It's been a while since I've been out of the house. I've been working on my writing and staying in where it is cozy and warm. But I was beginning to get Cabin Fever, so today hubby and I headed out to Mary Maxim, which is a needlework and crafts store.We spent about an hour looking around and we bought a couple of things. One was the stamped cross stitch kit above. I also bought an iron-on transfer pencil, embroidery floss, an eight-inch embroidery hoop (mine broke quite a while ago and I only have 12-inch, which is too big for a project I'm planning) and a package of embroidery needles.
I used to do a lot of needlework. I did a large swan and cygnet needlepoint years ago. It hung on our bedroom wall for years but one day when hubby was working in there, it came crashing to the floor and the frame broke. I really need to take it and have the mat changed and the frame either repaired or replaced.
I have had another needlepoint on the go for some time. It is of a stag on the moor of Scotland. I have been working on it off and on since Christmas, but don't have a lot of time. I was having problems seeing it, but since I got my new glasses, that isn't a problem, so hopefully I'll get it done before the winter's over. I don't do needlework in the summer because of gardening and being outdoors more.
For the next while, the needlepoint will sit neglected once more while I work on a small project. I can't tell you what it is, because it is for someone who reads my blog, but you will find out once it's done and this person has received it.
Do any of you do needlework? I find it relaxing. It also is very rewarding once your project is done. Please comment and let me know what hobbies you have. I'm always interested in projects that my readers have on the go. ~Blessings, Mary~
That would be the outlet near Paris if I remember. We were there a long time ago, so it might be in a different place now, or I might be misremembering.
ReplyDeleteI knit and knit and knit. I also do a little crochet and a little cross stitch, but it's knitting that holds my interest.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of the Mary Maxim store, will have to check it out! Unfortunately I don't do needlework, or knit, or crochet, or sew...sigh! My mom use to crochet a lot and tried to teach me but it just wasn't my thing. Have always admired people who can do all that stuff, though:-)
ReplyDeleteWe're supposed to get another deep freeze heading our way...oh joy! lol Tomorrow I have to bring mom to buy her groceries so I'm hoping the roads are good.
Take care, dear friend! xoxo
mary...lovely cross-stitch! I have done quite a bit of needlepoint and latch-hook. Recently, I have tried to re-learn how to crochet (my grandmother taught me when I was young)I am struggling. So much for a homemade afghan for my grandgirl. Scrapbooking is my new thing.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Mary!
~AirmanMom returning to her blog...
I used to do needlework every spare minute. My house was full of my projects and everyone got gifts from my needles. I haven't done any for years now because of my vision - it's fine for everything except close work like that. I actually did several Show and Tell Fridays on that topic. I used to knit and crochet, too but those are also USED TO's. Sad.
ReplyDeleteI used to do a lot of counted cross stitch, but haven't done any in a while. I like to scrapbook.
ReplyDeleteI tried needlepoint many, many moons ago. I don't seem to have much time for hobbies. I work fulltime, commute 1 hour each way. I get home 6pm and there never seems to be enough time. I suppose my hobby would be gardening. I love flower gardening, starting the seeds in the house and watching them grow. That however is very time consuming. For lots of years, I have been with my husband, doctoring, chemo, stem cell transplants, so I never had much time for other things. Now that I'm alone, I just don't yet have the desire to do much of anything. My husband and I were never home, we were always bumming around on the weekends. Even though he was ill he kept living out each day as normal as possible. I would often want to stay home on the weekend and clean or something. I am so thankful now that I spent every minute with him. So when he said lets do something, away we went!
ReplyDeleteI am sooooooooo glad I came by and read this.......... you will see latter............ but it will be a nice surprise..........
ReplyDeleteI am off to drink that radioactive cocktail tomorrow and I hope to get your package in the mail tomorrow when we get home.......... but I am glad that I waited....... :)
enjoy your needle work girl...... I do not do that but enjoy looking at others handiwork!
Have a wonderful Thursday...
I use to do embroidery when I was younger but now I knit, I'm not surprised you have cabin fever, are you waiting for spring to hurry up and arrive?
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to get out and about. I know how I get when I stay in too much myself. Well I don't get to stay indoors too often with a teenager. LOL
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a successful trip. Love the kit, pretty.
I used to cross stitch all the time. I started having a lot of trouble, mainly with Arthritis and stitching starting causing me a lot of pain, no matter what I tried. It also caused frustration and it took me forever to finish a project. So I had to give it up. It took awhile to get over it because I'd gotten so used to stitching and made lots of friends along the way who stitched.
Someone suggested I journal, which led to art journaling and my what doors did that open. It has changed my entire outlook. Amazing what a hobby can do. I was in talented art in high school and when I graduated I just didn't keep up with it. I now wish I would have, it makes me happy. I love creating things and recording my thoughts at the same time. It's a great record to leave behind for my son too. I've even got my Mom journaling now, although it's not art journaling, at least she's writing things down for me.
Thanks for your question Mary. I love reading your blog.
I've never liked cross stitch as much as needlepoint and embroidery but I used to do all of them years ago when my eyes were younger. Now I enjoy paper crafting and blogging. Thanks for reminding me how much I like needlepoint, I have a few pieces that have been put away and I should pull them out and see if I can finish them...;)
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I crochet. Can't knit for beans but would love to learn.
ReplyDeleteI also sew, hand quilt, counted cross stitch and do some hand sewn applique.
I also like photography though I'm not all that good at it, and love to cook.
I think I'd like scrapbooking, but it takes a small fortune to buy the starter supplies!
I've ordered from the Mary Maxim catalog but it's been at least 25 years since I did. I'll have to look them up online.
I have a feeling I know who the project is for. ;o)
Happy crafting, Mary.
Love and hugs,
Diane
Oh, Mary! A post after my heart! You know I'm really into the embroidery thing right now -have been since last August! I also enjoy knitting, crochet and sewing too from time to time. For anyone who wants to check out some great craft things but can't go in person, there is MaryMaxim.com and also Herrschners.com -sign up for their e-mails and get information on the sales right to your inbox! I'd be lost without Herrschners and especially all their great sales.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to do some pictures some day in embroidery but the ones I really like are almost always counted cross stitch -which I can't seem to master to save my soul.
Good luck with the projects and be sure to post photos when they are done too!
The only needlework I do anymore is crocheting. But I've done embroidery when younger and tried crossstitching, with no success. I guess it was the tension with my needle and thread...it looked hideous.
ReplyDeleteI love the choice for your project. And yes, I know just what you mean when it can lay around and get nothing done on the progress when the world outdoors awaits you to be in the sun and garden!!
Oh, and tatting...mom tried to get me into tatting 'lace' around pillow cases I'd embroidery...what a fine art that is.
Glad to hear you got new lenses so you can do some of the work again, it IS relaxing.
I use to love needlework but just don't have the time anymore. Hope you have a wonderful weekend
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI love to knit, crochet and do some needlepoint , I do have 2 pictures of bunnies in needlepoint. I have had them for some time that need to be completed.I won't mention how long I have had them :-).
Love going to Mary Maxim I drool at all the lovely craft projects and never can leave without picking up something new.
Love your blog layout from Anni. So pretty, you do have a good friend .
Mary-I use to do needlework-but haven't in years. You're right is is relaxing and neat to see something come alive before your eyes.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary...I like to crochet, cross-stitch, and I love scrapbooking and taking pics of emmy. Jason and I have a scrapbook that we started when we got together and that I still keep up to date.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read about your project!
Love, Jess
Hey girl sorry I have not been around much....life has been crazy. I think I am just trying to get used to a new life.
ReplyDeleteI have had many side hobbies. I have enjoyed playing with watercolor...haven't done that in a while.
I also had fun with crocheting...haven't done that in awhile.
And of course there are some crafts I have enjoyed doing. I am not really doing anything right now....maybe soon.
Love your new project....I know it will be something to treasure when it is finished.
Well, I have attempted to do needle work. The embroidery came out well, but forget most anything else. Simple knit and purl works ok and I can do a few other stitches. Cross stitch, no way,lol. I admire those that can, Jim's Mom did beautiful things.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new goodies.
That looks like a difficult project.
ReplyDeleteI have just learned to cross stitch in the last few years. I enjoy doing it. I brought some of Daughter's pattern books home with me yesterday. I want to do a sampler of holidays or seasons. I haven't found just what I want but talked to her about it and perhaps she will design me one.
I crochet and have decided to do a couple of Angels like ones i made back 5 or 6 years ago. I didn't make one for the granddaughters and have made them one of most of the ones I've done. So, I'll try to do at least 2 before next Winter. I have also been thinking of making a mini quilted wallhanging.
I went to the website for the store. I liked what I saw, bet it was a fun visit .
Are you doing another pay it forward?
Mama Bear