Any other complete beginners out there?

[angie]

I'm just starting out on my creative embroidery journey and wondered whether anyone else out there is at the same stage. I've signed up for the Studio Journals course starting in October and it was a real difficult choice between that and the Sumptuous Surfaces course. But I think I need to begin trying to develop ideas in a proper way, rather than having some vague concept in my head that I have no idea how to translate into a finished work.

I'm also doing a modular distance learning course that's City & Guilds accredited (this is English folks!) which is giving me practice in the basics of stitching and suchlike.

Nice to hear from anyone who's a learner like me. There are some very inspirational people on this forum!

[Helen]

Hi Angie,

I am certainly a complete beginner. Not counting two attempts to make dolls clothes when I was about 8, it is only in the last year that I have started to explore the world of textiles and embroidery. I am entirely self taught from books and the net and am finding myself overwhelmed by the wonderful things I see online and all the new techniques that I want to try.

I have also signed up for the Studio Journals course in an effort to develop some discipline in developing and following through some of the nebulous ideas that keep popping into my head. I would love to do a City and Guilds at some point but can't really justify the expense at the moment.

[angie]

Hi Helen
I just had a look at your profile and your samples are absolutely wonderful. I'm afraid I'm nowhere near that stage yet but it certainly gives me hope! I agree about getting overwhelmed by all the wonderful things out there - it's easy sometimes to spend more time browsing the net going "wow" every couple of minutes than actually doing it myself. MUST TRY HARDER!! How well I remember that from school reports!

[Violette Severin]

I am not a complete beginner in embroidery but haven't done it in 30 years. That is almost like starting out as a beginner because I don't remember much. That is why I signed up for the TAST group. When I started quilting, I stopped doing other types of needle work. I wish there was an instructional DVD on embroidery because I learn better by seeing someone in action. I would love to take a city and guilds course but don't know what is a good class for me to start with. I am interested in both quilting and embroidery. From what I have read about the courses, the two types of stitchin' are separated.

[Carol-Anne]

This is not a DVD but you may find this liberary of stitch videos helpful.

Mary Corbet's Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches.

I'm not a beginner by any means, but I still feel overwhelmed by techniques I would like to try. Although I have a favourite technique (Japanese Embroidery) I still like to dabble in many other things and my list of things I still want to try seems to get longer.

The important thing is to do things you like doing and have fun. Don't judge your work against others, especially someone who has oddles of experience. If there is a technique that particularly interests you, why not join that group here on SF (if there is one). If you have questions, I'm sure that the more experienced stitchers will be only too happy to answer them and give you some pointers.

Happy Stitching

CA

[angie]

Thanks Carol-Anne - such a useful site. I've bookmarked it and am sure I'll use it a lot!

[Mary Corbet]

Hey, thanks for the plug, Carol-Anne! You're such a pal!! :-)

Angie, welcome to the world of needlework!! I think you'll love it!!

[angie]

I haven't tried quilting although my sister has, in a small way. Try going to which is the Embroiderers' Guild shop. They only have a couple of DVDs, but one is for crewel embroider. Also the Royal School of Needlework () have a shop which is currently offline being re-designed, but may be worth checking out when it's back.

[angie]

Trying again - links didn't seem to work last time! Royal School of Needlework and Embroiderers' Guild.

[MichelleMermaid]

Hi Angie,

I am new to this site, only discovered it a few weeks ago. I have already learned so much from the other stitchers here, even though I am not totally a beginner. I've been embroidering for a while now but in many ways I am so new to this art. I am trying silk and other new threads for the first time. And I've learned a few new stitches like the cast-on stitch and french knot roses that are really exciting.

Over the last 8 years I've learned mostly from books by Judith Baker Montano. (BTW, she has made a couple videos on crazy quilting and silk ribbon embroidery.) I've only dabbled a bit in silk ribbon embroidery and used it as a minor addition to my stitch work.

I still have a lot to learn about composition and putting colors together. I find looking at photos here gives me more ideas of how to put things together. Color coordination does not come naturally to me, so it is a huge learning process. I recently purchased my first color wheel, too!

I think many of us have things to learn at all levels, so you certainly are not alone! This is a great place to explore new techniques and have fun with your work. And so many of the sitchers here are very willing to explain their approach. I certainly appreciate that.

Welcome!

[angie]

Thanks for the welcome Michelle. I agree that looking at other people's photos is a great help with composition. I came across cast-on stitch on Sharon B's stitch dictionary (which I find SO useful as it gives so many variations of a stitch) and can't wait to use it.

I really wish I'd started stitching years ago!

[BJ]

I am not a beginner; however, I am desperate for education. I cannot find any local education in the Kansas City area. I am taking a few fiber arts courses at the Art Institute of Kansas City. I am also taking some EGA correspondent courses. I wanted some real hands on class time with a teacher.
Does anyone know of any in my area?
Thanks,
BJ

[Ruth Palsson]

I suggest you start a new discussion with your question - more people will see it that way. Good luck with finding courses.