influence

I had to laugh after I wrote this post the other day.  When I left my computer I went to pack up my "trunk show" for a guild presentation I had the following evening.  As I was sorting through all my S is for Stitch samples, I came across these little baby onsies that I'd embroidered with alphabet designs from the book. 

(I just changed the words from "ice cream" and "oval" ...)

I know everything I design today is influenced - to some degree - by something I've made in the past.

And I have no doubt that the Martha Stewart-inspired bib project became part of my creative nature 11 years ago.  But I was completely unaware of that influence when I was writing my book ... that bib had been packed away for several years.

Realizing that connection made me smile.

I'm quite certain the new mother that was me way back then hadn't the slightest clue that she'd author an embroidery book 10 years later!

Funny where life - and Martha Stewart - has taken me.

Comments

[A Little Blue Dragonfly]

Good ol' Martha! I remember when she first really came up on the radar. I thought, "Wow. Someone else really loves all things domestic! I'm not weird!" Well, not TOO weird. ;)
Adorable little onesies!

[Linda Tate]

Kristyne, Your embroidery is lovely. I always enjoy your blog and look forward to it every morning. My grandmother taught me to embroider when I was a young girl and I still love it. I do have a question. I recently tried going hoopless on a small embroidery project that I will put in a frame. Without realizing it, I pulled my stitches too tight. My work is somewhat distorted, not alot, but it is noticeable. Do you have any suggestions that would help me save this little project? Thank you in advance. Linda

[Tiffany]

Last night I finished the Cupcake block and I was sitting here this morning admiring my stitching while I worked. I was quite proud of myself. Then I saw this post.... I have so much further to go before I can stitch as beautifully as you. It amazes me every time I see your work.

[ina]

1) When will the house be ready?
2) how was the guild presentation?

[Joana]

You gave a smile (as usual). I love Martha Stewart---so many people snipe at and about her, but when I was a young homemaker fumbling around trying to learn my job on my own, she was a lifesaver. I didn't know how to iron a shirt and could barely sew on a button. Between my ragged copy of "hints from Heloise" (a wedding present) and Martha's how-tos, my family and I survived. Actually, we did really well. :)

[Karen Shackleford]

And we're so glad you've come this way, 10 years later!!

[Bonnie Nyquist]

Do you ever wonder where you will be in another 10 years or so? Martha has saved me also many times! I met her once some years ago at a book signing, OMG! She is amazing,charming, and just the person next door took much time to answer every question people asked...,the most beautiful skin ever,it looked like a newborn baby looks after a bath,just glowing . she is a favotire target,but she taught me a lot aoo.

[Leanne]

Amazing where life takes us, isn't it? Your stitching is so precise and pretty. Mine always looks a little messy. More practice needed, maybe?

[jan]

Gorgeous stitches then and now :)
xo jan