New hand embroidered work - A stag and the seasons in satin stitch

I set out the intention last new year to make more time to stitch some originals, which got way laid for a couple of reasons. One excuse I could use would be that I didn't have the time, however truth be told the main reason was that I didn't know what I wanted to stitch.

To me embroidery has always been an art form, and just as the painter expresses his/herself through subject matter, brush strokes and palette, I wanted to stitch something which I could express myself through and which reflected my own style.

This is surprisingly hard to do with a needle and thread, as there is only so much you can do ! However the 2 elements which captivates me the most in all art of any medium are colour and contrast........I think you'll be able to see where this has lead to ;)

I stretched each piece on to board so they could be popped into a box frame of a certain swedish company, but also be easily removed and displayed in an embroidery hoop if preferred. I like the framed finish myself ..but hey that's just me. You can find them all in my etsy shop here.

Looking forward to sharing more soon :)x

I have a little idea......

I have this little idea that I'd like to put out into the world...and I would love to hear what you think.

While I worked as a midwife, (a few years ago now!), I had this little daydream where I opened a Birthing Centre amongst beautiful rolling hills, and offered holistic care to pregnant women and their families. (Did I mention I would win the lottery first?!)

Part of this care was to offer some kind of creative/stitchery class. A chance for women to slow down and nurture themselves, connect with their baby and create something for them, and also meet other women at the same pivotal point in their life. An opportunity to get together  and do what women do best...connect, share experiences & worries,laugh,support..and in this case do some sewing too!

I like to imagine this is what we used to do.....way, waaaay back when we lived in small communities. Knowledge and wisdom was shared through stories and song as the women of different generations gathered to weave & sew, amongst other things. A deep feeling of support really comes to mind...something that our modern, busy, separate lives could do with more of.(I reckon anyhoos)

So I've been playing with this little idea and rather than having it all worked out before I even start (like do I hire premises or do it online ? do I make kits or offer pdf patterns? etc.) I've decided to just take the first step and see where it takes me. 

The first step is to create a design that can be stitched by mums-to-be over a few 'sessions', while also chatting about waters breaking, active labour, and mother in laws (kidding...well not really). Something that is easy enough for the beginner, and sweet enough to be gifted to their precious newborn.

These 2 friendly fellows are what I have come up with so far..

Meet  Fern ......

And Acorn..........

They were named by Skye, and if 7 year olds are a good indicator of how much these fellows are to be loved by little people then oh my word.....they will be LOVED!

Truth be told I think I might be a little smitten too.

They are prototypes and still need a couple of tweaks.

The next step is to see if they actually work by being hand sewn.... I'm imagining calm slow stitching rather than machine engines revving!

So that is my little idea, and where it's got to so far....... I am so curious to see where it goes from here. 

I would also LOVE to hear your thoughts. :)

Would you want to stitch something like this for your little one? or grand child?

Do you know anyone expecting a baby, and would this be something they might enjoy making while blooming? 

Or would you rather create something else?

I shall keep you posted ........ 

xx

Painting, embroidering, new ideas and best loves....

How is your weekend going? Full of oh l'amour...or.... oh please?!
I was lucky enough to find a gorgeous wee handmade valentines card sneaked in my cereal box this morn!
Always nice to know I am someone's "best love" :D

Since recovering from the lurgy I've been enjoying a flurry of designing and creating, which involves a lot of sketching,colour playing and computer work... and so not much to show just yet. 
However there are a few other things I thought you might like to see, which have been off shoots from the designing and sketching....

This stag sketch began with an embroidery kit in mind but after playing with it in photoshop I got a printer and some fabric involved! 

I was really delighted with the how the stag details came out, and immediately felt called to add some texture and colour....cue entrance of embroidery threads.  I'm still working away on it in the evenings, and curious as to what it calls for next! 

Other ideas began to spark from this piece also....the greatest part of creating!

 With Mother's Day in mind (probably the first time in my life I've ever considered the occasion prior to the actual day.sorry mum!), I got my paints out again....

And ended up with this sweet floral design printed onto cotton. The idea being the label makes for the perfect little frame to add heartfelt words/message with hand embroidery. 

I'm offering this custom hand embroidered hoop art over in my etsy shop if you think it would make a lovely pressie for your mum....or any other special person in your life that likes a jar full of garden flowers and a bit of sentiment. You chose the words and I stitch :)

I'm heading off  to Craft & Hobby Stitch International Show  tomorrow in Birmingham and getting excited at all the of stitchery crafty goodness that awaits. I'm going as a buyer this time (as well as seeing if it may be a future fit for me and my kits). The words sweeties in a sweet shop come to mind :) Photos shall follow unless I get too carried away! 
Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend x