So many of you cross stitch, rug hook, sew, and embroider – you inspired me to pull out a small kit that has been tucked away for years. I thought in these remaining days of hibernating in an old farmhouse, I would dust this off and give it a try.
Until I took a closer look at the instructions, or lack there of…
Hmmm, maybe another day, or better yet, year. I just don’t think I have the patience for learning this intricate skill right now.
And since I can’t revel in a completed tatting project, I’ll share some snapshots of a 4’x5’ cross-stitch piece that I found 25 years ago in a pretty little shop that was going out of business. I love the seasonal squares, and oh my, the hours that must’ve gone into creating it. I’ll just show four at a time as the year goes on…this is January through April.
I keep it tucked in a basket and just change the square that shows as each month passes… this was in an earlier post:
And so hats off to all of you who sew, cross-stitch, rug hook, quilt, crochet, knit, embroider, and wield a needle of any type (yes, tatting shuttles included!)
Thanks for keeping those creative arts alive and for sharing your talents!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you, my friend. I am so appreciative of our fellow blog friends who are gifted with the ability to do all those things. We are so alike. I thought not too long ago that I might try to embroider, because I would love to have something to do during the cozy evenings at home. I looked at the instructional videos and knew right away I could not do that! I can't even thread a needle! Thank you for making me feel better. I think I will look up latch hooking! Remember that??
ReplyDeleteOh, BillieJo - and we can weave some potholders on the plastic looms - that’s about my speed!! And yet “learn to spin and weave” are on my wish-list. I may just have to be content knowing there are “doers” and “admirers” and I’m definitely in that last bunch!
DeleteYou're too funny. I did a try at tatting - but when I was quite young (10-13 ish??) Strange little story but my uncle (mother's brother) divorced his wife but our family remained very close with his ex-wife even though she lived in Washington state (a ways away from Nod). Every couple of years she would visit and stay with us (she was the genealogist of the family, believe it or not and would come to research our family's ancestors - even though she wasn't blood family). Every now and again she would bring her mother along... I LOVED those visits!!! And she tatted!! She tried to teach me - and I truly tried to learn...but it didn't quite "stick." Having a lesson every couple of years just wasn't conducive to retention. Your cross stitch treasure is absolutely amazing though! I was stunned to read the size. Seriously??! I'd love to see the piece in its entirety. What I see of the individual months you've shown has me gobsmacked! What a find!
ReplyDeleteMaybe it’s one of those old-fashioned skills that we need to have someone sit right next to us and teach us - learn by seeing someone else do it, as opposed to all the words and pictures on the instruction pamphlet. Genealogy can be quite addictive - from the snippets of wonderful stories you’ve told, I can see why she would be thrilled to dig more into your family history! I’ve traced mine back to King Arthur - if the fable is true, and if I can believe the legwork that someone else has already done! Hmmm if you wouldn’t be too bored, I’ll share the remainder of the cross-stitch months, and then the entire piece. I hated to see the shop go out of business, the prettiest brick building from the early 1800s – I think it’s a pub now :/
DeleteTatting is not for me either. My mom did it though. Those monthly cross stitch pieces are just wonderful! Janice
ReplyDeleteIt looks lovely but maybe I’ll tackle it after I watch some videos. I really think that might help…next winter!
DeleteThat tatting, for real, my ADHD couldn't handle it! I love watching others on videos etc., doing it, but I'd end up throwing those shuttles or bobbin things across the room. I love cross stitch - same reason - I can't count all those tiny threads - makes me nervous. I can take a needle and stab at wool...needle felting. (wink).
ReplyDeleteHmmm maybe needle felting is just what I need - getting my frustrations out “stabbing” as you say!!
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