Around the World Blog Hop

I received a delightful invitation to participate in an "Around the World Blog Hop" from Jayne at JaynesStitchingTales (THANK YOU, JAYNE!).  I jumped at the chance to be part of the fun.  So - here we go -

What am I working on?
There's always something in the craft bag next to my chair, or on my desk, or in the tables in my studio/craft room.  Right now, several are for exchanges and are surprises, so I can only show you blurry pictures.
Hooked on Exchanging Autumn Exchange:

Just finishing up a Christmas Biscornu for an exchange hosted by MiiStitch:

Tudor Tuesday FB SAL - Catherine Parr (design by Painted Pony Designs). Her dress is done in a combination of tent stitch, Scottish stitch and a stitch I made up as I went.  Angora thread was used for her white cuffs, neckline and the trim on her hat; feather and trim in metallic threads, dress embellished with red beads.  Now I need to decide on the background stitches…hmmmm…..

And - not to forget the 20 inch Christmas stocking I'm making for my soon-to-be-born grandson!

What sets my work apart from other stitchers?

I don't think my stitching stands out from other stitchers.  There are so many talented people out there, I'm just enjoying myself and love the process.

Why do I create what I do?

As a child, I was always making something.  Maybe it was because I'm an only child and I used making things as a way to entertain myself?  I remember waking up in the morning and thinking "What am I feeling special about today?"  I learned to knit when I was in fourth grade, learned cross stitch and needlepoint in fifth grade.  The rest, as they say, is history.

Years ago, I read a saying and it became my motto:  "The Work of the Hands Brings forth the Spirit of the Heart."  When I create something and give that creation to people, I feel like I'm sharing a part of me.  Love, patience, (a little frustration at times ;0)) and gratitude go into each and every piece I make.  I love sharing with others.

How does my creative process work?

Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with ideas on how to finish something, or a stitch to use to make whatever I happen to be working on "POP".  Sometimes I feel like my head is going to explode with all the ideas floating around.  So there's really not a process - it just kind of happens.

Passing the torch 

I'd like to introduce you to three Stitching Sisters I've come to know through the blogosphere.  They have accepted my invitation to hop around the world and will be posting their stories Monday, October 6th, but why not pop on over to their blogs now to see what they're up to? They are talented and creative -  

Jacquie from My Journey

Kaye from Kitten Stitching

Mel from Epic Stitching

Wishing you a wonderful week - Keep yourself surrounded by stitches ~ Cheers ~