Welcome to my stitching blog. I am exploring how to create a blog so thought that I would create one about my favourite hobby, hand embroidery. I began embroidering about 14 years ago.
Influences
My first recollection of using a needle and thread was with my grandmother who taught me a version of cross stitch which some call Australian cross stitch and the Americans call chicken scratch. My mother taught me to knit when I was very young and even though I dropped lots of stitches it was a very enjoyable activity. In the early years of primary school I worked on a sampler and discovered that I loved stitching. My mother bought some traced doilies which I delighted in stitching. Unfortunately none of these childhood stitching efforts were saved. However, I have some Australian cross stitch pieces that my grandmother made for me which I will always treasure.
My mother-in-law has also been an inspiration. She gave me three little white pillow cases that she embroidered and crocheted for my husband, her first child. I used them to prop up my babies in the pram and now these little pillows take pride of place amongst the pillows on our bed. I also treasure a piece of my own knitting, a skill which I mastered in my early twenties. I made a baby shawl for my son who is now 26. I took up embroidery because our climate is not conducive to knitting all year round and I love to have some form of stitching in my hands most days. I find that it brings such a sense of peace. In working the stitches and thinking about the design that I am creating I find that anything that is stressing me just disappears.
Learning
I joined the Embroiderers' Guild of Qld. Inc. because I wanted to learn more about embroidery. About 14 years ago my sister mentioned that she had taken up cross stitch and I saw some of her beautiful work so I decided that I could probably do this. I bought a book on how to cross stitch and taught myself. One day I purchased the first issue of Australian Embroidery and Cross Stitch and was fascinated by the beautiful work. After speaking to a Guild Member at one of the Craft Fairs, I decided to go along to the Guild.
I have spent the last 14 years learning, exploring and enjoying embroidery, sharing skills, ideas and being inspired with the added bonus of making many wonderful friends.
Playing
I like to have a go at most styles of embroidery but probably enjoy free style and creative embroidery most. I have done lots of embroidery, some I have given away, some I have just done for sheer enjoyment. Unfortunately I have a cupboard full of UFOs and lots of finished items which are just begging to be framed.
