INSPIRATION and motivation

Sometimes inspiration and motivation can be elusive.

We know that we love to needlepoint, yet it can be so difficult at times to feel 'entitled' to sit and stitch. The excuses we find to do other tasks ("I'll have time to stitch later") are endless.

Stitching often fills the spaces between other responsibilities. We finally get to relax with our stitching at the end of the day with tired eyes and poor light!

Often travel can be welcome just for the quiet enjoyment of holding a piece of stitching while on route. I sometimes felt troubled about stitching in isolation, "a lonely activity", I said . . . and I felt 'invisible' within the world.

I've now found some ways to motivate and inspire myself that help me to leap over some of those hurdles . . . My favourite of all is the 'Stitching Table'. I meet with friends every second week in Toronto. When I'm in Florida, I meet weekly with another group of friends. We stitch, show and share, talk needlepoint, laugh, empathize, encourage each other in our projects, discuss life and generally have a great time! These gatherings increase my stitching momentum. I return home with new enthusiasm to keep stitching and have new work to share at the next gathering.

Stitching guilds are a great place to meet and stitch together. Often there are smaller groups within the guild and these groups meet at frequent intervals. Stitching guilds offer course where you can improve your skills and meet other stitchers. Seminars increase your connection with the stitching world at large. Please read the stitchamaze links for reference to Guilds that you would enjoy. There are many choices. Cyber courses, Workshops by Mail, and Fiber Art magazines, offer ways to be inspired and encouraged. When I became involved with various groups, I realized the 'large world of needlepoint', not just the small view inside the walls of my home. Other stitchers were really interested in seeing my 'Art', and I in theirs. I was even encouraged to exhibit. My daughter Lisa said "Mum, you should have a web site." 'The rest is history', as they say.

Showing you my pieces in work, here on stitchamaze, encourages me to keep working as you are looking over my shoulder. That section helps to motivate me, as I so look forward to showing you my progress . . . and I really do encourage you to show your work to friends, at Guild meetings, at annual Seminars, at local Art Shows and even here at stitchamaze!

My Guest Gallery allows us all to share the beauty of our Needlepoint Art. To me and others, this gallery is a fabulous 'Needlepoint cyber-Magazine'!

It seems that the more I show and share with others, the more inspiration I seem to have!

Rosalyn Cherry-Soleil