Wednesday, January 11, 2012

January 2012 Embroidery Journal Project

I've completed my embroidery journal project for the month! It's a bit different, but it has a meaning.
I thought about what theme I wanted for the month and decided I would use new beginnings. It took me awhile to choose this theme. I've considered many others. New beginnings - not just because it's a new year, but also because I feel I am starting a new phase with my embroidery. I am hoping to break out of some of the boxes I put myself in and try new things and new ways of incorporating stitches. In short to see more of the possibilities embroidery offers as an art-form and hopefully to increase my creativity.

After I decided on a theme, I sat down with a pencil and just starting drawing. I didn't know what it would become. I decided that what I had drawn represented a seed - the small plant and the shell around it.  I thought a seed was a great symbol for new beginnings.

I used a lot of blanket stitch in this project. It isn't a stitch I have used all that much so far, but I put it in my drawing and decided to stitch it that way. I stitched this project with a fine wool thread - also new for me to work with. It went through the woven cotton fine and even with the backing fabric it was fine too. But it didn't feel right until I switched to a bigger needle, then it was much smoother.

I admit I had doubts as I worked on this project - it felt a lot different than my other projects, but in the end I am satisfied with it as a starting point for my embroidery journal project.

7 comments:

Wendy said...

Wow, it's lovely! I'm so behind on my embroidery journal and it's rubbish!! I'm going to complete it anyway as we all have to start somewhere! I live in hope that by the time I get to December I'll look back at January and see how much I've improved. Or not.

Katie said...

I love this! I have only been thinking about what I want to stitch and haven't put needle to cloth yet.

Jamie said...

This is so pretty! I love the concept of it being a seed to represent a new beginning.

Lisa Dunn said...

Your piece is very pretty. Interestingly enough, I have been working with the concept of a seed as a new beginning for my January theme too. :o)

jackiescrafts said...

This is a lovely piece, I've not started mine yet all though I have the design drawn on my piece of fabric just need to start to stitch it. It's a bit ambitious for my first piece but I like the design so just hope I get it done

Jackie x

Manda Garner said...

Pretty and a great idea I've been stumped trying to figure out what I want to do I need to get on the ball though and get it done!

Harvest Moon by Hand said...

What a beautiful image and stitching!