Beaded Indian Corn

In October we were able to have an adult vacation with my two children, Nandra and David, and my son-in-law, DJ. And, what fun we had exploring New England! Dan and I grew up in the East, but the kids had not experienced the explosion of color that autumn brings to that part of the country. Lighthouses, lobster, pumpkins, corn shocks, picturesque Vermont villages, crisp cool air, apple pie, scenic drives, blueberry beer, and Indian corn were just a few of the cherished memories that forever will be etched in our hearts and minds.

Fall Harvest in Deerfield, Massachusetts

Oaxaca, Tree of Life, my current needlepoint project, has Indian corn in it! So, to make it look natural, I stitched it with raffia, overdyed thread and Sundance Beads to get the full effect.



Indian Corn

I used size 11 beads in yellow and size 14 for the browns. Using the Brick Stitch for doing beads on needlepoint is the best thing since sliced bread! Really! You'll have to try it. Here's the stitch diagram:

The beads nest in the holes instead of on the intersection. You can stitch in horizontal or diagonal rows. Also, it works best on painted canvas. Have fun!

New "Little Stitcher" expected

Announcement! I am going to be a great grandmother; yes our little Lauren is expecting a baby girl in February. That will make 5 generations of stitching women in my family. Wow! All of this got me thinking about the joys of the sisterhood of stitching. I can’t wait to put a needle and thread into the hands of my little granddaughter. I am sure that my mother had the same wonderful creative joy when we sat down to stitch together. Stitching has always been a part of our lives. Even though my mother did not do needlepoint,  we credit her for sharing her “needle sense” with us. The creative expression that comes with stitching is truly priceless, from the explosion of colors, threads and design all combined with the high touch activity of the stitch itself has been a constant companion and source of friendship in my life.

Here is a photograph of the four of us stitching outside on a nice day last spring. However, I think Mother was taking a break!