I've always been amazed at those women who can sew, embroider, knit, and crochet. They make it look so easy and fun. With 3 growing kids, I often have to repair holes and sew buttons back onto their clothes. I have an overflowing bag full of misc. clothes, just waiting for me to repair them. I've found that sewing is pretty relaxing to me. Maybe it's my obsessive compulsive need to check things off the list and watch the bag's contents shrink, but I really like sewing.
I started seeing some cute needlework online, modern takes on the old cross stitch crafts that used to be popular. And the beautiful embroidery of vintage handkerchiefs and pillowcases made me feel inspired. I wondered if I could make detailed flowers or cute little sayings in thread. Armed with an idea, some embroidery thread, and no knowledge of what the heck I was doing, I started to sew.
Then I did some research and learned about different stitches and fancy knots. Women have been sewing since the dawn of time, so there are even stitches named after different countries that vary in complexity. Not ready to go there just yet. But I'm learning the basics as I go.
So here is my first effort at embroidery. I drew a vintage looking floral design on the fabric, and attempted a few different stitches.
I learned a lot in the process, and now see all the flaws, but you have to start somewhere, right?
Plus, it was a lot of fun to make my own design and the repetitive motion of sewing is relaxing.
Now I need to start on another one- that thread is calling my name! :)
