Stitching Thoughts

Pam and Jacqui both have thoughtful posts on their blogs about the sort of stitching they have moved through (both have a cross-stitching background), and why they find crazy-patch/embroidery fulfulling.

Like many others, I enjoy crazy-patch because, when you think about it, every piece of work is a one-of-a-kind. It is not about following an exact design by someone else - although techniques and styles are followed, and sometimes even piecing diagrams. But that is where it stops.

A piece of crazy-patch is a bit like a finger print - no two are ever the same.

Apart from very exact diagrams appearing occasionally in embroidery or quilting magazines, it is not a division of stitching that lends itself to "patterns". Which is probably what makes it hard for magazines, which are project-based, to include it as much as many of us would like. And why it works so well on the net, which tends to be more exhibition-like.

In other words - look at this wonderful work of art, rather than "this is how to make an exact copy of this wonderful project".

Wish I had some time to stitch!

Maybe if I find a nice picture, somewhere in my files, it will make me feel better ......

One of my vests from a few years ago - it rarely gets worn, it is so bright (and short).

But it is one-of-a-kind (thank heavens), and shows where I was at then.

I came to crazy patch from a tatting background (not embroidery or quilting, like most others), although I had done a little cross-stitch. But my main focus remains finding a medium through which I can express myself - rather than a way of producing "items".

I wonder what this particular piece of expression says about me. Don't think I will go there!