Thursday Threads

Thursday Threads is a reoccurring post where I share all things creative. I invite you to share your latest creations by tagging me on Instagram @summerkitchencreations and using the hashtag #SKCthursdaythreads.

Do you have a hobby that you learned as a child, but haven’t found the time to work on in recent years? I have several of those types of hobbies. That is why this year I made a commitment to find time to work on something creative on a weekly basis.

I know it isn’t easy to make time for yourself.

You have commitments.

You have a family you need to take care of, meals to cook and a house to clean.

After a long day at the office or one spent chauffeuring kids around from activity to activity the last thing you feel like you have time for is yourself.

But, taking care of yourself helps to revive your energy, gives you time to relax and allows you to create something meaningful.

Even if you can only find 15-30 minutes once a week, you should sit down and do something you enjoy. I promise it will be time well spent.

These are a few of the creative projects I’ve been working on recently.

Punch Needle

This summer I learned to use a punch needle. Others may refer to it as needle punch. Either way, I absolutely love it!

This is my first creation – a pattern by Brenda Gervais of With Thy Needle & Thread called Long May She Wave.  I picked up the pattern a number of years ago at a shop by the beach. Good intentions are sometimes delayed!

As I progressed through the pattern I noticed how much more comfortable I was using the needle. My stitches started to improve and look more uniform. I think getting a better hoop might help keep the weaver’s cloth tighter when I’m working. Do you have any suggestions on smaller hoops for punch needle projects?

Well, everyone needs to start somewhere. This is an easy craft to pick up and relatively inexpensive. I have a lot to learn about this technique, but I’m excited at the prospect of one day putting my drawing skills to work by designing patterns for myself and others.

Punch Needle is something I will definitely do more of over time.

Cross Stitch

I learned to cross stitch when I was 10 years old. As I grew older I started to design stitch patterns that I stitched into gifts for my friends and family.

After I learned punch needle this summer, I picked up cross stitch again after many years. I love it when you have a skill that is easily recalled even after years of absences.

In August, I spent a day out with my mom and mother-in-law. We stopped by Hodge Podge a small stitch shop in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. The shop sells patterns, linen, and threads. While there I purchased a pattern that was meant to be stitched on linen material. In the past, I always used Aida for my material. Having no experience with linen, I decided to give it a try.

I like the look and feel of the linen. I bought the linen without having the DMC thread colors with me. When I looked at the brown thread on the linen, I didn’t feel like there was enough contrast between the thread and the linen. So I substituted the DMC brown for a Valdani brown to give the color more texture and contrast. I’m happy with the change so far.

Working on linen I discovered my eyes are not as young as they were 20 years ago. Lighting is essential for small stitch counts. I definitely plan to invest in a magnifying light in the near future.

The pattern I am working on is called Americana Sampling by Little House Needleworks.

Hopefully, I’ll finish this project by the end of the month.

Bulletin Board Project

I recently painted my office and wanted to put up an idea board to spark creativity. I decided to paint an old bulletin board and cover it in a fabric. The first paint color I used didn’t turn out to be the color that I imagined, so I painted over the wood again. Now the trim of the bulletin board matches one of the walls in my office.

To finish this project, which I am hoping to do this weekend, I’ll need to spray the trim with a clear acrylic sealer, iron the fabric and pin it to the board.

Such a simple, colorful project to brighten up my creative space!

What are some of the craft and stitch projects you working on this month?

Share your latest creations by tagging me on Instagram @summerkitchencreations and using the hashtag #SKCthursdaythreads.