Exploring Embroidery

 My play time of late has involved a little embroidery. Since I was a girl, I have been collecting pretty threads. Traditionally DMC (1970's jean embroidery craze) and more recently hand dyed threads, sashiko and floss I come across at shops and quilt shows. I don't have a lot to say about the process, but plenty of people do. I just wanted to share images of my intuitive approach and why I was inspired to pick it up again: 
1. My Black&White  prints were begging me for a little layered color/texture and the pattern to follow was clearly there!
2. Exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston where I was delighted by a piece of historically inaccurate toile by Richard Saja and Alexander McQueen's garments at the Victorian Albert Museum last spring which will influence me for years to come. 
3. My weekly fix of seeing Wild Boho on my instagram feed and other hoop artists current in the world. 

Judith Baker Montano is a old pro at everything stitched. Her books (lots of them) are great references for learning if you are so inclined to try it and check out her free app from C&T Publishing. She is coming out with a new book too. I have always loved Judith: she is cool, a true artist and encourages freedom of expression through stitching. 

I am very easy going about my embroidery. I am happy to answer any questions but don't have many rules. Like I mentioned, if you want some real proper "how to" get Judith's books or go to YouTube.  I don't get worked up about the quality of stitches,  I just enjoy the relaxing, meditative process. In fact,  Judith stitches with and without hoops, she tells you not to worry, just do it, it's good practice. I change types of threads within a project because I can. I love the different textures, sheens, widths and behavior of each thread pulled. The only thing I do before I sit down is prepare at least 10 needles so I can easily go from one color to another without stopping. 

Have a great weekend and I hope you get a little time to explore that little creative itch that  has been dancing around in your head lately!