Grandma's hobbies

wtg

@Bernard That’s a lovely piece of needlework. Well done!

Axtremus

@Bernard , that’s beautiful! Just curious … how big is it?

pique

I finished my large needlepoint tapestry about three weeks ago. I am almost done backing it then it will go on the wall.

breathtaking, as usual, bernard. You are a wonder.

Steve Miller

Spectacular!

Bernard

@Axtremus Thanks, Ax. It's 54" x 38"

Bernard

@pique Thanks. Can't take credit for the design or colors, those are from Candace Bahouth. She's my favorite needlepoint designer (it's safe to say, I've done several of her Medieval pillows).

Link to video

Jodi

@Bernard said in Grandma's hobbies:

I finished my large needlepoint tapestry about three weeks ago. I am almost done backing it then it will go on the wall.

That’s gorgeous!

AdagioM

Beautiful needlepoint, Bernard! I’ve enjoyed watching the journey of those irises on your blog.

I wish mainstream media would stop being ageist and calling these granny hobbies. “This is not your Grandma’s…whatever.” We’ve been doing this since we were young, at whatever age.

wtg

@AdagioM said in Grandma's hobbies:

I’ve enjoyed watching the journey of those irises on your blog.

As have I.

@AdagioM said in Grandma's hobbies:

We’ve been doing this since we were young, at whatever age.

Yup.

Bernard

Thanks, Jodi.

Thanks, AdagioM. I agree.

Thanks, wtg.

Bernard

@wtg

I have a bunch of counted cross stitch kits that need to find a home. Maybe there’s finally a market for them.

I visit one of our local thrift shops quite often and they have a huge arts and crafts section. I inevitably come home with needlepoint kits, cross-stitch kits, floss, wool, and/or books.

Before I retired I purchased my favorite kits from Ehrman's collection. Being a bit pricey (understandably) I figured it wise to spend before going on a fixed income.

So I have a growing collection of canvases and kits to last me a good while!

Bernard

@Steve-Miller Thanks, Steve.

dolmansaxlil

Bernard, all of your fibre work is always so lovely! I love this medieval style. I have some Teresa Wentzler (sp?) cross stitch patterns (and one about 1/3 finished) laying around the house and I need to decide if I’m ever going to go back to it or if I should donate them. I love her patterns and she retired years ago so I am worried about getting rid of them in case I ever want to go back to it! Right now I’m on a break from fibre arts but I have been making my own clothes. I made some merino wool pieces for travel (two dresses, travel pants for the plane, two sleeveless Ts, a short sleeve T, and a long sleeve T). I also made three pairs of pants for work and upcycled some vintage children’s bedsheets into a blouse and a vintage children’s sleeping bag into a puffer coat. It’s been nice to be able to wear what I make but it’s a different kind of satisfaction from doing fibre arts that are made to be displayed rather than worn.

Bernard

Thanks, dolmansaxlil. I just looked up Teresa Wentzler and I like her patterns. There are a few I would consider purchasing.

My experience with unloading projects or patterns that were never started or remain unfinished: I keep them. I can't tell you how many times I've gone up to the spare room and come across a project that's been out of sight for 2 or 3 years and get re-inspired and finish it. Or crafts that have been set aside--sometimes for years--suddenly get reawakened. So I don't get rid of stuff. There will come a time, probably, when it will be right to unload, but that time is not now.

I love that you're making your own clothes. It's something I've wanted to do for some while. Apart from the odd shirt, I haven't gotten real serious about it yet.

One of the most inspiring people I know is Marion at Marion's World. She makes a lot of her own clothes from thrifted items, and more often than not embellishes them with artistic beauty. She's incredible...

Link to video

dolmansaxlil

Oh thanks for that tip about Marion’s world! I love upcycling thrifted stuff! FYI there is a fantastic place here called Our Social Fabric which only sells donated leftovers from clothing manufacturers. That is where I have been getting my merino wool jersey. It keeps it out of the landfill and it’s super cheap! The merino is $10 CAD a yard! I am sure there must be an equivalent in the US!

Mary Anna

That's glorious, Bernard!

We're seeing this phenomenon in our family. Muffin is doing a lot of knitting, and one of the Quirtlets enjoys crocheting. Muffin's brother is into woodworking, and his wife has a business selling her embroidery. They all enjoy cooking, with Muffin's Sister taking that to the nth degree by going to chef school.

Two Christmases ago, the crocheting Quirtlet made me a set of coasters. This past Christmas, Muffin and I (unknown to each other) crocheted each other Christmas ornaments. There's a yarn store around the corner, so we can usually find an excuse to go buy stuff when they visit.