Needle, Thread, Fabric and Jude

I log onto blogland and check those blogs that I am following each day, or at least I try to check each day. I've been following Jude Hills' spiritcloth blog for some time now. I don't even remember how I found her I just know that looking at her wonderful spiritcloths or quilts can be very addictive. I am not only amazed by what she can do with needle, thread and scraps of cloth but I find her stories behind the cloths fascinating. She has brought to my mind the many hours I would sit and watch my grandmother or an Aunt sew. A wonderful friend from so many years ago had taught me how to embroider and cross stitch. Oh how I wish I had paid more attention and kept up with this wonderful craft.
I came across a bag of upholstery samples at a yard sale several summers ago and bought them. I recently found where I had stashed that bag and decided to give it a try. I decided to embroider over the designs already there. I find time most evenings to sit and work on this little piece with needle and found embroidery thread inherited from my late mother-in-law. I'm so glad I didn't throw that box out or sell it; those threads have come in handy many times. I find even just a few minutes of time spent sewing on this piece helps calm me.
If you love sewing, quilting or stitching of any kind and if you love endearing stories you must visit Jude's "spiritcloth" blog or her "what if" blog. If you haven't picked up needle and thread in a while she may just inspire you to give it another try. I am and I know it's not the best but it's my best try and with time I'll get even better at it. Time is one of the subjects of Jude's blog post today. I agree with her in that we all should slow down and take the time needed to make something with our own hands for our friends and loved ones. These handmade items are often the most cherished. Wouldn't you agree?

http://spiritcloth.typepad.com/spirit_cloth/

http://spiritcloth.typepad.com/what_if/

Wishing you all a good and restful weekend,
Tess