I have a yearning to hand stitch at the moment. As I've said before, I've learned to just go with whatever creative inspirations strike me, not fight against them. I don't think "ooh I should be scrapbooking, or stamping, or crocheting" for example. I just go with the flow and do what makes me happy and nurtures my creative soul.
Anyway, at the moment it's handstitching. I have dug through my pile of Homespun magazines, had a couple of visits to lovely patchwork shops (Mrs Martins Quilt Shop in Monbulk and Patchwork with Gail B in Bayswater) and even sketched up a couple of my own designs to stitch. Here's what I've stitched in the last week. The redwork stitchery is my own design and the little ladybug stitchery is by one of my all-time favourite designers, Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched.
When I went up to Monbulk and met the lovely Karen Martin at her shop, we were chatting about the friendships that are formed through craft. It is true that some of the most wonderful bonds are formed through sharing a love of a particular hobby or craft, whatever it may be. I have made some dear, dear friends online and in real life through my papercrafting. I think it is that crafters all understand the passion we have for creativity - how integral it is to our happiness and wellbeing. What joy there is in encouraging each others talents and applauding each others beautiful creations. The list of projects to create is endless. I think I am going to try to get to some sewing classes sometime soon. I have many long hours at home alone these days and whilst I love the solitude, I think a regular get-together with other crafty chicks would be really good for me. It would help me to grow my skills and stop me from being such a recluse! I tend to be self-taught in most crafts as I have a steely determination to "work things out for myself" and I don't want to be seen as the "dummy" who doesn't know how to do something. I need to get over myself and start taking advantage of the talent and experience of the creative women in my community.
I've got lots of stitcheries scattered through the house that I've done over the years. I generally favour a "country" style with warm, rustic colours. Some of my stitcheries are still folded in the sewing box waiting to be turned into wall hangings, or cushion, or bags etc. Clearly I enjoy the handstitching more than the "construction" side of sewing. I think it's just a confidence thing. I will have an exciting change to "my creative space" next week as I'm having a new L-shaped bench installed (by my fabulous hubby, Danny) in my craft room over the weekend. Can't wait to get it all set up. It will have a dedicated spot for my sewing machine, so hopefully I'll be able to improve my sewing skills with a bit of practise.
Stop by Kirsty's blog Kootoyoo to see some more creative spaces. (Thanks Kirsty)
See you again soon. Love Anita. xxx