There was a time, in the not so distant past, when it was almost mandatory for young ladies to have some sewing and embroidery skills. Alas, this requirement was sacrificed at the altar of gender equality.
I say alas because, in my humble opinion, the young today have lost touch with a most creative and satisfactory experience. Ask any avid embroiderer what there is in this craft, and you will be flooded with rhapsodic replies.
The fulfillment of creation, the relaxation of meditation, the joy of Life. Indeed, anybody who wields a needle holds a magical wand. The possibilities are innumerable, the results, gratifying.
As a hobby, embroidery is easily practiced. All one needs is a needle, some thread, and some material upon which to ply one’s skills. The endeavor may be small and modest, or large and ambitious. One may spend a few minutes a day on it, or several hours.
An anyone, anytime hobby.
Today I will start by looking at basic decorative embroidery.
Start with a crewel needle ( the larger eyes make for easier threading ), some embroidery cotton ( easier to undo errors ) and a piece of fabric. You may even wish to embroider an already tailored garment.
Make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly every time you sit down to sew. Every speck of dust or dirt will seem mortifyingly magnified on your work.
Have ready a sharp pair of embroidery scissors to help cut threads neatly without fraying or pulling.
Draw or transfer a pattern onto your fabric. Mount your fabric onto an embroidery frame. Although it may seem cumbersome initially, this will make your work easier and will give you better results. If embroidering on a stitched garment, try a smaller-sized frame.
Thread your needle, choose your stitches, sit on a cushion and sew a fine seam!
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