My Inspiration.

Welcome to my first blog post. I am sure I will get the hang of this soon. Today I have been thinking a lot about why I love needlepoint, embroidery, and really anything that has a thread to pull. I have always loved animals, flowers, color, sewing and the list goes on. As a child, I was all over the place, never sitting idle and driving those elders around me a bit crazy. What to do with this child - keep her busy - so, what started out as a parenting device, was something that I have taken with me throughout my life. In a self-reflective moment, I see that “stitching” indulged my creative side while needlepoint has helped my uptight side by following the rules of the grid. A perfect balance.

Inspiration is everywhere. I love going to zoos. Where I see the way fur lays on the backs of polar bears, or the subtle colors of a hedgehog’s coat. In museums I study the colors of the paint, and the history of the subject. When I flip through magazines, I notice the design and page layout. I make mental notes of these observations- sometimes I just rip out pages, or take a photo on my phone, to later become a post-it note.

Through the wonderful community that has resulted from a simple needle arts shop, I am able to help others create and fulfill my need to stay busy. We all learn from one another. Over time, relationships are made. What started as choosing threads and colors, turns into sharing the latest book, a favorite recipe, a family milestone, current binge watch and so much more. Hillside Needle Arts has become a place of so much joy, creativity and long lasting friendships.

My hope is we will continue to create together, and inspire one another.

til the next time - Leslie