Wednesday 6 April 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 357

Listen up Deskers, the anniversary will be on WOYWW 364, by my calculations, that'll be 25th May. We'll do the ATC swap circle thingy. To prevent 8 million questions, I'll make a page for this blog with a Q&A about it. No changes anticipated though, so if you've taken part before, you already know what to do and when!
Meanwhile, here's a sight.....

Here's my desk before I got a grip and tidied up. Believe it or not, it didn't take long to get to wood and empty space! I had to tidy so I could use the desk for month end and the painful beginnings of tax returns. It's that time again, already!
Anyway, to keep me from being craft deprived, as you know, I keep something next to my armchair too. I'm bored with crochet so have gone waaaaay back to my craft roots with some embroidery. I'm not great at it, but that's OK - it's meant to be fun! I love this print, was a little worried that it was too thick an outline initially, but as nothing I do involves finesse, it's OK. I got this from the Zenbroidery section of www.smallscrafts.co.uk. I know that is blatant publicity, but it might save me a lot of emails and I am a bit slow to answer these days. 
Now, please join me, show and tell about what's in your space of work right now. Upload to your blog, put WOYWW in the post title and link it here. Bob will be your Uncle.


54 comments:

Helen said...

ooh, that will be lovely when it's finished... I know you well though so I don't expect it to be soon... and at least it keeps you occupied in front of the tv. will have to start thinking about atcs ready.. yeah right as usual it will be a last minute thing!! Keep well lovely Julia.

Nikki said...

I think that would be a great project for in front of the TV.it will be so pretty once done looking forward to seeing how progress through it. I use to bead in front of the TV but haven't done that in ages one day I pick it up again Hugs Nikki 2

Neet said...

What a mess! Your desk WAS that is. Gosh that was busy or was it a dumping ground at one time? Love the embroidery you are doing, that is certainly going to keep you busy.
Hugs, Neet 3 xx

Kyla said...

Tidied your desk? When I wasn't there to root through the bins and grab stuff??!! :-)
Love the embroidery right up my steeet so off to check the company out, thanks for the tip off.
Hugs
Kyla #4

Lisca said...

Oh I can see the sun is shining! I hope it gets nice that you can sit outside soon. It's always nice in the UK when we in Spain have bad weather. But I am happy for you. You need the sun more than we so.
I love the embroidery you're doing! Yes, I would have asked you the website, so thank you for providing it. I went to the website and looked at all of the patterns. I am going to get the PEACE one.
Happy WOYWW and have a good week,
Hug,
Lisca

Lisca said...

I forgot to give my number. To avoid you having to scan the whole list: I'm number 6 (Lisca)

Lynn Holland said...

Good morning Julia
Did you see that shiver run down my spine when you mentioned tax returns. Gulp ! You are making me face that dreaded pile of filing before I can even start our year end and all it entails. I think I will have to put a definite day in the diary and just get in with it and stop faffing around.
I'm very impressed that you can do that sort of embroidery never mind crotcheting as well. You are a girl of many talents for sure.
Have a good week. I'll think about you while I'm doing the filing haha
Lynn xx

FLR said...

I see a sunny day! Don´t you love it when there is more sun seen from your desk?
So in England there is the same nerve wracking time of the year as there is in Holland...pfff....got it done, so glad....now waiting for things to come (or not).
Love your embroidery, never seen such before! Have fun and relax!
vrolijke groet,
Francisca

Annie said...

It looks like we are both suffering tax returns this week Julia....it sort of gets in the way of fun doesn't it? And today I've got curtains too :-/ Lets hope at least the sun shines to make it all bearable eh?
Have a good week.
Hugs,
Annie x

Virginia said...

Oh embroidery - that's lovely I need to do something with a fabric art journal I'm working on and this has inspired me Julia - thank you!

Bernice said...

That looks like a big embroidery project Julia - it should keep you busy for a while! I think it's a great idea to have something crafty by the armchair - it's nice to change location and activity every now and then.
Bernice #10

buterfliecrafter said...

Great pattern, when I think about embroidery it is definitely not something like that, very funky.

Lunch Lady Jan said...

The embroidery is fab, I was really taken by it! Good luck with the tax returns....
Hugs, LLJ 16 xx

Twiglet said...

Hours of fun to be had there Julia - I love the word for it too -Zenbroidery - brilliant. Enjoy! x Jo

Clair said...

I've never managed to get to grips with embroidery myself, so I shall wish you well in your endeavours :)

Have a fantastic week!

Clair #20

Kathyk said...

FAB looking workspace and ... you have sun too!


HAPPY WOYWW

Kathyk
#21

Diana Taylor said...

I love the embroidery pattern - it looks quite tricky being such a small pattern but will stunning when it's finished - in the past I've done needlepoint as it suits my clompy hands (can't think of a word that's opposite of delicate - is clompy a word?!).
Have a good week,
Diana x #18

Sue said...

Hi Julia, Blogger didn't tell me you had updated your blog, but as it is Wednesday i was sure you would have.

The embroidery looks complicated.

Afraid I am not taking part in WOYWW again this week, but hope to be back next week.

You take care. Sue

Sue Jones said...

Wow I am not a newbie anymore as I can remember joining in with the ATC swap last year! I started off doing embrodery too - The piece you are doing looks lovely and I would be one of the one who asked where the pattern came from :) Have a lovely week - long may the sunshine last - raining here this morn. xx Soojay 23

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Julia, you really shouldn't use such bad language on-line... I mean Tax Returns...wash your mouth out girl! I love your desk like that, makes me feel at home, nice stitching too.
Happy woyww, Angela x 24

Christine said...

Push back time again?!?!
Love that embroidery - too fine for me now but best of luck.
Have a good week
God Bless
Christine

Bishopsmate #25

Tilly Tea Dance said...

Love the pattern for that embroidery! Will look forward to seeing the finished piece one day soon...though if your hand-stitching is as slow as mine that could be a while! It's lovely juat to have something you can pick up and put down as the mood takes you. Good luck with the tax returns, I'm hoping that my (uncharacteristic) didcipline with my books will make mine straightforward but I've never done one so probably not! Happy crafting, Max #26 :-)

Shoshi said...

Love the embroidered Zentangle, Julia! That looks an exciting project. I recently revived an ancient embroidery project too - nice to be doing it again. Sometimes it's good to ring the changes.

Hope you are doing OK.

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #28

Shoshi said...

Love the embroidered Zentangle, Julia! That looks an exciting project. I recently revived an ancient embroidery project too - nice to be doing it again. Sometimes it's good to ring the changes.

Hope you are doing OK.

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #28

Unknown said...

they say great minds think alike, and we are both reverting to textile crafts this week - is it an omen!

Inside the artists shed said...

Wow loving the zenbroidery - now that has given me ideas for the craft group so thanks for including the link. Obviously mine will be done on the cheap from the 'stash. Thanks for popping by earlier - I have now sorted out the top and side edges and may have solved the big tulip problem. have a good week x Jackie 17

ToadilyDiane said...

Ugh. I hate taxes. But what a lovely piece you have to embroidery. I bet it will be wonderful when you finish. Good luck.

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

I can't believe the WOYWW anniversary is already coming up. You've been busy, from the looks of your desk. I love that embroidery design you're working on, and I believe you're better at it than you think. My mom used to embroider when she was younger, and I like to add little details of it to my cards sometimes. Blessings, my friend!

lisa said...

I'm liking the sunshine out your window, Julia. When it's a little warmer you'll be able to sit out and do your embroidery. It looks really detailed. I bet it'll be beautiful when you've finished it. It's much more relaxing than horrible taxes anyway!!!
Take care
Hugs Lisax #35

shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Julia, yes, I'm almost certain that despite having a bazillion butterflies cut out, the actual colours I want, I won't have done. You do make me laugh, lolz. The embroidery looks an interestingly zen-like pattern. Haven't done any embroidery for donkeys years. ave a good week Julia, huge hugs and lots of love to you both, xxxx

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

ahhhh Julia can so relate to desk one ... its my kind of desk and how mine is more often than not! love it! and yes can relate to the nedd to tidy again too.. although for change mine doesn't need it at mo.. love the idea of embroidery... it is ages since I have done anything but it is tempting ... but have a certain UFO needing doing before any crafty thin of that ilk.
A beaut and fascinating pattern you are trying .. trust you've a date soon, very soon , praying so every day anyway..
Thanks so much for sharing.
Happy WOYWW! Shaz in Oz.x # 36

{Shaz in Oz – Calligraphy Cards}

Anne said...

Embroidery - lovely. I'm getting back into my knitting and crochet after a break. Hope that date comes soon. Anne x #38

Kelly said...

Good morning, Miss Julia. What a busy piece you've chosen to embroider. Before I read your post, I thought you were coloring it with paint pens or something similar - using the hoop to 'zoom in'. I love embroidery and cross stitch but have not done either for some time. Too many projects, too little time. ;-) Hope today finds you feeling well. Creative Blessings! Kelly #40

Elizabeth said...

Ah, the dreaded tax returns, Julia ... I am so glad I'm done with all that! Your Zen embroidery panel looks interesting but so complicated - all those teeny-weeny squares means a lot of stitches. Wishing you a good week despite the tax returns. Hugs, Elizabeth x #41

Sharon said...

The ATC swap sounds like fun! I will have to check it out. Your desk looks like mine did before I tidied it after finishing with my Big Shot and little bits it created.
The embroidery looks great. I was going to say it looked a little like zentangle then I read where it came from!
It is great to have something to do while watching telly. I hadn't realised how much I missed cross stitching until I picked it up again.

Have a great week
Sharon K #42

Unknown said...

Julia, you are a wonder! Most people would slowly get back into embroidery with a simple flower or something. But look at what you're doing! Gorgeous! I think embroidery is actually good for us, so go you. Have a wonderful rest of the week and big hugs. Sandy Leigh

Unknown said...

Hello Julia. Oh my taxes I dread that myself but it is me getting everything for the accountant for my DH business and personal. I can not wait to see how the embroidery turns out and what a great thing to do anywhere. Your desk looked like mine Tuesday morning but I cleaned it up kinda to work on a few new projects. Have a fantastic week. Hugs~Anne L #44

Sarah Brennan said...

Wow, love the idea of zentangle in the form of embroidery. Maybe I will get my silks out again after all. Can't wait to see it finished. Sarah #46

Monica said...

How are you Julia? That looks very interesting embroidery, enjoy it will keep you busy for a long time and out of mischief. My days of embroidery are long gone , a very satisfying hobby.
Monica #47

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

What a great design. Not at all the sort of thing that springs to mind when I think of embroidery patterns. Very striking.

Marit said...

I love the doodle-brodery Julia! I, too, keep 'something' next to the couch to keep my hands busy in the evening... mostly knitting (a black sweater at the moment...) And are we a year round again already? I look forward to make some ATCs again so I guess I'm in ;) Love from rainy Holland, Marit #37

Tracey said...

Great to see your desk Julia (& the sunshine :o) I've never seen Zenbroidery but what a great idea & it looks fab!
Hugs
Tracey
xx

BJ said...

Dare I say Fanny's my Aunt? Years since I did any embroidery, carpal tunnel puts a stop to me doing anything like that for any length of time. Not been doing much crafting either - oh dear must go put an end to the doldrums. BJ#51

Sharon Madson said...

Zenbroidery! Love it! Thank you for the link, Julia. So glad you found something besides crocheting to do.
And your desk looks better than mine! :) #52

Stacy Sheldon said...

:) Okay, I think its perfectly OK and preferred to link to look shopping opportunities because, honestly I think I always get more replies when I am showing off guilty (loot) purchases in these posts lol...

anyways, hopefully someone sees this and lets me know what does that mean? bob is your uncle. ( the funny true part is I actually Have an uncle whose nickname is Bob)

Beverley Baird said...

What an interesting pattern - like zentangles. Your desk shows a creative mind at work! All the best.

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I don't think mentioning who makes that embroidery cloth is blatant advertising. It isn't like you are saying "contact me to buy it for X amounts of monies" People like to know who makes things even if they have no intention of ever buying it.

Loved the shot of the piled high desk and that it cleaned up easily. That's how it goes when you get organized. It's a good feeling.

Take care and be happy! PJ #57

Kim said...

Zoinks! I better get started on the ATC's! Thanks for the heads up. Embroidery appeals to me; I'm fascinated by the process, can see me sitting and doing it; but my few attempts have shattered my nerves! LOL! That pattern looks a tad scary..so I can't wait to see it finished. Have fun.
-K #57

Unknown said...

That is some intricate embroidery! I've done counted cross stitch and have had a project in the works for about 7 years. One of these days.... LOL!
Carol N #45

Scrapthology said...

The embroidery will be lovely and once again thanks for playing host. It's going to take me a while to make it around, but I will eventually.

craftyani said...

Your embroidery looks interesting, the fabric pattern is similar to some calico print I pick up when I was in Africa and wondered if I could embroider on it. Needless to say I haven't used it and it is still in the cupboard. Looking forward to seeing the finished result. Hope I have now mastered the Mr Linky and my post appears.

misteejay said...

Enjoy your embroidery - it looks a very interesting design.
Gosh, another year of "What's on your workdesk" - doesn't time fly.
Toni xx

Kezzy said...

Lol yep I certainly know about tax season, I have also been clearing my desk by day for numbers and messing it up at night with craft. Really love the start of your embroidery, it's weird, I found mine the other day and thought it would be nice to give it another go. Love the website with the zentangle embroidery fabrics, they are quite reasonably priced as well. Hope your tax season starts well. Happy Woyww :-) Kezzy xxx

Shoshi said...

Thank you for your lovely comment, Julia - I am sorry to hear about the vertigo but glad you've retained your sense of humour - vitally important under the circumstances, as I know you will realise! I am now fully recovered and can only think it was a 24-hour minor inner ear infection or something like that. Horrible while it lasted but soon over! The decorating is now finished and I am thrilled with how it came out - seeing my vision becoming a reality is marvellous and it couldn't be better. We still have a few things to bring back in but we are using it again and loving the new uncluttered feel.

We've had an extremely busy couple of days because as well as the decorating and other odd jobs being done, the men came at very short notice yesterday to replace our blown double glazed units with nice new clear ones, and we had to move at high speed to clear the rooms ready for them. I am therefore very behind with all my WOYWW comments as I didn't have any time to be on the computer yesterday.

Happy belated WOYWW,
Shoshi #28