Stitch after Stitch

When I decided to make prayer flags for the TAST Challenge, I wondered how many techniques I could include besides stitching: applique, stamping, transfers, felting, etc.

So far, I've been completely absorbed with stitching.  Each evening after supper, I move upstairs to pick up needle and floss and stitch away while watching Netflix.

I've done this before with embroidery.  Spent hours and hours stitching, sometimes with a goal in mind, sometimes not.  I've embroidered tee shirts, here and here, random designs, pillows and more pillows, miscellaneous ideas, practice strips and buttons, tiny quilts,  framed pieces, slow cloth, and much, much more.

It becomes an obsession, an addiction that lasts for a while until I've worked my way through each cycle.  I just can't seem to quit.  Until I finally do quit and move on to another endeavor.

I've finished another prayer flag--this one is for balance.  We all seek balance in our lives.  Emotional and physical and creative balance.  (balance between work and family, the checkbook needs to balance, a balanced diet, the government has certain checks and balances,
"on balance" - having considered various outcomes or aspects, "off balance," and things can "hang in the balance")

This prayer flag doesn't really highlight a weekly TAST Challenge stitch, but does use both the fly stitch and the button hole (or blanket stitch) variations.  And, of course, lots of seed stitching.  "On balance," this prayer flag was a way to keep my hands busy and calm the mind.

My new goal is to begin using some other techniques, but I'm not sure I'm ready to leave the mindless stitching.  :)

-------New Give Away over at Victorian Motto Sampler Shop!