Sewing, Needlework, and Painting: My Creative Passions
Hi there sewing friends !
I’m excited to share something a little different. While sewing is my ultimate passion, there’s a special place in my heart for other crafts too—embroidery, cross-stitch, and painting. Creativity doesn’t have to stop at one hobby, and the joy of learning and improving over time is universal. Let’s dive into these beautiful creative outlets and how they’ve shaped my life!
Sewing: A Lifelong Love
magical about taking a flat piece of fabric and shaping it into something wearable, beautiful, and uniquely yours. My latest project is a green cropped t-shirt top that’s quickly become a wardrobe favorite. I dug into my stash and found the green rib fabric I’d saved from my New Zealand days—proof that every piece in a sewing stash has its moment! The pattern, a simple t-shirt design with a flattering scoop at the waist, was already in my collection, and I made a few tweaks, like shortening the sleeves and adding a perfectly matched overlocked hem.
But sewing is more than just making clothes—it’s about the little moments of pride in creating something from scratch. For example, I was inspired to make this top after seeing a store-bought version with a cowboy boot decal. Instead of buying it, I thought, “Why not make my own and add a personal touch?” Now, I’m embroidering a cowboy boot, hat, and horseshoe decal onto it, turning the top into something truly mine. Sewing reminds me that even after 20 years of practice, there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a technique or a creative idea. It’s the craft that keeps on giving, and I love it more with every project.
Needlework: Meditative Masterpieces
Embroidery and cross-stitch hold a special place in my creative heart. They’re like the bridge between sewing and painting—creating art with thread. Cross-stitching has been part of my life since I was a child, starting with basic designs when I was just four or five years old. My current project is a tile-inspired cross-stitch piece that’s been in progress since I moved to Melbourne two and a half years ago. It’s an evolving design that I work on without a pattern, adding new elements as inspiration strikes. Sitting down late at night, stitching while watching my favorite shows, has become a form of meditation. It’s so satisfying to look at the progress and see something tangible come to life, stitch by stitch.
Embroidery, on the other hand, feels like painting with thread. One of my proudest pieces is a sunflower design that I embroidered in 2019. The petals have a stunning gradient, and the center is filled with intricate French knots. It took me nine months to complete, but it’s now a treasured piece that will live in every studio I ever have. Needlework isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to slow down, focus, and create something lasting. I love how portable it is too; I carry my projects in a little drawstring bag, ready to stitch wherever I go. If you’ve never tried embroidery or cross-stitch, I highly recommend it. Start with simple designs and let yourself enjoy the process of creating something meaningful.
Painting: Colors on Canvas
Painting has always been my creative retreat when I want to explore something different. I studied art in university, dabbling in various mediums, but acrylics have become my go-to. They’re vibrant, versatile, and dry quickly—a must for someone like me who thrives on finishing projects in a timely manner. My painting journey truly took off during lockdown in 2021 when I found myself with time to experiment. Inspired by Pinterest, I started painting fruit like oranges and peaches, using a technique called retinal painting. Up close, you can see bold, distinct brushstrokes, but from a distance, the colors blend beautifully, creating depth and realism.
One of my favorite parts of painting is seeing my growth over time. Comparing my first orange painting from three years ago to a recent version, the difference is striking. The shading, highlights, and overall composition have improved so much, and it’s a visual reminder of how practice leads to progress. I’ve also expanded into other subjects, like a series of pears and even a cow painting inspired by a piece in my parents’ home. Painting teaches me patience and persistence, and I love how it challenges me to look at the world in a new way. Whether I’m capturing the texture of an orange peel or the soft glow of a peach, painting always brings me joy.
Enjoy the Journey
Whatever your hobby—sewing, embroidery, painting, or something else entirely—the joy is in the doing. These crafts have taught me that you don’t need to be perfect when you start, but with time and practice, you’ll see progress. Whether it’s a perfectly fitting top, an intricate embroidery, or a painting that comes to life on canvas, the satisfaction of creating something with your hands is unmatched. So, grab that fabric, pick up your needle, or get those paints out. Let’s embrace our creative hobbies, celebrate our growth, and keep learning new skills. After all, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. 💖
Get "Sewing for Beginners" Ebook
If you’ve been looking for an easy and fun way to start sewing, the Sewing for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide is the resource you need. With simple instructions, exciting projects like the summer skirt, bucket hat, and scrunchie, and valuable sewing techniques, this ebook will help you build confidence and skills in no time. So why not dive in and start your sewing journey today? I can’t wait to see what you sew !