Where to start...
I guess the beginning is as good a place as any. I come from a long line of textile nuts. My maternal grandmother, Granny, is the most amazing crocheter ever. At 92 she is still working up granny square rugs for anyone who sits still long enough. Right now she is making on for my grandfather (Grandpa) in a variegated brown and cream wool. He's 93. I remember Granny trying out silver smithing too. I still have a silver crucifix she made. It's a very special piece. Granny taught me to crochet (keep that hook facing away from you!!!)
My mother (Groovy) is the most amazing embroiderer I know. She uses cottons and silks to "paint" pictures. Her work is technically brilliant. She always has at least three projects on the go: one counted piece (good for working on when she is out), something familiar (good for working on when she is tired or unwell) and something new and exciting. She has tried most forms of embroidery. I'm not sure which are her favourites but I know she likes crewel and has started to learn traditional Chinese embroidery. She also knits and sews. She is an inspiration for me in so many ways. Perhaps the most enduring is her ability to be completely present in whatever she is doing at that time. This extends to those what she is doing it with. I love watching her with Mr X and the Princess.
So now to me. I have been trying to think about what would be my first textile memory and to be honest I'm not sure what is. I remember the feeling of taking a finished woven "blanket" made using a weet-bix box and scraps from Groovy's material and wool basket. I finished something! I made it! Me! That blanket was useful too. It was for one of my teddys. I guess that this is a theme for me. As much as I enjoy the creative process and the making of something, the idea that the end result will be useful to me or someone else, is a huge part of the justification.
Since those humble beginnings I have tried my hand at many things. Sewing, crochet, knitting, lacemaking (tatting, bobbin lace), weaving, embroidery (tapestry, cross stitch, black work). I have slowly landed on knitting and sewing as the things that I like to do most.
The germ of the idea for this blog started when I discovered and then registered for Gertie's Gertis's sew retro perfect bombshell dress on Craftsy. Fab class by the way. Via Gertie's blog I have discovered so many others who are sharing their experiences online. If they can, why can't I?
I am looking forward to sharing stuff, but particularly how I learn how to do things better. I can sew but my techniques are pretty slap-dash. Technically correct sewing techniques has not been of interest to me until now. I hope you enjoy this journey with me. I can't wait.
