And then I thought my eyes were too old and I didn't have the patience to do a piece that takes so much time.
But! Things do change.
I think it might have been watching my friend, Anita, do her turned applique handwork to pass the time. I, all of a sudden, got the urge. I thought I would start with some needlefelting, and as I was getting out the stuff that needlefelting is made of, I found this:
I decided that this needed to be a part of my next project. So I cut out some shapes (some say they look like surfboards, I think they look like shields, but what they are supposed to look like are LEAVES!). I buttonhole-stitched (not sure if that's really a word) around the shapes to attach them to the background fabric. Added some beads. And then did a LOT of chicken scratch hand quilting and added a binding.
Voila!
I like it (in it's own way). I plan to do more with some different shapes and different types of embroidery. It was fun and got me started in a new direction.
I've been in a slump--I haven't really been able to create any machine stitched works--whatever I try to do just doesn't work out. So I'm happy the hand-stitching bug has hit, because I'm still making art, but just in a different way. Yay for all the different ways to see and create!
I also began an online class with Susan Sorrell, "Creative Embroidery, Organic Designs," and finished my first week's lesson. I really, really, really enjoyed making this piece and if I do say so myself, it's very pleasing to my eye. Only, I think I liked it better before I added the beads, so they may come out any day now. I've started a second piece, smaller, and not part of the lesson plan, but fun, fun, fun.
And I think this is my favorite part:
As you can see, I used different types of threads--embroidery floss, pearl cotton and wool. I'm now on a mission to find even more types of threads and REALLY mix it all up.
Thanks for visiting, come back again!
I love the embroidery you're doing! I've taken some of Susan's classes, both online and in person. I love what she does - so fun! You're leaves are really interesting, too. Seems I see more of us going back to handwork these days ... wonder if it's the next trend? Who knows? But it's fun anyway. Keep on!
ReplyDeleteGreat! thank you for sharing, and I am interested in seeing what you do in Susan's class... on my 'want' list.
ReplyDeleteI really like your creative embroidery piece. Makes me think I should be doing more hand work. Your leaves are fun, too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful embroidery piece....I too have been thinking about adding some handwork to my repertoire. Thanks for the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteLove your little works - handwork is very reflective. I love it.
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