I just finished editing the final video of our Africa trip. If you’re interested in following along I created a playlist: African Adventures and you can subscribe to get email notifications whenever a new video is posted. The last video of that trip will post on Saturday.
A couple of fun things are in the works. First I’m interviewing my friend Pat Pauly this Wednesday and should have that interview posted on my Youtube Channel by Thursday. And speaking of Pat, she hand dyed the most exquisite pieces of linen and has them up on her site. You can go and purchase by clicking ‘here‘. Pat’s linen is my favorite linen to use because each piece is utterly unique as she stencils and hand paints each one and also because she uses an excellent quality 100% linen. I love the hand of it and how easy it is to stitch through. A word of warning though, last time Pat put a number of these on her site she sold out in less than 24 hours, so if you want one, you better hurry!
I was so inspired by my trip to Africa. It wasn’t just the animals, but the crafts, the baskets, the textiles, the masks, sculpture, art, all of it was just thrilling to see. As a result I’ve been incorporating some of these elements in my improvisational stitching piece that I started a while ago.
Improvisational Piece inspired by African motifs
Obviously I have a LOT more to do on this piece, but I’m liking where this is going. I may even be able to work in a livestream in the next few days if my migraines will cooperate! And if you haven’t already done so, my Improvisational Stitching Workshop is coming up and there are still some spaces left. This is the workshop where we discuss design, design elements, free form hand stitching, improvisational stitching, color, techniques, and I will also be talking about how to incorporate things that inspire you into a piece. We will use either a plain linen background or pieced, and will discuss the different ways to piece and appliqué onto the background before we begin hand stitching. This workshop runs on Saturday and is 5 consecutive Saturdays in a row, giving each person plenty of time to work on their piece before we meet again. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in branching out and doing your own thing.
in other news, I’m doing my best to take it easy, get used to this new malaise that seems to be part of my life now and not get too upset that my energy level is so much less than what I’m used to.
“This too shall pass” they say and so I remind myself of this all the time.
Take care of yourself. You’ve had a lot happening in your life lately. Self care is important and as women we tend to feel guilty about it.
So true and then wonder – what’s the matter with me?
Ariane you are coping in your own way. I am still working through the loss of Dad in April. Time and prayers help. Kind friends too. Be well my friend.
Thank you Debra. I’m so sorry about the loss of your dad. With you in grieving and mourning. ❤️
I watched an interview with Anna Bates and yourself……….it was either Stitch Roadies, or Quilt Roadies, and I looked you up. Now I’m hooked and have yet another “addiction”. OH MY. Take care. Yes self-care is something that we women seldom seek, and our husbands adjust to. Well, at 78, time’s a fleeting and I need to do that more often, as my body screams for it. You do also. My mantra over the past few years has been: “inhale, exhale, breathe and live in the flow of Mercy and Grace”.
Aw… love that. Thanks so much for reaching out. I’m going to remember your motto! ❤️
So glad you are part of our lives Ariane. I’m looking forward to what Africa brings to your creative table. Take care of yourself lovely lady x
Thanks so much Deborah. I’m so happy you feel that way. Really appreciate it. ❤️
Ah, Ariane. Take care and don’t rush your healing. It will happen in its own time. You have been on sensory overload ending in great sadness..I remind myself of that as I recall my wonderful companion who passed away at the end of 2019. Then Covid hit and at the same time my 45 year old son started chemo. Then we had a 4 month remission and now his cancer has returned with a vengeance. I keep telling myself to feel my feelings but keep busy and occupied. It is hard but we will make it through this. I keep you in my prayers and ask the same. Stitch on for peace. ❤️
Oh Lynn, Thank you. I’m so sorry to hear. I’m thinking of you and your son. Sending you both love and healing. ❤️