Eventually I became interested in antique samplers and new samplers (like those from Shepherd's Bush). Instructions now are so clear and simple to follow that I decided to try a few of these sampler stitches. They were easy, and I really enjoyed the excitement of trying something new, but at the same time, familiar.
Then I took a hardanger class. At the Nordic Needle, no less (I used to live in Fargo, N.D.) The instructor was good, but I found this "hard danger" or "hard anger" wasn't nearly as complicated as I thought it was. And it was such fun to work with some of the new verigated flosses on pretty fabric. Once I got over my fear of cutting, I really enjoyed myself.
This winter I took a class on ribbon embroidery. Again, it was something I had thought would be difficult -- isn't it pretty? I took the class to meet new people (since we're new to the area). There were those old familiar stitches I learned as a girl -- Lazy Daisies, stem stitches, French Knots... After a short evening, I had a pretty little heart-garden, which now hangs in my son's room (he's 4 and thought it was great!) Why had I been afraid to try this?
And now this month I learned to knit. At this point I don't have any desire to graduate to afghans or sweaters (that's all I need is another hobby with all those supplies!) So I've been making little cotton washcloths to give as gifts. It's relaxing, almost mindless work (to do washcloths. I'm sure sweaters are something entirely different.), and I can do it in front of the TV, while I'm waiting somewhere, or in the car. My son loves to pick out colors, and wants to know when I'll be able to mix colors in the same washcloth!
I haven't done any ribbon embroidery since my class, and the hardanger runner I started is sitting amidst a pile of UFO's, but I'm glad I tried these techniques. It gave me confidence in myself as a stitcher, and allowed me the opportunity to talk to other stitchers (most of whom were in the same boat that I was.)
In a few weeks I'll be taking a class from a professional needlework instructor -- Eileen Bennet, who will be teaching an all-day sampler class to the Embroiderer's Guild chapter I belong to. The stitches won't be new, but I'm sure I'll learn how to improve the strength and look of my work.
When was the last time you learned something new? Maybe you and a friend could "swap" areas of expertise -- she could teach you to needlepoint, you could teach her how to stitch on silk gauze. Let me know if you're trying something new, and I'll add your stories here!
Others did too!
I started stitching (I thought it was called "sewing" at the time) around Chistmas '93, when I made my first cross-stitch tree ornament. Like a true stitcher, I promptly gave it away! Since then I've become a rabid stitcher (NOT sewer!), tackling all sorts.
Within six months of picking up my needle, I'd tried hardanger (I made scented pillows for my bridesmaids, backing the pillow with left over fabric from their gowns). Then I tried Eileen Bennett's HOME IS WHERE YOU HANG YOUR NEEDLEWORK sampler, (my first Linen project). I loved it (except the one over one - ouch).
Once I had done the HOME... NEEDLEWORK sampler I moved to an 11x14" needlepoint pillow, (which I am still working on -- I'll never admit it's an UFO, I keep it on the frame (and just buy new dowels when I need them for new projects), and tell myself that I'm working on it! Which I am...periodically!
Last summer I took a silk ribbon class (wow, is that effective and fast!), and in November I took a tatting class (which is incredibly soothing, AFTER you get the hang of it).
I love to try the different stitches! I've picked up a pattern for bargello, but I'm a bit nervous to start it.
Oh, and I tried pulled thread work too, I like it as an accent, but doing row after row I find a bit boring.
My next new thing (after university is out in May), will be to stitch some of the projects I've been designing. Who knows, they may work out! -- Kate Brown Behr
© 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