Trying something new....

...NEEDLE ARTS.
Embroidery, free stitching, punch needle...you name it I am going to try it.

I have had a long love affair with fabric and needle work, really anything that has a soft texture to it and is decorative in nature.

My grandmother (Grama Corky) was an amazing artist when it came to needle work. Being a young women in the depression and raising 11 children, she knew how to be thrifty and yet create something amazingly beautiful.

Her best talents were cross stitch and standard embroidery. There was not a thing in her home that wasn't embellished. Pillowcases, tablecloths, hankies and aprons all got something to make them a little more special.

As time passed on she racked up numerous grandchildren who put her skills to the test. I remember in the 70's a couple of the boys asked if she would embroider their jean jackets. Now the one I remember the most was for my cousin Kevin who was a huge Grateful Dead fan. She embroidered this on the back of his jacket and it was just an amazing feat of tenacity. All those thousands of stitches, each done with love.

I am blessed to have some of her tablecloths and pillow cases. I framed these pillow cases and have always had them up as a reminder of how much I loved everything about her.

We always say inspiration comes from many different places and for this project it could not be more appropriate. My mom had given me a pillow case she found that my Grama had embroidered and it reminded me that I purchased this book "Doodle Stitching" by Aimee Ray.

The projects and designs are just so delicate and sweet that I couldn't resist buying the book even though I had never tried needle work at all. Reading through the pages and looking around my house I found that I have recently been purchasing lots of embroidered items. So it seemed and obvious sign that I really need to try my hand at something new.

I purchased all the products I need and now all I need to do is start. Today seems like a perfect day to do just that, it is cloudy out, we are without a car and it is just that crafting kind of day. (FINALLY, I HAVE BEEN LACKING IN THE CREATIVE FRONT LATELY)

For more inspiration I was on Etsy to see what was new and how others were using their skills. I am personally drawn to the "doodling" and punch stitching as they seem to have a homier appeal to them.

Dasha's Creations

How Beadyful

Beccles

For the Record



So I am off to my craft room and my children are going to have to live without me for a little while...that's OK isn't it? As always I promise to report back on my progress...besides I better get busy on the two "swaps" I have signed up for through the Silver Bella! Yikes....