A Needle Pulling Thread Fall 2016 Sampler

epertoire
Editor's letter
We are makers. We thrive best with fibres running
through our nimble fingers for hours at length.
Every breath a stitch, every creative idea is born
from the heart and springboards with enthusiasm.
We are quilters, knitters, embroiderers and most
commonly learn our craft from our grandmothers,
mothers and friends.
Loving a craft is more than just engaging in it, it’s
about power, the power to make things as we
imagine them and to develop skills to see them
through, all which boosts confidence and fosters
the freedom to express ourselves. Furthermore
the act of engaging in needlework becomes a safe
haven and a chance to play like children engaged
in playtime. This is so important to me.
I was very young when I started to make things.
The need to alter clothes started as young as 12,
when my mom was still at work, I’d use the sewing
machine to alter the style of my clothes to my
shape and liking. Furthermore, I loved the idea of
making clothes myself.
To be a maker is a little like being a magician…
making something useful, beautiful and essential
out of very little. I love the moment I say “TA-DA!”
when I finish a sweater, a quilt, or a dress. It’s a
moment that affirms my power as a maker.
Over the years, I’ve learned that altering patterns
of any kind isn’t that hard and putting a little
more thought into how I’ll go about it can be so
rewarding. If I’m stuck, I consult with other makers
who will surely light my way. This interaction
creates a sense of friendship and a sense of being
part of the community of makers. Likewise when
I attend a craft show, be it a knitting or quilting
show, I can feel the electricity in the air emitting
from like-minded makers excited by colour, fibres,
and textures. What a rush!
Another electrifying moment happened this
summer when mom and I pooled together our
skills to make two baby quilts for two young
women in the family expecting their first baby.
The moment they saw the quilt that was expressly
made for them a wave of emotion overwhelmed
them. These quilts were made for them and with
them in mind, from choosing the fabrics, the
patterns, the colourways and every seam stitched
to harness good vibes. That’s power - the power to
move people.
This issue is chock-full of projects to ignite your
creativity, they are suggestions borne out of the
imagination of the participating makers. Make
them so they reflect your most creative desires.
In today’s readymade world let us not lose our
power to make things.
Cheerfully,
Life goes better with needlework!
What will you make today?
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● fall 2016
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