A gathering of lucky folks joined us at Bolt & Spool a few weeks ago to learn a bit about local artist Emily Felderman's creative journey. It was an exquisite demonstration of not knowing where you will end up once you let yourself be cajoled by shape, texture and color. 

Along with probably 99% of the US population, I have heretofore been unaware that February is National Embroidery Month! I had the flu about a month ago, and was all snug and cozy on the couch in front of the fireplace with, gasp! idle fingers. Embroidery seemed like something doable between coughs and naps.  So while poking around on the internet for inspiration I learned about embroidery month and was prompted, with this as justification, to share an old fondness for this ancient art in the form of free classes and (ta da!) a blog post!  You won't be surprised that embroidery is making...

It feels like we are sneaking into someone’s private closet as the big door is unlocked and the lights switched on. Debbie and I stand in awe to be privy to walk among the rows and rows of hanging racks and shelving that line the costumes and textiles storage room at the Western Reserve Historical Society. Debbie browsing the historic textiles at the Western Reserve Historical Society.   Hanging on these racks are the precious garments once worn by the famous and not-so-famous of Cleveland: President Garfield’s dressing gown, Ellen Wade’s wedding dress, an afternoon dress worn by Elizabeth Mather in the 1930s…as...