StrandandNeedle

16/05/2026

I’ve had a terrific day at the local arts and crafts festival, there was only my little embroidered mouse that didn’t win anything! Thank you to Shaun for his unending patience living in a house that’s full of wool, spinning wheels, looms etc.

16/05/2026

Have taken my entries down to the local arts and crafts festival, and then enjoyed a custard tart with my mug of tea. I know how to live it up! 🤣

04/05/2026

I’m a novice when it comes to tapestry but decided to challenge myself by weaving an homage to Frida Kahlo.

04/05/2026

I’m very much a novice when it comes to tapestry. So what possessed me to decide to do a portrait homage to Frida Kahlo 🤣. It’s coming along though and I’m pretty pleased with it so far.

28/01/2026

My husband bought this rigid heddle loom for me a few years ago, I got to warp it and weave once then it was put into storage while we were having major home renovations done. I got it back out of storage a few weeks ago and have been looking at it ever since, plucking up the courage to try warping it again! After watching a YouTube video I’ve managed to warp it up and it’s all ready for weaving!
Ps - I’ve just noticed one of the bar loops is loose, will sort that before I start!

26/01/2026

Hope you like my latest tapestry. I’ve loved making this, I drew a cartoon for the structure of the design and then let the wool guide me as I went. Something completely different is in the planning for the next one. Keep an eye out for updates 😉

26/01/2026

“Drum roll” - here is the completed tapestry!!! A seaside scene where the waves are gently lapping the shore, sending real shells onto the sand. I hope you like it.

24/01/2026

24/01/2026

I’ve been learning how to make sprang today, something I’ve wanted to learn for many years! My end results look very raggy but I learned so much and am very tired now! I’m looking forward to improving my technique so I can produce bags and hats. It’s good to have goals!

23/01/2026

A long-running study from the University of Helsinki found that women who regularly engage in traditional “grandma hobbies” such as knitting, sewing, crocheting, and gardening tend to live up to eight years longer on average.
These activities help calm the nervous system by lowering stress and promoting a meditative, focused state through repetitive movement.
They also build confidence by creating a sense of purpose, routine, and visible accomplishment.
Mentally, such hobbies keep the brain active, supporting memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility as women age.
Together, these effects show that simple, creative pastimes can be deeply therapeutic, emotionally grounding, and beneficial for long-term health.