Thursday, May 3, 2012

Grace isn't dead yet...

I've missed being here.

My special project is complete and my life is returning to some semblance of normalcy.   I hate when I can't share what I'm working on whether it be for a gift or something else.  Oh well, they all eventually show up here even if it's not in real time.

Today I'm rushing off to return to Japanese embroidery instruction...


This piece is called Eternal Grace and the operative word for me is "Eternal"!!  I think I've resurrected this piece more times than is spiritually feasible.



It's never too late if you start today.

And so we meet again, Grace and I.


I started studying Japanese embroidery 20 years ago when I lived in Japan.  

I was the only gaijin (foreigner) in my class.

All the Japanese women brought their frames to class wrapped in furoshiki.

I didn't have one so they made one for me...


And so, I remember them fondly today while I fear I've forgotten much of the japanese embroidery that I once knew.

See you after class...

21 comments:

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I remember this pretty lady.
The crosshatch stitching is amazingly perfectly spaced. There is a lot of details to admire here.
Have fun today.
xx, Carol

Lorraine said...

I'll look forward to hearing about your class.

Sheila said...

I'm so glad for you! Have a wonderful day, and hope you learn something interesting. :)

coral-seas said...

Enjoy your class. In our class Eternal Grace is either known by her pet name 'Gracie' or as 'Grace of the Eternal Short Stitch Holding'. I looks to me that your Gracie is nearing completion.

While I was at the JEC someone was framing up a dyed version of Gracie. The colours were quite close to the original but it seemed to me that they had dyed the interesting bits, i.e. the bits with the special effects, but you still had to do the eternal short stitch holding :-)

verobirdie said...

This embroidery is amazing!
It must have been something to be the only gaijin.
Apart from the language of the heart, which did you use?

Wendy said...

Your embroidery is beautiful and she will look fabulous when completed. Isn't it nice when a project brings back fond memories of a time,place and the people who made it special.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure the techniques will come back to you, like the dear friends they are by now!

Laurel's Quill said...

Maybe it's like riding a bike, Susan...jump back in there! Laurel

Createology said...

Grace is eternal and she is lovely. How very sweet of the ladies to make you a furoshiki of your very own. Enjoy class and I look forward to your show and tell. Blissful stitching...

Cath said...

I'm sure it will all come back to you and you have a lovely piece to return to. Love to see more details of how your furoshiki is made and tied.I need to come up with a better way of transporting my JE frame than the bin liner I'm currently using - functional but not aesthetically pleasing!

Sarah Sequins said...

What a beautiful piece! I'm glad you haven't given up on it. :)

MeganH said...

Looooovely couching!

Suztats said...

Beautiful stitching! Have fun in class.

Teresa said...

AS I am getting caught up on your blog once again I am just amazed. Grace is just lovely. Your photography is out of this world. Love the pink shell coasters. Of course the little wiskers on the rabbits make it come alive.
Sorry I have stayed away.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

Judy S. said...

Looks like Grace has seen hours of stitching already? She's a pretty one. BTW, I'll bet most crafters have some long-standing WIPs; this one sure does. LOL

Catherine said...

Grace is beautiful! Sounds like you had a wonderfully unique experience while living in Japan!

Rhonda said...

I stumbled across your blog today. I am in total awe of the beauty of your work. I have never tried hand embroidery, but would love to someday give it a try.
I have signed up to follow your blog. It is a great site of inspiration.
Again, beautiful, beautiful work.

Ingrid Mida said...

Dear Susan,
Living in Japan - studying embroidery - my idea of heaven.

JennyPennyPoppy said...

Grace looks absolutely wonderful! The threads must be beautiful to work with as they have such a gorgeous sheen to them.

Elizabeth said...

Good friends are always so willing to pick up where ever you left off!!!

Vicki Boster said...

Susan- honestly I can't even imagine learning this incredible style of embroidery-- and- I'd be happy if I just had half the talent that you've forgot!! I'm sure we will be seeing more of this! Good luck with your class!
Vicki

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