I used to be an avid cross-stitcher. I started cross-stitching back in the middle ages (also known as the early eighties), that doesn’t make me early eighties by the way, it makes me late thirties (don’t let the cross-stitch part fool you).
I grew up in a country where needlework was encouraged at school (run by catholic nuns) and a nation where in fact it became fashionable when I was a teen and highly recommended by psychologists as a relaxation technique. The latter is what affected me the most about cross-stitching: the escapism it imbues.
The other day I had the chance to go through my needlework “column” (two boxes, two sewing boxes and a couple of other items all piled up high away from toddler in the Tapas’ master bedroom) and I was surprised by the amount of finished and not even started projects I have. I don’t get as much time for it nowadays. The finished projects haven’t been framed, turned into cushions or anything of the sort, they’re waiting for their fate.
This got me thinking, how about we share those needlework projects we love and make us proud? Finished, semi-finished, not at all started or even just found online or in-store just a couple of hours ago. A quick post with a photo, details of the piece such as designer, company, type of threads used, where to buy (if you have them) to inspire other needlework fans. Perhaps you designed it yourself? Show it off here.
I’d like to start today by sharing this one, finished but not turned into anything exciting yet. I love the quirkiness of it. It’s a Jennifer Pudney tapestry kit, I even love the name An overdose of Devonshire tea. It’s quite small 100×150 mm (6×4 inches) so I have no idea what to do with it now. Tips are welcome!
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| An overdose of Devonshire tea by Jennifer Pudney |
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Please poke me. I used to churn out a canvas a terrm at Uni but stopped and then started knitting.
My last canvas has been on the frame for 12 years, has moth so needs repairing and also I am ouot of 3 colours and it all seems too much of an effort to fix it. Would love to get back into it.
I'd set your canvas into a fabric panel and make it into a small cushion. Not envying you blocking it however!
Hi Helen, I used to do much more too.
I've never tried doing a cushion myself, I've always been cheeky and asked someone to do it for me. I can cross stitch, I can do tapestry but that's the extent of my skills really. I may check one day to see whether there are classes that teach how to set cross-stitch / tapestry in something nice!
Good luck with this. I'm afraid Needlework isn't my thing, not since my days in secondary school. It takes a lot for the sewing box to come out these days!
Thanks for the comment Jen. One day I will post how I actually started my trip through the world of embroidery, it wasn't good!
Have just come over from Claire's weekend blog hop – your latest follower! Looking forward to everyone's contribution, sadly, my creativity doesn't extend to needlework!
Thank you for the follow Lin. Look forward to chatting more with you.
Hello from a new follower… I love your blog! I found you through the Welcome to the Weekend blog hop.
I used to do cross stitch when I was a teenager (a loooooong time ago!) and have been thinking of taking it up again recently as I find it really relaxing… You might inspire me!
Debra x
http://mydarlingsandme2.blogspot.com
I find it very relaxing too, a bit of a escape. Go on, try starting again and join us next month with your progress, or you may have some completed projects around that you may want to share with us 🙂
I'm your newest follower – hoping you will follow me back. Your blog sounds like it will be a fun read! Thanks so much and have a great weekend.
Hi, I've followed you back, thank you for following me 🙂 Hope you're having a lovely weekend
I agree that needlework is good for relaxation! I am just writing a post now to join up with this linky.
Ruth @ Minibreak Mummy
I love your post Ruth, thanks so much for joining in. I'm looking forward to seeing lots more of your pieces
I think your finished piece would be perfect framed and mounted in a sunny corner of the kitchen!
I like that idea! I have at least one more kit from this collection at the end of this box but I haven't even started it yet. I am quite bad at framing, I think I need a crash course. Perhaps I can find a tutorial online? I've framed cross-stitch before but never a canvas as stiff as this one. I'll have to give it a go. I keep on collecting frames I like but always forget to get passe-partout (not sure how you call that in English!).
Perfect pin/needle cushion ready for your next needlework project! i love the picture!