Surprises Happen Along the Way – Guest Blogger: Catherine Sloan

Level 3 Advanced Studies in Experimental Stitch – Class Name: Bachelor Buttons – Blog 7 in a Series of 8

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  The Winter Garden – Inspiration Photo of Seed Heads © Catherine Sloan

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  The Winter Garden – Inspiration Photo of Flowers/Seed Heads © Catherine Sloan

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  The Winter Garden – Sketchbook with Color Study and Stitch Sample © Catherine Sloan

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  The Winter Garden Series – Winter Plants Inspired This Series © Catherine Sloan

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  The Winter Garden Series – Delicate Plants in a Neutral Color Palette © Catherine Sloan

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  The Winter Garden Series – Inspired by Winter Grasses © Catherine Sloan

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  The Winter Garden Series – Tiny Hand Stitched Seed Heads © Catherine Sloan

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  The Winter Garden Series – Dried Flower Heads © Catherine Sloan

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  The Winter Garden Series – Lines and Circles in Nature © Catherine Sloan

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  The Winter Garden Series – Coneflowers in Winter © Catherine Sloan

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  The Winter Garden Series – Hand Painted Fabric Backgrounds © Catherine Sloan

The inspiration for my work comes from what I see when I walk on community pathways, hiking trails, or
through my garden. I start by photographing natural features I believe are interesting and could be
translated into stitch, whether they be rock formations, streams, trees, flowers, or other images that
catch my attention. Then comes the process of simplification: cropping the pictures, making drawings,
finalizing the design, choosing hand dyed or painted background fabrics, choosing the threads,
transferring the design to the fabric, and, finally, stitching. Surprises happen along the way, but those
usually add something to the finished piece. With the help of Gail and Penny, I have been able to
translate my vision into a stitched piece. Catherine Sloan