I found a piece of cloth, embroidery floss, a needle, a hoop...and I was off.
I love the freedom of Teresa's piece but I know that I need more structure. I drew a grid and I plan to stitch within each square. I also really have to use a hoop.
When my sisters and I were very young, my mother taught us how to embroider. My sisters caught on and were very good. I liked to stitch but I wasn't very good. My sister Jessica's stitches were always perfect, on top and underneath. Beautiful, straight, tiny. Mine were irregular, sloppy, and a nest underneath.
I still stitch like I'm 7 years old. But I really like the charm of it. Last night, I stitched this heart. I started with the heart shape, added the tiniest of baby buttons, and then filled in the rest of the square. The stitches are thick and textural. I like it very much.
I went to bed very pleased with my first square. This morning as I made my coffee, an idea struck for the next square. Just yesterday, as I was cleaning out a cedar chest that was filled to the brim with stuff, I found a squashed bag of iron-on embroidery patterns that my mother had handed down to me. She and her mother embroidered countless pillowcases and dresser scarves with these same patterns. I found the tiniest flower and ironed it into a square. I am liking how it stretches beyond the square...this is going to be a good one. I'm going to use thinner thread and really work to make it finer, daintier work. I think this work will help me put my mind at ease. I can escape for a little while, making something that doesn't require a lot of space or mess. I like this idea a lot.
9 comments:
Your squares remind me of an artist sketch book -- divide the page into squares and riff on a theme. What a great idea for embroidery! I'm with you on needing a hoop. Your heart is so dear. Can't wait to see the rest of the squares.
~Marilee
What a great plan! I, too, am in need of the structure and the hoop. Great project idea for me, too, as I don't have a lot of time to embroider. :)
I think you are right, even the smallest stitches can even out a day and a dear mind. I know with my two year old next to me and my needle and thread, or my pad and pencil we can sit and be... goofy chats, or just his head on my shoulder as he looks at his farm book. All will be well, all is well. Blessings dear from Amy.
Amy, I love your grid idea! I too, have been inspired by Rebecca and Teresa's samplers but a little unsure where to start. The grid is the perfect solution! Thanks for the idea. :)
Handwork can be wonderfully calming. I love the grid idea. It's fun to see everyone's personality and preferences emerge through the different embroidery samplers. I've been inspired by all three of you wonderful artists.
Lorrie
Love the grid idea!!!! I feel some embroidery coming on.
Sue
I've never figured out how people could keep the stitches on the backside looking perfect. When I do needlework, the backside is off limits to prying eyes!
i'm a "lay it on thick" stitcher, too. check out sue dove's "painting with stitches. it opened my eyes to thick 6 strand freestyle embroidery that focuses on heart and not that the back look as good as the front. it's an amazing book.
I love the grid, too! I haven't been able to start one either...the grid solves that problem. Thank you!!! I also use a hoop. I've been making fragments in a hoop...now I'll do the one big sampler - you are so smart!
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