Doors and Windows: An Exercise in Patches

Doors and Windows

Doors and Windows is an exercise in combining stitches and patches of linen. I have always loved the notion of mending and patches, the feel of old, soft fabric with rows and rows of stitches running through it, keeping an item whole. I love the thought of such care for an object, the simplicity and frugality that leads people to mend items - either out of necessity or love, or both. I have good memories in this regard - of my Nana darning socks and teaching me the rhythm of  backwards, forwards and cross ways stitches. I also remember as a young girl mending a little brown velvet dog called 'Brownie' that belonged to my younger brother. It was bought for him at a local fete in someone's backyard, if I remember correctly. I often think about 'Brownie', the feel of the soft brown velvet, the couple of black thread stitches that formed his pointy nose, and my little brother watching, saying thank you. Sewing and stitching life. One day I will try to replicate 'Brownie' - just a lovely little pocket size dog. Soft.

Referencing Nana again, (how important are Nanas in our lives!!) - Nana liked the saying ''if something is worth doing it is worth doing well'. I think my process of making Doors and Windows was done 'well'. I made notes and sketches, took time and care with the stitching. I thought about textures and colours, experimented. I re-stitched where necessary. Overall I am happy with the result. I wonder what might lie behind the doors and windows if I could just open them and peek. But, I think most importantly, I am very happy with my process. I loved every thorough second of it.

At close of needle last night I put final stitches in Doors and Windows and dreamily planned my next storycloth while watching the Australian Open Tennis on TV. It occurs to me that the wonderful 'put'....'put'... rhythm of tennis balls being hit is akin to the deep, comforting rhythm of stitches in process.

Happy stitching, Gilly