Alicia Paulson perfect stitching companion

It’s rare that I like a craft book as much for the writing as for the craft content. But Embroidery Companion is just such an exception. Alicia Paulson understands the process of craft. For many of us it’s not so much the finished project as the exercise of creating. During her recovery from a serious accident she re-discovered the soothing, healing effect of quietly stitching.

She encourages her reader to just try, that practice makes more-perfect,  she says “I never say  ”perfect”, because I don’t believe in it, and anyway, enjoyment, not perfection, is my goal.”  It’s wonderful to get permission to just enjoy yourself, make something for someone, try a new stitch, give yourself up to less than perfection and relax.   

Besides all the good advice on the mental and physical virtues of stitching, she includes  30 projects in decorative embroidery, counted cross stitch, and crewelwork. I like the cross stitch using gingham fabric as the basis for the squares, including the chicken scratch stitch. These are yummy projects from the simple to the more complex. Alicia suggests picking and choosing parts of projects if you don’t want to tackle a large project.

Alicia Paulson’s blog Posie Gets Cozy, is a delightful combination of projects and inspiration. 

Inspired by her book and philosophy, I got my MOO Cow cross stitch baby bib out and began to stitch…

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