Quote Originally Posted by Chile Pepper View Post
I love to embroider (silk thread), but I haven't done anything for a long time because I can't find decent patterns. Everything is either dorky or cutesy or juvenile. I want something more artistic--but I haven't been inspired to come up with my own. Any ideas on sourcing more complex, interesting, artsy patterns? Thanks!
Jen - my tastes go to more natural or realistic looking. I generally don't like abstract art. SO I look to nature for inspiration, and old paintings. I've just gotten started in gold work, the kit I ordered was from Berlin Embroidery in Canada http://www.berlinembroidery.com/
She has some beautiful kits. If nothing else, I drool over her work.

There are also embroidery books out of Japan and China - their old school embroidery techniques seem a bit different than european techniques. What truely amazes me is the silk screen embroidery - same on both sides (can't remember off hand if this is out of Japan or China).

Some countries - England, Australia, and Japan - come to mind, actually have a sanctioned and judged embroidery master program. You might find inspiration chasing that angle.

What I need is TIME!!! Some many projects, so little time. That working 40 hrs per week to fund the hobbies really cuts into my hobby time! And bike riding time.