all it takes is a needle and thread...

6/8/2021

You cut a length of thread, pull the end through the eye of a needle and knot one end.

You take a piece of fabric and push your needle into one side of the cloth, then pull it out on the other until it reaches the knot.

You leave a space. You push your needle back thru the fabric and pull it out on the other side.

You continue until you have made a line, or a curve, or a wave of stitches or simply a mark.

That is all there is: thread, needle, fabric, and the pattern the thread makes.

This is sewing.
.............................................................................................

Words from the book….THE THREADS OF LIFE
A History of the World through the Eye of a Needle
CLARE HUNTER

10 Comments

Jennifer Manefield

6/8/2021 12:06:34 pm

A superb book, especially at this time!!

Cecelia Clarke

6/8/2021 01:02:17 pm

Thank you for sending these lovely closeup photos. The art of the handmade stitch is to admired and treasured.

Cecelia

Christine McGuigan

6/8/2021 01:23:31 pm

That is the best book I have read, it lead me to so many other stories about stitch. I recommend to everyone, who loves the feel of threading a needle, get the book.
Then read Patch Work, by Clair Wilcox. Absorbing, beautiful writing.

Bobbi

6/8/2021 02:23:48 pm

Thank you Glenys... each stitch as deliberate as letters building language and story... such comfort and companionship ... beautifully presented. Thanks also for the book recommendations... Bobbi x

Ann Shuttleworth link

6/8/2021 02:27:59 pm

Just home from surgery, delighted to read your blog. Since my multiple bypass in 2008 threading a needle has been such a challenge. Two years before I could pick up a needle and then constant hand cramps once I do get going. Completed a new -T-shirt last week, in bold pink dots to cheer myself up, more that needing a new garment. Now thinking of using fabric scraps to weave Christmas cards, which will challenge Oz post as they only deliver printed matter now. The fabric will be printed, but also embellished. How else to communicate with friends that I care. Ann

margery amdur link

6/8/2021 11:27:40 pm

A perfect way to start the day, especially because yesterday I was unable to feel appreciation for the time that I had to push a threaded needle through material.

Instead, that time, one of experimentation, was lost as my concern was on the outcome. I know first hand that when one (myself included) is focused on the end product it is often impossible to appreciate the process.

Again, thank you!

Christina Struck

8/8/2021 01:01:33 pm

Margery, that is so true especially for me. I held off doing/experimenting any kind of fun slow stitching because there “had” to be an end result. Once I got passed that, and it took some time, I was off.

Jacie Malseed

7/8/2021 08:55:32 am

I felt so relaxed after reading that!

Barbara Johnson

8/8/2021 12:13:07 pm

Yep, a great feeling that needle. 🌹

Sharron Deacon Begg link

17/8/2021 09:20:34 pm

I fully appreciate the 'lost in another world' feeling doing hand stitch ... truly ... I indulge as often as I can.
Being a life-long rheumatoid arthritic makes hand stitching a frustrating experience sometimes.
But, I found that same feeling with my sewing machine ... lost in another world'.
I still thread a needle with anticipation and get very excited when that needle sets off to draw thread through a lovely piece of fabric.
Once I became spiritually connected to my sewing machine (40yrs & counting) and listened to her, free-motion machine embroidery let me be the stitcher I love being ... my feelings, thoughts and art in every stitch.
So, hats off to other machine stitchers who work as one with their machines !

glenys mann

Notes that catch my thoughts, dribbles, splashes, spills, drips, words, and other detritus, as I work my way thru journals and blogs that have kept me occupied during an unusual time in all of our lives...