Slowing down the pace

Do you like doing handwork? Embroidery? Cross-stitch? Counted cross-stitch? Petit point? Needlepoint? Ribbon embroidery? Punch needle? There seems to be resurgence in this types of needlework and it lovely to be holding your art work in your hands and create. Sometimes I don't feel like sitting at my sewing machine; I'd like to be more involved in what's going on in the house - whether it's having a conversation or watching TV or whatever. And handwork allows you to be engaged in your passion and still be a part of what is going on. 

If you've never tried any of these styles of handwork, now is a great time! If you google any one you will instantly find videos, images, blogs, patterns and so much more. 

The Fat Quarter Shop is having a Counted Stitch-a-long featuring Lori Holt from Bee in my Bonnet - it's the Bloom Topia Stitch along - click HERE to see the details. It's a fund raiser for the Make A Wish Foundation. They are releasing snippets of the pattern at regular intervals and it is a great place to start to learn counted cross stitch. 





The first time I bought a counted cross stitch kit, I looked at the blank aida cloth and thought 'what the heck, they forgot to print the pattern on the fabric'! But that's the point of counted cross stitch - the cloth is blank and you pick a starting point - the middle, the top - and count how many stitches to make; the stitches are little 'x's - it's fun and very portable. 


A cross stitch pattern is usually completed with embroidery thread and the little x's are printed on the fabric - linen or cotton. It's a very enjoyable hobby too! 

I've never been able to do petit point - I always get confused - but I was just reading an article that said petit point is like 'half x's' and a light bulb went off in my head! Maybe I'll try again! When I think of petit point, I always think of Pink Lady and Blue Boy - very elegant! 




Why not try something new? It could become your next obsessions!

Keep safe!
Bev