Looking for Your Favorite Online Embroidery Design

After being sidelined by illness for a couple of weeks, I'm slowly getting back up to speed with life. Well, slowly probably isn't the correct word. I start out slowly but then jump back into things so quickly that I wear myself out before I can get much done. In fact, when I concentrate on the cleaning and organizing that went undone, I have been making more messes instead of cleaning them up. I'm finding it quite funny, honest, especially when my husband threatens to send me back to bed to save him from the new messes.

I do the same when I haven't quilted or done any machine embroidery for a while. While all my knowledge and skill is still a part of me, it's as if my body has forgotten the motions. It's said that someone who plays piano will always be able to do so because of muscle memory, or that one will always know how to ride a bike if they have once learned. I also remember, though, just how awkward it was to ride one after being a non-rider for over a decade. It took a bit of practice before it came back to me completely. I need to remember that I have to give myself that same practice time when I've been away from my embroidery or other sewing for a while!

We creative folks like to say that life gets in the way of our hobbies, so I know I'm not alone in this weird catching up phase. My embroidery machine is the same plucky gal she's always been, my embroidery designs didn't sprout antlers while I was resting, and my embroidery supplies are just as I left them ... always a little messier than I'd like. The only difference rests in me. I wish I could say I look before leaping back into it, but I rarely do. Instead, I find myself drowning in nervousness only after I've begun. At least I know there are several buddies ready with that life vest if I need it!

I love that my hobbies are shared with so many lovely people that I can connect with online. Now that I'm older, it's not that bad; when I was younger, I was the only one I knew who could sew, crochet, quilt and do any type of embroidery. Now, if I need advice on a project, I can ask for help from a wide talent pool. Or, if I'm looking for a new quilt or embroidery pattern, all I have to do is visit my favorite online embroidery design gallery to have dozens of ideas to choose from. I used to have to wait for a new magazine to come out or for a trip to the library to get any type of help or inspiration at all.

And, when I jump back into things, making a mess from my nervousness, I can share the frustration or hilarity with those who have probably had the same issues at one point or another. The online quilting and machine embroidery community is like family. We share our hopes, ask for and give advice, laugh and even cry together. I'm so happy to have you all!

Now, like a good friend, can someone please come over and help me fold laundry?