I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Friday, April 16, 2010

The Time Of Gathering Ideas

This is the time of year that I go for long walks with my loyal companion, Sohpie, searching for the new blossoms that are blooming across our wild west Texas grounds. I am always amazed to see splashes of color weaving it's way in and out across the prairie and stickery pasture land.
Such pretty colors in vibrant shades of purple, yellow, blue, red and green.

Also in shades of pale lavender and pink. I take a lot of photos to take home and to sketch off the flowers and to match the colors with my floss, so that later I will have something wonderful to embroider. I have always found the best color combinations out in the wilds. How about you? When you get ready to create.......................where do you find your inspiration? Do you find it in the colors of the sky at dawn and sunset?.................or across a field of flowers?..................a pond perhaps? ..............or do you find other sources of inspiration? I would love to hear!



8 comments:

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Pretty flowers! Isn't it wonderful to see the earth coming back to life after the winter's cold?

papel1 said...

We have wildflowers around our house. Lupine, Buttercup, shooting star, Mariposa Lily, and more. I like sitting outside in my garden on my rocking outdoor chair, but I am usually looking at magazines which tend to be my inspiration. But I do enjoy the fresh air as I sit outside drinking coffee or a cold drink and reading.

GardenOfDaisies said...

I agree that the colors we find together in nature are the most beautiful! No better inspiration than what God already came up with.

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hi Kathleen,

Although I do find inspiration from my view and walking around to observe all the flowers and the interesting way that a trees leafs out I must say that I'm a vintage textile junkie at heart.

My vintage fabric collection is most inspiring to me...the designs go from timeless to shocking. I love the Chartruese [green] in particular..it was found abundantly through the late 40's and 50's. A lot of people hate that color but I find such depth and energy from it. I think I must have been meant to live back in those days [but with my internet connection] LOL!

The altered photographs on my PiNk Saturday post are an example of how the fabric inspires me...I love to photograph it and then use it to make a digital design...my collection of pillow ticking alone can keep me thinking of things to do for quite a while.

I had to laugh when you asked how I keep up?? I feel like I'm running behind ALL the time! I used to be a blaze of energy..now I dream about it and do the best I can.

And I'm not working outside the home either...I know you are enjoying your job but I know you are feeling the loss of time and energy towards other things....we can't all be super woman. :0) I once was though.

There are some ladies that I visit and admire so much for the volume of stuff they get accomplished so quickly.

Thanks so much for visiting...I love visiting you and I most always leave after writing a whole chapter!!

Have a wonderful weekend...

Hugs,
Stephanie ♥

Joanne said...

Lovely post. Nature and especially flowers are a wonderful source of inspiration for crafting and for life.

Marsha T said...

I just love your site! I read a lot of blogs, but I especially look forward to yours. I check daily for current updates! You got me back to embroidery after almost 25 years aways from it! Your stitching is gorgeous, your insights wonderful and your photos exquisite! I find inspiration in favorite colors of the past, nature, flowers and birds. Please when you have a chance show more of your work! I love to live vicariously through your stitching!
Marsha

Paula said...

This time of year there is beauty everywhere, isn't it, Kathleen? I love wild flowers and I'm amazed sometimes at where they grow!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Kathleen,
What beautiful flowers you have in Texas. I can see how you get inspired from such beauty. I enjoy looking at our wildflowers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spring is such a lovely season. The handiwork of God. Have a blessed weekend.