Growing up with fiber artists in the family helped me develop an interest in needlework. When I was younger I enjoyed doing cross-stitch, and then after college I got a job at a needlepoint shop here in Philadelphia, and I learned how to needlepoint as well as developed my interest in embroidery further. As an artist who loves to draw and paint I found myself drawn more to the art of embroidery. It is fun to create a design and use needle and thread to “paint” it on fabric.

I recently finished a sampler dedicated to my previous cat, Macy, who passed away 3 years ago and to my current cat, Lucy. I liked deciding on a layout and choosing which flowers would look best, and then digging through my thread stash to choose the colors and thread that would suit it best. I look forward to getting it framed and hanging it on my wall.

My current work in progress is a design by MadisonTeaseColors I found on Etsy. I loved the design of the witch and her cat, so I purchased it and started choosing threads to bring it to life. I look forward to finishing it, getting a pillow insert and having it ready to display in time for Halloween.

One of the reasons I keep coming back to embroidery is because I find it so meditative. If I don’t have the concentration or energy to paint I can pull out my embroidery and feel like I’m relaxing and creating something just for myself. It’s nice to have something to do while I watch tv or a movie as well. I have a bin in my studio full of assorted threads, patterns and fabric, and I look forward to creating more pieces I can enjoy in my home.