In the scheme of things, thread is key to what I consider important.
It's been a while since I set up this site. I feel like I'd like to start over, things have become so tangled. But as I get older I know for sure, that it's not possible really, only continuing is possible. The story is never a straight line and I am learning to enjoy the tangle for what it is without regret. Getting lost can be freeing if you lose the fear of not being really sure where you are. After all there is no there there anyway.
I am 74. Although I seem to be fine and functioning, there is uncertainty in how long that can last. We cannot know and really who wants to know? I would like to keep going, and that's what I am doing. I'll muddle along.
It's hard to know who comes here. Of course a lot of us are old friends. But not everyone comments and there are many new subscribers. Quiet is fine. I'm wordless most every place I go, especially these days.
Anyway...
So I will continue blogging here, hover over the words underlined in red dots to view the glossary entry if you are curious. Click the yellow moon thingie wherever it appears to access the Forever Zone/private pages. I will be updating the description of the Zone soon. Access can be purchased through the shop if you are interested. Otherwise thanks for visiting. There will be some new stitched work in the shop for the New Moon. I will do a preview.
Time to untangle a few things. It'll be cold all day and night but it will be warm tomorrow. Now I'll publish this and hope I didn't screw anything up.
Hi Jude. I always look forward to new activity from you. Thanks for keeping on going with it!
Can’t help it. .🙃
I pop in every time you publish, though I don’t always reply, but each time you give me food for thought. You’re kind of my idol — even though I’m much older than you — because you have made a life for yourself that is distinctly you. Women from all over the planet catch onto the threads you cast out into the ether and feel connected to you and in some cases, each other. I hope you continue for a long time. We all need the connection you provide.
Idol? Ha!
I want to stay present and kind.
Maybe I can continue, however slow it becomes…
“Getting lost can be freeing if you lose the fear of not being really sure where you are. After all there is no there there anyway.”
That’s going in my diary ❤️ I’m one of those quiet readers who rarely comments but is always sending big love! Something about this post makes me think of the Pema Chodron quote I have written on a post it in my office: “Since death is certain, and the time of death is uncertain, what is the most important thing?” No matter where you are in life, I think that question creates a great moment of inquiry. Stay warm, dear friend. The sun is getting stronger every day and so are we.
Hey, I think of you both, wtf is going on? Yes, spring is here and I , we, need the warmth .❤️
Jude, it’s warm enough today to actually sit outside and stitch. I’m at a local estate that is open to the public and has a good woodland for being so close to the city. I took a short break to read your blog and listen to the audio…how perfect to hear your voice in this setting…as if you were here and we were having a conversation. Thank you for going and taking us all with you.
I hope for that tomorrow. I like that I might be somewhere else and here at the same time.
YAY so happy to see your “thread nest” again Jude. Always grateful to be able to join you in your life adventure ! Yep who knows how long we will all be fit and willing , but on we trudge sharing and supporting each other with stiches (and sometime bitches ) hay ho on we go .Huge hug from over the pond you’re doing amazingly well and all that SNOW dear god .
stitch and bitch, I need a t shirt!
We all need one ! Just wanted to thank you for all the inspiration .I am packing up my studio and moving to be near my daughter and her little ones , Himself is not coming , he doesn’t want o leave the area .So after forty (!) years I will be living alone again.If you can do it I can do it (thankfully without the snow ) all the best to you brave friend of the ether XXX
You can do it!!! Hey ho! ❤️
🤍
Coming here has always been a part of my day, sometimes i comment, other times, I just listen and look; sometimes I find solace, other times I found good information not just about cloth and thread but about heart and life and just going; other times it is just fun to get silly and share. Most of all, coming here is finding heart, wisdom and truth. We women of age, I’m 77 know life, know its unexpected twists and turns but the thread of our lives is intertwined with each other’s experiences, and how we share our lives, our creativity, our thoughts, our musings, with each other.
To have a place where this all presents is a gift- this is such a place so thank you Jude. I have come here for many, many years and although my joy is not so much in stitching as it is in using the gifts of the land to dye cloth and pull story from the result, I have always felt welcomed and a part of your just going community.
Hey!
I often feel like it is an open house, I have appreciated all the kind company through thick and thin.
I am always here – quiet presently, because, stuff.
I love keeping company with you. It helps ground my usual twirlyness.
Your thread basket resembles my tumbled brain and jumbled thoughts. At the same time you and your lovely voice are a calm place to rest for a while.
”Getting lost can be freeing if you lose the fear of not being really sure where you are. After all there is no there there anyway.”
You read my thoughts! xx
that thread nest reminds me that there is always possibility born from chaos.
I can only echo what many others have said. I’ve been visiting for a while and am constantly inspired by your voice, your work and your thoughts. I find words hard but just had to say thank you x
words come and go, they have come back for me for now.
Dear Jude, you gave me the courage to sew more by hand. To breathe life into this piece. I’ve been reading your blog for many years. Now I’m waiting for hopefully more time in retirement. But two more years. They’ll fly by. I often think about your life-changing experience. Best wishes, Katja (sorry about the Google Translate.)
my long commute to work gave me the time to get into all of this, funny how that happened. Time does fly!
Hello Jude,
Your posts are a bright light in my inbox. I’m in Australia and find your work, wisdom, photos and honesty a pleasure to read and learn from. Not only your textiles, but your perseverance and philosophy on life.
The last year has been huge for you, but you have continued to share your creative nature with us.
Your photos, and seeing and hearing about your first winter in your new home, is like another world. Snow and the freezing temperatures is something I can’t even imagine, but you photos make it look fairytale like. I know it wouldn’t be living it everyday.
I just want to thank you.
thank you for saying… telling a story can soften things, so it helps me to look at it as a fairytale.
Threads and tangles go together, don’t they? I’m 83 and hanging on by a thread. Our time here goes by so fast we should enjoy whatever there is to enjoy.
hanging on by a thread, images might be imagined.
I’m grateful for your presence here. It enriches my life.
knowing that enriches mine.
I am one of the lurkers. Been here so long, I remember all. Always sending you good thoughts. I don’t comment but always love the posts and seeing your life. I also keep plugging along at 76. We keep going
Hey, I know you are there, here….
i smiled. I think i’m there…not really useful anymore
oh pfooy!
Isn’t usefulness so much about context? How we look at it? I so much consider this all the time. we find it in what we need. And there is use in appearing or disappearing. Depends on so much. It’s complicated and often a personal point of view. Your comment was useful here.
Hi! You know I’ll be here commenting until I can’t. 🙂
I do! Your comments always bring insight.
Jude~ And aren’t we all the richer for traveling, just going together?! What a blessing 💕
I wish the whole world was like this.
I am glad to be still here – quietly, gratefully, without expectations. Wherever you lead us, on whatever schedule, is more than fine with me. Thanks to all the community members who keep the conversation going in a deep and positive way.
Hey! No expectations here either, just going ✌️
Here, listening, relatively wordless today. 🙂
Hard to find them lately, This is a small exercise that might bring them back
I don’t know how I first happened upon you, your creations, and your writing but it was the feather project. I cried as I read it. Not only for its intention but for the realization that deepened in me as I read that here was a woman who related to cloth as a living companion with whom she conversed. The simplicity, authentic humility and the community of readers has held me ever since. And all the stories shimmering in each piece.
Oh the Magic Feather cloth, what a journey, I cry remembering.
I love the way you write, the way you thin, and. how open and honest you are. From today, this is quite wonderful – “ things have become so tangled. But as I get older I know for sure, that it’s not possible really, only continuing is possible. The story is never a straight line and I am learning to enjoy the tangle for what it is without regret. Getting lost can be freeing if you lose the fear of not being really sure where you are. After all there is no there there anyway.”
So much of what you write is of a similar high quality, inspiring thoughtfulness. I think you could publish a really wonderful book using selected writings, and images of your work,! Does thatidea appeal to you at all?
Yes, I’m working in it but I always get sidetracked by what is happening. Not the worst thing, ha!
Hello, from one of your mostly silent followers! Your style, process and techniques have inspired most of my hand stitching experience. Without your generous sharing of self, I would not ventured so far from the sewing machine and missed the joy of silent stitches. Thank you for that. You’ve had my thoughts and prayers this past year.
Silence can be an art really. Thank you, it seems I made it through.
Thank you for your generous sharing, been following you since 2015 and am still learning your stitchings and trying to be a super ager. Be well and healthy ❤️
a long time and here we are!
Hey Jude! I’ve followed you for a very long time back when the blog and flicker was it. I’ve been enamored by you from the first time I stumbled across your blog. You were stitching on the train to and from work. Sharing your beautiful quilts Just so you know I still am. I don’t comment often but when I see your email in my box it’s like a ray of sunshine. Thankful for you. And this getting old thang ain’t for sissies and you are definitely not a sissy. You got this!!! Much love to you ❤️
We got this!!! ❤️❤️❤️✌️
I love your work! How does one get the password to gain access to the Forever Zone?
Thanks in advance.
You can read more about the Zone here…
https://spiritcloth.bigcartel.com/product/the-forever-zone
Always here!
👋
I too visit often and comment very rarely. Thanks for all your work and thoughts and calm sharings. My life is a bit hectic and it is good to come here and hear some of your thoughts and feelings and calmness! Also the quiet encouragement to sew small things.
It has been a long winter for you though. I’m over the sea and have the view of woodland. It’s what keeps me here. Thank you.
Hey, quiet is fine.
Season has always been a teacher. We go with the flow…come what may
Dear Jude, Well yes…. I’m peeking in here often, and don’t comment much. I talk too much sometimes, tell too much without making distinctions. . As I get older (71 now), I take more time to rest in silence. To watch. I feel your post was a gentle invitation to let ourselves be known. So, here I am….71 years old, American living in France. I follow your work and absolutely love it. I order from your shop and a Jude moon shows up here and there in my own patchwork. I totally love and appreciate how you share your craft, which I feel includes your home, your lifestyle, your way of feeling into life. I love your deep wisdom, insights and your Solo Kitty. I popped back in recently when you had just moved. Amd shared your new cozy home. Without knowing the details, I could feel the pain you were going through…the big the changes, all of it. I have so much empathy and compassion for you, having had big changes at 50. Chiidren leaving home, the husband goes off with a much younger model and menopause hit like a truck. I had ideas, (dreams) of living my elder years enjoying the fruits of our labors with my partner of 25 years, grand -parenting together, continuing on the path we had walked so long on together….and poof…that all ended very suddenly with a divorce. Stitching carried me through along with a lot of crying, slowly coming to terms with reality, the company of women I lived in community with and being kind to myself, And then…overthe years, a new life sprouted and grew….growing pains included. Thank you Jude, for your vulnerabilty and Presence. Though it’s online, it feels you have woven a basket and lined it with your soft threads and soothing voice, creating a nest that is full of friends here…people who genuinely care for you and love you. Times are strange and unstable. We need each other. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wow, thank you for the story. Mine is a bit different but maybe the outcome much the same. Thank you for you honesty
Hi
I started on YouTube seeing u and listening to ur voice
The voice was calming and sounded familiar also unrushed
The decision to pick up needle, thread and fabric again was then easy
Learned MANY things from hearing u
Most important “Never put the pin in ur mouth”
Every time I’m tempted ur voice rings in my ears(almost like a bell) STOP
Decision at 60 to divorce and 20 years later my independence is what sustains me
Thanks for all u give to US ur followers
Ah, the pin story! Ha!
As always, I’m here, looking out for your messages, stories, textiles and your words. Thank you so much for sharing! Love from The Netherlands!
❤️ back from the stupid USA…
Hi Jude. I am sorry I never comment, but I’m always reading. I have felt that with your recent upheavals sometimes it is better to stay quiet and allow those who know you better to say the right things. But, please know you do inspire ALOT! Sending you love from across the pond x
No need to comment, I feel the community here, it’s reassuring even in its silence. ✌️
It’s peaceful here in this space. Even the tiny blue box I’m typing in is sweet and peaceful. Your thoughts, musings, and great sense of humor encourage and inspire my creativity. I love how you live. It’s really that simple.
Thank you for such warm words.
Jude, I’ve been following you for quite some time. This connection you share with us is so genuine. There is Truth here, and I need that amidst the current falseness/Turmoil of the World. I feel safe and cared for here. You are loved.
To be a safe haven is an honor.
Good afternoon, Jude.
I comment from time to time, but have been told, in my past life, that I talk too much.
So, I mostly read and listen. Your blog and recordings, a few chosen other people on YT.
Less drama. By the way, 30 years ago, I divorced that person who said, I talk too much. Warmer weather will be here Friday,
that’s what I’m told, we’ll see. Blessings and
enjoy your stitching and sorting threads.
Our lives are an illusion, that we make up in our own minds. OK, Time to be quiet and enjoy the distractions of
Momma Sadie bathing her new kittens, she decided to have under the double recliner and we moved to the crate and she’s not really sure that she will keep them there.
OK, enjoyed your blog, be well.
Yes! Our lives are simply our thoughts caught! Talk on, I love it!
This is a really good comment. You talk just enough, not too much. Our lives are an illusion, I want to think about that today. Have a great evening!
Jude, Yours is the most important story in my email box; I love and appreciate all you share, and never want for more. I always treasure and appreciate your thoughts, words, and wonderings….. quietly contemplating a thread you have shared. In my 80’s now, your words enrich my life more than I can describe. I am truly grateful I found your website a couple of years ago. I think it was on my Facebook page, a post with a picture. I immediately knew I would love to see more and hear more. Thank you for sharing yourself, as you do.
One of the greatest things about technology is the ability to share our experiences so far and wide. I’ve never been that good face to face, but blogging has helped me open up…
Thank you for all that you share Jude. I’ve been here for a very long time. I found you at a very hard time in my life and your steady going and gentle words with careful stitch held me steady when I needed it. Your tutorials and beasts were just enough. I’ve loved sharing your
Process and making, useful, yes, but more than that. One of the few authentic voices here, the only one I’ve kept constantly visiting. There’s so much more than usefulness. But today I can’t quite find the words I need. Keeping the Going is good.
I enjoy the conversation here, really, the realness of all who visit. It helps me be a better person. I stray now and then…
I too visit often but comment little. I love the ideas you post of threads and journeys (now from that amazing round house) and, of course, the occasional wtf.
2025 I’m feeling every bit of my own age. Creaks and aches but also the relief of have made it through the gauntlet. So we carry on. Different but still with lots of good. I hope. Or maybe another gauntlet. Who knows? Hope for the best I guess. Keep on keeping on Jude.
With love from Crab Meadow.
Every time I hear from you I miss the sea…
Who knows is right, alt least that leaves it all open ended for discovery.
I am also someone who does not comment often. But today, I would like to say THANK YOU for all that you do, for all that you offer, for your musings, your sharing of thoughts, techniques, ideas, photographs that offer a peek into your world.
I had hoped that one day I could meet you and enjoy a warm drink, while we stitch and chat. You are a wise woman. May you live many many more happy healthy years.
Cheers then, through this tangled web
Being in the continued path of going along with you.
yay!
Hey Jude, happy you will continue blogging and happy with your threads. I gues SoulO will love them too………….
he sleeps in my nest!
I don’t often comment, but I do enjoy your posts, have for years! As for the ageing thing… I’m delighted to be still here, in far better shape than I ever imagined I would be, and as long as I can continue on the path of creativity, I’ll continue enjoying the journey. I truly hope you do too, for as long as your journey lasts! Thank you for all you have shared with us for so long – it’s been a lovely share to follow!
it certainly has been a long time hasn’t it? aren’t we lucky?
Hello Jude! Good to hear you again.💙💙💙
Feeling better!
Hello Jude
I am a person who does not write very often but the little parts of your life that you share give me much pleasure. I should like to live as you do , to be strong enough, but I am not. I follow you with much love own I never saw you. Your interrogations are mine sometimes. You are a wonderfull and generous woman.
I wish you a sunny and quite Easter. With my best thoughts
oh thank you for saying!
Quietly being inspired… by your words and your stitches. Thank you
nice to know!
Hello, Jude. So many things… 🍓🍀
👋
Dear Jude, I’m Francesca from Italy. I fell in love with your crations the first time I saw the pictures on India Flint book “Second Skin” and was mermerized by your voice and way of teaching. And there is more, it’s diffucult to explain what, surely what I can catch of your story, the images of your new beautiful house, all that you generously share with us is of great support for me. Thank you!
Hey Thank you for stopping by to say!