Happy Monday! And welcome back to A Stitcher’s Christmas, a fun series of embroidery-related give-aways here on Needle ‘n Thread, just in time for Christmas!
Today, I’ll tell you the winner of A Stitcher’s Christmas #2 (these three A-Z embroidery books), and then tell you all about today’s give-away, for five winners!
Last week, A Stitcher’s Christmas #2 featured this collection of three embroidery books from Search Press. They’re lovely books, perfect for any needlework library, and I think the winner will indeed love them!
Without further ado, the winner is Wanda Correll. Congratulations, Wanda!
#3: Double Delight!
Today’s give-away, courtesy of Inspirations Magazine, will go to five lucky winners! Each winner will receive this kit for Double Delight, a pair of beautiful embroidered Christmas stockings embroidered with white threads and ribbon on a hessian ground fabric. Each winner will also receive a copy of Inspirations Magazine issue #92, where the project is featured.
This is your opportunity to stitch up two very pretty stockings that will surely become family heirlooms!
The nice thing about these stockings, besides the fact that they’re classy, sharp, and adorable all in one, is that they’re relatively easy stitching. There’s not a whole lot of complicated stitchery in the projects, so it’s feasible that you will actually finish them!
If you’d like to win one of the kits and the magazine, follow the guidelines below.
Give-Away Guidelines
This give-away is now ended. Thanks for participating!
1. Leave a comment below. You can follow this link to get to the comment box, or simply scroll to the end of the article. Comments left on other articles on Needle ‘n Thread or sent in via email are not eligible.
2. Please leave a recognizable name either in the name line or in the comment box, so that there’s no confusion when the winner is announced. You are not required to fill in the “Website” line on the form. This is for folks who have their own website or blog. If you don’t have your own website, please leave this line blank.
3. In your comment, please answer the following question:
How did you learn to stitch? (Are you self-taught? Did a relative get you started? Maybe a friend? An instructor at a class?)
4. Submit your comment by Friday, December 9, 5:00 am central standard time (that’s in Kansas, USA). The winners will be randomly drawn that morning and announced in the A Stitcher’s Christmas Give-Away #4, which will be published here on Needle ‘n Thread on the 9th. I’ll also notify the winners by email, so please make sure you enter your email address correctly on the comment form.
5. The winners will need to respond with mailing information within 48 hours, or another winner will be randomly drawn.
The give-away is open to everyone. You can enter each give-away in A Stitcher’s Christmas when they are published here on Needle ‘n Thread, but you can only enter each give-away once. Please don’t leave multiple comments on any one give-away.
Don’t fret if your comment does not appear on the site immediately. Comments are queued for moderation, to avoid spammers. Sometimes, it takes a while for me to work through the list, but eventually, it will show up!
My mother taught me the basic stitches when I was a little girl, but after that, it was a trial of errors of learning on my own.
I am self-taught for the most part. I have been able to pick up great tips through the years (25+) of stitching. Blessings.
Our babysitter was never without some needlework in her hands. I most remember her tatting. She taught my sister and me several needlework techniques (not including tatting), but especially simple embroidery. I still have two red-work blocks that I made. Mrs. Parker was really a folk artist. I have a small hooked rug she made in a Piet Mondrian style–all with wool cut from old coats.
I was first taught to embroider on a workshop by Phillipa Turnbull, and then I joined stitching group, and then I went on Royal School of Needlework courses. They have all been wonderful.
Embroidery fills my heart with joy!
I learned to stitch by reading books, following Needle n’ Thread, and a whole lot of “I can try that!” courage. While my mother is an accomplished seamstress, she never really did embroidery so most of my learning is because I decided to take a risk and try something!
My grandmother taught me to embroider when I was about 9. I embroidered many dishtowels and other items too!
I learned to stitch from my grandmother when I was 5. I learned surface stitching on iron on patterns.
I learned to cross stitch when I was ten in a summer craft class. The rest of my stitching skills are completely self-taught. Thank you Mary and Inspirations for this giveaway.
I am a self taught stitcher. Although I must say my grandmother’s stitchery gave me a lot of insight and interest to do handwork. I have to give props to you, Mary. I am glad I discovered your website. Your video tutorials are very helpful.
I was given tapestry kits as a little girl and became interested in handwork.
My mother taught me a couple of basic stitches many years ago and from there I was self taught. Thank you for the opportunity of winning this kit and beautiful magazine!
I had several small experiments, but my real formal instruction in embroidery was given by my maternal grandmother, the summer I was eleven. After that, I mostly taught myself, but I owe her all the basics and some great advice.
I’m pretty sure the day I have a daughter, she’ll want to learn from my mom, her own grandmother, rather than from me 😉
just learning to stitch!
My earliest stitching was learned from my Grandma who had a quilting bee at her house once a week. I would sit and piece small squares into a minitire quilt. This is where my love of handwork started. Then I took up counted cross stitch in my later years to create gifts for family. I took up crewel work within the last two years taking classes from a beautiful lady who was the director of a New England conservatory.
My mom taught me for a Girl Scout badge!
I learned stitching n the 7th grade. We were n middle school n at that time we didn’t have sewing machines nor kitchens to learn basic sewing n cooking, we only did hand work. Loved it from the beginning. missy
I was self taught and I am now learning from you!
I recently took a Hardanger class in October of this year. I really enjoyed learning this technique, which has inspired me to do more.
Tmorneau
HI
I learned to embroider from my mom who taught me some simple stitches like outline stitch, chain stitch and satin stitch when I was very young. The first project I completed was a small cloth with flowers that I embroidered using the few stitches I knew. Later on I picked up cross stitch from a friend who always seemed to be working on a different project. Finally, I joined a guild and from there, I learned that I could complete a program offered in conjunction with the local community college, which I did. Since then I have gone on to take many workshops from some talented embroiderers. With embroidery there is always something new to learn. It never gets boring because there are so many stitches and so many techniques.
My Mom was an accomplished needle woman. She started both my sister and myself when we were about seven.
Nina Burnsides
I am British but was taught to cross-stitch while at a family wedding in St Petersburg, Fla. My husband’s American aunt was a great cross-stitcher and, although I was a keen knitter, cross-stitch was completely new to me. She started me off with a simple red heart that went into a Christmas ornament frame and I never looked back. Before I came home from the trip I was stitching a Marbek angel on 22ct aida (I think she was a bit mischievous setting me up with 22ct for my first proper project)!
I so enjoy the e-mails you send out. always look forward to them. Thanks for all the encouragement.
My mother taught me to embroider.
My Mother taught me how to embroider with floss on stamped pillowcases – probably 60 years ago. We helped each other learn counted cross stitch and needlepoint 20 years later.
My name is Darlene Dubicki. When I was little my mom let me play in her sewing cabinet. Baby food jar tops were screwed into the bottom of the shelves and the jar would screw into the top with lots of interesting goodies inside! I remember finding directions for embroidery stitches and taught myself the lazy daisy stitch. I still remember struggling with a French knot. I can’t believe she let me do that by myself but it started a lifelong interest in needle and thread!
What a delightful gift. I was taught by a friends grandmother and aunt. I was a sickly chld and they taught me to stitch and knit to help keep me quiet. I am so greatly as I stitch every day and have many wonderful things and friendships from my stitching. Still always learning something new.
My mother sent me to a class one summer when I was 9 or 10. A couple of years later she sent me to a sewing class. I still do both, but I was really done for when a quilt shopped moved in 7 doors away.
First, thank you so very much for “give away”! How did I learn to stitch? My mom was a dressmaker who did make her own wedding dress and embroidered it. When I was a child, I learned with my Mom how to do simple stitches, including being “neat” not only in the front but also in the back of the fabric. Then, I learned other types of stitches with books that I bought, I am still learning! Stitching is my hobby and my joy, my therapy.
Have a great day!!!
I am self taught by watching my mother. Only in retirement did my mother actually start to embroider in earnest and she does beautiful work.
Needle Arts has been a life time interest for me. Initially, I became interested in Needlework as a child working on badges in Girl Scouts. Later, I enrolled in a two year sewing course in high school. When I had my daughters, I taught myself to smock and learned Heirloom Sewing. I attended Martha Pullen’s School of Art Fashion twice. Now, I have two little granddaughters that say, “Nana, make me……” and Nana gets busy!
I learned to do simple stitching, pillow cases and such as a child. I learned to embroider after I retired through the Embroider’s Guild of America after I retired.
I am self taught, encouraged early on by a friend.
My mother taught me to cross-stitch when I was a child – my first project was a “mother” sampler done in traditional cross stitch.
My maternal grandmother, who died before I was born, was a stitcher, but my mother did not carry on the tradition. I am self-taught, learning the stitches by following book and pamphlet illustrations.
I taught myself to stitch. I have numerous how-to books. And of course there are plenty of videos now that help. I would love to take a class someday.
My grandmother, a talented stitcher, was my inspiration and teacher. This wonderful lady grew up
in Ireland, was a country girl and then a farm wife. Stitching was first a useful necessity and later a
way to add beauty to common articles such as pillowcases and napkins.
My mother liked to smock so it was only nature to teach me. She also helped all of us to learn to sew.
My mother taught me basic knowledge and I learned to do some drawn work from an elderly lady in our community. I read a lot when I forget or need something new.
Sara Bush
I am self taught by watching youtube A friend told me about Mary Corbet being the best so I am watching you. I only fid redwork to start but am now branching out because i have fell in love with the art. Thank you so much for teaching me.
I, Judith Lawrance, think I am basically self-taught. Although my mom was a sewer, she didn’t do embroidery work. I have taken a few classes, but mostly have learned on my own.
My Mom taught me the first basic stitches, then one small project in Home Ec at school, but the rest of it I learned myself from books.
My grandmother taught me how to quilt and I went from there to home ec. class at school where we learned crewel embroidery.
I am self-taught. I started as a pre-teen learning from the very few books I could find (or afford) or mimicking photos the best I could.
I used to buy the inspiration magazine from a newsagent
s but can not do that now and sorry to say I can not afford to subscribe to the magazine as the postage makes it too expensive. I still think it is the best embroidery magazine ever so fingers crossed I will be one of the winners of this great give away.
Regards
Beryl (South Yorkshire)
Beautiful gift. Thanks for the chance.
Beautiful! Winter white and gold look so elegant.
My grandma and mom started to teach me, then I lost all interest in those “teen” years. Later in college, I became interested in knitting which an aunt started the learning process. I then progressed to “many” teaching magazines to include all different types of embroidery. Finally, I was fortunate to move to Los Angeles and was able to take “real” classes from Jean Hilton and Susan Portra. Very lucky. Now, I live in Montana making it a very long distance to any hands-on experiences! This project looks wonderful and would feel fortunate to have my project for the new year!
Mary Kay from Montana
The question brought sweet memories. My Aunt Josephine taught me to cross stitch at eight. I would sit on her couch and watch her knit, and make beautiful dollies in amazement. My cross-stitching went to crewel and needlepoint. I think of her often as I stitch. My passion is canvas work now, using multi type threads and stitches. Fifty years later the art still amazes me and brings me relaxing joy.
My mother and great grandmother taught me! thank you!
I learned to embroider with my mom, when I was still a little girl, then at school, the nuns gave us two hours of embroidery a week, and there I kept embroidering, ¡until today!
Kisses, Karyne from Colombia
I learned basic embroidery and cross-stitch from my mom. I did multiple sets of flour sack towels and 3 stamped cross stitch samplers with her help when I was about 12-15. I stopped doing it for a long time and just picked it back up with counted cross stitch about three years ago. I’ve finished three sets of towels for family members with plans for about 4 more. The stocking kit is beautiful and would be a lovely addition to my Christmas items that I’ve stitched.
All my relatives did needlework. They had lived through hard times when sewing wasn’t optional, but had to be done. I doubt there was much decorative work going on back in the day, except for the matter of using patterns and different fabric pieces in quilt-making. By the time I came along, they had time for needlework entirely for pleasure. My mother, aunts, and grandmother would sit together and gossip as they worked on their projects. I can’t say that any one of them in particular taught me or started me on the path to doing many kinds of needlework. I was a child who pestered them until somebody would put the materials in my hands and show me stitches and let me figure it out from there. It’s always seemed completely natural that I would learn and eventually surpass those ladies, but now that I’m writing it down, I realize my sister can’t do a single thing involving needles. This is an interesting train of thought. Was she missing the stitching gene?
My mom taught me cross-stitch when I was young, and I’ve since taught myself (through online courses, video tutorials and books) some other techniques =)
I am self-taught but I have taken a few classes at a lovely Stitchery shop many years ago.
My grandma King taught me to stitch. Her compliments and love made me feel so special!!
The stocking kits look so lovely. Inspirations magazine is a fabulous publication, always full of fantastic needlework ideas and exceptional photography and instructions!
Merry Christmas! I love the stockings! I am loving your blog!
I am self-taught. BUT, now I’m learning so much more from you Mary! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I’m a self-taught, I had some classes for special techniques and a friend gave me some direcion in specific work I did. So, it’s a mixture of different ways.
I started stitching after observing my Mother and Grandmother stitching in Junior High. I have my first doilies I stitched which my Mother crocheted around. Since then I’ve taken classes, stitched with friends, etc.
I first started stitching on stamped cross stitch pictures that my mother showed me how to work. If I experimented with other styles through high school it was by purchasing a lot and following the directions in the kit.
I learned to stitch from my grandmother when I was about 6. I learned to needlepoint for the New York Times book of Needlepoint. I taught my grandchildren and their mother to stitch as well.
This is a truly wonderful project.
I learned to knit at age 5 watching my sisters. In those days boys didn’t do knitting or needlework, so I found some carpet thread and 2 round toothpicks and I went into my bedroom and duplicated what my sisters were doing. Well, as my mom was tucking me in one night she saw my miniature knitting. She was surprised and amazed and pleased and from then on I learned to sew, work crewel, crochet and other surface embroidery. The ladies at church even taught me to quilt. At age 67 I still continue to design my own needlework.
I learned to stitch as a child. The first project I worked on were flour sack kitchen towels. I am primarily self taught and have as an adult taken Hardanger classes and I love love love doing the cut work. Thank you for your blog. I am enjoying it very much!
My mother taught me to stitch. She knew how to do everything under the sun. Embroidery, knitting, crochet, sewing, china painting and more.
I taught myself how to embroider many years ago when I needed to put names on Christmas stockings, but the internet has helped me learn many new stitches.
I am self taught, mostly because I was too busy being a tomboy growing up to listen to those around me willing to teach! Thanks for the giveaway Mary!
I am mostly a self taught stitcher but had a few great classes at our local needlework store before it closed – so sad.
I’m mostly self-taught with a lot of help from this site. 😉
I learned to stitch as a child from my Grandmother.
I was at an SCA event (in my early 20’s) and saw an older woman sitting on a cabin porch, sewing by hand. I went over to ask her what she was doing, and she taught me the stitch she was working on. It was to decorate the wrist area of a tunic. She and I became good friends and over a decade she went on to teach me every stitch, and gift me with a stitcher’s encyclopedia so I’d never forget them.
She’s passed away, but I still keep her in my memories. Thanks for asking!
Thank you for this opportunity. Your work is beautiful and Inam thankful my mom told me about your sitw
Self-taught cross stitcher.
Came across your website, from searching stitching frames. Now have a Millenium Frame on order! Will be giving up my old Susan Bates round hoops as soon as it arrives. Can’t believe you live so close to me in Topeka.
As the only girl in my generation of cousins during the 50’s when television was not yet in every home and Title Nine legislation was years away, by default my place was with Momma and the aunts whenever there were family gatherings. The older women always carried a handwork WIP with them. Their projects were lovingly worked on with care, proudly shared. As I became old enough, (probably during first grade after playing with lacing cards,) ready to hold a needle and thread and work a pattern, they patiently allowed me to explore embroidery while helping me to learn. They’re gone now. I look forward to grandchildren showing interest in stitchery, teaching them as I was taught.
The first stitching I did was printed cross stitch in my early teens. Then I progressed to counted cross stitch. In my early 30s I had the opportunity to go with my mother and sister to a workshop with Laura Jenkins Thompson in Charleston, SC. That’s when I really started learning embroidery and developed a love for it.
These lovely Christmas stockings would be just perfect for my husband and I to stuff with ‘things’ for Christmas morning…..and I have just completed a piece of stitching, so perfect timing.
My grandmother taught me to embroider, around the age of five, by laminating coloring book pages and punching holes along the lines. Then she had me back stitch it. Once I mastered that we moved to little Aunt Martha projects like towels and aprons. Grandma has since lost her sight and can’t stitch any more but, she loves to talk stitching, feel fibers, and of course listening as I read articles from Inspirations, Needlepoint Now, and especially Mary Corbet. P.S. She wishes you well!
I did take a class with an instructor to learn some basics. Most stitches I learned on my own
When I was young, one of my mother’s aunts lived with us. She was a master embroiderer and seamstress. She taught me to embroider to keep me out of trouble, I was never without a needle in my hand. She truly passed on a life-time passion to me, my girls and my six granddaughters. I owe so much to her, so many hours of pure joy with needle and thread.
My Mother taught me to embroider when I was about 7 years old. I have sewn on and off since then. I would always take embroidery with me when we went on holiday its always something that relaxes me and brings back memories of my childhood.
I first started stitching when I was about 6 with guidance from my mother. Then a did a little self-framed piece and my first sampler at age 10. Most of what I have done over the years is either things I tried from reading, watching others, or from little classes in my EGA group and then on to big seminars. It has been a very rewarding journey.
Tanis
I learned to do Brazilian embroidery stitching from Anna Grist, she was a personal friend of my mothers and mine of many years in California and she taught us this beautiful art of stitchery….
I think i learned some stitches in school when i was little but i hated how much time it took and how messy it looked. So it wasn’t until i was about 30 when an idea for a project led me down the road to being a full-blown embroidery nerd. I learned all the basics online and from books.
I learned to stitch from my grandmother but I don’t remember how old I was. My first project was probably a flour sack dish towel with an iron on transfer design. I also remember doing pillow cases and still have a framed picture of a farm that had been printed on linen and was mostly stem stitch. She also taught me to crochet edges on the pillow cases.
I am mostly self taught and started filling a hope chest and expanding my skills!
Good morning Mary
My mother taught me some of the basics when I badly sprained my ankle; I was about nine or ten. I was required to stay off that leg for six weeks and she did not quite know what to do with me. She set up seven tea towels with iron-on transfers. As I recall they were kittens displaying washing on Monday, ironing on Tuesday, and I don’t remember the rest. But I do remember I was hooked! I found my passion! Apparently I tried to negotiate a deal with mother that there really was no need for me to go back to school; I would be willing to help with cooking and cleaning.
That negotiation did not evolve into a working agreement.
Sharon Gray
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
I always thought embroidery so beautiful-painting with thread-all the colors and the stitches……the way I learned was from seeing the videos on this site….wonderful detailed and easy to follow lessons for each stitch. My goal is always to learn a new stitch or to become more learned about a stitch I already had been able to teach myself through your videos. Seeing “how” to do it is much easier for me then following directions in a book. I get inspired when I see the designs put together in the books I have and this makes me desire to learn more about how to do the stitches. I have a couple copies of this magazine I bought in a thrift store….love the magazine but too expensive to buy for me and to win this issue and these beautiful stockings to make would be such a Christmas treat to say the least. Thank you for all that you do for all us needlework lovers!
I am pretty much self-taught. When I was a kid my mom showed me some basic stitches: back stitch, running, chain. But that was over 40 years ago. I got interesting in embroidery in my forties and learned from books.
I learned to stitch from my mother. It was basic surface embroidery. My interest grew much later into many different teechniques.
My mom taught a small bit of surface embroidery as a child. But other than that, I’m self-taught. Thank goodness for wonderful instruction books and stitch diagrams!
G’day Mary, I don’t remember being taught by anyone before high school where I took needlework, but I did embroider a little before that. When I was about 7 or 8 I made a simply embroidered pin cushion from instructions in an Arthur Mee encyclopedia and seemed to go onto more detailed stitching after that so I guess I’m basically self taught.
Cheers, Kath.
My grandmother made beautiful quilts & taught me to hand applique when I was very little fast forward 40 + years & I started to do rework with some gals online. now I have slowly ventured forth into more surface embroidery to keep my fingers nimble & from seizing up with arthritis. I really enjoy your posts & your website both have helped me to learn how to do more stitches thank you.
My mother taught me to stitch but I never really took to it until I was pregnant and was told to rest….that gave me stitching time. I have my mother’s 1920 course notes, samples and reports from her tailoring course!
I am self taught primarily. I have started taking classes recently to advance my abilities.
I leaned to crochet from a neighbor that watched me when I had not school. That was all that I did for many years then started to sew some clothes. In my late 20s I picked up a counted cross stitch kit only to find out that my mother was doing the same thing! At that time she was retired and not living near me. Have been avid since then and branching out into other forms of stitching.
My mother
Hi Mary! I started stitching as a completely self-taught kid — and never learned much! But I loved stitching so I kept going and making all kinds of my own design patterns, and ever started a shop called The Needlework Network! In the past 5 years however (now that I’m in my 60’s), I’ve discovered the EGA, and my local National Trail Stitchers chapter! This has been a god-send, and I’ve learned SO MUCH! It’s a good thing too, because I have so much time to make up for. The NTS members are so talented, so experienced and so kind and helpful that I now consider them my sisters-in-stitchery. I feel lucky to have found them after so many years of going it alone! So I actually think my REAL stitching just started within the last 5 years when my EGA-NTS sisters adopted me into their group. I love them and I love stitching!
Taught myself for the most part. Love hand work.
My grandmother taught me to embroider and knit when I was about 8 or 9. Today I still knit and embroider with my mother who is 95. Now I am teaching my grand daughters to embroider and knit. A tradition to share together.
I’ve learned to stitch from friends, guilds, internet searches and videos, internet groups, magazines, kits and books.
I learned a few stitches from my mother decades ago but didn’t pursue embroidery. A year or two ago, I started reading books and blogs (guess which one!) to learn on my own.
Beth in Charlottesville
My mother taught me embroidery as a child. As an adult, I learned that she was taught by my grandmother, her mother-in-law ! My father was also taught embroidery skills as a child along with his 3 sisters.
I am self taught. I have been hand sewing for some years now, I got into it when I was 18. I did it off and on making Barbie dresses and then in recent years made some purses, a diaper bag, placemats, and various other random things that interested me. I enjoy hand sewing a great deal and realized that I could do even more with it if I learned to embroider and so this past August I ordered supplies and took to the internet and began stitching away and I love it!
I’m self-taught, and was an adult before I really knew any other stitchers.
Well, I learnt needlework like all the other subjects in school – primary 1 sample. Then when I was 10, I did a table cloth and it won the school an award. Unfortunately I grew up and life got in the way and needlework fell off the cracks. When I retired a few years ago I decided to buy a book on all the different embroidery stitches and I started a piece of my own and experimented with all the different stitches and am still working on it.
Then I got introduced to Japanese Embroidery, loved it and am working my way through the phases. Last summer while visiting my sisters in London I managed to attend a Silk Shading and Goldworks class at the Royal School of Needlework and loved it. Ever since my return, I have been following your blog and subscribed to your email an loved reading your review comments etc.
Thank you for your reviews, suggestions and inspirations
SooKhim
Hi Mary,
My mother initiated me into the world of stitching. We did Cross stitch first, then learnt knitting from one of our neighbours, tried our hand at crochet, followed by embroidery.
Regards,
Deepa
I lived the first 11 years of my life in Austria. At that time stitchery was taught in school, starting in kindergarten. It fostered my love of crafting. I learned how to embroider, knit, crochet and sew.
The idea that you believe they can get done is great!!! I learned a bit in Junior High and then on youtube and craftsy.
I learned to stitch at my mother’s knee and it has provided many many years of joy
Caroline
I remember my mother embroidering the dresser scarves that had the ladies with parasols. I am sure she showed me how, but I don’t remember her actually sitting down with me. I must have been about 5 or 6. She also sewed some skirts and things for us. A little red corduroy skirt and vest is very vivid in my memory. I also remember taking scrap materials and making dresses for the dolls that I had. They were the ones that fit in the toilet paper rolls that were crocheted.
Later in 7th grade home ec class we made needle booklets out of felt and flannel. These were decorated with lazy daisies and were blanket stitched around the edges. So I guess I could say I was taught by a family member and went on to self teach…I know it is a very soothing hobby for me…
My grandmother had been a home ec teacher (in a one room schoolhouse!) and I inherited my love of all things involving a needle from her. I have been sewing “something(s)” for all my life. I ❤ to sew!
My ability and love of fiber techniques came from my mother. I am very grateful that she had the patience to teach me so many things, esp. embroidery.
How did I learn to stitch or I should say learning as it is a continuous process with so many new and wonderful things to learn. In the beginning, I tried to teach myself and soon became discouraged and decided I just couldn’t do it. Late into my adulthood I me the most talented sweet spirited person who said yes I could learn. Martha Neeley became my teacher and friend and I will be forever indebted to her. I so much enjoy these questions and walks down Memory Lane. They are a prize themselves. Peace and joy!
One of my great aunts taught me the basic surface embroidery stitches. Aunt Ruth worked with children in her job so she was very patient and very good at communicating with an eight year old. As an adult, I taught myself needlepoint from books. Later I was fortunate enough to take some wonderful class through various smocking and embroidery guilds. There are so many beautiful types of embroidery, it seems there is always a new one to learn.
If the truth be known, I do think I am a self-taught stitcher. I found several pieces of work that my mother had done over the years. But I don’t ever remember sitting at her side being taught by her.
I am trying my best to teach my two very active granddaughters how to stitch. Wish me well!
I learned to stitch in the 2nd grade……made my 1st puppet using a backstitch. Sewing and art were my best subjects… Never loved reading until late middle school! Now I love stitching art and reading.
My mother taught me the basic stitches when I was a little girl. I did few pieces and then I did not embroider for several years until I got interested in crewel and historic embroidery. Happy Holidays !
My fifth grade teacher taught me stem stitch on a handkerchief during our colonial module in history class, and from then on I bought books and kits and taught myself!
My dear little uneducated grandmother was a wonderfully patient teacher. She taught me stitches, that the size of the needle must be compatible with the gauge of the thread and to always have clean hands. I remember her each time I sit down to stitch❤️Janet shew
I learned to stitch from a crewel pillow kit my mother gave me for Christmas when I was about 9 or 10. I still have the pillow. That kit started me on a life long love affair!
Initially my mom and grandmother taught me to sew and embroider, but then I got away from it as school, marriage, children and life in general got in the way. Now I am back to it and enjoying it more now than ever. If I can’t remember a particular stitch, I go to your website!!!! How fun to pick up a project and relax on a cold winters night in Pennsylvania! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I learned I had a passion for stitching at the age of 6 when my grandmother guided me through my first Lazy Daisy!
I am self-taught. I am grateful for those who have given me advice or have instructions and tips on their websites.
In the beginning I was a self taught stitcher, but have loved getting classes in here and there where I could…I love learning new techniques and I have one new grandbaby and another on the way, so the pair of little stockings would be wonderful! Thanks to you and Inspirations – love the magazine!
Good Morning Mary!
My Mom taught me how to embroidery when I was between 8-10 years old. Just basic stitches–chain, daisy and satin. I taught myself some of the more advanced stitches 20 or more years ago when I was living in Colorado. I took a class in Brazillian Embroidery and my love of embroidery came back. 6 or so years ago, I really became interested in the historical aspect of sewing and embroidery when my husband and I joined a Living History Group. The girl who hated to hem became obsessed with following the ways of our Great Grandmothers!
Thank you so much to you and Inspirations for the give away! It is a embroiderer’s delight!
Terri P Albany NY
I am self taught, for the most part. When I became a mom, I needed something to do that I could pick up and put down easily, and I saw a pattern in McCall’s and wanted to make it. So I did. I still have it. It’s not a project I would recommend to a beginner now.
I’m self taught and don’t do embroidery and other hand work very often, so that means I’m still an amateur. Though when I get a chance, I love it!
I’m self taught. My latest has been Brazilian Embroidery. Learning new techniques is my therapy. The feeling of accomplishment when you learn something new is wonderful.
Hi Mary,
I was taught to embroider by mother. I was about 7 years old, and I was hooked from the very first stitch!! I absolutely adored the colors of the threads and all the pretty stitches. At that time, I was working on pillow cases, table runners, and anything that had a pre-printed design on it. So, I began my stitching odyssey with surface embroidery, and to this day, it remains my absolute favorite technique, although there are many others that I enjoy almost as much.
Thanks so much for this opportunity, Mary. You’re the best!
Sandie
My next door neighbor taught my mother and me to stitch. We learned on simple crewel kits. I just kept picking it (embroidery) up again and again throughout the years. I even taught my brother simple stitches, and he stitched flags on a denim shirt-jacket of the countries he hitch-hiked through in the 70’s.
Love you ideas. I learn something new every time I read your psge
These stockings would the perfect decoration for my hearth!
The early romance with embroidery began at my mother’s side, then languished untended for years, to be revived by Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Needle ‘n’ Thread, Inspirations Magazine, and my many joyful stitching friends.
Thanks to all! And a blessed Christmas!
My Grandmother taught me to embroider when I was a teenager. She had started a stamped cross stitch tablecloth and gave it to me to finish. It was a huge project and over the years dear friends did some stitching on it. I still have it and it’s a cherished addition to our family dinners.
It’s a Double Delight! My mother taught me to stitch when I was about 8 or 9. (I was quite a Tomboy and my pieces were always grubby until I learned to wash my hands and put on clean clothes before I picked up a needle!) At the end of her life, I got to return the favor and help my mother with her stitching, as Alzheimer’s robbed her of her stitching skills.
Thank you Mary, for all you do for us humble stitchers. I hope this Christmas finds you healthy and happy. I learned to stitch from my grandmother, on stamped pillowcases and aprons with variegated floss … this was all the rage! I loved watching the colours appear! I was about 5 or 6 years old. And, at Christmas time I love to unpack all the ornaments that people have stitched for me over the years. I think stitching really does build community.
I don’t remember the very beginning. I know it wasn’t Mother as she never did any “fancy” work, only utilitarian. I think the thing that sparked my actually growing in stitching skills was the gift of pieces, many unfinished, of a crazy quilt. If I ever hoped to finish it, I had to learn to stitch. My usual plan of attack with any new enthusiasm is to collect all the data I can so I looked for classes, books and web sites that might help. Thankfully one of the places I came across was NeedleNThread. It opened a whole new world. Turns out there’s more to know than just the mechanics of stitch creation. There’s sew vs stab, hoop or frame or none, background prep, fiber/thread selection a gazillion design decisions. It is a grand adventure, nearly all riding on “the web.”
Beth N in AZ
I didn’t take up stitching until I moved to the US in 1982. Then I taught myself. It wasn’t until a found an old copy of ‘Inspirations’ in a second hand store in New Zealand that embroidery became my passion. Again self-taught – although I must admit that I have learnt the most watching Mary’s videos.
I had cross stitched, a little, BC ( before children.) But gave it up for 31 years and then in 2011, I retired from teaching and we moved to TN part-time to be closer to grandchildren. I met a wonderful, generous older neighbor who happens to be a Master stitcher. I showed interest in learning and she said, “We get together on Tuesday Mornings at my house, come and join us!” So I did and she among others in the group have taught me so much. I recently completed the Elizabeth Bradley’s Four Seasons and it is hanging above our fireplace in TN.
Alice Hodde
My mother taught me when I was a little girl. I still have some of that ‘work’ that she had saved. I have always enjoyed embroidery and hand work. I just finished a cut work table topper. Took me quite a while to do it.
My mother and both my grandmothers always embroidered, tatted, knitted, crocheted, and sewed. All 3 of them taught me to stitch. My first bought project was a girl scout sampler that won as oldest ufo at an embroidery guild meeting several years ago.
I was taught to sew in a variety of ways. My grandmother first taught me Swedish Embroidery and I self taught (with the aid of instructions) my way through tripuntal, crewal, etc. I am fascinated by the the emergence of a picture from a blank fabric.
Thanks for doing these giveaways. I enjoy your site and hope you are feeling better.
At the ripe old age of five I was introduced to embroidery by a grandmother who taught me how to do stem and outline stitches. Then she gave me some pillowcases, a few skeins of thread and a beginner’s selection of patterns to iron onto the pillowcases as the end of the visit approached. A few months later she sent me a small booklet with a selection of different stitches for Christmas.
Of course I had to have my mother iron the patterns onto the pillowcases. She feared that I would burn something.
I am self taught. I truly love embroidery and have been teaching it for a few years. There was one class I took on Brizillian Embroidery that really made me think there is much more to this and much more to learn. I have spent many hours learning new stitches.
And sharing them with others.
I taught myself from a book called The Reader’s Digest Guide to Needlework.
I am definitely a self-taught stitcher. I started with a pillow kit when I was a teenager, and have learned a lot from kits over the last few years (including one with a scene from the Bayeaux tapestry, which propelled me to learn the Bayeaux stitch). I plan on taking classes … one of these days … both for the instruction and the camaraderie.
I learned to stitch in girl scouts.
Linda McN in Erie
I am a new stitcher. My friends in my local chapter of EGA, Fleur-de-lis, are helping me learn as we work on projects.
Marilyn
Always looking for more Inspiration and information…started with my me mere 60 years ago and ever hoping to improve
I learned to stitch from my mother when I was eight.
My grandmothers and my mother all did embroidery! I was so excited when they gave me my first kit! It was a little Holly Hobbie style design in crewel work. Split stitch and satin stitch were the first stitches I learned on that piece.
My mother encouraged my embroidery and sewing interest at a very early age. Most of my education is self taught and right now my interests include improving and learning new stitches for crazy quilting and embellishing wall hangings and quilts. Inspirations magazine by itself is a wonderful source of information, inspiration and just plain fun to enjoy. Adding a kit would only enhance the pleasure.
Thanks for the give away chance.
Lucy
Hi Mary 🙂
Thank you and Inspirations magazine for hosting such a lovely giveaway.
I’m a self-taught stitcher. I learned by doing a cross-stitch kit. I did only cross stitch for the first few years, but after I discovered all that was available on the internet, my world expanded, lol. Pretty much everything I learned, I taught myself, either thru books or tutorials over the Internet.
Thanks again for the chance to win 🙂
God bless Mothers, mine taught embroidery to me when I was about 6 years old and I’m still stitching at 73.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this kit. Inspirations is my favorite magazine. Merry Christmas!
This really dates me but, I learned to stitch at school and then my Mother and Aunt encouraged me with new projects.
Sue
I am mostly self taught. My mom got me started but I quickly started off in cross stitch which she had no interest in. That lead me back into surface embroidery and gold work.
My mom had me embroidery those days of the weeks towels. I don’t think it really stayed with me until I started cross stitching and then my threads became like paint to me!
I taught myself….now you know why I need these instructional books….ha!
I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t doing something crafty. My aunt taught me to crochet clothes for my Barbie Doll when I was about 7. I have learned from family, friends, instructors and books! Still learning! Thanks,
I learned to stitch from my mother at about the age of 7 or 8. I stitched a printed kitchen towel with salt and pepper shakers and a lot of lazy daisy stitches.
Alice Sheridan
My mother got me started when I was about 11 or 12. She was very good at embroidery, needlepoint, and crochet.
I recently taught my 17 year old granddaughter to embroider, what a joy!
I learned my first embroidery stitches from my grandmother, stitching printed dishtowels and pillowcases from Woolworths with variegated Coats and Clark floss. I was about 6 or 7. In third grade our art teacher taught us lots of embroidery stitches on burlap using yarn. I made a fish with each row of scales a different color and a different stitch. I was on fire with the textures I could create with different stitches. She even taught us bullion knots!! This was in 1965. I’ve had a needle in my hand ever since.
I learned to embroidery during the third grade, where a remarkable teacher included several unusual thing in her curriclum. This was a k thru 8 grade school in one room with one teacher. In third grade the girls started sewing., boys started wood working.We learned several simple stitches, then we each drew our house or the schoolhouse in pencil on a piece of cotton. Then we began stitching the drawing we had done. As we came to places on the picture that required a stitch we didn’t know, we stopped and everybody learned that stitch. I remember when we learned the french knot. We all thought that was so neat half our drawing was fre nch knots. She was a remarkable teacher.
I’d love to be the winner today. I’ve y family stockings and make ornaments foemy 11grandchildreneach year!
I am left handed and am self-taught. I belong to two very active Guilds that are great teaching forums with the trachers wegetfor classes.
I look forward to your daily email! Thanks!
Sue
How fun is this giveaway! I am a self taught stitcher that has relearned how to stitch better since my retirement. Love all the different kinds of hand sewing available.
Geralyn
I am self-taught as a child.
My teacher in School taught me how to embroider and I at once fell in love with it. I embroider both real size and Things for miniature size 1:12.
Regards Jette Sauerberg, Denmark
I am mostly self taught, along with the help of your videos.
I taught myself to embroider using books from Jenny Hart!
I’m basically self taught. I started doing cross stitch in the 80’s when everyone else did. But recently I started doing other types of embroidery, including hardanger. I have learned a lot from books, but youTube is my best teacher! It’s funny though – as soon as I started doing embroidery, my mother (in her 70’s) got all nostalgic and wanted to do some also. It turns out she learned as a child in 4H but somehow never taught my sister and I.
My grandmother taught me to embroider. She gave e a plain hankie on which she had sketched a simple flower. It had a stem, leaves and many petals. That day I learned the stitches I needed to learn in order to “color” the flower. I was so proud of it. I promptly lost it but I remembered the joy that little project gave me.
Dell Martinez
I started at age 5 with those cardboard stitching cards using yarn and I thought that surface embroidery would be just that easy! But I taught myself with beginner’s books from the library. Embroidery has provide me years of quiet enjoyment. Thank you for the opportunity to win the magazine, etc.
Mostly I am self taught.
I learned to stitch on my own years ago with the help of books and magazines. Today I have access to wonderful sites like yours.
My grandmother taught me some basics when I was very young. However, I didn’t really remember, so I’m pretty much self taught from kits and the Internet.
I just know this time you will draw my name for the lovely Inspirations give away. I learned to embroidery tea towels. My mother taught me the daisy chain stitch and the outline stitch. It was many years before I learned any other stitches and began to do crewel embroidery. Now I would like to stitch all day. I wish there were more hours in the day! Thanks for your blog! Your enthusiasm encourages me to get more stitching done. Jane Hancock
At the age of 80, I’ve had a needle in my hand for so long I can’t even remember who put it there to begin with. It could have been my grandmother who ttok the time from helping run their dairy farm to work with me. It could have been my mother who came of age during the depression. She found time to teach me a skill that didn’t require too much in the way of resources except time to produce something beautiful, useful or both. So whoever it was, I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
I learn to stitch on my own, using your great web site. Now i’m teaching my daughter and she prefers to
embroider than to sew!! Thank you for your web its VERY EDUCATIONAL!!
My mother taught me how to stitch. It was a real challenge since I am left handed.
Shelli
Omaha, NE
My first embroidery was in my late teens and it was a pair of pillowcases with the Southern belle in her hoop skirt and bonnet! A classic. I still love to do embroidery on pillowcases. Thanks for another great giveaway.
When I was a little girl in 4th grade, my friend,Victoria would invite me over to play quite frequently. She was a only child and I came from a big family. She had many fun things to do. They had a large basket filled with unfinished embroidery. Anyone, (including visitors)could partake of working on these samplers. We spent many hours together doing just that!
I learned to stitch when I was six or seven years old. My mother provided the materials and instructions. I still have two early projects: —
the (Girl Scout) Brownie Promise in cross stitch and outline stitch with the design stamped on the fabric and
a tent stitched cat with the design stamped on the canvas
I also have a dictionary of stitches from that same time.
Val Reece
I learned to stitch as a child, attending elementary school in Vancouver, Canada. The entire class learned as part of our Art curriculum, a very rich, applied program; the learning has stayed with me through my life.
I’d love to do this project!
My mom originally taught me to embroider when I was around 11. I’ve been embroidering ever since!
I can remember as a little girl at my grandmother’s knee learning to stitch. My mom knew how but there was just something magic about the Christmas season when grandmother made things for others. And she had so much patience with me. I loved her so much. I thank her for the beautiful memories. Thank you so much for my entry.
Betty Jarrell
What a sweet question, it brings up such happy memories. My mom taught me when I was a little girl. I would em broiler on the doll clothes I made, and then as a teenager do complicated, elaborate designs on my jeans. It’s such a versatile, creative, talent to have.
I am 74 y/o Mexican/American and as my grandmother taught my mother, my mother taught me to embroider. I was about 9 when mom started teaching me all the different stitches. We would sit on an old cot in the backyard so we could be alone. I was expected to embroider pillow cases, scarves for furniture, etc. and eventually all these would fill a hope chest. From that day on, I have embroidered. Sad to say, I never kept any of my earlier pieces. About four years ago, my friend invited me to join the EGA chapter and I can’t get enough of embroidery and needlepoint. How things have changed…..the beautiful threads and fabrics….Oh my!
I begin to stitch at the age of 6 or 7. Nun teach me at school how to stitch. I keep stitching all my life. When I am young, when I have a project my parent, buy what I need. It there way to encourage me to create and develop my skill. Excuse the way I write in English my first language is French.
Thank you,
Nicole
Hi,
Thank you for the chance to win your very generous giveaways! I am a self taught beginner. I live in a small town in Montana, finding classes, or someone to teach these things just are not available, as well as finding the materials locally, very difficult. Your website and blog have been a great source of information and inspiration to me, I have learned so very much from you.
Thank you for the opportunity to enter and possibly win your giveaways!
My grandmother and aunts taught me how to embroider when I was about 12.
These are beautiful stockings and would be perfect for two empty nesters! My grandmother taught me to embroider when I was quite young. I clearly remember pillow cases with lambs stitched completely in French knots. I had perfected that stitch by the time I had finished!
Well, I must be self taught as I have no recollection of being taught, though I do know my mum liked to embroider. I was a teenager in the 70’s when embroidered jean jackets was all the rage. I never did manage to make one for myself, but I did teach myself some basic stitches out of a little paper back book, which I still have.
My mother and my aunt taught me how to stitch. My first project was a small cross stitch pincushion that my aunt gave me when I was staying with her during my mom’s hospital stay. I was about 8.
I first learned needlework from my grandmother. She did beautiful crewel work and needlepoint embroidery. I am most fortunate to have a few of the pieces she worked. It was a great gift she gave to me, helping to fill many hours in good times and bad.
I am self taught. I saw a picture, in a magazine, of a beautiful angel with a long blue dress. It was done in counted cross stitch. I was a seamstress, but had done lots of crewel work and stamped cross stitch. But, I wanted to do that angel! So I bought a small book on cross stitching, along with the supplies and stitched the angel. I was hooked! That was 35 years ago and I still love cross stitching!
Thank you for entering me in the contest.
My Mother taught me to do needlepoint, then I graduated into embroidery and crewel which I enjoy immensely.
Hi, I retired two years ago and decided to re-learn embroidery again. My Mom taught me when I was a small child. I am working on an embroidered tablecloth for my daughter. I embroidered flower scenes from Diana Lampe’s “Embroidery for all Seasons” I did the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter and I framed them myself.
I love needlework and Mary’s site. I look forward to it every day.
I hope I win!!!!!
Thank you,
Pat
Self taught. I took a class from a local needlepoint lady. Later I learned some from NQA convention and local EGA guild. Thank you.
I started out as a self taught stitcher, but soon realized that I needed help. Lucky for me there is a local chapter of EGA in my area, the Laurel Chapter. They are a great group of ladies and very experienced. We do projects every month. I have learned so much and have improved quite a bit. It is a great pleasure for me to stitch.
The Inspirations magazine always has such beautiful projects and ideas. There is something about working with nice materials that make the project much for exciting.
I began stitching lessons on my Mam Maw’s lap. She was an avid stitcher, quilter, crochet…anything but knitting. I inherited he lack of knitting skills lol
Hello Mary,
Thank you for yet another opportunity to win something grand! For surface embroidery I learned from one of those green covered “Learn How” books from long ago! It had a little of everything in it, teaching the basics of each. For dimensional embroidery, it was much more challenging but I learned the basics by taking a great into class at the NW Quilt Expo, taught by two wonderful ladies! since then I have gained more skills by attending the Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery Guild annual seminars, in early June, full of wonderful classes and teachers! A wonderful time to stitch and visit with other stitchers from all over! It is the highlight of my year!
I learned to stitch at age 3 at my grandmother and mother’s knee. That was the starting point. I was then, at the age of 6, handed a book on Crewel embroidery, some fabric, wool and made my first project . Everything else was self taught.
After my mother passed away, going through her things, I found this project wrapped in tissue (plus several other items I had stitched for her over the years).
What a wonderful surprise! Now, I am teaching my grandchildren and saving their projects to add to the “Hope Chest”
Thank you for all the opportunities to win something wonderful!
Barabal
(that’s scots gaelic for Barbara) 🙂
My mother started my love for embroidery. I started with printed pillowcases and dresser scarves from the 5 & 10. I have now joined an EGA group and expanded my interest to more than just cross stitch. Don’t know what I would do without my stitching!!
Hi Mary – Thanks for these give-aways. I think the stockings are beautiful!
I learned to stitch from my grandma and also took it for a merit badge for Girl Scouts. I was just awful at it. I was a good knitter in my teens and twenties and picked up cross stitch in my twenties. In my thirties I taught myself Hardanger. In my 50s I took up Brazilian dimensional embroidery. I am so “hooked” these days…
Thanks again for the give aways.
Judy C
My mother is a seamstress, my father a tailor. I learned to hold a needle and thread at an early age. Now in my retirement, I have picked up embroidery and cross stitch by reading and watching video’s. It is safe to say, my parents are my mentors in all things sewing, but I am self taught when it comes to needle arts.
Hello! How did I starting stitching? Hmmm…my friend at work taught/got me started on needlepoint. I taught myself to cross stitch and to embroidery. My grandmother crocheted, my mother did some embroidery but not much. I think I was influenced by the beauty of it all and that fact that I could do this.
Lucky to have learnt in school all the rudiments of sewing, embroidery, smocking; also privileged to have had a mother who was a talented seamstress.
My mom was an avid seamstress when I was growing up and I was the only one of my four sisters who wanted to learn how to sew. It was a natural progression for me to learn how to do embroidery. I received small kits as gifts for Christmas and birthdays. Although my mom sewed she didn’t do any kind of hand needlework so I am pretty much self taught. As the years have passed I take classes when I can and am always interested in learning new techniques.
Dear Mary,
I learned to embroider from you! I read several blogs but I rarely leave comments which I guess is part of the joy of reading but I’ve never gotten in the habit. I’ve been reading yours for several years and using the tutorial videos to teach myself the stitches. I love your videos! They are so clear and easy to follow…so thank you!
I read about your illness and quietly sent you healing thoughts and wishes for good health. I appreciate your joie de vivre, your humor and your insights.
Wishing you all the very best and a joyful, love filled Christmas.
Christy
I learned from my mother how to embroider at a very young age (I’m now 63). I was a very hyperactive child, and my mother soon discovered that if she sat me down with a needle and thread it would calm me down. I still have my first piece of embroidery. I also remember coloring macaroni with crayons and threading it on shoelaces to tie around my neck for a necklace. Those were good days.
I learned to stitch in school when I was 7. I learned back stitch and stem stitch. After that I did needlepoint (the old way) on printed canvas.
I was taught by 2 women in my life – my mother and her mother. My mother taught me to embroider, quilt and sew and my grandmother taught me how to crochet. My dad’s mother was an embroiderer, but passed before she could teach me. Needle art in all forms have been part of my life for as long as I remember.
I am “self taught” and maybe I better find a better teacher! It is all about practice. And I need to stop being self critical! I will keep on practicing!
I am a self-taught cross stitcher, and then I discovered the Embroidery Guild of America (EGA). I joined the Indian River Chapter in Melbourne, FL where I have learned so many new techniques.
What a Lovely prize! I’ve been stitching for so long I forget how I got started!. I suspect that I was self taught then when I was able I took classes.
BTW-I’ve asked for a digital subscription to Inspirations magazine–hope Santa is listening!
I learned how to stitch on my own. Stitching relaxes me and watching the design grow is so addictive!
I am self taught. However, when I lived in Maine I was introduced to a master teacher/embroiderer, Jerri Ames, and was introduced to the many facets of needlework. Although I was not able to continue working with her I now have more time since I am retired and have returned to a former love. My residence is in North Carolina and I am on my own relearning what I learned many years ago. It has become a passion.
Sheila Shaffer
My mother got me started stitching with simple embroidery when I was about 9-10. I’ve been at it ever since! And I love the counted stockings!
Mary, you ask the best questions! Where did I learn to stitch? Under the fluorescent lights in the sewing machine department at JoAnn ETC! For six weeks, I had the embroidery teacher all to myself for one night a week because I was the only student who showed up. We worked in hand on all kinds of surface stitches & I learned the word “etui”. I had signed up for three classes that session: embroidery, ribbon flowers & beading. After that, it was off to the races on my own & thru EGA. Those were the days! ;-).
Hi, Firstly, i learnt embroidery from my mother, the basic stitches. Later embroidery books helped me to polish my skills . And later took a class also and now books, blogs, online classes keeps me quite updated.
My grandmother taught me to embroider. I sat in my little rocking chair next to her big rocking chair and stitched a giraffe – I still have it, I had it framed several years ago. I remember having to rip out stitches that were not perfect and restitch them.
Three years ago a new made friend, HélèneT, introduced me to stitching…totally hooked!
As a small child I had an aunt living with us who was mentally challenged and did sewing and embroidery to entertain herself and, in turn, me. She was probably the first person to put a needle into my hand but that was followed by encouragement from my mother and grandmother.
I remember having knowledge of stitching,either by watching someone or actually doing it myself, before I did my first class in 1970 at the age of 15!
A couple of years ago I realized I wanted a crafty hobby, and fabric crafts have always been my niche since my grandmother and mother are sewers. A girlfriend and I bought some supplies and a tiny little stitch book and I was on my way. I’ve made about 10 pieces in the past 2 years, and I’m hooked! 🙂 Just finished a piece from your templates for my mom for her birthday, and I’m excited to give it to her.
Thanks for the opportunity!
I was only 4 when my mother taught me to stitch…I loved learning and I might even have that first piece.
I taught myself to stitch when I was pregnant with my first daughter. I bought a kit and just followed the directions.
I learned basic embroidery and stamped cross stitch in the Girl Scouts.
My grandmother taught me how to do a basic stitch and a French knot. The rest I learned as a young woman because I was tired of only knowing a few stitches. My grandmother was a excellent quilter and made many by hand. Guess that’s why I have come to enjoy it so much. Happy Holidays!!
Barbara Middleton
My mom got me started and then I taught myself the rest.
I learned how to stitch first in a somewhat self-taught manner, but then really learned how from a nun (classic, right? And I’m only 20!). I then started to learn the real stitches from your website!!! Yay! Thanks so much for having it up!
How did I learn to stitch? First my Mom, who did embroidery on pillowcases and dresser scarves. She taught me the basic stitches. She also taught me to iron by letting me iron handkerchiefs, pillowcases and the dresser scarves. I have learned from friends and taken classes. There is not just one place or person who taught me. I call my stitching and sewing my psychiatrist.
I love Inspirations and your newsletter. Diane P. from Duncanville, Texas
I learned to stitch from a wonderful teacher Carolyn Mitchell. She had a Needle work Store here in Winnipeg
called Mrs Twitchetts. She is also a designer and Im sure lots of you have either taken a class from her or have heard of her. Actually Im working on one of her designs now. Love her designs. I would have never learned how to stitch if it wasn’t for Carolyn. Love these stockings my Grand Daughter would love one of these.
Thanks for the opportunity to win one Mary. And Merry Christmas Everyone
Ohhh this is an easy one. Right HERE on Needle n’ Thread!
I was surfing the web, not particularly looking to learn a new hobby, when I came across your amazing website. I watched and read your tutorials and you did such an incredible job teaching that I decided to give it a try. The results were stitching history when I finished a gorgeous monogrammed letter B, from your generous collection of free letters, for my new granddaughter, Brie!
By the way, yours is the ONLY newsletter I look forward to reading every day!
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Mary!
With utmost thanks,
Catrina Byrge
I am so amazed at how much information you put out! Congratulations on a wonderful blog. Merry Christmas to you and continued health to you and yours.
My mother taught me how to stitch on dish towels from Woolworths that had a day of the week and a job to do.
There are so many beautiful stitches out there. Our needlework guild here in Duluth, MN, is doing a sampler of embroidery stitches, and this would certainly be a wonderful way to apply what I’m learning. Thank you. Pam
My mother taught me the basics as a child. I loved it when as adults we both stitched away during a summer vacation. It is a wonderful memory!
My greatest gift was my mom teaching me to embroidery at age 5, then as now is my passion. While she has passed on, every time I pick up a needle & thread she is who with in spirit & my grandmother who taught her.
I am self taught. There were no (?) classes and certainly no internet back 55 years ago. Wonderful having it now. ~Gale Clement
I’m a new stitcher and learning on my own.
I learned to stitch in grade 6 Home Economics class and my mother did embroidery and smocking, both of which she inspired me to learn. I did simple embroidery on table clothes, tea towels (the first one I did in school I still have) As a child and teenager and I still have those things and I guess they are 50 years old. Treasures I keep and hopefully my granddaughter will cherish when it is time for her to set up a home (she is only 9) and I teach her everything I can. She seems to be artistic as well. The skills live on! I teach stitching of all sorts and have a lady coming to work on hardanger this afternoon. Just sheer joy to stitch.
I learnt to embroider through my mother, who was taught by hers. I still have the very first piece….I was 11. I did a great many centres and duchess sets, crocheting the edges as taught by my mother. Later, I went onto cross stitch. Since then, I have joined the NZ Embroiderers Guild and branched out to learn many other techniques.
The stockings would make wonderful gifts for some children I know.
I started on my own with small ornaments on canvas that came with instructions. Then moved on the bargello and counted cross stitch. Now I enjoy taking classes and learning from other stitchers and tips from your blog.
I’m a self taught stitcher!
Wow! You have such great giveaways! I got started stitching with my grandmother. I must have been 8 years old and she crocheted up a storm. She taught me the basic crochet stitches and I was off from there. I self taught myself how to knit and although the first attempts at that were rather unspectacular, I have since improved. As far as stitching pieces my first attempt at needlepoint was a typical 70’s sampler in olive green and gold. I taught myself hardanger and those pieces I have done now grace family members tables. My favorite is mixed media needlepoint where you can apply various threads and goldwork combined with fabrics.
Thanks! Sue
Long ago I learned some stitching in girl scouts, but promptly forgot most of it. So, for the most part I am self-taught. You have helped me on my road to discovering the wonderful world of hand stitching. My motto has always been “I can do that”. Sometimes I need a little help, so THANK YOU!
Your web site is truly an inspiration for me. I learned to embroider when I was very young but have returned to it the last few years and I love to check out your site for the beautiful work you do and the inspiration and ideas it imparts. Thank you!
Oh Mary, you have the best give-aways!
I have been stitching in one form or another since grade school! My mother did embroidery and sewed many of our clothes. I started cross-stitching following college. Initially I was mostly self-taught but then in the 1990’s discovered the “Spirit of Cross-stitch” festivals in Des Moines and took as many classes as I could. While simple xstitch is the most relaxing, I find specialty stitching very rewarding!
I learned from girl scouts (or was it Brownies?) when little. Now semi-retired, I started taking classes locally, and also learn from books and websites.
My first “embroidery” was red wool on a dish cloth as taught by my Nanny. As you can imagine my 4 year old attempts at cross stitch were very wonky, but it got me started. I haven’t stopped in the intervening 53 years, although my stitches are far more delicate now.
I learned from books at first. I come from a non-sewing family, but I always enjoyed crafts, knit, crochet, sewing,etc.
As a young girl of 7 or 8, my mother taught me simple surface embroidery. I had always liked puzzles of any sort, and to me stitching was like solving a puzzle as the “picture” slowly emerged in colors varied. Mother was a proficient crewel embroiderer, but wool doesn’t agree with me so I branched out in other directions. I love the arts, and this “art” is my main joy. Thank you for the wonderful and inspirational lessons on Needlen thread – always a joy.
I’m self-taught…over the years i have collected over 100 embroidery books and magazines.
Learned to stitch from my mother and grandmother. Thanks for the chance !
I was taught by my Oma, and my mom. They both spent a lot of time, while I was growing up, making things. I still talk to them about projects I’m working on, and get advice.
My mother got me started with some basics: stem stitch, satin stitch, French knots, and lazy daisy. Everything else has been self-taught. That’s how I stumbled across your blog in the first place. I was looking for good resources for a class of home schooled stitchers I was teaching. I don’t know if any of the girls in my class are still embroidering, but I’ve been a loyal fan of yours ever since. Thank you sooooo much for all the time and enthusiasm you pour into your art on our behalf!
My mother taught me the basic stitches when I was in middle school. Sine then I have taught myself more stitches, utilizing a variety of books and websites.
I am mostly self taught, my Mother helped me to learn to stitch hems. Random stitches dressed my cardboard dolls house. I made embroidered curtains, plain bedding and my biggest delight was making the dolls clothes. Formal training came at school.
First off thanks for the chance to win.
I was newly pregnant at 25 and wanted to make a needlepoint stocking for my daughter. I went to a needlepoint shop in Phoenix and asked her if she could teach me how to needlepoint. Long story short, that was 30+ years ago and I am still doing needlework of all types and love it!!
Desi
Mayfield, Ky
My mother was a great embroiderer. She was taught by nuns while growing up in Italy. She was my inspiration but not my teacher. My teacher is Palma Egidi in Italy…..a true artist, very creative and very competent.
I started learning by buying small embroidery kits and following the instructions. In the past 5 years, I have taken correspondence courses, private lessons and group lessons. I also learn with youtube videos. Thanks for this opportunity to win!
I learned basic outline stitches from my grandmother when I was about 7, and was self-taught after that. In the late 70’s I spent a week at the Elsa Williams School, where we worked on canvas work and crewel. I had the pleasure of learning crewel from Grace O’Neill.
How did I learn to stitch? Many years ago I began work as a psychiatric nurse in a mental hospital. On a break, one of my superiors, instead of smoking, was working on a piece of petit point. I was so entranced! I thought ,”I can do this” and I did! I am largely self taught, but have been challenged by many stitches since then, and still, at 83 yrs. old, love to stitch.
I am a self taught stitcher. I started with tapestry silk too many years ago to remember, following on with silk shading. It is only in recent years that I have attended classes to learn goldwork, which is currently my passion.
I would love to win this give away. I have a 7 year old granddaughter & a 4 year old grandson who I am plan ing to stit h Christmas stockings for. This give away is beautiful & would be just perfect.
My grandmother taught me cross stitch. I have several pairs of pillow cases that she made for me when I was little. About a year ago I started a quilt that had a lot of stitching involved into, so I got a book and relearned. Now I enjoy it very much.
I learned to back stitch as a girl from a lady at church. After that it was all self taught from books, samplers and kits. Now-days there is the internet and wonderful blogs and tutorials. I’m having a lot of fun getting back into stitching. Thanks Mary, your tips and tutorials have really helped this lady, as there are not a lot of people, let alone embroidery classes in rural Wyoming!! Even I don’t win, I’d like to buy this pattern or kit, it’s totally my style!
I learned to stitch from my Hungarian grandmother starting at the age of 3 with Hungarian embroidery where the back looks just like the front, no knots or crossovers. I progressed into other embroideries and needleworks. I learned to sew by making my own patterns from newspaper, crochet, crewel, cross stitch and combining media in needlework. Sweet memories! Gloria Kovacs-Nickolis
My grandmother, my mother and a neighbor were all interested in working with needles, threads, yarns and hooks. They taught me some basic stitches when I was around 10 years old. After I had children, my interest in embroidery and other crafts was revived. From there I am self-taught in Needlearts.
Oh, how I would love one of these beautiful items. We had to move from our home to a much smaller rental in may and I am still buried in boxes. Everything is store in the garage. I found the Xmas tree but cannot find the ornaments or any decorations so one of these giveaways would be wonderful!
I taught myself mostly because I am left handed ad so had to change stiches, but I have also been to many classes over the years.
My Mom taught me to stitch around 5 years old. She was going back to school and needed some quiet time. I’ve always been glad I learned.
Nearly failed needlework in grade school and Mom had to intervene about my grubby unfinished blouse. At least I learned to thread a machine, so made clothes for my two small daughters later on. Then I saw some embroideries by Jan Messent and something went bing! in my brain. I took evening classes in embroidery and quilting, but after that had to depend on books and practice. My elder daughter told me about your website, and now I am learning from you and loving it. Bet my needlework teacher all those years ago would be totally amazed!
I was 6 years old and staying with an aunt and uncle for the summer. She was working on a baby layette for another niece (that she had raised) and when I showed interest, she gave me a crib sheet that she had stamped with a pattern across the edge and taught me to do simple stitches – stem stitch and daisy I think. I got to keep that sheet for my dolls. Before the summer was over, I also finished a stamped dish towel as a gift for my mother. When Mama died, I discovered that the many towels I had embroidered for her were carefully packed away and so I have them now. Do I use them? No… they’re too close to being antiques now!!
My Grandmother got me started, but since then it has been solely self taught. I mostly stitched kits and would follow their directions. That was the beginning of a life long love with embroidery.
My grandmother taught me to embroider when I was four years old. By the time I was five I was embroidering dish towels. I had my own hoop, thread, needles and scissors. We would spend some time most days stitching together. Not only did I learn to stitch but that quiet alone time with my grandmother was very special.
My first grade teacher Miss Hough taught me to stitch. Her maxim was .. You must start with a double stitch and end with a double stitch! No knots! She was very strict. We made a sampler, a needle case and then a workbag. I still have the bag – yellow gingham to help keep the lines straight,and the stitches even.
i learned to stitch and do embroidery when i was in primary school.I didn’t realize at the time that i was learning a craft that i would grow to love, and take me through many difficult times and also through the good times. My embroidery always comes with me wherever i go.
This one requires little thought: My Hungarian grandma! From about age 5, very time I visited her we would do a “project”. I do remember big knotty wads of Coats floss in my “sewing basket” (I always pulled the wrong end!!) She always had a pillowcase or table cloth that she was working on in HER basket. It was “our” thing. (My own mom certainly supported it once I returned home, as she is a very accomplished needleworker in her own right.) I’ve taught my 2 girls, and have started in on the grandkids. My only grandson (age 9) has presented me with an embroidery every year for Christmas since he was 4 years old. I treasure these greatly! The last two years he has designed and charted his own designs!! I DO love embroidery!!
Although my mother sewed almost all of our clothes (and beautifully), she didn’t embroider. However, in the late 60″s, I began to embroider all the clothing that came my way. I remember having a little Coat’s and Clark booklet that showed the stitches and a bag of DMC floss and pearl cotton. I moved on to cross stitch which, after a while, I found extremely boring. However I loved the counted aspect and how it became part of the fabric. From there I moved into Hardanger and drawn thread work. Now I am moving back into the freedom of surface embroidery. Currently I am doing the Nordic Needle butterfly white work sampler. I also weave and bead. I am getting the beads together for the ornament on the current Inspirations Embroidery magazine. Mary Corbet’s site is helping free me up from counted thread work. Have a wonderful Holiday.
I learned to do surface embroidery on pillowcases from my mother. Later as an adult I self taught myself counted cross stitch. I joined our local chapter of Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA) about 15 years ago and haven’t stopped trying new embroidery techniques since joining. The lessons and projects provided by the Guild are an inspiration.
I’ve always had a love of stitching since I was a little girl and I used to sit beside my Aunt while she stitched. She didn’t really teach me much then, I was 5. But in later years, I have learned through books and now the internet usually your website when I need to find a stitch your website is my goto.
My mother taught me the basics of Embroidery at a young age, and I’ve picked it up again after many years about 10 years ago.
I learned basic sewing in grade school home ec but have learned most of my needlework through books and online!
I’m completely self-taught. I just learned as I went!
My mother taught me basic embroidery stitches and stamped cross stitch when I was a little girl. Over the years I learned more from magazines and also attended a few cross stitch conventions where I took a few classes.
My grandmother got me started as a young girl. Then it was a long period of being self taught. Now I enjoy taking workshops—Sue Spargo being a favorite.
My Mother started to teach me stitch when I was about 6 with a very simple stamped cross stitch sampler. I still have it. It’s framed and hanging in my craft room. I really don’t remember stitching it but I’m glad mother saved it. I spent many years sewing my own clothes instead of stitching. Mother taught me to sew too. I picked embroidery back up in my late 20s. Now I embroidery, cross stitch, counted cross stitch and sew. I’m really enjoying your Christmas giveaways and hoping I win one. Merry Christmas to everyone.
I learned some embroidery stitches from Aunt when I was young. My Home Ec. teacher taught us cross stitch in high school, a very small strawberry.
I took a class 4 years ago where they taught me crazy quilting. Always looking for new classes. I just can’t get enough stitching!
My grandmother taught me to sew and started me on embroidery. It has been years since I worked on embroidery seriously and would like to get restarted in this lovely art form.
I first learned at about age 12 in a summer arts and crafts class. In college, I learned counted cross-stitch from a friend who went to the counting house in Pawley’s Island SC.
I am self taught. I bought lots of kits in the beginning, but now I usually create my own projects. Love your emails and blog posts. Thanks for the opportunity to win these beautiful stockings!
I started my needle and thread journey at about age 4 (that’s 70 years ago!) I learned from my mother at that time, and have progressed through all types of needlework. I’m still obsessed and currently love crazy quilting. I also piece quilts, crochet and knot. My hands are almost always busy.
Inspirations is a fabulous resource. I currently pick up the copies as soon as they come in to my local quilt shop. Thanks for the opportunity to win the stocking kits. I’ll pass on the magazine to a friend as I’ve already purchased my own copy.
My mother taught me and my sisters how to embroider. Some stitches one is taught are never forgotten.
I would love to be tagged the “winner” of this fun giveaway. I enjoy your posts and admire your dedication.
I learned to sew buttons on at the age of 5. I kept bugging my mom as she sewed, so she would give me the button box. She taught me to embroider later and I would embroider napkins that she drew the designs on. I still have the cigar box with the last napkins and one napkin in progress! Another unfinished project! I have loved handwork and have taught myself many stitches.
My maternal grandmother lived with us from the time I was three. CeCe was a mathematician and a teacher who was gifted enough to see that each of her 7 grandchildren had different talents. I learned to sew on her Singer Featherweight and she taught me patience with beautiful hand stitched hems. She also guided me through cross-stitch, crochet, tatting, knitting, quilting, and the original hooked rug techniques. I am fortunate to still have her Singer, her tatting shuttles and her cutting machine for the wool strips for the rugs. Now I just need to find time to honor her with finished projects.
Hi Mary – my mother started me off, then school taught me cross-stitch, and since then I´ve learnt a lot from various workshops, books and lately the internet. A wonderful life-long hobby.
Keep well.
My mother taught me the basics when I was in High School. I never knew there was so much more until I found your blog. Thank you for sharing so much knowledge.
Mainly self taught through books, although along the way I have done some classes where unusual stitches have been shown.
Self taught–and still learning. Appreciate your site, Mary!
My mother taught me basic embroidery stitches as a child. As a young adult I enrolled in a cross stitch class.
Robin Voiers
Love the stockings! These would make wonderful gifts, or beautiful decorations!
It’s hard for me to remember when I started embroidery but I wasn’t taught by anyone until later in my life when I took a few courses. I taught myself by buying kits (crewel was my favorite) and following the instructions. Now, I’d rather play with what I know and use various techniques to do embellishments on crazy quilts. I’ve used books to teach me ribbon embroidery and enjoy using it along with simple embroidery combining various threads and beads.
My mother first taught me to cross-stitch. From there my next real teacher was you, Mary! Thank you for giving me the gift of embroidery. It is something I treasure dearly!
I do believe it was my mother who taught me, but I honestly don’t remember her sitting with me. I guess in reality, I have no idea who helped me!
I was self taught at 8 years old by finishing a kit my mom had started when she was a kid. She never finished it and I found it looking through her cedar chest. I fell in love with embroidery instantly.
I learned to embroidery when I was about 8 years old by my Mother. I was raised in a family of needle arts, crochet, knitting, embroidery, tatting and quilting.
Thank you for the opportunity to enter this contest.
Judy Cox
My grandmother, mother and aunt were all fabulous stitchers – granny winning many prizes at state fairs, my mom sewing everything and embroidering what she could, and my aunt worked for Bernina. Plus we learnt to sew/embroider and knit at school – so wish those classes were still included.
I learned to embroider from my mother, who insisted that all seven of her daughters learn to stitch and sew on the machine. She also introduced crochet, knitting, and hand quilting to us, but I didn’t take to those as much as I enjoyed embroidery. As a young girl, I wasn’t always appreciative of mom for the hours we spent stitching, but now I am very thankful to her for teaching us the stick-to-it attitude and to encourage us to try new things.
I learned basic embroidery stitches from my Mom and my Grandmother.
My Mom taught me how to stitch when I was young. Over the years I have continued to improve my skills.
I am a self-taught stitcher. My first projects as a kid were baby bibs I bought at the craft store with pre-printed cross stitch patterns on them that I would stitch. I stopped stitching though until I became an adult and taught myself hand embroidery with the help of the good old Internet!! 🙂
As a child I remember watching my mother stitch various projects but she never asked if I would like to learn. I have been stitching since the late 1960’s as husband was in college and then 22 years of navy life with numerous patrols. Bottom line, I have been self taught with many desires to learn more. So enjoy your daily “letters”.
Ooo, lovely!
Besides the clumsy grade-school stitching, I really learned to stitch in high school. It was the 80s and cross-stitch was everywhere, and I learned to do it. Then I spent a year in Denmark, where everybody could cross-stitch (fast!) and knit, and I learned to do it in-hand instead of in a hoop. After that I never looked back.
I need my first needlepoint project in Sunday school (church) when I was eight. We would stitch, at the same time are youth leader was reading from the bible. In my early 20’s I taught my self how to do counted cross-stitch, and embroidery. Then in my 30’s I started to learn more and different stitches for needlepoint. Now in my 50’s, it’s how I find peace, I love anything that has beautiful threads and fabrics. Needlepoint, counted cross-stitch, counted canvas needlepoint, and embroidery.
I have gotten a lot of my knowledge from your blog. Thank you, you are wonderful and a great teacher.
I learned to stitch with books from the library a few years ago, but my embroidery really took off when I discovered your website, Mary! I am ever so grateful.
My mother taught me to stitch when I was quite young. She continued teaching me until a serious fall in 2012 ended her ability to stitch. As I got older (married, children of my own) we took advanced classes together. She passed away in February, I will always miss my stitching buddy & bff.
My mother, who has never really been into stitching herself, showed me the basics and really tried very hard to get me into the whole thing, as she strongly believes that everyone needs means of entertaining oneself.
My grandmother first taught me to embroidery when I was about 7 years old. It was done in a pillowcase. Have never lost my love of stitching.
Another lovely giveaway! To answer the question I learned to embroider from my mother as a child but it was not until I joined the Calgary Guild of Needle & Fibre Arts (a chapter of The Embroiderers’ Association of Canada) that I really started to explore any of the techniques besides surface embroidery.
My mother started me stitching many years ago she past away when i was a teenager, then I moved on to books and classes and am still learning 30 plus years later
I learned to embroider when I was 8 in school to embellish a school bag we made in sewing class.
I became self taught after that… no one else in my immediate family embroidered. I always told
people who asked me this question that I must have been in one of the courts of a Queen or was
a Queen (haha).
I was taught the basic stitches as a small child by my grandmother. As I got older and interested in different techniques I joined an embroiders guild and began taking classes.
I taught myself using my mother’s old crewel instruction booklets. Learning how to do a french knot was interesting!
My mother was my first teacher with sewing and embroidery and my grandmother taught me how to crochet. She tried to teach me tatting, but I was not successful with that. Your generosity with instructional videos and written work is helping me now! Thank you.
Learning to stitch was a matter of watching my mother and grandmother do stitching and then working on some projects of my own. The projects of my own would be printed on fabric in blue ink and purchased at a dime store. From time to time I would ask Mom or Grandma for help as I got into different stitches. It has fascinated me from early childhood until now.
We were in this country only two years when I started school-first grade. No kindergarten for me. I always was a curious child which would get me into trouble. At the term end, my mother sat me down and said, “You’re not sitting around all summer doing nothing.” She brought out needles and thread and proceeded to teach me the lazy daisy stitch on a piece of sheet. She went on to teach me others and I learned to knit too. Since then, I have been taught many needlework pieces; last year Tamari balls, this year hardanger and it will go on all because of my mother.
I cannot remember who gave it to me must have been one of my sisters or my mom, but I must have been 9-10 years old and it was a Holly Hobbie embroidery kit. I am self taught and it all started with this kit.
I was self taught and probably just read some instructions in a book or magazine. After doing some simplistic things on dish towels, etc. I got into cross stitch and did quite a bit of that before going back to hand embroidery. Mary, you are quite an inspiration and I for one really appreciate, and enjoy, all your postings! Thank you
My aunt was a sewer and stitcher. I was always impressed with her work. As time passed I learned hand embroidery on my own, and continue to do so.
Mish Mash learning. Learned a few stitches from books and few from internet sites.
My mom taught me sewing when I was a little child! We would sew dresses for my dolls!
Congrats, Wanda! (Yes, I’m jealous!)
Everything that I’ve learned, I’ve taught myself… with much credit to books and youtube!
My grandmother and also self taught .
I was taught how to stitch in 4H
I was taught how to stitch in 4H, and haven’t stopped since!
My grandmother used to tat. I would watch her fingers fly. Since I was left handed she couldn’t teach me. But we did find a couple needlepoint pictures that she did teach me to do. They were hunters on horses which we had framed and gave them to my dad. My daughter has these pictures now. In high school I really enjoyed home screen sewing. Spending here making clothes for myself and my daughter. In the 1985 I joined the Embroiderers Guild of America where I have learned so many different techniques. These stockings are very beautiful in their simplicity.
I learned how to stitch when I was 7 years old. My aunt was visiting us in Colorado (she lived in California) for Christmas and it was my gift of a crewel kit of an orange hippo. I was hooked! After that I was strictly self taught until about 7 years ago when I discovered my local chapter of EGA.
My Mother taught me to crochet and knit, and I did this for several years until I developed Carpal Tunnel and could no longer crochet. I happened to find a Needlework shop that had a beginner class in Counted Cross Stitch. I took the class, and that began my exploration into the world of Embroidery! Since then, I have dabbled in many different kinds of Whitework Embroidery, especially Hardanger. I have taken online classes, but a lot of what I have learned has been self-taught from books and magazines.
Thank you for NeedlenThread. I enjoy it so much!
I learned to embroider while I was a Brownie scout. My mother did not embroider, and her mother (who used to make beautifully embroidered crazy quilts) was bed-ridden and didn’t know who I was. Fortunately, our Brownie leader enjoyed embroidery and shared her love with us.
I learned to stitch back in the 80’s using a how to book
Carole kennedy
Ottawa Canada
I learned to sew with my godmother when I was about 7. We (her daughter and I) started with huck towels and then moved to surface embroidery dish towels. Years later a friend and I took needlepoint, cross-stitch and hardanger classes as an escape from Wisconsin Winters! I stopped sewing for a few years but am back at it now that I have retired. Just finished 4 needlepoint stockings and assembling a cross-stitch stocking for my sister! Looks like Christmas around here!!
The credit is all Mom’s on this one. And a lifelong love of sewing from that day forward, both hand and machine.
Another great giveaway! I learned to stitch from my mother, I think. I was very young, so don’t remember. My mother didn’t do much stitching while I was growing up, though she does now.
I love Inspirations Magazine.
Heather M.
I enjoy your website. My first memory of stitching was with my Mom. I meticulously did the outline stitch on a dish towel. It was perfect. After that I learned the back stitch. I liked the outline stitch better. As I became more interested in embroidery I just read books, until the Internet.
Basically self taught – a friend of mine dared me to make a little stitched project and I was hooked. Little did she know that she has created a stitching monster. I love all types of stitchery and have a variety of creative outlets.
Your website is so inspirational and I love the tips that you give. Thank you for sharing your knowledge to help the rest of us learn.
Life is all about learning new things.
My mum was a great knitter which I learnt, but I didn’t find it enthralling. I wanted something to challenge me, this is where my dad was great, he made sure I had all I needed to create some lovely pieces of clothing, but I wanted to learn how to embelish things. I learnt some easy stitches at primary school, and when I got to secondary school the nuns were very encouraging, our Head Teacher wanted a Tapestry finishing, it was beautiful, and I was hooked. I prefer embroidery silks to wool any day, but I was very lucky to have the encouragement and support from family and teachers. Good luck to everyone.
I’m pretty much self taught. Of course blogs like this one, magazines, books, tv shows, classes, and of course friends have helped me along the way. I mostly do small, simple patterns that I can put onto postcards to send to friends and family. Pretty much instant gratification!
I taught myself, with a complete crewel kit from Woolworths when I was about 9. I made a cockatoo on red linen, framed in a plastic French Provincial frame — the kit was really complete….including the needle, the hoop, frame and backing cardboard.
Gave it to my mom for Mother’s Day. Was on her bedroom wall for years….
Not only did that start my love of stitching and sewing, but also the love of stitching for others…this past year I’ve made two baby quilts, one crocheted baby blanket (another self taught skill) , crocheted shawl, two purses, 32 Christmas mug mats, and I hope to start and finish a cell phone wallet wristlet…I need to buy a zipper on Etsy…and I had major hand surgery that took me out of the game for a couple of months (although I did do a little non doctor recommended crocheting….)
I am just a beginner at needlework. I’ve been feeling inspired by everyone’s beautiful projects and would love to learn more. Thank you for this opportunity to win.
My mom taught me how to embroider when I was 7 or 8. I loved sitting with her using the ‘new’ variegated threads for stitching table linens. About 10 years ago I found one of the tablecloths that we had done in the early 1970’s while cleaning out her house. She left us in 2010 but when I’m stitching, I feel her arms around me.
I learnt stitching and other crafts initially from mum and various ‘crafty’ aunties.
I am learning to stitch with Kathy Shaw; I’m taking her intermediate crazy quilt course. If Kathy hasn’t shown me a stitch then I go to your videos. Between the two of you, I think I could do any stitch. I haven’t tried drawn thread work, but I’d love to learn to.
The stockings look like they would be a “delight” to stitch. They are lovely.
Carol b (cc)
I remembered thatI was taught to cross-stitch when I was six years old for a sewing badge during my blue bird years. ( girls scout). The next time I did surface embroidery was when I was in the convent. But basically I am self -taught as an adult when I needed something to keep my hands busy. I now can do all sorts of needlework as well as sew!
Susan Low
Two great grandmas
My mother initially taught me the stem stitch which I used exclusively. Then I found an embroidery book in the library that opened my mind to many more stitches.
I would love to stitch these stockings as heirlooms for the newest generation of our family, our two Great Grandaughters Seinna and Alice.
Thankyou Brenda Beer
Mostly self taught but now a guild member
Pretty much self taught. My mom was a great seamstress and if I had a problem, she would help. In those days, teenager years, I did mostly the back stitch. How times have changed!
My first experience with embroidery was some tee towels with the days of the week that my mother got me and helped me with when I was a child. I didn’t do anymore until I admired some embroidery my sister-in-law had displayed that were family heirlooms done by her aunts. That inspired me to do a counted cross stitch project for my son but I decided I should have made certain changes for him to really like it. Rather than proceed on or take out stitches it still resides in a box somewhere halfway done. I didn’t do any more until I came across Mary Corbet’s Needle n Thread in my old age. She made me realize that I could learn a lot of basic stitches and make a doodle cloth which was fun and continued to make some small fun projects for my family which I enjoyed doing. The big projects seemed to be too much but I learned a love of stitching by doing small projects.
I am self-taught. I taught elementary school for 35 years and did small sewing projects with my 2nd and 3rd graders. I purchased a book titled Stitchery For Children, A Manual For Teachers, Parents, and Children by Jacqueline Enthoven. Published in 1968, it’s filled with great black and white diagrams and photos. It’s a great book for it’s time and purpose. Since then I have moved on to beautiful full color books and videos. I especially like your videos and wish you would compile them onto a DVD and sell them.
I learnt to stitch from my mother. She showed me how to make little felt itms for dolls with needle and thread then when I was 8 or 9 trusted me and had enough patience to let me use her sewing machine! she also taught me to knit and supported me in all kinds of crafts. We tried basketry, macrame, soap carving… but I come back to what I saw her and others doing as I grew up, hand sewing, embroidery, quilting, knitting.
I love Mary’s Column and Inspirations, both put spice in my life.
I was taught to stitch by my Mom and my Gran when I was very young. Both being from Scotland, they knew almost all the “lady” endeavers I would have to know. Living to a nice old age, these things, especially stitching, have kept me going in life.
I was taught by my mother as a child (starting on printed pillowcases). We both joined Embroiderers’ Guild of America when a chapter was started in our area around 40 years ago now. I’ve learned a lot from various teachers, classes & fellow members.
I believe I am self-taught. I saw Erica Wilson and Jean Farish on TV and thought, “I can do that,” purchased some small cross stitch kits, and it took off from there. I am now an enthusiastic EGA member.
How did i learn to stitch…mostly in dribs and drabs…first with my mom showing me some simple things as a child playing around and under her sewing machine…then years late when i wanted to embroider on my hippie jeans….lol…i just copied what others were doing in the way of design. Then later, still learning in dribs and drabs with books and the internet. Which for a few years now has included this site where the stitching discussions, tutorials and all have played a big role in helping me refine what i do.
thanks for this lovely opportunity.
in gassho
kaethejean
These stockings are so beautiful!
I learnt to embroider from my mother, who is a very talented embroidered. She started stitching when I was a teenager, and I always said I’d never have the patience to do it myself. But eventually, seeing all the beautiful items she made wore me down, and one day I asked her to show me some stitches. I’ve never looked back!
I’m a completely self-taught stitcher, with lots of help from your blog! Thanks Mary!
I am largely self taught, starting when I was a teenager. I had seen my mother doing stamped embroidery and gave it a go. Since then I have augmented my learning via membership in both EGA and ANG. I also took a class in crazy quilting which included a few basic stitches of ribbon embroidery. It is a passion that is both educational and a meditation for me. While I enjoy other handcrafts like knitting and quilting, I always come back to embroidery as my “base.”
I learned to stitch with my mother. She taught me the basics and later I learned counted cross stitch from my daughter. Now when I want to learn a new technique, I check out You Tube and all the embroidery blogs. My favorite embroidery now is crazy quilting.
I am self-taught. Over the years, I had toyed with the idea of learning embroidery but didn’t know where to start. Then a few years ago, I found this series of kits on Victoria Sampler that were geared toward teaching people who already knew cross stitch how to do other stitches and styles of embroidery. My mother had taught me a little cross stitch when I was a kid so I figured I could do that. I worked some 30+ out of the 40 or so mini kits before deciding that I knew enough to branch out to other projects. I am interested in most styles of embroidery and I love to experiment with my projects in order to learn new things. Right now I am at the stage where I can adapt patterns to make projects more my own – select my own colors, change stitches, sometimes rework the size or layout of the pattern – but eventually I would like to make completely original works.
I have been asked this question many times. When I was young I spent many hours in doctor’s office waiting rooms watching my mother do crewel embroidery.
I began with my first embroidery kit when I was 7. My passion at the time were Christmas ornaments, small enough to work on while endlessly waiting.
I then joined EGA and took some classes to learn other techniques.
I still bring my easier projects to my doctor’s appointments. I get a lot of really positive feedback from people who are also endlessly waiting.
It keeps me sane
I don’t remember learning how to embroider….. it seems like I’ve always known 🙂 I do remember my mother doing stamped embroidery work when I was little, but the first piece I remember doing was stamped canvas in half cross stitch…. not much to learn there 🙂 as an adult I expanded my skills first with creative circle kits and then by joining an EAC affiliated guild, and I’m still learning…. would love to try these stockings!
I love the simplicity of these stockings!
My grandmother taught me. We made ,any of the stamped pillowcases with a crochet edge. I still cherish the quilt with the embroidered top she made for me and am making one for one of my granddaughters now.
Did my mother or my grandmother teach me? I can’t remember.But I thing I have been stitching on and off since my 4th year. I remember stitching on paper with holes in it. You followed the lines to get a figure. Later crosstitch. My sister made the most beautiful things! She was so neat and would follow the patterns. I was more a free embroiderer, but didnot know that was a real thing! The last years I learned a lot from needle’n thread! And I still love free embroidery and I still find it hard to follow patterns.
Mary, like so many others, I learned the basics of embroidery from my mother, then a bit more from a school teacher but most from joining an embroiderers’ guild (when I was in my mid-fifties). I have also learned a huge amount from books and your website. I find embroiderers, by and large, very generous sharing their knowledge and hope I shall always remember to pass on that kindness. Thank you!
My Nana taught me to stitch when I was about 5 years old.
Like many people, I learned to stitch at my grandmother’s knee. I still have a scrap of fabric with a note attached in Grandma’s hand, “Stitched by Nancy, age 5.” For my Christmas gift that year she gave me a hoop and a collection of threads. I wish I could tell her how much that gift has meant over the years.
I learned a little from my mom. She sewed most of our school clothes. Then when I started working as an RN on nights and evenings a co-worker who was a craft fanatic taught me cross stitch, knitting, and crochet. I loved the cross stitch from the start. I have dabbled in hardanger and speciality stitches but always go back to that X.
My Mother and Grandmother taught me some basic stitches. The rest I’ve learned through the magic of the internet, especially YouTube.
I’m Mary Corbet taught. I didn’t know a thing about embroidery. My instructor in Couture Trims assigned for homework, several stitches as a sampler and then used in a simple design. I first mucked up the project by using the wrong type of fabric and improper hooping. My instructor hinted that help was out there on Utube and on the internet. So, AFTER buying a proper hoop, thread, needles and wrapping the hoop. I would watch you stitch and then do it myself. Yes, I had to do a whole practice fabric before even doing the simple sampler that the instructor wanted. We had only one week to do this project. Mary and I had a couple of late nights here. Thank goodness, she teaches the lark and owl shifts! My teacher wrote “excellent” in her comments. Mary was also here for me for the Tambour module and Shisha. I stumbled through the whitework module, but Mary did have some photo tutorials which helped a lot. Her links to the Antique Pattern library saved my bacon with Soutache, and Hedebo.
Mary, the only problem I couldn’t work on the final was a knotted Buttonhole stitch. In your spare time, could you do a video on that? So many stitches, so little time!
Thank you Mary.
My Mother and Grandmother taught me the basics of Embroidery, Crochet and Knitting, from there I have taught my self through trial and error.
The same with my art, after seeing how another person drew and painted, I was left to my own devices.
My mom taught me to stitch when I was in Brownies. Then I learned to sew in 4-H. However, it truly seems that I began stitching after I was married. I was caught in a horrible snowstorm on a mountain pass on my way home from a shopping trip. I finally got back down to the plains and called a former employer to see if she would put me up for the night. She showed me basic cross stitch. For years afterwards she took me to EGA meetings and encouraged me to learn new techniques. She became a part of me and stitching became a part of my life.
Mom taught me the basics so I could embroider as part of a 4-H project for the county fair. From then on, it was through books and reading on my own and asking for help when I couldn’t figure it out.
I was initially taught by my mother and then my school teacher in high school. I can remember I knitted jumpers for the principal of our school. (I needed to win ‘brownie points’ as I was not the best student and needed some way to gain favours!) I then taught myself anything extra I needed to know, until when I started teaching embroidery and wanted to specialise in certain techniques. After this I then took classes and learnt from the professionals in workshops. I enjoyed the road….
Chris B
My first formal instruction was as an 8 year old at school. Other than that ot was watching my mother who was a prolific stitcher. She produced beautiful work as she was an absolute perfectionist and encouraged my sister and I to be the same. “If a job is worth doing, ot is worth doing well.” I stitched, my sister threw things together, mum said. I have since done many classes but know my limits.
I learnt to stitch initially from books, but by the time I was in my 20s, I still couldn’t master the grub rose. So I found a fabulous little shop in the Sydney that ran a saturday morning class. I mastered bullion and learnt a few tricks for handling thread. It also made me realise how much more fun it was to get together with other stitchers when trying to learn something new or “tricky”
Unofficially with a book then in a great place in Boston Ma when I moved there and was looking to do something different..so glad I did
I am mostly self-taught but have taken some classes too.
I always saw my mother knitting sweaters or sewing garments for her parties and clothing for us when we were small. My sisters Barbie even had homemade outfits. She would also get together with her friends and would bring along embroidery to work on as they caught up on the latest news. I was able to take sewing in high school and from then on always had a sewing project, or embroidery waiting for me at all times. The love of fabric and fibers is just part of me, I guess like my mother. Always open to new ideas and great inspirations from the best. Thank you
Mostly self taught, although I’m sure my mother and paternal grandmother had a hand in it. My sisters also dabble. I love all the cideos and other sources now available online.
I first learned to embroider daisies as a wee lassie in Lanarkshire in Scotland. I must have been six or seven. My grandmother taught me. I embroidered those daisies for a lot of years until I grew up and taught myself other stitches here in America.
I learn embroidery at a class, and a love it
My mother and grandmothers fostered a love of all things involving needles and threads. They got me started but mostly I learned by doing kits with directions. At 11 I did a cross stitch of the Serenity Prayer with embroidered embellishments around it. It was a Christmas gift for my grandmother and now it hangs in my craft room.
My mother taught me some things when I was young. She was an incredible seamstress so I guess I figured I didn’t need to try and compete. I finally started stitching when I was an adult and haven’t stopped since.
My Mom taught me to crochet and do basic embroidery stitches. I often think how delighted she would be today with all the marvellous threads and fabrics available. Merry Christmas and thank you so much for the great inspiration and tutoring you give so freely!
Thank you so much for hosting these Christmas Giveaways. It is a real treat to see what is next! These stockings are beautiful and I believe I would add a name to the top.
Lois S. from Central Texas
Love the Inspirations magasine, I learnt to sew mainly from my mum, I now have my mum’s collection of inspirations magasines from 10 years ago plus 🙂
I started with basics in primary school but didn’t get hooked until much later – then books and classes became the main teachers.
I’m a self taught embroiderer. My favourite memories are not actually of embroidering but of knitting and crocheting as my mum and grandma taught me these
Oh, my! Trying to remember how I learned to embroider requires a lot of digging back and cleaning up the cobwebs in my memories. I learned most of the basics from my mom, who is still alive and enjoys it when I send her a new embroidered tea towel or a holiday pillow for her couch. I also made a cross stitch sampler as a Bee Hive at church that read, “I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home.” Lots of uneven stitches and crazy colors, but my mother still has the framed project on her wall in the basement (this was a project that only a mother could love).
Hi Mary, My Mom was a Home Ec teacher and I learned my first embroidery stitches from her, as well as garment sewing and so much more. After that I’m self taught and still learning! Thanks for the giveaways, Lynn
It was my mom who taught me to stitch, she was an AVID needlepointer, and could do anything with a sewing machine. Miss her every day.
I learned watching others…books..and tutorials. ..ty for chance to win. …
I can not remember exactly who taught me but it must have been my mother as all my sisters and I stitched as children. We continued in our adult lives and often exchange stitched gifts. I treasure those handmade gifts from family members who are no longer with me. Especially those Christmas ornaments they made. I would love to do those stockings in their memory.
A class to make an etui got me started, books, other stitchers and the internet all helping since then. Love this site, and being able to find left handed instructions on line has been a big help.
I began by embroidering simple designs on dish towels as a child under my mothers watchful eye. Continued, teaching myself, through various phases like crewel, Brazilian and most recently stumpwork. Love them all.
When I was 4 years old, my mother taught me and my 6 year old brother to embroider…outline stitches and lazy daisy mostly. She would draw a design on a piece of plain cotton and turn us loose with her floss. A good way to entertain us while she did her things. I distinctly remember purposely stitching my blue jeans to the back of the fabric in the hoop. We thought it was pretty funny…Mom thought it less so. Otherwise I am self taught until finding EGA about 16 years ago.
My Mum gave me a tablecloth to embroider when I was about eight years old, it was worked with stem and lazy daisy stitches with French knot centres.
I think she thought it would keep me out of mischief and it has worked my whole life! The cloth was never finished and dissapeared as childhood things do but the joy of creating something is still exciting after sixty + years and the friends are many and diverse, have a happy and safe Christmas,
Jan.
I really taught myself to stitch year ago. But just recently decided to take it up again. And thanks to Mary Corbett, her videos and website have taught my what I need to know. I cannot thank you enough for this website and all the wonderful lessons.
I learned to stitch from library books, especially ones which had good stitch diagrams. That was in the seventies. I think a skein of floss was 9 cents. I practiced on jeans patches as gifts for my like-minded hippie friends.
Forever thanks to my mother-in-law who showed me how to do counted cross stitch, thereby opening a Pandora’s box of stitching opportunities.
I am the oldest of the grandchildren on my Mother’s side, so spent a lot of time with my Grandmother. She was always doing needlework of some kind in her quiet time. She taught me simple embroidery when I was very young. She also did quilting which I now pursue with a passion. I now have a mentor who does fabulous crewel and embroidery and is getting me back to the stitching I love.
Years ago a friend invited me to an embroidery class and I was hooked from the get go. This was in Johannesburg, South Africa in the late 1980 e. I started with silk ribbon embroidery and used Inspiration magazine that was freely available in SA as inspiration. Since moving to the USA it is a lot harder to get hold of these beautiful Australian magazines.
My mother started me off with stitching and I am self taught from that beginning and still learning!
I learned to stitch at home as a child with my three older sisters. I can’t remember if our mother taught us or the older ones passed the lesson down..
I started learning on my own when I was 15. I am entirely self taught with the help of a few stitching guides. Planning to try goldwork this year with one of Tanja Berlin’s beginner level kits.
Cheers
My sister- in- law when on holiday showed me a couple of stitches, but it was Mary Corbet,s stitch video,s that has given me everything I know and learned, and still perfecting with each stitch, thank you very much. Lou
I learned to stitch from books like many other craft I enjoy. My first project was my daughter’s 1st birthday dress.
I am self taught. My mom got me a kit for Christmas when I was around 6 years old in the 1950’s. It was one of the lacing cards. I was hooked!! I love embroidery and I want to get reinspired!! I haven’t done any for a while.
Thank you!
Those are pretty!
How did I learn to stitch? There could be some debate on whether I’ve learned at all, but everything I’ve done has been pretty much on my own. My grandmother on Mom’s side did everything: sew, knit, crochet, darn, quilt, can, embroider. (People who lived in sod houses in dust bowl-era Oklahoma didn’t have much in the way of fancy new stuff.)
Mom didn’t do much of any of that, though she could if she put her mind to it. I don’t know if it was youthful rebellion or growing up in the age of fancy labor-saving devices or personality–she just didn’t.
All the women on my mother’s side of the family were stitchers. And, they got all of the girl cousins stitching too. Sometimes not too happily, but stitching none the less. My mother was still stitching and quilting into her 80’s. Hopefully I’ll make it that long too. Still haven’t tried quilting but I love embroidery and needlepoint.
My mother taught me how to make basic stitches but beyond that I read a lot of her old books and she got me grandma’s old old books and I taught myself, once YouTube became a thing I went there and I’ve learned and perfected most of my work with your help at Needle and thread
My Granny taught me initially, along with self teaching, and then a few courses over many years. It is a gift I am most appreciative of.
Although my mother was a professional dressmaker, I actually learned basic embroidery at school (I am in my 60s). I have just taken up needlework again in the last few years in the run up to retirement. I don’t think I will ever be very skilled but I do enjoy making things to give away.
Really started stitching when I was pregnant with my first daughter when I was 35yrs old. Started with cross stitch and twenty years later I still think of myself as a beginner as there is so much still to discover!
I am self taught! I love books and have tons on every subject fibre related and then there are the cookbooks…….. I am just getting back in to wool applique and embroidery in the last couple of years and Google and utube are my best friends!
My grandmother “Nanna ” taught me “Fancy Work” it was called in those days. Followed up by lessons at school, when my cousin, Merrilyn Heazelwood, opened a needlework shop it was like a magnet for me and I was hooked. I still use Nannas’ thimble everyday, she died in 1969 when I was 20. Thanks Nanna.
I’m sure my mom first introduced me to sewing, but I can hardly remember when! I vaguely recall cardboard “sewing cards” and playing with fabric scissors, needles, and threads from before I was in Kindergarten. My grandma also taught me some stitches later on. But I first learned to seriously EMBROIDER in a summer arts program in Columbus, Ohio when I was 8. The teacher was a man, and my first embroidery was a an original design of a ladybug on a flower, done in yarn on burlap. My ladybug ended up scrunched up and more of a narrow oval than the round bug I envisioned, which was disappointing. That was a VERY long time ago, and even though I wasn’t entirely happy with my start, I have been hooked on needlework ever since. (After that initial intro to embroidery stitches, the JP Coats “100 Stitches for Embroidery” booklet was my “Bible” for YEARS!!!)
I learned to stitch from my mom. I was about 6 or 7 years old, home from school sick, and BORED silly. Mom traced a coloring book picture onto some nylon netting with a magic marker. She threaded up a big needle with some yarn, and told me to go in and out of the holes following the lines. It took me a long time to get around that whale, but I learned the joy that comes from a completed project.
I am pretty much self-taught through observation of others, tutorials and books.
My mom taught me how to do all things embroidery and needlework related. It was one of our shared passions!
Mum taught me at first but granny worked in a haberdashery store. She kept my interest by bringing me exciting little brown paper bags full of ends of reels of trimmings, scraps of fabric, threads and odd buttons. I miss her terribly.
My younger sister, Rebecca, started my interested in embroidery. She showed me your website and said it’s how she’d been learning. I was hooked and have learned by watching your how-to videos and reading your blog posts. I am very grateful for the information shared here, and the hard work put into teaching the art of embroidery.
Melissa H in Spanish Fork, UT
My grandmother got me started as a child, then I have self taught since.
For a few years of my life I was raised by my grandmother. My Grandmother, Great Aunt and Great Grandmother would quilt on a
large frame in the dining room. My Mother was a sewer and made all of our clothing. Fond memories, begin raised back East and warm cozy fireplaces remind me of all the comforts of stitching and creating. I loved those times and am still stitching today.
Merry Christmas
My grandmother taught me basic embroidery, but much of my other knowledge (darning, crochet, knitting)came from the Sisters in the children’s home where my brothers and I lived as kids. I am self taught in crosstitch and machine sewing. It has been a fun ride!
I am self taught, with a few basic lessons many many moons ago from my grandmother. I have picked up most of my skills from this very blog, which is something I can not thank you enough for.
My mother is 86 years old. She taught me and my sister to embroider the old fashioned way…when all you did was follow the outline and stitch. The rest I’ve learned with stitching and pulling out the stitches and trying again. Its a very cathartic activity! I still have the wedding sampler that my mom made when she and my dad got married! Its about 60 years old!!!!
Thank you for the giveaway. I LOVE Inspiration magazine, but it is so expensive here that I don’t indulge often. I learned to stitch in Lyon (France) in 2000. One of my colleagues was doing cross-stitch and she talked to me about it, but I had never seen her work (or any other cross-stitch pieces, to say the truth). When I went to Lyon for a scientific conference, I passed by a cross-stitch shop (“mercerie”) and entered to see. I ended up bying two kits and with some instructions from the nice lady there, I started to stitch. Afterward, with bulletin boards and magazines (that was all before Facebook and Pinterest) I developped my abilities, moving to speciality stitches and other techniques like Hardanger and needle painting. So, I’m all self-taugh. Recently, I start to work on figure skating dresses to sew sequins. That’s another kind of embroidery.
I learned to stitch in the Netherlands where I immigrated to from the US after high school. My soon-to-be grandma-in-law decided that since her grand daughter could embroider, I should too.
My husband-to-be bought me a typical Dutch kit of a coffee cosy with the front and back views of a windmill with skaters. Much to my horror, it was counted cross stitch. By the time I figured it out (translated the instructions) I was hooked.
I taught embroidery to myself as a teenager and then took about 40 years off. I’ve taken a class to help me re-start but find your blog the BEST source and inspiration. Thank you and I wish you well.
I learned to stitch at about 8 or 9 years of age. (Toooo long ago to remember correctly) My mom would keep us busy during summer vacation with simple stitches which I still have as she saved them. I really can’t remember not holding a needle in my hand. Even now I still enjoy handwork over machine work though I make quilt tops but crazy quilting is my first love. I have convinced 18 or my friends to a 2 year project of crazy quilting blocks, in a different color each month, which I kit up for them and give them the foundation piece as well. My goal the end of the 2 years is to each of us have a enough blocks to make a monochromatic quilt which will have a block from each of us in the group. I am hoping that we can all accomplish this as I think that they will all be amazed at how wonderful it will be. Thank you for the inspiration that you provide. I tell all my newbies to go to your website and learn.
My nana introduced me to stitching. She was very patient. It has paid off – I wish I could show her what I can do now.
Your question took me back. As a little girl and then not so little, I helped my great-aunt needlepoint chair seats for a huge dining room table. There must have been 10 or 12 chairs and I helped her stitch them for years. They’re still in perfect shape 50+ years later. I taught myself to embroider from library books as a teen. The chairs taught me there was peace with a needle and and soothing repetitive motion.
I am self taught. Learned by reading many books.
Buying kits. Watching PBS programs…now you and you tube.
I learned to stitch at girl scouts. We had to make kitchen towels. Everybody complained about it and I loved it and have been stitching ever since.
Hi Mary,
I started sewing in high school. A friend’s mother, Mrs. Parker, took me under her wing and helped me with my first project. From then on I was hooked. I don’t do as much sewing as I used to. Now I enjoy hand work; embroidery, smocking, hardanger, ribbon embroidery. Thank you for all of your instruction. It has been a big help.
My mother started me off embroidering when I was young. As an adult I am self taught. That makes your website so very valuable to me, Mary. Thank you!
In 1959 our lady (Frances) next door didn’t have any children so my little sister and I were doted on quite a bit! She did beautiful embroidery and decided to teach us. We were both so excited and each got to pick a pattern out with threads! I picked a kitchen with a lady & my sister picked a horse scene. We still have them & still stitch. I will be forever grateful for Francis and the memories we made together!
I am definitely self taught. I love all types of needle crafts and I seem to always have a number of projects going at the same time. I feel fortunate to be able to keep myself busy as I am retired. Dale
How did you learn to stitch? My mom taught to stitch and try many other crafts.
I was taught to stitch by my mom! She is a very accomplished stitcher and has completed some amazing projects. My big sister has also taught me a multitude of wonderful stitches and some I have taught myself, thanks to you and a bounty of amazing stitch books.
My grandmother and her six sisters were wonderful stitchers and taught me simple stitches at an early age. They used to get together from all around the country twice a year for a week and sit and stitch and talk. It was a magic time for a little girl , me, to learn and see all the wonderful stitcheries and yarns. How lucky was I to enjoy learning embroidery with them.
Your work is so very beautiful and perfect! I am so impressed. Your instructions are very appreciated, and practiced. Being self taught, your instructions are very needed, to date – no comparison to your work. Thank you. ss
Hi Mary
My Mum taught me to sew grub roses when I was pregnant with my first child. Fortunately the baby was girl as I had embellished pillow cases, singlets, nighties, bootees etc. if you didn’t keep moving you would have a grub rose stitched on your face. Huge gap until I had breast cancer at 33 years. Embroidery was a huge salvation for me, I taught myself from books and now from your great video instruction. A huge thank you for all you do for us.
Kind regards Sandy Southern Highlands NSW
I saw a co-worker doing cross-stitch one day and wanted to learn. She provided a basic lesson and I haven’t looked back! Over the years I’ve found classes at my LNS and books to be quite helpful in learning new techniques.
Hi Mary. Another lovely give-away chance, thank you so much. I learned basic surface embroidery on the pre-printed pillowcases with the heavy blue lines and a metal hoop. No tightening possible with those things. A friend of my Mother’s thought it would keep my occupied and from interrupting their conversations. Self taught by way of printed kit instructions.
My grandma Joanie taught me the basic embroidery stitches when I was about 7. I still have the Lady with big skirt pillow cases she was working on at that time. The basics are still my very favorit stitches!
As a child in south La. we had starched and ironed pillowcases which were embroidered. At age 6 I did a few stitches while mom was not around. Sometime later I asked if she could tell the difference in my stitches and hers. She looked and handed it to me and I have been at it for 73 years. Adding cross stitch, crewel, and quilting, which I teach at my church. I love every bit of it.
I am a self-taught stitcher. I looked at my first pattern and it all made sense to me. But it was at my first Spirit of Cross Stitch Festival in the mid-90s that I realized how much more I could be doing – specialty stitches, over-dyed floss, different kinds of ground fabrics. And technics that really had a positive impact on my projects. I love love love learning new stitches!
Susan
I remember as a teenager looking at the sewing section in the dept store back in the 60’s and being in awe of all that stuff but not understanding any of it. No one in my family did any hand work! I slowly figured out cross stitch and then some one introduced me to the local EGA and my whole world opened up. I love the simplicity of these two stocking but also so elegant. I would love to make them for my new Grandson! Thank you, I love reading your blog..I always seem to learn something new.
I was hired for a needlework publishing job based on self-published How-To-Do-It acrylic watercolor designs of children and animals. I didn’t know a thing about stitching, but my livelihood depended on me learning ASAP. Needless to say, I fell head over heels in love with needlework!
DAYAN
My mother, aunts and grandmothers always sewed so I don’t remember who taught me. But they have all shared their love for creating beautiful things with me and have left a wonderful legacy of different skills and treasures for the family to remember them.
I taught myself when I was 15 from a magazine. I used the pattern in the magazine to embroider a shirt 40 years ago!
I am a self taught stitcher. Would love to win the stitching project.
I learned to stitch from my Mom, when I was quite little. She did some embroidery, and a lot of sewing, even though she worked full-time. We made pipe-cleaner doll families, both for ourselves and as gifts for others, and embroidery on doll clothes. She also helped me with the stitchery pictures (with what would now be called surface embroidery), as we never did any embroidery at school.
I am pretty much self taught. What I don’t know my daughter and I figure out together.
My mother taught me a few stitches when I was eight; running stitch, outline, and chain. I didn’t expand my skills until many years later when I began to learn from books. And now I have you, Mary Corbett, and your exceptional videos to teach me stitches upon stitches. Bless you!
My mother taught me the basic embroidery designs using the stamped pillow cases and doilies etc. I was on my own from there. I joined an EGA group and improved my skills. But it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to study with Shizuka Kusano in Japan that I really understood stitch technique, design and color. Kusano-san was just beginning her teaching career those 20 plus years ago and has since become an expert of Japanese textile embroidery and design. I am blessed to have had that time to study with her.
I can’t remember being taught to stitch. No one in my family embroiders. I suppose I saw someone and started from there and taught myself, like I do with most things, read books and tried things, but I remember being able to stitch very young!
Inspirations magazine is truly inspirational, the kit and magazine will be a great addition to any library. My first stitching teacher was my mother who taught me how to embroider. I was fortunate enough to also have an aunt who taught me how to crochet and knit. I am retired now and belong to a needlework group of many talented ladies who share their love of needlework with anyone who wants to learn. A world without stitches would be a very sad world indeed.
Linda
I learned in Girl Scouts as part of the Embroidery badge!!! And have gone on ever since 🙂 Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
Thanks for another opportunity!!! I would say that I am a self taught stitcher with lots of encouragement from my mom and both grandmothers.
I have two Great Grand daughters! Sadly I have not gotten around to making them Christmas stockings. This would be a great opportunity for me to do just that.
I learned to stitch mostly from my Gram. She was skilled in many more kinds of needlework than my adoptive mom.
Great prize! Love the stocking kit.
I learned to stitch as a child of 8 years old. Stitching was taught by my fraternal grandmother. She had more patience to teach as often she was teaching two or three of us at the same time. I assume I was the hardest to teach as I was headstrong and quite a tomboy
Kat –
My mother taught me some very basic stitches when I was about 9 or 10 and my first project was a dresser runner. I wasn’t very good and lost interest until a couple of years ago when I joined an embroidery group. As a retiree I now have the patience to relax and enjoy this wonderful handwork.
Both my Mum and Grandma sew and embroider, I was taught the basics by them and the rest has been picked by blogs such as yours and the odd class and by doing.
My mother sewed and taught me beginning sewing and hand embroidery, and let me play at making doll clothes with her scraps. I also learned from 4H club, where our projects were entered into county Fair for judging. But I learned to quilt in the mid 70’s in a night school class. Stitching of all kinds has been a life long love, creative outlet and source of peace and satisfaction.
I can’t remember how old I was when I started stitching. My mother told me forever I was too young and she didn’t have the patience. My grandma taught me. I would run to her with every knot for a long time. I still remember the blue sewing box and the skiens of floss she gave me one Christmas.
Debra Chamberlin- I learned to stitch from my Nanna way back in 1965. She drew my name on some fabric and she showed me how to stitch lazy Daisy stitches over it. She took that small piece and we made a scarf for a stuffed clown she had given me.
My dear mother taught me needlepoint, cross stitch, some surface embroidery, and basic crochet – not to mention machine-sewing. I was always fascinated that her handiwork could produce such realistic-looking designs: a pair of good-sized needlepoint poodles, a basket containing “fresh strawberries,” street scenes from New Orleans, cup towels with adorable little nursery rhymes on them, and many others. I loved them all – and still do – and am inspired by the many talented needlework designers and teachers who serve to guide people like me who are still learning.
I think I’ve always had a needle of some sort in my hands. Mom taught me how to knit at 8 years old. Aunt Eva taught me to crochet around the same time. Sewing started in high school. Japanese bunka started in my late twenties. Counted cross stitch became my obsession when I was laid off in 1990. I am self-taught. But then I attended Rae Iversons Stitchers Gatherings for 5 years. Sparked a ton more interest. Linda Driscoll introduced me to pulled thread and tatting. I taught myself hardanger somewhere in there. I retired over a year ago and joined a class at our local senior center to lead Brazilian embroidery. So I’ve been taught some techniques and learned on my own. It’s an addiction. My mom always told me to retire and stitch all day so that’s what I’m doing. Im never bored and think that this must be heaven.
My mom started me stitching when I was around 9 or 10. I remember learning to smock and thinking how complicated it was (for a 10-yr old) but how cute it looked on the little apron I made! I thank her for instilling the love of stitching, and since then I have been self-taught!
My first memory of sewing anything is the lacing cards I received as a Christmas gift when I was about 5 years old. My mother must have taught me to embroider when I was a teenager. Although, I can’t recall her sitting down with me to show me how to make the basic stem stitch and french knots. What I remember most is going to the “five & dime” stores to get either preprinted or transfers and dish towels. I wanted dish towels for when I got married. Don’t know where those towels ended up. Mom probably gave them away while I was gone.
My grandmother started me on embroidering pillow cases when I was six years old. I’ve taken a lot of courses to learn different techniques over the years, but surface embroidery, especially Crewel, is still my first love.
My mother taught me very simple embroidery when I a child. The rest is self taught.
The desire to learn came at an early age. My mother started teaching me simple surface embroidery. Through the years, I have taught myself, taken classes, and practiced what I learned… It came full circle when I was able to teach my mother new skills.
I learned the basic outline stitch in Home Ec class in grade 8. After that I got my Mom to buy me a Holly Hobby iron on pattern and taught the stitches to myself from books.
My grandmother taught me to stitch. I have always loved it. It is my relaxation.
My Mom started teaching me hand embroidery at a mid teen age but only a couple of simple stitches, but sewing machine sewing I taught myself.
Mostly self taught. I learned simple embroidery from my grandmother. I have tried to improve my stitching skills over the years by stitching with others. I’m not happy without a needle and thread
I learned to Stitch from my grandmother and Erica Wilson’s shows on PBS. My grandmother learned embroidery from nuns in her native country – Italy, and did she ever create beautiful pieces. And Erica Wilson not only taught me, but taught my 4, yes 4 year old daughter how to embroider too. I do so hope I win this at my prize will be shared with my daughter.
Mama taught me the basics & after that I used instruction booklets (cost 10 cents way back when).Those booklets’ stitches were few compared to today’s internet.
Oh, I would loooove to have that magazine especially. I’ve wished and wanted, but they are just so expensive so I don’t get it. Gosh, what a treat that would be!
I’m self-taught, and with much learning still to happen!
My Mother taught me simple embroidery stitches when I was about 6 and at age 7, I embroidered 5 sets with 7 dishtowels each – 1 for each day of the week – for Christmas gifts for 5 favorite aunts. I never had a stitching class until age 69; it is still my favorite form of relaxation.
I think I self taught myself crewel embroidery, maybe my sister helped. A friends mom taught me cross stitch.
I am self taught and often refer to your tutorials to learn a particular stitch. I think your tutorials are the best I have found!
Recently joined a ornament club and refer to your site to get prepped for required stitches. Thanks for all you do!
I learned from my step mom.
My Grandmother taught me to stitch. We did embroidery and crochet for handwork.
My grandmother attempted to teach me a form of needlepoint in the early 80s, and I was never able to manage to get it right. Then last summer, I was bored while my son was on an extended trip to visit my brother and I found a discontinued punch needle kit on clearance, and that led to stamped cross stitch kits, which led to counted cross stitch, and now I’m branching out to hand embroidery. I haven’t created any of my own patterns yet, but I’ll get there eventually.
Another great give-away. Thank you Mary and Inspirations. I am new to embroidery and learning all the time. I have taken some classes, done many of your fantastic tutorials and sometimes just sit and try to work things out myself (but then usually have to go to a book or the web for further help). I have bought a few kits to take advantage of their specific tuition and of course, the Inspirations magazine and it’s wonderful clear pictures and step-by-step guides. My very favourite way of learning is to take myself off to the Embroiders Guild in Brisbane and sit with some like minded folk and ask lots and lots of questions.
Primarily self taught using instruction books and more recently the internet and sites like yours.
I am a self taught stitcher.
My grade one teacher taught me how to hold a needle and sew an apple in runny stitch on a piece of jute cloth with red and green wool thread. The color combination fascinated me and kept a long lasting, unerasable impression in my child’s mind and from that day on I was highly drawn to designs with bright colors in what ever I bought. My friends are delighted with the sarees I give them as they are very colorful and vivid.
I haven’t tried my hand in sewing though I have sewn small designs to skirts and bloused once in a while, my attraction for sewing and wool thread and sack material remains the same as before.That’s why I have joined this site to learn about stitches and do simple sewing projects in the future. (during the vacations) Hopefully, I think I will be able to accomplish my plans as I am little bit lazy.
I am self taught. Started with cross stitch at age 12. At some point, I believe my mother taught me some embroidery stitches but have since expanded to learn new techniques. Love all things stitchy!
I learned to stitch by following the instructions from a kit and then borrowing books from the library and then finally purchasing them. Self Taught. The kit was a gift.
I would love to win the Christmas Giveway of the stockings kit, they are awesome and I would love to make them for my Grandsons.
Merry Christmas, Mary!
I saw my cousin’s beautiful embroideries and started taking lessons from her. When I started to learn stitching I was over 50 years old. Reading embroidery books and magazines help me in stitching.
My grandmother (& now I am a very old grandmother) was always with needle ‘n’ thread. Quilting or embroidering. Often she would embroider whole sets of tea towels for my cousin & I to give to our mothers on Mother’s Day. So early on I appreciated embroidery and began as a child with help from Grandmother or my mother or on my own. Loved it then and still do today. Just praying my eyes and hands remain embroidery proof. Thanks for the opportunity of this giveaway. jc
I am self taught. I was one of those kids (in high school ) whose jeans were covered in embroidery. I made skirts out of old jeans and covered them with embroidery as well.
My mother taught me some basic stitches on printed items when I was young. Years later I became interested and taught myself using kits.
Hi,
I was taught by my mom some basic stitches, and then i am self taught..i actually have learned all the different stitches from you..thanks for everything..
Marlene Stabin I am mainly a self taught embroiderer. I started back in the day with those stamped pillow cases and hand towels. I had seen embroidered hand towels completed by my Mom many years before, but never saw her embroider.I guess it was enough to get the craft bug started in me. From there I went to kits and then used Embroidery Stitch books to learn many different stitches. I always had to turn the instruction photos upside down as I am left-handed!
Mostly self-taught; I did learn some by watching my grandma and mom.
My mother taught me to stitch as soon as I was old enough to hold a needle!
My mother taught me to embroider. She always had a project of some sort that she worked on in the evenings. Thank you for this give-away!
What a sweet giveaway! Thank you for the chance to enter! My maternal grandmother started me on the basics when I was very young. Wish she was here still so we could share the joy of stitching together.
I taught myself to embroider with a crewel embroidery kit, and I still have the piece some 40 years later. Everytime I come across it, I remember the enthusiasm and pleasure I felt as I learned stitches. The more I practised and used those stitches, the better looking the stitches became. What a difference!
Thanks to your beautiful website, and others, I’ve been bitten by the sewing bug again. Your work inspires me, and that enthusiasm and pleasure I once experienced is returning. I send smiles and hugs of thanks for Needle ‘N Thread.
I learned to stitch by buying kits and following the directions. I started with cross stitch and moved on to crewel work. I checked out books in order to learn new stitches.
hi mary, my grandmother taught me to embroider and from here i
kind of learned on my own
My mother got me started in embroidery when I was about 6 years old. She would transfer a pattern onto a pillowcase and then my sister and I would get to pick out a couple skeins of floss to use. I always seemed to pick out the most garish colors! From that point on I continued to embroider in some form or another; whether it was embellishing doll clothes I made or stitching reproduction samplers, I have had a needle in my hand ever since.
I began in primary school on fabric I don’t know what is called. It had 2 long strands arranged intermittently through which you could embroider designs. The teacher showed us the basic stitches and I recall I wanted to make my own…doing, removing, modifying until the fabric needed a good wash from my grime.
Snce then I’ve learnt on my own and I find much joy in this craft.
I was taught cross stitch and some basic surface stitchery at school and continued cross stitching into my 20s. Later I tried to continue with surface stitchery but did not really have much sucess until I joined an Embroiderers Guild where I had access to lots of classes and experienced stitchers to guide me.
PS I love making Christmas decorations etc. and have a dear friend that I make something for each year – this would be perfect as we could both have one 🙂
Catherine from NZ
I am old enough that we were taught at primary school from grade three onwards,but my Mother also sewed,knitted ,cooked and in general made most things for the family.
Needlework has been a passion for me as far back as I remember. My mother and my grandmother both taught and encouraged me. I believe it is in my dna, as the skill goes back many generations, both maternal and paternal!
You taught me! Also youtube, and TAST, and eventually I got to the local guild, but mostly you. Your videos, tutorials and especially sharing your mistakes and how you managed them. Thank you.
StelliesTessa in Jhb
I enjoy all the ideas about embroidery here! I first learned embroidery from my mother and grandmother, and I’ve learned more from others just recently since I’ve been volunteering at the Diocesan Altar Guild. I especially enjoy detail work.
We had a neighbour when I was growing up who enjoyed teaching the neighbourhood kids different art forms. I remember painting, rug hooking, sewing and embroidery. I still have a few of those pieces that I have carried with me through a number of moves.
A friend started me on stitching. I saw a picture she had embroidered hanging on her wall and wanted to learn to do that. So off we went to a store and I bought my first embroidery kit, a pillow which still sits on my couch.
We learned some basic stitches back in grade 4 or 5 & I made a pillow for my mom using basket stitch to make a basket & then filling it with flowers using different stitches. I think the fabric was a type of hemp & we used knitting wool as our thread. That same teacher had us do a type of pulled thread Hardanger project too. Then in grade 7 I took an elective where you could do a hobby/craft. Most of us girls choose to try needlepoint & got hooked on it then.
My grandmother taught me basic stitches. I learned from magazines, books, and classes.
Hello, my name is Ida Norred, I’m self taught but learning so much from your website.
Thank you
I first learned to do embroidery in my 7th grade home ec class. The first project we made was a apron with gingham fabric and the first stitch was to “x” every other box. Funny, I hadn’t thought of this in years. I was so proud!
I learnt to embroider from an instructor at school, was guided by my mother later on and learnt to hone my skills on my own, reading magazines and other pattern, instruction books. The Stitcher’s Christmas is a real delight and I’m hoping I will be the lucky one!
See online a lot of pictures on the cross stitch, really beautiful, I was completely fascinated, and even the world has such a fine art. For this I became more efforts. From the Internet to find the video cross-stitch teaching self-study, and finally in my tireless practice I learned! Can say skills Well, really nothing else, on the point – must be patient.
I am mainly a self taught stitcher but have relied upon many sources for inspiration and guidance.Cheers to all,Pat.
I was taught to stitch by my Nan White when I was about six. She was a lifelong stitcher.
Alison
Godalming UK
I learned in a high school textiles class, aged 14. The class project was to machine sew a shoulder bag. I finished really quickly, because I’d been making dolls clothes using my Mum’s 1920s Singer for years.
The teacher told me to buy a cross stitch kit so I’d have something to work on while the rest of the class finished. From there, I’ve never looked back.
Living in a very small town I went to a room school, The Headmaster was my teacher, he taught 3 grades all in the same class. Once a week the girls would walk across the paddock to his house, there his wife taught us first how to hand sew everything and then once she was happy we were permitted to use the Singer Treadle machine.
That should read a ‘ 2 room school’ oops =)
Wonderful giveaway and the new site is very nice. I’m seeing ur site after a very long time and it makes me sooooooo happy to see it again. I was taught to embroider by my mother and grandmother. I also learnt about a lot of stitches and how to work them and about a lot of different embroidery techniques from your site. Thanks to the three of you I love my embroidery.
I really can’t remember when I first learnt to stitch. My mother was not a craft person at all, she was more concerned with bringing us girls up and going to work. It must have been one of my aunts, she taught me to crochet as well . I then picked it up again in my teens and was self taught from books.
I learned to use a needle and thread when I was very little under my grandmother ‘s sewing machine as she was piecing together quilt tops for the Womens Institute. I created things from her scrap material which my grandmother told me they were amazing. They were a childish works of art but in them I discovered the soothing effect needlework had for me. By the time I was in my early teens I had progressed to embroidering quilt blocks for my grandmother. So I owe a lot to my grandmother who encouraged and had the patience to start me on a life journey in stitching and a passion for needleart in all it it’s many forms.
My grandmother, I called her Grams, was the first person to teach me how to sew. She taught me how to roll the thread in my fingers to make a knot in the end. I can still remember going through her button tin every time that I visited her. She always had items by her sewing machine that she was in the process of making or fixing. She made doll clothes for my dolls , even the tiniest little ones! Now I am doing that for my grand daughters! Amazing how time flies and traditions and crafts are passed on.
~Gin K.~
I’m a self-taught 🙂 But my mother worked as a seamstress
I was taught “sewing” at primary school by a teacher who took great delight in belittling every thing I stitched. Undeterred I watched my mother and followed her example with printed linen table cloths. She hated satin stitch so many things were done in Buttonhole stitch. I returned to embroidery in my 40’s and joined the local Guild where I fine tuned my existing skills. Since then the learning has not stopped thanks to the Embroidery Guilds and the Internet.
LizF
Although my mum stitched when i was young, i had no interest. I taught myself to embroider and have since taken classes to learn techniques such as goldwork and drawn thread
I began sewing at the age of 4 or 5 yrs old – my grandma and my mother were great needleworkers and I watched them a lot. My mum gave me some emrboidery thread and a chair back cover to embroider and I was hooked on embroidery. I have also made my own clothes and my daughters’ clothes too, now I make quilts and love it.
Pauline
My mom taught me some basic stitches for a set of stamped pillowcases when I was about ten years old. I never finished them! I didn’t try anything else until I was in college. I completed a stamped sampler and then friend taught me counted cross stitch. I was hooked after that.
I just love your website and instructions! You’re the BEST!!!
I also love your give aways, even when I don’t win. It’s nice to read the comments and see that we’re all the same, where ever we live. That is hopeful for a better world.
I think I learned embroidery (cross stitch) at school, like knitting and crochet, but I did’nt like it very much then.
It was much later when I started because I saw something I really liked. I just followed the instructions.
Only with goldwork I went to a day course which was an hour travel from home. Here in The Netherlands this is quite far …
So I think I have had the basis and then I tought myself the rest.
I learned needle work from my Grandmother.
I’m self taught with a lot of help from this website, other sites, videos and books. Nita C.
I don’t remember who taught me to stitch because I was too little, but my grandmother did all needlearts including tatting, knitting, and crochet. She also sewed my clothes. She had those little “Workbasket” magazines with the bright pink iron-on transfers, so I’m sure that’s where the journey began.
My mom taught me to stitch. Stamped cross stitch and knitting were first and I don’t remember which was first. Pre-stamped crewel from Erica Wilson or Elsa Williams were also learned by the time I was ten.
The white Christmas decorations would look beautiful in my blue and yellow home. I have a fireplace just waiting for the stockings.
I learnt early. I got sick of watching others and no one teaching me because I was odd! – read left handed! So sometimes the old book in a mirror worked – well it did for knitting and crochet, and other times it was a’ hit and miss method’ of doing it over and over. …. ha ha ha but I got there most times …….. lol Still love trying to work out how somethings are done and trying old things new ways.
My grandmother taught me to do simple embroidery (outline stitch) and stamped cross stitch. After that I was self taught until very recently when I discovered EGA, ANG, EAC and SNS with their on-line guilds. I’m in seventh heaven learning new things.
Vickie (vjvl51)
My mother taught me some basic embroidery stitches when I was 10 years old. I would work them sampler style on pieces of old white sheets that my mother would tear up, held taut in a metal embroidery hoop. I still remember sitting there with my needle and thread, embroidering my name which was written on the sheet with a pencil.
My great-grandmother got me started. It’s hard to remember how much she actually taught me and how much I just watched her do it …. but at some point I had half-finished projects and an old box with supplies and I took it from there!
That magazine looks great! My mother taught me how to stitch 🙂
I learned to stitch one summer when I was about 10 or 11. I was spending the summer with my grandmother while my father was in school. To keep me occupied my mother sent me a pre-stamped crewel piece of a little mouse amid mushrooms and ferns. I spent the summer reading Lord of the Rings and working on figuring out how to stitch the piece that I still have! I was hooked. Since then I am mostly self taught and still enjoying my stitching.
I am a self taught stitcher. I love to learn new stitches. Your blog is a wealth of information. It promotes creativity. Thank you for this opportunity.
Hi I am Sabita Sahu . I was totally a person always busy with studies n its belonging activity. But when I got married in the year 2012 after completing my studies I used to spend lot of time for browsing what to do. Ones I came across this particular site and went thoroughly inside tips and tricks. I couldn’t resist myself in trying them out and got all the materials and started trying with this site help. In this way i self tought myself and I would proudly say my first attempt was successful one and all of my friends and relatives said its has got a professional touch. From that moment I have been following “neddlenthread” and i love the way the tutorial is given.
In my teens, a friend and I randomly decided to make an easy little cross stitch Christmas ornament. My pal finshed hers and remained (sadly) unaddicted…but I was swiftly bitten by the bug! I’ve been stitching since (about 25 years), mostly cross stitch, but occasionally I tiptoe out into other counted work or embroidery projects – so I love the simple, friendly look of these stockings!
I’m a self taught stitcher. The women on my maternal side were/are sewers and quilters, but not embroiderers or needle pointers. However, I did learn the habits of buying quality supplies and an appreciation of handwork from them.
At the age of 5, my mother and I visited her aunt. Aunt Mae was working on an embroidery piece (have no memory of what it was).
After we got home I pestered my mom to teach me how to do that. She went to Woolworth’s and bought a printed dresser scarf and threads and taught me the basic stitches. I worked the piece at least three different times as I grew older and could see that I now could do better. The last time, I cut the dresser scarf in half and made a hostess apron out of it as a gift for another aunt. Now, almost 70 years later, I’m still stitching – embroidery of many kinds and many other types of fiber work.
Grade two, Ms Phipps taught the class, but prior to that mum bought me a cardboard kit with holes punched in where the needle had to go. I think my love of embroidery flourished because of mum.
I am pretty much a self taught stitcher, however it moved to a new level when I joined a crazy quilt bee, and one class led to another and so on.
I think I was self-taught but there is a “memory” around the edges that maybe someone in 4H may have had an influence.
When I was a child, my mother taught me canvas and cross stitch. Progress was slow as I would only work on my project periodically but I always enjoyed coming back to it. Decades passed and I remembered I liked to embroider, so I started again. Now, I teach myself with online resources such as your blog, Mary. Thank you so much for keeping us dreaming!
This is such a beautiful gift! I learned to stitch using books, magazines, friends. And in the last 10 years I have learned so much from my smocking and embroidery friends in our local chapter of SAGA.
I learned to stitch in as a Brownie Girl Scout and from my Mother. Love Inspirations magazine. They always have wonderful projects.
I was taught a few of the basics long ago by my mother. Since then I have been self taught with a few classes along the way. I do like embroidery and almost all other types of needlework. Thank you for this great giveaway.
Have a super great stitching day!
Hi Mary, when I first started doing needlework at the age of seven or eight, some women taught me. They included an old lady living in my community, who taught little girls all kinds of needlework, my mother, and my cousin. Then when I returned to my childhood’s interest a few years ago, I teach myself based on online resources, in which your website is an important part, books and observations. Wish you a merry xmas! 🙂
Watched my sisters stitching and tried to produce similar work. At that time we did not have electricity so tried to stitch during the day.
My grandmother taught me the basics of embroidery. It is one of many lifelong gifts she gave me.
I am completely self-taught, starting with cross stitch some 20 years ago. That soon got boring, so I started exploring other types of embroidery, especially Whitework. I have also already tried my hand at Schwalm Embroidery and loved it.
So I would be thrilled to be one of the winners of this splendid give-away. Thank you so much!
I pretty much taught myself from books and trial and error. Still learning. It never ends.
Those stockings are so pretty. I am self-taught. I bought two kits from the Canadian magazine Chatelaine back in the late 80s and completed both. Didn’t stitch for many years while my sons grew up and took up the hobby again ~10 years ago.
My Mom gave me all the sewing items, including a tiny book of embroidery stitches to be self-taught!
Hi Mary,
My mother used to embroider (mostly tea towels and pillow cases) but she also did the McCall’s Needlework stamped cross stitchDeer and Fawn which hung in our living room for many years. I often wonder where it is now. I guess I learned from her as well as doing an embroidery project in our local 4H Sewing club. I have always had several types of needlework projects underway, usually too many.
Thanks and Merry Christmas
You have the MOST BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINE ever!!!! I love it and keep EVERY issue!!!!
My Grandmother taught me!
I learned to embroider with my Mom, was doing needlepoints at first. Thanks for the giveaway and Good luck to everyone.
Started to learn at school and in Brownies in England. Mostly self taught, took an intermediate crewel Embroidery class by correspondence. By the Canadian Embroidery guild.
my mom introduced me at a young age to embroidery. I did mostly small projects like pillow cases and towels, also a rag doll with the face embroidered, some flowers on my jeans when I was in high school and some cross stitch project. Unfortunately I have not done much embroidery due to my eyesight. I have now acquired a magnifying light and will able to start again soon.
Chantal F.
I guess it’s not a very emotional family-related memory: YouTube taught me to stitch, and I’m still finding solutions there!!
I remember learning basic embroidery from a neighbour lady. Then my girls group from church also taught us some basics. I learned Brazilian Embroidery at a craft store where I also learned how to cross stitch. My mother doesn’t embroider but loves what I give her.
I am self taught. My great grandmother was gifted with a needle (embroidered and made quilts) but unfortunately it wasn’t passed down. Books, blogs and youtube have been invaluable resources.
I am self-taught but lately have joined a guild and it has made all the difference!
Taught myself when I wanted to move on from cross stitch. Love your posts of what you are working on
I learned to embroider from kits. But I learned so much more from you!!!
My mom taught me how to cross stitch and basic embrodiery when I was a little girl.
I was taught some basic embroidery stitches at school in the mid 80s – chain stitch, back stitch, lazy daisies – and didn’t touch it again until becoming disabled and bedridden with severe spinal problems. In the past year I’ve been teaching myself from books and online tutorials, learning more and more complex techniques. It’s honestly been saving my sanity!
I am completely self-taught!
Elaine in New Mexico
My sweet Mom taught me how to sew when I was about 7 years old. She and my Dad bought my twin sister and I a little sewing machine for Christmas and we both began a long and happy hobby for making doll clothes to making our own clothes and then quilting. I will be forever grateful. My Mom doesn’t sew anymore at the ripe old age of 90 years young, but she is always so encouraging and positive when I show her things I’ve been working on.
I firstly learned to stitch at school. But since I am 30 I have learned mostly by myself all kind of embroideries.
When my mom bought me my first kit she showed me how to thread a needle, knot the thread (very bad I know) and do a cross stitch. Later I found out I did everything wrong on the kit lol I never thought to read the kit instructions. When I got back into cross stitch I did my research first before purchasing another kit and I haven’t stopped learning since 🙂
I taught myself to crochet, cross stitch and do counted cross stitch but have had help learning other embroidery stitches – first during Home Ec in jr high and high school, through 4H and finally through my local quilting shop.
I learned to stitch from my dear Momma and then my Aunti. I love to stitch and do so every evening to relax. I call it my ‘stitch therapy’. Cheaper than a session, right? Love to stitch!
My mum taught me and I learnt a bit in school!
My mother taught me how to embroider dish towels when I was a little girl. Later I taught myself to cross stitch from books and magazines. That was my passion for 30 years! Then I wanted to needleturn applique so I signed up for classes with Patricia Cox in Minneapolis and my love for applique and Pat grew over the years I spent in her company. I also took quilting classes and made many quilts. But the last few years I have returned to my first love of embroidery. Nothing is more relaxing and satisfying than hand embroidery. I have learned new stitches from the internet and books since I live in a remote area that doesn’t have classes. I have used this site extensively when I want to try something new and I appreciate all your wisdom and talent when it comes to stitching and teaching. Thank you for being there for me to help me expand my skills in stitching!
My Mum started me on petite point and needle point in my early teens. I picked up cross stitch and embroidery on my own. I love any kind of stitching!! I can sit and stitch for hours!!! I would love the 2 stockings to stitch for my 2 grandchildren.
My mom was a seamstress and my grandmother was always crocheting, embroidering, or handquilting. I’ve never been much for sewing – I’m left handed and my mother found that very frustrating (I put the pins in backwards) so she told me she would pay someone to teach me to sew, but I never took her up on the offer. She had a friend who did needlepoint, and we learned that by sitting across from her I could mimic the stitches. I frequently put directions upside down to get the best results. I have taken a paperpiecing class with Carol Doak. I’d been paperpiecing for a while, but I learned some new tricks by taking her class. And, of course, learning from friends is always the best!
I already have the magazine, but would love the kit for the stockings, since I’m not familiar with this fabric
I learned to stitch from my mom. I was in fourth grade and the class project was to stitch something.
I learnt to embroider (and sew) starting when I was about six when Mrs Dorri Evans attended my primary school in Nimmitabel, NSW, Australia. I still have my sample book, some of my projects and my first sewing basket at age 57.
My Gran mostly taught me when we lived close by, she gave me a good foundation to learn from. After that it was trial and error on my part
My name is Arianna, I live in Rome, Italy. Three years ago I attended a stitching class with my mom. I was pregnant at that time. I had some issues with the pregnancy, I had to spend some time in bed resting. During that time I browsed among old stuff, and I discovered that my great-grandmother was a stitcher, a good one! She had some old stitching books that her husband used to give her as presents. My grandmother gave me her trousseau hand-embroidered. That’s why I wanted to learn. I asked my mom if she wanted to come with me, and it was a great idea because now we have something we both love to share. Going to stitching class was an “eureka moment”, I felt in love with it. It’s my passion!
Arianna, have you posted any pictures of your work? I have a book, in Italian which I do not read, called Il manuale completo del Ricamo Estense. Mary mentioned this some time back and the work is so beautiful and the pictures are very clear. It’s so interesting to look at work from other countries and remarking the differences between them — the and common thread! It was nice to read your comment.
My mom was a very neat embroiderer and taught me
Eesh! I almost missed this one entirely. Or maybe I did? What day is it?
Oh, it doesn’t matter. I never win, anyhow, I just like to answer the questions. I usually don’t get asked questions because people already know the answers, or they assume they do. I like answering. Taking tests was always my thing, too. Not a tangent! Tests are all about answering! I shall now go about answering the question you put forth. (I just clicked on the link in my email, I might be responding to the wrong post, I haven’t checked. If so, I’m sorry.)
I basically learned embroidery from the internet. Sure, I was introduced through kits, but the real learning happened on the internet. I only bought kits that interested me, whether they were in my wheelhouse or not. So I’ve done a lot of searching for stitches and the best ways to accomplish them. Sometimes, I simply think that a stitch is interesting and so I learn it. I recently learned the ropey-looking chain stitch (place proper name here) just for that very reason. Just wanted to know it. That’s all. I was thinking yesterday about edging stitches. Might try the Armenian one today. And, thus, I learn to embroider all by my lonesome using my iPhone and good, old-fashioned wi-fi.
Fun fact!: (I know these are only fun to me, but whatever) My godmother, my Aunt Sue, did a lot of sewing and embroidery. At some point, she made me a little pillow with a couple of cross-stitched bears. Regretfully, I believe I left it behind in a move with other childhood things. I wish I could go back and get it. I wish I could go back and ask her if she could teach me what she knew. My mom doesn’t know a damn thing. (I had to teach her to use a threader. She’s not stupid, certainly, I was just there the first time she tried. Thank goodness no one was there the first time I tried. I guess some people get it right the first time, know the logic of it by looking at it. Me, I’ve always had to be horribly stupid in order to learn. And, thus, I help others! Which probably backfires, to be honest.) Oh, I just realized it may have sounded as though my Aunt Sue is dead. Not so. It is simply that her baby had a baby and she’s Grammy Sue now. And completely smitten. Not dead. Busy. Free time=baby time. 🙂
When I was 3 or 4, my friend and I would go to a clothing manufacturing business that was just around the corner from our house. We would raid its dumpsters for scrap fabric and thread (that was all that was in the dumpsters, no garbage) We would sit under the weeping willow tree and sew clothes for our dolls. We would have all kinds of people pass us by. My favorite were the Navaho Grandma’s in their velvet skirts and turquoise jewelry. It was a magical time in my childhood!
I was taught by my mother and my grandmother (who lived next door and used to look after me when my mum worked). This time of the year I always remember them a lot. It was the long winter evenings when we were sitting next to the fire, embroidering and singing the Christmas songs.
It was one of the teachers leading a mini course during the winter at my junior high. School teachers are the best.
My mom taught me to cross stitch and do the outline stitch. Everything else has been on my own.
I learned to cross stitch from a co-worker and then when I joined a guild I learned other techniques from members and teachers.
It is a sweet memory to reflect back on the small series of TIME-LIFE books my mom had on her bookshelf, titled ‘The Art of Sewing,’ copyright 1973-74. I would pour over each volume, and among the categories of pattern making, knitting/crocheting, etc., was EMBROIDERY. There began my colorful journey of being primarily self-taught. Thank you!
I was taught by my mother. She taught me how to do cross stitch, back stitch and satin stitch. I have been getting into embroidery more as the years have gone by which let me to this site where I have learned some other stitches.
Hi Mary! My Mum showed me the first stitches a few years ago and now I’m exploring different techniques by myself! Cheers
My first project was at the age of nine. It was a pillowcase with an iron on transfer of daisy flowers and “Judge not, lest ye be judged first.” Am thinking my mother was trying to send me a message.
My grandmother was always doing something with her hands and taught me many crafts.
I was taught to embroider by my maternal grandma Helen and I owe my finishing skills to my paternal grandma Alma, who taught me hand & machine sewing.
My grandmother taught me to stitch. It was a way for me to escape my younger siblings and have some quality time with my grandmother.
Lovely gifts! I was very fortunate to have a grandmother who could stitch and who had the patience to teach a four year old. Unfortunately she lived on the other side of the country, so we didn’t get together that often. But, I fondly remember my Christmas presents from her – she would send me all of her project ends (threads, fabric, notions, etc.) in a shoe box! It was absolute treasure.
I’m self-taught.
Mom taught me to keep me busy in the summer. Mostly stamped pillowcases and dresser scarves. As an empty nester I took a class on counted cross stitch and the rest is history.
My Great Aunt taught me to embroider when I was a child — surface embroidery with a variety of stitches. I used to embroider sets of pillowcases for gifts. A friend introduced me to counted cross stitch in the ’70s and I was off to the races. Embroidery has always been a part of my life.
These are so classy!
I love the colour palette and the stitching idea. ..easy for someone like myself getting back to embroidery after a hiatus of many years 🙂
A dear friend inspired me to start embroidery and with a little help from her I was hooked. Another friend then taught me smoking and introduced me to Country Bumpkin’s magazine Australian Smoking & Embroidery back in 1994. Since then I have taught myself various forms of embroidery.
A dear friend inspired me to start embroidery and with a little help from her I was hooked. Another friend then taught me smoking and introduced me to Country Bumpkin’s magazine Australian Smoking & Embroidery back in 1994. Since then I have taught myself various forms of embroidery.
I would love to stitch these stockings. They remind me of stockings on burlap from years and years ago. I learned a bit of embroidery from my mother. Then in grade school, I did the Embroidery Badge for Girl Scouts and learned more. As an adult I was self-taught until retirement when I joined Embroiderers’ Guild of America. In the last 14 years I have REALLY learned to stitch everything I possibly can. My idea of a great day in retirement is: Go to a stitching group, have lunch with these friends, come home and stitch on some of my “too many” projects. Then get up and do it the next day again!!!!! I do try to avoid Saturday and Sunday so I have time for household chores and my family.
My grandma first taught me what she called ‘decorative’ stitches and I didn’t know it as embroidery for quite a while. I decorated my dolls clothes and it covered a multitude of sins in the dressmaking. Then school put me off totally and I hadn’t done any at all for decades until I retired and took up patchwork, then I discovered this website and I haven’t looked back since, I’m not very skilled but I love it.
I’ve always been self taught, even when I was young, but I’ve always relied on books (and now the internet) to show me the way. Now I can see other people’s work and be inspired! One thing I’ve learned is that it isn’t the technical skills that are hard for me – it’s the inspiration and the ideas that are sometimes hard to come by.
I am learning with the help of books and your website. Embroidery and crochet are just about the only crafts I still need to learn well.
Thank for your help and for the giveaways.
I learnt to stitch from my mother and grandmother initially as a little child , then went to teachers college where I learnt many traditional methods of stitching. As an adult I explored stitching that I like via books and adult classes at stores. Much of my later stitching has been sent taught. And I have had the opportunity to learn from such tutors as Hazel Blomkamp, Alison Cole, Annie Huntley, Catherine Howell etc .. every piece I stitch I learn something new.. at the moment I am renewing an acquaintance with counted thread work designed by Yvette Stanton and Christine Bishop and ,this is proving a challenge for my eyes!
I touched on embroidery in my mid 30s at what we call in Australia TAFE (Technical & Further Education). More recently I was asked to contribute to a quilt which was to be a farewell gift to a member of our rural community. It was then that I panicked and found Needle n thread and in doing so it got me through my small project and I rediscovered a love for this wonderful art. I am still a novice but learning all the time (when I get time), and just love it. Thank you xx
Although I am mostly self-taught beginning in high school, my true inspiration was Erica Wilson. I followed her television program faithfully and still treasure her book Crewel Embroidery. Many years later I met a lady who introduced me to Hardanger. Nothing’s been the same since.
I taught myself in the beginning by buying kits and magazines and had some advice later from a lady that owns a needle craft shop ..
my grandmother lived next door to us when I was growing up. She was a very accomplished needlewoman. I never took instruction from her but watched & absorbed. Later I sat down to teach myself & found out that I had absorbed a great deal from my grandmother.
I am self-taught, but have always been inspired by a beautiful crazy quilt created by my great-aunt Glada. She made the quilt. But to finish the embroidery on the top, she set up a quilt stand in her living room and invited family and friends to add stitches whenever they dropped by for a visit. The final creation is the product of many talented stitchers!
The women on my mother’s side are long-lived so I grew up with my mother, a great grandmother, a grandmother and aunts all busy with their hands–knitting, sewing, crocheting, tatting, painting, embroidering. When I was about 9, Mom showed me how to successfully separate floss, thread my needle and put together the hoop. Then a couple of stitches–outline, satin, lazy daisy–patted me on the head, gave me a preprinted sampler and said, “Have fun!” Mom probably remembers many more hands-on moments, but what she gave me was the belief in myself to try, to practice, to learn on my own. And now there are so many resources–woo woo!
Thank you, Mary, for the best one for me.
It was a combination of taught and self-taught. My mother took me to a cross stitch class when I was about 10 and then after I got married, I taught myself most of the rest of what I know!
Thanks for the giveaway! Your posts are a highlight of my day.
Carrie PlaneNut
I am a self taught stitcher. Did cross stitching for years, but the last few years I have started to do other embroidery, which I enjoy very much.
I am self taught, through watching YouTube videos and stitching books I picked up at a local resale store.
I learned to stitch when I was given an embroidery kit as a child. I followed the directions and fell in love! Susan LaBranche
I was taught by my mother, as a very little girl. But this started me thinking, and I had a lightbulb moment – Mum was left-handed, and even now I have to think about which way to buttonhole! I’m sure my stem stitch was outline stitch, too, although it has improved! Your question has unearthed so many memories. Thank you!
What a wonderful giveaway – thank you Mary for the opportunity to win.
I learned to stitch by watching my Mother, stitching on sacking (hessian/burlap) at school, where threads were draw to for grids to cross-stitch, and also later from reading the Weldon’s Encyclopedia of Needlework and applying it to whatever I had on hand – I remember, when I was about 10, cross stitching an acorn on a scrap of old linen tablecloth (not really even weave at all) with sewing thread!! My first attempt at counted cross stitch!!
Blessings
Maxine
I learnt to stitch by buying myself a kit and stitching a Mount Cook daisy which I framed and gave to my eldest sister for a present. It was a small tapestry which has now been returned to me after my sister passed away. Previously I had done little stitching projects in class at Primary School.
It was lovely to see that she had kept this first attempt and had written on the reverse who had made it which is how her family knew where it had come from and were able to return to me. I am now teaching all my five granddaughters to stitch.
How did i learn to stitch?
My precious moma had 8 children. 🙂 5 girls.. and she taught us all to sew!
When I was 11, my neighbor taught me how to embroider from the basic stitches to a simple rag doll.
A friend taught me to still originally. I utilize a lot of online resources too like your website and books too of course. 🙂
Hi, I was taught to stitch by my mother, but have only taken it back up since she passed away. She left a lot of UFO’s and I am quietly working my way through them, remembering her and her passion as I stitch.
I am self taught. A lot of trial and errors but I’ve never lost my love of embroidery.
Merry Christmas.
I first learned to stitch 30 years ago when I picked up a cross stitch baby bib kit in a discount store. I quickly tired of that and moved on to more sophisticated stitches sharing my growing interest with my sister and a few friends. I checked out books from the library, took local classes and eventually a friend and I even hired one of the instructors to give us a few private lessons so we could master some really challenging pieces. What I love best about stitching is there is always a new technique, a new look and a new challenge to tackle. If I tire of satin stitch, I can make the next project pulled thread, or hardanger, or beaded work, or……;)
I learned to stitch from my grandmother. She was always working on some project and I remember helping my mother choose kits for her.
I am a self taught embroiderer
My teacher taught me when I was in the 6th grade. After school I am self taught with the help of internet.
First learnt to stitch at school then did various courses.
Thank you for your beautiful publications.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Like most of those who responded, my mother taught me the basic stitches. I remember a white duck when I was five or six. While visiting my aunt, I finished the white thread I had with me. My aunt offered me some pink sewing thread. I pitched a tantrum, greatly embarrassing my mother. That was the 50’s. In the 60’s I learned what fun embroidery can be when I stitched a basket of flowers without a pattern using scrap yarn, floss, etc. Passing on to hardanger, needlepoint and cross-stitch, I am now working on a small crewel practice piece with the Mellerstain Firescreen waiting in the wings. After this, I want to learn tambour work. Thanks for the great demo, Mary.
This was such a wonderful subject that I read ALL the letters that had posted by this evening. So many stitchers learned on their own. Wow! What a great group, thanks for all the inspiring stories and comments. Blessings to Mary and my fellow stitchers.
I’m a self taught stitcher and far from an expert but love every minute sitting quietly with my needle. My first project was an embroidered pair of pillow cases purchased at TG&Y in the 1960’s….no idea what happen to them. Although my mother had no interest in doing needlework herself she always encouraged me and I will forever be grateful. Thank you Mary for the knowledge and encouragement and love you share with all of us through your site. Merry Christmas
My mother first taught me to embroider when I was about nine. She was not a stitcher herself, but I think she was desperate to give me something to keep me occupied! I suppose I was a pretty high-energy child. 😉
But, her plan worked, and I’ve had some kind of fibre-related craft on the go ever since!
My amazing friend Wanda Palinkas taught me to embroider when she was still living here in South Africa. She now lives in California and is starting up embroidery lessons there. She started me on a course called Magic Embroidery which took me through all the various stitches until I perfected them. I then progressed onto Ribbon Embroidery, Goldwork and Stumpwork. After my lessons were finished I continued going to Wanda’s classes for company and the inspiration we gave each other on our embroidery journey.
I am a self taught…AND have also joined a local EGA Chapter. With the help I’ve received from some very patient, special and talented ladies in our local Chapter, I have learned A LOT as well.
Mary Corbet is my teacher. I love needle paint. No one teach like Mary. At the end of the day read Needle N Thread is just a relaxing cup of tea.
thank you and Merry Christmas!
You taught me Mary Corbet! I stumbled on your website in search of stitch video lessons and I was hooked. So now I have an arsenal of supplies and I’m just beginning this journey of embroidery. I absolutely love it and you’ve given me the confidence to know that I can do beautiful work. Not as beautiful as yours but I hope to someday. Thank you so much for everything you do.
I am self-taught. I study in books and read your blog
My mother taught me how to embroidery and loved it when I was younger. I recently started doing it again and think of her every time I do a new project. I was very fortunate to have her as a teacher.
I learnt to embroider at junior school in the early 1960’s. I remember that gingham was always the fabric we were requested to purchase for embroidering on. I imagine price and supply were factors and imagine that the gingham lines and blocks made for neat work in straight lines! Supplies were bought for us by our parents – not supplied by the school. I remember embroidering on a table mat – first having hemmed the four sides by hand. Another project was a made to fit ourselves apron in lilac gingham. Made by hand and then embroidered on. A pity that children no longer learn basic sewing or embroidery at school. Education is very academic now without much in the way of daily useful practical skills being taught. I have been embroidering for the past 30 years for pleasure, relaxation and sense of achievement and couldn’t do without it. Hope to pass the skill and enjoyment on to my very young granddaughter in time to come.
I am self taught. From a young age I was fascinated with threads, fabric and wool. And it lives on today.
I love Christmas stockings! Our family makes a stocking for every new family member. I just finished one for my brand new grandaughter!
I taught myself when my sons where young, they are now adults and I have returned to cross stitch. With the classes offered by my guild I am learning new forms of needlework to love.
I am self taught in needle arts. I like to observe how others complete stitches (thanks for tutorials) but I do better with a good instruction book than taking a class. I have trouble with learning when all the chatter is going on in a classroom. Exceptions of course, are online classes. Thank you for this opportunity to win this lovely prize.
My Grandmother taught me originally – all useful sewing like hemstitching, some lace work and embroidery for table linens – She was from Poland and di not speak much english, but we bonded over the needle!
How did I learn how to stitch? A friend who is an excellent stitcher taught me.
I learned to stitch from my Mom and Grandmother. Each had a different passion and methodology. They are both gone now, but they are kept close to my heart whenever I pick up a piece of embroidery.
I am totally self taught. My first project was a small brooch for my grandmother. Then my mother in law gave me a counted cross stitch kit from Ireland, and that really got me started loving all kind of stitching 🙂
I am mostly self-taught. My grandmother showed me a very few stitches when I was about 6-years old, and that’s all. I didn’t do much for decades other than cross-stitch and needlepoint. I was even a model stitcher for a couple of years for some big companies in the US. Now I’m mostly a quilter, but I have been teaching myself wool applique, as well as crazy quilt stitches and silk ribbon embroidery.
My Aunt Winifred (who had two boys) taught me to stitch and sew. She was a home economics teacher specializing in needle arts. As a treat she would prepare tongue sandwiches!
Like many others, my mother taught me.
I grew up in the north so we had all winter to sew till the work started in the spring. My Mother taught me to embroidery at the age of 6. It was a hankie w a peacock.
My mother bought me a small sampler when I was about 8 yrs. old and helped me get started and its been an enjoyable “hobby” of mine ever since.
Jan in Savannah
I am a totally self-taught stitcher, except that watching online videos is not really self-teaching. Such a great time of life to be learning. If I had another lifetime, I would pursue stitching full-time.
My mother taught me to stitch at a very young age. I think the first thing I did was a satin stitch rose on a cover for my doll’s pram. She also taught me to knit and my aunt taught me to crochet. Give me a needle and thread and I’m happy!
My mother taught me how to cross stitch when I was only 5 years old. After that, I learned all new embroidery techniques by myself – and now, at 43, I am still learning! Thank you, Mary, for your wonderful and inspirational blog!