New from Potter Craft’s author of Stitched in Time and the creator of Posie Gets Cozy, comes Alicia Paulson’s Embroidery Companion: Classic Designs for Modern Living. A gorgeous collection of 30 projects, including a Berry Border Pillow, Harvest Apron, and Monogrammed Quilt, this book is a treasure to behold. Not only does it include luscious photography, it also provides easy-to-use stitch charts, templates and instructions for finishing.

CrafterNews recently asked Alicia for some of her thoughts on the art of embroidery.

CrafterNews: When did you first start embroidering and why?

Alicia Paulson: The first embroidery project I remember working on was a needlepoint canvas of a horse in a field. My mom showed me how to do the stitches, and I brought the project to my grandparents’ house the first summer our mom went back to work. I loved horses, and I was fascinated by how the stitching made the horse come to life. It kept me very happily occupied.

CN: When you were twenty-nine you were involved in a serious accident that left you immobilized for many months. How did this incident lead you back to embroidery, and what role did it play in your recovery?

AP: After my accident, I was in bed for a long time. I was scared, lonely, bored, and in a lot of pain. My mom again sent me a bunch of silk embroidery ribbon and a book about ribbon embroidery, and once I started stitching again, I just couldn’t stop. For many months, I embroidered from morning until night, and for some reason that was the only activity that really soothed me, both physically and psychologically, during that difficult time.

CN: What kinds of projects appeal most to embroiderers these days? Have you noticed any trends in embroidery?

AP: I think people are looking for projects that are, more than anything, beautiful, functional, and easy enough to finish that they won’t end up abandoned in a pile somewhere. But I would argue that the time is right for people to make room in their lives for something that’s more than just fast and easy. My hope is that, if the project is appealing enough, people will really bite off a bigger chunk. I personally believe that, in this hectic, stressful world, really good things can come from taking the time to be quiet, sit peacefully, and do contemplative sorts of handwork. Bigger projects give you an opportunity to really sink your teeth into not just the item but the experience.

CN: What’s your favorite thing to embroider?

AP: Standard pillowcases. No question. I love good sheets, and I love to sleep, and I love making my bed. And I love that I am guaranteed to use them every day.

CN: Do you have any crafting rituals?

AP: I almost always have coffee nearby, but that holds true for just about anything that I’m doing. But when it comes to crafting, I almost always have my TV on in the background and a pet sitting next to me. And I have a large collection of “crafting pants” (i.e.: big, comfy, floppy knit pants that look more like pajamas than pants).

CN: Is there a project in the book that’s especially meaningful for you?

AP: Ooooh, good question. I would have to say that the Woodland in Wool project has a very special place in my heart. I can remember exactly what was going on when I was making it. We were having a big week-long blizzard (very rare in Portland) and the snow outside and the light in the house were absolutely magical to me. I love snow, and I really loved the weird hot-house flowers and exotic animals in that picture. Watching that dense, woolly, super-colorful image come to life as the snow fell and fell and fell outside was just a joy in every sense.

CN: What do you love most about embroidering?

AP: I love so many things about it. I love that it has been done throughout history, and in every culture. I love that it encompasses so many styles and virtually any subject. But mostly, I love that when I’m doing it my whole body relaxes and settles. It’s kind of like coloring in the lines, but for adults—and that sense of making order and beauty is such a relief, somehow. And for that alone it is invaluable.

Categories: Sewing |

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