INTRODUCTION

For generations, hand stitching has been a means of building friendships, from the sewing circles of old to the modern-day guild. It has also brought us, a mother-daughter team, even closer.

Many of the techniques used in this book have been inspired by the woolwork our friends do, from rug hooking to punch needle to quilting. Most people we meet on our travels are skilled at more than just appliqué. There are so many ways to use wool, so why stick to one? We wanted to combine techniques to create unique projects for the wool enthusiast.

Knowing we could not do this alone, we gathered up some dear friends to help us make these pieces. Each project has a folk art feel and an extra dose of friendship. In part, we hope to share some lovely friendships (including our own) with you. We also want our fellow stitchers to see how the many kinds of wool arts can be friends, too!

Each project features a collaboration between us or between Rebekah and one of our friends. The projects either have one collaborated work using a combination of techniques or two works that each showcase a different technique.

At the back of the book is a gallery in two parts: the gallery of projects, where some of our friends have worked our project designs in colorways of their own, and the gallery of friends, which puts a face to the name for every project collaborator in this book.

We hope our book inspires you to work together with friends and family, as well as to try incorporating new techniques in your woolwork.

—Rebekah and Kelsey