A friend recently called to ask a question about stitching. It's like coming back full circle for some of us. She and I used to stitch on everything in our younger years. (Yesterday I unpacked a shirt I embroidered in 1975 while we were traveling in Mexico. It has some age stains, but I have never been able to throw it away.) Anyway, when Mary called, she asked what I use now as a foundation.

Just about anything really. My favorites are a stack of old cotton pillowcases and dresser scarves. I think I collected them for the edgings- which I am now cutting away to use on other things. The fabric is lovely though.

The soft cotton is wonderful to stitch on and I like the idea of repurposing old cloth.

I also use natural linen and just plain old storebought muslin. Pre-washed. Always.

I have a zillion stitch ideas lately. (Sneak peeks above for the next one coming.) For me, the trick is figuring out what to do with it after I finish. Maybe I'll cut that old shirt up, put it in a new stitch book and work on the leftover pieces. By the end of the weekend .....