Monday, January 9, 2012

Crafting Inspiration

Last Thursday after I posted about all the new craft books I've gotten, I realized Cross Stitch Keepsakes was a book by Helen Phillips.  In fact, I have two of her books.  She has a wonderful blog where she shares her cozy home and pretty projects so if you haven't visited her before, head on over  there.  She's currently knitting up a fair isle scarf.
I learned to cross-stitch while I was in high school and have loved doing it over the years, but crochet has become my favorite hobby of late since it is easier to carry around (I crocheted this dishcloth while playing the waiting game at the doctor's office on Saturday) and I don't need reading glasses to work with hook and yarn.
While my friend, Mona, was here, she introduced me to 8 count aida that I had not used before.  Below is my first stitching with yarn and a big embroidery needle.  The perfect blending of my two favorite crafts.
It's not always easy to find time for crafting during the week, but I just have to remind myself that even something small is an accomplishment.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

21 comments:

Sharon said...

I can't see to do cross stitch any more and my hands are worn out from years of crafting. I miss it. That 8 count aida does look interesting though!

Have a wonderful week, yourself!

Mariette's Back to Basics said...

Dearest Tammy,

That 8 count Aida is perfect for cross stitching! You made such a perfect heart.
Have a look at my Worldwide GIVEAWAY on today's post. A 925 silver alphabet angel charm (of choice) from Tuscany, Italy.
Love to you and have a great week.

Mariette

val said...

you are so right....even a small project brings pleasure. Have a wonderful week.

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

I love the stitch you used in your dishcloth. Can you tell me what it is!

S
xo

Linda said...

I used to like to cross stitch too, in fact when I was taking down the Christmas tree ornaments on the 1st, I paused to admire many of the cross-stitched ones I had made over the years (my Mom made a couple as well).

I'm not much on crafts anymore though - for me, it's enough to work, write, and perfect my photography skills. That's how I like to spend my time, and honestly after the work day and chores at home, I like to do mindless things like simply sit on the couch and watch television or read a magazine. :D

Hope you're enjoying the return to the routine. Sunny and warm here yet again today. Am wondering if true winter weather will ever come.

Linda

Diane said...

It really does help if it's something you can carry with you. This red and white piece is vey pretty (so is the dishcloth). Diane

Heather - The Good Life said...

Thanks for the introduction to the new (to me) blog. Looks like a fun one to follow. I like the red you have used in your projects, very bright and cheerful. I used to do embroidery and crewelwork in high school and really enjoyed it. Hope your week is off to a great start. :-)

my4lilgirls said...

I've just got real interested in cross stitch lately as well, Helen's books are so lovely.
Your stitched heart is gorgeous, i agree even something small is so satisfying
Lots of love Karen x

nanny said...

I use to love cross stitch....
I think your projects are so pretty....
I seem to get bogged down in day to day tasks and don't have any projects on the schedule....

Astri said...

Good use of time at the doc's office, Tammy! I was tempted to take my crocheting to a Jazz basketball game the other night... but re-thought it, maybe next time. Once I hit the 50 mark the reading glasses are now packed with the crocheting stuff.

The cross stitch is cute!

Susan said...

Pretty heart, Tammy. Hope YOU have a wonderful week, too. Susan

Serena Lewis said...

I did cross-stitch years ago and enjoyed it but art took a bigger hold of me. Your dish cloth and red heart are lovely...I've never worked with 8-count Aida either.

The weather is so hot and humid right now, it's not easy to get creative at all. Wish we had air-con.

Love,
Serena xo

Crafty Sisters said...

I wish I knew how to crochet, maybe one day. I really like the look of the 8-count Aida, what are you going to make out of it? Hope you find more time in your busy schedule to create!

Take care,
Candace

Maya Kuzman said...

Tammy,
that red beauty above at the beginning of your post is not a dishcloth. It is an amazing pouch (it just lacks the other side :) which will surely make someone delighted for Valentine! I love the stitch you've used - it gives the piece an amazing structure!
Embroidery - one of my first loves. I started embroidering at the age of 6 or 7, don't quite remember well. My heart still leaps upon seeing an embroidered piece. Yours is beautiful!
Have a lovely week!
Maya

RobyGiup said...

I completely agree with you, "even something small is an accomplishment". I love to find even a little bit of time during the day to realize something (I even crocheted on the bus and knitted or cross-stitched on the train!)

Stella said...

It looks like you have found a fun new craft to work on. Hope you New Year is filled with lots of exciting new craft. It is nice to have something to do that is easy to pick up and put down. Happy New Year. Stella

Tanna said...

Ahhhh... now, do you think they might have about a 5 count?? Great idea for the eye situation. That's what moved me to knitting! LOL! Love your crosstitch project! blessings ~ tanna

Unknown said...

Great work Tammy. A comment from Little Treasures above gave me an idea. I have made hundreds of dishcloths and just realized I need a pouch on my chair in my bedroom for my remotes and wazoom, I now have the idea. I so love to visit your blog. I am trying to master crocheting with wire. Got one piece done, but it looks a little crude. Something to do.
QMM

Helen Philipps said...

Thank you so much for your kind mention of my books and my blog, Tammy, I really do appreciate it! I love your little heart stitched on 8 count Aida. I love to try sewing things bigger or smaller, the effects can be so interesting. In my last cross stitch book I stitched a cushion on 18 count evenweave which was a real pleasure to work on! Have a lovely week.
Helen x

Becca said...

I love this! I am having a hard time right now to find a moment to craft with the prep for our move. In fact we are heading to Seattle today to look at some homes. I'm so behind on visiting blogs too! Take care. :-)

Anonymous said...

Any time you can find to craft and enjoy your time is a good day. Glad you are making sure you get that time every day!! I am working on that!!!!

XOXO
Renee

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