Why Do I Hesitate???

Some time ago a lovely lady named Susan Elliott who Plays With Needles and is a Master Stitchery Artist had an online course for making a Hari-Kuyo Needlebook.  If you do not follow her blog just click the link on her name and do go see what amazing creations she masters.  I missed her first e-course so when she offered the second edition I absolutely knew I wanted to participate.  So I signed up...paid my money and promptly got my supplies from Susan.  The kit is exquisite and of the finest quality.  Thank you Susan.  That is where I got stalled.  I wanted to say I didn't begin because of the holidays.  Or because I was injured with my broken rib.  Or anything else I could think of not to begin making this little needlebook I loved so much.
But nagging at me was the voice, "Don't let Susan down."  "You spent good money on this e-course."  "You want this needlebook."  "You know you can do it."  So it sat.  I do know why I hesitated.  It is a life-long issue with me.  I don't want to do anything "less than perfect!".  We all know there is no perfect.  So...with the new year I decided to begin.
First I read all the instructions.  Matched up the kit pieces with the appropriate directions.  Then I pressed everything just as needed.  So far so good...

Here I am using my light box to trace a copy of the front cover flower.  "I know how to do this!"

Here I am preparing my copy for tracing onto the beautiful Japanese fabric for the cover. "I know how to do this!"  My newest tool in the studio helped me.  A Japanese screw punch with exchangeable tips.
   

Here is my flower pattern shown against a yellow background for definition.  "I know how to do this!"

I thought I had no chalk pencil so I could go no further.  Yet another excuse trying to derail myself.  Then realized I could use a white watercolor pencil and it worked perfectly.  "I know how to do this!"

UhOh!  Ribbon embroidery?  I have always admired this type of stitchery and thought some day I would try it.  Now?  Um...okay.  With our modern internet and videos there isn't even a need to go dig out my library of books on this subject.  A few minutes of viewing and I am actually creating my ribbon embroidery flower.
 "I know how to do this!"

Here I am stitching the stem stitch.  Once again,  "I know how to do this!"   After all I did spend a lot of the 60's and 70's doing the Hippy embroidery on everything from denim jeans and shirts to mens hankies and other assorted items that would hold still long enough to put needle and DMC embroidery floss to.  In fact when I went to look for my flosses I still have many from that era.

Here is my finished flower.  I can honestly say the two days I spent creating this were such a joy.  French knots are still not my best but I shall practice and become better now that I am older and wiser (or supposed to be :o) so I am told).
Susan thank you sew very much for offering this wonderful e-course and for allowing a very long open time for those of us that drag ourselves slowly to the party.  Your kit of supplies is exquisite.  I am looking forward to finishing this Hari-Kuyo Needlebook in time for the annual festival held February 8th.
Why do I hesitate?     "I know how to do this!"
Lots of new beginnings and creative artworks are being shared and I am enjoying reading your blogs.  I am grateful for this sharing of ideas.
Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts...