Some of you may not know that my adventures with embroidery began in my forties. My creative stitching journey began in 2004, the only stitching I had done up to this time was hemming, when I finally took the time to explore creative courses at craft and quilt stores. It was through a crazy quilt class that I was challenged creatively! I came to the realization that embroidery was a form of artistic expression.
As I was learning to embellish the crazy quilt, I became fascinated with the “art” of silk ribbon embroidery. As I learned to manipulate the ribbon to create flowers, trees, and ocean scenes a world of possibilities began to excite me, and my passion to learn all things embroidery began.
Throughout time, women and men use a needle and thread as a utilitarian tool, but also felt the need share their creative selves through stitching patterns of what they saw in everyday life. As I read about embroidery, I was captivated with stories that were told through stitching that represented the inner and outer landscape of lives lived. Those stories were told on fabric. I felt compelled to do the same.
Out of curiosity I decided to research the history of silk ribbon, and learned it was mainly used to decorate clothing and household items. I also came across information that stated that silk ribbon was a craft that piqued interest in societies every 50 years. I was starting to see how that was possible, since I couldn’t find silk ribbon at the craft stores anymore. I made up my mind that this art was too beautiful to go unnoticed for any length of time.
I then had an idea! If I create art using silk ribbon and other fibers, maybe it would inspire others to connect to this intriguing world of embroidery as I had. Also, this beautiful art of silk ribbon should be created to be displayed as a fine art form, and not just on clothing. I was on a mission, and it was the vision I needed to believe in my creative self, and abilities. It also gave me a purpose.
It is hard to believe, twenty years ago that idea came like a muse enticing me to be creative, and the mere fact that I embraced it changed the way I live my life. Embroidery arts have not only helped me express my inner soul, but also have helped me to truly see the beauty that is showered upon the earth daily.
I am grateful to be a part of all the people throughout history that took the time to pick up a needle and thread and express the beauty they saw in their surroundings. The samples they left through crazy quilts, embroidery samplers, clothing and other tapestries paved the way for me to do the same, but I am thankful that I was give the vision to change it up, so I could inspire a new generation of stitchers with modern techniques.