I'm not sure why it is that I love hand sewing so much. Most of the time, I like to get things done as quickly as possible. I seem to run around like a chicken with my head cut off!
Yet, hand sewing, beading, and hand embrodiery, have always been close to my heart.
Maybe it's because I wasn't allowed to use a sewing machine until I was about 12 years old, because my great aunty had sewn through her finger and my grandmother the dressmaker (my Italian "Nonna"), was very protective of me.
She made sure I knew how to not rely on machinery, and to hand sew. She was so proud of me whenever I took it upon myself to make something, rather than her suggesting it. Many a Cabbage Patch Doll outfit was made by these hands!
And my mother is a quilter. She makes the most wonderful traditional American quilts. What's even more special about her quilts, is that he HAND SEWS every single little piece together. And then, she HAND QUILTS it all! Not a machine in sight, until the first side of the binding comes along.
My mother also taught me how to quilt, and how to piece, and how to get every little join absolutely perfectly matched. That's something you cannot do on a machine, no matter how hard you try. And even though a quilt takes many, many months to complete, (or, in my case, several years), in the end, they are one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces, that bring a smile to my face, every time I look at them.
So, I guess hand sewing is in my blood.... on both sides of the family. Don't get me wrong, I love glue ~ I really do! But some things are just more beautiful and delicate and precious when you take the time to put that needle and thread in and out of the fabric.
The pictures you are looking at here, are a 100% hand sewn and hand beaded, One-Of-A-Kind lace bib style necklace that I have created.
It will be in my shop shortly, in the Original Jewellery Designs section...... working on the listing as soon as I finish this blog post, so take a peek in maybe 20 minutes...
(Update - here's a direct link)
(approx 12.30pm Thursday AEST, 9.30pm Wednesday Eastern time for my US friends... and so forth)
It was inspired by another necklace I made, for myself, a month ago. Mine has less bits of lace added, I didn't have as much time to create my own one as I did the new one.
So tell me, do you find yourself creating things in the most satisfying way to you, rather than the quickest way? I'm interested to hear how you work, and what you enjoy. Is it just me who sometimes enjoys that there are ways that can take longer? Maybe it's that I'm enjoying the process and I don't want it to end, do you feel like that?
Natasha xo
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30 comments...:
I do lots of both machine sewing and hand sewing. I machine sew a lot just because it is faster and I love the satisfaction of having things done, but because of the problems I've been having with multiple sewing machines over the past few months, I do hand-sew too (although not always by choice).
I also like to hand sew because then I can take projects with me when I go somewhere - I usually take embroidery though.
Ah yes, portability is definitely a helpful factor. I love that you can pick up a bag, and take your work with you :)
What a beautiful piece, Natasha.. there is something very soothing about sitting in a comfy chair, needle and thread in hand, stitching away to create something beautiful. I find it so relaxing.
You are so fortunate to come from a family of creative women, who passed down their skills & techniques to you : ) No wonder you're so darn talented, it's in your blood!
Sheryn xox
Just exquisitely beautiful, chick!! Oooooh, how I wish I had something like that, but I don't look good in things around my neck. Can you believe it??? Me, not looking good!!! LOL LOL LOL LOL.....
xoxo,
Connie ;-)
This is absolutely stunning! Great job! and a clever idea that is such quality work. I love it.
Sharon
I never learned to sew. I can't even sew a button and be sure it will stay. I do wish I had the patience for projects that take more time. I believe that anything handmade is from the heart no matter the time involved, as it is always made with love. Your bib necklace is beautiful and certainly something to be proud of. Blessings to you, :) Tammy
as only Italian Nonna's can be so protective!!! But a wonderful skill and love to have been passed onto you. The same with my family, a long line of talented hand stitches, my mother in particular. In fact I will do a post on some of her incredible work. I adore hand stitching and embroidery, something so peaceful and good for the soul doing it! Wonderful neck piece Natasha, I had noticed yours in your profile photo a while ago! Oh and belated congrats for Artful Blogging! Can't get that one here unfortunately. Take Care - Rachaelxo
as only Italian Nonna's can be so protective!!! But a wonderful skill and love to have been passed onto you. The same with my family, a long line of talented hand stitches, my mother in particular. In fact I will do a post on some of her incredible work. I adore hand stitching and embroidery, something so peaceful and good for the soul doing it! Wonderful neck piece Natasha, I had noticed yours in your profile photo a while ago! Oh and belated congrats for Artful Blogging! Can't get that one here unfortunately. Take Care - Rachaelxo
Natasha, your neck piece is truly stunning!!! you already know i am not the biggest fan of sewing...i do wish i were better at it...esp when i am watching project runway...i wish i could take a piece of fabric and make something gorgeous and wonderful out of it...i like quick projects, but that is just me...
Wow this is the third time I have tried to leave a comment, finally it is quiet here! This si the time I like to create most, in the middle of the night when all is quiet and I can sit and embroider or bead for hours and hours on end, or paint or make card or or or...you know any one of the many things I love doing. I really dislike repeating the same thing over and over again and love to start on new projects every so often to get my mojo going. It is in the middle of the night sewing sessions that I come up with my best new ideas...I hope I find my sewing things soon in this unpacking mess...I need a little bit of calm.
By the way your beaded piece looks lovely as do all your new items, off to do a bit of shopping...ssshh don't tell anyone(that is another good reason to do things n the middle of the night).
Kiss Noises Linda
It's a cold, dreary Autumn morning here in Western New York. What better way is there to brighten it up a bit than to surf the Web and find wonderful blogs like yours? Your necklace is stunning! So much work went into it and it shows.
What a beautiful post Natasha! I also learned to embroider and sew as a child, and love it - but haven't done too much since having a family. You've inspired me to re-think this though - slowing down the pace and savoring creative moments sounds very appealing...
hi natasha,
what a beautiful read this is. your necklace pieces are amazing.
often i have to work in small increments -- sneaking outside to spray paint, trimming paper during homework -- but i do enjoy taking my time once i find the time. did that make any sense?
xo
beautiful lace bib and wonderful words on sewing. Leroy's card was very sweet. It's always so pretty here.
This is gorgeous! You are so creative girl!
Sandy xox
Natasha, they are both stunningly beautiful pieces! You are so talented!
Natasha, they are both stunningly beautiful pieces! You are so talented!
This is stunning! Your photography of it is completely book worthy and I would buy it in a second!!! You are right, there are many moods and bendings of time with all differing projects, their motivation, and how you feel while doing them. I love when the light is just right and I pick something up that I have been forgetting or even enjoying and I see it in a new way. Light has everything to do with my inspiration and the time I spend on it. I live for the bright Eastern light of the Midwest in the morning to get me frolicing outside with my son or drawing at my table. The way tulle lights up when draped across a gift in that light can be what heaven is to me, the act of giving, the act of seeing, and the act of capturing that light. So, I do realize I must take my time more often when the light is good because I am awakened by its beauty to create and it is worth waiting for a perfect slant of light. Blessings friend on the other side of this miracle world. Blessings to you.
That's an amazing piece of art you created there. My hand sewing teeters on terrible. I find that with my metalsmithing it's worth the wait and when it's over I'm satisfied and yet I also dread starting a whole new project. There's something exciting AND scary about starting something from scratch and knowing that it could take quite some time to complete. But in the end, it's always worth it.
What a beautifully written post. You make me want to sew! I do much prefer hand sewing to using a sewing machine. Sewing machines sometimes frustrate me. I also love to knit and crochet and when making an afghan sometimes it's kind of sad when you finish it. I enjoy the process. Thank you for such a thoughtful post. Enjoy your day! Twyla
What a beautiful work of art! It looks so gorgeous on you.
I do both ...machine and handwork. I do rather enjoy handwork more. I think its the quite time that you spend. I do a good amount of knitting and it always soothes my soul. Handwork does that to me too!
Great post Natasha and a gorgeous and stunning piece of wearable art.
Natasha,
This is such a beautiful post...both with words and photos...
I loved learning how you came to love this art form and seeing the beautiful necklaces you are creating now! Stunning is all I can say!
Hi beautiful Natasha....just visiting some of the very talented blog gals who own web shops like me.
I am hosting an event on my Flea market blog(Pawsh Poodle Flea Market).....
It is....the "Black Friday Flea market" and I am trying to rustle up the most talented gals I know.
I wish we all lived close so I could host a real...Flea market but this is the closest thing I could get to an on~line "Rose Bowl"..lol
Hope you can participate...details are on my blog.
Hugs Sheri
www.pawshpoodle.blogspot.com
Both pieces are stunning!!! I too love handwork and the delicate process it takes to do fine stitchery, beading, or ribbon embroidery. Sometimes it is good to slow down and enjoy the process and not just crank out a finished product.
OMG! I love it Natasha! Just beautiful...you need to make more , this photo of you is just beautiful....Thanks SOMuch for stopping by I'm such a bad blogger I havent been by in a while. All your creations are simply beautiful, I always love your gown paintings:)Hugs to you, xoxo Kimberly
PS. The WINGS comment was so weird right!!!!
It is relaxing to sit with hand work on your lap, but for the most part...I am impatient! I usually do the fastest method first, then take my time and redo after I've learned from all my mistakes. So, in the long run, my impatience takes twice as long! Go figure!
yup, love doing hand work. Yours is beautiful. I could really see this on a strapless wedding gown.
I am so in love with the process and where it takes me...that I, most times am lost inside it. Loving it. I wish with all my heart sometimes I could stay...I am going to say it...even though its such a long, long time...forever
Such a beautiful piece Natasha! And that picture of you is FABULOUS!!
xo
Hahah.. I thought I was crazy enough to sew my finger with the sewing machine when I was two. The needle really went through my finger, said my folks. Thank goodness, that did not get me banned from the sewing machine, and I have no plans of keeping my future kids away from the sewing machine too. :-D
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