Saturday, January 30, 2021

For Hens' Teeth

After cross-stitching the floral wreath, I have been aching to get another hand-sewing project going. I am waiting on an order of fabric; something called lugana. Have you heard of it? It's supposed to be nice for cross-stitch. I am also waiting on my brain to make up itself on whether or not to get cross-stitch software. I found one that seems well-received and with it I could scan my own art and make patterns, including the DMC color chart to match. It sounds so cool! I am hesistant, because I am debating whether I need software, something that seems appropriate for a business, or someone with a longer attention span than I have. I am a Hobby Fairy, flitting from project to project. In the meantime, went rummaging through my stash, and came up with floss, wool felt, buttons, and bells, and no plan.
I did think it would nice to make a felt brooch, with stitches and charms, something to pin to a coat. The first piece I cut out felt thin, so I decided to layer pieces, and then I started stitching the first part. I shouldn't have kept with the cross-stitch needle, which is dull tipped, and not suitable for wool felt. More scrambling around yielded a sewing needle, but I should be tracking down an actual embroidery needle. I talk myself through all the things I ought to do, as I merrily, heedlessly stitch away! I should have started with a plan, with a sharp needle. I should have done some warm up stitches, considered the spacing, the design, settled on a color scheme. It's no use. I am better than I used to be, but the impulse to jump in and flail about is too strong. Every bit, every choice was met on the road, like when I considered that the two pieces I cut could become a small pouch, and not a brooch, or perhaps a brooch-pouch? A pouch-necklace? If it was to be a small bag, I wanted the embroidered piece to have a backing... scrounge around!
How to keep the little purse shut was a puzzle. I didn't leave room for a snap. I wanted a button and loop, like I used on my wallet, and Maria's. (I can't believe I made these 11 years ago, and it proves how much I flit from one thing to another. I still use this wallet, though the poor little owl has long faded away. I loved making it, and gee, it's only taken me 11 years to re-visit sewing with wool.) Wait. Where was I? Button and loop fastener, yes. Well, I'd already stitch a name right where the button would go, so I had to think of something else. I found a small wooden button and twisted twine, something like a rustic baker's twine. Oh! And the bells! The bells started on holiday garland, that I raided for herb wreaths, and now they are employed in new position... tinkling merrily on a tiny purse!
Just the thing for bus fare, or a sea-shell, to press a poem to your heart, or to collect hens' teeth. I already started another. I don't have a plan, but I've stitched a small Mars, Moon, and stars.

6 comments:

gretchenjoanna said...

So charming and pretty!!

Teresa Kasner said...

I love your term "hobby fairy" which is exactly what I have been my whole entire life! People used to tell me that if only I'd stick to one thing I'd be quite the expert.. but I always wondered where they got off telling me how to create in my life? Pffft. And I think it's best if you don't have a plan when you start something as your artist/designer needs a clear palette so you can produce your own work of art. I have photos of my turtle pouch here.. https://teresakasner.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-bead-goes-on.html

((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Cynthia said...

I love it. A little fairy purse. You truly are an artist.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Thank you, all! I should be more sure of myself, but I can't help enjoying positive feedback. Teresa, you are wise, and I always appreciate your positivity and moxie. We should all stick to what we enjoy, for as long, or as briefly, as it suits us, if we can. I'll go on making some more of these, or something like them, until I flit in another direction! Oh, and everyone should see Teresa's bead work... it is quite expert!

Janece said...

These little fairy pockets are the very best thing! I can't believe my luck that this one ended up living with me. <3 <3 <3

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Somehow, Janece, it had to be yours! Have you found any hens' teeth, or stashed away a treasure?