Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Stitching Therapy

I'm still not in a creative mood and continue escaping into my shows, needle in hand, stitching compulsively, self-comforting.  (Wow--did the conclusion of Grimm's  latest season ever surprise me!)  Even without the head, this body is nearly 18", one of the largest I've ever made, so it has kept me engaged through quite a few days.
  
Stitching arms
 and legs.

When I finish stitching the body, 
I suppose I'll have to get around
to making a new head.

I have three more bodies that I made for dolls (all much smaller) that somehow didn't work out.  Maybe I'll just embroider bodies until the urge to move forward occurs. More blank canvases to fill.

I used a disappearing ink pen for the spirals, but the rest is simply improv--calming, soothing, an escape from problems I can't solve. Requiring no planning or thinking.  Just filling the next empty space.

One problem that I can solve and worked on yesterday is culling and de-cluttering.  So many half-finished projects that have been shunted aside and that I know will never go anywhere, along with all kinds of "stuff" that I thought might come in handy some day. Filled a trash bag and dumped them.  Still a long way to go, but a start.

Working myself into the Christmas mood with all of the blog posts I've been seeing lately.  Not there yet, but I can feel the need for a snowman or two beginning to take hold, and I can tell there is a Pinterest marathon coming on....

18 comments:

  1. Wow, she's beautiful! Your stitches are magnificent, also your threads! Hope you're well. xo

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    1. Thanks, Connie! She has really provided a useful service over the last couple of weeks. :)

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  2. This is amazing! These embroidered dolls will be very unique. I can't wait to see what you do with the heads....And I know what you mean about getting rid of unfinished stuff and clutter-it does seem to help me with creative blocks too....

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    1. Even if I cover the doll with clothes, I'll know what is under there. :) The clutter situation gets out of hand, doesn't it? I tend to shove things into baskets or boxes planning to make some decisions later. Duh!

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  3. I'm sure your stitchery will grow into a project that will relaunch your enthusiasm!

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    1. I hope so! But I do need to spend more time on clutter removal, too. :)

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  4. Omgosh, keep stitching these until you are sick of them. This doll is amazing. Grimm!! Yup it's one of the few "Can't Miss" shows for me. And everyone knows Sunday nights on CBS are mine and please be quite while I watch and drool over the new guy on The Good Wife!

    I was just thinking that this improv stitching would look great on a spring jacket I have.
    xx, Carol

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    1. I'm not good about keeping up with shows in real time, but love a marathon when I need it. Thank you, Netflix for providing plenty of those.

      Oh, Carol, go for that jacket! I've embroidered tee shirts, but a jacket would be much better!

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  5. What a fun and clever way to put your beautiful stitches to use! I find my creativity comes and goes on its own volition, no matter what.

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    1. Thanks, Rian! My creativity comes and goes, too. :) Embroidery has always been a way to spend my time while I wait for the enthusiasm for something else. I've embroidered some tiny details on previous dolls, but this past Spring, when I was making some stuffed softies, I covered one of them with embroidery. That's probably why I saw the doll body as a new canvas to pass my time.

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  6. Often 'clearing out' gives me a whole new perspective and opens up space not only 'real space' by my inner space. Your embroidered doll is just gorgeous. I've made a few small dolls with embroidery all over them -- I found it was quite relaxing to sew by hand. We're big fans of Grimm and watch it each week. I won't tell you what's going on now *smile*.

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    1. Funny what a mess we can make when we get busy on a project. The clutter I'm cleaning up now is a collection of odds and ends that I've saved and just tucked away in the attic, which is where I hide things that have no immediate use. It's taking longer than I expected!

      I just finished the 2015 season of Grim, and it really surprised me. Can't wait for the next season!

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  7. Your stitch work is exquisite!!

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    1. You are always so sweet, Debra! BTW, I'm still enjoying the beautiful candle you sent me, and I'm keeping up with you and your wonderful students. You are such an inspiration!

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  8. As always, I love the stitch work! I've mad a few dolls but nothing that comes even close to this level! Maybe this is one for a mature little ladies who is absolutely wonderful. I can't seem to get into the Christmas spirit, so this might help! Enjoy your stitcheries and don't worry so much about the blogs. I know, it all just about killls me that I can't get into the studio right now. I have to heal from the flu or whatever first, but it really bothers me that nothing is happening in there!.

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    1. I'm sure the Christmas creating spirit will hit me soon, but moodling around with the stitching keeps me happy. I'm thinking snowmen in both clay and cloth, but will see if actual activity ever hits. I know you've been suffering, Mary. Give that flu a good kick, forget about your students, and rest up during the Thanksgiving break!

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  9. Embroidery is one of my interests - I don't spend a lot of time on it but I do love it and I'm fascinated with your doll embroidery! I love it! A few months ago I did some serious "dumping" in my sewing / quilting arena. My GD and DIL were recipients of some of my stash and many tiny scraps and stuff were tossed out. I even considered for more than a minute tossing out some UFOs but reconsidered and didn't. I think I'm at a place now where I'm comfortable with the sewing situation that I have -- I'm beginning to sew again, etc., and things aren't too messy now, at least! And, oh, the Pinterest thing -- I have spent beaucoup time there pinning away. I'll email you my Pinterest ID so you can look me up.

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    1. I'm just glad you didn't get rid of those Grandmother's Garden blocks! I'm glad you are back to blogging and quilting!

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Good to hear from you!