I'm shocked at how much they want for an extremely simple design at times.
Sorry to hear your LNS is closing :( We are down to one in this area and it's almost an hour away.
Enjoy your new stash!
No strange and twisting thoughts here, at least not about stash! Sorry about your LNS. Love your new stitchy stuff!
I used to buy a lot of the smaller designs but I've been leaning towards the larger ones lately. I'll break up a larger stitch with a small one when I feel the need.
Sorry your LNS is closing. That's the second Canadian needlework shop that's closed in a week that I've heard about. I guess we're a dying art here in Canada.
Wonderful stash haul, sorry to hear your LNS is closing down.
I know what you mean about larger designs vs the smaller ones. I admit that long before I considered the cost/hr, my eye was always drawn to the larger designs, as it would take me longer to finish it.
I will miss Kathryn's Stitching Studio. I hadn't gone often in the last year, but it was always a joy to shop there. I usually ended up leaving with more than what was on my shopping list.
Word!! I think I paid $75 for Mary Beale's Days of Advent. It was expensive and I made sure that I planned to stitch it right away rather than letting it sit in my stash pile. I know some people didn't care for the cost and I get that, but considering that it included 24 stitch intensive blocks, I figure a little over US$3.00 wasn't too much to pay for one of those blocks. Looking at what some of the smalls go for--I'd much rather pay for the BAPs!
I just found your blog and have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts! You have beautiful stitching...and I am just amazed at your finishes...gorgeous!!
As I read your current post, your question about whether smalls are worth the money got me thinking...and I have to agree with you, smalls are expensive. I have always been drawn to larger projects (and have quite a few as WIP!) but I occasionally purchase a small pattern or two. Like you, I went to my LNS this week and purchased three Lizzie*Kate charts (part of the Halloween Rules series) and I spent $27 on.three.small.charts!! And there are three more charts to purchase to complete the Halloween Rules set (another $27!) So, that comes to a grand total of $54 in charts BEFORE linen and threads! I guess I never thought about how much those little charts in the long run. Thank you for posing such a thought provoking question!
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