Yesterday was time well-spent with Kimberly. Lots of quality "girl-time" chatting, black bean chili, pie & cookies, cinnamon creme brulee coffee, and embroidery. I felt like a very slow learner, but I enjoyed myself nonetheless. As you can see, I learned how to cross-stitch Kimberly's handmade pattern of "Johnny & Jenni" - so very cute. Actually, she called this particular method back-stitching and I learned new terminology such as "half-stitches." I can't wait to learn more and graduate to working with warm colors of linen (I've been very inspired by tiny happy lately).
Kimberly's a good friend because she left at 5:00 pm to make dinner for her family and such, yet she came back to my house later in the night so we could finish the above stitching. It was soothing to work with my hands while listening to The Innocence Mission, Ampersand, and David Mead; a flickering candle nearby. Though it wasn't difficult work, it was a slow-going, intricate process that made me appreciate artful handmade efforts even more. We'll need to schedule a follow-up lesson for the heart & arrow (inspired by this) - maybe in time for Valentine's Day? We shall see.
I also love Bethany's first attempts with embroidery - very impressive. I'm already dreaming of knitting and crochet.... Here's to a more handmade life, and crossing off my list.
5 comments:
You did an excellent job yesterday and actually got into the rhythm of the project quickly! I enjoyed coming back last night to help you finish the text portion of your pattern; I think it helps to encourage you to work on things when you can see the end result quickly sometimes. I also enjoyed the extra chance to talk and get to know you better. Let me know when you're ready to tackle the rest of the pattern and we'll set something up!
I've been wanting to learn to crochet for YEARS! My Great-Grandmother did that and I have several blankets that she made. They're treasures to me. There is a store not too far from our place called Yarntopia that also has classes for learning how to knit and crochet. We should sign up for a class and learn together! Maybe ask some other lady friends to join it too and just have some fun.
That looks so great! I'm really impressed, and I can't wait to see what else you make.
good work, jenni! it's such a great feeling working with your hands like that, right?
i also think it is wonderful that you asked someone to teach you. i checked out books upon books from the library to learn to crochet and knit but had a friend teach me some of the basics of the sewing machine. there just isn't a book that can match someone talking with you and working with you. keep it up!
Thanks, Kimberly! You're a great teacher. I think crochet classes sound like great fun.
Thanks to you, too, Bethany!
Kate, I did love working with my hands. And along with a good teacher, I think starting with the basics in any new venture is wise (my husband tells me). I can already sense my own (future) embroidery style, but these basic, cute letters are a great starting point to help me learn the rhythm. Right, Kimberly? :)
Yes Mam! Thank you Jenni. You're far too kind.
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