Monday, June 20, 2011

Embroidery



stitch*blanket*binding*bullion*lazy*daisy*satin*stitch*cross*stitch*French*knot

The imaginings of artistic talent is inspiring and hard to resist no matter what form it takes. 
Creativity manifests as if by magic… 
something from nothing…

It’s not just  poetry that manifests as if by magic.  There are many art forms.  Embroidery happens to be one that is my bliss…I was taught the art of embroidery as a small child by my Mother.  I remember my first piece as if it were yesterday, a pre-made pot holder with a stamp of a Rooster on it.  I choose the colors black and red for my creation.  I recall stitching big awkward stitches while learning and then wondered, what happened?  Ha! I must say, it took me awhile to learn the lesson of patience.  My husband says that I am still learning that lesson.  I remember thinking, embroidery isn’t as fast as colouring. My Mom’s voice still echoes in my head…"the smaller the stitch, the neater your work”  Now I understand why the next piece she gave me was cross stitch.  Despite my impatience, I persevered and continued to stitch with enthusiasm.  In a very short time I came to love embroidery.  I soon had my own hoop, needles, threads and of course we can’t forget the tiny scissors. To this day I still prefer to use my little vintage hoop which belonged to my Grandmother. After many years and numerous projects, I finally have mastered the smallest of stitches.


 You won’t always find traditional colours in my embroidery, no colour choices which are typically expected.  I tend to have an outside the box approach for my needlework art.  “Who says you can’t have an orange daisy with a purple center”.   I embroider much the same way that I use to colour as a child, with a free spirited whimsy-like mischievous outlook, which I continue to draw on for inspiration today.  “Purple puppies, blue bunnies, aqua peonies,…why not?”.    I guess you could best describe my embroidery style much like that of a kaleidoscope. The effect is much like a pansy…ah the pansy my muse!  This multi-coloured tough little perfectly delicate flower understands the mischievous diverseness of nature.

 I love to embroider so much, that I have completed many, many samples with no particular agenda or plan as to how to use them. My imagination stirs and I picture one of a kind keepsakes, such as cushions, bags, purses or stuffed animals. While embroidering I get lost in bliss.  It serves as a form of meditation and now that summer has arrived, I will be out on my front porch sipping lemonade, sewing the smallest of stitches, all while creating something from nothing,




Red Work

something from nothing…

stitch*blanket*binding*bullion*lazy*daisy*satin*stitch*cross*stitch*French*knot

8 comments:

  1. Wow, you are so talented in many ways. I would give anything if I could do that. I've tried but just couldn't master it. Beautiful work.. I love the kalidescope colors..Susie

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  2. I so love your flopsy bunny Helena ~ beautiful embroidery ~ I learnt too as a child used to love working with the silken threads ~ remember those shiny reds and golds ~ have done a little since but nthink you may have me hooked again ~ but nothing like what you produce ~ have a great midsummers Helena may the faeries shower many blessing onto you ~ hugs Lib ~

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  3. These are beautiful pieces of stitchery, Helena! My grandmother and mother taught me embroidery when I was small. It has been a long time since I've undertaken very much of it, though I do love counted cross-stitch and have done some large pieces as gifts. I have one now that is a gift my daughter has asked me to make her - with birdhouses and birds and several adorable little charms to be stitched in to the work. I hope to finish it by Christmas! :-) Stitching is such good therapy!!

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  4. Right from your heart! It is truly a gift from God to be able to take what is in your thoughts and have your hands create them so beautifully.

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  5. Thanks so much everyone! Now all I have to do is decide what to sew first...cushion? purse? lol!

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  6. What a beautiful blog filled with beautiful things! You are quite gifted and have a good eye!

    Thank you for stopping by my place . . . *smiling*

    kat magendie

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  7. Your needle work is amazing!
    Just beautiful!
    Blessings

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  8. How Wonderful! I love your embroidery creations!

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