Do you ever see something and get inspired? Yes, I know I tend to get inspiration over the totally weirdest thing, but that’s what makes it fun, right? Take for instance this large vintage strainer I found at a local ministry shop. Can I totally make use of it as-as? Of course. Especially with my family of 8 and the amount of food I need to cook on a daily basis. However, the dilemma is that I realllllyyyy wanted to try something fun with it. Here goes my idea for an embroidered strainer. eeep!
You may be wondering why on earth would anyone want to spend two days and countless hours punching a needle and thread through a metal mesh? Good question. I continually asked myself that while I was lost in stitchin’ fun. Well, I needed to park my fanny for a while due to an injury and this would suffice for a cabin fever reliever.
At first glance, the strainer has a unique patina that makes it a story-telling piece. If you’ve followed me for long, you also know I’ve embroidered this sifter, this screen, and also this Bentwood rocking chair. So, yeah, I like to do needle work.
STITCHIN’ TIME
I know that as life goes by we tend to perceive ourselves in ways that maybe isn’t the most uplifting. Maybe we’ve struggled with an addiction, or maybe had tough times that make us feel less than human. However, just like I see the beauty and potential in this strainer, our Heavenly Father also sees us with more love than we can ever imagine. For whatever reason, I only saw one vision for my creation. I call it “Focus on the Son”.
TERMS OF USE: If you want to create your own embroidered strainer, you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own.
First, to begin I dig through my vast stash of embroidery floss to pick out the colors. My first choice is this variegated green. Isn’t it pretty?
I take a deep breath and begin a journey up the strainer creating my sun-dapples grass. Just picture a grassy knoll on a summers day. It’s at this point I have no idea the length of time it takes to complete it, but I’m optimistic and jump right in.
HIS HAND
This is how God works…He plants a seed, invests in our lives, and watched how we handle it and listen for Him. Folks, it literally took all of my free time of one day , and working like a fiend (with snacks, of course) to get this part complete. whew!
Then, the next day, I begin with my variegated blues to work in a sky. There’s nothing makes me sigh more than the blues of a sunny sky.
Next, it’s at this point I get lost in finishing my embroidered strainer art. I add more details all the while my heart is singing while focusing on the Lord and His word. If I am in tune to His hand working out the fine details in my life, my joy is complete.
THE REVEAL
Finally, after two straight days of stitching in every free minute I have, even into the night, my vision is complete.
I think it best to stage my whimsy along with my other sheep buddies. (you can see my woolly sheep HERE) Or create your own little clothespin sheep with this video tutorial.
Here’s a closer look…
BE THE SHEEP
I’m totally smitten with it and hope you are too. The grassy knoll is home to sweet sheep enjoying the rays of the sun while feeding on the grass.
Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting and His faithfulness is to all generations. ~ Psalm 100:3-5
They are taken care of by The Good Shepherd who watches over them and keeps them from harm. It funny, this time spent stitching allows me to pray over those with needs, to pray over you, or just have a chat from the heart. If you don’t find time to let your brain (and heart) take a minute to adventure, it truly is a blessing. Unplug and let go – go on an adventure.
Likewise, if you’d like to add my “Focus on the Son” art to your home story, you can find it and more handmade/vintage goodness in my online shop.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
SHARE
Additionally, pin and share my embroidered strainer art. I know there are others needing inspiration and maybe a hug too.
Up next, it’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday. See it now HERE.
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Also, more stitchin’ fun like my embroidered strainer:
Absolutely amazingly beautiful. I’ve done some embroidery in the past but this is beyond the imagination. I know it was time consuming but definitely worth it. I also pinned it.
I’m so tickled to hear it. Yes, a huge time investment that some would say not worth it, but it was for me. Thanks for getting why I do what I do, Rita. 🙂
Sooo creative and sooo cute! Sometimes you just need an almost mindless project and I hope this wasn’t a bad injury!
Thank you for the sweet words, Susan. 😀 I just need a chiropractor…yay. haha!
That is too cute!!!!
That’s so fun to hear! Thank you, Audra.
You are Amazing! Your creativity just Wows me! It is truly a gift.
You are so sweet, Joan. Thank you for making me smile. 😀
The best solutions to nagging life problems are solved when we stop and get lost in a mindless project. It’s beautiful Larissa, and most definitely not a waste of time! I hope your injury isn’t too serious and that you are mending well.
For real tho… Thank you, Marie. It’s a slow healing and I need to see a chiropractor, but I think all will be fine. Aging is fun!
My daughter wants to try a project like this. How do you tie off your embroidery floss on the back when you start & stop?
Thanks!
That’s awesome! For this kind of project, I tie off a knot to start from the backside. Or you can leave a tail and weave in later. It just depends on the finish you’re after.