As a little girl, I enjoyed needlework of all kinds, including embroidery, cross-stitch, and needlepoint. My interest in them have ebbed and flowed throughout the years, but these days, there is a large variety of patterns and inspiration that all types of crafters can enjoy.
Some crafters dive into needlework with a sense of nostalgia, looking at the old patterns and creating fun pillowcases, towels, and embroidering tops and kid’s clothes.
One fabulous source for traditional patterns is “Vintage Transfer Finds,” where Floresita posts free patterns from her vintage pattern collection. From puppies and kittens to farm scenes, there’s a wealth of pictures available to download and use. If you’re not as tech savvy, of course there are always Aunt Martha’s transfers, which you can find at about any craft store. Again, these are traditional designs, but are an adorable way to dress up a baby gift or towels or even underwear!
One of the best stitching Blogs out there is “Feeling Stitchy,” which even includes Jenny Hart in its lineup of writers. Feeling Stitchy features the most interesting needlework going on around the net, with holiday ideas, needlework projects around the net, and even political needlework.
If you’re not familiar with Jenny Hart, you can find her patterns at Sublime Stitching, where Jenny takes “Aunt Martha-like” patterns to a hip new level with designs including: vital organs, viva Las Vegas, pinup girls, gothic, and mid-century designs. Along with writing for “Feeling Stitchy,” and you can see all the great new patterns and even projects she’s working with on her blog.
If you grew up with the country cute world of cross-stitching, have fun with the irreverent designs of “Subversive Cross-Stitch”! The sayings are a riot and have inspired all sorts of creative work! There are still plenty of basic country patterns out there, but if you want something different, you can enjoy saying it straight with the traditional cross-stitch.
If you’re a bit more ambitious and not a beginner, there are quite a few historic needlworkers on the net these days. My favorites are Laren at The Needles Excellency and the immensely talented Racaire. I believe both of these ladies are members of SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) and try to recreate almost exactly the needlework techniques of the period. Be sure to check out Racaire’s tapestry! It’s mind-boggling!
That’s all for you folks who thought needlework was boring and done only by old ladies in their retirement! What are you waiting for? There’s a whole world of stitching to be found!
Photo courtesy of Frequently Wrong But Never In Doubt
