Sunday, August 9, 2015

Sitting stitching

I had to spend a few days away this week, stuck inside in a room where I couldn't do much. I read a lot, which was great, but I was also glad I remembered to take along my little sewing bag. I begin this piece back in 2013 and just take it with me when I travel or know I will be sitting around for lengthy periods of time.

I was asked what I was making, and I had to reply nothing really. It's just a piece of fabric I take with me, and then I sit and stitch, and add things to it and see what happens.

My first new addition was this slinky row of stitches. I have few rules for myself, and don't mind if the line goes a'wandering.




And then I thought I'd try a weird little cut out square - wobbly, but whimsical.
This is the way it is placed on the fabric.


But it also looks nice from this angle.


And this angle.

I enjoyed doing the French Knots.  It's not finished yet - I may add a few more.


In love with soft frayed edges and loose threads.



The best therapy is often doing something with your hands don't you think?


And then I was so, so, so happy to get home and look at this.


20 comments:

  1. love your stitching Fiona, the square and the French knots just make it pop, l can see something magical happening, cant wait to see it finished.

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    1. I honestly have no idea of what it will be or if it will ever be finished Kate - but it is wonderful therapy. Thanks!

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  2. I agree, I always take a bit of stitching, and it doesn't have to be anything special but it may end up being just that. love the wavy square.

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    1. Its wonderful to hold the fabric and stitch whilst you wait isn't it Penny? And even better not to have a goal or purpose in mind! Go well.

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  3. now those are things worth looking down and up for xxx

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    1. Thanks Ronnie - my eyes were most definitely down!

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  4. Stitching is magical, meditative, tactile and just plain fun, don't you think? I do the same - stitch while waiting during the urchins' various lessons after school.

    I love the ethereal quality of your cloth and stitches. There's a sensibility of mending about some of the stitches that is very appealing. Of course, the cloth's loose weave and texture makes me yearn to hold it and run my fingers across the mended areas. Such lovely work!

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    1. You describe it so well J! You would enjoy holding it, it is so soft and worn, but also warm and gentle. I love having it near me and holding it - AND it travels in a rusted fabric bag you sent me! Go well.

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  5. jennifer is right, this begs to be touched (or maybe i'm begging to touch it?)

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    1. Love it both ways Velma! It is a delight to hold and handle and so very friendly...

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  6. There's something in that stitching that takes me back to the days of pioneering women.....mending, and embellishing, tattered and used clothing.

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    1. It is very grounding Jo - and has so many connections to times past and women's work. I think you feel as if you are part of a tradition somehow when you sit quietly and stitch...go well.

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  7. cant tell you in words how beautiful I think that is. love the 'slinky stitches', and the lovely contrast between the inside stitched edges and the outside frays

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    1. Thank you so much...it is a delightful little project to carry with me, and gives me much pleasure. I'm so happy others enjoy it too!

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  8. Such gentle softness here ... a gauzy feeling, I dare say

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    1. Thank you Liz - it is so very soft and gentle...

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  9. "tenderly, gently" as Neil Roberts (RIP) said in neon all those years ago
    http://www.neilroberts.com.au/detail.asp?iID=601

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    1. Thank you Mo - tenderly is just the right word for how I feel about this wee piece. It has no purpose but to simply be a comfort...go well.

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  10. I don't call myself a stitcher, yet like you Fiona, I occasionally turn to it just for the pleasure of the activity. I am tempted by a new book being published next month all about 'slow stitching'. I suspect it will be all about the pleasure of the doing and the contemplative nature of random stitches but I find the idea of buying it very appealing. Your piece looks so soft and must feel wonderful in the hand to stitch into. What marvellous calm it seems to generate.

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    1. Oh Lesley, slow stitching sounds just like me/us! It is such a gentle pastime as the story unfolds from your fingers...I love this fabric it is so soft, and you a re right about the calming qualities it generates...go well.

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.