Hello! Nice to meet you. Come in and have a cup of tea whilst I tell you my story…
My name is Helen, but I create and blog as Polly Dextrous .
I originally trained as an architect but since moving to France I have set up my own creative business and rekindled my love of embroidery.
As well as my stitched artwork , you will also discover our small village in the North East of France near to the German and Luxembourg borders. I am constantly inspired by my surroundings and love to share them with you.
OK, so where does Polly come into this?
The name was orginally a joke brand thought up by my Dad, many years ago for some Christmas cards I was making . Originally it was, polydextrous, a play on the word ambidextrous. Rather than just being limited to two hands, it was many hands, and many skills.
I have always had a need to create and have tried my hand at many different techniques before settling on embroidery. Although as you will see, even then I find it difficult to stick to one thing and I love to experiment.
So why stitch on card?
I do stitch on fabric too, but for me card has several advantages especially for learners.
For one thing, you do not need to use a hoop or frame. (I’ll tell you a secret, I hate stitching with hoops. They get in the way and the tension is always changing…)
Secondly, your piece is finished straight away. No need to stretch it, or even find a frame.
As soon as the last stitch is done, you can stick it up on your wall! No more samplers on scrappy bits of fabric lurking in a drawer somewhere. (and yes, I have plenty of those! ) Or you can make it into a card to send to someone. Or decorate a notebook. Or make a banner.
A few simple stitches and you have something to be proud of.
As well as making things myself, I love to pass on my skills to others and believe passionately in the advantages of working with your hands.
Everyone can embroider. My kits and projects are designed to be easily accessible to all levels, whilst still giving a pleasing result.
So enough chatter, I’ll let you get on and browse round the site, and if you have any questions, just let me know, either by email, or through social media.
And please do share your projects with #pollydextrous_sews , I love seeing what other people create . Let’s get stitching!