Red Brolly :: Sew and Tell

It's been such a long time since I've done one of these. I feel very guilty that I've neglected it for so long as it's a part of the blog that I love doing.

So, I've brought back my "Sew and Tell" interviews. Each month I will be featuring a very special stitcher/quilter...one of you!

Each month one very generous and lovely stitcher/quilter will give us an insight into their sewing world, PLUS, because I think you are all so special and have fantastic ideas, you will be given exclusive access to my personal Pinterest account and will be a guest pinner for the week your interview is on my blog. For the week each gorgeous stitcher will post onto a special board which I have created especially for you, so you can share your likes with everyone. Sounds great doesn't it? I can't wait to see your pins.

 

Are you ready? Cuppa in hand?

I would like you to meet Charity, a very inspirational and generous crafter. Come and have a look into her sewing world, her accomplishments are amazing...

Where do you live?
"I spent many years moving from state to state. I've lived as far west as Hawaii and as far east as Virginia. When I finally gave up my "gypsy travels", I landed in Northern California where the Redwood Forrest meets the Pacific Ocean. I love it here and consider Humboldt County my home. The fact that this is Bigfoot Country makes it that much more appealing."

Do you have a blog/website/shop?

"I have been blogging for a few years. I'm not much of a writer so I usually just post pictures of my latest projects. It has definitely turned into an on-line diary without the "Dear Diary" part. I have began the process of opening an etsy store but have yet to fill the shelves with my creations.I love to sell my wares at the local festivals during the summer. When the season ends I plan on opening my on-line shop."

 

Have a look at Charity's blog...

 http://humboldtcherry.blogspot.com/

 

Who taught you to sew/quilt?

"One day while channel surfing I stopped on a PBS quilting show. It was love at first sight. So off to the local library I went. I checked out every book I could find on quilting and read each one like it was a novel. I picked a pattern I liked from one of the books and began to piece my first quilt. That was three years ago and I'm still moving ahead at full speed."

 Here's Charity's first quilt she made!

Why did you start sewing?
"I am a self-taught award winning designer, embroiderer and quilter. I started my love affair with sewing making festival attire and killer bags to keep all your stash in while rockin' out to your favorite band playing on stage. My designs have been sold up and down the east and west coast of the US and as far away as Germany."

 

Made in honor of her Grandmother

 

What are you working on at the moment?

"I joined my local quilters guild and immediately became the co-host for their show-n-tell segment. This year I became a liaison for the guild "Community Quilts" program. We prepare pre cut quilt kits and then volunteers from the guild sew them together. This past guild year we have made over 400 quilts. They are then donated to various organizations such as Red Cross, Veterans and Hospice programs." Wow!

                                                   Charity's pinwheel quilt.

Favourite project that you've made? Why?
"This summer I was honored to be included into an elite group of women to design a special portrait quilt. The unveiling of this piece will be in the fall. "

What do you love about your craft?
"I am also an embroidery addict. My love affair with needle and thread began when I was 17. I was given a 5x5 needlepoint to stitch. I finished it the first day. I had to learn more about this age old artwork so off to the library I went. I have been producing needlework for 29 years now. My work can often be seen at our local art galleries. Stitching is therapy for the soul. I am never as content as when I have needle and thread in hand."

Some of her wax tinted hand embroidery...

Do you have a piece of advice you live by?

"There are many great designers out there and so many books filling the shelves of your local library. Why not spend your next free Saturday researching a craft that has always interested you? If while reading up on the ins, outs and how to's this new craft makes your heart sing, it's the craft for you."

Best sewing/quilting advice you've received?

"I leave you with this small bit of wisdom; when you find your niche, embrace it. Jump in with both feet and see where it takes you. The world is waiting to celebrate your creativeness."

 

I would just like to thank Charity for taking the time to share with us her quilting and embroidery, if you'd like to see more, then please visit her blog or leave her a lovely supportive comment and look out for her pins on my Pinterest boards titled "Red Brolly Guest Pinners."

Bronwyn...

           

 

Comments

[Says Susan]

This is such a great idea - looking forward to your showing of other crafters

[Says Le rat des fils]

Merci de nous faire découvrir ces dames de coeur.

[Says suzk]

I've been avoiding Pinterest because I heard it was addictive-now I'm addicted...oh my.