Welcome to the weekly hand stitching linkup! Here's your weekly reminder that slow stitching is like medicine - just a spoonful eases the aches and pains of life, and makes it feel more bearable. It helps you to feel more relaxed, and enjoy the healing powers of creativity. I don't have any specific research data to support those statements, but I do have a lot of lived experience! This week has been full of hand stitching enjoyment. I finished block #2 of the Hand Piecing Quilt Along. And I hand stitched 216 inches of binding to finish the Circle of Squares quilt.
I also finished another one of Gail Pan's embroidery blocks from the 2018 I Stitch Club. I used an unusual variegated thread on the flowers and the designs at the bottom. The thread switched quickly from blue to pink to green and back to blue, which makes for an odd looking flower! This year's I Stitch Club project is Christmas designs, but in a demonstration of remarkable self control, I didn't sign up because I haven't finished the wonderful patterns from last year yet!
These embroideries are being stitched on a strip of muslin that was cut off the side of the backing of my Broken Dishes quilt. Because I need enough fabric around the design in order to use the hoop, I have one finished design rolled up and pinned together at the top, the design I'm currently stitching is in the hoop, and once I trace the next pattern below, I will cut off the top design. I hope that makes sense to show how to use up long thin scraps for embroidery. The other technique I have used is to baste a scrap of fabric around a traced pattern so that there is enough fabric to stitch in a hoop. I find that using a hoop makes the stitching more even and flat.
I won't be doing any hand stitching today because I have some friends over to sew the Super Bowl mystery over at Scrapdash (for more info and links click here). Are you doing any hand sewing while you watch the Super Bowl game? Link up your blog post below and share your hand stitching progress with us.
Love those variegated flowers! I probably won’t be stitching today as I have 2 grandsons and their puppy staying this weekend, so enjoying my time with them!
I had to chuckle wryly when I read your statement that stitching "eases the aches and pains of life" because right now stitching is causing most of my painful hand problems yet I can't stay away from it. I do like how you are using that strip of fabric to make your blocks. Your embroidery is so pretty. It is restaurant week here so I will be spending the Super Bowl at dinner with friends. Yay.
I'll spend my evening like I normally do, quilting on the Pastor's Attic and watching From Lark Rise to Candleford on my ipad. Im just not interested in sports. Have fun stitching with your friends!
I totally agree with you that slow stitching has secret healing powers. =) You have some pretty hand stitching projects there. Love the sweet variegated flowers. Enjoy the game.
I am so not into sports and thankfully hubby could care less. I don't even know how is playing the game LOL, I like to watch the half time show usually though and I like the advertisements now and then if I happen to be someplace where the game is on. But this time is hubby's birthday and we just plan a quite day and evening at home - love all your stitching
Those little hand stitches are very cute! I agree with you hand stitching is good for the soul.enjoy the super bowl (it's been advertised all over the BBC for the last week)
Sewing with friends is the perfect activity for today. My husband and I are not interested in the super bowl. We may work on our puzzle and then do some reading... I may sew. Have fun today!
Since I started working, I get to do some hand stitching during the day, so weekends are spent with my machine instead. I'll be piecing blocks during the game (and pausing to watch the commercials).
I cut my backing larger to quilt in my hoop too it beats pinning on a dish cloth. I may have to use muslin more often as backing since I see some embroidery in my future and I love quilting thru muslin. Great idea!
I'd be interested in what you do with the Sandy Gervais panel. How fun to have a stitching party and also to be preparing for a retreat. Lovely projects as always, Kathy.
Kudos to you for your self control. I've got start itis right now...think I'm going to give into it so I'll have several projects to switch around on. Like you, I totally agree that stitching causes us to be more relaxed, is a wonderful way to work through stress. I did lots of stitching sitting with my Mother as she was dying years ago in ICU...and more recently with all the issues around my Dad...I take my bag with me, even if I only get a chance to do a partial row of something at a time. Sandys Space
Love those variegated flowers! I probably won’t be stitching today as I have 2 grandsons and their puppy staying this weekend, so enjoying my time with them!
ReplyDeleteI had to chuckle wryly when I read your statement that stitching "eases the aches and pains of life" because right now stitching is causing most of my painful hand problems yet I can't stay away from it. I do like how you are using that strip of fabric to make your blocks. Your embroidery is so pretty. It is restaurant week here so I will be spending the Super Bowl at dinner with friends. Yay.
ReplyDeleteI'll spend my evening like I normally do, quilting on the Pastor's Attic and watching From Lark Rise to Candleford on my ipad. Im just not interested in sports. Have fun stitching with your friends!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you that slow stitching has secret healing powers. =) You have some pretty hand stitching projects there. Love the sweet variegated flowers. Enjoy the game.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Hand stitching is like medicine. I love your Gail Pan's embroidery. It gave me the summer feeling with the bright colors. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am so not into sports and thankfully hubby could care less. I don't even know how is playing the game LOL, I like to watch the half time show usually though and I like the advertisements now and then if I happen to be someplace where the game is on. But this time is hubby's birthday and we just plan a quite day and evening at home - love all your stitching
ReplyDeleteThose little hand stitches are very cute! I agree with you hand stitching is good for the soul.enjoy the super bowl (it's been advertised all over the BBC for the last week)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful embroidery Kathy! Enjoy your time with friends this Sunday.
ReplyDeleteSewing with friends is the perfect activity for today. My husband and I are not interested in the super bowl. We may work on our puzzle and then do some reading... I may sew. Have fun today!
ReplyDeleteSince I started working, I get to do some hand stitching during the day, so weekends are spent with my machine instead. I'll be piecing blocks during the game (and pausing to watch the commercials).
ReplyDeleteI just love the variegated floss you used those flowers are very cheerful.
ReplyDeleteKathy: Your fingers have been very busy.
ReplyDeleteI love all your projects, not being a quilter I can really appreciate what you do with needle and thread.
Catherine
I cut my backing larger to quilt in my hoop too it beats pinning on a dish cloth. I may have to use muslin more often as backing since I see some embroidery in my future and I love quilting thru muslin. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful stitching! I especially love the quilt.
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested in what you do with the Sandy Gervais panel. How fun to have a stitching party and also to be preparing for a retreat. Lovely projects as always, Kathy.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for your self control. I've got start itis right now...think I'm going to give into it so I'll have several projects to switch around on. Like you, I totally agree that stitching causes us to be more relaxed, is a wonderful way to work through stress. I did lots of stitching sitting with my Mother as she was dying years ago in ICU...and more recently with all the issues around my Dad...I take my bag with me, even if I only get a chance to do a partial row of something at a time.
ReplyDeleteSandys Space