Like Santa's Workshop
Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 9:43PM
Julie Bowersett in Alabama Chanin, alabama chanin, dress, garments, hand embroidery, sewing

Here's how I spent yesterday morning, embracing the new while honoring the old.

My electronic embroidery machine is cranking out little Christmas favors while I sit and hand stitch my Alabama Chanin dress.  New technology meets traditional craft.  It's the best of both worlds.

Many of you have asked me to post progress reports on my dress.  I finished stitching the first of six panels this week and have started on the second.  I'm making great progress at the moment, though a sore stitching finger required that I take a day off today.  Here are some pictures of the completed panel.

I'm waiting to do the reverse applique cutting until I've stitched all of the panels.  I'm still not sure which portions will get cut and which will just stay stitched or get beaded.  I'm finding the process of needle pulling thread very meditative; by the end of the sixth panel I will be a Zen master. 

Tomorrow morning I have a doctor's appointment and, for the first time ever, perhaps, I am hoping they will keep me waiting so I will have lots of time to stitch :-) 

Article originally appeared on from these hands (http://www.fromthesehands.net/).
See website for complete article licensing information.