This post is about Textile Artist’s free stitch challenge #7 through Christine Chester‘s guidance. It was a nice way to end the stitch challenges, as it brought us back full circle to the very first one (see my version of #1 here). Challenge #1 was to select a single stitch technique and explore what could be done with it. This challenge, #7, was to use any technique but only a single repeating shape. I chose simple: straight stitches, and a couched line. I also broke protocol by lining my shapes into a “snowflake” pattern rather than aligning them all the same inside their box. Really, the fun part of the all challenges is exploration, so anything goes:)

The free challenges were prompted by all the stay-at-home orders around the globe and Textile Artist hosted a different artist (with unique styles) for each project. In fact, I’m quite happy my friend introduced me to TextileArtist.org – my feedly list has grown to include all the artists they introduce me to!

They’ve since ended the free challenges, but the folks at Textile Artist recognized that the stitching community had a strong desire for them to continue. So with that, they graciously took on the task of creating a Stitch Club. Right now, it is only open to Founding Members (the cutoff for signup has now ended), but once they tweak everything to have it running optimally and the way the community responds best, you will be able to sign up. Being me, I was a little nervous to join a paid membership group, but there’s no contract and I did really enjoy the free challenges. Since, I’ve had the time to follow twelve(!) workshops and it really stimulated all kinds of ideas. Huzzah! Of course, these (and other projects) will roll out here on a case of the Crafties as soon as I get caught up posting them!