This Christmas, help someone else find the peace and joy you find in needlework. Where would your life be without it? I've read that needlework lowers blood pressure (my mom and I joke that if mine were any lower, I'd be comatose!) And what a feeling to actually make something by hand.

If you give a gift of a needlework kit, try to match the design to the recipient. Think color, style and subject matter. Also, remember that a beginner is just that. Anything too large or intricate will hinder rather than intrigue. I don't think it's beyond all beginners to start on linen or evenweave (my mom did as an adult, and I recently taught my mother-in-law to stitch on linen, too.) It will probably require a lesson, though. Aida is a good start for most beginners -- I taught my 14-year-old sister in law this summer how to stitch on some pretty mauve Aida (she selected the color for a Lizzie Kate Snippet).

But you don't have to limit a project to cross stitch. Actually, the first needlework kits I received were an embroidery kit (complete with lazy daisies, stem stitches, leaf stitches, and French knots) and a little canvas kit with different filling stitches. As a younger child, I used to lay on the floor with my brother and work on latch hook rugs (don't tell Pete I told you). We also had sewing cards (as very young children. These can be found at education supply stores).

A girlfriend would love to come over some night or Saturday afternoon for a lesson. Make up a coupon for such a session that she can "redeem." This way, she won't feel bashful about asking for help. And it will give you an excuse to get together for a few laughs.

Not everyone you "gift" into needlework is going to take to it. I've taught a fair number of people how to stitch, but I still haven't figured out how to predict who will enjoy it more than others. Some who I have supposed would really enjoy needlework were frustrated with it. And some who I thought wouldn't have the patience for it dove in and love it still. (The "party girl" in our graduate studies group has been stitching for years now, after I taught her in the grad. office.)

Of course another idea is to introduce a stitching friend to a new technique -- something you enjoy, or something you might like to learn together. Pulled thread, hardanger, canvas work, tatting, lace making, quilting, applique, whatever. If you're going to learn together, buy yourself a kit, too, and you can make an evening of it (or a few evenings.) Again, if you're playing teacher, make sure your "student" knows that she can ask for help any time.

And I better not leave out the men and the boys. I've known a few male stitchers (and have a number of them as customers) and am always impressed by how well they stitch (I haven't seen a male stitcher yet who wasn't more meticulous than I am...well...I guess that's not saying MUCH.) Really, with the wide variety of patterns, materials, colors and styles, there is something in needlework for everyone. And remind your student that stitching only gets easier as you practice. (Those first knots are frustrating.)

I love hearing from your husbands at this time of year, and think it's very sweet when they call to order needlework supplies for your holiday presents. Most of them are so earnest in trying to buy you something you like. When your husband buys you stash to support your hobby, know that you are truly loved!

Thank you so much for your business and support this year. I love what I do, and you all help me do it. I'll close with what I wrote in my December 1998 newsletter (my sister in law, Anna, liked this at the time):

Surround yourself with those you love this holiday season. Donate to your local food bank or shelter. Count your blessings. Kiss your children. Tell your significant other, "I love you." Remember those you've lost. Go to church. Sing carols. Bake cookies. Buy yourself a gift. And for heaven's sake, DO SOME STITCHING!

© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com