What I'm Workin' On

HAMSA HAND EMBROIDERY HOOP

"Whatever you do always start out with black and white, then consider colors."

I have the tendency to jump right into projects without much preparation beforehand. While this method can sometimes backfire on me midway through (making the seam-ripper is my best friend), I've found it also allows me to be the most creative and spontaneous. Taking things from my mind's eye straight into the medium I'm working with is easiest for me, and I often reevaluate and adjust as I work. 

However, because of the intricacy I wanted to achieve with this hoop, I did sketch out my design first before working. I started out by drawing the hand on paper, and then I transferred it onto the linen with marker. By sketching out certain ideas, the project design is allowed to mature and flourish. Then, once all of the kinks have been worked out, color only adds to the overall effect, instead of trying to cover up a poor design. 

A little bit of history about the hamsa: the hamsa hand is a palm-shaped amulet popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa, predating Judaism, Christianity and Islam.“Hamsa” means “5” and refers to the five fingers of the hand. It's a sign of protection, providing defense against the evil eye, representing blessings, power and strength. The hand can be oriented with fingers pointing upward or down. With fingers pointing up, the Hamsa symbolizes a “stop sign” to adversaries and represents protection. With fingers pointing down, the hand symbolizes goodness and blessings coming down to the room where it is hung.

Overall, I had a lot of fun working on this hoop and I love how it turned out. I made it Erin's birthday, and decided to list it on the shop as well. The floss colors I chose are so vibrant in person, and the blue batik backing and purple ribbon complement them well.

- Sam