In the past, I've shared that I love to look at (or read) needlework books when I'm away from stitching. It's almost as nice as the actual process. Yesterday, I added this beauty to my library. It's Trish Burr's "The Kew Book of Nature Samplers" (in case you hadn't noticed from the photograph lol).
There's actually an outside hard cover that has pockets to hold the transfer images, and to protect the book within. I paged through it last night, and can see using it as major inspiration for future ideas.
There are butterflies, bugs, bunnies, flowers and even a beautiful owl. I learned the "long and short stitch" technique from Owen (RSN tutor) when I made the butterfly in his class, but refreshers never hurt. Practice makes perfect!
I'll definitely be pulling this one out from time to time, as I work toward needlework mastery. I'm going to work on the tote today, but will be bringing out the bluebirds again by the weekend. In the meantime, I'm learning more about stretcher bars and tools I hadn't seen before (if you can believe that!) and other things. This book - in my humble opinion - is worth every penny.
I don't work again until Friday, so I have lots of time for studio things in between caring for the girls. They always remind me when it's time to take a break. I'll take care of them first this morning, and then I'm off to my happy place.
