I create.
I haven't decided if it was a perfect storm type of situation or a slow growing seed? But in either case, my interest in needlework was an outcome of 6 specific exposures.
1. About a year ago, I saw a piece on Sunday Morning about the Royal School of Embroidery. I always knew there was more to needlework than cross stitch, but here were modern day people doing it. I stashed it away in the back of my brain to someday...maybe...try some needlework.
2. Another day I randomly came across the book Scandinavian Needlecraft, and 15 minutes later walked out of the store with my very own copy. This is significant, because I rarely by things on an impluse, but I could not leave with out this little guide. I made a few items, but struggled with the transfer of the images on to felt. But even as I put the book aside, I knew I would come back to it. So instead of storing it in a closet, it has been sitting on my desk.
3. During this time, I have been developing a close friendship with a fiber artist. Although our creative medium is different, the creative process is similar. During our talks she has exposed me to the world of wool and yarn, and I have been inspired. However, knitting and crochet hold very little interest for me. The idea of working with fibers was itching in my brain; ticking away trying to find a way express itself.
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| photo by Erdmann2 |
This book was all about the embroidery that was so popular during the arts and crafts movement. These needlework designs were nothing short of inspiring. No little dogs, or Santa Clauses in sight. Instead, well thought out designs used in the right places. This is where I really decided it- embroidery was something I was going to try.
5. During the Textiles class, one of my projects was to design an fully custom window treatment. I designed one for my living room. And Although I will not be able to create that specific treatment, I was sparked to create something different, and the idea of designing my own pattern to embroider in the vein of the Arts and Crafts movement was born.
6. So then I knew I was going to create this wonderful embroidery, but really have never tackled the art of embroidery. So I got a book. This book to be exact.
I got right to work practicing the stitches. I made it through the first 23 and then got stuck on the cable stitch. So I ditched that idea and created my first original design. I have been happily working on it for the last 4 weeks.
So even though the presence of embroidery on Little Blue Chairs seems a bit random, it is a something I have been processing for at least a year. I am excited to explore this new medium for my creativity and have many ideas of future projects. I hope to be able to share this with my readers as well.
-Laurie
