We live in a small, waterfront
community in Greece. When we moved into our rental house, we had a
gorgeous view of the old Venetian port of Chania on the island of
Crete. Within a couple of months though, construction began on two
new homes that were crammed into the land between us and the cliffs
at the water’s edge. The loss of the view was disheartening, since
it is why we chose this house. However, the agonizing and constant
noise of construction was even worse.
Now, another new home is starting
construction right next to us. I am in a state of panic at the level
of noise I will have to endure! I’m actually very sensitive to
noise, to the point that even “white noise” machines irritate me!
Strangely, though, the sound of my embroidery machine does
not bother me, and I’m thinking that may be the solution to the
problem.
Instead of being held hostage to noises
that I have no control over, I can use the clatter and whir of the
embroidery machine to claim my ears for my own! Of course,
that also means that I’ll have to raise the level of my radio so
that I can hear it. I like to sing along as I stitch. As long as I
don’t also dance around, terrifying the cats in the process, it
should be okay.
Now, I just have to come up with a list
of embroidery patterns and projects to keep myself busy most
of the day for the next three months. I’ll also have to go through
my embroidery supplies to make sure I don’t run out of
anything that I’ll need. Ah, shopping. What a misery!
I have a large computer library of
machine embroidery designs, including lots of free
embroidery projects that I have yet to stitch out. I think I’ll
tote my laptop to Kentriko, my favorite café, for a cup of
cappuccino and time to go through all my files in beautiful peace.
Of course, I could just camp out at Kentriko for the next few months,
but I think Menolis, the owner, would get tired of seeing me,
especially if I set up a sewing studio at one of his outdoor tables!
I could spend every day looking for new embroidery designs and
free embroidery downloads, though, without taking up too much
space and enjoy my cuppa, too. Bliss!
I also want to install new storage for
my machine embroidery threads. I have such a beautiful
rainbow of colors that I’d prefer to have them displayed on the
wall instead of tucked into the rolling cart they are currently
sorted in. The act of doing my own construction will definitely be
better than listening to someone else’s! And, the process of
hanging everything straight will make me concentrate on something
other than the noise.
I may also do some research on
embroidery design services; I’d like to have some designs
created that will complement my china pattern. My favorite
embroidery design gallery offers this, so I think that will be
my first task. Then, I can spend the next months creating embroidery
embellished tablecloths, napkins and more for my festive table.
Maybe I could even stitch up some fabric chair covers to create a
completely different look.Wow, with all this to look forward to, the
thought of the noise isn’t bothering me so much! Many stitchers
say that their embroidery or quilting is a form of therapy.
Today, not only is my machine embroidery acting as therapy,
but it looks like it will also be my protector.
