Stitching in the Summer

The view from my "knitting" chair looks a little different these days . . . 

I blame this . . . 

I follow embroidery designer Nicki Franklin on Instagram. She creates the most charming embroidery designs for herself -- and for her UK business, The Stitchery. After drooling over her stitching kits for a couple of years, I finally succumbed and bought one. (Well. Actually more than one.)

I learned to embroider even before I learned to knit or sew, and I've always loved just sitting and stitching. I did a lot of cross stitch for a while back in the late 80s/early 90s, but I really prefer the texture of embroidery. Other than a few simple embroidery projects lately, though, I haven't done much stitching for a few years. 

So I decided I'd need a little practice with my "fancy" stitches before tackling my new kit.

Lucky for me, Nicki Franklin has a charming sampler/practice kit, too!

Although I won't be setting my knitting completely aside for the summer, it is going to have to share stitching time - and space on the table next to my "knitting" chair - with my embroidery. Stay tuned!

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How about you? What are you making these days?

Comments

[Sarah]

I was very seriously into cross-stitch for a while before knitting obsession took over, and I'm so charmed by all the cute embroidery samplers that are available now. One of these days I need to share some of the pieces I did all those years ago.

I'm still plodding along on my brother's sweater, and perhaps I need something shiny to dangle in front of me as motivation to finish.

[Bonny]

That "Plant Sale" design looks like it might have been made for you! Have fun with those fancy stitches and all the embroidery happening in your knitting chair.

[Juliann]

I finished my test knit and was thinking it might be fun to pick up my embroidery sampler for the summer. I think it will be a good alternative to m sock knitting projects.

[Dee]

Looking forward to see how this progresses.

It's nice to see embroidery making a comeback.

[kat]

What fun! (I enjoy stitching as well... there is something meditative about it!) This summer though... I am picking up a brush and forging ahead with watercolors! :)

[Carole]

That's just lovely and so perfectly you. I did a lot of cross stitch, too, but I never learned embroidery stitches except for French knots. Right now I'm knitting another Musselburgh hat.

[Debbie]

Years ago I did a lot of counted cross stitch and hardanger embroidery. I still enjoy embroidery, especially some of the small sampler kits. I will check out Nicki Franklin. I'm currently working on a Spring Stitchbook by Charlotte Lyons and am about half way done. I like the quiet, slow work of stitching.

[Mary]

Charming is exactly the right word! I'm seeing more embroidery pop up in my IG feed, too - maybe you're the reason why! (and thank you)

[kmkat]

I learned embroidery when I was quite young -- 6? 8? My mom taught me, but she was always critical of my reverse side "Too messy!" For a while in the 80s and 90s I did cross-stitch and needlepoint, but they had the same shortcomings as embroidery -- having to stop to rethread the needle, change color ofp thread/yarn. Knitting in continuous (mostly). Plus I have a moral problem with cross-stitch, needlepoint, (and embroidery, to a lesser extent): the finished product is not useful, merely decorative. Perfect for high-born ladies while away their afternoons, but give me a sweater/cowl/blanket everytime.

[Chloe]

Wish I liked to embroider - there are so many darling modern patterns out now - but I just don’t. A friend embroiders so I have started to keep up with it. There are many practical applications. Pillows, quilt squares, belts, jewelry, a favorite motto, just about anything. I have Kristin Nicholas’ book which I keep mostly for technique, in case I have a sudden urge to embroider initials on some mittens. Will check out Nicki Franklin’s Instagram just for fun.

[Vicki]

Oh man, I'm a sucker for a sampler of any kind!! ;)

[sustainablemum]

Wonderful embroidery, I have been dabbling with a little too. I do love embroidery.

[Jane]

I look forward to seeing your embroidery projects. These are both darling. I love the finished projects but somehow I stall out on the process so for right now I'm going to enjoy your stitching.