I've discovered that writing a blog is a great way to keep a journal like record of bits and pieces of my life.
As well, it prompts me to take photos which I probably would not bother doing. I definitely would not be celebrating my handiwork the way recording it online is encouraging me to do so. I've stitched, sewed, knitted and crocheted all my life but rarely shared it, definitely not the process. Even my mother did not realize I could crochet till she read my blog and asked how did I learn. I couldn't remember; it feels like I always knew how.
The blog also helps me see how long it takes me from start to finish on my many projects. I usually think I've been working on one a lot longer than I have which is interesting.
So blogging is good for all kinds of reasons, not the least of which is providing a needlework record. I encourage anyone who is toying with the idea of starting a blog to go for it...jump in.
Here is a little hanging I made for Hubby and me six years ago. I loved working the embroidery on this. It is Hedgegrow Wreath from Crabapple Hill Studio and I added our initials in the middle.
I can see I quilted in the ditch with a pink thread; I wonder why I chose that.
I read that May in the Southern Hemisphere is the equivalent of November for us here in the North.
What an amazing place this planet is!
What an amazing place this planet is!
This vintage embroidery transfer of Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn, flowers for May, has been in my files for several years. This and patterns for all the months as well as many more vintage motifs are free from the wonderful Pattern Bee site.
Another pretty free vintage pattern is available from The Spruce Crafts site.
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The wonderful (as I think of her) Mary Corbet at her equally wonderful site, Needle n' Thread, offers a huge bank of free embroidery and cross stitch patterns. Click on Patterns in her headings to do some exploring.
Another site that provides lots of information about vintage embroidery and quilting is Q is For Quilter. Martha Dellasega Gray used to run a Free Friday pattern post, such as this one, Bird with Polka Dot Dishes. Though this site has not been updated, all the posts are still available including patterns.
No shortage of inspiration and patterns to be found around the internet, vintage and otherwise.
It's like I misplaced a whole month because I honestly don't know where April went.
Do you feel like that too?
So happy to link up this post with Kathy's Quilts and Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.
24 comments :
those are all pretty patterns for stitchery! we can find so much on line can't we. I know what you mean about April I kind of feel like that for March too
What a great round up of fun sites to explore - thank you! I'm a blog lover too because there's so much information to be found on them. Personally i like mine because, much like you, I can go back and see the projects I've done and marvel at how many I've totally forgotten I ever did.
I like all handworked which you have here.I love flowers-I like embroidering of flowers and butterflyes...
Best wishes Eva(CZ)
Beautiful pieces. It's nice to see a resurgence of interest in embroidery. It is so portable.
I love the bird on the teacup pattern. That flower basket quilt is very pretty.
I love that basket quilt - such sweet colors! Has the style of what you like to make changed over the years, Jocelyn? Mine sure has!
These are delightful!
Hi Jocelyn,
Love the basket quilt...so pretty! Thanks for sharing all the sites for free embroidery...I'm always looking for them. I really like the bird one...so cute. Have a great day!
There's no shortage of beauty either, bravo!!!
May here, November for you, we are definitely in Autumn or Fall as you might call that season, darker mornings, cooler days, rain at times, and not a frost yet. Love those patterns, and so many that are free, a huge bonus for us all right now to be able to access them on the internet. I have some fabric and threads I have been saving for a rainy day, and that has arrived, so might go and browse.
Fire? What fire, p,ease tell if it is not too upsetting. Thanks for the links to the stitcheries, I'm off to have a look now.
I too appreciate having my blog as a diary to help me to remember what I sewed and when. LOL
It was nice to see your projects from days gone by, and also to see future projects.
We in NZ are definitely into Autumn, we have had frosts and show is forecast for high ground tonight. A southerly weather pattern is making it's way north up the country.
Wonderful patterns! My wife is on her sixth set of 'scrubs' for a local hospital. Your (and her) skills in this regard put me to shame.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne (ps: how are things in your neck of the woods?)
I loved that peek into your early blogging. I can remember who taught me to crochet, what a joy it was for me to learn, and how fast I was in my 20s! I still love to crochet but it's hard for me to keep track of the stitches, and my hand hurts sometimes - lol! I love your earlier pieces, and I'm fond of that pink thread in the ditch. :)
Such lovely patterns and great site links--thank you....very inspiring...
I feel like it's "what month/day/time" is it???". Mental fog pervades....
Trying to keep myself busy as the quarantine continues especially for us
"ancient ones";000 ~ ~ ~ waving in the sunshine today Julierose
It's beautiful, love all the designs.
So many beautiful designs and inspiration!
Love how you quilted in pink thread on white ... so modern!
Thanks for linking up to Slow Sunday Stitching!
I love all of your quilts and embroidery. Your basket quilt is beautiful!!! Your post on joining in to make mini-baskets got me hooked too, lol!
Jocelyn, I made the basket pattern - gave the blocks away because I did not use the background that I should have, but I have the pattern somewhere,,,,,the name of the pattern is Piccadilly Baskets Pattern. I found a picture of the pattern - not sure if it is still available, I have it somewhere, or gifted it to someone - cannot remember now. Hugs
Jocelyn - so many patterns, so little time! Thanks for pointing us to so many good sources of inspiration. Your work is lovely.
I agree that April went fast - my blog post summarizing the month perhaps explains why - we kept ourselves very busy!
One would think by being at home more during this quarantine the time would go so slow, but for me, too, it's flown. March and April whizzed by so fast and now May is going fast too. I guess that means we are busy and happy. I read where this time is easy for introverts and I believe that is right because introverts learned early how to entertain themselves. Thank you for leading us to some new sites for embroidery patterns.
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