Hi loves! Remember when I mentioned feeling super inspired to revamp some of my content? With that inspiration comes a new blog series that starts today, “Ten things I love”. Each volume in this series will include a different topic. I’m super excited about this and all the topics we can effortlessly chat about in the comments. It’s going to be great.
For volume 1 the topic is on embroidery. I started stitching a couple of weeks ago, and it’s like I can’t stop. It’s been so fun to stretch myself in new creative ways, too. I know my stitching is imperfect, but there’s so much beauty in trying something new and actually finishing, right? It’s so easy to quit or fuss over perfection, but with embroidery I’m embracing it and truly loving learning more about it. Anywhoo, here’s my list…
Ten things I love about embroidery:
1. working with a needle and thread is ultra relaxing and it’s my current naptime activity
2. speaking of thread, the thread color options feel endless
3. apparently I love vintage-turned-modern skills (sewing, anyone?)
4. Wild Olive is a fantastic online embroidery teacher, something that’s important to me as I use The Internet to learn new creative trades
5. once you learn a couple stitch basics you can follow a pattern or you can make up your own super easily
6. it’s basic enough that you can start & stop stitching pretty easily, should you have a suddenly get up and chase after a cute toddler boy ;)
7. one of my favorite fabric designers sells embroidery patterns
8. many women in my family embroider or cross-stitch, so embroidering makes me feel closer to my family history
9. I’m currently working on a 3-part hoop series with three of my favorite words being used: brave, grace and love (above photo). I can’t wait to show you the finished set.
10. How inspiring are these embroidery kits?
How about you? Are you obsessed with embroidery like I am? Do you have moms and grandmas and aunts in your family that inspire you to learn more about stitching? What craft is “ultra relaxing” to you — or maybe it’s not a craft, but a past time that’s dear to you none the less? Chat with you in the comments…
I love the idea of talking about the things we love (rather than focusing on the things we don’t!) I’ve been wanting to try embroidery–I’m saving the links you gave–thank you for sharing!!!
My go-to hobby is crochet. I learned years ago, but really got into it 2 years ago. My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and I found so much comfort and therapy in my craft. It’s been my little window of peace and gives me a sense of control when dealing with a disease that is so often the opposite!
-Linz
What a sweet story to tie into your craft — and how wonderful that you’ve found peace. XO
I love what you’re working on! Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Another great resource for stitching instructions is this:
http://www.embroidery.rocksea.org/reference/picture-dictionary/
Seriously helpful pictures and instructions!
I’ve tried Clementine Patterns kits – they are beautiful and very professional with really detailed instructions and the women who run it are so sweet. And did you know Anna Maria Horner just released cross-stitch kits?
I am obsessed with embroidery lately too as you know. It’s so pleasant to do an activity with our hands that allows us to slow down. And, like you I love that it’s easy to pick up and down and it’s portable. It’s so rewarding and it’s nice to see more people/designers embracing it.
And – I’m happy to tell you I have *finally* opened my shop – the link is on my name, I think? It’s an ‘obsessed-with-embroidery’ shop. It is absolutely still a baby but it’s been fun getting things going. And your story has been so inspiring to me through the whole process, so thank you for that. :)
Off to make pancakes for the littles…
Embroidery makes me want to find a cabin overlooking a lake and a rocking chair and stitch for hours with my family around me :)
Pretty designs. Can’t wait to see the finished project. I found the first bag I ever sewed (7th grade Home Ec class) a couple of weeks ago. I knew it was there, but I hadn’t really looked at it in a while. It’s a drawstring bag made out of denim my mom and I picked out. The front has a pocket that is embroidered with a butterfly. I remember sweating over that project, wanting the satin stitched butterfly body to be perfect, the French knot eyes to be equal size and shape, and stressing when it wasn’t. I wish someone had taken me aside and explained how to just enjoy the process without trying for perfection. I never hit perfection anyway so why not enjoy the process. Wow. You took me back quite a few years, Maggie.
This comment makes me SO happy. Seriously :) I’m so glad you shared this…
I love that outside border. I’m looking forward to see what the finished series looks like.
My aunt taught me to cross stitch when I was younger, but that is about the extent of the hobby for me so far. I’m all about learning new crafts so embroidery is on the list.
I recently have picked up the obsession of embroidery. It started with Pinterest and took off from there.
Sooooo loving it! I can’t wait to see your finished product.
…do I even DARE look at Pinterest?! Oh the temptation.
I love embroidery! I taught myself with the help of a few books about a year ago, and I can’t stop! Nearly everything I do now is my own design, and I love the process. It is all so relaxing, and the ability to put it down in an instant and then come back and quickly get started is very appealing to me.
So pretty Maggie! It’s so fun and relaxing. I use to do a ton of silk ribbon embroidery – don’t really know why I stopped. The ribbon is so pretty for things like french knots and making little flowers. I might have to get my embroidery stuff out tonight – I’m kinda excited now. :-)
Oh, please tell me you gathered your materials and enjoyed some stitching tonight? :) You’ll have to tell me what you’re working on!!!
I love all handwork. Counted cross stitch has been my all time favorite, especially making bookmarks for family. I really love anything handmade! Anxious to see your project!
I’ve been itching to learn how to do some stitching! I think I might look into after I look at all the different links in your post.
The females in my family tend to crochet, which I find relaxing.
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