Most evenings when I close my eyes, I see a swirl of ideas, colors and patterns. You know that feeling on Christmas Eve when you are a kid (or a grown up) and you just can't wait to get to sleep so you can get up in the morning and experience the magic? Well that's me most mornings. I know many of you morning haters will not understand that but I am at my best in the early hours anyway.
For instance this morning, I was compelled to get out of bed at 5am and reorganize my embroidery basket. I enjoyed every moment of it! There is something about coming downstairs when the house is dark and still and walking into the studio which always greets me happily.
I did my first embroidery project when I was probably 8 years old. It was a pillow case that I still have. It's no less fun all these years later. The project above is from a book called Hoop La. I absolutely love this book. It is one of my top 10 favorite craft books right now. Maybe that should be a post for another day?
It seems I am always looking for an excuse to pick up needle and thread these days. One of my cats who shall remain nameless, managed to rip a hole in some of my favorite pajama pants. Well truthfully, I wore them like that for months, ok many months, but couldn't stand the idea of throwing them away, so this week I patched them and now I can't hardly stand to take them off! It's got me pulling other items out of my closet that aren't in perfect working order and looking at them in a whole new way.
There could never be enough time in the day for me to do all of the projects that I want to do and I probably have entirely too many hobbies for one person with the hope of learning several more. Of course it all has to be fit in between the demands of every day life. I have an insatiable appetite for creativity which often finds me collapsing on the sofa at the end of the day in a heap of satisfaction. Lest you think I am just running myself ragged over here, let me assure you that I'm finding plenty of time for rest too. Even Millie isn't beyond sneaking away for some colorful dreams.
Jen-I understand you perfectly! I wake up with the same sort of expectation every day, too...well, or as soon as my coffee "kicks in", that is. Love your patch job and your projects are all wonderful. I need to get out and re-organize a few of my craft "stash" today, too.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend. Carmel, IN has come to town here this weekend...well, at least ONE person from Carmel has! xo Diana
Wow -- you are such a wonderful crafter! Loved embroidery when I was young and should give that a try again! We used to embroider the days of the week and some little scene on white dish towels -- remember those? Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteI do remember those little dish towels! They are a great starter project too.
DeleteFrom one morning girl to another, I totally get this. Thanks for the inspiration and you can never have enough hobbies!
ReplyDeleteI have become such a morning person over the last year. I've been up since 6:30 a.m. and have probably put in about 8 hours or more of crochet time for our yarnbombing event tomorrow. Of course, right about now, I'm thinking I never want to crochet again. I'm pooped. But if I had a studio like yours, I'd be raring to go again tomorrow morning and I'm sure I'll feel that way after I've had a rest like Millie. :)
ReplyDeleteI,too, have re-found a love of stitching. I have been cross-stitching, embroidery-ing and English Paper Piecing on a constant basis. I have several Christmas projects on the docket and every evening I look forward to pulling out my threads and getting back at it (usually with my pooch cosied up beside me!) I just ordered Hoop La. I think I could enjoy this book, too!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of English Paper Piecing and will have to look that up.
DeleteI love your embroidery basket and how your organized the threads. My daughter is teaching herself embroidery, and I will have to show her how you organized yours. Just beautiful! Love the photos. xoxo Su
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky puppy you have!! She looks so cozy in that wonderful guest room!
ReplyDeleteThat last paragraph is totally me. I have way too many things I love doing and each day I do a ton of stuff, but I never finish.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I think I am going to stop reading blogs right now and go get my embroidery basket to finish the Christmas stocking I am making.
And, could you come over and organize my embroidery thread basket?
Because I weirdly love organizing I would be happy to come organize your thread!
DeleteI once read that creative people should keep a note pad and pen beside their bed so they can write down ideas in the middle of the night...I seem to do my best planning in my sleep! And especially this time of year when there are sugar plums in my head! ;)
ReplyDeleteYour photos were just beautiful! I had not heard of that book before and have saved the link and added it to my short Christmas list, it looks like a good one!
Your pj pants look even prettier with the words dream and the patchwork. And you have given me an idea for an old well loved pair of jeans.
And what a cute photo of your dog!
Have a wonderful rest of your week!
Kimberley
Kimberley, I absolutely agree about a note pad and pen although I just use my phone. If I don't get it out of my head there is no way I'm going back to sleep!
DeleteOh I love that moment too when all is quiet in the house and you can get your first cuppa and just sit and listen to the quiet as the sun rises. I make the most of it more in the summer, but I do love it when all is dark, especially at Christmas, when I come down before all have stirred and have a cuppa with the Christmas lights glowing warmly. It's heaven.
ReplyDeleteHave a super rest of a week my lovely xxxx
I'm really wanting to learn to embroider & I think my girls would really enjoy it too. Do you know of any great child-focused starting books to recommend? I'm thinking it would be a fun thing to learn together…and maybe create a little kit of supplies for Christmas gifts for them. :)
ReplyDeleteKimber-Leigh,
DeleteI'm going to look through my books and get back to you with a recommendation! I think that's a great idea and I did that for Maddie last year with a cute little cardboard suitcase. I filled it with a pre-printed sampler, threads, needles, scissors and a stitch dictionary kind of book.
Thanks Jen~that would be great! My girls are always wanting to craft and I think this might be something they could do pretty well independently, once they learn the basics. (When Hadleigh was little, I gave her a piece of burlap on a hoop with a plastic needle and she would use yarn to "stitch" along the lines of a picture we would design together.) :) I'll look forward to your recommendation!
DeleteThat last picture with Millie is so sweet, Jen. I love that first cup of coffee in the morning with house quiet as well :)
ReplyDeleteI just finished catching up with you. You live in such a beautiful place and I'm so glad you're happy there.
(((hugs)))
rue
I know just how you feel! Sometimes my head is spinning with all the things I'd like to make, but unfortunately my "day job" gets in the way. I love the way you patched your pants!
ReplyDeleteI love that you're a 'doer'. I dream up all sorts of good ideas, but few come to fruition. Love the patch on the pajamas! And love a house where the dogs get to sleep on the bed:)
ReplyDeleteYou inspired me! I have had a few holes in my favorite plaid shirts that I wear around the house. So I got some fabric, some thread and I stitched some patches on them. I felt so wonderfully domestic and gave myself more time with my comfy shirts. :) Have a great weekend! Kit
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Beautiful Early Bird! I am always up bright and early too and feel the same way.... especially this time of year. I am already on my second cup of coffee, treating myself to your sweet and inspiring world, therefore ensuring that my morning will be also. Thank you for all! And your work, as always, is so lovely. You are one talented, adorable, chickie, you know!! Love you!
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