As part of what I like to call my ongoing “thread studies”, I came across this fabulous book a while back.

It is a thread and time consuming practice called “needle painting”. The finished work is so beautiful, and I have tried my hand at a few of my own. Although mine are a bit more bold than Trish Burr, I one day strive for her delicacy and tremendous finish product. Here is one of my finishes:

Although it doesn’t feel like it in some parts, Spring has begun. I’ve been preparing for this time of year for a couple weeks by going room to room to decipher what to toss, what to keep and what to donate. In doing so, one thing became abundantly clear; almost every room in the house needs more closet storage, from the kitchen down to the laundry room. But the area with the greatest need for a makeover is the craft closet.
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When I first started stitching I was the type of stitcher that only worked on one project at a time, and did nothing but pre-assembled kits you can purchase at any major craft store that included 14 count white or cream aida.  Then I joined a guild and learned all about UFOs (unfinished objects), having a stash, etc.  I’m no longer a member of that guild, but treasure most of the experiences I had with it.  Including one of the instructors, Karen Duggan from Massachusetts.  She changed my stitching life!  She was the first person that said to me, “Don’t be afraid to make it your own. Change the floss colors, use a different fabric, whatever.  It’s your piece and make it something you like and want to stitch.”

It was after that conversation that my stash started growing…more kits, patterns, fabric, you name it.  My fabric choices back then were limited to the small selection of 14 count Aida that Jo-Ann’s carried.  Honestly I was afraid to try anything other than that.  I kept with the standard white or cream and sometimes used a pastel pink or blue.
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If you’ve been stitching for awhile, you probably have at least one UFO stashed away somewhere.  And no, I’m not talking about little green men or your Star Trek figurine collection.  In stitching terms, a UFO is an “unfinished object” or basically, something that you’ve stopped stitching on for some reason.

I don’t have a lot of UFOs.  I think it’s because I try to keep my projects small.  I’ve also tried in the past two years to finish up the UFOs I have.  I was cleaning my crafty area and I discovered a UFO.  Most UFOs start out with the best of intentions and somehow end up degenerating into something worthy of abandonment.

Today for your enjoyment:  How to create a UFO:   [Read more...]