My co-worker and lunchtime crafting partner shared with me yesterday that Alicia Paulson was doing a book signing at Powells for her new book Embroidery Companion. We both follow Alicia’s blog, Posy gets Cozy, and even though most of her work isn’t really my style, I love her attention to detail and her creativeness. Some of her projects are right up my alley and I have been waiting for her new book to come out. Since the signing didn’t start until 7:30 pm, we decided to work late and get ourselves across the river to Powells (it is seriously, a five minute drive!) so that we could line up for an autographed copy.
When we arrived and worked our way up to the Pearl Room at Powells, careful to not be totally distracted by all the amazing books and other things at the City of Books. There were only about 15 people all seated in chairs waiting. I spotted a couple of knitters. So we grabbed our books off the rack that was set up and found our seats. Dear Powells, can you please find some seats that are just a tad bit more comfortable? My butt was numb by the end of the otherwise enjoyable evening.
We watched as Alicia and her family, minus the dog that she so often shows on her blog, arrive and set up all the samples from her book. Even more amazing than they seem in the book, her embroidery, cross stitch and crewel work is just lovely. I enjoy the 70’s folk art designs that she uses frequently and much of her work is taken directly from early needlework designs, which of course I love.
She was introduced by this big, mountain man looking guy that works for Powells and he couldn’t have had any less personality, I was really embarrassed for her. Alicia, if you happen to read this, please let me or my friend come along to your book signings and do your introduction. You really deserve better!
Alicia’s talk was mostly questions and answers which was very enjoyable (except for the uncomfortable chairs mentioned earlier). Alicia even brough cupcakes which were delicious. Loved the fresh blackberries on top.
While in line we ate cupcakes and chatted with a woman who is one of Alicia’s neighbors and came to support her. Very sweet lady, we talked about embroidery and cross stitch and other craftyness. She was more of a gardener and so was interested in our take on crafts. There seemed to be several friends and family there and the whole environment was very friendly and comforting. Not at all like I expected.
We finally worked our way up to the table and introduced ourselves to Alicia, although we both feel like we already know her from reading her blog. She was completely and totally as I expected. Sweet, welcoming, grateful that people came to see her and buy her book and she is totally willing to share her knowledge and love of embroidery. I have only briefly flipped through the book but have already spotted two projects I will be doing. I too have loved embroidery since I was a little girl and even though the only embroidery I have done most recently includes what I call ‘stitching’ on mini art quilts and fabric ATCs, Alicia has inspired me to work on a more traditional project and reconnect with basic embroidery and cross stitch. I’ll share in another post my cross stitch project that I started about 15 years ago and am only about a third of the way finished! I’m so easily sidetracked.
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