I have the faintest memories of learning a few embroidery stitches in my youth. I don’t remember who I learned them from, but I think it may have been my grandma… or my Girl Scout Troop Leader… or maybe it was my mom?
Regardless, it’s been decades, so when I added “learn to embroider” to my 50 before 50 bucket list, I knew I’d be starting with Embroidery 101.
So, I ordered a few beginner patterns and have just taken the dive into my first one in the last couple of days. Despite being pretty bad at about half the stiches I’ve tried so far, I’m having a lot of fun stretching my brain. Plus, who wouldn’t enjoy playing with rainbow colored thread? 😉
Of note:
- My Chain Stich is twisted in ways that don’t make sense
- My French Knot is wildly inconsistent
- My first Lazy Daisy indeed looks lazy
So, I remind myself that…
Also:
- The Satin Stitch is quite enjoyable and reminds me of clearing the screen on the Etch-a-Sketch as a child. Line by line, with a steady hand and gobs of patience, clearing that screen so I could see the inner workings was wildly satisfying. The Satin Stitch feels similar, if in reverse.
And:
- I think I have officially reached the age where Readers might be necessary to work on such things in the evening when the light isn’t as bright and my eyes are tired : : : s i g h : : : I guess there are worse things.
So, I will go on a hunt for some Readers, keep at my practice, and hold in my head visions of the future projects I’ve saved to my 50 before 50 pinterest board that I’m inspired to try. How fun would it be to create such unique pieces of art for our walls, our clothing, and our family and friends?!
But first, more Embroidery 101!
How’s creativity manifesting in your life right now? Any works in progress (WIPs) or inspirations brewing as the seasons slowly shift around us? I’d love to hear all about what you’re up to! Please leave a comment below and/or a link to what you’re working on if you have one!
Happy Crafting!
Onward,
Melissa
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Fascinating, Melissa! I was recently talking to someone about a career change and thinking “I am not sure I could be a beginner again.” But wow, looks like you are enjoying the process. I know learning to embroider and getting a new degree and navigating a new industry are perhaps wildly different levels of beginner-ness, but still, it’s inspiring to see you try, learn, and make progress. Congrats on learning this new thing and continuing to have fun!
Embroidery vs a new degree/career are vastly different, yes, but the core is the same! We never know how much time we have left and I fully believe that life is too short to stay stuck somewhere you’re not as happy as you could be. If you have the opportunity to do something that fills your cup and heart, I’d highly recommend jumping in <3 Thank you for your kind words and food for thought, Jessica. I appreciate you!
Wow, Melissa they are fantastic! You are so creative. I am surprised you have time with all the farmwork.
The colder months offer much more time for creative endeavors 🙂 I’m excited about learning to embroider for the brain stretches, the creative output, and it’s small size! Easy to pick up, put down, or take with me when I’m on the move!
This is great! I remember doing a little bit of embroidery with my mom and my grandma as a kid. Perhaps embroidery should be a fall project? Yours look very pretty! I probably do not remember many stitches. I guess I could re-learn, right? I finished my most recent creative project, a crocheting project last weekend. I am going to move by the end of the month, but when I am settled in I will be looking for a new project, I’ll write embroidery project on my “want-to-do list”.
Thank you, Maria! It’s been fun to learn and laugh a bit at my newbie self making silly mistakes and learning from them! I typically crochet in the colder months (and still will) but usually make larger projects that can get a bit cumbersome to pick up when I have a few minutes or take in the truck on the commute. Not only am I excited to “paint with string” but embroidery is much easier to carry about and pick up quickly when a few free moments arise! I do hope you’ll pick it up again! I’d love to hear about it when/if you do!