When it comes to embroidery journals, some opt to embroider a small icon a day. However, Suzy Myers does things a bit differently. Using embroidery thread and water colour pencils, She documents her travels with her husband throughout the United States in their RV. She’s been to some amazing places this year including The Grand Canyon, South Carolina Beaches, and even a handful of the Georgia State Parks.
I am absolutely in awe of Suzy’s travel journal, by using one strand of thread at a time, she’s able to make these amazingly detailed portraits for each month. She was even kind enough to take the time out of her busy days of traveling to answer some questions about what goes into creating her travel journal.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a quilt pattern designer originally from Atlanta, GA. My husband and I travel full time in our RV around the United States. We have been on the road since 2015. We both left corporate jobs, sold our home and retired early, with plans to explore the country and enjoy a simpler lifestyle. Many of my quilt designs are inspired by the things that we have seen and done as we travel. We are currently at the Grand Canyon in Arizona for the winter working at the National Park. We will be here until April and then will be moving onto our next adventure.
What supplies do you use for your embroidery journal
For my journal I am using a 12″ hoop and cotton woven fabric. I use watercolor pencils to help color in some of the background, and heat erasable pen to trace my design.
What tips do you have for someone wanting to start this type of embroidery journal?
Do what is comfortable for you. Have a plan for when you would like to work on it. I work on mine in the evenings after everything else is done for the day. I look forward to a little time at the hoop as a way to relax.
How did you decide to journal your travels in this format?
I had a website where I originally documented our travels, but it grew too difficult to maintain along with my quilt pattern websites. I wanted a way to document in a different format that I would enjoy creating and looking at for years to come. I chose the monthly 3″ squares and include about 5 different adventures from that month in each square. It is more doable for me than trying to create something for each day.
Can you tell us about some of your travels that you’ve captured on your embroidery journal?
This past year we have spent time in Georgia State Parks, the Alabama beaches, the coast of South Carolina, Atlanta with family, cross country into Texas, New Mexico and finally the Grand Canyon and northern Arizona. I love to feature some of the animals that we have seen, some of the beautiful plants and trees and the experiences that we have enjoyed.
How have you managed to stay motivated throughout the year?
I look forward to putting each month together and write down things that I think might be a great addition to my journal as they happen. Things like seeing animals or even just hearing them, great restaurants, fun events and historic places. Since each month is a mystery until it actually happens, it is a joy to put together a new one each month.
What is the process from start to finish on creating one square on your journal?
At the end of each month, I look back on the month to determine what experiences I would feel best represent what we did. I draw out a 3″ square on paper and begin sketching ideas into it. Once I am happy with my sketch, I outline it with a marker. I then use a light box and heat erasable pen to transfer the sketch onto my fabric square. If I choose to, I add water color pencil to any backgrounds and allow it to dry before beginning to stitch. As I stitch, I remove the temporary stitched border that outlines my square. I generally stitch with 1 or 2 strands of DMC floss.
What have you learned from starting an embroidery journal?
My style has changed as the journal has progressed. I am gradually using less water color pencil and more stitches. Each square is taking me longer than the original first few months. And I’m okay with that. You can see the process of getting comfortable with my own style as the months progress. I love the fact that I am stitching memories, making them last.
Is this your first embroidery journal?
My first attempt at embroidery journaling was in 2020. I got as far as March. The daily task of coming up with an icon for each day was overwhelming to me at the time. Particularly, I lost my brother in Feb of that year and it was very difficult for me to get back into the project after that.
Do you plan on creating a 2024 travel journal?
I’m already planning a new journal for 2024. I will stay with the same format as it has worked for me. This coming year is not entirely planned out. We know that we will be spending part of the summer in Minnesota, but the rest of the year is an adventure waiting to happen.
Where can we find you online?
Main Website | Shop | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Original Travel Website
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Enjoyed this post? Then check out some of my other blog posts or purchase the in-depth embroidery journal guide. You can also join the free Embroidery Journaling Facebook group to chat with others working on Embroidery Journals. Follow me on any of the following social media websites:
I was excited when I saw that you were a Scottish Lass, as I am married to a wonderful Scottish Lad who was born in Rosyth and came to the USA back in 1965. We have traveled to Scotland 12 times now, and it is my favorite place to visit. I am a well seasoned quilter and I found Suzy on line about 3 years ago, and I have been a devoted fan ever since. I love to do machine applique and I have used many of her patterns to make gifts for friends and family. Suzy is the BEST!!!