Grandma's hobbies
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I have a bunch of counted cross stitch kits that need to find a home. Maybe there’s finally a market for them.
I did a lot of needlework while riding the train to and from work each day. It was a great break from the day to day grind of my job. I’m glad to hear that people are returning to the old-fashioned hobbies.
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!
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Spectacular!
@Steve-Miller Thanks, Steve.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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.
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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.
@Mary-Anna That's just wonderful, Mary-Anna. And thanks!
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My mom and her best friend at what we kids used to call "Stich and Bitch".
I think both of them are dressed in outfits (top and skirt) that they knit.
Add a friend:
Knitting everywhere!
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@wtg Stitch and Bitch was big in the 2000s - 2010s. I'm sure there must still be some S&B groups around.
@Bernard said in Grandma's hobbies:
@wtg Stitch and Bitch was big in the 2000s - 2010s. I'm sure there must still be some S&B groups around.
I didn't know there were organized groups under that name. I looked it up, and apparently the term has been used since WW2.
And here Irene and I thought we had come up with a brilliant name....I guess we were just continuing a noble tradition!
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Sharon and Kim are in one that meets twice a month.
I thought the name they made up for the group was very clever but I guess not.
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@Steve-Miller Link is from 2009, but a bit of Cleveland Stitch and Bitch history...
https://lakewoodobserver.com/read/2009/01/27/crafty-ladies-local-knitting-group-not
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What an interesting thread. I feel like I've seen an upsurge in younger people knitting or crocheting in quiet times as they occur, but I like hearing about and seeing the work products in this community as well. It brings to mind the now-long-running sourdough thread.
Big Al
