Eastern Bluebird – better photo and actual post coming
I’ve been asked again recently, why I do this. One of my cousin’s years ago asked me why I create designs for hand stitching, when you can stitch easily by machine… I didn’t have an answer at the time. But I’ve been digging for one ever since. I think I’ve finally found it. Not necessarily completely concise yet, but a definite answer.
I advocate hand stitching because once you’ve gotten into a rhythm it’s meditative. There’s some truth to the sayings, “I stitch so I don’t kill someone,” and “I stitch because it’s cheaper than therapy.”
My big overarching “why” includes the business, this blog, the stitch groups I try to organize, and my membership in the stitching guilds…
My what – what I’m looking for – is a connection with people who share my love of stitching and want to explore new directions in thread, whether by doing it themselves, or understanding what they commission. A conversation and a hangout spot where I can help you step into your creativity and create Beauty in your life.
Why? Because beauty is essential to peace of mind. Beauty we connect with is more powerful just buying something pretty. In many ways it’s the difference between having books on shelves because you read them and having books on shelves to look erudite. There is a depth that saying “I made that beautiful thing” (or “a dear friend” or even “artist I know” made it for me) than buying a cushion, curtain, or “handmade” sweater imported from a box store doesn’t give you. The Knowledge that either you made it, or you know the artisan who created it gives warm fuzzies beyond the yumminess of the product. True Beauty IS Connection.
And yes, this IS going up on the main website as I redesign it, my work, and my life around this…