I have enjoyed all sorts of needlework since I was a child. I think my first project was a kid's kit I got when I was around 7, to embroidery very simple animals on kitchen towels. Counted cross stitch seemed to start to really get popular in the late 70s and I got into doing that as well. Crewel needlework was also big back then and I am glad to see that is getting popular again.
Anyhow, around the time I was about 11 or 12, and minis were still pretty big in the general hobby world, I sold my first minis, little pillows I made with tiny pillowcases that came off, and were embroidered on the edge with little flowers. I sold them to a local toy store that carried miniatures.
Anyhow, I never really stopped doing little needlework projects. I have made mini curtains, bedspreads, Christmas stockings, etc. In the last few years I have learned about a type of micro needlepoint called petipoint, which is worked on silk gauze. It looks very intricate and difficult, but I actually find it fairly easy and relaxing. Here are a few piece I have done recently:
This was my first piece and is 42 count. This picture is bigger than the actual finished piece, with is about 1-1/2" square.
Next, I tried a small tapestry for a Tudor room box I was working on.
And then I did another pillow from the series the squirrel was in, because I do love bunnies, as you might have noticed:
This is the same size as the squirrel, so you can get a better idea of the scale, using the edge of the dime beside it. I have not had time recently to work on a mini needlework project, but I am in the mood, so I think I will dig out the goodies to start something new.
I am always amazed at how intricate your mini work is. I am about halfway done with the pincushion you sent me. It is SO cool. Hope the moving went well.
Posted by: Beth | August 07, 2008 at 05:46 PM