When I saw this post on Rebecca's blog, my creative juices really perked up. I was obsessed with copying in my own way. I got to see hers up close for a second and it was even yummier in person. Of course, she rolled her eyes at me when I gushed, the humble artist that she is, but you would have gushed too, there is something so soulful about her piece. It wasn't long before I started my own stitching sampler-of-sorts.
I have been having fun adding to it for a couple months now. You know, one of those projects you keep thinking about playing with?
That's what it is currently for me; my favorite artistic pass-time.
...And as if Rebecca's sewing sampler wasn't enough inspiration, her new sampler here has more ideas formulating in my brain...slow down Rebecca! I can't keep up with your ideas.
If her stitching sampler had you inspired as well, maybe you want to enter this fun contest. Can't wait to see the photos when all posted. (Click on the sewing contest poster)
And if looking at these samplers leaves you wondering, "hmmm, cool, but for what purpose?"(as one of the moms at the bus stop asked), then take a look at Heather's ingenious sampler version here. She added some structure and a great idea for turning into a pillow.
A closer peek at my sewing basket:
isn't it sweet? It's all tattered and wonky, but adding that beautiful sequined berry I bought at Silver Bella made the flaws all the more charming.
Anyway, just wanted to pop in and let you know I'm as hooked as all of you stitchers out there. I've got a long way to go as I plan to cover it chock full, but I do recommend it, it makes waiting in carpool lines much more tolerable. Just be sure you grab scissors, needle and thread along with your piece as you run out the door!
Hi Pam It's BEAUTIFUL! Great stitching!!
Peggy Lee
Posted by: Peggy Lee Baker | January 07, 2009 at 07:06 PM
:SIGH:
You put me over the edge.
Posted by: Cami @ Heart-Shaped Rock Cottage | January 07, 2009 at 10:04 PM
What a beautiful blog entry!
The stitch work is inspiring:)
Happy New Year!
Smiles from Southern California,
KayEllen
Posted by: kayellen | January 07, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Oh, I must learn to embroider asap!
I've been wanting to learn for a while now, but looking at this has really lit a fire under me.
Gorgeous sampler!!
~Cerri
Posted by: cerri | January 08, 2009 at 07:17 AM
Oh, this piece is absolutely yummy!
Posted by: Tami B. | January 08, 2009 at 07:17 AM
Oh MY! Just love this, now I too will be hooked...I really must try one too! Thank you for sharing...
Kindredly, Lynne Laura
Posted by: Lynne Laura | January 08, 2009 at 07:18 AM
How lovely! Makes me want to skip work today and play among my fabrics, trinkets and threads!
Sue
Posted by: Sue | January 08, 2009 at 07:18 AM
oh to peek into your endless stash of treasures, trinkets, & little jewels!
your sampler is lovely
xo
Posted by: paige | January 08, 2009 at 07:19 AM
I started on at Silver Bella! Looking at Rebecca's nearly made my head explode!
Posted by: maigirlz | January 08, 2009 at 07:19 AM
this is so beautiful...I could imagine an apron done like this..I just might have to try something like this..thanks for sharing this..hugs, cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl Brown | January 08, 2009 at 07:56 PM
First I saw Heathers little sampler, then I saw Rebecca's, now yours! Oh my!!! This is after a year of oogling Rebecca's little samplers on her blog...I now really have to make one! You all rock! karen....
Posted by: karen | January 08, 2009 at 07:56 PM
It might be Rebecca's fault...but you do it so well.
xxo
Posted by: Colette | January 08, 2009 at 07:56 PM
this is stunning Pam!
Posted by: gabrielle | January 09, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Beautiful post! thank you for the gorgeous link, how inspiring! might just have to add a spot of embroidery to my to-do list
Posted by: margaret | January 09, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Pam this is stunning! I must try one for myself! Thank you for sharing the idea.
xoxo
Diane
Posted by: Diane | January 09, 2009 at 04:40 PM
I just love how inspiration floats around the web! I think your sample is absolutely lovely with all the beautiful bits and bobs.
Inspired by Rebecca's post, I started my own but sadly mine has been a little forgotten between work and the holidays. You've given me the push to finish mine.
You are a jewel!
Posted by: Beth | January 09, 2009 at 04:40 PM
It's always amazing to me how things suddenly catch up the entire art community! I'd say after looking at this post that embroidery is one of them. My mom just started getting back into it and it has me itching to try it out. yours and Rebecca's samplers are beautiful and so inspiring! after reading and looking I'm definitely that much more interested and excited about trying out a new medium. :)
Posted by: AnnaMae | January 09, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Its oh so late as I am reading this before bed, but yours and Rebecca's works have made me want to get my needles out. This is beautiful.
Posted by: jeska | January 10, 2009 at 03:37 PM
HOLY BALOGNA!!!!!
Where is my needle and thread!?!?!
Love it!!!
Posted by: carikraft | January 10, 2009 at 03:37 PM
Ever so charming. As is all you do! Thanks for the sweet mention and happy stitching. Smiles, H
Posted by: Heather Bullard | January 10, 2009 at 03:37 PM
I find this just so interesting that you just posted your stitchery! I've just discovered the joys of embroidery and love seeing your ideas here! I really like those beautiful beads! What a cool idea. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Bethany | January 10, 2009 at 05:35 PM
thanks sweetie. and your stitching is beautiful!!
Posted by: Rebecca Sower | January 10, 2009 at 08:55 PM
hi pam...check out cammi at freckledfarm.blogspot.com to see how your talent and beauty of sharing has inspired her! happy monday to you!
Posted by: ann~vintage whisper | January 12, 2009 at 07:18 AM
Oh, how lovely and fun! I used to do a ton of embroidery when I was a young girl - back then it was popular to embroider the pocket and down the leg of your 501 jeans (I'm dating myself, aren't I - Eek!). I loved Heather's example already, embroidery plus embellishment - extra yummy!! Great inspiration and post.
Blessings ~ Eileen @ Star's Fault
Posted by: Eileen @ Star's Fault | January 12, 2009 at 07:52 AM
This is lovely! There is something about small handwork that is comforting and soothing...and yours is wonderful!
Posted by: Lisa | January 12, 2009 at 05:54 PM
That is so wonderful- I might have to start one and what a great way to showcase beautiful bits and bobs that are too pretty to toss!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Natasha | January 12, 2009 at 05:54 PM
Several blogs I've stopped by tonight had stitching...and this is just beautiful and has me in the mood to go drag my things out too. Must be the colder weather! :D
c
Posted by: Cindy | January 12, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Pam, it was even more beautiful in person!
Thanks for the fun adventure!
oxox
Posted by: maigirlz | January 12, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Oh my that is so pretty! I have been thinking of stitching too!
Posted by: Andrea | January 13, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Oh boy. This is inspiring!
Posted by: Leslie M. | January 13, 2009 at 07:29 PM
this is so beautiful and inspiring! I'm ready to thread a needle!
Posted by: jilliene | January 19, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Those photos almost made my heart stop. So very beautiful, so very touching.
Posted by: Dimma | January 20, 2009 at 10:45 PM
Fantastic to see such a revival in embroidery. Thank goodness it's been rescued from all those banal sewing magazines full of bonneted geese and cutsy teddy bears. Lovely to see hip, trendy designs or retro/vintage work.
Posted by: Valerie | January 22, 2009 at 12:34 PM
oh I've fallen into the pam/rebecca/rachel/heather romantic/shabby chic loveliness this morning and it makes me wish my "2 hr snow delay" for work was a "2 yr" delay so I could just stitch and draw and craft the hours away. sigh. Seriously--how do you ladies get it all done? and with KIDS to boot!
Thanks for sharing and inspiring and brightening my morning as I head off to work (dreaming of the stitching I want to get to as soon as I return home tonight!)
(think I can get a mini art journal snuck into my Daytimer for the 3day meetings I am heading to? hmmm..those COPIC pens are pretty FAT, no? oh so tempting! if I leave NOW, I can hit Michael's before work! yeah for snow delays!)
Posted by: susan gilman | January 28, 2009 at 05:05 AM
Hi Pam
I love all this crazy whimsical stitcher - do you know hensteeth (viv) she does beautiful work like this as well
Posted by: cathyb | February 03, 2009 at 07:02 PM