Hand-sewing is relaxing and an easy way to unplug. I feel the most substantial benefit is that it allows your brain to claim down and loosen the body because you're only focusing on doing one thing, which is the stitch you've chosen to do. Also, it's something tangible that can be gifted or hung on the wall or turned into a pillow, or more.

I am known to keep an embroidery project in my handbag with everything needed to sew on the whim. My bag usually contains a Norton House Quilting cloth bag, but when going to the beach, I will place everything required into a huge zipper-plastic bag to keep it safe.

Before I start any stitching project, this is what I do:

 

1) Choose the pattern that inspires you. Inspiration comes in many forms. I typically choose based on the conclusion meaning, will it be a store sample, will I gift it to someone in mind, or am working on mastering a technique. I find that if I don't know my "why" then the project might not get done.

Before the boys and I went to Old Orchard Beach for a holiday, I picked out this embroidery pattern from Kathy Scimuble.

I'll be using the pattern as an example of how I start and finish a stitching project.

 

2) Gather what you need for the project. I always make sure I have backups of the items that I could lose, such as needles. I strongly feel it's one of the worst feelings to sit down ready to sew but, yet you're missing something.

 

For the example project, it doesn't come with fabric, so I choose to use an unbleached 100% cotton muslin fabric. I then grabbed a FriXion ball pen, and it just so happen to be in the color of pink.

Then choose what color DMC floss or pearl cotton color or colors you wish to use. I always read what the pattern suggests, but sometimes, I feel wild and select colors that I want to use.

In the example case, I went with grey pearl cotton from DMC.

BUT before I could start stitching, I first had to transfer the pattern onto the fabric by using a light-box. I usually use a window with the sun shining through, but I found a light-box in my Grandma's sewing room. Going forward I'll use the light-box, I'm hooked of the ease and constant brightness.

 

My little people wanted to transfer the pattern onto fabric and they did a wonderful job! 

          

 

3) Gather your tools.

You'll want handy:

• Embroidery needles (I have a minimum of 3 ready to go on the cloth at all times)
• Snippet scissors (little embroidery scissors that are small but yet mighty at the same time)
• Needle threader just in case my eyes fail me
• Thread with a bit of extra. It's beyond annoying to run out of floss.

4) What to place the project within. I'm very mindful about how I take care of projects. There are so much love and care that goes into the art piece that I want to make sure it stays safe. I don't wish to stains or rips to happen. So to ensure it remains secure I place everything needed above into a Norton House Quilting cloth bag, or I put it into a sizeable zip-plastic baggie.

When I fly to Houston, TX, for Quilt Market, I place everything I need into an oversize zip-lock baggie, which also includes the hoop. I will even cut ALL the DMC floss into the correct size I want so I don't need to worry, nor bring snippet scissors.

When the boys and I were on the beach, I still had everything I needed in a plastic zipper bag but didn't cut my thread in advance.

When you plan and feel inspired, you'll be ready to work on any project. I love going to the beach with the boys and watching them boogie board and dig in the sand, but I too need something to do. I've never been able to sit still and lay on the beach or lay by the pool. I need to keep my hands move and head, thinking, and dreaming.

 

I hope I've inspired you to bring a hand-stitching project with you the next time you travel or when you sit outside in the evenings.

I'm happy to help if you have questions! I LOVE talking stitching and sewing.

Happy Stitching,

-Emily

Norton House Quilting

30 West Main Street

Wilmington, VT 05363

802-464-7213