A few years back I shared with you a stitch sampler I was working on for that year. A cloth with all sorts of stitching techniques, an idea cloth so to speak.
One of my creative goals for 2011 is to stitch a little less, believe it or not. To make room in my days to pursue other creative loves and interests that I've shelved for too long. To nourish my creative spirit by stretching its wings a bit.
But of course I cannot abandon needle and thread completely. And maybe this stitching storyboard will be just what I need to keep my love of all things stitched alive and strong.
I begin with the cut off end of an old bleached-out feedsack I found in Nashville, the perfect canvas to work on. Here are some peeks of what's going on so far...
The key is to leave it out where I'll frequently see it. Something always pops into mind...a random stitch here and there, and on I go throughout the year. It will be fun to see where it ends up.
Anyone else doing anything similar? Would love to hear all about it...
lovely, rebecca- you'll fill it up in no time at all!
Posted by: charlotte lyons | 18 January 2011 at 11:20
rebecca what a great job you've done so far. are you doing it strictly by hand?
Posted by: 5Star Digital Scrapbooking | 18 January 2011 at 11:39
I just love it...will be fun to watch it unfold. I've made one in the past and hope to make another...we'll see!
Posted by: Jill | 18 January 2011 at 11:57
I have been thinking about embroidery and stitching also. Are yours all hand stitched or is that some free motion machine stitching also?
Posted by: Janet Ghio | 18 January 2011 at 12:44
It is so beautiful already! But knowing you and your gifts, I know over the year, it will become even more lovely!
Posted by: Suzette | 18 January 2011 at 13:15
I need to get to my stitching! I'm far behind on this! I need to design and crosstitch(on linen) my latest grandson's birth sampler!!! He was a year old in Dec.'10. That is my stitching project for this year!!! You've inspired me to think about this and get it started! Thanks. Love what you stitched thus far!
Posted by: barbara lassiter | 18 January 2011 at 13:49
This is so inspiring. Makes me want to get needle and thread out again.
Posted by: Shelley in SC | 18 January 2011 at 14:14
Love it...that's a lot of stitching already for someone wanting to do less. It is simply stunning. Have an old tea towel I've been playing with. Thanks, as always for the inspiration(aka kick in the butt)
Posted by: Elizabeth | 18 January 2011 at 14:33
This is gorgeous. I am doing some stitiching on some dyed materials l have naturally dyed. I stitch what the cloth tells me to..if you see what l mean! If you go to my Art blog
http://tryingtocreatearteveryday.blogspot.com
and l have 2 pieces on or about this christmas time and in a few days l will have some more upx lynda
Posted by: lynda howells | 18 January 2011 at 14:43
Really fun Rebecca. I would be hard pressed to stop. It would be "just one more" stitch. Then before you know it supper would be late!! Lolol
Smiles, Andra
Posted by: Andra | 18 January 2011 at 15:07
This inspires me to do my own "idea cloth" inspired from your earlier post. I recently did my own version of a button flower garden (blogged about here- http://robinseggbluedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-ive-been-working-on.html)- but I need to loosen up more. I can't wait to see your finished piece! As always you inspire me!
Posted by: gretchen ciccotti | 18 January 2011 at 15:23
You are so gifted Rebecca! We love it when you stitch, but can't wait to see your new things too of course. Just beautiful.
Posted by: Cherie Wilson | 18 January 2011 at 15:54
Another lovely creation by you:) It's off to a beautiful beginning...love it!
Posted by: Leah C | 18 January 2011 at 18:04
what a great idea and I love what you have come up with so far......seems like you'll run out of space before too long! maybe you'll add extra pieces to it as time goes on
looking very forward to see how this grows and all the lovely stitches and embellishments you add!
Posted by: anne | 19 January 2011 at 06:17
I love what you've done so far! I think I might have to steal the idea of a project that you pick up and put down over the course of a year. Looking at your lovely project has my brain clicking away with some budding ideas of my own. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Yvonne Welty | 19 January 2011 at 08:25
Rebecca what a fun idea
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | 19 January 2011 at 17:10
Already so wonderful, Rebecca!
Posted by: Alisa | 20 January 2011 at 09:46
It is so nice to see the progress in the pictures. It looks great. I would love to take some time and work on ATC's. I have been wanting to do them for so long. I applaud you on taking the first step to pursuing what you have been putting aside.
Posted by: Talin | 22 January 2011 at 16:09
A beautiful idea! I've decided to do some needlework (by hand or machine) for my bathroom on different size hoops. I'd like to put them up and work on them through time as inspiration strikes. Hopefully, soon!!
Posted by: suesue | 25 January 2011 at 18:12
Oh such incredible lightness. I have only discovered you today. I will look on....
Posted by: Monica | 28 January 2011 at 08:41
SOOOO inspiring! I've been studying stitches and it's now time to begin the little house sampler I bought from you in your etsy shop. I'm very excited to begin, and your inspiration is amazing! Thank you!
Posted by: Claudia Small | 03 February 2011 at 15:52
Rebecca - I'm sorry, but I posted this here instead of over on Charlotte's. You're probably wondering, 'what house sampler'? Anyway, I love your blog and everything you put on here for us.
Claudia
Posted by: Claudia Small | 04 February 2011 at 13:50