Monday, November 19, 2007

Finish Forty-Four

Unfortunately it was not a great week of stitching but I had just finished up this little guy right before receiving our depressing news -

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This is Cocoa by San Man Originals. I had this pattern all ready to go but kept pushing it back into the drawer. I think he is just so cute! He was completely stitched with GASTs and I went with 28 count Twilight Blue (I think!) linen. I also adjusted some of the backstitch. I find that sometimes two strands are just too much for some areas -

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Did you know that needlework is truly therapeutic? It's a fact now :o) I received my newsletter from The Cross Stitch Cupboard and this is what it says, "From an interesting article in a health magazine we learned that picking up a needle and thread could be one of the best "exercises" we can do for our health. This information comes as a result of a study which was conducted at the New York University Medical Center. The study revealed that women who stitch experience a significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure, when compared to those who participate in other leisure activities. In fact they discovered that when a woman begins to stitch, her heart rate drops by up to 11 beats per minute. 'The importance of a hobby or creative pursuit cannot be overemphasized' says Robert H. Reiner, PhD. of NYU. 'If we don't allow our bodies to rest from the pressures of everyday life, we are placing ourselves at risk for heart disease or other illnesses.'"

So, I guess the next time I tell a doctor that I stitch to relax and he looks at me like I have ten heads, I can honestly tell him that it's been proven to work. Maybe while I'm at it, I'll ask him if he can prescribe it as a relaxer. Let's say, once every hour of every day ;o)

15 comments:

Ranae said...

Oh! Cocoa is adorable.
I should live to a ripe old age.
More time to blog, lol.
Take Care

stitcherw said...

Cocoa is adorable. I hadn't seen that pattern before, it's perfect for this weather.

As to stitching being theraputic, I totaly agree with their article. I can't count the number of times it has helped me through a rough time for one reason or another. Hopefully it helps you as you are working through yours.
Sue

Faith Ann said...

That is too cute!!

I need some therapy tonight... I'll have to get out my stitching when DS goes to bed :)

Laura said...

Cocoa is absolutely adorable. The backstitch looks perfect, so whatever you did...it worked. I am new to your blog, but I am sorry to hear about the troubles you are going through now. I hope that employment is just around the corner.

Christine S said...

Awww, that is so cute!! What a great design!!

I'll be sending good thoughts to you and your DH for gainful employment very soon!

Iris said...

just love your cocoa man ;-)
wonderful, stitching is actually healthy, I love it !!

Julie said...

Cute design, he looks so cuddly

I started cross stitch when i had to see a counsellor for depression, she recommends it to all all her lady patients, she says the concentration doesn't leave room for the 'dark thoughts' and i've been hooked ever since.

Stitchabilities said...

That is a lovely design,Well done on your finish.
I agree that stitching is good for your health,as I stopped smoking in January and the money I spent on the ciggies now gets spent on stash! so I'm a lot calmer! lol

Anonymous said...

Aww, I LOVE Cocoa! He is so cute. I'm not usually into these kind designs but I definitely could stitch that one myself :o) Where do you get those little trinkets - the bobble, carrot and buttons?

Jocelyn said...

Congrats on your finish. He is adorable!

Laural said...

Adorable finish! I love me some san man designs.

WendyCarole said...

He is gorgeous and I love the buttons

Wendy

Anonymous said...

I saw your post in Sanman. It is really cute

Irene said...

Love the snowman he is just adorable.

Lori said...

very cute, good job.

Funny how women know LOTS of things, but until a survey is done or a doctor verifies it... it's just talk ;)