Sewing is sometimes about the end product and sometimes about the process. Sitting with a little gentle stitching in hand allows for relaxation and conversation, whilst still retaining a sense of productivity.
And so it was that I gave in to temptation at The Shop at Number 57 recently and ordered a cross stitch kit. Because cross stitching is the ultimate in vanilla stitching. Repetitive following of instuctions. Sometimes decision making can be so over-rated.
And I like it so much in its hooped simplicity, that I have decided to mount it like that. Both to enjoy it as a finished object and as a subliminal reminder of the pleasures of keeping one's hands occupied.
Oh, oh, oh. I love this.
Posted by: domestikate | 11 April 2012 at 20:42
Ali it looks great - I love your styling in the shot too. In the summer I'm going to do a little mini comp via the blog asking people to send in styled shots of their Number 57 purchases in their homes and the winner will get a lovely print - I'll keep you posted 'cause you have to enter!
Totally know what you mean about repetitive stitching - i've been working on new xmas designs today - worth it in the end though!
Thanks for the post
Mx
Posted by: Marie Nichols | 11 April 2012 at 21:23
Very beautifully said.
Must go back to xstitch.
Posted by: Monica | 11 April 2012 at 21:26
How do you always manage to find such lovely stuff?
Posted by: Fiona | 11 April 2012 at 21:44
I always, always love embroideries in hoops. I hang them that way too - in big hoops and little ones.
Posted by: dottycookie | 11 April 2012 at 23:38
I love the pattern and the colours too. Very elegant. And thanks for the reminder that it's not the destination but the journey of craft that's important; I can be a bit too gung-ho and destination orientated when it comes to getting my projects done, so thanks for the gentle reminder
Jo :)
Posted by: Jo | 12 April 2012 at 00:59
Very Pretty Ali! I love your cute little winged candles too!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 12 April 2012 at 01:40
oh I like!
Posted by: driftwood | 12 April 2012 at 07:44
I love the phrase "vanilla stitching" - and you are so right about projects that don't need constant reference to a pattern or complicated instructions but can just quietly take flight under hands that are gently busy. Love the pics too - so eloquent. Hope to see you this morning. Elizabeth xx
Posted by: Thomasina Tittlemouse | 12 April 2012 at 08:21
Oh how beautiful! I looked up and bookmarked the pattern the day you mentioned it at lunch. And I finally restarted my own cross-stitch this week, though not as elegant as yours!
K x
Posted by: kristina | 12 April 2012 at 08:55
Beautiful project! and I always like to keep my hand busy with a project that I don't have to think about too much ... it also helps over Easter too as while your hands are stitching they can't be picking at chocolate! LOL :)
Fleur xx
Posted by: Fleur Cotton | 12 April 2012 at 10:16
This is awesome! I love the white stitching on the black. I am going to have a go at this! How do you find these places?!
Posted by: Account Deleted | 12 April 2012 at 14:22
it's brilliant, I really like it. I have been contemplating a cross stitch project myself, maybe I will crack on with it now.
Posted by: Anna | 12 April 2012 at 14:22
That's the only craft I can manage, cross stitch. And I am doing one right now! Brizio's name to put on his gym towel, as I and Fabio have it too.
Oh, for once I feel "crafty" ... lol. I usually just sigh at the beautiful things you post.
Posted by: Paola | 12 April 2012 at 14:53
Ooh, I like this! Must check out the website...
Posted by: Louise | 12 April 2012 at 20:09
I am so enjoying your blog (I have just found you) and am impressed with your beautiful pictures... especially the ORANGE TULIPS! WOW. Thanks for sharing what you do with us in blogland.
Posted by: Jeanette at www.methedrowsybee.blogspot.com | 13 April 2012 at 04:09
Perfection in a hoop. I love it.
Posted by: Dragonfly | 13 April 2012 at 10:15
It's lovely Ali :D I enjoy drawn thread hem stitching for the same reason, just the same stitch repeated over and over.
Posted by: Annie | 13 April 2012 at 16:07
It's stunning Ali, simple and elegant and perfect proof of the pleasures of keeping ones hands occupied - I'm with you on that and can't imagine I'll ever be able to just sit and do nothing ever again.
Posted by: Julie | 13 April 2012 at 18:25
So simple......so pretty.
Posted by: lily | 14 April 2012 at 06:10
Very nice, thanks for sharing.
Posted by: rental mobil | 14 April 2012 at 06:13
You're right, it looks beautiful just like that.
Posted by: Megan | 17 April 2012 at 03:19
You are a bad woman. I do not need another lovely website to look at and drool over.
Your stitching is perfect. Gorgeous. Ax
Posted by: Magic Bean | 17 April 2012 at 16:08
That's very lovely - and I'm also interested in the text-and-spoon thingy in the background.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 18 April 2012 at 11:30
It looks lovely Ali! I've never caught the cross stitch bug although I remember doing a small Peter Rabbit one for Dot that never got framed - but you have inspired me to do some stitching. In fact I have friends coming round for tonight and I think I will prepare a little stitchery to do while we chat. Probably something from one of my Japanese books or Fred's new drawing book :-) Lucy xx
Posted by: lucylocket | 18 April 2012 at 18:02