Influences

My parents have had the greatest influence in my life, which I'm sure is true for many people. My love of needlework and fiber arts definitely comes from my mother. Mom is a fabulous seamstress, knitter, crocheter, and weaver. She encouraged the three of us girls to sew when we were in school. Janet really got into making halter tops in college! Lisa and I learned to knit, and I also learned to crochet. A couple of years ago, Mom walked me through the basics of weaving, and we plan to attend a week-long weaving class at John C. Campbell Folk School this summer.

Last year Mom took classes in liturgical weaving. She is particularly interested in stoles, and these pictures are of her first completed project. She has plans for another stole, and I will be tatting three crosses to embellish it. I'm planning on tatting the "Basic Cross Pattern" from Lyn Morton's Tatting Patterns. The basic cross is square, which Mom can put on the seam at the back of the stole. Lyn's "Traditional Cross" will embellish each side of the front of the stole. I actually started the first cross the day I broke my arm. I'm using Marilee's "Golden Glow." I can't wait to see the finished project! I know. I know. I have to get the cast off first!