Would You Like Some Punch?

Before last night punch needle didn't hold any appeal for me at all. Mentally I likened it to latch hook and I went through my latch hook phase in the 70s, very early 70s. :) But at last month's smocking guild it was decided to give punch needle a try - that's what happens when you get sick and miss a meeting. So I went ahead and bought a needle and brought my supplies, except I walked out of the house without an embroidery hoop and a plastic container to set the hoop on and punch into (thus not accidentally punching yourself). Thanks to Sue and Monica for bringing extras and sharing with me!

Getting the needle threaded properly is probably the most difficult aspect of the process and once that is accomplished, off you go punching into the fabric. Like kumihimo, the process of punching becomes almost trancelike as you move the needle through the design. This was one meeting where you heard less chatter and more sounds of the needle punching the weaver's cloth as we were all intent on the process.

For our very first attempt, I thought we all accomplished quite a bit in one evening. For the April meeting we're supposed to bring this project back all finished into something. I'm not sure what I'll do with it, but I teased that I was going to make it into a coaster. :D

So it just goes to show that crafts and eating strange vegetables are a lot alike. You never know what you'll like until you give it a good honest try.