Valerie Hearder on the art and soul of quilting

Judy's Journal: I feel as if I know her

via judys-journal.blogspot.ca

Judy Martin wrote a lovely piece about some embroideries I'd bought on my recent tour to South Africa. These highly expressive pieces were made by women in the Isipethu Sewing Collective in KwaZulu Natal. We visit this group each time we take our tour to South Africa. These embroideries tell us about the women's lives. Interested in come to South Africa with me next April? We still have a few spaces on the tour. www.africanthreads.ca

Gathering

To gather with friends is a simple, rich experience and, when women gather to stitch, it is particularly special. Last week began with two days with my dear friends, Judy and Margi at Penny’s house in Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia… always a treasured and affirming time.

We stitched and sipped wine in the studio surrounded by quilts and cloth and books… always books. We read each other quotes and talked of hopes and plans.We talked about the meditative aspect of quilting. Margi commented that the hand stitch is like a "physical mantra". I like that.

The stitched pieces here were made by Judy. You can read more about her work on her popular blog, Judy's Journal. Also check our Penny's blog, Tanglewood Threads.

I had to leave  our gathering two days early to attend the birth of my first grandchild named Scarlett. A rich week indeed - my soul if full.

How does a sewing machine work?

via cdn.theatlantic.com

Ever wondered exactly how a sewing machine works to create a smooth line of loped stitches? The perfect video that somehow I can watch for ages.