Shells

Shells are considered mnemoactive objectives; objects that trigger sensory experiences or memories. When we pick up shells at the beach or along the shore of a lake or river, we create an association between the shell and the day or person if we were with others. When we look at the shell or pick it up once we're home, it takes us back to that moment or person. Shells are heavily symbolic in many religions and are often associated with luck and prosperity. They play a role in rituals and can tell us a lot about history. 

As a kid, I loved picking up shells at the beach. I'm not really a beach person, but I did love collecting shells. I'm pretty sure I had a collection as a kid, but many moves later, that collection is gone. I was going through some boxes earlier this year, and found a few shells from my last trip to Ocracoke Island. These shells were one of the inspirations behind focusing on a water/sea theme this month. That particular trip to Ocracoke happened in a way that was very full circle for where I was in my life. I collected these shells on the beach on my last day on the island, having a conversation with my friend Kelly about lots of things, but also nothing as is the way with friends. I kept them out when I got back home because they reminded me of being lighter and of letting things go. When I put them out again more recently, the same feeling came back to me. I also had the feeling I need to get back to visit Ocracoke soon, but that's a conversation for another time (yes, Ocracoke is getting its own piece this month - patience). 

I tried to match the thread colors to these three shells - not as easy as it sounds.

Shell patterns from the Spruce Crafts

I liked how the varigated thread turned out for the black and gray shell. It was hard to pick colors today, but that was a good choice.

Details:
Stitches: stem, whipped back, back, straight stitches
Thread palette:

• Shell 1 (upper left): SS 654 (3 strands)
• Shell 2 (upper right): DMC 3820, 435 (3 strands)
• Shell 3: SS 014 (2, 3 strands), 203, 304 (2 strands)
  

Shell patterns