There’s a new trend in the crafting world ― or maybe it’s just a popular habit with a catchy new label: “Couch Stitching”. It describes the practice of hand sewing while comfortably settled on a sofa and, typically, binge-watching TV shows. I stumbled across the term while researching a classic embroidery technique called “couching”.
Old-timey signs wish departing visitors “Happy Motoring” as they leave the town of Mahone Bay. I’ve taken that vintage greeting straight to heart and have been happily motoring around the province all week. This is the second mini-blog post in a short series of Postcards from Nova Scotia.
There’s nothing like an out-of-town houseguest to help you rediscover the wonders of your everyday surroundings. That’s certainly been my experience during my friend Vicki’s visit. Welcome to Nova Scotia, Vicki!
Last month, one of my Folk School friends hosted her first-ever solo art exhibition titled Crafting Connections: A Serial Dabbler’s Journey. Tammy Elwell calls herself a “serial dabbler” to reflect her “unique approach to art — rather than restricting herself to a single signature style, she actively explores, masters, and bridges a vast array of traditional Appalachian and historic crafts”. Congratulations Tammy! I wish I could have attended in person to see your show!
Diehard fibre arts fans are justifiably counting sheep — or at least counting down the days — until their next favourite fibre festival.
Churches have long used magnificent art like stained glass and carvings to honour and signify their sacred purpose. But the relationship between churches and art runs deeper. In the 6th century, when books and literacy were restricted to the clergy and ruling elite, everyday churchgoers couldn’t read scripture. Instead, they “read” the holy stories through glasswork, statues and paintings.
