the Only Clematis around Here

are gone.

Earlier in the year I showed this commemorative design while it was in the works. I now realize I never provided photos of the completed design. The limited pieces I made are now living elsewhere, and I'll try to be patient til spring brings the Clematis flowers back. Stay warm, enjoy your friends and family, and be healthy.

Fueling the Fire

Not related to embroidery, but what IS helping to keep me cranking right now- a little shipment of goods from Teavana.com.

While at a family Thanksgiving in Portland last month, one of my cousins brought some Teavana tea from the California Bay Area. The aromas were astounding, and I just loved the actual tea. Even with our small order, they sent a free tin, which is now filled with "My Morning Mate". mmmmmmm.

Etsy Shop filling up!

I'm working to list some items in the Etsy Shop, and also trying to add some new little sachets I've been making.

Stop in and see what you can find!

Return

Where have I been? I just can't say, but obviously not here. My hands have certainly been occupied, but not on the keyboard.

I made an appearance for the Annual Historic Seattle Bungalow Fair, and I will post some photos the new designs I showed there. But not today. It was nice to be back at the show, and see many folks I so love talking with.

More soon.

More Educational Needlecraft and Applique

In honor of Educational Needlecraft's 100th birthday(see previous post), I'm working on some pieces that either reproduce or reflect on those found in the publication. They will not become permanent offerings, but will be limited in number throughout 2011, and will most likely vary some in color and design. Here are a two photos of one that is currently underway.

100 Years of Educational Needlecraft

Amazing, it was 100 years ago, in 1911, that Ann Macbeth and Margaret Swanson's revolutionary instructional book was published by Longmans Green & Company. When I first became interested in Glasgow Style Embroidery, I found two copies of the book in the UK- one is the first edition from 1911, and I'm still happy to have it. It is listed on my website page of resources to "find out more".

Pioneers in the UK, the authors wrote other instructional books to better enable teachers of "domestic arts" to inspire girls and young women to expand their skills- and to encourage the social revolution that the arts could be for All, not just the economically secure. Practical creativity meant that needle crafts didn't have to be created from expensive materials, nor did they need to be confined to evening wear or purely decorative objects.

The publication is now readily available in paperback version, and also online.

If you're going to be near Glasgow Scotland the middle of this month- an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of Educational Needlecraft is scheduled. Textilefest includes a tribute to Glasgow's role in the textile industry-Visit http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/ for more info- there is even a workshop on making your own drawstring bag- Glasgow Style!

Hearts and Knots

As I mentioned, I'm having fun making some new sachets. While procrastinating about something else, I made this one:


I found the basis for it in book that details methods of construction for Celtic Knotwork panels of the Pictish School. Pretty fascinating design stuff!

And, not too long ago, continuing my current avian interest, and figuring that it will be Valentine's Day soon, I embroidered a Crow. That is addicted to love.

They are both now listed in my Etsy shop- link on the right hand side of the page.

LOVE Sachets?

It's cold, and it's white outside. My mind wanders and thinks about everything else other than What It Should Be.

So, I'm playing with Love Sachets. Heart Sachets. Kind of Arts and Crafts period, kind of not. But different.

I'm starting to put some into the Etsy Shop- link on side of this page. Check them out.