
Often referred to as a negative, I’ve always thought of obsessions as a lifeline to exploration, creativity, joy and boundless energy. Being obsessed with something (rather than someone) results in any number of truly awe-inspiring things, such as these artists who carve thread spools into amazing miniature works of art. Or Andrea Love whose website… Continue reading The Joy of Obsession
read moreI spent at least 16 hours this weekend analyzing and stitching examples of the Trellis Stitch. Specifically the spiral trellis stitch, which was one of dozens of stitches that adorned the Plimoth Jacket, a women’s waistcoat, made in the early 1600’s. Another heavily embroidered jacket is in the costume collection at the Metropolitan Museum here… Continue reading What I Did Over the Weekend…
read moreI’ve been thinking about relationships a lot. Perhaps that’s because I’m coming up on my 20th wedding anniversary with this awesome man. Our relationship has seen its ups and downs, but we are committed to doing the hard work of showing up for each other no matter how painful and difficult that may be. As… Continue reading A Commitment to Show Up
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neighbour X work in progress X cross stitch X Aurifloss
My current cross stitch project for the year is coming along well, there's been a little bit of unpicking but that is most often the result of late night stitching. The pattern is Love Thy Neighbour by Modern Folk Embroidery and I started stitching it as part of Jacob's Summer Stitch A Long. Summer may be nearly over but I am in no rush to finish. The original pattern is stitched in one colour but like my last finished cross stitch I enjoy making it my own and ...
read moreHi, fabric lovers!
As you may know, I’ve been having such a kick talking about fabric on the blog lately. Although I can talk about prints all day, there is one type of fabric I’d love to talk about that some of you may not be aware of. It’s all about fabric panels! So, today we are going to answer some questions we get all the time and show you some of the panels that Art Gallery Fabrics has to offer!
What is a fabric panel?
There are many kinds of panels out there, but AGF creates ...
It all began with the Stem Stitch, a much over-looked stitch. I decided I needed to explore it and see if I could find a little excitement while doing so. I had no idea that this stitch would be the beginning of something wonderful! I pulled out some hand dyed linen that I’d bought and… Continue reading Design, Exploration & A Finished Piece
read moreLet’s kick things off with a new design, shall we?! What? Didn’t she just unveil a new design a couple of weeks ago, you might ask. Yes. Yes, I did. I’ve been very busy! This last one is a companion piece to the Glasses Case. It’s a scissor case! Which, if you’re like me, you… Continue reading A New Design, A Stroll & Mischief
read moreWow, blue sapphire Kraft-tex is making a bold statement in a cotton basket and tray set.
Kraft-tex for this project was provided for by CT Publishing. As an affiliate I received a small commission when you click a link on this website and make a purchase.
Pink, blue and yellow variegated pastel thread emphasize texture and pattern against the pre-washed and hand-dyed sapphire Kraft-tex.
Would you like one of my handmade baskets? Visit my Amazon Handmade Artisan shop for a beautiful selection. Amazon Prime members receive a $10 ...
read moreAre you looking for unique handmade gifts or home decor to add warmth and charm to holiday celebrations? Are you ready to SAVE and support small businesses too?
To celebrate YOU and Handmade by Living Water Quilter AMAZON is offering a special promotion.
Prime members in the US who spend $10 or more on items sold by select small domestic brands and makers in Amazon’s store from now through October 12, 2020, get a $10 credit to use on Prime Day.
Visit my Amazon handmade Artisan shop, purchase a basket ...
read moreWell, Hello There! September.....I'm looking forward to a bit of time with no drama....please. While we are weathering the Covid Storm and the Political Storm, Hurricane Storm Laura threw us a curve ball. It's the first time in my memory that hurricane force winds nearly blew us away here in North Louisiana. She wasn't pretty. What a mess we had to clean up inside and out. After being without electricity for 32 hours, I won't be taking that luxury for granted any time soon. When it was finally turned back on , we were jubilant ...
read moreAs I grow older I am more and more appreciative of my parents and all they did and, in my mother’s case, still does. So I begin this post with a photo of my parents, above. It’s one of my favorites. I think my mother was a little younger than I am now, when this… Continue reading My Mother, British Humor, Thread Kits & More
read moreI’m working on something new, which is always exciting and uncomfortable at the same time. *Digression alert* That word -uncomfortable – is also used when you go into a doctor’s office to have a surgical procedure done and they say, “This might pinch a little” or when you go to the dentist to get your… Continue reading “Discomfort” & Designing
read morecontemporary embroidery posted a photo:
my hand embroidered wrapping cloth is finished. Creating this has been a true labour of love.
karenannruane.typepad.com/karen_ruane/2020/07/an-embroide...
To me a wrapping cloth is not functional, it is symbolic of my desire to wrap up and protect my children.
This piece measures approximately 33 x 35 inches.
As many of you know, my mother sends me little songs, videos, sometimes a cartoon or a meme, like the one below… And here’s another, this time a youtube video, which is still timely for so many in the United States. She also sent me this video. Amazing. Obviously I needed to get my kids… Continue reading Memes, Cute Babies & Refusing to Dye
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