June was the first month that the creative tension lingered most of the month and I am left feeling that it needs a bit more stitching. Will I stitch more? I don’t know – I am having a bit of an internal debate with myself about that.
My process has been to stitch one piece each month and when the month was over to begin a new month, however, I think this piece needs a bit more to feel complete.
But when I look back at the month, I see my garden: Yarrow, lavender, Impatiens, Foxglove, Verbena, Wiegela’s, and even some black Poppy seeds. And, lots and lots of growing!! It is a work in progress, and perhaps this stitching feeling “unfinished” is the best reflection of my garden. But, as I said – the internal debate rages on and I will let you know if I decide to add anything to the piece.
What I do love about the piece is how dramatically different it is from previous months with many new stitches and techniques. However, the reality is that sometimes new things requires more practice before you are proficient at them. I am certain that I will be revisiting some of these stitches again to perfect them.
I have also been contemplating the next quarter which will bring this year of stitching to a close and I have had some interesting conversations with Mary about some things in the Slow Stitch book (which if you do not have, you should! It is a fantastic starting point to stitching) and there is so much inspiration contained within the pages! It seems with needle and thread, the possibilities are endless!
There you have my June stitching. One thing I do know – I am at the point that I need a bigger embroidery hoop! Any stitchers out there have any recommendations?
Your stitching posts are some of my favorites! I love seeing the piece at the end of the month, the individual days leading up to it, and reading your thoughts and inspirations. This is creativity at its finest!
LOVE!!
Lovely work . I sent the post to a friend who hoops too! Shes had some knit arm pain, so she alternates with embroidery. She will love your work
I love this piece. The curving lines that connect everything together are really inspired. Nicely done! When I used embroidery hoops we had beautifully made wider hoops that did a nice job of protecting the linen. I’m not sure where, or if, they are still available.
It’s really beautiful and such an interesting reflection on each month. When I cross stitched a lot I never used a hoop, I just held the fabric in my hands.
Your stitching is just beautiful, Kat! And its very original. I absolutely love the running stitch combined with the flower-like stitches.
I have the book, but haven’t even opened it! Maybe now would be a good time.
Go to the best stitching store you can and buy the most solid wood hoop they carry. I tried ordering online, but everyone was back-ordered!
ah – June might be my favorite month so far – it really does look like a garden full of possibilities! I was hoping for some hoop recommendations, too – I started a big circle this month and I’ve had to work it so far without a hoop.
I love this one! It really does look like a garden, particularly one toward the beginning of the season as the plants are just starting to grow and flower.
This piece is gorgeous! I haven’t tried any kind of embroidery but this makes me want to take up the needles, thanks for the inspiration.
I loved the book Slow Stitching. The photos are inspiring and I support the philosophy and ideas. I recently mended a quilt I had hand quilted and used some of the ideas from the book. However I mended the quilt it was going to show so I tried to make the mending look pretty.
I am in total awe at your stitching!