Which came first, the stitch or the art?

[Nicola]

Hi Everyone,

I am really interested to hear how people got started in needlwork. It seems that there are two groups, some who are interested in art and design and come to embroidery/needlework as a medium of expression, and others who were captured by the stitching itself. Which one are you?

Personally, I was 7 when my teacher gave us all some Aida and stranded cotton and taught us how to do cross and running stitch. I went home and Mum showed me her embroidery books and soon I was doing couching, chains and my favourite - sheaf stitch. I never looked back, soon I was creating my own designs and learning new techniques.

So, how about you?

[Elaine Wilding]

  The needle is what it is for me. I learned to design as my drawing techniques developed. My father taught me to draw at 6 a begged him he was teaching the neighbor boy , he thought I was to young, but he could not say no, I would not let him.  I started by making Barbie doll clothes out of scarps of fabric when I was about 7 or 8. My mother taught me to knit and crochet at this time also. The embroidery bug hit about at 10 when I found a book on embroidery stitches. That is when my drawing techniques soared. My mom never did this type of thing but there was always lots of craft supplies in our home. I taught myself to embroider,  the needle has always felt like it belonged in my hand. I went thru some rough times in 2008 and realized all I need to make me happy is some scraps of fabric and a needle and thread and I am in heaven. I love to stitch and can't wait to wake to do so every morning. It is truly my passion. I am so glad I found stitchin fingers because this is where I belong for sure all the talent here is so inspiring  and I can't wait to see everyone's beautiful creative work.  Hugs to you and Happy stitching Elaine.

[Tracey Mc]

I did my very first cross stitch in infant school (about 5 or 6) and was also taught embroidery, lacemaking and how to use a sewing machine. I'm not really one for drawing so needlework is my main creative outlet

[Ann Standen]

What an interesting thread,  I have only recently joined this forum and have really enjoyed reading this one; thanks, Nicola, for asking the question.

I didn't take to stitching until shortly before retiring from work; we were going to a hotel for Christmas (for the first time) and I was reluctant to take my knitting to the bar ( `freaky' thing to do then) but wanted/needed something to do with my hands. My daughter had never really taken to knitting but had followed her own instincts into tapestry (canvas work) and on to cross stitch: she chose a cross stitch kit for me, showed me how to get going and that was it! At the hotel I found people were interested but not critical and realized that a small piece of stitching can be carried around with me wherever and quickly put away. So, definitely a stitcher rather than a designer although I do sometimes change both colours and add small design bits to kits (ie birds in flight etc). However, I took up patchwork and quilting a couple of years ago and have now made four quilts for grandchildren and have `designed'  (if that's what it can be called) each of them myself, so I guess the ability is lurking somewhere.

I still knit, but usually only when watching TV or reading. Born during WW11, and growing up in very impoverished times, I learned to knit when very young and, later, to sew sufficiently well to make my  own basic clothes: I must have been taught to embroider (most people did then) but it obviously didn't inspire me then. I was probably far more interested in skills that enabled me to make things to wear since there was very little money around, ready made clothes were rationed whereas yarns and fabrics, when available, were not and, if you wanted nice things, you had to make them yourself. 

I'd like to think I could design stitching patterns but probably won't now.