She's Got Trousers

Autumn has trousers!  About time, you say?  I agree.  She was having way too much fun running around in her tights.

I finally told her the tights-only business was over, and she was very accommodating; she slipped on the trousers and modeled them.  She does love a photo shoot.

This morning, my plans for TAST (Take a Stitch Tuesday) have undergone a transformation.  Yesterday, I mentioned that a vague idea was floating around in my head.  Well, that possibility has gradually become more intriguing.  As the thought gained emphasis in my imagination, I jotted down some notes.

:) I know that TAST is almost here, and I do plan to keep up with my little 4 x 4" and 5 x 5" linen squares, but will let them remain mostly kantha stitching.  Today, I'm going to make a few more decisions about my new idea.  A little experimentation and maybe some prep work...if I still like it, I'll post more tomorrow.

In the Tuesday Stitchers group, almost everyone else has had more definite ideas and many have already done a LOT of prep.  Many are doing the crazy quilt project in conjunction with TAST.

 However, there is a definite difference in my style and quilting abilities, and I've been a bit intimidated by the size and complexity of some of the projects.

My preferences are not very sophisticated; I'm not as skilled, nor am I a good pre-planner, most of my projects evolve pretty spontaneously.  I like raw edges and primitive stuff, and I'm irresistibly drawn to Janet Bolton and Jude's styles.

janet bolton

jude hill - spirit cloth

 I will have to work within my own parameters and sensibilities.  And even though I admire (adore is not too strong) both Bolton's and Jude's styles, I can only take inspiration from them, not imitate them (although I wish I could!)...and maybe I will try some imitation.

At any rate, what I have in mind will definitely draw on the above styles and many others, but will remain relatively simple and primitive, allowing a great deal of leeway and experimentation and still help me practice more elaborate stitches.

So...
1) I have to keep things simple, and
2) accept that I really just want to improve my embroidery skills, not create a piece of art.

The kantha stitching 4x4's will remain my comfort stitching projects because I can work on them and catch up with some television and Netflix.  Love being able to do that because I can't seem to watch television without handwork.

Now, I have errands to run before I can come home and start playing.

Have a great Friday, y'all!