Several years ago, some of my friends and I started a craft collective called the Ironing Maidens (I know, awesome, right?). We would get together periodically to craft and bat around project ideas, and even held bazaars in the parking lot of the Sacramento News & Review, the local alt-weekly where many of us worked at the time. It’s been a long time since we’ve gotten crafty together and I’ve missed it horribly…so, I decided to host a ladies’ craft night at my house the other night. Several original members of the Ironing Maidens were on hand as well as some new lovely ladies. The project of the night? Cross stitching.
As it turned out, none of us had actually ever done cross stitching before…so, we did what any intelligent crafter would do and turned to YouTube for guidance. After a quick tutorial by one randomly picked video (Oh, Vickie!), we were off. Sure, there was some initial frustration and perhaps a little cursing (mostly on my part), but we soon had cross stitching dialed in and were engrossed in our projects. Of course, we took breaks to eat, drink and have several good laughs. It was an amazing night, and I look forward to many more like it.
like my embroidery-thread 'stache?
erin had every intention of crafting, but little charlie demanded her attention. this is as close to crafting as she got that night...still, we love her.
veronica perfects the art of cross stitching.
shannon poses with her work-in-progress. for the record, she'll be putting a bird on it. haha!
finished with california, rosemary tackles new york!
the ever-so-lovely darcey takes a break from her creation to pose for a picture.
shannon has cross stitching down to a science.
veronica poses with her finished product, a gift for a friend with a baby boy on the way.
rosemary's heart divides its time between california and new york.
my work-in-progress - not too shabby for my first try, right?
8 Comments
What great fun! They look fantastic! Well done all
Ok. So. Over the years I’ve always gone with the traditional, cliche New Years resolutions – lose weight, exercise more, learn to play an instrument. I’m now 30, not in shape, and can barely play the kazoo. this year I’ve decided to make a new resolution. (drum roll please). To learn new things and be more creative!
I’m fairly crafty so i thought…no big deal. Not a tall order. I’ll watch some youtube videos and learn new things. I haven’t done that bad. I’ve taught myself to knit. Not all that well I have about 2-1/2 feet of a very basic scarf in the works. I’ve acquired a sewing machine. It only took me a week to get that bad boy threaded. Now we, the sewing machine and i, are having a staring contest across my living room. I think he’s winning. I’ve named him Swinger. Why you ask? Well, because I thought the brand was Swinger. No. It’s not. That would be Singer. Right. Of course. Anyways…I’m babbling now. My point was…is…love the idea of a craft group! FANTASTIC. Cross stitches look lovely too.
-mo
Looks like a blast! I wish I had time to make stuff other than jewelry!
Great job ladies!!!
How fun! I used to craft like crazy when I was younger, and taught myself how to cross stitch. What will you do with your piece when it’s finished? Frame it?
Love it! Cross stitching is one of my favorites, although I’ve never freehanded it the way you ladies did! I love all the designs.
This is awesome! I can’t wait to see the finished product!
Whoa! I remember the ironing maidens! I was a fan then and am delighted to discover you again! So cool!