Five years ago I was unemployed due to long-term illness. I was bored, frustrated and a bit miserable.
That autumn I got the flu and was stuck in bed for a few weeks, and knitted lots of little hats for the Big Knit to keep myself entertained. I enjoyed making them so much that I started looking on the internet for crafty things to make and do, including ideas for felt ornaments that I could sew to give to our friends that Christmas.
While searching I found Flickr, which seemed to be jam packed with people making fantastic things. Lots of people linked to this mysterious thing called Etsy in their Flickr profiles... and wow! there was this whole site where people were selling their handmade things!
I made it my New Year's Resolution to set up my own Etsy shop, and started this blog soon afterwards (mostly because everyone else seemed to have one)...
... and somehow five years later here I am with a full time job designing / making / selling and writing about crafty things, loads of wonderful crafty friends and my very own book!
Basically what I'm trying to say is you never know where life is going to lead you, and what awesome and interesting new adventures are waiting around the corner. With this in mind, and inspired by this design by Olly Moss, my motto during this chaotic and stressful month has been "everything is going to be AMAZING... I'm just not sure exactly how yet!"
And of course, being totally craft obsessed, I couldn't resist turning it into little cross stitch sampler :)
This was a wonderfully theraputic project - first the challenge of getting the lettering just right when I was planning it out on graph paper (okay so there may have been a bit of cussing involved in this stage, but it was hugely satisfying when it was finally finished!) and then all those lovely relaxing hours of stitching.
I'm rather pleased with how it turned out... although I'm thinking that maybe it needs some sort of border added to it to make it look a bit more "finished". What do you think?
I'll be sharing the chart later this week so you can stitch your own optimistic sampler if you fancy one :)
UPDATE: you can download the chart here.
22 comments:
I LOVE this. And everything IS going to be amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Rosie
it was lovely to read your amazing inspiring post...i love that wording too...and looking forward for the sampler...me to think you can make some knind of decorative borders to make it more exciting...
Oh yay on the pattern sharing! :D When I saw the picture I was like; Must. Make. This!
Maybe you could make a swirl underneath it? You know, one that starts off as an elipse and then just winds down to a vertical stripe... Yeah I'm not making much sense here :P
Anyway, looks cool! :)
xo,
wink
This post is an inspiration, I am always in awe of your success in the handmade world and to know that you've achieved it against all odds is even more incredible. Plus, I do love a good cross stitch!
Very inspiring post! Thanks for sharing this, Maureen
Lovely! :) As someone who stitches a lot of samplers, I'd say leave it as it is - if you frame it in a nice simple frame with a dark colour, I think it will look pretty cool - and add to the simple but effective look. Happy stitching!
I love that you stitched your personal theme. Leaving the open space around the words gives the impression that you are not limiting WHAT could happen!!
It's a fantastic cross-stitch - and you are right, it really will be even more amazing than it has been already! I think you have done so well - congratulations on what you have achieved so far.
And yes, a border would be nice - maybe something simple like a Greek key?
Pomona x
Very uplifting - and refreshing, in the current climate where folk do like to whinge. Well done.
Huzzah! I love that cussing was involved because honestly sometimes you can't create without a few swears. Everything IS going to be amazing ^_^
I love it! I'm looking forward to the chart - I want one of my own to make me feel better!
Very inspiring, thank you!
this made me smile after a terrible day :) x
Great sampler - I agree - leave it as is... give the words the spotlight!! Now... I'm just working out where to hang mine!
Nice to hear from you again. Hope you are on the road to recovery.
you rock my dear :-) I think it's best left plain and simple, just as it is - it packs a perfect punch already. I think a border might dilute it a bit visually x
This is an awesome motto to have. Can't wait for the chart so I can stitch myself one too! What a brilliant five years you have had, here's to another amazing five years!
What a lovely post! And I really like your sampler too. Can't wait to make one myself :-)
I love this and I need one in my home! I've been off sick for over five years and discovering quilting has kept me sane - can't wait to start my cross stitch...just have to pick a colour! Lovely to hear from you!
Love this post. I constantly dream about the day I'll finally be able to do what I really love for a living. I am always happy when I hear someone has made it. It kinda gives me hope ;)
Thank you for sharing this AMAZING craft(and thought) with us.
What a fantastic post! You are such an inspiration and I love that you've proven felt can be cool. Years ago I made some felt Xmas decs and garlands and this year I've decided I'm finally going to have go at selling some! I look forward to your cute sampler pattern :)
Thanks for the kind words everyone. It is very easy to feel downhearted at what life throws at us sometimes, but I am a bit believer in optimism :)
Plus there's nothing quite like a nice bit of crafting to make you feel better!
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