"This has been
a most unusual summer for stitching. . ."
I had planned to attend the American Needlepoint Guild - Seminar in Tucson Arizona during September 2006, and to exhibit two pieces of needlepoint. I had work to do!
At the same time, my husband, Louis, was in the midst of Cancer treatment. I just couldn't see myself enjoying Seminar with my heart with him so I stayed home and attended Seminar in spirit.
Friends would ask with concern, "Are you able to stitch?" or "I guess that you aren't doing any stitching". My reply was "How can I not stitch." Stitching is my meditation, my therapy. Stitching calms my soul and makes sense of confusion.
I will admit though, that it did take some strategizing to continue the pieces in work. Here's what I would suggest to anyone who has stitcher's block. I like to leave my stitching session with a needle threaded and ready to continue. That way, when I return to my work, I don't have to think. If the section of work is complex, I write a note and leave it beside the canvas telling myself where to 'continue'.
For me, backgound stitching is very enjoyable when feeling stressed. I find that using a complex background fill-in stitch (rather than basketweave) is the most fun.
I did submit my newly completed pieces to Seminar Exhibit and was thrilled to win two awards!
Sunrise/Sunset was awarded a 2nd Place ribbon, Professional, Original Needle Art, and Flight of Fancy was awarded a 1st Place ribbon, Professional, Interpretation of a Painted Canvas without a Stitch Guide. You can see them both now in my Crescendo Gallery.
Louis completed and published his book "My Father's Sons": An Autobiography about Life, Sibling Rivalry, Personal Growth and Coping with Cancer, the proceeds of which are being donated to The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation for ongoing cancer treatments and research. (Read more about it in the publisher's website - Authorhouse]
We both believe in the healing power of staying focused on creative goals.
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