All items by StitchingByIris

Pensioner who loves arty crafty stuff

Hi, my name is Iris (named after the flowers in the garden so my dad told me :-) I retired from nursing about 5 years ago. I worked at the Liverpool Women's hospital looking after women with gynaecological problems, especially those with cancer and it was my privilege to nurse many women in their final hours.
I have a husband of 54 years, 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
I was brought up in a family where all the women and girls knitted, young and old. I don't actually remember learning the basics but my grandmother did teach me to knit dolls knickers when I was about 8! The photo is me trying to see whether I liked my christmas knit, last year.
I taught my self to use a sewing machine because I had a baby who was very skinny and long. Nothing shop bought fitted him. I had to learn to change patterns to fit him and then extended that into clothes for me and my girls when they came along. My best make and biggest challenge was a wedding dress for my eldest daughter using very expensive silks and even bones in the bodice. I bought a new sewing machine and scissors before I started that.
When my girls came along I taught myself to crochet little dresses and tops, using an old Ladybird book to figure out how to do the stitches. I've made throws, cushions, bags since then
I have had loads of cats, they are all in my garden now, boo hoo. I have taken loads of great photos of them over the years and one drawing of a favourite that's on the board in my workroom.
I have always drawn and painted, no Constable, but I enjoy it. I have done some lovely woodburning, needle felting, cross stitch (not my favourite craft), weaving, Japanese style patchwork and lots more. All self taught as is embroidery which I have been doing to combine drawing and painting with cotton instead of paint. It started when my youngest grandson gave me a lovely picture of a garden and I copied it onto cloth and embroidered it for his mum.
I have made 5 kits so far with ideas for others in my sketch pad. I suppose because I have taught myself lots of skills from kits, I thought others could enjoy learning the same way. I have drawn each picture myself and I am sure that anyone who tries them will get pleasure, a great piece of work and skills to have a go themselves. I also don't stick to what may be the rules of embroidery, not because I don't like them but because I like my way. I'm hoping you'll like my way too.