This pillow in needlepoint was begun several months ago in the same spirit as the seashell that ended in disaster in my UFO box (couldn't discard it!!). I decided it needed to be done - and by a deadline. Although the drawing was carefully thought out, and the colors chosen and arranged, the decision to put the "crocheted lace" border around it was not, at the time, a good one. I soon put it away, as I couldn't bear to think of all those bump stitches in a limited amount of time - a bit over-ambitious. I brought it out again recently, and decided to use it as a relaxation piece - just enjoy the journey and not worry about the destination. This has made a great difference, as I find myself wanting to do just a little bit more of the lace - it is wonderful to see the thing emerging as i do more white bump stitches and then a bit more background around. It's kind of like painting on blank, white canvas with a needle. I am having the same experience with the "crazy" patches - thorougly enjoying the process without worrying about time and the product. I have even discarded the drawing with little pieces of thread and notes on it, and am just designing as I go. Can hardly wait to get to the embellishing!! Moral of the story (as I remind myself) Relax and enjoy the journey!!! Isn't that what needlework is about? The "lace" is an old charted thing I did many years ago to imitate crocheted lace in needlepoint. Lots of little bump stitches and a colored background - a fascinating and mathematical thing to plan. I am so encouraged by this experience that I have decided it is time to start on the block that Allie made for my magazine article. (You can find this on her blog in the March archives) I love the colors and the fabrics, and I am getting a bit tired of the intensity of the colors I have been working with. Something to look forward to, definitely!!