I’m alive and stitching again!

So, I’ve been in the middle of some dramatic personal changes in my life that somehow don’t seem entirely appropriate for this blog, but I’m about being a honest person and an honest maker, so I’m going to share a few personal things.

In the last few months I’ve gone through some major changes.  I’ve moved out of my home and I’m living on my own for the first time ever in my life. I’m separated from my husband of many years. I’m trying to find my way in the world as an independent, single person. Parts of this are terrifying. Parts are thrilling. I realize that this is something that women do every single day, but to me it is a huge freaking deal. Throughout this time I’ve been really struggling with finding a place for my creativity in my life. My making and stitching and drawing have been minimal, but always there. I know that it is going to take a while for me to get this going again and it will come and go in fits and starts, but I’m happy to say that I’m working on two projects again. Finally!

The first is this embroidered pair of boxers for a friend of mine. The design is from an ancient Greek image of an octopus. I have big, totally playful intentions for this very personal piece. I love the idea of making something that is worn under the clothes. It may get a little racy.

 

The second is a self-portrait based on a series of photos that I took of my own naked back reclining in my new bed, on my new berry-colored sheets. After I tried many images, my darling friend Alex helped me photograph it more clearly than I could do with my tripod and self-timer. And my sweet friend Juline helped me pick out some good ground fabric. For now, I’m just posting about the gift for my friend, but I’ll soon blog about the new self-portrait I’m doing.

It feels amazing to be back stitching, drawing and creating again! Thank you SO MUCH to my friends, my parents and the amazing online community for being so supportive as I find my way in my new life!!

Yah!!