This is a renewed forray into the magical world that I know as 'hand embroidery.' After uncounted years of pretty much just crocheting and daydreaming about hand-sewing a great-looking crazy quilt, I have been re-inspired with the sifting through of blogs, Aunt Martha's patterns, and the linens I have to keep myself from drooling on at the antique stores I frequent. The one special place that has pulled my needles and floss from the closet is http://urbanthreads.com
Up until now, any embroidery I had done was counted cross stitch only, with someting done occassionally with a basic running stitch. Now I want to learn all the nifty stitches, including the dreaded french knot which I know my mother, with great frustration (bless her) tried to teach me eons ago, obviously without success. Right now I am kind of winging it, but it's a start. A friend gifted me with some much-needed goodies the other day, so I perused Urban Threads and made this little Valentine for her as a thank you.
It may be hard to see, but I used mainly a split stitch, some running stitches, and satin stitch for the heart. I really wanted the love to stand out.
Eventually I hope to make my own patterns but my confidence in my drawing ability is nill so- we'll see. One thing I would love to do is make a stitched version of pictures my three nephews drew for me.. once they draw some more. :)
Stitch your stress away. (author unknown)
