Woven Words, First Issue.

Pulling inwards for a softer tomorrow.

Hello there!

Woven Words is a biweekly newsletter sharing all things fiber art, short stories, and little joys from my small corner of the world. Welcome to the first issue.

How are you? I hope you all the best as you settle into a new month and a new week. Something about the two feels fresh and exciting. What rhythms are you continuing into the new? What ones are you wanting to leave behind? Here are some of mine and other updates.

Sentimental Hangover

I’m experiencing a bit of a sentimental hangover. I finished up my embroidery piece, “Pulling the Thread.” (Linked in case you missed it!)

Pulling The Thread

It was a piece that had me digging deep into memories and searching through ancestry documents.

It felt heavy - rightfully so. Moving on to another project doesn’t feel right yet. I’m suspended in this hangover state. And do you know what fixes a hangover? Stuff that settles the soul. Great food, hydration, sunshine & rest.

I’m resting in a way that feels authentic to me for the first time. I’ve mentioned in Notes that most of my work is purpose built. Historically, I haven’t created to simply create. I’ve been working on changing that and I've found a path.

I’ve been playing on a computer again.

I almost laughed. It feels silly but hear me out.

I haven’t used or needed a computer in my adult life. Even when I worked full time, I was a dental ceramist and hand designed teeth. (It was the coolest job!) I feel smartphones are more than adequate at getting by.

As this newsletter grows, so does my want to polish it up. My smartphone wasn’t cutting it anymore.

Enter 90’s style, playing on my computer in the family room feels.

I downloaded Adobe Fresco on my HP Envy Laptop and I was off. It allows me to draw and crate all of the graphics you see in my posts. That then turned into playing. It has evolved into simply creating and exploring something new.

I had an evening of putting the kids to sleep, getting a good background show on, a HU Salty Dark Chocolate Bar and drawing on my laptop. It brought me so much enjoyment. I could genuinely start sounding like a 90’s commercial for getting a family computer in the family room, only to spend the time playing in paint for hours. (Oh my gosh, the air brush paint tool? Mesmerizing.)

I’ve been making maps of my son’s favorite hiking spots. I have yet to find them geared towards children. It’s the lowest stakes project because he enjoys everything I make. They’ve been completely absorbing me in the purist flow state.

Just what my sentimental creativity hangover called for!

Joys this week:

✷ Local Radio

I have a small collection of 1960’s GE Radios. I simply love them. I experience decision fatigue often. Having a set local radio station to tune into feels lovely on my brain. Listening to people in my community talk about the community feels immersive. It’s as if we’re all hanging out all over town, answering silly trivia questions for a free seat at the Friday baseball game. And we are excited!

✷ Goodbye, Meta Platforms.

I said goodbye to Meta social media and short video content this week. (I don’t have a TikTok) It has been great. I feel like I got to a breaking point with the mountain of problematic points and it left me with no other choice.

✷ The movie Weapons

I’m late to this but I could rave about this for years. I missed a good thriller / mystery/ horror film. And its storytelling is beyond captivating! Fantastic. It’s the kind of movie that reminds me why I love movies. (Anyone else fatigued on watching men just… running around on every platform? Make it stop.)

And lastly, to the over 500 of you here! It’s been a delight to connect with you! Substack has become a great source of community for me. It truly feels like a fun space to be. Thanks for being the reason for that.

If you made it this far, stay around for future updates. I’m considering doing a paid, snail mail in the future with monthly embroidery stickers. Thought? Share them below!