Happy Friday!
I thought a give-away would be a great way to end the week and to get you all revved up for the weekend!
Today’s give-away is courtesy of Carole Dyer, and it’s for your own brand-spanking new copy of the new edition of Ruth Chamberlin’s Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork.
Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork is one of my all-time favorite goldwork & silk shading instructional books. It’s packed with heaps of good instructional material, plus a stunning goldwork sampler.
If you want to know what’s in the book, in detail, you can read my original review of the book here, and my announcement of the new edition here (the latter has a bit more detail and plenty of photos).
So, if you haven’t added Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork to your needlework library yet – or perhaps you’re looking for another copy to give as a gift? – feel free to join in today’s give-away, by following the guidelines below!
Give-Away Guidelines
To join in today’s give-away for your own copy of Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork, please follow these guidelines:
This give-away is now ended. Thanks for participating!
1. Leave a comment below. Comments received via email or left on any other article on Needle ‘n Thread are not eligible. If you’re unsure where to go to leave your comment, just follow this link and it will take you directly to the comment form.
2. Please fill out the comment form correctly: a. Use a name with your comment, either in the “name” line or the comment box. Anonymous comments are not eligible. b. When filling out the comment form, you can leave the “website” line blank. This is for folks who have their own blog or website. If you don’t own your own website or blog, please leave it blank.
3. In your comment, answer the following:
What was the first embroidery project you ever stitched? If you can’t remember, tell us about the first one you remember stitching, or your favorite or most memorable one!
4. Leave you comment before 5:00 am (Central Time Zone – Kansas, USA), Saturday, May 13. I’ll announce the randomly drawn winner that day.
And that’s it! Easy peasy!
I’m looking forward to reading your answers to the question above! I’ve been pondering “first needlework projects” for a while, and I’ll tell you why, soon!
Enjoy your weekend!
I’m pretty sure my first ever embroidery project was a tiny little cross stitch mouse from a kit that my grandmother gave me when I was about 8 years old.
Hi Alexa, I’m in Seattle too! I’m looking for a group to have regular stitching meetings with. Do you know if any? I’m planning on going to the Embroidery Guild meeting in a couple of saturdays.
The first project I ever stitched was a handkerchief for my dad when I was in elementary school. Needless to say, it wasn’t terribly good and I had no idea what I was doing. More recently, the first project I tackled when I wanted to really get into embroidery was a Teresa Wentzler cross stitch kit that I never finished. It was lovely but it helped me figure out that I prefer surface embroidery to counted work.
The first piece I ever embroidered was a cross stitch kit my mom bought after much begging. I was 13 years old at the time. After I finished stitching it, I never got another one until I graduated University and got my first job. I still have the finished piece, it’s on display on my bookcase in my bedroom/studio. One day, I will have to hang it on the wall.
I’d love a copy of this book <3 I've recently started doing Goldwork and I love it.
My grandmother gave me my first embroidery project, two dresser scarves, stamped. They are done and I still have them, took a very long time to finally finish them, but finished they are. I worked on them alot in the beginning to learn the all the different stitches, then became bored. When I got older, my interest returned and got them done and have loved needlework ever since.
Mary Kay from Montana
The first piece I embroidered was a needlework bag at school, aged about 7. We sewed a running stitch, interwoven with another colour. I wanted to do pink and blue, but wasn’t allowed to, as Penelope Blaimey had already chosen it. Not that I bear a grudge, 53 years later!
Just started a blackwork design of my own, with a bee, two poppies and some stars. I am hoping to do some gold work on the bee, so this would be very timely!
Best wishes from Wales.
My first embroidery project would’ve been on denim in the 60s when I was a preteen. . I cross stitched a little squirrel at age 8 and did huck emvroudery around that age also. I’ve always wanted to learn gold work but found it a little scary. Lol
I started embroidery last year. I offered to repair an altar frontal for our little lovely chapel. All the vouching was rotting so I recouched it after looking online for instructions. They were delighted. So was I, so when a year of stitch came up on Facebook I joined in learning stitches along the way from all the helpful websites. The ecclesiastical and historic elements of goldwork I find inspiring and I am trying to learn so the book would be perfect. I would like to learn the medieval techniques but also contemporary use for beautiful modern use. It would be such a great prize to win. Thank you for the opportunity
It’s been so long ago now, but I think the very first embroidery project was a stitched Christmas ornament. That was nearly 40 some years ago! Since then I have tried many different hand embroidery and needle crafts. I have to say that I have never done gold work before, so I would love to win a copy of this book. thanks for the chance to win nd thank you for your wonderful site. I get inspired by all of your projects and learn new techniques as well.
~Gin K.~
The first project I ever stitched was the T’ang Horse from the Monica Ferris book Crewel World. My dad had thought I would really take to needlepoint and embroidery and thought that the book would be a good introduction to it. Since then, I’ve become active in my local guilds but even more, have started to take what I’ve learned from embroidery and moving it into my art work.
My first embroidery project was a little running stitch border on a handkerchief. Thanks for this giveaway. I am starting to learn goldwork and have already ordered the kit. This book would be ideal as of now.
I don’t remember my first real project. But my grandmother was the one to teach me embroidery. She would give me a simple flower or something to sew first in learning the stitches. Then she took me shopping to buy my first crewel kit. I have not stopped sewing since!
I was a Campfire Girl when I learned to embroider. We learned to make flowers.
First thing I ever stitched was a crewel work bird. It was way beyond my capabilities but I learned a lot and it didn’t look too bad. Trouble was I had left the embroidery hoop on the whole time ( a long time!) and it left a mark. So I had the brain wave of washing it. On the linen wash program!!! The wool leaked colour and shrank. Straight to the bin. Still I keep trying… and I never to forget to keep taking the hoop off. 🙂
I embroidered simple daisies on a dress I made. I had no idea how to embroider, and there was no internet for looking up directions. I was too impatient ro wait for the bookmobile to come to order a book from the library so I just improvised. I used regular sewing thread. I’m following your news letter and site now. I just retired and I’m following your newsletter and site to teach myself how embroidery “should” be done. And learning a lot of things that would have helped over the past 55 years. Thanks!
When I was about 9 my mother sent me to a summer embroidery class. That summer I made two pillow tops from drawings I made. One was a floral scene and one an under the sea scene. My mother made them into pillows. I have embroidered ever since. Mostly I crazy quilt these days. I have even had my work featured on this blog (an incredible honor I might add). Link to that post is here if you’re interested – https://needlenthread.wpengine.com/2014/12/lessons-from-crazy-quilt-square.html . I have really wanted to add gold work to my repertoire, so would love to own this book.
Mary, I just wanted to say how much I have learned from reading your blog. I devour every post and am so grateful for your generosity in sharing. I even own two of your ebooks. Thank you a thousand times over.
My first embroidery project was a winter scene complete with folks taking a sleigh ride. I have it framed and hanging on the wall in my craft room. It always reminds me of time spent with my grandma as she taught me the stitches.
The first embroidery project, that I can clearly remember and completed, was a stamped cross stitch piece with the words, “cats are people too” sewn on it. It was square, I believe, with a cat’s head centered in the middle of the words. When stitched, it may have been the very early 80s and I was probably 10-13 years old. I do believe it was finished, framed and given away, maybe to my aunt. I have not seen it in a long while, if ever, but still have the instructions tucked away. This is how I remember the things I have done, but more recently I take pictures too. Thank you for asking and this opportunity. My best, Katie
I started on a Jacobean crewel kit when I was in college WAY back in the early 60’s. My mom framed it had it hung in her house until my dad sold the old home place when I took it. It now hangs in one of my upstairs bedrooms. I did a lot of crewel until the babies began to arrive.
My first embroidery I remember was when I was about 10, I embroidered various flowers on a tablecloth. The tablecloth was huge because mom used it for company and special occasions which included about 20-25 people and at the time we all (kids and adults) together. Sadly, I don’t have any pictures nor do I know what happened to it. If I know my mom, she probably made napkins out of them since I know my dad must of made at least 10 cigarette burns in the tablecloth itself. I have two tablecloths still and each have 3 burns in them. The grands were curious about them so I told them the story, how the cigarette although in the ashtray rolled onto the tablecloth and made a hole. My plan is to use the hole to embroider a pretty flower in remembrance of my dad and then embroider the sides with all our birthdates but I that project will probably take place during next winter. I will practice my stitching during the summer!
I remember making a framed picture for my mom of a little blonde girl picking flowers
The first embroidery project I did was copying a piece of art work from a Grateful Dead album and embroidering it on to a denim shirt for my husband!
Darlene Dubicki
The first embroidery project I every did was an apron in Home Ec in the late ’60s. We sewed our gingham aprons and then had to create a cross-stitch design. Mine was a very simple design done in black (on yellow gingham). My color choices and technique have improved…and I still have my precious unused apron.
While I don’t remember my first embroidery project (I learned to sew and embroider before I started kindergarten), I do remember my first sampler piece. It was stitched in 60s colors (lots of turquoise!) and featured the saying, “Nobody’s perfect, least of all MI” at the bottom. The piece is long gone, but I continue to stitch–daily, if I can. And, I’m still far from a perfect stitcher…or person!
The first project I ever stitched was when I was very young. I think I wasn’t 5 years old yet. My mother hand drew a butterfly and leaves in pencil on a piece of white fabric. Then put it in a hoop for me to embroider. I think I must have received a lot of help stitching it!
You know how grandchildren inspire us to make things for them, well one of my fort projects was a cross stitch picture of a baby girl standing in her crib holding a teddy bear. The teddy bear was a button. It is so cute. That was for my granddaughter Delaney. I call her Midge. There’s a story to that nickname but I just smile when I think of it. I made it for her room. She is 16 now oh how time flies. I put it in her memory box just a little something for her to look back on. Oh what treasures and memories are in there. One day she will be surprised.
A baby blanket! I was about 7 years old and my best friend’s mom, Charlotte Smith, was teaching me to embroider. The blanket was a large square of white cotton with kittens and flowers and swags around the edges and in the four corners. I remember learning a daisy stitch and carefully covering the blue pattern lines with cotton floss. Well, I am now 71 years old and still at it! A bit more free form these days, though….and sharing my love of fabric and thread with my grandchildren. I have to say, this practice has given me so much joy and satisfaction through many stages of my life. Thank you, Mrs. Smith, wherever you are!
My first embroidery project was a pillowcase, I was 5 yrs old and my mother and grandmother said I was ready, after a lot of practice, to start a “project”. I remember that the colors were orange and yellow flowers, and green leaves. Stitches were back, chain and satin. I do remember having to take out a lot of stitching several times until I saw my grandmother smile. After she passed, my mother found that same pillowcase amongst her linens. Wish I still had that pillowcase!
Thank you for offering this book! It’s been on my wish list for awhile! And a big Thank you for your website as I use it to teach my own grand daughters embroidery long distance. If you ever wonder whither you have made a difference and if all your hard work on your website is worth it, the answer is YES YES YES!! Thank you!!!
Barbara D.
(Barabal is my name in Scottish Gaelic)
Hello.
I remember that the first embroidery I did was a tapestry cushion. It was a fairly basic design and quite easy. I soon progressed to more complex ones and now love goldwork and silk shading.
Julie
My first crewel work was of a little girl holding a flower and the saying “be nice to me I’ve had a hard day” underneath. It is hanging in my bedroom today, 45 years after I stitched it
My first project were small kits from “Jiffy” one was a squirrel under the Jacobean tree and the matching one was a bunny under a Jacobean tree. I then went one to do a 8×10 Jacobean picture. My mom hung them by the piano and they hung there from the 1970 until my parents passed away. The now hang in my home over 40 years later. Every time I pass them they bring back memories of may parents and how they always encouraged us girls in what ever projects we took on.
I have been working towards doing some goldwork – it’s still a bit too intimidating for me and having to source everything online doesn’t help much as I prefer to touch and feel what I’m getting.
My first embroidery project has a bit of a story behind it. It was in The Netherlands not too long after my 7th birthday and a week after the Dutch Santa: Sinterklaas had left the country. It’s celebrated on the 5th of December and according to tradition he lives in Spain and travels to NL in a steamboat to give children gifts – he’s accompanied by his helpers the Black Peters and the day after he’s given the gifts he goes back to Spain where it’s nice and warm compared to NL.
We were about to move to the UK, which is where both my parents come from, and we hear this huge banging on the door – dog goes nuts and we all rush to the door where we find 3 packages. The dog puts in the chase after the person we see running away, dressed in a Black Peter costume and my brother runs after the dog. Neither dog or brother catch the Black Peter so they come back together and we have a look at the packages.
I do not recall what my sister and brother were given but I was given an embroidery kit to embroider some hankies. The gifts were promptly packed into a box for transport the next day. I remember unpacking them once we’d arrived and I remember working on them but I do not know if I finished them nor what happened to them, but they were probably lost in one of the many moves we had while in the UK.
Of course it wasn’t a Black Peter who delivered the gifts but a neighbour who had, with a bunch of other neighbours, bought us a going a way present each and decided to give it in this way so as to avoid us knowing who had and who hadn’t contributed to them.
So that’s the rather exciting story of how I got my first embroidery project.
I don’t remember my first project, but the most memorable and fulfilling project was designing animals of Nepal and teaching Nepali women (mostly young widows, at risk of being trafficked or abandoned mothers) how to embroider them on quilt blocks. They were so excited to see simple floss turning into something beautiful. They made baby quilts and sold them to earn money to provide for their children. I have enjoyed learning new techniques and have wanted to learn to create gold work for a very long time. Sincerely, Bobbie Clinton
My first one was the season Spring from Crabapple Hill Studio. I made it 3 years ago. I then made the other 3 seasons.
The first embroidery project I ever worked on was when I was around 10 years old. My mother taught me how to satin stitch, and after that I drew (with a ballpoint pen!) on my jean jacket and embroidered cactus. I proudly wore that jacket to school.
Robin
The first embroidery project was for my children. I made tee chambray shirts and embroidered the yoke of each shirt. They were so cute.
Cathy in Arlington
My first project was two pictures of Holly Hobbie little girls. They were made into pictures.
First embroidery… not certain if this was first, but remember well..
I was in high school back in late 50’s. My Mom sewed as a profession, but didn’t teach my sisters and I to sew. We learned in junior high home ec class. Don’t remember who taught me to embroider… perhaps I picked up a how to book at the 5&10. I did love to go there and look at all the stamped pillow cases and dresser scarfs. Thought would like to get paid to embroider their samples.
I digress… I remember a full circular cotton skirt in teal. I embroidered large fans all along the bottom of this skirt in black. Probably used just the back stitch. May have gotten an iron on pattern. Not an artist, so know didn’t draw it!
At the age of 7, my grandmother helped me stitch a printed quilt block.
After learning to embroider in my 7th grade Home Economics class, I purchased a Crewel work pillow top kit and stitched it while I was on a two week vacation. It turned out very well and encouraged me to be a life-long stitcher!
This book cover is just fabulous! I´m totally addicted to embroidery books and love to collect them. My first embroidery project was a skull from Stitch-it Kit by Jenny Hart and free hand embroidery is definitely the most fun thing I already learned ; )
I would love to learn more about Goldwork to be able to tackle a project. I did my first piece of stitching when I was 4. It was a stamped cross stitch doily and I’ve been hooked ever since then!
What a great question! My first original needlework project was a needlepoint pillow I designed and stitched of a dove sitting on a branch. I wish I still had it…but my favorite memory is drawing a beautiful bird on needlepoint canvas for my mother, who did the needlework. I had based the design I’d seen on an English china plate of hers…I now have both the plate and my mother’s pillow. I don’t remember an embroidery project…I just began doing antique reproduction samplers when I was a young mother.
My first embroidery project was with my grandma when I was 6 or 7. We decorated pillowcases and handkerchiefs with flowers.
I remember embroidering on the outline of a dog when I was about 8 years old. I love all handwork…embroidery, silk ribbon and smocking and have always wanted to learn Goldwork. I would love to have this book to get me started.
thank you for the chance to win. I love your email newsletters!
I made a set of 4 owl pictures for my Mom. My Dad framed them for me. That were a Christmas gift.
The first sampler I ever did was in the 3rd grade. On burlap with yarn for a school project.
My first embroidery project was a blue owl pillow when I was 10 – well, at least that is the first one I remember. When I finished it I gave it to my Dad. I found it among my Mother’s possessions when she passed two years ago. She kept it for over 50 years.
I grew up in England and my first project was something I made in school…..it was a needlecase.
I started plenty of cross-stitch projects in the past, but never really finished any. I became bored with all the counting. And then I decided to try surface embroidery with a project from Roseworks in South Africa and it was a revelation. No more counting, lots of stitch variety, and different threads. It was a crewel type design, but with floss, metallic threads and beads instead of wool, which I framed as a picture and gave to my Mum who loved it!
My first embroidery project was when my kids were little. Whenever anyone fell down or tore a hole in their pants, i patched it up with an embroidered flower or sunburst. The kids loved them and i certainly enjoyed the savings.
Also – whenever anyone entered first grade, we received material to make a cover for their prayer book. Many parents drew/painted on them but i decided to embroider and spent a long time deciding on the design and of course, my child’s name. They still have them today and cherish the handiwork. Today I am making them for my grandchildren!
Oh my! This brought up so many wonderful memories. The first thing I can remember embroidering was a pre-printed pillowcase that I had found in my mother’s sewing box. I must have been about 7 or 8. She was working on its mate and would very patiently show me how to do the stitches as we worked. I was in awe of how beautiful her work was compared to my awkward attempts. She kept encouraging me and assured me I would get better. I fell in love with needlework thanks to her.
My 1st project was my levi’s. Blanket stitch all around the pockets. Daisy stitch flower on the coin pocket. Lots of stem stitch on the seams. I loved the 70’s. Lol
My name is Monica. The first embroidery project I ever did (way back in the 1970s) was to embroider my initial on the back pocket of my blue jeans. I didn’t have any embroidery floss. I just used plain old thread. It was beautiful!
My first project was on a hanky. I traced a deer from a coloring book and used an outline stitch.
The first needlestitch project I remember stitiching was a cross-stitch scene of Winnie the Pooh and friends. It was a much bigger project than I should have started with, and I don’t even remember if I finished it or where it ended up ultimately. I’ve started doing free-hand embroidery in the past few years and the things I have most liked doing were some handkerchieves I have embroidered with their initials and a small image representative of them. They were fun to make and were well received gifts too.
My first “all on my own” embroidery project was a birthday gift for my grandmother who taught me how to stitch. I used a men’s linen handkerchief. I wrote my happy birthday message in my best 3rd grade cursive and then added flowers, birds, and bees. I still have it here somewhere. I rescued it after she died. Now I will start the search.
I remember this very well. My grandmother gave me an ironed-on pattern (swan on a lake), the hoop, the DMC flosses, and showed me how to do the stitches. I don’t remember my age at all, so I must have been pretty young. Grannie taught me many things, not all of them about needlework. She is missed every day.
My first embroidery project was a crewel Christmas stocking I stitched for my wife. It was a kit I purchased from Lee Wards, a craft-store chain that, as far as I know, is long gone.
Gary
the first embroidery project I ever worked on was a pillow top of an apple tree. I was around the age of 19. I still have it!
I’m sure it was a printed pillowcase or dresser scarf. My Mother and Grandmother often worked on these. I do remember my first big project being a cruel design by Erica Wilson. I enjoyed working with the wool, a bit more forgiving than floss in coverage and accuracy. I did several with each learning many more techniques and stitches. I’m sure it was my first attempt at thread painting using long and short stitch. I wish that I had an example now to compare my skill.
At school, when I was about eight, we made “get well soon” bags to fill with gifts for some hypothetical sick person in the hospital. Our teacher made the bags, but we decorated them with lazy daisies and back and chain stitch. Shamefully I remember I didn’t finish mine – and didn’t pick up an embroidery needle again until I was 36!
Can’t get any newer than last year. Retired and a friend convinced me I was capable of learning embroidery. Took an appliqué class and slowly learning it ( have to embroider around them.) Loads of fun but trying to learn stitches from your site which I love! Really would love to learn gold work, so beautiful. Can’t get enough of it.
The first one i remember was a little black cat, i think i was about twelve and the women who taught me was very adamant that i should whip stitch the edges of the canvas first, which kinda made me lose my enthusiasm so the next piece after that was in my thirties 😀
My first attempt at embroidery with any success was back in the 70s when I embroidered patches on a pair of Landlubber, bell bottom blue jeans (which I still have!) I have been stitching ever since.
The first needleworks that I remember…..2001) our son, ( in the Navy) and his wife were having a baby, so I made a quilt with boys and girls of precious moments. My sister drew the precious moments for me.. I hand embroidered 12 items, and on one was a little boy with binoculars looking at the stars. I made a pillow too and took the little boy, and where the stars were, I made each star as one letter of the babies name; K..Y..L..E. I stuffed the little quilt, and it came out beautiful. Unfortunately, they have divorced, so I’m don’t know what she has done with it,
Hi Mary,
My first embroidery project was stitching a border on a pillowcase, I stitched lots of flowers using the lazy
daisy stitch, love that stitch. I was rather young living down south in Louisiana, you learned to stitch at a young
age.
Teri
When I was seven years old, my mother gave me a stamped cross-stitch tray cloth and taught me to embroider. When it was finished, she decided I should give it to my grandmother. When my grandmother died, many years later, I was very sorry that the people who went through her things didn’t find it, as now I would love to have had it.
Christine
The first project I remember was a small 6″x10″ piece of linen all done in satin stitch which read “Home Sweet Home”. I did it right after I was married in hopes that someday we would have a home of our own at which time I planned to have it framed and put it on the wall. That was almost 40 years ago.
The first project I remember stitching was doll clothes. My Grandmother was a seamstress and made the dresses for many of the ladies in the town of Kannapolis, NC. I was given the scraps.
I just returned from Paris where I bought a small, lovely needlepoint canvas that just said “gold work”. It will be blue and gold to remind me of having tea at the Ritz in Paris. This book will help me make the most beautiful gold design.
Thank you,
Carolyn Rapisarda
I have just assembled the materials for my first project! I am a lifelong knitter, recent quilter and now want to branch out to embroidery. I am starting to build a library of embroidery books for inspiration.
I would so love to win this as i have always wanted to try Goldwork and i i was only recently looking at online courses in Goldwork hope i am the lucky one.
I was about 12 when I embroidered a tablecloth. Simple design that was stamped on. It was done in stem stitch. The start of my love of surface embroidery! I have this book in my wish list. I would love a copy!
I honestly do not remember stitching my first project as I was 6 or 7 years old. The project was a printed sunbonnet girl that was embellished with an outline stitch and a simple straight stitch. It is obvious that it is my work because my Mother would not have done anything so uneven. This was to be used as a potholder so the front and back were stitched together using a blanket stitch, again my uneven work. Thus the beginning of my 65+ years of stitching.
I spent so many hours and days with my grandmother during summer vacations. We would sit on her big front porch and stitch for hours at a time. She taught me to love the art of hand stitching and that anything worth doing is doing it right. She taught me to patiently take out stitches until they were perfect! My first project was a monogrammed handkerchief, which years later was in my bridal bouquet. My grandmother had 11 children and I am sad to say that I am the only grandchild who continues this wonderful craft. I love to embroider, punch needle, appliqué, and sew clothing as well. I am happiest when I have a needle in my hand! She gave me one of the greatest gifts ever and I am so grateful.
My Girl Scout troop fell apart, so my Mother decided I should join the 4-H. My first project was a sewing box with accessories including a needle book in the shape of a four leaf clover. It was made of felt with a blanket stitch edge. The instructor did not explain the stitch in detail, so I did not realize the stitches should have been evenly spaced and the “legs” of the stitch should be the same length. I still use it today, which is 60 years later. I now belong to the EGA and am amused every time I look at my needle book as I would have removed all the stitches and done it over if I was doing it today. It is a fond memory of starting a life long habit of having a needle in my hand, along with being a reminder of my progress over the years.
My first embroidery was to write my name in chain stitch on an apron that I made for cookery classes at school. We were allowed to do three daisies to jazz it up a little.
It was in the early 1970’s. I was a little girl around the age of 5. I spent a lot of time with my grandmother who was an artist.
She had the iron on crinoline lady patterns for table cloths.
She showed me how to thread a needle, gave me some DMC threads and let me loose.
I tried to follow lines but as it was my first time it was all a bit random. But very colourful.
I am now 50 and still embroidering.
Sadly, gran died recently at almost 100 years old. She was still knitting suits for the ‘newspaper’ babies in Africa.
Her legacy at teaching me over the years is going strong.
I love all kinds of needlework, but I consider myself a Salieri to the Mozarts of needlework. My first embroidery project was actually a crewel project of a Jonathan Livingston Seagull pillow cover. I stitched it while in college and I’m 64 now, so that was just a few years ago
In Grade 6 ‘home economics’ classes, we learned basic sewing machine skills and made a tea towel. After choosing a transfer pattern, we learned basic embroidery techniques. I remember carefully separating strands of brightly-coloured cotton to stitch a smiling plate, bowl and spoon (who were all holding hands and dancing on long, gangly legs…such excitement creating this handmade Mother’s Day gift!
The first embroidery project I can remember working on is a sampler that we stitched at primary school (at about the age of 9 or 10) in the 1960s. I found it recently and had a really good look at it. It was on Aida fabric and we stitched with wool. It has lines of a range of stitches such as herringbone and feather stitch, as well as backstitch and buttonhole. Unfortunately, these days it looks a little worn as I remember making it into a drawstring toiletry bag, lined with plastic of course. This was also my first sewing machine project!!! I have since removed the torn plastic and the crooked seams so that now I have my original sampler back again.
Penny, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
I did a trio (very ambitious of me) of nursery rhyme scenes. I was about 7-8 y.o. They were linen with plastic fancy frames to hold them stiff. Jill, little miss muffet and goldilocks. still have them.
My first embroidery was a set of flour sack towels. I did the iron-on designs of fruit I believe in redwork. That was probably ten years ago. I’ve learned a lot since then!
My first needlework project was a cross stitched sea shell. And to this day it is still a favorite piece. Even though I know where all of the mistakes are.
The first embroidery project I ever stitched was from a kit my mom purchased. I really think she wanted to make it, but she saw my interest and got me started. It was a crewel work picture of vegetables for the kitchen. There were lots of stitches to learn, and it was all exciting to me as a seven- year-old. My mom was very careful to teach me slowly and carefully about precise stitching. I mostly remember the broccoli…..I learned to make French knots like nobody’s business! To this day, almost 50 years later, I still enjoy making French knots, and green is one of my favorite colors!
What a trip down Memory Lane! The first project I stitched was over 40 years ago when I was in high school. The pattern was a crewel design I found in a library book (I worked in the library) and I stitched it on regular muslin from the fabric store. I remember transferring the pattern to the fabric by photocopying it and then placing the photocopy against a window with the fabric on top. Then I used a #2 pencil to trace the design. I believe for that first piece I used DMC floss, although I soon graduated to crewel threads. What fun to remember that project. I really loved doing it and was off to the stitching races. After a hiatus of 15 years I am back stitching again now that I am retired and I am really thrilled to have a needle in my hand again.
Both Grandmothers and my mother embroidered, so it was perfectly natural for me to embroider. My first projects were pillowcases and I have many of them – loved doing them. I also found dish towels, I forgot I had embroidered. My granddaughter tried a few stitches on one of my pieces and did well, so for this summer’s visit, we will find a project for her and see if she enjoys it.
I started embroidery and cross stitching when I was about 7 years old and I am now in my eighties…….I would copy the simple pictures of flowers from my coloring books on fabric my mother gave me and I would embroider them……I also did cross stitching and simple embroidery on aprons my mother and I wore..
My first embroidery stich-project; I wanted to do something fun for my fathers birthday last year so I decided to do a stich-a-photo of my fathers boat which turned out to be a definite learning by doing – the hard way! I was at it for months, 18.800 stiches in total, and the final week was a marathon of stiching till after midnight every night. But it was all worth it, my father had tears in his eyes when he unwrapped his present. I was all fired up afterwards to get started on a new stich-project and have since then continued to find new embroidery projects to make friends and family happy with small stiched presents 🙂
My first project was on a flour sack T towel
And I have never advanced.
I’m hoping this book will help me move forward
My first needlework project was cross stitch on 14 count Aida. Twenty-seven years ago, I stitched my newborn daughter’s name from a pattern that had cute baby bears attached to each letter! My second needlework project was a huge undertaking–Lavender & Lace’s “The Bride” on 32 count linen. I was careful and deliberate with my stitching, and it took me almost a year. However, it turned out great and still hangs in the main entryway to my house. That was really the project that defined and refined the stitching skills I have today.
I started needlepointing when I was 5 and made a heart pillow. and soon after my grandmother taught me to embroider and she traced a pattern on to some white shorts, and I stitched a flower on them. it was actually not half bad. there seemed to be a minor resurgence at that time, and I did a bunch of kits and monogrammed handkerchiefs for all my male relatives and stitched flowers for the women for christmas
Mom didn’t want my sister or me to get bored during the summer so planned several things to do over the years. I did some wood burning, learned how to swim (mom never learned) and stitching………..pillows with the “x” designs. At the end we had a pillow to use for our beds and spent time making them. The first ones weren’t great but over the years I got pretty good and still enjoy looking at this type of embroidery. I now enjoy stitching or embroidering anything I can get my hands on. It is good for the mind and soul to spend relaxing time making things with the hands.
Thanks Mary for your wonderful articles. I look daily for any new items and you never disappoint. I have an idea about an article….you have great sources……embroidered articles from the “peace and love” generation of the 60’s. Weren’t things colorful and expressive back then.
The first project I remember was when I was seven years old. It was my Brownie sit upon done on burlap. I still have it all these years later.
My first embroidery project was the cape from an Irish Dancing costume. My mother taught me a few basic stitches so I could help her get the costume finished for my sisters dancing competition. The -;design was quite a lovely one based on illustrations from the ‘Book of Kells’ and worked mostly in chain stitch using very vibrant colours.
Hmmmm….. I started with a cross stitch project, but quickly realized I needed to get more practice before I tackled this! (Photo of the completed “Broderie Rouge” in my Instagram: Missusskylarsmom). My true first project was an Aunt Martha’s Days of the Week of a lady at her window, embroidered on tea towels.
My first project I remember was a canvas embroidery/ needlepoint sampler that my Aunt started me on. She had just opened her needlepoint/ knitting shop in Lafayette, La. That little start at 18 y/o has given me a life time enjoyment of needlework. I have never tried goldwork other than whats needed on needlepoint projects but my Pinterest goldwork page is filled with fabulous project’s that I promise myself One Day to try. This book sounds like what I need for that little push to do so!!!
As a pre-schooler I did some running stitches on a cat-shaped bag my mother cut out but I really remember doing cross stitch on gingham – a black swan with a white border on red/ white gingham. Your spring gingham picture reminded me of it.
My first embroidery attempt was a tea towel for home economics class in jr high. The other item I remember is embroidery work I did on a jacket plack and pocket edges of the matching skirt.
I don’t remember the first picture I ever stitched but my most memorable one was a picture of Jerusalem that I found on the web (Crafty Needle). It was the exact view we had from our hotel when we visited. I stitched it for my brother’s ordination. And it won a blue ribbon for best in show at the local fair. That is why I am now learning more stitches and techniques everyday.
My first embroidery project was an outline heart at the age of 6. My Mom was making a blouse for me and had me embroider the heart on the pocket. I was so excited to wear the blouse that I helped to make!
The first one I remember doing was a crewel pillow kit on green linen fabric back when I was about 8 and I won’t tell you how old I am now! 😉 I have loved texture and color ever since and would LOVE to try my hand at gold work. I’m always happy to try and learn new skills and gold work is one on my list!
The first project I remember doing is a stamped dish towel. Still brings back memories of my childhood when I see an embroidered dish towel and I still use several my mom made for me years ago. Thanks for the chance to win this great book.
Four hearts, red, blue, green and yellow, in wobbly straight stitch on a square of pink Liberty-style fabric, for Father’s Day when I must have been five of six. My mother and grandmother would teach me how to properly embroider a bit later, but I had figured out this awful piece myself, back when threading a needle, drawing a heart and tying a knot were still adventures in themselves. I wouldn’t be surprised if my father still had it: every ugly stitch was full of love and he knew it.
My introduction to stitching was a small cross stitched Santa ornament in the early 80’s. Since then I’ve stitched many large pieces, specialty stitches on linen and canvas and taken many classes to expand my stitching knowledge. I would love to win this book.
Tinha 8 anos quando fiz um guardanapo bordado.
Ganhei gosto e habilidade e fui fazendo. O último trabalho, foi um lenço de Namorados.
My first embroidery project was when I was in Camp Fire Girls. I believe I was 10. I drew a couple people on canvas and wrote ” Gemini”. After embroidering it with yarn (yikes!) I made it into a pillow and gave it to my brother in law for his birthday. Forty-eight years later (I’m 58…yikes again!). I still don’t have anything in my house that I made. Every project I begin, I proclaim, ” I’m going to keep this one” but it never seems to happen. I am about to begin a 3′ piece. I’m hoping it is so big no one will have room for it…
I have always wanted to try Gold work. I am so intimidated by it. This would be such a great way to get started with a book tilted Beginners Guide to Goldwork.
My first stitching effort–rather, debacle–was a stamped piece when I was about six. It was an illustratration of”Mary had a little lamb” in cross and outline stitch. I executed it under protest and refused to look at it once done. How things have changed!
My first project was a needlepoint of a monkey swinging in a hammock! It still is on my bed to this day! I have been addicted to stitching ever since. Goldwork fascinates me and I would love to learn to do it!
When I was little, probably about six or so, my mother subscribed to “Workbasket”, a newsprint magazine that had iron on transfers for embroidery. My sister and I stitched some of them, but had no real lessons. I used a round hoop with wooden inner ring and zig zag metal outer ring with woven tape intertwined, from my great grandmother. Kept us out of Mom’s hair, and it was fun.
In the late sixties, a college art project yielded a giant orange burlap finger nail file with blue and yellow rug yarn embroidery cross hatching and the LaCross hole in the top. Served as a decoration on my dorm bed.
I’ve gone back in time to the 17th century. I’m presently stitching a raised embroidery casket of the history of Maryland’s first capital, St Mary’s City. My project is greatly inspired by the abundant availability of information from the internet on your site and Thistle Threads. Gold work will add sparkle, and be historically correct. Ruth Chamberlin’s “Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork” is a great reference for the project. Very kind of you and Carole Dyer to encourage us all!
The very first project I embroidered was a little baby bib when I was about 7 years, I still have it and the only stitch I did wad buttonhole around bib. My mother saved it and I found it again after she died. This lead to a lifelong love of stitches.
In second grade, we stitched with yarn on burlap. I did a bunch of flowers and a swimming duck.
My real stitching hobby began as a teen in the 80s, when cross-stitch was a thing. I started with a couple of small things done as group projects, and got interested….one was a motto with a little sheep under it, and the other was a girl in a dress. I theorized that I wouldn’t have to do all those tedious x’s if I stitched long diagonal stripes one way and then the other. I was wrong.
ROFL!
My first project was a cross stitch apron bib. My Grandmother showed me how to make a heart shape with newspaper pages and cut out my green gingham fabric. I then cross stitched in every other square another heart. It was such a silly thing but I treasured that apron.
Mom didn’t want my sister or me to get bored during the summer so planned several things to do over the years. I did some wood burning, learned how to swim (mom never learned) and stitching………..pillows with the “x” designs. It is good for the mind and soul to spend relaxing time making things with the hands.
Thanks Mary for your wonderful articles. I look daily for any new items and you never disappoint. I have an idea about an article….you have great sources……embroidered articles from the “peace and love” generation of the 60’s.
The first project I ever stitched was a family portrait for my husband on our anniversary. I ended up stitching it twice, because I learned so much the first time around, I couldn’t leave it that way. Now, just over a year later (I feel like I’ve been stitching forever, I can’t believe it’s only been a year), I’ve learned so much more and think that maybe I should stitch it a third time! 🙂
The first embroidery project I remember was a kitchen towel. My Grandmother taught me embroidery when I was very young and she used the iron on pattern of a cute cow face with flowers around it. I still have this towel and several others she gave me to embroider.
I think my very first embroidery project was a dishtowel with cross stitches done on gingham. I think it was a Mother’s Day gift that we did in Girl Scouts. We just made cross stitches in the checks across the bottom of the “towel”. Thinking back, I wonder how the finished product must have looked!
I was in third grade and probably 9. My grandmother came to visit and brought embroidery kits. The design was printed on cloth inside a plastic frame. I think they were nursery rhymes. She also taught us (my sister and me) to knit. We thought it was fun and didn’t realize that it would become a lifetime passion!
My first needlework project was when I was a little girl. My grandmother taught me to crochet a thread lace around the outside of a hanky, then to embroider small flowers in the four corners. It certainly wasn’t technical, but at 8 years old, I thought it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
My first embroidery project was a crewel work pin cushion. That was a long time ago but I still use it. I recently completed my first gold work project, a dragonfly. I would love to own this book to improve my gold work ability. Thanks for your reviews and give aways.
My first project was a rather ambitious cross stitch of bears on a table with an alphabet sampler on the wall behind them. I loved that it was challenging and lovely. It’s one of the few projects I’ve kept for myself. I’ve been wanting to try goldwork and this book looks fantastic!
My first ever embroidery project was one of those small cross-stitch kits that you could find at big-box craft stores. My aunt was creating cross-stitched bible verses and I thought it was such a neat idea, that I asked her to teach me. I was probably around 10 years old.
My first embroidery project was a dresser scarf that my grandmother had promised to crochet an edge around when I got it finished. It was mainly stem stitch and lazy daisies.
I would love a gold working book as I’m starting to do gold/metal working.
Thanks
Vickie
My first stitchery that I can remember were small Christmas ornaments. Since then I have had a love of counted cross stitch and redwork. I am learning Brazilian Embroidery Stitches and am having so much fun. In following your blog, I have learned a lot. You are so talented and I do feel really intimidated, but I know we all start from scratch and progress over the years. Thank you for all the valuable tips you give us, they are so helpful in the learning process. This book would be a wonderful learning tool to have.
As a child my maternal grandmother made sure I’d somehow follow in her footsteps with a “needle’n’thread”. She was a professional dressmaker in France and often added gorgeous embroidery to her creations. One of the first things I learned was a “stitch sampler” she personally designed and oversaw my every stitch. Little by little I improved and one day I bought a small “Daisy” pattern embroidery kit and made it for her for Mother’s Day. You see it had special meaning for both of us as her name was Marguerite, Daisy in French! She kept it framed on her night table until her death, May 4th 1974. Another coincidence, today is May 5th!! Thank you for the opportunity to share this special story.
When I was seven or eight years old, the only thing I wanted for Christmas was an “Embroidery Set” – that’s what I asked for. I wanted to learn needlework and I got this little collection that had fabric printed with flowers and Sunbonnet Sue, floss, needles and a hoop. I loved it! I wonder where it is now??
This looks very interesting. I have not tried goldwork and this may be a good place to start.
My first project was embroidering tea towels that my mom ironed on the transfers. I had a fruit cake tin with all the threads and towels and we would sit on the front porch and sew. It was wonderful! I was about 9 at the time in 1958. We did outline stitch all the time.
I’m a quilter and have been for many years. Now determined to learn new things. I would love to discover goldwork
The first project I finished was a cross stitch with Pikachu on it saying “I Pikachu in the shower.”! Absolutely love it.
I am currently working on a small goldwork piece I started while on a course at Hampton Court at the Royal School of Needlework. Am loving the new technique!
The first project I remember embroidering was a dresser scarf. (Remember those?) I can still hear my mother complimenting me on my beautiful stitches and then she taught me the lazy daisy stitch. I was hooked!
Thanks for the giveaway. It looks like a wonderful book. My first needlework piece was for a Girl Scout badge. My stitching was terrible!
Judy
My first embroidery project was a set of six cotton dinner place mats when I was about 13. I stitched a simple design of a flower pot in each corner and a big round flower in the center. I used the basic stitches like stem stitch, button-hole and lazy daisy to practice some stitches my granny taught me when I was in school.
Manasi
The first embroidery project I remember doing is putting a morning glory vine on one leg of my blue jeans when I was 18 or 19. This obviously wasn’t my very first project because it was very involved. I loved those jeans, they looked terrific!
My first embroidery project was learned at my Nonny’s knee while she mended at her treadle Singer sewing machine. It was upstairs in the front window in the hallway and I made my name and a little kind of heat shaped heart on the bag. I would have been about 5 or 6. I don’t know where that bag is now but I remember the feeling of being there with her and learning “important stuff”.
I did a crewel sampler with butterflies and flowers and made it into a pillow for my grandmother when I was 12.
i did all sorts of needlework projects as a kid, but i don’t think i ever did embroidery until my late 30’s. My husband and I participate in a medieval re-enactment group and i embroidered him a “favor” to wear into battle. It was my heraldry, a gold fern, on a scrap of dark green velvet from the first period dress i made. And your blog taught me how to do it!!
My first project I remember was a cross stitch table cloth for a child sized card table. It had a long diagonal of cross stitches. I started by stretching one long stitch on that diagonal, planning to make several stitches crossing it. My mother explained that wasn’t how cross stitch was done!
My first embroidery attempt was a tray cloth. I was about 9 years old. Mum had lots of odd bits of shirting fabric and she designed a little scroll that I embroidered in each corner of the cloth. I still have the little hand drawn pattern which I treasure but sadly not the cloth. That was over 50 years ago and I’ve not stopped embroidering since.
My mom bought us doily’s from the dime store with printed designs on them. But our favorites were the fancy pillow cases with the southern belles on them. we would do the dolls and she would crochet the lace borders good memories!
I have a couple of those my grandmother and my aunt did years ago. My mom made them into “pillowcase dolls” and I have them on my bed (after making it) now. I absolutely love them. They bring me fond memories of loved ones who have passed. What treasures.
My very first embroidery project was a scarf. My brownie leader had each of us write our name on a scarf … one scarf for each girl in the troop. We then embroidered over the names … back stitch, stem stitch, and chain stitch were used. After all the names were embroidered, we hemmed the edges. I wish I knew what happened to that scarf.
I’ve never tried gold work, but have been interested. I am hoping I am the lucky winner so I can learn more about it.
My first project ended up being a big mess. A friend of mine was having a baby. The theme the mother choose for the babies room was Noah’s Ark. I decided to applique an ark in the middle of the fabric and then embroider various animals on the sides. Let’s just say I bit off more than I should have. I never had a class in embroidery or applique. I just thought “this looks easy”…boy was I mistaken. Since that initial experience I learned that to be successful I needed practice, guidance, books, and classes. I kept my first project and framed it as a remembrance and to gage the progress I make as a learn about the artistry involved in embroidery
My Mom taught me how to Embroidery when I was a little girl! I embroidered a Pillow Case that she had made for my bed! She helped me with every different type of stitch I had to make on the flowers, plants & surrounding areas.
It turned out so beautiful, maybe because I didn’t think I could even do this at that age..
Working on a Quilt for my husband right now, that includes embroidery work. Looking good thus far.. Still need refresher courses to fine tune the stitching, but making headway!
Thank You,
Sue Taylor
My first embroidery project was napkin with triangle embroidered with hemstitch work. I did the project at age of about 12. In preparation to it I did pre-first project hemstitch work 5 per 5 centimetres which took me about 3 months – almost hole summer vacations at school.
My mom doesn’t see so I didn’t learn to see anything until I was married my myself. When I was pregnant with my eldest (she’s now almost 17!) I taught myself to sew and embroider. I cross stitched tiny animals onto a beautiful white baby blanket made for embroidery. It’s survived our 20 plus moves though mostly I’ve been afraid to use it lol. I just realized though I haven’t seen it after our latest move. It went badly and much was damage and missing. I’m going on a hunt, must find it! 🙂
I was pregnant in 1974 and developed pneumonia. I had to take it easy , so I bought a simple crewel kit. I have been a crewel/surface addictive since!
I’ve been learning Whitework lately making hankies. I would love to move on to Goldwork! Wouldn’t that be beautiful on a handkerchief?
The first embroidery I did was as an 11 year old. I was recuperating from bronchitis yet again and my mother brought home a crewel work 16×24 pre-printed project. It included bees with 3D wings made from loops of wool. I was entranced by how the wools created such a beautiful picture.
I have been reading and watching your comments and explanations for some time now, they are amazing and soooo interesting. I am 90 years old and still embroidering which I have done for many years. My first project given to me by my mother was a squirrel eating a nut and she told me to embroider it in red and showed me some of the beginning stitches. I completed it and kept it for many years, but now I really done know where it is, but it is somewhere and someone may look at it and wonder where it came from.
At the age of 10 Years I made a placement and napkin set, yellow check with blue embroidery. I still have it, now it is 67 years old.
The first item I embroidered was a dolls dress made for a school project. It was for a history assignment and I did a dress that was styled for 1830 and I embroidered seed pearls with gold thread around the neckline. I was 9 yrs old.
The next project was a gauze top that I used a blanket stitch on to finish the edge. After that I embroidered a satin triangle for a shawl. It was a Vogue pattern from 1974 and I worked on it off and on for many years. Finally finished it, left it a friends car overnight before taking it to frame and the car was stolen……
Oh well, it is the journey and not the destination, right?
My first piece was a tray mat I made for my mum when I was at primary school, I was six years old. It was on very low count aida and had rows of cross stitch, running stitch etc in very bright colours. She still had it when she died, many years later, in her eighties. It started me on a lifetime love of stitching.
I first started embroidering as a child. I remember stitching pillow cases, dish towels, and doll clothes (which my mother made). One of my later favorites (after I learned to sew) was a long flannel nightgown I made; I embroidered the yoke in a delicate floral pattern. I wore that gown until it finally wore out.
Ruth-Anne
When I was seven my teacher taught us to do what I now know to be chicken scratch embroidery. We stitched a decorative border on a rectangular piece of gingham. Then hemmed it top and bottom. Threaded elastic thru the top and then it became a skirt. I wore it out I was so proud of it.
My first embroidery project was a tablecloth that had a stamped design. I was probably about 15 years old (over 40 years ago…am I that old?), self-taught and *red-faced* still not finished!
Thank you for the chance to be entered in your wonderful giveaway!
Lucy
The first embroidery I can remember doing and this really dates me is my bell bottom jeans! Actually I had 2 pairs but I can still remember sitting out in the sun at a park and embellishing those jeans while wearing them. It was free unscripted surface embroidery at it’s best with daisy chains and a know a long and short stitch robin. That is all I can remember at the moment that I put on them, but both pair ended up being pretty much covered. A fun sampler of the early 70’s.
My first needlework project was small needlepoint picture of a reindeer standing in a field. It was framed as well- a plain black frame with an oval insert. In those days, many decades ago, we called it a ‘tapestry’.
Since your review of the new edition of “Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork”, I have been meaning to order the book as I would love to learn all about goldwork and attempt a small project.
My first project was fruit such as an apple on a dish towel. Each towel has a different fruit. It was all outline stitch.
I know it was not the first thing I stitched,but certainly for me the most memorable item. In school I stitched a handkerchief case that I was quite proud of. At the end of the year when there was to be a display of our work I wanted to put it in the display, my teacher would not let me! She said it was not good enough,I was crushed and still remember that disappointment. She did let me put in some other items but the only thing I have today is that handkerchief case and I can always put my hands on it. I hate sharing my work,I never think it is good enough and I think it stems from this early encounter .
I love your give-away topics!!! My grandmother taught me most of my needlework skills, with my mother, who is also a very talented needleworker, continuing the lessons. My first project of memory was a pre-stamped linen dishtowel, purchased at Woolworth’s, with a Pennsylvania Dutch design. Given my love of color, I picked eight different colors from my grandmother’s box. She taught me cross-stitch and the running stitch. I still have the piece; I’d kept it for years, unused, in the hope chest she bought for me when I was 16. It is now hanging from an antique oak washstand.
The first ever embroidery I ever done was for a competion with the Women’s Institute in which I chose to embroider a hankerchief. I chose a pattern from a book my sister-in-law gave me of a spray of flowers and practiced for a month on the stitches. I couldn’t believe it when I was awarded first prize in the embroidered hankerchief section. This started 16 years of embroidery.
My first embroidery project was when I was 8. My mom had started a baby growth chart for a friend many years prior but never finished it. I found it one day and asked if I could. Then I was in love. I ended up gifting it to a pregnant cousin.
Hello Mary !!
What a memory lane quest! The memory goes back to primary school year 5, stitching a doily of a bonneted girl in long garb in a flower garden !! Recently found a similar one to do in a second hand shop. Beautiful linen. Could not let it go for the memories it evoked !!
Wishing you well and loving your stories
Marieke
A small flower on a scrap of fabric a neighbor lady gave me. I was maybe 6 or 7.
My first project I remember was an 11×14 stem stitch of the Lord’s Prayer. I then did a great job of mounting it on cereal box cardboard with masking tape in a cheap black frame. Discovered not too long ago, you can imagine what it looks like after 60 years. I’ve learned a lot since then. Who knew about tanins and acid free stuff; it was finished!
Carolyn
The first project I ever worked on was a printed embroidery project that I did with my grandmother when I was about 6. I have it still
Hi, Brenda M from Grande Prairie here
My first project was an iron on flower/leaves piece. It is about 5″ square.
That was 2 years ago. I was so excited to see it cone to life.
It was Needle ‘N Thread who helped me learn. The how to videos are the best way to see the stitch formation.
Thanks Mary!
Hi!
I stitched a small kit. It was a window box with mushrooms and strawberries. I still have it and love looking at it.
–My first project was a muslin apron with my name drawn on it in pencil, in script, in black. Between each running stitch is a pink French knot. My Grandmother taught me to do those stitches and I still have the apron. I believe I was 6 or 7 or whenever the NYC public schools began to teach script writing to children.
My first embroidery project was done in college. An art teacher assigned a project requiring us to stitch on burlap and using wool our interpretation of an Impressionistic work. I chose Van Gogh’s Starry night. Got a good grade, but he said it would have been higher if I hadn’t copied so much of Van Gogh!
My first embroidery project was stitching the eyes, eye lashes, nose and mouth on a muslin doll my mother was helping me make. It was my first doll baby.
I was a pre-teen and the first embroidery project I attempted was from a kit. It was a countryside marketplace filled with beautiful flowers, fruits and vegetables. I wish I still had it! No one in my family, or friends, did any needlework. I was entirely on my own, but infatuated with it from day one. Thanks Mary!
First embroidery project just about to start!
I remember doing stamped embroidery pillow cases as a little girl. I thought the lazy daisy was the coolest stitch!
My first embroidery project, in 1970 at the age of 10, was a pillowcase and the project was to fulfill requirements for a Girl Scout badge.
I only had a needle and sewing thread to work with. No hoop, no floss, working in hand, bent over my lap. To top it off, after my first laborious row of tiny chainstitch, I held up the project to show our troop leader and found I had embroidered not only through the pillowcase but also through the skirt of my uniform as well!
I had to re-do it, but still I enjoyed the project enough to finish the pillowcase and earn my badge, which I still have. I used that pillowcase for almost 15 years, I was so proud of it!
My first embroidered “masterpiece” was a stamped cross stitch sampler style piece with the quote: God is in heaven all is right with the world. I got it from the local 5 and 10 store! I was around 8/9 years old. It was my summer project. I still have it.
I stitched ‘I Love You’ on a piece of Gingham in a Summer School when I was 8
I remember doing stamped crewel and cross stitch pictures as a kid. I’ve moved way beyond that through the Nittany Valley Chapter of Embroiderers’ Guild of America.
Thank you Mary for all the wonderful tips and tutorials for all the stitches! I would love to have this book. Please enter my name.
I can remember embroidering a tray cloth with blue, orange and pink flowers when I was about 4. I remember it, because although I’m 71, I still have it. (I don’t think that would be my choice of colours nowadays). Blessings and Peace
The first cross stitch I worked on was Santa’s Feathered Friend, a Dimensions Gold kit I purchased from a craft store. What inspired me to work on this was a friend who created a witch (lovable) and had it framed for my significant Halloween birthday. I admired her craft so and all the effort that went into creating this item. She has a place of honor on my kitchen wall.
This gift pulled at my heartstrings, not only because it was so personal, but because it aroused in me something I had suppressed for years: the desire to do needlework. I raised four children, had a full-time job, and returned to school – all of which left little time for craft.
As regards Santa’s Feathered Friend, I worked on him mostly during travel time while riding the railroad back and forth to work. He took quite some time to finish, Once while I was working on this piece while watching my grandchildren, my grandson, Cian, who was six at the time, asked what I was doing. When I showed him, he said “That’s cool, Nana. You can make that for me and I can hang it in my room.” When I completed it sometime later, and after completing a complimentary “Toy Store” for his older brother, I had both framed and gave it to them as part of their Christmas presents. It is my hope they will keep this work forever as a reminder of my love for them. And yes, I’m still crafting = cross stitch mostly. There’s so much to do and so little time. Just love it!
I was very young, maybe 5 or 6, when I was given my first embroidery kit. It consisted of some colorful yarn “threads” with finished ends much like shoe laces and cards with simple drawings of a variety of animals. The lines of the drawings were punched with holes and the object was to push the yarns in and out of the holes to outline the pictures. I loved doing it so much that I would pull the threads out so I could do them over again. I remember the rooster was my favorite. It wasn’t long before my grandmother noticed my fascination and got me started with fabric and floss. That was 60 odd years ago, and I’ve never lost that fascination.
Hi, My most memorable embroidery piece is my mother’s dresser scarf which was so old and worn, but she loved it because it was made by her mother . I copied it exactly , purchased the same color floss and it came out beautifully, she still can’t part with the old one but mine is on her dresser now : )
What a beautiful book cover Mary. I’m sure the inner resource is just as rich with info.
My first project, that I remember, I was maybe 7 or 8 and home from school with the mumps. My Grandma gave me pillow cases to embroider to keep me occupied. lol I’m pretty sure it was outline stitch on simple 5 petal flowers so she would have drawn the design on herself with a pencil. I’m not sure what happened to them but I did use them on my bed as a kid. 🙂 I’m learning Hardanger now and loving it.
The first embroidery project I ever stitched was a stamped one that had dogs and horses. One each in each corner when I was 11 or 12. It was the last of my stitching for 30 years. I found it a short while ago. But I’ve made up for it since.
I took a class on goldwork a few years ago. But now need some help in finishing it. This book would be a great help.
Thanks
Denise Hipkin
Hi Mary, Thanks for the giveaway and all you do to help us Stitchers! My first project was a stamped cross stitch with varigated threads on a table runner that my grandmother gave me. I was about 6. (So this would have been early 1960s). It was the most beautiful thing I could imagine; it magically came to life as I pulled thread through cloth. I kept it for years and despite recognizing that it might not have been as exquisite stitch-wise as I thought when I was six, it still retained a certain magic. And memories. And a reminder that not every project needs to be museum quality to bring pleasure.
My earliest memory of an embroidery project was a pillowcase that I carefully stitched. It wasn’t until I finished that I realized that I had stitched through both sides of the pillowcase. I had stitched it completely shut so that no pillow could be put inside. Goodness…..woe is me!
I have always been jealous of the stitchers who do gold work. This is something I have on my bucket list to do and I can’t wait to get started on a project.
My first embroidery was a dressing table scarf made for my Mother under her supervision at the age of ten. I am now 90 and still have it.
My mother taught me how to do basic embroidery when I was about 6 years old. My first project was a dishtowel, and I still have it. I haven’t used it in many years, but I chuckle over the huge, loose stitches. I would love to try my hand at gold work embroidery, so this book would be most welcome. Thank you, Mary.
I have been a quilter for years but I am an embroidery beginner. I love Mary’s blog and detailed instructions. I have not tried all of them yet but I am getting there. I have purchased gold threads but have not yet picked the pattern. I am down to two choices and will make my decision soon.
Karin
I love ask the tips for sewing. This gold work looks beautiful. I don’t remember my 1st project but it was cross stitch and I was probably in the 4th our 5th grade.
Love!!!!!
I remember stitching a dresser scarf with a horse design. My girlfriend and I would send many hours during the summer stitching away. I don’t have any of these items today, but I have kept many fond memories.
Now that I am retired, I am joyously lookping forward to pursuing something I’ve wanted to do for a long time – ecclesiastical embroidery. This book will help immensely in helping me meet my dream of giving back to the church in this way.
Maribeth
My first one?? I imagine my grandmother started me on embroidered pillowcases or tea towels. I still have some of my Grandmother’s work–embroidered pillowcases with crochet trim, aprons. When paternal Grandmother came to visit, Mother would buy plain pillowcases and set her to work! (She also loved to bake bread and buns!)
Maternal grandmother worked on quilts and knitting. And I was fortunate enough to inherit their love of all things handmade!
My first project was a sachet in Ayrshire whitework. Not a project for beginners, but I learned a lot from it.
Hi from Ricky,
My very first project was a set of nursery rhime blocks mom made for me. I outlined them in stem stitch. I wish I knew what happened to them. Now I would love to have that gold work book . l know it would make me an expert just having it.
My most memorable embroidery was a recent one- I stitched a bunny pattern. The stitches turned out the best of anything so far I’ve stitched! I guess it’s true- practice makes perfect.
Other than the usual stitch sampler worked at school (I remember the herringbone in particular on hessian) my first real piece of embroidery was a Crinoline Lady on a swing. I didn’t finish it for many years but still have it.
Gold work was one of my next projects.
I started embroidery when I was seven and taught by my grandmother. The first piece was a little girl in a cart pulled by a horse. My grandma drew the picture on a piece of old sheet. She use to save old sheets for various reasons such as cleaning and stitching. This was back in the late 1950’s. I did pretty well on this piece, but I do remember Grandma did take out several pieces on the cart’s wheel because she always said “if you are going to do something then it should be your best”. I still have this piece and it now sits in a beautiful cherry frame in my sewing studio. The sheet, of course, has yellowed a bit, but the stitching still holds!
How about the first project completed? It was a pretty flowered sampler from an iron-on design in the back of an “embroidery for beginners” pamphlet. This was about 5 years ago. I showed it to my aging father during the sewing process. He said he’d like to see it when it was done. Though he passed before I could show him the completed fabric, I like to think he saw it anyway.
My first project was a simple flower pattern on handkerchief. Just a few wobbly stem and blossoms, I was very proud of my work!
The stitches became more confident and I went on to embroider numerous pillowcases and even yoke and pockets on smocks.
Beautiful Book!
When I was about 10 years old I visited an auntie in rural Manitoba. She showed me how to do Chicken Scratch on a piece of red and white gingham . I was fascinated and still have my humble effort which is a little table topper. I have always wanted to try Goldwork- oh so much more sophisticated!
My first project was a table runner which I made when I was a high-school exchange student in Germany, under the guidance of my German “mother.” I gave it to my Mom when I returned home and when she died 50 years later, I found that she had kept it. I now have and use it myself.
The first significant project I did was taken from a book published in 1991 under the title of The Embroidery Book: Over Forty Beautifully Simple Porjects For You And Your Home , Smithbooks.
One of the projects presented 3 differents propositions of flowers coming out of the pocket of a blouse or shirt and falling over it. So some of the flowers were embroidered also directly on the pocket.
I ad bought a pattern for the blouse, raw silk and embroidered the flowers coming out of the pocket and falling over it and given it to my sister as a birthday gift.
I worked very hard on that… and I do not know if she ever wore it after all!
I have never done gold work but would love to give it a try. I wont give my project to my sister though…
Other than just stitching to learn stitches, I think the first thing I *tried* to do was a huge thing I based on the cover of The Hobbit way back when I was about 12. I got it drawn and started stitching.. realized how long it would take to do and how poorly I did satin stitch… and gave up after a couple of days.
My first project was a stamped pillowcase probably in the late 1950s. Mom was my teacher and partner as we moved into crewel, counted cross stitch and needlepoint which is my choice today.
I don’t remember a specific project, but I do remember embroidering on doll clothes as a young girl. My mother taught me how to do a few stitches, and I’ve been stitching and learning ever since! I’ve never done gold work, but would love a book to learn.
My favourite embroidery was an afghan done in afghan stitch and then embroidery blue flowers on panels. It was gorgeous!
The first embroidery I remember was a kit of Victorian Christmas ornaments!
I believe the first thing I stitched was a stamped pillowcase (remember them?? I think they are still around although I haven’t thought about them in years.) It was back in the 50s and I think my mother got it at Woolworth’s (long gone). I was probably 7 or 8. I then moved on to a stamped tablecloth that took me a very long time. In high school, I got into canvaswork and surface embroidery but when an EGA chapter started here in the mid-seventies I joined and have since tried most everything.
It was a Beatrix Potter birth Sampler for my son (1982). He has it hanging in his house.
My first project was a small cross stitch tooth fairy pillow that I made for my children 37 years ago. At the time, I met with a group of young ladies in my neighborhood once a week to cross stitch. It was a God send to belong to such a group. Loved it!
Surely the first embroidery was a cross stitch! I have a few framed around the house. My father made the frames for me. I think I was in my teens…an eon ago!!!
Now that I am retired, I am joyously lookping forward to pursuing something I’ve wanted to do for a long time – ecclesiastical embroidery. This book will help immensely in helping me meet my dream of giving back to the church in this way. The first embroidery project I ever stitched was a needlepoint Raggedy Ann for my daughter.
Maribeth
I remember learning to cross stitch with my grandmother using green plastic grids. The first thing i made was a tissue box cover. Now I belong to a religious order and embroider vestments for priests and deacons. Our sisters are grateful for your website and have learned many things from you and your readers. Thank you so much, Sr. Truth
My first needlework was a printed religious verse that I stitched when I was around eight years old.. My sister and I both stitched one, and my mother framed them.. I still have it! This started my love of needlework, as I have continued stitching all these many years.
Without a doubt, my most memorable embroidery project is a sampler of Little Bo Peep my grandmother embroidered when I was a child. The days sitting at her feet watching her stitch are forever in my heart. I think this started my love affair with hand embroidery. The sampler is framed and hangs over my bed to this day. It is priceless!
The first embroidery project I remember is doing a needlepoint picture all in wool for my grandparents when I was a teenager – I still have it today!
I’ve never done goldwork, but this would be the perfect opportunity to give it a go.
Oh, I remember it like it was yesterday, but it was over 50 years ago and the most unlikely inspirations – 2 popular magazines – TV Guide and the used fashion magazine that I had been gifted, Seventeen. The later had an unusual tiny filler article about how to hand embroider. I read it and re-read it and read it again. My I-can-do-it spirit erupted. I found one of my father’s old white shirts headed for the trash and some of my mother’s threads (which she was gifted and had never used). I transformed that shirt into the hippie-est looking shirt you ever did see. It had embroidery on the placket, the collar, the cuffs and the pocket was my prized piece. It was a green turtle that I had found in the TV Guide for an art school advertisement. He was the cutest thing ever. After years of not wearing the shirt, I cut the pocket off to save and gave it to one of my daughters when she was too young to appreciate it and she threw it away. Thank you for asking.
My very first embroidery project was a pair of pillowcases when I was about seven. My grandmother and great-aunt showed me the basic stitches and that was the start to my stitching adventure.
My first embroidery project was a tea towel. My grandmother taught me on the sun porch in Keota IA. It was summer school vacation 1966; the design was a round tea pot, cups and daisies with vines and leaves. That was my first experience with color and fabric, stem stitch, outline, daisy and french knots. I’m left handed and she was right handed, she showed me how she did it and I learned to do it her way. After that summer I was ambidextrous! I was 6 years old so it was easier for me to adapt than for her to sort out a technique to teach it lefty.
When I was just a little girl 4ish my memre taught me to applique as she was a fabulous quilter. I used a pink 1940’s print & light pink embroidery floss the eye ear & tail are all neatly embroidered & the elephant neatly appliqued to a square of unbleached muslin. I carried that little piece of love around with me for many years & through many moves. Finally about 20 yrs ago I appliqued a whole herd of similar elephants to muslin sqs & with help made my first quilt. That first pink elephant is still the best & most beautiful. About 10 or so years ago I started stitching red work blocks some have made it into quilts or pillows many live in a med plastic tote box. I have in the last year or so started to do more surface embroidery mainly because I read this blog & it gives me new ideas to try. Plus it helps keep my fingers from stiffness because of this darn RA. I so enjoy your blog & your websites useful information & insights. This book would be a useful tool for me & the start of my embroidery library.
I am a newbie so, remembering the first one I made is easy. I stitched 4 dachshunds wearing sweaters in blue work. It was adapted from a quilting pattern I had. I gave it to my sister-in-law who loves dachshunds.
Thank you for this fantastic giveaway. I had started many a project, but the first one completed was a baby bib as a gift.
I know I must have started with those stamped embroidery items, dishtowels, pillowcases, etc. But they cost money, so I learned it was cheaper to trace the pictures out of my coloring books (I must have been around 8 or 9 years old) on a piece of fabric and embroidery those. I had many hours of enjoyment working outline stitches and adding daisy stitches wherever I desired. As I got older I remember the iron on patterns that you could put on dishtowels and I did quite a few of those.
I am ready to start my journey with Goldwork. The book will be my teacher, I hope.
I started embroidering when I was in Jr. high (I think they call it middle school now). Every summer I would embroidery a dish towel or two. Some have self drawn designs but most have names of my best friends from the previous year. I still have all the towels and most of the friends. There were 50 in my Jr. High graduating class of 1951. Embroidery is still my go to handwork. I love Mary Corbet’s posts and print many of them for my notebook. Thanks, Mary.
I remember as a teen, I wanted to save a favorite pair of summer “peddle pushers” that I ripped. My Grandmother Sarah (Mom of 8) shared how to embroider a design and repair the rip at the same time. The fancy pants memory came forward yesterday 53 years later when my favorite, threadbare jeans gave way in the knee. Now, I’m deciding on a repair embroidery design to enjoy these jeans a little longer. I wonder if my oldest granddaughter wants to learn how to create and repair with embroidery?
The first piece of stitching I can remember was of Bargello work and it was a cushion cover. It was on stiff canvas which made it easier to handle.
My first embroidery project was a stamped picture on some kind of fabric, when I was about eight years old. Unfortunately I no longer have it. I would love to win the goldwork book, as I have been very intimidated by that type of work. The metallic threads seem to be a real challenge for me to use, probably because I do not know how to handle them correctly.
The first project I ever stitched was an ear of corn on a square to make a pot holder when I was 7 years old. I don’t think the pot holder ever got made but I did finish the embroidery.
Hi Mary, There have been many projects that I don’t remember the very first. I do have a few that have been favorites. Probably the most memorable came from a request from a friend who’s daughter was getting married and she wanted me to make her a wedding pillow. I remember being so nervous about making it. I wanted everything to just be perfect for such an important occasion. I spent weeks just trying to decide what to do. I sat and drew some of my ideas and then I’d throw them away and begin again. I finally drew something I liked but as in all things by the time I was done I had changed and added here and there. The pillow turned out beautiful and the bride was so happy with it. I couldn’t have been more pleased.
Joyce from Girard, Ohio
Hi Mary,
The first embroidery project I did was in 2001. I bought a kit from Joann and it was a little topiary piece, about 5 inches tall and 4 inches wide. Done in pastels and I instantly fell in love with the craft! I had to teach myself the stitches and was amazed at how soothing embroidery is..
The very first embroidery project I remember was when I was in about 4th or 5th grade during vacation Bible school. We were illustrating Bible verses, and I picked Psalm 42:1. The Good News Bible was new then, and had simple line drawings, and there was one of the deer and the stream. I don’t remember how I transferred it to the fabric, which was burlap, but I did it in outline stitch in acrylic yarn. I wish I still had it.
I remember my first embroidery project vividly. I was 10 years old and my parents had sent me to Germany. My class had a Benedictine nun with horrible teeth who taught us the “womanly arts”. I don’t think she counted embroidery among them because we each had a sofa pillow as a project. We didn’t get to choose the design; mine was totally culturally insensitive. There was a person with a sombrero covering his face sleeping under a palm tree on a hillock with the sea in the distance. We used stranded cotton to outline the lines. However we did not strip the strands and we uses needles large enough to function as lace knitting needles, but that’s another story. It was monumentally awful, but it stayed in my hope chest forever.
My first project would have been a pillow case. It’s how Mom kept me busy in the summer.
My first embroidery project was a large flower on a handkerchief. I was really proud of it at the time, looking at it now I see how clumsy it is – but it was a start
My first embroidery was a green, stamped cross-stitch dachshund. It was in Junior Auxiliary when I was 6 or 7 years old. The ladies of the auxiliary made it into a pot holder that I gave to my Mother, probably for Mother’s Day!
Good Morning,
I was seven years old and it was a simple sampler sewn with wool yarn. I wish I still had it! Thank you, Linda S, Pewaukee, WI
I remember stitching my initial on a pillowcase, very badly, when I was about nine.
My first embroidery project was for a badge in Girl Scouts when I was 13. It was a needle book made from burlap, worked in crewel stitch with an owl on a branch that ran around to the back cover. It was one of the first times I had created something from scratch and I still remember the wondrous feeling of accomplishment and the joy of creativity. I’ve been crafting, one thing or another, in multiple mediums ever since; although stitching is one of the more meditative mediums for me. I still have the needle book, too!
My grandmother taught me a lot of forms of needlework. She was surprised by my fascination and often said it was the only way she could get me to sit still. The first embroidery project was a hankerchief for my Mom which had a yellow rose which was her favorite flower.
Love to read your book reviews. I would certainly like to try some of the techniques written in this book.
My very first embroidery project was a stamped design of a simple farm house scene, with a couple of trees, a cow, and some flowers. My mother started me stitching when I was around 8 yrs. old. I do remember being thrilled to have finished my first needlework, and there for a while, she couldn’t keep me in fabric and thread! Strangely enough, she saved this piece, and years later, framed it and hung it in the playhouse my Dad built for my niece.
One of the first projects I did was a set of two Christmas cards done in Crewel embroidery for our church Christmas Bazaar. It was a fun project and when finished they were two special additions to the fund raising event. I loved being able to contribute to a great cause and having a good time in the process. A double blessing. Rosa Krec
My first embroidery project was approximately 58 years ago. My mom who was always sewing or embroidering was trying to keep my 2 younger sisters and I out of her hair during summer vacation. She put a design or fabric for each of us and taught us how to embroider. Later (when we were older and married) she had the pieces framed and gave them to us as a Christmas gift. Since our pieces were not embroidered with our names I am not really sure I got mine back. It is still hanging in my room.
Someone gave me a stamped cross stitch sampler featuring a bedtime prayer when I was six or seven. No one I knew did any type of needlework, the prayer came from a religion different from mine, and it took me at least two years to finish it. No matter — I cherished it and it led to a lifelong love of embroidery.
The first project I did was of a tattoo inspired design of a snake and dagger. At the time, I didn’t realize that DMC floss was separable, so I was using all six strands in my needle at once.
My first embroidery was a small needle point kit done on a plastic canvas.
I have never done any gold work, but I love the project’s that I have seen on this site.
The first piece I remember stitching was something stamped. As the only girl in my generation of paternal cousins, when there were large family gatherings, by default I stayed with Mama and the aunts while my brother and the rest of the boys played active games and sports. When meal prep and clean-up were finished, the women sat together, chatted and stitched. Television was nowhere near universal yet. Every woman in the group always had a WIP with her. I was encouraged to try stitches on doodle cloths first, then stamped pieces, pillowcases, dish towels and eventually samplers. Later I discovered counted work, hardanger, needlepoint, etc. I am interested in learning goldwork!
Oh I remember my first embroidery project alright; I was sewing together a dress for my doll from a piece of sheet and using a blue and red twist of yarn. It was pretty ugly, but my mother showed me how to do a French knot and the daisy stitch, and somehow, to my mind, that made it all better.
I’m still not a great embroiderer like you are, but I can handle simple embellishments, and I can certainly appreciate fine handwork when I see it!
A “stunning” garland of purple pansies satin stitched in dark & light shades, with a bright yellow stem stitched ribbon running through it… on a muslin pillow case border labeled MINE! Summer of 1959, age 9 😉
Oh my! My first project was the good ole flour sack dishtowels. My mom helped me transfer the design onto it and then she showed me how to embroider them. If my memory serves me right (60 years ago) it was fish design. LOL
The first embroidery I ever did was a petit point on silk gauze. I was about 13 and used my babysitting money to mail order the kit. A small bouquet of flowers,I found it in my mother’s things after she passed away years after she had given up her household. I wish I had that eyesight now!
What a lovely book! My first completed project was a 10″ square hardanger doily. I did start a canvaswork scissors case before but it is still a work in progress.
Oh, I well remember my first one. It was in embroidery class in High School. The teacher had bought us all the same kit and taught us the stitches we needed to complete it (just a handful of easy ones). I had masking tape all around the outside edges and it turned out pretty good for a first try. It was a grouping of flowers, which started my life-long love of embroidering flowers!
The first project I embroidered was a tea towel or “finger” towel in about 1965. My grandmother taught me. I keep it in my project kit as a reminder of her wonderful gift to me.
I would love to try this gold work
My first ever embroidery was a pattern I found in a needlework shop, by
“dimensions” 1981, tree of life. I had never embroidered before, I learned and
completed an animal a night, and loved every minute of it. Ive been hooked ever since.
When I was a little girl my grandmother took care of me while my mom worked. To keep me busy, grandma taught me basic embroidery stitches and then gave me simple things to work on, usually a dresser scarf, handkerchief, or pillowcase. They kept me from boredom and gave her some peace and quiet!
The first embroidery I remember doing was a flower, a pansy I think. My lovely fabric was an old sheet! I used a package printed design. But the most memorable thing is that I burned my hand between my non-dominant thumb and forefinger trying to pull the fabric tight to iron it flat as possible so the transfer would work! Still have the scar.
I love the elegant look and depth the goldwork gives to the piece. Thanks for your beautiful, informational inspirations!!
the first thing I remember stitching was sitting in the floor next to my grandmamma with a piece of fabric trying to stitch the embroidery that she was doing on my Easter dress. she was kind and helped me have some pride in my trying. I asked so many questions that she decided that her button jar needed sorting. so she gave me a needle and thread and told me to sort them by color. as I grew older she taught me to embroider anything that I wanted to. she also taught me to sew clothes and quilt, crochet, but I still can not knit.
My first embroidery project was adding embelishment to a block of the month quilt. It was great fun to learn some basic embroidery stitches. Thanks for the opportunity to win such a beautiful book.
The first embroidery I did was when I was a young girl. My grandmother was sick and stayed over at our house. Together we embroidered a rooster from a stamped embroidery kit.
My first kit was a needlepoint of mushrooms when I was about 8; the kind that came with a plastic frame. My mother always had it hanging somewhere in the house and always pointed it out. Ahhhh,,, the love of a mother.
The first embroidery project I ever stitched was a stamped (!) cross stitch pattern of nine different vegetables and their names were embroidered using a back stitch. I was 11 years old and my hand was not as steady as it is now. My mother framed it and hung it in the kitchen where it stayed for about 20 years!
I was 8 years old in 1956 and still have my first stitching project. It’s a cross stitch ABC sampler. It is pretty bad up it is framed and hangs in my craft room. My mother was always sewing, my clothes, and doing all kinds of needlework: cross stitch, embroidery, crocheting and knitting. I learned from her but I’m still constantly learning more. I’ve learned so much from Needle and Thread.
My first embroidery project? Hmmm…. Very hard to remember. I learned to embroider with my grandma when I was 5 or 6 years old. Probably a dishtowel. I remember that I used to embroider handkerchiefs when I was 7 years old – bullion stitch and French knot flowers, stem stitch and leaf stitch for the branch, with silk thread; Grandma used to make the little handkerchiefs and then donate them to be sold at a charity.
My first piece was a sampler that I still have – there are stitches going every which way in a few colours. It was a good way to practice different stitches but I overlooked the value of planning. I still use the same piece as I practice more and more stitches….making it worse and worse (or better and better).
When I was 13 yrs old, I received a Lane cedar chest. My 1st project was an embroidered set of pillowcases for my “hope chest” An old family tradition
Marilyn
Oh, my! I can’t even remember my first project, although I remember watching my Mom embroider while listening to the radio (yes, I’m that old – we didn’t have a TV until I was 8), so I assume it was something simple she taught me. I do remember doing a simple stem and chain stitch design on a pair of play overalls when I was in 4th grade, though. A sun and clouds. I received a gift certificate to Hedgehog handworks this Christmas (*so sorry you’re gone, Hedgie*) and used it to buy some gold threads, with no particular project in mind – so I would love this book!
Thank you so much, Mary and Carole!
I first started stitching as a teen, taught by my friend as Mom hated Needlework. I did a stamped cross stitch Sampler and then crewel work piece with Wool and fell in love with embroidery. Those first pieces? Hung with pride in my home still to this day!
Barbara Thomas
The very first project was at age six. Flour sack towels not the stamped variety. My Grandmother and my Mom taught me to embroider. I have done projects in cross stitch, needlepoint, white and black work and my favorite Hardanger.
The first embroidery work I can remember was plastic canvas. It was perfect for a self taught stitcher. I made kleenex boxes for everyone that year for Christmas. I then progressed to metal frames Christmas ornaments, I now mostly embroider on quilts or wool works, however I am very intrigued with the modern crewel, silk and gold embroidery I am enjoying on pinterest and various blogs.
My first embroidery project was a pillowcase when I was a kid. My mom was “trying” to teach me how to embroider. As a teenager, I fell in love with crewel work and would purchase kits. I still love the Jacobean style. Now that I have seen the beautiful gold work I want to try that.
My first embroidery project was a tea towel done in Cross stitch that my maternal grandmother taught me how to do. That was over 60 years ago! Egads! From there I went on to crewel work which I have returned to after a very long absence. My great aunt was a phenomenal needleworker who did it all and inspire me all my life. I went on to quilting, wool appliqué, rug hooking, and embellished embroidery. I have just joined your blog and enjoy being back in this wonderful world.
The first embroidery project I ever worked was a set of lazy daisies (detached chain stitches) on the collar of a blouse. My mother taught me how to do it, and all my clothes had lazy daisies on them for years!
My first embroidery work was in Grade 8 (over 40 years ago) where we embellished a patchwork pillow with some stitches. Who else remembers their “Home Ec” Class?
The first switching project was a cross-stitch kit of a lady in a yellow dress. I had been in a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler. As I was/am a very active girl, my mom thought that having something to do with my hands would help me through the recovery that I would often require my being still. I’ve been hooked, no pun intended, ever since!
My first project was a counted cross stitch Christmas project. I was in the Army and one of my coworkers taught me during some down time. That project still makes an appearance on my wall some 35 years later. kathleendotlutzatcomcastdotnet
I don’t remember my first embroidery project but my most memorable is hard to forget. It was morning. I’d just gotten up. My aunt approaches me with a brand spanking new white towel and says,” It’s my best friends birthday and we’re spending the day celebrating with her. Could you embroider something on the band for her?” Thus ensued a half days worth of coddling and enabling from my family.
I can here everyone singing Happy Birthday in the front room. I’m just finishing the very last stitch when my aunt pops in to check on my progress and I can look up with a smile and tell her,”Finished!” With only seconds we managed to box it just in time to hand it to her. Yup, don’t ask me how I did that, I still don’t know. It was a fun experience, though.
Hi – my first embroidery project ever was a continuation of a table runner that my mother had started. She showed me the stem stitch and the daisy stitch and I have never looked back! I am taking a course at the RSN in a couple of weeks that will show me the first gold work I have ever done, so this book would be a welcome and timely addition to my library!
My first major project (definitely not my first project – I cannot remember when I first learnt to stitch) was a map of England and Wales, with all the counties, and emblems for each one (eg., a tiny Stonehenge in Wiltshire, lace collars for Nottingham etc), surrounded by sea monsters and ships. I was given the design printed on linen, and I stitched it in the colours and stitches I fancied. I was 10, and it took ages. Then my mum framed it and gave it to my granny. after she died, I took it back, and now it hangs on my wall, over 40 years later.
My first embroidery project was a dresser scarf when I was about 8 or 9. It had little flowers stamped on it and my Mom taught me the lazy daisy stitch. Using the only two colours of floss I had I embroidered the flowers in blue and pink. The scarf is long gone but I can still see it in my mind’s eye. If I had it today it would take up a position of prominence in my home. It’s too bad that these early things are long gone before we realize that they are really treasures.
I remember very well the first embroidery project I ever stitched. When I was 5 years old I was asked to be a flower girl at a relative’s wedding, my gift for doing so was a traced linen tray cloth and a selection of embroidery floss skeins. I asked my mother to help me to start and she taught me lazy daisy stitch (detached chain), stem stitch and satin stitch. I loved completing my tray cloth, even though it wasn’t the neatest bit of embroidery in the world and I’m still loving my embroidery almost 50 years later. I may even have improved a bit!
Goodness, memory lane!y very first “embroidery”, but I think mostly sewing, project was a Holly Hobbie thick paperboard project! A large plastic needle, yarn, & a very determined 4 yr old. It had pre-punched holes for ease. Does this count?! Or…my other 1st “real” project was in 1982, I was 9 yrs old with my pre-printed doily & floss. (I know someone else MUST remember Holly Hobbie!!)
My very first piece of embroidery is still in my possession. I was 11 and it is one of those printed centres one could buy easily . My stitches are large as wanted it in a hurry and rather coarse as I used 6 strands of floss. It is very 1970s. I think there were practice pieces before this, but…..
I would love the book on offer as I am moving onto untried techniques of gold work and thread painting. I am waiting for a delivery from China of a piece of Su embroidery as a kit.
Hola! No puedo recordar mi primer bordado puesto que empecé muy pequeña. Mis padres se fueron a vivir a Brasil desde España cuando se casaron y allí nací yo. Mi madre bordada para una tienda de equipos de novia, preciosas sedas italianas con encajes franceses. Y para que yo estuviera entretenida en las muchas horas de su trabajo, me sentaba a sus pies con un pañito con un dibujo pintado y yo lo bordada. Punto atrás, cadeneta, margaritas y todo lo que hoy todavía hago. Incluso tengo un paño para la cesta del pan que hice hace unos 50 años. ¡Me parece increíble!
Un saludo a toda la familia de amantes del bordado.
One of my first embroidery projects was in 1973 or so, I did a peace sign and the word “Peace” on the leg of my levi bell bottoms. It’s been a few years since I’ve done any embroidery, a couple of months ago I bought a couple of kits and patterns and have taken it back up. I haven’t done gold work before, but I recently bought a kit to get me started with it.
Good luck to all on the book give-away.
Thanks
Iva Deane
My first needlepoint was a cat stitched (tent stitch) on 14-count canvas when I was about 8 years old. I still have it, framed in my laundry room.
My first surface embroidery was a stamped cross stitch Girl Scout Brownie Promise. I probably stitched this when I was a Brownie (age 6 or 7). There is some outline stitch on this as well. I have removed it from its frame, and it is in a box with my other cherished mementos.
I had sewn a lovely dark blue linen apron for myself in 6th grade and then embroidered it with yellow/gold perle cotton (DMC of course) and cross stitched five rows along the bottom and three rows along the top. Fond memories, indeed!
Hanny with a Y
Oh my goodness…I would love to have this book!!! I love embroidery and have always wanted to learn gold work.
It was 1959 and I was 5 yrs. old. My mother started teaching me embroidery with a baby bib for one of my aunts who was expecting. I remember struggling with hoop, cloth, needle, thread but soon enjoyed working on the project. Before I finished the bib we moved and somehow it was packed away…… for years. Fast forward 2005. My mother passed away. In cleaning out her many projects I found the unfinished bib!
My first embroidery project was a tea towel. I was a Tom-boy and it didn’t take long to figure out that I needed to wash my grubby little hands before I picked up my project, or I would have a grubby little project!
Thank you for another great give-away. I’ve been playing at goldwork for a while on my own. Hope I win this – I’ll learn how to do it for real.
My first embroidery project was a tea towel. I was a Tom-boy and it didn’t take long to figure out that I needed to wash my grubby little hands before I picked up my project, or I would have a grubby little project! I gave up trying to embroider for a long time – so happy to have picked it up again!
Thank you for another great give-away. I’ve been playing at goldwork for a while on my own. Hope I win this – I’ll learn how to do it for real.
The first thing I can remember is sitting with my Grandmother as she was using beautiful stitches to put up a hem on a garment she was finishing. It made me jump right in and start learning. I think that because she didn’t start me on any kits I’ve just never felt daunted about making up my own designs.
The first embroidery I can remember is when I signed up for a crazy quilting class so I could learn some embroidery stitches. The feather stitch drove me crazy. I could do it on one direction only. At any rate, I became hooked and decided to join a chapter of EAC( Embroidery Association of Canada).And so started my embroidery journey!
Our local chapter will be hosting a National Seminar in St.John’s Newfoundland this month. I am really looking forward to it.
Thank you for everything I have learned from your blog.
Judith
My first project was a stamped tablecloth about 24″x24″. I was 11, my grandmother helped me set it up but it wasn’t finished until my thirties when I found it in a box and still have.
My first embroidery was a small white flannel cat on its back. I remember that the cat had pink ears, embroidered in satin stitch. That is when I learned that the stitch looked different depending on whether I carried the stitch across the back or came up next to the last down stitch. I was 12 years old. That was 57 years ago. Over the past 57 years I have taught myself many more stitches by reading books, looking at the finished work of others, and tv craft shows. Most recently, I have learned stitches and techniques from Needle N Thread, Crafty, and similar sites. I was brave enough to try a goldwork piece. I would love to finish it, but my goldwork skills are still very limited. Thank you for all the wonderful information on your site.
My 1st ever embroidery project was Hungarian embroidery at the age of 3. I learned the traditional matyo and kalocsa embroideries where it looks the same on the front as the back, no knots. Grandma was very particular about that. 🙂 I still do Hungarian embroidery today mostly the hearts, clothing, shoes with the same embroidery. Each time I complete something I feel like my Grandma is beside me. I feel so blessed to have learned embroidery, crochet, whitework at a young age and was able to teach it later in life.
On another note, I have been gathering goldwork supplies and trading silk embroidery threads for goldwork ones. I am excited to start this new endeavour and need a book to guide me in the right direction. This is a book I have been watching and waiting to be able to purchase. This would be perfect for me. Thank you for the opportunity! Gloriana
My first needlework project was a stamped cross stitch tablecloth with my grandmother over 50 years ago. My family still uses the tablecloth.
My first needlework project was an Avon crewel embroidery kit of a white Persian cat. I was 10 or 12 years old and my Mom had purchased it I don’t how long before I asked her if I could do it. My Grandma taught me how to embroider it as she was working on a baby quilt for my brother and then continued to work on it for my youngest sister and then finished it in time to give to me for my eldest daughter.
My first embroidery was pillowcases and I was probably 8 or so yrs old. My most memorable was a sampler I made in a Brazilian embroidery class which my father made an oak frame for. I went on to teach Brazilian embroidery and created many original designs. I have always been intrigued with goldwork and would love to have this book as inspiration.
Early in life I was interested embroidery. Did tee-towels if I remember right. And not very well either. Then was interested in counted cross stich. Loved the idea of a blank canvas and end with something pretty on it. Now because of eyesight I have been doing surface embroidery. Amazed by the fact it is more than tee-towels. My favorite so far in surface embroidery is void monogram’s I made for two sisters, then for two other sisters I wrote their names out and made them a wall hanging for their rooms. What made these my favorite so far, is that I picked my stich and colors, my ideas. Looking forward to learning more.
The first embroidery that I can really remember clearly was adding names to Christmas stockings that I had made. From that project I learned that I hate hate hate floss. When I discovered perle cotton, I began to love embroidery. And then Mary introduced me to floche, which I love!!!!!
Oh boy! Another give away! Thank you so much Mary!
I can’t remember my first embroidery project but I do have a recently stitched project that has become my current favorite! It is a design by Sharon Shetley, from Threads in Bloom, and is a Brazilian embroidery design. The actual design is called Birthday Bouquet, and I was very pleased with it when it was completed and framed. I stitched it for a dear friend who I used to take flowers from my yard to, every Monday. Both of us have long since retired and moved apart, and when she told me one day, via email, how she missed those flowers, I knew I had to stitch her a beautiful bouquet that would never wilt! The Birthday Bouquet design was the perfect bouquet, and it has become my favorite embroidered design!
I was 9 at the time, I remember watching my mother embroidering something, it was a white cotton and she embroidered stem stitch with blue variegated thread. It was fascinating how needle going up and down can make such beautiful trace. So, I asked her to show me how to do it, and I could not stop it. Eventually I finished it. I was so proud, although, looking back, it wasn’t perfect, stitches uneven and wavy, but I have done it! To this day, I can’t have enough, embroidery, knitting, quilting…(I am 60 now), can’t wait every day to come back from work and do something in my little studio. Even my day at work is divided – time before I read your e-mail, and time after. Thank you! My life is that much richer, Nada
My first embroidery project was a crewel pillow I stitched for my sister for a wedding gift. It came out lovely.
I dont know if this was the first one, it might have been! My dad drew a frog for me and taught me how to do chain stitch and I chain-stitched all the outlines and then we made it in to a pillow, I had it for years! 🙂
Thanks so much for your news letter I so look forward to receiving it. I have been wanting to try some Gold Work and actually thinking about purchasing this book.
Roxanna Hauschild
My first embroidery project was a portrait of a women. It was either a Matisse or a Picasso, just a simple outline. It was supposed to be a pillow, I never finished it… :/
I felt a sudden urge to try cross stitch just before this past Christmas, having done many other crafts but not anything embroidery-related yet. My husband got me a simple little ornament kit with a gnome, and I was hooked! I’ve done a couple of kits, but my favorite so far is “Renaissance bookmark” from Teresa Wentzler’s free pattern offerings.
While Pinteresting cross stitch things, I saw so many beautiful non-counted embroidery projects that I decided to start learning more, so I’ve been working on some samplers to learn various stitches lately.
My first real project was a crewel piece that could be a brick cover with flowers and a squirrel. I wasn’t interested in needlework until my mid thirties..no learning at grandmother’s knee. The piece is still on the stretcher bars, but hangs proudly in my sewing room.
I’ve been trying to remember my first project, but am coming up blank. One of my favorite projects is a pumpkin that I drew (I’m not an artist), colored with crayons (shading and everything), and then embroidered. I think it’s a favorite because I drew the pattern (first time ever), colored it (I’d never done that before), and stitched it (making the color choices myself…do you know how many browns there are out there…Yikes!!). Everything else I’ve done has always come from a commercial pattern with everything already determined for me, so this was a big step for me. My little pumpkin will soon end up on a quilted postcard, (I’ve kept it to myself long enough) and will be mailed to a friend this fall.
The 1st project I can remember that really set my interest in embroidery is a needle case I made in school where we had to show as many different embroidery stitches as possible, I still have it 40 years later
Hi Mary! The first embroidery project that I did was a set of “his & hers” finger tip towels. The set was a Christmas gift from my Grandmother and I believe I must have been around 10 years old. My intention was to do the towels and give them to my Grandmother as a gift. It was simple outline stitching done on pre-printed linen or cotton. I can’t remember whether I ever finished them of ever did give them to my Grandmother. I have often wished that I still had them just to see how my work was in those days way back when!
I would love to win the book!
Cathy
I learned to embroider using a beginner’s kit many many years ago.
No one else in the family did needlework — but I enjoyed it and
continued with kits until I was confident enough to do some freehand
embroidery on my clothes. I love the quiet restful time when I do
embroidery — a real stress reliever.
I embroidered the yoke and shoulders of a light denim shirt with flowers and strawberries about 15 years ago
Thank you Carole Dyer! What a wonderful book! I need this in my embroidery life! Thank you, Susan
So excited, forgot to tell you of my strawberries on yellow napkins-and I still have them, 35+ years later!
The first stitching I ever did was doodle stitching when I was about 6 with my nana’s waste fabric and plain ol’ sewing thread. I graduated to cross stitch shortly thereafter and recall completing a colonial-style kit when I was about 8. I left stitching for a while and now I’m back, exploring different types of surface embroidery. Goldwork has seemed pretty intimidating, so I would LOVE this book to help get me started!
The first project that I ever worked on was with my Grandmother, leaning against her knees, she was working on a stamped pair of pillowcases. She would push the needle up from the bottom and then I would grasp it and pull it through, she had the patience of Job. First embroidery project I ever finished. Sitting next to the same Grandmother several years later, she had found a very simple dresser scarf, just for me to do myself, I was probably about 7. I always remember her saying that the back needed to be a neat as the front. From those simple days, a life long love developed.
Roxanna Hauschild
My first embroidery projects were stitching pretty designs on flour sack tea towels when I was in the lower grades of elementary school. I didn’t really enjoy this but my mother was determined her daughters would learn to stitch and sew. I still have and use a few of these tea towels that is unfinished, which was totally against mom’s training of completing a project before moving on to the next one. I gave up that teaching because life is too short to complete all the things I started and there’s a lot more things I want to learn and do.
At about age 10-12 I embroidered a felt Sunbonnet Sue pincushion with a blanket stitch, lazy daisy and French knots as part of the local Parks&Rec summer program I LOVED IT!
I’m not sure what was my first stitching piece, but it may have been a little sampler type one I did which hung in my kitchen for years (I did it as a young girl). It had a saying something to the effect of “No matter where I serve my guests, it seems they like my kitchen best”. I loved that little piece. Now I wonder what became of it!
Thanks Mary, would love to have this book, gold work might look great on my pieces of artwork!
I have tried a little goldwork and need help. winning this book would be great.
Mary, you’re embroidery project are beautiful and Needle ‘N Thread is a wonderful learning site. It is my “go-to” website to learn embroidery stitches and techniques. I would love to try goldwork. The first thing I remember stitching was a small owl (designed by Gloria and Pat) nametag for my eldest son when he went to kindergarden (he is now 40 years old). His name and bus number so he was not lost!
Really want to learn this technique
Karen spalink
My first embroidery project was a butterfly I put on a denim work shirt when I was in 7th grade way back in 1973.
My first embroidery was a daisy stitched over a hole in my fav jeans when I was 11 or 12…..not great but did the job !!! Thx..Vela
The first embroidery project I ever stitched was a gift I received from an Aunt at Christmas in 1972 – it was a florescent orange hippo crewel project. I loved that darn thing and it is what started my interest in stitching. I was 8 years old.
Wow! this reply requires thinking back a lot of years. I think the first embroidered piece I did was a pair of stamped pillow cases when I was a child. The design was stitched with stem stitch or outline stitch, lazy daisy flowers and French knots.
The very first embroidery piece that I stitched was a kit. It was a beach scene with lots of chain stitches, french knots, satin stitches and stem stitches. I framed it and it hung in the upstairs bathroom for many years.
My very first stitched item was a bib for my new sister. Made at school when I was almost eight years old. Her name (Jane) had to be added after she arrived. I feel sure my teacher helped out a lot with that.
I still have it and also think my very kind teacher had further input too. At that time I could not imagine I would ever want to pick up needle for pure enjoyment.
It was in 1974 that I discovered crazy quilts and started making one as a project in a fibers class in college. My first embroidery experience was embellishing the seams of this quilt, which now hangs in my studio.
I think the most special project that I ever did was my very first embroidery project, when I was just learning Brazilian Embroidery! I embroidered a pillow for my elderly friend Hazel. She loved the embroidery on it, as it was in all the pinks and purples that were her favourite colours. When Hazel passed away, her family placed the pillow she loved so much under her head in the casket so when she was cremated she was able to take the pillow with her and a little part of the love from the people that adored her. Hazel also loved Butterflies so I also machine embroidered around 50 free standing lace butterflies and at her graveside, her family and I placed the Butterflies in the interment where they placed her cremated ashes. Hazel really was a sweet lady and will forever remain in my heart.
My first embroidery project was a cross stitch sampler for a Girl Scout badge in elementary school. I didn’t know my had mom kept it and she framed it for me. I have it hanging still.
My grandmother taught me to embroider on dish towels with iron-on transfers when I was about 8 or 9.
I can’t remember the first kit I did, but the one I remember as being the most enjoyable was a birth sampler designed by Julie Nixon Eisenhower. There were all sorts of different stitches. There are flowers, mushrooms, ladybugs, and all sorts of other creatures. One of the stitches was a french knot that was on an extending thread. I can’t remember the exact name, because it was 39 yrs ago. The colors were vibrant and it just instilled the joy of new life.
Unable to recall my first embroidery piece. My most memorial piece was a counted cross stitch sampler I designed and stitched for a state park. A canine art critic ate the partially completed first version. Version two came to a halt when I realized DMC did not make the colors I needed. Research into dying floss commenced with less than satisfactory results. A huge sigh of relief was uttered a few months later when DMC added new colors to their cotton floss line of products. Including the exact colors I needed!!
My first project was a printed sampler that my mother gave me. It introduced me to my still go-to favorite stitches. I remember learning to put all the cross stitches in the same direction; lots of stitching, undoing and re-stitching. I remember thinking that French knots were the hardest, most complicated thing in the world.
I loved that sampler. I thought it was beautiful.
For the life of me, I have no idea what happened to it.
Now you are offering a sampler that teaches gold work! Beautiful and shiny.
Thank you, Mary, for this wonderful website.
I don’t think it was my first – those probably were the stamped dresser scarves, mixer covers, and pillow cases – but my favorite is the first crewel piece I did by Erica Wilson. It is the squirrel in a tree with red berries. It was framed right away and has hung in every place I’ve lived. I still love it and I did quite well! The book is a wonderful give away Mary – I’m just embarking on More Than a Rose and I’ve been reading online how to hand gold threads. Your website and Trish Nuygen’s have been extremely helpful. Thank you so much!
My first project was a kit I bought at JoAnns. It was a child’s kit with simple stitching that said “Believe in yourself”. I believe when I want to learn something new, books and projects meant for children are the way to go. You just get the basics. I have the project hanging up as a reminder that through perseverance and confidence I was able to gain knowledge in the language of stitchery.
Mauri Reizes
My first embroidery project – that I remember, anyways – was a little cross stitch project that I got for Easter when I was about five. I ditched the instructions and made a mandala design for the Easter Bunny. It was terrible! I wish I knew what happened to it.
My first piece was a needlepoint bird that I stitched in tent stitch without a frame and it did a nice diagonal stretch. I didn’t know that it needed to be on a frame.
My first embroidery piece was a dish towel for my mother and the family to use. I don’t remember the motif but I am sure it was simple. We used dish towels every day (no dishwashers back then) and so it was a learning experience and a useful item. I was probably 6 yrs. or so at the time. I still enjoy fiber arts. Gold work is one of those I would like to learn.
What was the first embroidery project you ever stitched? It was a simple redwork Little Red Riding Hood. I was obsessed with the story as a little girl and begged my Mom to help me stitch it.
Hello Mary,
I really enjoy reading your posts and learning from your tips. One type of embroidery I haven’t tried is Goldwork, Someday, I will try.
A project I tried, way back in 1972, was to decorate a plain cream colored dress I had made. I embroidered laurel leaves around the yoke neck with a white dove at the center front. I used the same laurel leaf design around the waist piece. Lastly, I embroidered a large Greek key design, in laurel leaf, all around the skirt. Then, I filled each upward open key with a different design using as many embroidery stitches as I could learn.
I learned basic embroidery from my maternal grandmother, at about age 8. She gave me a small book by Workbook, it had lots of different stitches, which I practiced on small bits of fabric that would fit into my embroidery hoop. There are so many more stitches to learn.
Thank you for this opportunity to share.
KarenW
The very first embroidery I remember doing was at school when I was about 5. We were given Binca fabric and a large box of wools and threads to rummage through and use. We were taught simple cross stitch and back stitch. A little later I remember being tutored through a felt pincushion project … and then that was it needlework-wise until I rediscovered cross stitch in my twenties. I am now fascinated by all kinds of embroidery … goldwork included! 🙂
My first “real” stitching project was a needlepoint picture of a kitten on grass with flowers and blue sky. It was printed on Penelope canvas and stitched with wool in tent stitch. I got the kit for my 9th birthday from an aunt.
My first embroidered item was a plain western shirt I bought that I thought needed something uplifting. I embroidered a wheat sheath on either side of the front buttons. No pattern, just my own drawing. I was probably about 14 and had no instruction to help me. My inspiration was all the work I saw from what my grandmother did to clothes that she made and sent to my sister and I.
Thank you for the opportunity to win such a wonderful book. I’ve been dreaming of the day when I would have time to learn gold work. My first embroidery project was working with my Aunt Karan on a pair of stamped pillow cases. My mother didn’t do any handwork, so when my aunt came to visit, she became my mentor. I’m now 63 and still going strong. In the intervening years, I’ve learned cross stitch, needlepoint and many embroidery stitches. I’m current working on a quilt with embroidered panels, a counted cross stitch piece, a small wall hanging that is surface embroidery and a wool applique piece. Now on to gold work (if I am fortunate enough to win the book).
This book has been on my shelves for years, why not get a chance to see what has changed. Lots of vestments.
Charlie
The first thing I ever stitched was a simple blessing on muslin: O Give Thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy is forever. Amen
There were simple candles on either side of the words. Very early elementary school. Don’t know if I still have it – should look!
Thanks for this opportunity to win ‘Beginners Guide to Goldwork’ – something I’d love to try.
Marcia Clifford
Grand Rapids MI
Just started embroidery again the last time was when I was a teenager and now in my 60’s and first one was a butterfly
Sometimes its amazing how synchronicity happens. After years of doing counted work – cross stitch and blackwork – I have recently had a hunger to branch out and spread my wings. I’m just now going through your lessons in long and short stitch preparing for a Goldwork class I’ve signed up for in July. Its delightful to see a book you recommend to add to my library at just the perfect time. Thanks.
My first embroidery project was a small cross stitch that I did when I was five. My Mom kept it for me and shared it with my friends at my bridal shower.
I thoroughly enjoy this website needlenthread. As a newbie to embroidery, I feel that this website has helped me with a great many embroidery methods. What a unique website and I am happy for your continued success of it. My very first embroidery project was a cross-stitch bracelet that turned out very good. I would love to learn about goldwork because it is very lovely embroidery. Thank you for being very helpful to embroiderers around the world Miss Corbet.
Oh forgot to say, first embridery grandmother drew our for me was a bed pillow slip of a pineapple.
My first Gold work was for my church on a red set in 1978. For figuring out when the first happened I was born in 1940, First embroidery about 1950. Charlie
The first embroidery project I remember stitching (and very possibly the first I did) was monogrammed handkerchiefs as Christmas gifts for various relatives when I was eight or ten, but my all-time favorite is the stumpwork I designed myself. I have some goldwork projects in queue, and would really love to win this book. Many thanks to you and Carole for the opportunity.
My first embroidery was at school we had to make our cookery apron and then embroider on the bib. This was 1951. In 1952 it was shadow work on a duchess ser (2 small and 1 larger oval mat). In my last year 1955 we had to make a nighty with smocking on the front.
My goodness I now feel truly old but I am still embroidering, quilting and bobbin/pillow lacemaking.
Beryl
My first project may be the small initial monograms I embroidered on a scrap piece of fabric that’s been tucked in my wallet ever since. I think I made it I high school? It was made completely on a whim.
What a beautiful book! Thank you both for this opportunity. The first project I remember embroidering was tea towels. My mom patiently taught me the basic stitches. The handworked pieces she left each of her children are treasure-stores of memories.
The thing I remember is not my own embroidery, but my sister’s! She is a few years older and is more serious and quiet than I. She made a beautiful black and orange coloured piece. Very delicate! She was a great counter! I had a small feeling of jealousy and I didnot embroider much. Now I embroider every free moment, nearly never things I have to count. But I stil can be jealous of her beautiful work!
Not sure if this is embroidery but a few years ago I worked on a Punto Antico project from Jeanine Robertson. Other than that, it would have been a Blackwork class with Tanya Berlin.
I have been using metallic threads for outlineing and an occasional accent mostly because of fear to try more. I would love to have a good book designed for beginners because most of what I have discourages me from experimenting.
The first embroidery project I ever stitched was a counted cross stitch owl when I was 8 and I had to rip it out three times before it was finished!
My first embroidery project was a kit from Erica Wilson way back in 1978. I’ve been hooked on embroidery ever since.
Looks like an excellent book. I certainly love the look of goldwork and want to learn more. I’m not certain, but I think my first project was a flower. I remember doing a bear shortly afterwards and finding it a challenge, but I finished it.
QuiltShopGal
Hi Mary,
My first embroidery project that I can remember was when I was about 5 or 6. My mother used an iron on transfer of a rose onto a pillow case for my doll’s pram. I did it in satin stitch and the colour was red. I remember being very proud of my work, I would love to see it again now to see how good it really was!
Pauline
The first embroidery project I ever stitched was a reproduction Colonial sampler kit my mother bought from a magazine (Better Homes & Gardens, I think). It was stamped cross stitch. I started with great enthusiasm on it in fifth grade, stitched all of the “interesting” bits first (people, house, trees) and then got bored by the very large arcaded border. I picked it up again and finished it in college, and I have been a constant stitcher since then. The sampler is framed in my sewing room, and it reminds me just how far my stitching skills have improved.
I did my first embroidery project ever two weeks ago and I’m obsessed. It was a terribly executed 68 plymouth fury, this blog/website saved me and now that i’ve read up and practiced I am doing a giant magpie on the back on my favorite jacket. THANK YOU!!
An embroidered dressing table cloth tought by nuns at my prep Convent School aged around 8. My Mother still has it! A life constant, it is only now later in life that I have joined RSN Hampton Court Palace to continue what the Sisters of Mercy began all those years ago.
I can’t remember my first embroidery project- it was probably a tea towel with an iron on stamp from one of the Aunt Martha series.
The first I remember, is a crewel embroidery of iris, which I made for my mother. It now hangs in my hallway
Hi Mary,
It’s not hard to remember my first project as it was only 5 years ago! A friend had given me an old, soft and beautiful English linen tea towel printed with William De Morgan’s peacock and fish. She knew that I love the Arts and Craft movement. Although I had never embroidered, something about the idea of glorifying and honouring the humble tea towel and the anonymous feminine work that it represents tickled my feminist fancy and I thought I would outline a few lines. Ha!
I had never stitched but as a weaver (loom and tapestry) I was very comfortable experimenting with thread and yarn so I bought some DMC floss and a pack of needles and thought I would just doodle a bit.
By the time I was done, around 250 hours later, it was heavy with thread! It turned out to be a vivid and naive piece that I am still very proud of. And I have been stitching ever since.
These days I really enjoy learning, adapting, and practising different traditional styles of needlework, but I think that embroidery is, at it’s base, the most intuitive and natural of all the yarn and thread crafts. That first piece showed me that picking up a needle and thread, even with no knowledge of proper stitches, is enough to create a work of beauty. If you are interested in seeing it, here is a picture of it in progress. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/41165784070667829/
I love your work and blog Mary, and I turn to your blog almost every day, to lean about something new or just to keep up with what you are doing. I have not tried goldwork yet, but your posts about it are tantalizing and I would love to try it! Thank you so much for creating this incredible resource!
All the very best,
Renata
My mother taught me to stitch as a young child. We (my older sister and I) stitched kitchen towels. I do not know if Mom ironed on the pattern. We used wooden hoops and DMC or JP Coats & Clark threads.
Thank you for your fun Give Aways!
Embroidered table runner…loved using so many beautiful coloured threads.
One of my favorite embroidered project was a set of 6 snowmen. I used a blue DMC thread, made the little snowmen into sachets for Christmas presents. I think I’ll make red hearts this year for friends trying out some different embroidery threads. I often add embroidery to my applique quilts, adds a nice touch.
Thanks, Judy
My very first embroidery project was a little counted cross stitch house when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. My mom cross stitched a lot and I wanted to give it a shot. I didn’t pick embroidery up again until I was in my mid-30s.
The first needlework I ever did was a crossstitch of the old English litany, “From Ghoulies and Ghosties and long leggity beasties and…………..”. I must have been about 25. I am now 72, and it still delights me and it hangs with my collection of samplers, all of which delight me every time I pause a minute and read one.
The first piece that I remember doing was a large Shaker “Tree of Life”. I worked on it during my lunch hour at work. Took me so looong to finish my friends at work cheered when it was done. That was about 40 years ago and I still enjoy seeing it hanging on the wall.
My first embroidery project was a pre-stamped doily kind of a fall themed. It was brown twigs and dark green leaves. I was 8or 9, maybe third grade. I’d graduated from practicing cross stitches on gingham to the real thing. And we never used 6 stranded cotton, we got cotton DMC on this little ball that was only sold at one little shop in town. Looking back, it was probably pretty homely. But I’ve been embroidering ever since!
My first embroidery project was a very small Sunset Stitchery ornament kit that included a green plastic tree shaped frame for finishing. When my mom passed away a few years ago, I found it among her long unused Christmas decorations in the attic. I brought it home and have added it to my collection of decorations. It still looks just about the way it did when I made it (45+ years ago!!).
Marlene
My first embroidery project was on a Hand towel that was pre-stamped and used Mom’s embroidery thread.
Hey Mary,
My first embroidery project was a small Hardanger Placematt!! Boy was I in trouble with that. My mom was teaching me, she was so great at stitching. This project got me so frustrated at times. But I kept going at it, late at night when my kids where sleeping. I pulled out the stitches so many times before I got them perfect. But in the end I was so proud of myself when it was finished. I gave it to my daughter when she got married, that was many years later of course.
So this is my little story about my first embroidery.
Have a great day Mary and thank you for everything.
Louise
This is my first entry, so I hope I win! GOLDWORK IS MY FAVORITE!!!
My first memory of embroidering was probably when I was about 3.5 years old, and myself and my 4 older siblings (yes, my brother, too!) were each given an iron-on square to embroidery for the newest sibling on the way. It was one of those kits that showed a duck doing something cute on all the days of the week. I still have it, as I determined I would make the same kit one day all by myself for my first niece or nephew. 41 nieces and nephews later, the squares are 1/2 finished… but I haven’t given up hope that I will complete it one day!
🙂
I stitched dish towels from Woolworths for my family for Christmas when I was young.
Just starting to do Goldwork, this book would be a great help. enjoy the emails
The first project I ever stitched was on my P.E. uniform. My initials!
The first needlework I ever did was an embroidery cross stitch sampler – you know the kind, where the pattern of little blue x’s were stamped on a muslin-type fabric? I was about 11 or 12. When I finished that project, I was hooked on handwork forever. I would love to learn about a new type of handwork to which I could become addicted! Thanks so much for the giveaway, Mary!
My first needlework completed was a pillow with crewelwork. I was a teenager then. I would love to learn goldwork. What an offer! Thanks.
Just before school was out, the summer I turned 9, I was informed that we would be moving to a new town over the summer. To say I wasn’t happy would be an understatement! My mother suggested that I wear a white shirt the last day and have my friends sign it. I spent that summer and most of the next year sulking and embroidering the names. By the time I had finished, I had many new friends, some I still have 55 years later. The shirt is stored somewhere in one of my cedar chests.
Thanks Mary! Love your website.
First embroidery project was a picture of Captain Hook. I originally drew this and used it, and many others, to make my own coloring books when the kids were little. I dug out my drawing and stitched it, framed it, and gave it to my son for HIS son’s baby room.
Back in the ’60’s, in my “dippy hippie” years, I embroidered the bell sleeves of a muslin dress. I knew I was the cats meow. I kept that dress for years, until the big tornado of 1974 took out the back of my house! It took all of my embroidery stash, hoops, directions, you name it, it went to Cincinnati along with all of my cancelled checks & yearbooks! I looked on that as a sign that my embroidery days were gone too.
42 years later I came across the Mary Corbett website. That was the beginning of the end! I have become addicted to it! Everyday I faithfully read the email post before I do anything! I’ve bought your recommended books & tried to copy the directions to mixed results. I painstakingly copied a protea blossom out of one of the Trish Burr books. I covered a sketchbook with it as a gift to a friend. I was so pleased with it, as was he. Sadly his studio burned to the ground & with it the protea! My cue to make a better one!
I was just thinking of doing something with gold work in it, as a new challenge for myself, when this email arrived! Must be a sign! Good grief! Thank God I’m retired! I hope my hands hold out…..
Sincerely,
Kate Clarke
My grandmother and aunt were always embroidering. When I was about 5 I was given my OWN tea towel to embroider with a red robin on a branch. With my grandmother on one side and my aunt on the other, they encouraged me as I made my first stitches. They have both passed on, but I am sure they knew they were starting me on a journey that would bring joy my entire life.
The very first needlework project that I did was a set of dish towels from my grandmother. I was about 7 years old and was given the during summer vacation. My mother helped me get started. I no longer have them, but often think of my grandmother and mother with their own needlework and what they accomplished.
I was eight years old and very frustrated that I could not draw the Siamese cat that I wanted to draw from my new ‘learn to draw cats’ book. In frustration, I traced it onto a scrap of muslin that my mother had given me, dug a needle and DMC floss out of my father’s cross-stitch box (I’m sure he loved that), and embroidered that cat all with running stitch and some spare beads. I was outrageously pleased, and my sweet grandmother put it on a hand towel and hung it in her bathroom for years. I remember enjoying that project tremendously, but it took me another 23 years to rediscover embroidery. Since then, I’ve never looked back.
My first embroidery project involved lengthening my cut-off shorts as a teenager. I had seen fly stitch used in a couple of crazy quilts we had. So I decided to use fly stitch and variegated floss to stitch the 4″ cuffs on my shorts. It worked very well.
My first embroidery was when I was in grade school while in Brownies. It was a cross stitch project done on 1/4″ gingham fabric. I remember it hade a house and “Home Sweet Home” stitched on it among other things. I made mine into a pillow.
It was so long ago that I don’t remember. What stands out is the large sampler I started when I was pregnant with my daughter. I still need to add my name and a date.
I embroidered a project that had little round mirrors held in by the stitches. I loved it and had it framed. The framer said it wasn’t important enough to frame but I had it done anyway because I liked it and spent a lot of time doing it.
What a beautiful gift! My first embroidery work was a dresser scarf with a Japanese maiden crossing over a bridge with flowers on the ground at end of each side of bridge. Wish I had it now.
To long ago to remember, so I will go with most memorable ~ probably January of 1980, I took my first class in Brazilian Embroidery, I have never lost interest in Brazilian and have been able to grow my love of Brazilian Embroidery into a business.
I have done a tiny bit of Gold Work, but would enjoy learning more about it, as I do enjoy other needle arts and would like to add Gold Work to my list.
Thank you Carol for giving me (hopefully) this book !!! I never win anything, maybe this is the time.
Sharon in Modesto
The first embroidery project I ever did was a printed cross-stitch sampler on linen. I was five years old and I still have it, 60 years later. I knew nothing about separating strands of floss, so it’s pretty chunky, but I used the primary colors kids like and it brings a smile to everyone’s face.
I do not remember my first actual project, but I remember embroidering with the girls in my neighborhood. We all were in grade school. I had trouble threading my needle and asked so much I was told to figure out how to do it or I would have to give up sewing with the girls. I learned! I think we either embroidered t-towels, pillowcases or doilies. I have enjoyed needlework ever sense.
I was 5 years old when I embroidered a doll’s dress that I was sewing. Can’t remember the exact design, but can remember red colours.
The book Beginner’s Guide to Gold work by Ruth Chambers, forward by Mary Corbet; sounds like a really fun book!
I would love a copy!
I have really enjoyed Mary’s articled on Gold work, and I have learned a lot from you!
My first needlework project was in Girl Scouts. My sister and I made Tea towels, in counted black work,(ours were in red, blue and yellow to match their bathrooms); for our mother and Grandmothers for Mothers Day.
After these special ladies passed, we found all of the Tea towels stored { lovingly} away, in the paper that we had originally warped them in. We were amazed that they were worked better than we had thought that they would have been. As this was our first try at a embroidery projects. There have been oh so many embroidery projects since then.
Chris Fitzgerald
The first embroidery I remember doing was when I was 6 years old. My friends father gave us the old back cover for his half ton truck as a playhouse. We fixed it up as a nice little play area and I endeavoured to embroider a towel for our handwashing area. I managed to spell “towel” in this manner and I do believe there was more thread on the back of the towel than the front. An older friend? was quick to point out the spelling area and the quality of the work. I have been a much neater embroiderer since then.
I currently embroider with a Diocesan Needlework Group making and restoring ecclesiastical garments and church hangings etc. I have seen this book on Gold work and have wanted to get a copy. (Santa didn’t come through). It is an excellent book to have and use. Thank you for your programs.
Way back in 1967 my then boyfriend (now husband) was returning from Antarctica, his USN deployment. I decided to make him a scrap book of the photo’s he had sent me. The first page was a navy blue piece of felt that I embroidered a blanket stitch around the edge and his initials at the bottom. In the center of the piece of felt I placed a prayer card of ‘Our Lady of the Snows’. This was inserted in a plastic sleeve. He still has it. Not so great embroidery though.
I took a doily that my grandmother made and got some thread in all the colors, my very first attempt, I put the same exact bushel of flowers on my favorite pair of short cut jeans. I was 20, I wore them out, but still wore them, until they went missing. Lol, my mom threw them out. I was so upset..but that is what started me in embroidery. Self taught, and still doing it….right now, making a memorial for my BFF.
A pillow case, and I still have it 50 years later!
My first embroidery project was the summer I was 12. My friends and I started doing embroidery. there were pillow cases and chest toppers. Grey squirrels, ladies, flowers. I still have some. it is a summer I remember fondly.
Gold work and silk shading in one book – a dream come true for a beginner – I would love this book.
thanks for the opportunity to enter and for your informative and inspiring emails.
Marilyn
I feel like I might have done some of those kiddie cross stitch things, with the printed on xs, but I don’t really remember any in particular. My first real project was in high school, inspired by the book “Gathering Blue.” I was in theatre (a stage hand and later manager) and decided to freehand embroider a little icon for each show I did on the leg of my work jeans. I think I just picked up a little chart of different stitches from the craft store and figured it out. There were some mountains for Sound of music, a little curly redhead for Annie… I got too busy somewhere after sophomore year to do all of them, I think, and the back was a mess, but it was so fun! I wish I knew where those jeans are now…
If I remember the VERY first one ever it was with my great aunt who used to watch me as a kid while my mom was at work. We followed the lined on dishtowels to make a little bunny with a carrot 🙂
My first embroidery piece was made in the seventh grade Home Economics. the cloth background had light contrasting threads which served as guides for several different surface stitches. This decorated cloth was then sewn into a pincushion I could carry around my wrist (with elastic) to use while machine sewing or other needlework. I still use it, though I have had to replace the elastic several times.
My very first embroidered project my sister- in- law was trying to teach me a few basic stitches, so I got the bright idea to do a simple pattern on the cuff and back of a 3/4 length winter jacket I was making for my granddaughter for Christmas. I was quite pleased with my little igloo and Eskimo , I then progressed to penguins, and decided after 12 blocks, cross stitch wasn,t for me, good fun though.. Thanks Lou
My Princess Man embroidery. This is from a Movie I watched. It’s the 2nd Korean Historical Drama. I used long short Stitches, back Stitches and split Stitches I learned from your videos… thank you for the chance to win
It was a red T for my Uncle Tom. I made him a handkerchief from a scrap of old sheet. I don’t remember how old I was, but it was a long time ago.
Ahhh Mary, the first piece of embroidery I have ever did is not toooo long ago! And bless you for introducing me to this new passion. It is through your mail that I discovered Trish Burr and by browsing on her site I saw a Christmas decoration pattern that Trish was offering for free downloads. So my sister got a beautiful new type of present at Christmas 2016. Then my next and last piece is the fox from Millie Marotta colouring book that Jessica Grimm did with beautiful pearl coton from House of Embroidery. I finished it in March and it will be a special 60th birthday for my best friend who is an animal lover. If I could I would send a picture but I dont know how. I am pretty proud of the results being my 2nd embroidery piece. I am a very determined beginner as you call it and would love to try my hand at goldwork but am a bit intimidated by it. I will sent this wish into the universe and see! Thank you for being soooooooo informative and funny, I am enjoying catching up with the archives, great learnings and pleasure!
Thanks for this exciting giveaway! If embroidery includes cross stitch then I think the first project I stitched was a rose themed pattern that my grandmother helped me make into a small pillow and I gave it to her as a gift. I might have been in middle school. She kept it out in her bedroom for many years. I have it now as a reminder of her. Such a simple project but with great sentimental value.
The first project I know of was for some kind of afterschool or summer program – it was a curly little flower in pink cotton, rather badly centered on a wooden display hoop. My mother still has it hanging in her sewing room.
The first one I remember stitching was a cross-stitch morning glory on 4- or 6-count Aida. I didn’t pick the colors especially well, but it came out pretty good for a first cross-stitch project.
I don’t know if it was THE first, but I remember embroidering a tablecloth !!! when I was only 5 years old. It was 3feet square, and had whipped running stitch all around the hem and a multi-coloured butterfly in one corner. It was stitched on deep sky blue cotton. I remember it so clearly and still have it folded and tucked safely away nearly 60 years later…
My first embroidery project was a crewel work for a pillow. It was a long time ago and was a kit from Creative Circle. I think it was a bird. My favorite stitching is counted cross stitch now and I work on much larger pieces.
I was 6 years old and I was spending the day at my grandmother’s house. She was a stitcher, so she had needles and floss, but she did mainly pillow cases, dresser scarves, and such, however, she also had some kitchen towels that were made of solid fabric with little loops. I believe it’s called huckabuck and she gave me floss and a needle and showed me how to thread the floss through those little loops to make a really pretty, original design. I was hooked and spent most of the summer with my grandmother that year decorating all of her kitchen towels and learning simple stitches and doing a pair of pillowcases she bought me at Woolworth’s dime store that were printed with a design that was easy. I haven’t stopped stitching since and I’m now about to celebrate my 73 birthday in June. I’ll continue to stitch as long as I’m constantly learning something new and interesting.
I learned to embroidery when I was 6. My mother would embroidery pillowcases. She went to the neighbors one morning and I picked up the pillowcases and done about 6 inches. When she started to embroidery again my heart started to race, as I knew she would the difference. I asked if there was a difference. she asked if I did that. she handed me the pillowcases and that was my job after that as we always slept on embroidered pillowcases. I am 80 years young and stopped embroidering after polyester came along.
At my first adult class, I was told to pick whichever of the stunning patterns I wanted! I was overawed and chose a simple cottage scene with a flower border, because it would teach me the most stitches! I loved it, it cemented my addiction, and still hangs in my home. I would dearly like to try manageable gold work!
I have this book on my Amazon wish list! I have a honeybee goldwork kit from Inspirations waiting to be started after I retire from teaching on June 2! The first thing that I remember embroidering as a child was a kit that was a vase of flowers. It was done using yarn on a stiff burlap-type ground fabric.
I have been teaching my niece to embroider. I am hoping to spend more time learning new techniques, creating more projects and teaching my niece.
The first embroidery project I ever stitched was a cross stitch pillow that my grandmother sent me from Denmark. I don’t think I ever finished it but that was my first introduction to embroidery!
Ha, the first thing I ever stitched was a sampler inspired by your “great big fox jumps over the lazy dog” piece. I worked on it to pass time and practice stitching while at camp for a week. Got a lot of very poor stitching under my belt! It made it much easier to consider other project ideas after, having a base to work from
I can’t remember what I first stitched, but I do remember my first “major” piece of stitching. I embroidered a table cloth with large Poppies in the corners when I was in my late teens. I gave it as a gift to my Dad. He served during WWII and Poppies are symbolic for both Remembrance day, Nov 11 & ANZAC day, Apr 25. He used to have it on the table whenever I went to visit.
I love love love your blog! I just recently got back into embroidery early this year because I needed to figure out how to decorate a costume with stars, and your blog was super helpful. The first embroidery project I ever did was a cross stitch bee when I was about 7 years old ^_^
The first thing I embroidered was an apron at school when I was 11. I absolutely hated it because it had to be absolutely perfect and if there were any mistakes at all the teacher snipped all the threads and I had to pick them out and start again – I never did finish that apron 🙁
I have just bought myself a small goldwork kit to try from a show I went to recently, the work there was so beautiful that I just had to have a go.
Marilyn Jones in Louisville, KY
I think my first embroidery project may have been a simple floral design on a 4 x 4 quilt for a children’s hospital.
My first embroidery was a little square of yellow cotton (12″x12″). It might have been a napkin. My mother ironed on a transfer of a Mexican girl feeding chickens. My mother taught me French knits for the corn, stem stitch and straight stitch for all the rest which were outlined. I remember the chickens were stitched in black. I should still have the piece somewhere in my house.
I am not sure how old I was, but it was before I was 5 years old, as my family moved when I was five, when I first learned to embroider.
My mom’s aunt Etta (my grandaunt) was the sort of woman who did any and all sorts of needlework. She did not have any children and was a second mother to my mom, my uncle and me, her only nieces and nephew while she was alive. At that time we lived on one street, my grandparents on the next street, and Etta and her husband lived on the street after that. She would come to our apartment and brush my hair everyday – I called her “the gentle lady” as she was the only one who never pulled my hair when brushing it – no matter how many knots were in it.
One day she sat me down in my grandfather’s big chair (in my grandparent’s apartment) and set up an embroidery in a hoop and started to teach me how to stitch. The piece was a “home, sweet home” piece- sort of a sampler, but no alphabet – picture of a house, wording for home sweet home, and a border. It was a stamped piece (much more common to find back then in the 1950s) and used cross stitch, lazy daisy and French knots.
I learned to do the cross stitches and the lazy daisy stitches, as well as a child of that age could do, but could not learn the French knot, so after I did the rest of the piece she stitched the French knots for me. I would sit in my grandfather’s chair every time we were there (which was often) and work on it. When Etta was there at the same time, she would check what I was doing and make suggestions to help me.
I wish I could show you a photo of the piece – but we have no idea of what happened to it. While I have almost all the pieces I have stitched over my life with the exception of the few given as gifts to my mom, my sisters and a friend or two, I am missing two pieces – this first piece and the tablecloth I stitched while in high school.
In addition to her teaching me other needlework, I learned other forms of needlework from my mom – who had learned them from Etta. As far as I know, Etta never did any gold work, so she never taught mom or me how to do it. Learning to do it would be a tribute to her.
The first thing I remember stitching as a kid were some some cardboard learning blocks that had directions for lacing, sewing a straight line, diagonal lines, cross-stitches, etc. with a plastic needle and yarn. When you finished one, you could take it all out and do it over again. Then when I was a little older, my mom gave me a pre-printed pillow case to try stitching. It was just cross-stitches, back-stitching, stem stitch and French knots. It didn’t look like my mom’s work and so I gave up. In my teens, my best friend and I tried some crewel work.
I think my first embroidered piece is a bandanna I stitched when I was a Brownie. I remember it had a lazy daisy stitched daisy.
The first project I ever stitched was a stamped cross stitch of the cat and the fiddle from the nursery rhyme. I was probably about 10 at the time and ended up turning it into a pillow which I gave to my grandmother. When she passed it came back to me which I cherish it as much as she did.
The first piece of embroidery (that I can remember) was at high school as I was fortunate enough to be able to choose the subject of ‘sewing’. We had to make an apron for a test and I embroidered the bottom of the apron with flowers along it. My mother adored it (as all mothers do) and she wore it and wore it, until it fell apart. I am blessed with a family of sewers and embroiderers. Chris
My first project came later in life, around 20 or so, because I had been scarred by cross stitch earlier. The project was a kit for two pillowcases. Thankfully I had my sister’s help and so learned the beginner stitches fairly easily (and realized maybe thread work isn’t so bad :))
I only began stitching September 2016. But for the past month an illness has kept me from it. Now I am back at it again. My first piece was a flower cart going over a bridge with water flowing beneath. I was learning the chain stitch, the open button hole stitch, straight stitch the stem stitch and the back stitch.
But I found my nice in the satin and long/short stitches!
In Montgomery, Alabama. My mother taught me to embroider dresser scarves when I was about 8–61 years ago.
Fond memories!!
The first project i worked on was a kit by Jane Nicholas. It was her goldwork beetles and i was hooked.
My first project was too long ago to remember. But two years ago, I joined the local embroidery show after seeing their show. I signed up for Jacobean embroidery class because the samples were so beautiful. With the help of a wonderful instructor and fellow participants, and the suggestion that I look at the videos on Needle ‘n Thread, I managed to produce some quite acceptable stitching.
My first embroidery piece was a ‘dresser top’ when I was three years old. Now, at 72 I don’t remember any more about it. But I’ve embroidered all my life. The first piece I did without a kit was in my early 30’s. I enlarged a picture of an owl by Roger Tory Peterson and put it on linen. The I embroidered it free hand. He won second prize in a show in Toledo Ohio and for the first time I really felt like a needle artist. However, the most memorable piece was the Aztec sun stone, commissioned by a friend. It was two feet in diameter. It took over two years to complete, mostly because we moved twice and I became so pregnant with twins that I couldn’t reach my embroidery stand.
The first thing I ever stitched 30 odd years ago was an English cottage and garden in wool thread and long stitch that I framed. It is still sitting on my wall in my sewing room to this day. Needless to say I have progressed in to different types of of embroidery since then.
The first needlework project I recall stitching is a cross-stitch (on monk’s cloth) of a lady at a spinning wheel. It was something to keep me busy while visiting my granny’s house when I was 6 or 7. That piece hung around until I put it into a crazy “memory” quilt. I also have the little piece of stitching my then 5 year old brother did – it’s probably the last time he ever had a needle in his hand! His was just a few lines of stitches but it is quite special to me. It made its way into the same crazy quilt.
My very first stitching project was a surface embroidery (cotton floss on cotton fabric) potholder for Mother’s Day when I was 9 or 10. It was a split stitch/stem stitch/French knots flower with “MOM” split stitched underneath. My maternal grandma showed me the stitches, then took care of finishing it into a peach potholder with rick rack trim.
When my mom passed away in 2011, I had completely forgotten about it and didn’t think to ask about it when my dad was divvying up her belongings. After I took up stitching again a couple years ago, I started thinking back to my sporadic earlier attempts and remembered the potholder. Amazingly my dad not only still had it, but was using it regularly! He gave it to me and bought new potholders
I’m actually planning my first gold work project right now–red goldwork crabs on a memorial fabric collage about my mom (she was a Cancer who loved all things sparkly).
If you count needlepoint as embroidery, there’s a plastic canvas needlepoint ornament on my Christmas tree that I did when I was a Brownie in Girl Scouts. I don’t really remember making it though. 🙂
The first thing I ever stitched was the lapels on my school blazer. Little flowers and vines. Needless to say it didnt go down too well with the school administration, but it did start my love of embroidery.
My first project besides sewing card was a cross stich stamped sampler from
the local 5 and 10 cent store.
It was all one color but I was a young girl and thought it was wonderful!
Thanks for the memory recall !
My first embroidery project was a iron on transfer of a teddy bear. About
1967 ish. Does anyone else remember those? My Mom still has it
Hi Mary
My first embroidery project was surface stitchery on a wool blanket , pattern was from Inspirations magazine.
Catherine
My first stitches were done spending an evening, a week-end or overnight at my grandparents. My grandmother Ida was always doing needle work of some kind. She would show me the process be it knit, crochet, quilt, embroidery, cross stitch, tatting and slowly explained step by step as she went. Then the thrill of taking a stitch as she watched and directed.
My first all by myself project was a pillow case with a kitten transfer when I was about 8.
Gold work has enchanted me for decades. Yet, I have not found the confidence to begin.
Sadly, embroidery and other needle art, became lower on the priority list through the years. Time to fix that.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
My first embroidery project was a dresser scarf with a horse jumping over a shrubbery fence. He was shades of brown with a red bridle. I was about 9 years old when I stitched it. Am now 71. The dresser scarf is still being used in my guest room. I love it!
Thanks Mary and Carole for a lovely giveaway! My first project was my name, in cross stitch, in variegated purple thread on some kind of very stiff open canvas. I don’t have it but I can still see it in my mind’s eye after nearly thirty years. I still enjoy cross stitch but I dislike both variegated threads and the colour purple…
The first project I can remember I must have been under 10 and had a kit with a few designs and thick thread of some sort (wool?) to stick them with. All I can remember is that the ink that printed the design on the mesh was really thick and filled up a lot of the squares so it was annoying to create the holes to stitch in.
I stitched 2 small round stamped dollies, used outline, lazy daisy and exceptionally bad french knots. My Mother did a crotcheted edging on them. This was about 55 years ago, I have displayed in my guest bathroom now.
My first embroidery was done in 6th grade. We made Noel banners in school. I still have it and put it up 50 years later!!!!
My very first embroidery project was a new felt t-shirt for my Winnie the Pooh bear. He was extremely loved and his original felt shirt had become very worn so my mom made a new one and she taught me how to do a chain stitch to put the name Pooh on it in yellow thread. It turned out great, a little on an angle, but I was about 5 or 6 at the time.
The first embroidery I ever stitched was a seaside scene with a little girl, sandcastle and numerous shells. It was far too ambitious for a first time cross stitch, but I like the subject, and after confirming with my sister, a long time cross stitcher, that this was what she did, counted cross stitch, I purchased it. The colours were gorgeous, but I struggled, as there were all sorts of different cross stitch, half, quarter, backstitch, and stitching on ribbons, all a bit bamboozling. I did finish in the end, and was reasonably happy with it, the outlining left a bit to be desired, but overall not bad. It now hangs proudly on one of my granddaughter’s bedroom wall. I often have a chuckle when I reflect back, and see how far I have come.
This first piece gave me the bug for learning more and more techniques. I am forever looking for new techniques, and goldwork is in my ‘to learn’ list. I am always fascinated by this technique and always looks stunning!
Thank you for providing this opportunity.
Margaret
Years ago when you were doing the Tudor rose I bought all the goldwork supplies from Hedgehog and there they sit. I would like this book because it would get me going with instructions to finally try gold work with my supplies.
My very first embroidery project was when I was about 9 years old (52 years ago). I had the mumps and had to stay at home for 3 weeks. My mum pulled out a box of tangles cottons, and a few items she had stored away to embroider one day. They were all printed linens, and the first one to grab my attention was a small table cloth. I still have this item! Cottons are faded and some are threadbare, but it still amazes me to see what I did manage to do when I knew very little about any type of embroidery!!
Wishing you endless happiness
Melanie
Vancouver Island, Canada
Embroidery…I hated it. My first ever embroidery project was a shaped waisband on a pink homespun apron when I was in year 7 at high school. It was embroideted with lazy daisies.
I was hopeless and my teacher was anything but happy with my efforts.
I don’t think I ever did another piece of embroidery until I was about to become a grandmother. That first grandson is 21 this month and I am addicted. There aren’t enough hours in the day for me to do all the embroidery I want to do.
Today I am one member of an embroidery group doing a demonstration at our regional art gallery. That’s a long way from my year 7 attempts. My teacher would be proud.
My grandmother taught me some basic embroidery when I was very young. We would buy stamped tea towels, aprons, and pillow cases at the 5 and dime. As an adult, I made a counted cross stitch wedding sampler in honor of her 60th wedding anniversary . My grandfather cried when he unwrapped the gift. I’ll always remember that.
The first item I ever stitched was a vest I had sewn for a 4-H project.
My first project was on a rainy summer afternoon at my aunts house in Rhode Island. She always had a project going and i watched her in awe. That afternoon she handed me a hoop with a piece of linen tightly pulled and a needle and thread. Loop stitch, after loop stitch I created a daisy, then a leaf…….that was 50 years ago at the age of 6. I have never stopped stitching. and over the years any time someone has watched an shown interest, I pull out a hoop and do the same thing my aunt did for me.
First ever embroidery project was a pillow case and/or dish towels with my grandma who taught me to stitch. Greatest compliment I’ve ever gotten was from grandma. She said, “The back of your stitching is as neat and pretty as the front.” Preened for days on that compliment. I started stitching at about age 7…Miss my grandma!
My Mother taught me to embroider when I was about 9 yo. The first real project I did was simple monograms on some sheets when I was 17.
Mary,
My first embroidery project was a stamped design on a pillow case – I think it was a simple floral “sprig” and I remember trying to perfect my french knots for the lavender bits. I was 8 or 9 when I did this project – so 45 years ago!! My grandma figured that I should start working on things for my “hope chest”. I completed it but didn’t really want to complete a second one so I remember using it for many years. It eventually started to wear a bit thin so it was relegated to the linens used for camping where it must have eventually been destroyed as a rag. Lots of years of use and I don’t recall that the stitching ever gave out. Amazing really.
Heather M.
I love owls and had just learned to do needlepoint. I saw a small kit, including a wooden frame and it was of an owl. I read the directions and off I went. I now do ribbon and stumpwork and design some of my own projects. I really love the feel of fabric and thread in my hands.
The first embroidery project I made was on a piece of denim that I cut from a pair of jeans. My grandmother gave me a D.M.C booklet that had embroidery stitches in it. I practiced the stitches that summer and made a pencil case with the fabric. I remember spending my allowance on thread that summer.I was hooked and fell in love with stitching.
When I was a kid I embroidered Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. Still have it.
My first stitching project was when I was a Brownie Girl Scout. It probably was a stamped cross stitch towel or stand scarf. My Mom did hand work and I learned to knit and crochet from her as well.
Have a couple of Gold Work projects going that I could use help with. This book sounds as if it would go a long way in encouraging me to get back to them.
My first memory of doing embroidery was when I was about 9 years old. I was visiting my grandmother one day, and when leaving
Gran rolled up a small piece of fabric and put it under my arm. She said “here, take this home and one day you will fill out this design.” So after about a year I had mom buy a few colors of DMC thread and I followed the stamped design about friendship. I still have the work, now framed and hanging in my guest room. It reminds me that, while not perfect, it was a beginning.
I so thank my mom for teaching me to embroider. I did dish towels with her when I was little and when I think of the time she took with me when she had 8 kids and was always overwhelmed with work on a farm and with no indoor plumbing until I was 15. She was such a sweetheart!
I was about 10 years old. My grandmother tried to teach me . I remember flour sack dish towels . By the time I was 12 she died . But I kept trying and still playing with different embroidery. I am 60 now and doing my best to keep learning. I have my grandmothers rocking chair . The memories and experience I remembered is being past down to my granddaughter and believe me she is trying . I laugh at her because of my memories ,it’s such a joy
My first stitching project (that I can remember clearly) was a hideous yellow flower, surface stitching and applique, on a brown apron. It was set for us in high school.
My first embroidery that I can remember was the “jean art”. I embroidered constantly on a favorite pair of jeans. It was fun and an on-going project that was constantly changing.
My first embroidery project was a pair of pillowcases using an iron-on pattern of Siamese cats and flowers. Learned outline, satin, buttonhole, lazy daisy stitches, plus lots of French knots. Thanks Mom!
The first proper needlework project I ever stitched was a Jenny McWhinney class called bunnies and butterflies. From then on I was hooked.
Beautiful cover on that book. Would love to win.
My first needlework project was done when I was in first grade or thereabouts. I had big plastic needle, yarn, and burlap on which I made running and chain stitches. I don’t think I could call it a sampler; it was an activity to keep me quiet and out of mom’s way.
Oh, Oh,Oh. I’ve wanted to learn goldwork for the longest time. I can’t remember my first embroidery project (?girl scouts?), but I remember learning embroidery from some real masters during my time on the Smocking Arts Guild of America national board in the 1980’s. Two names come immediately to mind, Margaret Pierce and Julia Golson. Wish I could remember the rest! Thank you for your consideration.
My first embroidery was smocking and I made 2 dresses for
my daughters that was back in 1982
I love working with the thread colors and the designs
regards
Carole Ottawa,Canada
This looks fantastic!
My first project was a felt hippo stuffed animal. I learned how to do a blanket stitch
Hi Mary, my friend, the first ever embroidery I did was a printed on doily when I was a child. I am now 76 and do all sorts of embroidery. No need for stitch instruction books now on how to do an unusual stitch, I just Google your site and there’s a video. Googled granitos stitch yesterday, a new one to me, great. I am going to embroider some bees this afternoon.
Best wishes from me over here in New Zealand.
Judy.
Hi Mary, My first embroidery project was a 6″ tall gingerbread man cut out of brown felt (by my mom). I had to attach him to a piece of cranberry colored velveteen, then stitch and applique his features using a variety of stitches. So he was a sampler, and my mom taught me the various stitches as I worked on it. She recently gave it to me (keeping it all these years!). I had it remounted and framed. I was about 7 and my mom was a home-ec teacher. So I started learning embroidery at a young age, and have been at it ever since (I’m now 60+). Thanks for the give-away!
My very first project was a cross-stitch bookmark with L-O-V-E. I didn’t know then that the x-s should all go in the same direction and that the back of the project should be neat. I don’t remember how old I was then, but I still have this bookmark in my Bible.
My first embroidery project was when my paternal grandmother took me to the local Montgomery Wards store & bought me stamped embroidery pillowcases & some Coats & Clarks embroidery thread to work them. (that dates me!) She taught me to do all the stitches, including lazy daisy stitches & french knots for those pillowcases. I’ll be forever grateful to her for teaching me to not be afraid to try any kind of needlework!
I would love to win this book since I haven’t really tried much goldwork yet & have been eager to get more experience with it. Thanks again, Mary, for a wonderful blog & a great giveaway!
Julie Harvey
I had a neighbor who from her home stitched brides shoes and some bodice work for a famous Bridal Designer here in the Boston MA area. I was about 8 years old and was so fascinated with her work. She inspired me to learn to embroidery at that young age. I was very proud of the gingham book bag we made in grade school. I embroidered my name onto it.
I’m sure I’ve done a few embroidery projects, but the one I actually remember was started while I was pregnant with my first son (18 years ago). I used a Celtic zoomorphic design, which was stitched in blues and purples. I didn’t finish it, each time I’ve been pregnant I’ve done a little more, but it’s still not quite complete and I’m not sure I can match the thread colours exactly to finish it well. Maybe one day I’ll complete it, or use what’s done on a garment or accessory.
My first embroidery project was a Christmas gift for my grandfather. He always had coffee candies in his car. My mom helped me see a draw string bag that I embroidered with the words”car candy” on it and gave to him. He used it all the time. My grandmother passed it on to me after he passed away and I started driving my own car.
In high school (back in the 70’s) I made a Sunbonnet Sue/Overall Sam quilt. The pieces were needle turn applique and Mom showed me how to embroider a cute little “swish” on the boy’s hats and a swish with lazy daisy on the girl’s hats. That made me more interested in embroidery so the next all embroidered project was a cute little girl on my jeans. Her hair was full of French Knots. I fell in love but when I began my first job I put my floss aside next to all my x-stitch projects and now I’m getting reacquainted since retirement. Awwww….the memories.
One of my first projects I embroider wasca picture with a boy and a girl. This project was done in an out line stitch and paten stitch..I gsve to my math teacher.
My first project was at Girl Scout day camp. I embroidered a primitive cat on left over brown upholstery fabric my Mom had with DMC fibers and made it into a pillow. I still have it and love it. My love (addiction) with needlearts began then.
Thanks for a chance to win, I haven’t dipped my toes into gold work yet and think this would be a wonderful stepping off point.
Mary Flynn
my first stitching was when I was 7 yrs old. It was a ovencloth made of sacking & decorated with rows of cross stitch. I still have it!
Thank you for the chance to enter! I don’t remember my earliest one from the age of 5 when my grandmother taught me the basics of embroidery but I do remember the first project I did on my own. In 7th grade, my home ecc class had us sew backpacks with a pocket. I decided to make mine with horrible red/blue nautical motifs and on the pocket I decided to longstitch an orca (killer whale). Overall it looked silly but the embroidery wasn’t too bad – I got an A on the project!
My first embroidery project was a cross stitch project. Back in the 1950s, it was popular to iron on cross stitch designs and work them on fabric. I think it was the corner of a table cloth. Later, I learned about counted cross stitch.
Hi Mary,
My dear Mum gave me a tablecloth to work in stem, lazy daisy and French knot stitches when I was about eight or nine. I think to keep me quietly occupied! I worked on it for a few years and when I started work at 15 I bought some fabric and a book and have been stitching ever since.
Thanks for your interesting emails, always pleased to see a new one in my inbox,
Happy stitching, Jan.
Hi Mary,
The first project that I remember stitching was a lovely stitchery picture of a colonial lady and a handsome gentleman, and a lovely little proverb underneath. I think that I picked it out in a local five and ten, which sold a lot of little stitchery pictures on linen, and my Mom helped me learn the different stitches. It was a joy to stitch, and I still have it after all these years.
Best wishes to you!
The first project I did was a table doily done on green Aida with large squares when I was in primary school.
My fiest embroidery project was pillowcases. My mom has a set of pillow cases my great, great, great grandmother stitched that have, obviously, been in our family for years. I wanted to recreate the design on a new set of pillowcases….In hindsight, this should not have been my first embroidery project! Lol! It was definitely a learning experience, I’ll say that!
Hmmmmm Goldwork, the closest I will come to Fort Knox, but easier to carry.
First embroidery project, pillow cases with the old outline style of figures, some satin work letters and finished some tea towels with more simple figures of vegetables, dishes and teapots.
My first project was actually a sampler. As a young preteen, I learned how to embroider in a Junior Farmer group. First, we talked about colour theory and then had to do a sampler using colours we had chosen. However, I think that my most memorable project was the quilt top that I made for my daughter and future husband (now husband). I appliqued (ironed on) pine trees of her chosen fabric and then I did blanket stitch around the edge of every tree (that took a while). I embroidered a little message on the quilt label for the back.
Hi Mary! First, I love your blog.
The first project I ever rember stitching was one of those cards with the pre-punched holes, in the shape of a boat, when I was about four and we had just returned to New Zealand from the US. My grandma punched the holes for me.
My first “grown up” project was cross stitch in my teens. (It was the 80s). I made a Precious Moments picture for my friend’s 15th birthday. (Again, it was the 80s). I also did some florentine stitching on church cushions at about the same time. I do still like counted thread work, especially blackstitch and hardanger, but haven’t done any for years. I love working with wool.
Oh yes! There were some gingham cross stitched aprons in there soon after the boat, too.
The first embroidery project that I stitched was a Holly Hobby pillow years ago. I’ve always loved embroidery. Thank you for the generous giveaway and the chance to win.
When I was six my mother gave me a kit for Christmas. It included a small plastic doll and some clothing pieces to be made for her. The clothing pieces were stamped for embroidery and my mother was a bit of a stickler about the back of your work looking as good as the front as well as the issue of threading needles so the embroidery wasn’t getting done. I went to spend a few days with my Great Aunt Wealthy. She said that she had a solution to my deliema. She taught me about Redwork. A treat that has given me pleasure for many years. I’m 70 and one of the most prolific red workers in our guild. She gave me a pair of etched scissors, that I still have, as well as many lovely memories.
My first embroidery project was Snoopy on top of his dog house which we stitched in girl scouts.
My first embroidery project was a pillowcase I dabbled on when I was 9-10yo and just learning embroidery and sewing. And I haven’t stopped for the past 57 years! I love sewing and quilting.
Hi Mary–
My first embroidery project was stamped cross stitch–two sunbonneted women facing each other, and a verse about friendship. It stitched it in green and pink. I was in third grade, and entered it in the county fair, where it won a ribbon. I was so excited! I still have it, stashed somewhere in my needlework room.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Carol S.
My first embroidery project was a stamped cross stitch birth sampler 45 years ago. I haven’t thought about it until now. I have graduated from that. Now , it design my own projects.
My first attempt at embroidery was also my first attempt at dressmaking. A calico kaftan back in the 7o’s which I embroidered with flowers, stems & leaves around the neck, down the front to just past the waist and around the bottom. I think you would say today that it resembled crewel work except that I embroidered in Anchor thread and being my first attempt you would not have said that it was great but I felt like a queen in it. Having retired now I have joined my local Embroiderers Guild and I’m learning so many different types of embroidery and loving it as well as the friendships made.
My very first embroidery project ever stitched was a Schwalm piece.
The teacher invited me to her Guild where I became a member and
have been intensely stitching ever since…2013!
I don’t remember my first embroidery, but my two favorites are a pillowcase doll that I embroidered for my stepdaughter. Beautiful purple flowers around the hem and an embroidered face. The other was a preemie onesie with a snapfront for my granddaughter. It was deep purple and I did ribbon embroidery flowers on either side of the snaps all down the front. Both girls have passed on now so these are treasured memories for me!
My Grandmother took me to Macy’s in San Francisco and we bought Day-of-the Week Dishtowels to embroider for Mother’s Christmas gift when I was almost eight years old.
I am sure I sewed scraps of fabric as a toddler in a family of crafters and woodworkers there were always offcuts for us to create & play with but I have a number of pieces still in my possession from my primary school days – my exercise book with samplers, a beige aida table mat with brown cross stitches at each end and fringed edges, another table mat with a turned hem held down by orange herringbone stitch and a bright blue appliqued fish which holds a gingham napkin in its’ mouth. I also have a finger puppet which I made from felt (my own design!) with embroidered face and bonnet held on with stitching…..it is the lone survivor from a series my brother and I would have made for our puppet shows. During my teens did tapestry on canvas (needlepoint) and my first project as a “grown up” was a cross stitched bib for my new nephew featuring mother, father and baby rabbits. I cross stitched for a number of years before finding stumpwork and creative embroidery and haven’t looked back since, designing many of my own works. I have been teaching embroidery on and off for over 10 years and the first project I taught was a stumpwork pansy.
I embroidered a vine and flowers on the color, cuffs and placket of my favorite chambray shirt when I was 16. I still have the shirt more than 40 years later!
My first embroidery project: In a sixth grade, my Home Ec project was a simple brown and white gingham bib apron. It had straight stitches and looked nice (front & back!). However, my grandmother said it was incomplete and went for her tin of embroidery thread. I was put to work on the bib and pockets – a simple cross stitch snowflake design of onto the gingham squares. The embroidery thread was orange. Bad choice on my part since mistakes were somewhat noticeable. Still, the lessons of tidy hand sewing almost 60 years ago with my grandmother are memories I treasure. I still have that old apron, which was used and gently abused, plus tone one Grandma made for me (still pristine!!).
My biggest regret…. I did not buckle down and learn tatting from her. She tatted on everything!
Hello,
My first embroidery project was pink flowers stitched on a yellow pillowcase. One of the mothers down the street taught us how to embroider by ironing on designs to a pillowcase we brought from home. From then on, I was hooked!
Thank you for helping me remember!
My first embroidery project was a cross stitch sampler and I was hooked.
My first little stitch project was finishing off a dressing table set that my mother had started. She always felt that she was too impatient to hand embroider preferring to sew on her beloved treadle machine. I still have part of it and the stitching is evident of being self taught!
My first embroidery project was a small pillow. I love all kinds of embroidery, and I usually give my projects away to family and friends.
I would love to learn to do gold work embroidery. Thank you for the help from your website.
My first embroidery project was a pillowcase, prestamped.
My Nana taught me to stitch on waste canvas when I was 5 or 6. I’ve been stitching in many varieties ever since! Thanks for the question! The memory brought a smile to my face!
The first embroidery that I remember doing was a squirrel that my Father drew in a piece of cotton. There were some other animals too, but the squirrel sticks in my mind. I think I was about 8 years old.
I think my first project was a handkerchief for my mother. It was done in our school sewing lesson. I think I was in the fifth grade. My first adult project was a Casalguidu in a workshop with Effie Mitrofanis. Goldwork is a mystery to me but I do admire it.
Over 35 years ago I thought that I would/could embroider a cover for my bible to carry at my wedding. I did not have an embroidery book, of course there wasn’t the web, and I can’t even think why I would attempt it. I did. My huge wonderful design turned into a simple cross with some kind of made up woven stitch. Fortunately it was covered with an arrangement of fresh, small orchids. The only visible part of the cover was white fabric peaking out. The bible was old from my family and I was glad to have it as part of my day. Wish I knew then what I know now – speaking of embroidery of course. 🙂
My very first project was my Camp Fire Girl blue felt vest when I was about 9. I used a lot of lazy daisy stitches. I got so confident, I incorporated my achievement beads. All in all, it looks pretty sad but the embroidery has held. And yes, I still have it.
Thanks for all you do. I really enjoy your website.
I remember buying a set of white cotton pillow cases. On one I embroidered “His” and on the other I enbroidered “Hers”. I used double strand medium blue cotton DCM embroidery thread, and used the backstitch. Then I carefully wrapped them in gift wrap. I gave my father the “his” case and my mother the “hers” case as Christmas presents. Every time I saw them being used on their bed I felt so proud! I was in grade school, probably 4th or 5th grade.
The very first embroidery project was a bag for her Barbie dolls and clothes. It was like a messenger bag with a picture of a young girl gardener and she’s watering her flowers. I also wrote my daughter’s name and embroidered it. Wow, so many mistakes! I look at that and compare it to what I have done in the following years, there is no comparison. However, I have never been any prouder of any of my projects that that very first one I did. My daughter, grown with children of her own, still has it to this day.
My first project was as a small child doing crow stitch embroidery on gingham apron with my mom.
It was a flying ship beginners crewel kit, we enjoyed it for many years. Deedie
My first stitch was a free greeting card kit from a magazine given to me by a friend. It was a Christmas tree made up of green teddies with pink eyes. My mum still has it. 🙂
I was five and my aunt gave me a pillowcase to embroider. She really did it to keep me out of her hair. Little did she know she started a lifetime of stitching.
The first embroidery pattern I can remember was a koala design in which the bear was sitting in a eucalyptus tree. I was in the military and I started working on it while I had a 3 hr wait between flights going overseas to my next duty assignment. I eventually made it into a pillow—-which I still have today.
The first thing I can remember embroider was flannel baby blanket. but that was over 50 years ago.
My first needlework project was in 3rd grade summer school. I stitched a colorful mushroom using regular yarn on burlap. It was the 70s….lol
Girls at Hollywood High School were all required to take a Sewing class in the first semester of 10th grade (I believe it was actually called “Clothing” and it was followed the second semester by “Foods”) and the first project was to embroider my name on the pocket of my new gym shirt. By the time I had finished my long last name I was an expert at chain stitch!
My first piece, I still have, was on pink linen of a little house and tree, birds and sun mostly stitched with straight stitches or outline stitch. And a lazy daisy stitch for a flower.
My first project was a placemat on pink (a particularly nasty shade!) fabric with bright green leaves and white flowers in lazy daisy stitch. There was some chain stitch too. I still have it (50+ years later) and it’s awful – glad to say I’ve moved on ……!!
For Christmas one year I put initials on handkerchiefs.
I remember it vividly. I was 7 years old and giving both grandfathers a set of 6 white handkerchiefs with his initials on them. One grandfather was JEB and the other was CFD. The curves gave me fits, but my mom talked me through the process and about a month later, they were ready for Christmas.
The joyous reaction is what hooked me on needlework!
Claudia
The first needlework project (that I remember) was an oven cloth made of hessian and embroidered in a variety of simple stitches, a sort of sampler, using scraps of woollen yarn. Once the embroidery was done, Mum stitched a pretty, blue patterned piece of fabric around it to bind it and make a loop so it could be hung near the oven. I think I must have been 6 or 7 years old when I stitched it. A far cry from the gorgeous work in Ruth Chamberlin’s book! But I remember being very proud of it.
What was the first embroidery project you ever stitched? Well, that would be a design featuring the newspaper comic character, Ziggy. It was just the word “Hi” in big blue letters with a little Ziggy standing next to it. I remember getting so tired of stitching all that darn blue that my mom did part of it for me! Not sure whatever happened to the fished piece though – it hung on my bedroom wall for years.
The first embroidery I really remember was a kit my aunt Rhoda brought me when I was 9 years old, for my birthday. I know I was already dabbling because it called for French knots and I was very confident I would do a good job of it. It was of a couple yellow daffodils and when I finished it, I gave it back to her as a framed picture. This was back in the day when frames were included in the kits. It was just a couple of flowers, a beginners kit, but it was my first “real” embroidery experience. I remember gluing it down with elmers to a piece of cardboard! I have no idea why, but I remember my complete frustration. She had that thing until I was in my mid-twenties. She died a few years ago, and I miss her still sometimes. That book for gold work is what I need now, I just started a project for my church, for Corpus Christi, that has a lot of gold work in it and I am failing, fast! Thanks for the opportunity Mary! Hoping your next appt. is good news 😀
My first embroidery project was when I was about 6 or 7 ~ just a wee running stitch and cross stitch picture.
I belong to a stitching group….. called – Friends with threads – always in stitches.
We have been meeting for 5 years once a week. We are all willing to try new and interesting needlework. We have even made our own looms for weaving and many other interesting things like hardanger, needlepoint, Swedish weaving, Romanian point lace, Brazilian embroidery and the list goes on. Right now we are doing Teneriff. Would love to try the gold work.
I remember it like it was yesterday. It was 52 years ago and I used a chain stitch to embroider the Girl Scouts logo in gold on a round green pillow!
The first project I ever stitched was a wonky crewel fish, for my fisherman father. I was nine, and it was a blue and orange tangle! He loved it anyway.
My first embroidery piece was a stumpwork class with Jane Nicholas, I was lost every time she said the name of the stitch. A month before that class I joined the EGA in Texas and every thing was a nightmare. English is my second language and all these instructions were overwhelming me and it was a big, big challenge but I was very happy learning and I am still doing my projects little by little. By the way., thank you for your stitching videos. Not only do I learn my stitches but also new words in English.
A big hug.
The earliest embroidery project I rember was a cross stitch eagle on coral cooler scrap fabric with red, white and blue variegated floss. I was eight or nine at the time and my mom taught me cross stitch to keep me busy when I was home sick. Forty plus years later I stilll love sewing.
One of the first embroidery projects I remember, was a felt needle book with blanket stitch around the edges and an embroidered 4 leaf 4-H clover in the middle. One of my favourites was stitched about a year later…a linen tray cloth with my initial satin stitched in variegated pink DMC in the corner. Two 4-H projects at about age 9 and 10. Thanks to those volunteer leaders!!!
My most memorable is embroidering on my Levi 501s in Junior High School. 45 years ago! I still love needlework.
It was an old Hungarian rustic wall hanger with printed pattern stitched with cotton perle threads.I stitched it with very simple stitches.It was something with flowers, sorry I do not remember it correctly it was like 20 years ago.
My first needlepoint I remember doing was a Sunset kit. I loved the look of all the different stitches, before this kit I had only seen needlepoint done in a tent stitch
I am so glad I found your site. You are informative and inspirational.
My first embroidery project was a cross stitch teacloth–roses in the 4 corners of a muslin cloth, iron on transfer. I was 9 or 10, and it took me a few rows to realize that it looked better if I made the top cross of the x’s all go the same way. I didn’t think to try shading the roses, though looking back at it later I realized I could have, to give them more definition. Oh well, it was my first and my daughter has it now. Just as I kept a small tray cloth that my Mother had worked on when she was a child.
I don’t remember exactly what my first project was, but it was probably a pillow case or, more likely, a dresser scarf. I did a lot of dresser scarves when I was growing up. I used dresser scarfs on all my dressers when I was growing up. I stopped when I got married, because I knew my husband wouldn’t want any such thing on top the dresser or chest-on-chest we had in our bedroom. I think I have given all of them away or sold them in garage sales.
The first embroidery I remember was stitchin on Aida fabric at primary school. I then bought a Penelope kit when I was about 12 , it was bright orange with purple and included beads! Thank you for the opportunity to win.
I think my first embroidery was an American flag in elementary school. Unfortunately, I haven’t done much with it since then. I do a lot of cross stitch. I do want to do more embroidery, however. Goldwork is one technique I would love to learn. Thank you for the opportunity to win this great book!
Cross stitch!! That was my first, thanks to my mother. We had a little book with lots of little patterns and we stitched them one by one .
But my favorite is my latest..”Hope”. Not sure if you remember, but I had posted it in stitchinfingers.
My first ever project, with help from my Nan White, was a tray cloth without an iron-on pattern of flowers and arabesques. She taught me stem, satin, lazy daisy and French knots and I remember particularly loving the space-dyed cottons which she had in blue, pink and lavender. I thought it was so cool to get different colour petals on my flowers.
Maybe I was 8 or 9. I had to spend some time in bed and taught myself to to do two colour chain stitch from the Arthur Mee’s Encyclopedias. That’s over 50 years ago! I made Mum a pin cushion, also from the Encyclopedias with MUM traced out in the magic chain stitch. Mum got such a surprise, she had no idea I was doing it, or that I’d raided her embroidery cottons and fabrics for my project! Found it with her things after she passed away so I still have it.
Hoping your Dad is going okay Mary.
Cheers, Kath
My first was from a kit given to me by my godmother when I was about 7 or 8. I think it was a picture of a girl with flowers. My godmother gave me some tips for how to do it and showed me how to separate the strands of floss. I fell in love with embroidery right then and there. Fond memories. 🙂
My first embroidery project was a a “sampler” doily containing stitches used in “Punto Antico”…..I was 51……and I’ve loved embroidery ever since.
I have to thank my gifted embroidery teacher, Palma Egidi, for this.
Hello,
The first project I did was a kit called Oriental Garden by Pat Zitomer way back in the 1980’s
I hope I win the book
Bye,
Rosa
Hello Mary,
My first memory on working an embroidered piece was when I was about ten years old. I had a lovely teacher called Miss Melmoth and she was the dear lady who introduced me to embroidery. I made a chair back cover in the Jacobean style, using cotton Perles. When the article was finished I had to stand in front of the whole school to show it off. I still remember how embarrassed I was, but my mother was thrilled to receive it from me.
I still have that chair back, and I am now 71 years old. My love for stitching is greater than ever, and I stitch every day and share my love and experience with other people who are just beginning their creative journey.
Thank you for your very interesting and informative posts.
Kind regards,
Brenda Sortwell
I’m pretty sure my first attempt at needlework was when I was about 7 or 8 and was a small preprinted tapestry canvas with a flower. My first embroidery project was also a flower which I think my Mum still has some 40 years later.
My first embroidery project was a pillow case that i embroidered in School and i was so proud of it. my mother kept it for years. i was hooked on embroidery from there and i still love it.
The first stitching I remember doing was on pillowcases. It would have been stamped embroidery. Thank you for the chance to win this most interesting looking book!
The first embroidery project that I stitched was a sampler – I was around 8 years old. Someone gave it to me at a family reunion and then all of my aunts helped with it.
Thank you.
Hi! Thanks for this great opportunity. If I recall right, my first embroidery project was a small bag I made in the first class. We used satin sticthes (didn’t no the name at the time!) to make a mushroom. I really enjoyed making it and it kind of blowed my mind – anything could be sticthed on fabric! But it took many many years until I actually started to make embroidery on my spare time.
A cross stitch birth sampler for my son who is now 31 years old!
The first project I ever stitched was a Dresden plate pattern. It took me forever to complete. I practiced stitches before I put them in my project.
The timing for this is perfect- I’m contemplating doing goldwork on a felted piece that’s in process right now and I really don’t know how to do it!
I don’t remember my exact first embroidered piece but I spent most of my high school years (40 years ago!) embroidering everything I owned- my shoes, my pants and my jean jacket 🙂
thank you for doing this!
My first embroidery project,when I was about 8, was a printed cross stitch piece (not sure what was on it) probably bought as a kit from Woolworths.
The first embroidery project I did was the usual school project of a mat with running stitches and cross stitches an that was about it. Then I embroidered tray cloths for my mother and aunts an tale cloths for wedding presents. I was 11 or 12 when I started a sampler for Prince Charles birth produced by the RSN.
Favorite project was a little floral cosmetic bag which had been featured on the cover of Inspirations. Each type of flower was fun to do. A nice gift for my bedridden sister.
The first project I remember stitching was a picture of an embroidered Holly Hobby doll .
my first piece of needlework was a long stitch bell-pull that I purchased in Bergen, Norway. The design is typically Norwegian & has hand carved wooden bell-pull hardware. I still have the piece & it was worked when I was 25 years old- I am now 70 & still love this piece.
My first piece that I embroidered was a tea towel made by my mother from a flour bag. I remember being very intrigued by these patterns in the newspaper that you could order and with my mothers permission I ordered a set. Thus began my love for embroidery for the last 50 years or so!
My first project as a very young child was outlining cute animals which had been pre-punched with laces. Next came embroidering my initial within a satin stitched circle onto a paint bag made in Home Economics class in grade 7. I loved doing crewel work and various embroidery projects. I am a proud member of Canadian Embroiderer’s Guild in London, Ontario.
The Brownie promise stamped cross stitch sampler. Long gone never saved.
My first embroidery project was a cat pattern. I was only about 10 so it wasn’t my finest project but I got hooked and have enjoyed creating projects for many years!
I can’t pass an opportunity to go into a fabric/ craft store without looking for new projects, threads, needles, etc.
My first project would have been a pre-stamped pillowcase/towel/doily/etc. that was sold in the dime stores, and I most likely used Anchor floss. Ah, the 1950s and the state of needle arts back then. But even though it was something simplistic I derived much satisfaction from it, as I still stitch today and have tried many different facets of embroidery over the years.
A little cross stitch fish!
I started my first one January 1st 2017 as my new years resolution. I have to look up every stitch and sometimes it is hard to find a good reference. Then I practice before I add it to my piece. I hope to finish this year.
My first embroidery project was a crewel needlework kit. I had begun a crewel embroidery class with Marion Scoular (sp?) and was fascinated with it. That class began a long history of the love of embroidery and other types of needlework.
Dear Mary,
Probably the first project that I ever did was a dish towel for my mother. It was full of flowers made from French knots and daisy stitches. I think one side said “Dry me” in backstich. I was probably about nine when I made it.
Thanks for another great giveaway !!
Carrie PlaneNut
Hi Mary…first thank you for all your inspiration and tutorials…couldn’t move forward without the help
My first embroidery..if I remember correctly was a pillowcase with a preprinted crossstitch pattern…thanks
My first embroidery was a “kit” my mother put together for me for Christmas when I was 6 years old. She drew the design on linen and included thread, needle, and a hoop.
I wish I still had that piece. It was a black cat sitting in the grass under a tree. I embroidered giant green eyes on the cat with blanket stitch pinwheels. The result was a bit scary, but I had fun experimenting with different stitches.
A set of pillow cases with an embroidered floral border.
The first thing I remember embroidering was a little square I bought a the 5&10 store. I think they were called penny squares. I wish i had some of those now…alas they are long gone!
Cathy, Remus MI
My first embroidery project was a needlepoint dog bone that says “welcome”. I used tent stitch and my first specialty stitch, scotch, for the background. It’s hanging in my laundry room.
The first embroidery project I stitched was a Barbie sleeping bag. I was kind of lazy about it and made large stitches that didn’t look very good. It was a learning experience though.
first time visitor–my first embroidery project was when I was about 6 or 7 and I still have it–I made a dresser scarf with pretty flowers!
The embroidery I most remember was a big tablecloth in Hardanger which I gave to my mum in Mothers day. I think it is at list 30 years ago and she still use it. A good memory in the moment she got it and se the happiness
My first embroidery was on a dress for my baby daughter some 20 odd years ago. I remember that it also had some smocking on it.
A small piece in Girl Scouts. Just getting the needle threaded was hard! We were using a knot at the end of our thread and I believe it was the size of a small ball! The next time I tried my hand at it was when my mom took up quilting, and I embroidered a quilt design instead of piecing it together. Just this week tried a bit of gold work on my own. I could use some help! Your website is invaluable. Ruth Chamberlin’s book looks like exactly what I need, too! Keeping my fingers crossed. Thank you!
Kim Weight.
My first embroidery project was a pin wheel with a ladybird with animated wings (is that stump work?) three months ago! I’m now doing a dragonfly, again with raised wings and metallic thread (nightmare-there must be a knack to it). I’m longing to do a Tudor Rose with gold work as I live in a C16th house. I’m guessing the sampler would be best to start with! Best of all, embroidery has proved to be great distraction therapy. I have severed nerves in my arm and when I embroider I have no pain. Well, apart from my back because I become engrossed and embroider for too long at a time. Again, I need to find the knack of sitting correctly. The book looks like just the thing to get me started.
The first thing I ever embroidered was a blackwork bookmark at a class for Moms and daughters 22 years ago. I was instantly hooked. I was fortunate to have many opportunities after that to try different techniques. With no any fear and lots of doodle cloths I continue to find joy with needle and thread and explore yet further techniques…..
I learned stitching from my grandmother. The first project was a stamped teddy bear on a handkerchief done in surface stitches. Unfortunately I no longer have it. However, I do have my second project, 3 tea towels with iron-on transfers. they have never been used!
My first attempt at embroidery was a stamped cross stitch of two feeding deer. While I do not have it anymore, I remember it fondly. I think it took a while – I was in middle school and did it without any assistance. But I was hooked!
I have never won anything, so here’s hoping….!
Debbie Caruso
First project was Victorian women I took a monthly class i would like to try gold work but a little intimidated by it
My first embroidery project was probably a cross stitch apron on gingham. I think we called it “chicken scratch”. It was a pink gingham apron, and I used white embroidery floss for the cross stitches.
I don’t remember my first project. I use to save my babysitting money and buy kits from the dime store. I think they were Bucilla crewel embroidery and they came with everything except a hoop. I remember doing turkey work. It was fun.
The first project I ever stitched was a little bear sawing a board that my grandmother ironed on a piece of cotton for me. I was probably 7 or 8.
Though I did sewing and knitting growing up, I didn’t get into any kind of stitching until I was a young mother and discovered kits. I tried many kinds of stitching and then put them all aside for a few years. About 20 years ago, I happened across a project I wanted to try, and then I was hooked. Needlepoint, cross stitch, white work, gold work, stumpwork, – well, you get the idea.
My mother drew 4 large dashed lines on about a one foot square piece of muslin fabric and let me pick out the colors of floss for stitching when I was about 3 or 4 years old. I don’t really remember the sewing itself, but after I had stitched up some very wonky lines she sewed on some borders and made it into a doll quilt which I cherished for many years to come! Not to mention sparking a lifetime love of stitching!
I know that the guilt from possibly winning this book would motivate me to work with gold threads. My first remembered embroidery was outline stitching portrait baby’s face for my cousin’s baby quilt (and she was born in 1958). My Mom organized relatives to each stitch a baby’s face for a quilt block (I’m now probably one of the last two still alive). After all these years, I’m still involved in baby quilts: six done this year & heard another niece is due this August! Great-aunt Chris, eh?
My first embroidery pieces were stamped kits sold by the Whitman Candy Company in the 1960s. They included offers to order kits with their candy sampler boxes. I did a growth chart and an indian prayer among others.
My first embroidery project was s little 4×4″ kit of a basket of yellow posies with a fuzzy bumblebee hovering over it. It was made with yarns and I took the finished product and made it into a little pillow that I use to this day as a sweet little pincushion. I’ve already purchased this book and it is wonderful. I want to use it to create a beautiful large elaborate initial for last names, framed and given as gifts for my family. I would use the copy if I win as a gift to one of my sisters.
My first project ever stitched was a kit I purchased at Wal-Mart. Of course, I didn’t fully understand the directions so I almost messed it up.
Thank for the give-a-way. I always look forward to reading your newest article, Mary. You are so wonderful in showing us how to do spectacular stitching without giving any guilt for making mistakes.
Thank you for being such an inspiration. I have thourghly enjoyed reading all of your articles. I love your sense of humor too.
On your recommendation I pre-ordered this book and am delighted with it. If I should be so lucky as to win I will gift it to my stitching friend.
Thanks again for all you do.
My first embroidery was when I was a child. I had rummaged around my grandmother’s home and found some of her incompleted work and took it upon myself to do it. She never scolded me, at least that I remember. I have been working with the needle ever since.
Oops. I forgot or answer the guestion. I really do not remember the first piece inevery stitched on but I do remember making a curtain to hang in my dorm room at boarding school. My roommate and I each made one out of burlap and yarn to hang as closet doors.
Thanks again.
So sorry I didn’t get this announcement until Saturday May 6 but I wanted to leave a comment .
I enjoy reading reading your posts. They are witty, full of inspiration and information.
My first embroidery was taught to me at a 2 week summer Bible school at my Church. It was an outline of a pear on a dish/cup towel included the stem and one leaf. After completing, I just thought that I knew everything there was to know about embroidery. Boy was I wrong. I was about 9 years old at the time, some 69 years ago. My fondness has grown through the years until hand embroidery is still a favorite. I gave the towel to my Grandmother. Thank You for your postings. I look forward to reading and learning from each one.
Sincerely, Martha Peterson
I learned to embroider from my mom, I would say around age 8. I don’t remember my first project, but the first project I remember making was a pillow with a Sunbonnet Sue type girl on it. I was in Blue Birds (Campfire Girls) and my mom was the leader, we used burlap and yarn to stitch so it was easier to learn. I remember feeling very special because I already knew how to embroider – that pillow hung around the house for a long time!
My first embroidery project was when I was about 10 years old. My mom had always sat at night and worked on embroidery and I always wanted to learn to do that so one day she sat down with me and showed me how on a simple tea towel with a very easy design. I loved all the colors of thread I got to work with on that first design and was so thrilled she told me what a good job I had done even though it probably wasn’t very good. Then I remember that Christmas my mom gave me a little sewing box with needles and embroidery thread and a stamped pillowcase or towel to embroider and I was thrilled.
I’ve been wanting to try goldwork a long time. This would be a great starter book for me. I love all kinds of embroidery.
The first I remember was an applique. I appliqued an umbrella made of sheer blue fabric on a pillowcase using a blanket stitch. The spokes of the umbrella were back stitches. I was in grade school. 20 years later it was packed with other bedding and fell off our moving truck, never to be found again. My most memorable is Cleopatra’s Cat by Mary Long which our EGA group was allowed to change to other animals. I made a pink Bunny wearing homemade crystal earrings.
My first project was a monogrammed B that was part of an alphabet you allowed us to download for free! It turned out far better than I could have ever guessed!
So sorry I didn’t get this announcement until Saturday May 6 but I wanted to leave a comment .
I enjoy reading reading your posts. They are witty, full of inspiration and information.
My first embroidery was taught to me at a 2 week summer Bible school at my Church. It was an outline of a pear on a dish/cup towel included the stem and one leaf. After completing, I just thought that I knew everything there was to know about embroidery. Boy was I wrong. I was about 9 years old at the time, some 69 years ago. My fondness has grown through the years until hand embroidery is still a favorite. I gave the towel to my Grandmother. Thank You for your postings. I look forward to reading and learning from each one.
Sincerely, Martha Peterson
omaandpapa29@gmail.com
4416 Driftwood Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
P. 361-453-6080
My first embroidery project was a “favor” not a thing you do for someone but a gift that a Queen would give a knight to fight for her. I belonged to a group that prorated from 600ad to 1800,s. I made a circle out of deer hide and found a pattern that fit the art work of the time in history and it was Celtic art of cats interwoven in a circle I did it in a slit stitch in the colors of the time and gave it to a knight that I liked and never saw it or the knight again,
The first thing I embroidered was a small heart on a little quilted zipper bag I made for my sister. Very cute. I’d love to win your book!
My first needlework project was a stamped cross-stitch of Rain Rain Go Away held in a plastic frame. I was about 5 years old. The design had 4-5 colours. I mostly remember the slanting lines of the rain splashing back up from outlined puddles.
Thanks for hosting another great giveaway! I’ve never tried Goldwork, but it fascinates me greatly and I’d love to try it 🙂 My first embroidery was a vintage Alice Brooks transfer I found for free online, with two little Bluebirds sitting on a floral branch. I call it my Bluebirds of Happiness, and I’m still proud of it, even though the stitches are very simple 😉
My first embroidery project (at least that I remember) was a tablecloth stamped with Mexican motifs — I particularly remember the lady with a basket of bananas on her head! I think my grandmother must have given me the blank tablecloth, the transfers, and a box of floss. I was probably about 8-10 years old. Still have the tablecloth and I have seen the transfer for sale on ebay!
I love Needlenthread. Thanku so much. I am making my first quilt. It is a crazy quilt. I love all of the embroidery and buttons. It is just amazing. A wonderful lady by the name of Verna Lee from church introduced me to the quilt guild in Clay Center, Ks – I have met such lovely ladies there they show me love and hope because I am not coordinated “). My friend Suzie is teaching me twilling. I love it. I can’t wait to start the Gold thread. I have finally found a hobby that inspires me. And ur emails help me so much gives me encouragement “). Thanku so much. Sincerely, Jeanette
Like so many young girls, I remember my first embroidery being a set of tea towels for the days and duties of each week. My grandmother taught me to embroider, crochet, and she tried to teach me tatting, but I seemed to put the knots in all the wrong places. I have wonderful memories of her and I am so thankful that she took the time to teach me at such a early age.
Pam Lacey, Hello.
I saw your comment about tatting. I have a memory: My great grandmother tatted all of her bed linens for herself and for a little mountain village hospital. She fell asleep in her great old age for the final time, sitting in her rocking chair tatting. My grandmother gave to my father who gave to me her rimless gold eyeglasses she was wearing and the tatting that she was working on when she died. A fine way to fall asleep…at work with our hands. I cannot recall the name of the hand tool tatter’s use. It is elliptical, wooden, and hand size, with thread going along the outside rim… I believe this is correct… Maybe I will dig it out.
Thanks for the memories,
Gwin+
The first thing that I can really remember stitching was when I about 17 or 18 years old and it was a petit point picture of a sailing ship on the ocean done in two threads. It still hangs on my living room wall. I probably did some small pieces before that but can’t remember what they might have been.
Hmm, it’s been so long ago since my first embroidery project, that I can’t remember it! Ha ha! But I did a lot of embroidery when my son was little (40+ years ago), and one of those projects was a sampler with a lovely doe in the center of it, dated Oct. 1975. And a cross-stitch clock, Early American design from a kit ordered from Family Circle magazine. I still have the sampler, but the clock, no longer my style, went on a garage sale 20 years ago. I’m still embroidering and still loving it. Thanks for the give-away!
My first piece was a cross stitch of an owl that I did at summer camp. I was about age 11. I gave it to my mom and she still has it. It also inspired us both to do cross stitch avidly until this day!
The first project I remember doing is the back yoke of a natural coloured shirt I made while my husband was away hunting? I remember flowers, vines etc. He wasn’t thrilled! Lol ! I only knit him 1 pair of socks too as he prefered bought ones! The daughter inlaws and granddaughters love them so suits me! I like to spend time on your site Mary and your work is beautiful!
If memory serves……it was a kit from McCalls( many moons ago) & it was on a dk. green linen fabric. It was a picture of a rock garden & the colorful flowers in it made it a very lovely piece. I think I made it in the early 1970s.
The first thing I embroidered was done in crewel and was a project for home economics class (now I’m dating myself ). I designed it myself and had a book that illustrated the stitch and how to blend colours. I loved doing it. Following that, I spent weeks embroidering a boyfriend’s jeans. I must have been crazy!
My first embroidery project was a pillowcase when I was about eight. My patient mom threaded the needle for me time and again and got the knots out of my thread.
Hmm, I do believe it was a needlepoint sail boat on plastic canvas. I hated it. Didn’t touch embroidery for 30 years, and now I LOVE historical needlework like stumpwork, medieval stitches, and goldwork.
Thank you Mary, and cheers to whoever wins!
The first thing I ever stitched was a tea towel at age 11, with a motif borrowed from an old poetry book. It was sent up for school display the next year and promptly stolen. I wasn’t terribly broken up about it and I’ve been working on a Wentzler kit since college, moving on to literally bigger things.
I have stitched a bedsheet with 4 different types of embroidery as my first embroidery project . And I am very much interested in learning gold work .
the first piece I remember stitching was a ballerina on a black background, done on canvas, when I was about 13, many many years ago 🙂
The first embroidery project I ever stitched was a Donald Duck canvas kit-set given to me by a neighbour when I was about eight years old.
My mother’s hands on mine when I was three. She guided me to embroider a lady and a gentleman sitting by a fireside. She is 94 now and I am 69, and we still look at the piece and smile.
The first needle work piece I did was a canvas kit set of Donald Duck when I was eight years old.
My first and memorable embroidery was during the summer of 1977. I was 7 months pregnant, in Imperial Valley, CA. Stuck in a house (rented) while my husband and co worker were off in the fields testing water wells. Well, I had no pattern to put on a shirt of nylon that I had sewn for him (collar/front yoke and long sleeves) So, I grabbed a book of California Wild Flowers, made transfers and with the book in color, I was able to try and make it look like the real thing. I later learned the style of embroidery is called ‘surface embroidery’. I’d done only kits before, this was my first attempt of my own design. I put a variety of flowers on the yoke and the cuffs had violets of two different kinds and colors. Wish I knew how to put a picture here, as I have pictures of it all, too. He still has the shirt. Found out later that nylon fabric doesn’t breath and what with styles having changed, he doesn’t wear it.
If I remember correctly, my first embroidery project was 34 years ago and it was a Precious Moments cross stitch pattern. I feel in love with stitching and have been doing it ever since, counted cross stitch, specialty stitching, Hardanger, Drawn thread, Pulled thread…I have really been wanting to learn goldwork and this will be a great step in that direction for me.
THe first project I remember was a set of 8 handkerchiefs, one for each of the aunts on my xmas list. I must have been 10. It was just a lazy daisy freehand flower with a stem and petals, but it was a push to get them all done. I remember doing them each is a different color. One reason I remember is that Grandma Nana, actually my great-grandmother who had been bed ridden with a stroke as long as I could remember, gave me a needle book which was a crochet had with ribbon flowers around the rim. She said I deserved it and she knew I would use it. I don’t use it very much because I want it to last, but it was 12-13 years before I made another simple needle book to keep that one safe. I get a real lift each time I see it in stitching drawer.
My first embroidery I can remember doing was a small tray cloth with a printed design of flowers on it. I would have been about 6years old and sat with my grandmother and her 6 sisters all meeting for a weeks holiday at our home, and all sewing or knitting. I remember not being allowed any knots and unpicking a lot as the back had to look just as good as the front. What fun I had with them all each year, and learnt so much about stitching and their lives growing up in Cape Town,South Africa.
My first project was a tea towel.
My first embroidery project was to make dainty objects on my daughters baby clothes. It was satisfying.
I can’t remember my first, but one of my favorites was embroidering details on a sailboat quilt block for my grandma. It was the quilt block for her guild and I customized it.
Love your blog and would love to do gold work. My grandmother, Jenny taught me how to do my first project. I think it was a group of kittens. It’s been so many years ago, I’m not sure. Thanks for the opportunity.
As a child at school we made a little gingham skirt. I embroidered X-stitch in the squares
The first work I took a class in Stumpwork and loved the dimensional look that I continued with different patterns that I could add different embroidery stitches to. I love embellish cross stitch so I can use my own stitches and very little cross stitch. I have only done one gold work and would love to learn more about it.
Debra Puma
Hello! Like a lot a people, I guess, I started stitching by learning cross stitch, so my first embroidery project was a cross stitch sign, that said “PUNK” with two skulls!
I started out with lots of cross stitch so I won’t count that. My first embroidery was a Jacobeean-style crewel kit; I was hooked! I started buying books of Helen Stevens’ embroidery and thought it was all but humanly impossible to create such beautiful work. I’ve improved to embellishing wool applique and quilts and now I am ready to try real embroidery. I want to learn to do it all.
My first embroidery project was a pair of pillow cases, presented to me by my mother when I was going into the fifth grade, so I suppose I was nine or ten years old. I loved the project, and sat on the floor in front of the register, not stopping until I was finished. I learned to the outline, satin, and French knot stitches. A grandmother now, but not an accomplished needle artist like yourself, I attempt to teach my granddaughters a bit of embroidery whenever I visit. It’s slow-going since I’m not there to encourage and help sustain the interest. Should you design and create beginner kits, you will find me first in line to purchase.
Warmest Regards,
Maripat
First piece- 36 years ago, I was self taught. I started w a cross stitch kit.
Theresa Butkovitz
The first project I think I can remember stitching was a little mouse from one of those “10 simple sewing projects for kids” books. I think the most memorable one I have stitched so far was when my artist friend drew a design on the leg of my jeans and I stitched over it. It was awesome!
The first thing I ever embroidered was a kit of a satin stitch bouquet of wild flowers. I used to take it with me on holiday and that was the only time I worked on it. It took many years but I did finally finish it. And the stitching was really horrible!
Two weeks overdue on my third child. Sitting under an oak tree, in the overbearing hot heat of August, sucking on ice to keep cool. Teaching my 8yr. old how to embroider a preprinted bib as I was cross-stitching Christmas ornaments. The ornaments were completed and my daughter learned to sew and now 36 years later her 18 month old niece wears the bib at meals.
Hi, my first embrodery was a crosstick, 5×5″ i was 5 year, and i still have it. i will like to have this book, then i can try to make goldwork for the first time
Thank you for the lovely giveaway! My first embroidery was pillowcases with my great grandmother!
ISTILL HAVE THIS FIRST BIT OF STITCHING WHICH MY MUM TAUGHT ME. I WAS A PR-TEEN WHEN I DID IT IT’S A SPRING GARDEN TREES AND FLOWERS-VERY MUCH A SAMPLER TYPE OF STITCHING AND VERY COLORFUL IDO’NT DO MUCH EMBROIDERY NOW I DO A LOT OF CROSS STITCH INSTEAD. I RECENTLY HAD A STROKE, SO AM LOOKING FOR TIPS ON DISABLE AND STITCHING PERHAPS AN IDEA FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER??
ELIZABETH IN SASKATOON SK CANADA..
Like many others, my first embroidery was done as a Girl Scout about the age of 7 or so…and it was a corner of a handkerchief. I don’t remember what the picture was about, I just remember that each one of us in the troop had to stand up and show everyone else what we did. I gave it to my Mom for Mother’s Day and she was so proud of that handkerchief. Funny what you remember about stuff from so long ago!
My first embroidery was a silk shaded flower which I stitched in a class taught by Tracy Franklin at the Royal School of Needlework. I was hooked and now live in a home full of thread, fabric, tressels and frames, with a head full of ideas and designs and always with umpteen projects on the go!
My first embroidery project was a pre-printed design kit (floral of course) using floss and a metal hoop without any to tighten it. I was around 8 or 9 and needed something to occupy my time over the summer. Definitely a self taught stitcher 🙂
The first thing I ever stitched was a pair of hankies. They were pre-printed with cross stitch and lazy daisy flowers. My mom let me choose my thread colors from her cross stitch stash. I think I got halfway through the first hankie before I got bored and moved on to something else. I was about 7 I think. Never did finish those hankies, but I kept doing other needlework.
My first project was a pillow cover done in chain stitch with regular sewing thread. I was a little girl of 7 so I can’t figure out that we use embroidery floss for embroidery at that time. But still I remember my first project because from that day I think I found a taste in embroidery.
When I was about 8, I stitched a house and dog on a piece of cotton. Basically just an outline, a little wonky but I was very proud of my handi work.
I just received RSN Appliqué for an early Mother’s Day present. I had put it on my wish list because of your review. I am impressed, I love it. I do a lot of mixed-media projects and am looking forward to using some of the ideas. Great instructions.
Carol b
I love Gold-work, and have done one piece of it. But I don’t know a lot about it. I would love to learn more about handling metallic threads and laying them properly.
I learned to embroidery when I was 12. My German grandmother believed all girls learned sewing, embroidery, crochet and knitting starting at 12. I wasn’t a very good student especially at sewing because I was a tomboy. I did learn the basics though and when I married we were stationed in Germany where I picked up two crewel embroidery kits. I couldn’t read then instructions (I also wasn’t good at languages not even my grandma’s.) But I could follow the basics. My pillows turned out great and I gave them to my mom and aunt and they used them till they wore out. After that I loved embroidery and began to do a lot. I tried to learn every style I could and bought kits and attended classes to help me. I now do mostly dimensional embroidery and belong to the Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery International Guild, although there are only a couple of us here in my area now.
Since now I have to get all my information from books or online I would love to learn to really do gold work properly from this lovely book. It looks just like my style.
I so enjoy your website and the wealth of information you share. I’m a needlepointer, but have used numerous of your instructional videos.
A little heart with “I love you” written inside. Probably done when I was 5 or 6, judging by the wobbliness of the handwriting.
My first embroidery was tea towels. I got the embroidery bug in my teens & it is still my go to in my retirement.
Ohhh you bring such memories! My first embroidery project was a pre-made printed canvas that was sold with a needle and matching threads. You would x-stitch the entire printed picture (a landscape I think) above it. Then you could make a pillow out of it 🙂 I don’t know if you can still buy those… I was about 7 years old then!
I remember my first embroidery project was a dresser scarf purchased at Ben Franklin’s which was a store my grandmother and I loved. We picked out all the colors of thread I might need which were like jewels in my small hand. My grandmother was so patient and my vision of this piece is of all the stitches were perfect. I’m sure there were many errors and my stitches were probably uneven and messy but for years after that whoever I visited my grandmother that scarf was on her dresser!
I first remember embroidering a pillow case. My grandmother and mother both embroidered and I can’t remember who first taught me. I do several types of handwork and love to learn something new to me.
Avon
An elephant, on purple cotton. From a kit my cousin gave me for my birthday when I was a child. I was quite young and didn’t make a very beautiful project of it, but I still have the box it came in more than 50 years later. Still using it to keep floss in. Thanks to Linda I’ve been stitching all these years.
My first project was a cross stitch baby crib quilt for my niece and her first child. It was the first child of one of my siblings and I wanted to give him something very personal and worthy of saving. So far each of my siblings has gotten one crib quilt with hand embroidered designs. So far all the designs have been purchased ones, but the next will be my own design.
My first embroidery was in 7th grade home ec class. It was a small stuffed horse that I embroidered on. I don’t remember the stitches, but I remember I didn’t enjoy it. I didn’t embroider again for many years. I started again when I started crazy quilting. Now I’m so glad I started up again.
I did tons of those tiny cross-stitch kits for kids when I was young but the earliest piece I can still remember was a tiny free-hand dragon I stitched onto the flap of a pencil case I’d sewn for myself.
My first embroidery was a pillowcase and I HATED doing it. It seemed pointless, because I didn’t see why you would want to gussy up a pillowcase, and I didn’t embroider for a few years after that. I’ve gotten over it now, though.
Seventy years ago, my mother took me along when she went to visit her aunt. Aunt Mae was working on piece of what I now would call surface embroidery. I was absolutely fascinated and stood by her side as long as she worked on the piece. I don’t remember what it was. The next day my mother went to the five and dime and bought a preprinted dresser scarf and some embroidery thread. She taught me the basics, including the straight stitch, back stitch, French knot, and lazy daisy stitch. I worked the piece to the best of my ability. As I got a little older, I would pull the threads out and work it again. Did that at least twice. When I was around 11 or 12 we went to stay with an another aunt and uncle over Christmas. I cut the dresser scarf in half, reworked the embroidery again and turned it into an apron. I was so proud of myself. Aunt Belle praised for the beautiful gift I gave her.
When I was ten or eleven, my mom gave me some embroidery supplies as a Christmas gift, along with a book of iron-on transfers. I picked a sock-monkey, looking at a half-moon, along with the words “God sees the moon and God sees me. God bless the moon and God bless me,” with a cutesy border. My mom taught me the back stitch, and I outlined the design using bright red, yellow, blue, and black floss. I still have it!
Hi, Mary,
My first needlework project was an embroidery sampler at Girl Scouts, consisting of the logo and assorted sewing motifs, in about 4th grade. The first project I chose and finished on my own was a Dimensions ribbon embroidery kit for a pillow top, picturing a basket of pink and yellow flowers surrounded by a floral border, at age 16. I decided to try embroidery again at that age because my boyfriend’s mom stitched, and I thought everything she did was super cool! Thanks for the great site!
–Mary
My first needlework project was a nursery rhyme mobile for my niece. It was stitched on burlap of all things as we were living on Guam and that was all I could find.
I bought an embroidery kit about 20 years ago. It’s a lovely teacup filled with pansies. Well my daughter was 8 at the time so my energy and focus were not exactly on crafting. It got started and put away until about 3 months ago when I found it tucked away in the closet. I’m so happy I completed it. It’s rekindled my interest in embroidery and now I’m busy designing my own project!
My grandmother helped me embroider apple blossoms on a dishtowel when I was about 7. The stem stitch and lazy daisies went well, but i wound up having to do seed stitch instead of french knots. She couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong. a couple of decades later a friend spotted that I was holding my needle the wrong way as I wrapped the thread.
I don’t remember my first stitching project, and I haven’t actually finished a full surface embroidery project. My most memorable was designing a cross stitch pattern to pin my service sorority pins on in college. I based it on a photo of the jonquil, the sorority flower, and it was the first time I really felt the creativity possibilities in stitching. My mother, who is still active in Epsilon Sigma Alpha and introduced me to stitching, wears it to all her meetings now.
Oh my first ever embroidery was a doiley set under the tuteledge of my beloved Grandma as we lived with her and she often spent her time with us in the winter evenings whilst my mum worked at sewing bespoke dressmaking orders. We learnt stem stitch, lazy daisy, chain stitch and blanket stitch to create our pieces, and Grandma would crochet the edges of our masterpieces! I was between 5 and 8 at this time.
I believe it was flowers during grade school home ec!
My first embroidery project I did at school in grade 3. It was a pot holder stitched on hessian with wool. We did a geometric pattern. I was just tidying my linen press and found it. I really enjoyed my first efforts at embroidery and these many years later I am still getting a lot of enjoyment from it.
I do not remember my first embroidery project, but when I was about 7 or 8, I would visit my aunt on Quilting Day with her Ladies Aid Society (remember them?). The ladies would allow me to quilt with them and show me how to place my stitches, etc. BUT, I am sure my aunt painstakingly removed them after I left. A wonderful memory with my favorite aunt. She is the one who taught me to embroider.
The first embroidery I stitched was a kitset from my parents. It was a New Zealand bush scene worked in different shades of brown wool. I was about 10 when I started it, but didn’t finish it until I was almost 20! It now gives me very fond memories!
I only have hazy memories of the first piece I ever stitched. It was an apple printed on some plastic canvas. Because it was proudly displayed in my Grandma’s kitchen, I can recall that I did not follow the directions but half-hazardly stitched yard wherever I could to plug up holes and cover the “canvas.” I have no idea what happened to it when my Grandma’s house was sold, but the memories of looking at it over the years will stick with me. Only a Grandma would proudly display such “art.”
Thank you for the chance to win the book! My first embroidery project was a set of pillow cases. It was a vintage pattern with bluebirds. Still have those pillow cases!
Hi Mary
The first thing I can remember stitching a sampler in the 6th grade and still have it 🙂 It looks so basic now but I remember having to put lots of effort in to the sample particularly the running stitch. It was so hard to make the stitches and the gap even and consistent and also to stay on the line!
Regards
Delia
Philippa Turnbull’s ‘Tree of Life’ Crewel Work. Having only done cross stitch
previously this turned out to be quite a challenge for me and took a long time
especially in view of the unpicking and redoing. It is not perfect but is still
very effective.
Have just finished two goldwork kits – a pansy and a sea horse. Am now looking
to do some surfact embroidery with goldwork so Ruth’s book would be a great
help. Looks wonderful!
Hi Mary, a lovely book and thank you for this giveaway.
My first piece of embroidery was running stitch with yellow and white floss through 11 count Aida.
My second large piece was a surface embroidery on a stamped Semco piece with Semco floss. I gave it to my little sister for a birthday, and she still has it. If she ever had it on the coffee table in the lounge, her children would take it off the table when they had their afternoon tea, and replaced it after so that it would not get dirty or stained.
Regards,
Marian (NZ)
My first embroidery item was probably a wall hanging for mum – wobbly cross-stitch letters and flowers in a weird array of colours (I used whatever we had at school, mostly what were actually probably knitting yarns) on stiff canvas. I’m still not an embroidery expert, but I have improved since then! 🙂
Hi Mary, my interest in embroidery started in 1958, when I was 12years old, by my mother, who bought me a printed Irish linen tray cloth and showed me how to do the basic stitches of stem, lazy daisy and satin stitch, all for my “bottom drawer”. I still use it to this day, and added many more!
The first project I remember stitching was actually a project from this site, the small Tudor Rose pattern from a long time ago. I used satin stitches and even a sort of goldwork, with some soft metallic embroidery thread I got. Even though it was my very first project, I really really like the way it came out. It is now part of a pouch for a Renaissance fair ensemble.
I’m going to say the first one I remember was a cross-stitched family tree for my grandmother that I started on the tail-end of middle school (grade 8) that continued into and through high school until my freshman year of college. I suppose the long time between start and finish should account for my absolute failure to realize that a) I did not know what the heck I was doing, having never done any kind of embroidery before, b) first projects should be relatively small and quick (if nothing else to give the embroider a boost for the success of a finished project) and c) to have someone handy who was experienced and DID know what they were doing. Might also have helped to consult my grandmother as the finished piece turned out to be too big and too weighty to hang on her wall.
The first item I remember making was hand sewing Barbie clothes. The first embroidery project that I can recall was stitching an Aunt Martha’s transfer pattern onto a tea towel.
I first learned how to embroider when I was probably around 5 years old by my grandma. I spent nearly every weekend with her and she always had a project for me to work on which located in a special drawer. The one I clearly remember was an apple using yarn. I was so proud when I completed it and was able to give it as a present to my mom.
Wendi
My first embroidery project that I know of for sure is the throw pillow I made for my Dad as a Christmas present. It was my first semester in Kindergarten-ish I was four and the teachers were teaching us embroidery. I must have made smaller projects before embarking on this, but I can’t remember. This pillow I still have around. It is of my own design and has a flower, green grass and a sun (if memory serves me right). The back has lines of different stitches in different colors. The material is very rough and thick and the thread is thicker cotton.
The first project I can remember was a small bit of crewel. It finished at four inches square and depicts a squirrel with an acorn. Still have it. I enjoyed the entire process and have been hooked ever since. I have taken a gold work class but have not tried any projects yet. One more thing on the to do list.
I remember my first embroidery project very clearly. It was a cross stitch we were doing at school, just to learn some stitches. I worked very hard and very diligently on it throughout the lesson, but when I got up to leave at the end of class, I realised I’d sewn the canvas to my trousers, inadvertently sewing them together! It’s a project I’ll never forget. I think I’ve even got it somewhere… or rather, what was left of it after we cut it off my trousers.
I believe the first thing may have been pillow cases, but I don’t have much of a memory about them. The first item I do have a memory about is an avon crewel project. It was of Noah’s Ark and had some fun basic stitches in it. I was in my early teens when I started it and was a mother in my early 20’s when I finished it . My son has this piece hanging in his house.
I have a very faint memory of stitching a house with a tree and a little path. It was penciled onto some old cotton fabric. I also remember being dismissive of it and wanting a real kit. The kit was a sampler, which my father framed and hung on the wall next to one from the early 1800’s. I have both samplers now – but I wish I had that naive little house too.
My first embroidery project was done recently, as I did not have anyone around that had that skill. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed the process of creating with thread. I was given a square of fabric to embroider as part of a quilt for a friend. I had no idea how to finish the project. I found your website and other instructional videos and proceeded to finish the square. It wasn’t very good as far as skill is concerned, but I learned I enjoyed the process. I’m getting better and more consistent with my stitches, but still need a lot of practice. I have been fascinated with goldwork and would love to try. This book sounds like something I would enjoy. Thank you for helping me learn a new skill as a senior.
What a great giveaway! The first pieces that I remember doing was tapestries when I was younger, then I moved on to cross stitch for many years. In between I’ve done odd bits of embroidery, but the first one I remember doing was my school apron! We had to embroider our names and a little motif on them and on the headscarves we made.
Thank you for a chance to win.
I can’t remember specifically my first project, but it was probably embroidery on a tea towel. Coming from a large family and prior to dishwashers, tea towels were used extensively in the kitchen not only for drying dishes but also as pot holders, to cover fresh baked bread, wrapped around baked goods and casseroles to take to pot luck dinners. We used a large number of tea towels, especially during canning season. I remember many of my counted cross stitch projects but not embroidery projects. I have just recently started to embroider again, and find it very relaxing. Thanks Mary for your wonderful e-mails, the tips and techniques are so very helpful and I truly admire your beautiful stitching!
My first remembrance of “embroidery” was a large needle threaded with a piece of wool and a card with a picture on it into which an adult had punched holes. I was then shown how to make to needle go through the holes to make the thread follow on the lines. As I recall, this took a bit of time before I was able to graduate to using a paper and then a piece of cloth. And then at last a cloth to make into a potholder as a gift.
I would like to have the direction of beginning with gold thread to learn from the book.
Thank you for your interesting emails, I enjoy reading them.
My first embroidery project was a victorian crazy patch pillow
As a child I admired my mother’s gorgeous work
Alas she would not teach me how to embroider
She told me she did not have the patience
As an adult I went to classes given by a member of my quilt guild
She encouraged me to enter the pillow in our guild’s huge fall show
I came away with the “viewers’ choice” prize
The rest is history
Since that encouraging event embroidery is one of many art crafts I enjoy
Thank you Mary for the invitation to enter to win the inspirational goldwork book
Ruby Wach
My first embroidery project? Oh my! I don’t really remember, but I actually received a project back after my grandmother passed away that I’d made for her while I was just a young child – probably in primary school. It’s a picture of a kitten sleeping in a hammock. I’d added my own depiction of a lawnmower beside the hammock and the words “We water the lawn to make it grow… then when it does we have to mow!” 🙂
My first, extremely humble project was an alphabet sampler stitched on 14ct. aida with apple red, dark blue, light blue and grass green DMC flosses. What was I thinking with those colors- it looked like a circus! Of course, I was 5 at the time!
Boy! Would I feel lucky to win the Gold book. You see I have the tread, but I do not know how to begin! My first embroidery was a rooster card table cover with my grandmother and I still have it. My grandmother taught me as my mother was busy with three boys most of the time!
Thanks for the opportunity to win. Love your reviews and information.
i have never done goldwork but have been looking at this book for awhile because i love the look of goldwork and want to try it.
this would be wonderful! thank you! liza
The first piece I ever embroidered was a square white tablecloth. Each corner had flowers. I was quite young and that’s all I remember about the piece. I’ve been hand stitching, off and on, since I was a child.
My first project was a small rag doll.
The first embroidery project I completed was a counted cross stitch picture of a striped cat under an avocado tree. The first more traditional embroidery piece I did was a crewel pillow in a Jacobean pattern. I still have the picture of the cat framed on my wall. The pillow was a gift for someone, I don’t remember now who was the recipient.
My first embroidery project was a pillowcase iron-on design of a kitten on sleeping on a rose. I was only five years old and I learned the stem stitch. I didn’t realize that the kitten was on a rose until I stitched the whole thing in black–I loved it anyway!
I don’t remember much about it but I have a Chicken Scratch that Mom tells me her mother stitched with me. Grandma died before I turned 5 years old. It looks as you imagine it to, knowing I was probably 4. I do remember Grandma sewing and embroidering. She must have had the patience of a saint to work with little children like that. I have sisters who are 3 years older and 11 months older.
It was a table cloth…. I believe my mom is still having it….;)
My first project was a Flamingo on a Sunset…. I have no idea if this is the name. I was an easy one (5-6 colours) for a beginner stitcher. I was maybe 5th grade or so 🙂
It was a cross stitched rose, finished as a pot pourri sachet. it was a really sweet design, but my stitching was really bad. My tension was horrible and i didn’t know you were supposed to stitch so that the top legs all went in the same direction.
I’m still really proud of it, though!
The first thing I remember was a sampler I stitched under my mother’s watchful eye. I still have it today. But it couldn’t have been the first ever piece as the stitches are quite advanced and look nice and even.
It is funny as a child we think we can do anything after all it can’t be that difficult.
Can it?
Umm, yes, yes it can, or it at least involves a lot of ‘reverse stitching’, lols
At the ripe age of 12 and for my first ‘end of year gradable’ high school project I chose to stitch a sampler in the shape of Russia’s St. Basil’s Cathedral.
Every part of the sampler had a different stitch, a different colour and was stitched on black cloth. Amazingly some 40 + years later I think I still have it tucked away somewhere.
And I was given an A+ by my wonderful teacher who first inspired me to embroider. Thank you Mrs Mitchell =)
I think my first attempt was on a pair of blue jeans, probably a patch to cover up a hole. I like the fact that this is a beginners book then I could try a beginners kit. Sometimes you just want to try something new!
I honestly cannot recall my first embroidery project; I was exposed very early to needlework with two stitching grandmothers. One embroidered and crocheted while the other made quilt tops then hand quilted them. As a young housewife and mother of small children I knitted, learning to knit from a McCall’s craft magazine. In one issue of the magazine I saw a beautiful needlepoint piece depicting a flower and leaves wherein each petal of the flower had a different pattern. I went to my local shop asking for help in selecting the threads. When I asked for help in learning needlepoint, the owner said “If you could learn to knit from a magazine, I am sure you can learn to do needlepoint.” She was correct and I am still learning after nearly 50 years of stitching.
My first embroidery project was a pillow case. I believe I still have it! Once you start doing embroidery, you want to try all kinds . Would love to try gold work!
My first piece of embroidery was a small table cloth with a stamped design many years ago.
Jeannine
The first I remember was a hankie my grandmother helped me with. I believe it was supposed to be pansy’s!! LOL
Better late than never! My first embroidery was a tapestry sampler. Right from the start I prefered to design my own work, and it was a collection of geometric shapes in shades of yellows/orange/browns. That was 45 years ago! Still going, and trying as many different forms of embroidery as possible.
My very first embroidery project was probably stitching a face on a felt doll. I can’t quite remember. I did quite a few little cross stitch projects in middle school.
My favourite piece of needlework was a cross stitch blouse with roses which everyone admired. That is why it became my favourite blouse.People turned to look.
If cross stitch counts, then it was a bookmark from what I think was an old Dover celtic pattern book. For regular embroidery, I stitched flowers on a piece of felt to make a drawer sachet, many years ago. I’d like to expand my repetoire to more elaborate endeavors 🙂
The first thing I embroidered is hanging in my camper. It is a black bag with rather messy satin stitch flowers on it. Very early 70’s, and now over 40 years old. My stitching has improved some since then, but I love that bag a lot. Still. I would love to learn goldwork, so many beautiful gold work projects out there.
Thank you for many hours of happy reading and following your many projects. You inspire me every day.
The first project I ever embroidered were towels that came packaged as a set. Everything I needed was in the kit. There were four towels, depicting different fruits and vegetables. I had never embroidered anything before. They turned out really lovely, and set me on a lifetime love of all things embroidered, sewn, quilted, anything with thread or yarn and a needle. I discovered later in life that both my Grandmothers, and a Great Grandmother, were also avid needleworkers. I guess it’s true that the apple does not fall far from the tree!
i was about ten years old ,my mom was taking an embroidery class, i couldnt sit still,so someone put a piece of linen in my hands ,and told me to draw something ,i drew the “stp”logo and the “thrush muffler” woodpecker guy, they then showed me how to outline(vine stich and chain stich)and fill( satin )i finished them in class over the next couple of classes.nobody thought the ten year old boy that came to class would finish his project or be competent at it ,i did both ,still have them ,somewere.
I don’t actually remember stitching it, but I have a printed fabric with a little boy stitched very simply that my Mom said I did with her direction — what I actually remember is stitching a tiny cross-stitch turtle and then a heart at a Girl Scout Badge House and from there I kept on stitching.
The very first embroidery that I did was some dresser clothes that I found in a trunk belonging to my Mom. It looked like she had started them, but having five kids had never gotten back to finishing them. So I took them and finished them and gave them to her as a Christmas gift.
The most memorable embroidery I have ever done is four crib quilts for my grandchildren. There are two at the moment and they each got two. One with the moon and bears, and one with toys. I am now doing two more for a new baby coming in a month.
I can remember stitching a pair of pillow cases when I was about 8 or 9 years old. I’m sure they were a mess but I thought they were fantastic!
Hi Mary – I can’t remember the very first, but I still have a bedsheet and a satin cushion cover both embroidered before I was 10. Memories…
My first cross stitch project was a small pink rose from a cross stitch magazine in the 80’s that was finished in the hoop I stitched it in – 30+ years later my mom still has it on display
The first project I ever stitched was cloth napkin for a bit of silly trim. That hooked me.
Dear Mary,
My first real embroidery project was a pretty pin cushion at the “young age” of 53! lol. My stitching teacher had some beautiful skeins of wool thread to chose from and the fabric was a wheat colored linen. I was so thrilled when I finished it and I decided to fill the cushion with my hair that my mom had saved from when I was five years old. I still get a thrill when I see it in my sewing room! I’m not sure if I have the talent for gold work but I’m sure going to give it a go! I so look forward to all of your emails. Thank you for sharing your talent and teaching skills with us. You are very much appreciated!
I don’t recall my first project. I do remember sitting on the patio at my grandmother’s house on warm afternoons doing a chain stitch and imagining that I was Snow White’s doomed mother. It was romantically tragic, and I loved embroidering to that day dream. I wonder what those first projects were?
I stitched a very large cross-stitch project for my unborn son (not realizing most people begin with something considerably smaller)
When I was about 8 0r 9 (over 50 years ago…), my mother bought me a needlepoint kit. With a stamped picture of a house and acrylic yarns! Of course, I didn’t know that at the time, but when I think back at the feel of the yarn, I’m sure it was acrylic.
I think it was about 8 x 10. I finished the whole thing. But, I don’t remember if it was ever framed. I might still have it someplace.
Hi, Mary, Thanks for another drawing, and more inspiration. The book sounds like a winner. I’m going to a workshop on goldwork in a few weeks, taught by Tanya Berlin (sponsored by an EGA chapter). Have long wanted to try the technique, so I’m really looking forward to it.
My first embroidery project seems to have been a small stamped design, with a few basic stitches. I found it with my mother’s craft items when we moved her recently. Was never finished. The back is a real mess! I’m keeping it as a reminder about my progress in stitching.
Does cross stitching count? If so, my first project was a growth chart that featured a giraffe with balloons marking every five inches. Started when I was seven, finished about fifteen years later! I started studying embroidery (through your website) when I was in grad school a year or so after finishing the growth chart. First project was a series of alphabet blocks, still unfinished.
The first needlework I remember doing was an adaptation of three Chinese patterns by Maggie Lane for a deacon’s bench cushion in needlepoint. It was done in three shades of blue with an antique white background. The pattern was done in tent stitch and the each design area had a rice stitch frame (amazing what detail you can remember after forty years) My mother was kind enough to make the cushion up for me with a royal blue velvet backing and it took a blue ribbon at the Missouri State Fair that year
My first “embroidery” project was a dressing table mat for my Grandma when I was seven – 55 years ago but I remember it clearly.
It was a bunch of cherries on printed yellow fabric and was enthusiastically received by a very accomplished needlewoman but Grandmas was like that.
My first embroidery project was a kitchen towel that I stitched with my Mammaw when I was 7 years old. All the vegetables have legs, arms and faces!! So adorable and I still have it today! It has survived 48 years.
Hi Mary!
The first project I ever stitched was a little whale design I created myself and stitched in needlepoint- the wrong way!! I still have it and it’s framed and sits proudly in a guest bath.
Thanks so much for your website!
Hi Mary,
My first sewing project was a felt and wool embroidered needle case for my mum, who is now 97 years old and still uses it, although it has had to have some running repairs, as have we.
Thank you for the chance to win this brilliant book. Good Luck to everyone.
My first embroidery project was cross-stitched. It was a puppy with the shoe lace in his mouth and the sneaker was dangling–very mischievous!
My most memorable one was done for a customer of a local quilt shop in Mystic, CT. It had TONS of flowers in a basket and was about 2’x3′ in size. The quilt shop owner made it into a big pillow and the customer gave it to his mom who was in final stages of cancer.
Pillowcases as a very young girl. My Mother had a co-worker crochet an edging on them for me. She was so proud of them. Now at almost 90 she watches me do needlework and tells me how I wanted cloth and thread as a child.
I’m sure I stitched something in Girl Scouts – I did get a needlework badge! But I don’t remember and didn’t stitch again until I was an adult. But goldwork is on my wish list so I’d love to start with this book.
I remember having “sewing cards” at a young age. I passed yarn through holes punched into various shapes of cardboard. These could be unthreaded and re-sewn multiple times. My first emboidery project was a set of four circus themed pictures. The designs came colored, and I did cross-stitch and outline stitches where appropriate. The pictures were already framed in different colors of plastic (which provided a “hoop” as well) – ready for hanging. I have done both embroidery and counted cross-stitch. After a long break where I have done other needlecrafts, I am happily becoming embroidering again. I am particularly interested in reading about the history and the role of needlework in womens’ lives.
The first project which comes to my mind is an embroidery which i did on my daughter’s frock, when she was an infant.The embroidery depicted a parrot pecking at an apple on the branch of atree. The memory of the embroidery brings to mind the picture of the parrot& also sweet memoriesof my daughter prancing abot wearing that frock.I am now 60 yrs but the memory of that project always brings a smile&happiness to me.
I’m pretty sure the first thing I ever embroidered was one of those awful, printed cross stitch pillowcases. Cheap materials, ugh!
I,m addicted to this site! My first piece was a dresser scarf .It was pretty bad . It was a bunch of flowers . I thought the stems should be black , and the flowers were pastel verigated . I wish I still had it . Now I,m trying to learn something new!
The first embroidery project that I did was an apron. My grandmother helped me sew an apron out of yellow cotton gingham. Then, we cross stitched on it with white thread – what we now call chicken scratch. I still have this apron as I have never worn it. I knew I would never sew another (or anything else) but it did inspire my interest in embroidery.
my first embroidery was with my mom at age 8-10yrs old…she made dresser runners, she embroidery on the material part and crochet the edges. We still have a few left. She passed years ago. We will alwyas treasure them. Love your blog, love the way you write. You are a great artist and thx for sharing your wealth of knowlege with us.
Hi! Just love your work and ty for all your help and inspiration over the years. I don’t comment often but I’m dying to try goldwork. My first stitching was a crewel piece on a lovely twill fabric. It has many plants so it was very good practice for many stitches. Started as a teenager…still have it although I have never finished it! I am certain my stitches have improved lol. Good luck all!
My first project was needlepointibv a bell pull. It is hanging in my closet–many things I would do differently now!
My first project was a Royal Paris canvas design of an apricot-colored rose. I was on my junior year abroad in Florence and everyone seemed to be doing hand embroidery. In those days there were many shops selling embroidery supplies.
My first project that I remember was done at school when I was 15 (now 56) and it still hangs on my wall. It is a tall cat, probably about 2 feet high (I’m at work so I can’t measure it) embroidered with lots of different stitches in reds and yellows (it’s amazing how much you can’t remember when you’re not in front of it!). But I can remember how much I enjoyed doing it and how proud my teacher was when I had finished it!
The first piece I believe I did was a cross stitch table runner in shades of blue and green. Old fashioned roses and their canes. My Mother and I sat for months working on this six foot long sometimes nightmare. I learned about all crosses going in the same direction and definitely about ripping. Mom was an exacting coach. When it was done it was entered in the county fair after being cleaned of eight year old grimy fingerprints and starched into a board. It got a blue ribbon and I was fired up to start my next project. That is a king sized quilt done in squares. I finished the squares and still have them. It has never been put together because neither Mom nor I ever learned to do that job. Maybe one day as I still think they are pretty and the coach had me doing a good job on them.
My first embroidery project was a ornament for our Christmas Tree – an Angel. I was around 11-12 years old. Every year when I unpack that ornament I hang it on our Christmas tree! My special angel!
I am a complete beginner to the wonderful world of embroidery even though I have been wanting to do it for years. Since I had to give up work a year or so ago I now have the time to devote to learning all I can.
Hi, lets see, the first time I stitched a project. I can’t remember how old I was but I do remember I was very small.
A neighbor was giving classes and my mom enrolled me. Now that I think about it my mom did beautiful embroidery.
I see myself running home with my finished project. It was an embroidery of a scotty dog.
A crewel Jacobean style pillow from a kit. I still love it and crewel.
My first embroidery project was a set of cross stitch pillowcases for my bed. They were hearts and doves along the border in pastels. It is funny how clear I can see them in my mind as this was almost 50 years ago!
Jenny Patta from Winchester Uk
I started my first embroidery project when I was engaged to be married in 1961. It was a rose design worked mostly in satin stitch and buttonhole stitch on napkins and a tablecloth, and was cut out around the edges of the design. I finished it when my first daughter was born in 1964 and I still have the cloths!
The highlight of my day is receiving your email from Needlenthread.
Many moons ago when I was a teenager, my mother bought me some cross stitch books and the very first one I ever did was of a dancing snowman on navy blue aida, I still have it after all these years. That started my love of embroidery and it has just grown from there, loving the needle n thread website and learning new things all the time.
I’m not sure if it can be classed as embroidery but my first attempt was making my Sea Shells bag and I loved the result. If I could post a photo I would. I wanted a beach themed tote bag but something very different. I embroidered ever increasing waves going across the middle of the bag. Just a simple one line of chain, so the waves were in profile. Then stitched on a variety of sizes of shell shaped beads interspersed with seed pearls and other shell coloured beads all as though they were being tumbled on the sea shore.
I love getting your emails! This is such a beautiful site. I did a goldwork embroidery in a class years ago – time to try it again!! Thank you, Mary.
Loving memories from long ago. As best as I can remember, my first attempt was a pillow case from the local 5 & 10. Mom helped me pick out an easy design and the floss to go with it. I was so proud when it was finished. Because it was “so good”, I was allowed to pick out another one to do. I still have some of the early attempts and cherish them 66 years later.
The first project that I ever did was a counted cross stitch trivet with hummingbirds and morning glories. It was done on 14 ct white Aida fabric, and sat in the hoop for many years. I did not know that the hoop would leave a permanent hoop mark! So to my horror, many hours of stitching were ruined because of the hoop mark. After much contemplation, I decided I could crop it down to make a pincushion out of it. Since then, I have learned a great deal, and have been stitching my heart out. These days there are so many different types of fabric, floss, new and improved hoops and other assorted tools to make our stitching even more blissful. Your website, Mary, is my very favorite place to learn and a source of great inspiration! Thank you for your selfless dedication to keeping this beautiful art form alive! 🙂
Like many people I see on needlework websites and Facebook, my mother and grandmother taught me embroidery stitches when I was barely a teenager. But completing projects was never a strong suit of mine then! So when I saw this giveaway, I didn’t think much of it. But just last week, buried under some old sweaters in a drawer, I actually found the first piece I ever stitched and completed. (Though did not frame.) It is a birth announcement for my son; and he will be 40 this year. Of course, much of the work looks clumsy. But there are some sections of stitching that surprised me for their skill. I don’t remember, but obviously I had a lot of time on my hands that year: I was a stay-at-home mom and he was a great napper. Despite the fabric having some mottled discoloration and some awkward stitching, I instantly fell in love with this piece — much more than when it was done, obviously. I was transported by nostalgia to when I was a young mother and my manly son was a sweet baby.
I used to do Crewelwork when I was young so I guess I would have to say my first needlework would have to be a Mary Maxim kit. That was a very long time ago for sure. Lol.
My first embroidery was a floral embroidery made with thick yarn–yellowish green linen background. I still have it. It’s vintage now! It’s a nice momento as I learned to embroider by looking at my mother’s work. Very special!
Most memorable piece is my first attempt at canvas work (needlepoint). Purchased a new book full of wonderful small designs and decided I could try them all if I made a piano bench cushion. Bought a collection of needlepoint yarn and some canvas. As more squares were stitched the whole thing became more and more crooked. I finally stuck it away until someone could tell my how to square it up. Nearly 20 years later I joined EGA and when they announced the beginning of a canvas interest group, I figured I had the help I needed. At the first meeting. I showed the project to the leader who headed to a sink and checked the fabric. Her comment was,”just as I thought. This is waste canvas”. I guess I had thought the nice blue lines would be helpful in keeping count! At this point I KNEW that I needed an organization like EGA. Have now belonged 30 years and learned MANY kinds of needlework. Piano bench pillow still unfinished, but good teaching example!
My first (remembered) piece is a Sunbonnet Sue bell pull for 4H – cross stitch and outline
There I was, aged 10 in MrBlack’s class at school( 1958) but the girls had to go to Miss Martindake’s class each Friday afternoon for sewing class. We sewed other things but the piece that stands out in my mind ( apart from the long pink bloomers which she always ‘displayed ‘ beneath the desk !) is the 1 yard square yellow table cloth which we had to hem all the way around before doing any embroidery to the corners- and this took forever as we had to unpick it so many times until he met her strict levels of perfection. I still have, and still use that cloth today…..it always reminds me of Miss Martindale!
How I fell in love with embroidery …..
This first time I remember holding a needle was at my grandmother’s house when I was about four years old. Her Singer sewing machine with a foot pedal sat in a big window near the front door of their country house. She must have seen that I was fascinated with the results of her miraculous machine and told me that the “same thing” could be done by hand. I remember her showing me how to thread a needle and then pushing it back and forth through a piece of fabric, a rather heavy cotton feed bag being recycled into a dishcloth I think. Then, she made a French knot, surrounding it with little petals to make a flower. Wow! My love story with embroidery had begun…..
My first embroidery project was a set of six white linen napkins. The pattern on each was a gorgeous blue and yellow iris flower. It had ‘cut away’ instructions so when folded correctly, the iris was ‘jutting out’ from the top of the napkin. The funny part is that I treasure these napkins so much (I must say they turned out beautifully *smile*), that I have never used them!!!!! I fear they may get stained and will be unusable. So, not using them because I might not be able to use them now seems very silly (as I write this comment). I’m going to use them – I promise!
My first “serious” embroidery was blocks for a quilt, a gift for my granddaughter.
My very first embroidery piece (about 65 years ago) is an appliqued teddy bear that I sewed to my doll bed sheeting. My parents were poor, and my twin and I did not get many gifts as young girls. A friend of my father made us matching doll bunk beds for our Hoffman dolls. with ladders to climb to the top bunk. My Mother spent many hours making all the bed accessories and linens, and at least 10 outfits for our dolls. It was the best Christmas! My Grandmother taught me how to stitch the blanket stitch, outline and chain stitches, and helped me to applique the bear silhouette and give it a face. I have matted and framed the bear design and have it hanging in my sewing room! It brings me much joy.
The first needlework I remember doing was a Girl Scout project. It was a tablecloth, rose-colored and cardtable size. I traced pansies in each corner of the cloth and was taught embroidery stitches to make them spring to 3D life. I was so enchanted with choosing colors and seeing the flowers and leaves grow in front of me. Recently, goldwork has always intrigued me because I love things that reflect light. I was at an exhibit at our art museum and saw vestments that were over 500 years old. The metal goldwork threads were still largely intact!! Needlework truly is my creative outlet and my joy.
It was at school, the eighth grade I think. The teacher had us embroider a satin and stem-stitched initial on the corner of a handkerchief. Quite adventurous come to think of it! I did the letter M although I can’t think why as that is not my initial. I have ever-after had a love of monograms!
The most recent and memorable embroidery workshop I attended was held at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. The education department was so taken with the work we produced it is now on display for 4 more weeks. Fame at the ripe age of 70!!
My very first embroidery project is a beginner kit from the Crewel Work Company. I heard about this wonderful company through your column. I am very slow and don’t have a finish date in mind, but I am learning so much from you and the DVD that was included in the kit. Thank you.
My first stitches were lazy daisy flowers on a pillow case. My flowers were approved by my mother but their placement was not – they did not sit proudly (& centered) on their stems. Thus, I learned how to “unsitch”.
The first thing I ever hand embroidered was a heart which I hand drew on a small pin cushion I sewed from some scrap fabric my mother had, on a “toy” sewing machine I received for Christmas. My mother, who is now almost 93 and gave up sewing when she was about 80, still used that primitive little pin cushion. I discovered my love for hand embroidery and machine sewing when I did that little project. I was so proud of it!!
First project I recall stitching was a piece with flowers on it. Must have been around 9 or 10 years old. Went with a Mormon friend to stitching lessons taught at her local Mormon church. I’ll never forget how the instructor praised the neatness of my work. To this day, the memory of that compliment gives me a warm glow.
Thank you again for yet another amazing giveaway!
It’s been a long time, however, I think the first project I probably embroidered was a set of pillowcases when my grandmother first taught me some simple surface embroidery stitches. I particularly remember back stitch, lazy daisy, and chain stitch.
Most memorable is a DiVan Niekerk silk ribbon project.
My first effort in this technique
and I was so very satisfied with
the finish. I now want to fo the
Medick Fairy.
My first embroidery project was from my teen years, and it pictured a cute kangaroo with flowers around. To finish it I made it into a very small pillow which I still keep.
Prior to that, and in the realm of ordinary stitches, I remember repairing my teddy bear’s cap when I was 5 or 6 years of age. Today when I look at those stitches I wonder why I used thick black thread!
My first embroidery was actually 2 harvest wheat pictures that I did in 1975…. I fell in love with the fall colors and taught myself to do the stitches. I still have them and still love them….thanks for the giveaway.
My girlfriend Marg taught me to cross stitch when I was in my 20’s. I started because she was stitching a set of four Norman Rockwell pictures. I remember starting a picture with a young couple in the pic. However it shouldn’t have been a first timers choice. I did go on to do many other cross stitch pictures and have ventured into many other types of needlework. I haven’t ever finished the first start, but love all kinds of needlework to this day.
The first ting I remember doing was as a 10 year old. I was doing embroidery on a purchased, stamped fabric. It was mostly cross stitches, but it wasn’t on aida cloth. I remember being so proud of it.
My mom taught us how to embroider when we were quite young. The usual handkerchiefs and pillow cases. I remember in my early twenties having a tin of embroidery floss and a small hoop with me all the time. I was working on my denim shirt that I covered in trees, mushrooms and so many flowers. On the back in one upper corner was the sun, in the opposite corner was a raincloud raining down on my forest. All freehand.
At when grade 5 at school was the place for first efforts !! Canvas works in various stitches that I still own —–somewhere !! This is some — 60 years on !! YIPEE
I think my first embroidery project (as a young girl) was a simple back stitch of a colt in a pasture. Still have it! Never quite finished, but it reminds me of my mom’s teaching me to love embroidery. She has been gone almost four years. I need to get it out and finish it for both her and me! Wonderful project for Mother’s Day weekend!
I stitched my very very first “embroidery” project when I was 3 years old (three, the number is correct). My mother made some holes in heavier paper, gave me a big needle (originally for wool) and some yarn similar to DMC (all 6 strands, of course). And I stitched… I am really sorry that there are no photos of me stitching at that age. And these few works were stitched at age of 7 or 8 (at that time we had no idea about something similar to DMC or Anchor, Aida or linen for embroidery: I wanted to stitch – I was given what was at home and I tried): https://www.facebook.com/zemugne.agne/media_set?set=a.505954892898359.1073741850.100004515583400&type=3
My first embroidery project was a pillowcase that my mother transferred a pattern on to. I remember she let me go to the dime store to pick out floss, and I picked out bright watermelon and bright green, which I thought were beautiful. It was quite an accomplishment to finish as an 8 year old and I’m sure it was ugly, but my mother used it.
I love stitching, even though a beginner. To see so many possibilities and mediums is overwhelming, but appealing.
Thinking back to my first embroidery project makes me smile. It was a crewel embroidery kit complete with frame that I ordered from Woman’s Day magazine. It was a field of dandelions, some golden yellow, and others with white fuzzy thread stitched on a green hop sack fabric. I was so proud to present it to my Mom for Mother’s Day, oh so many years ago….
I now have the piece hanging in my home, but I’d rather have my Mom…
Helen in Tucson
My first ever embroidery project was a 5th grade project. I stitched a Colorado state flag on canvas with yarn.
My first embroidery project was a little handkerchief for my mom for Mother’s Day. My grandmother had penciled in the letters on a new handkerchief belonging to my grandfather and got me started. I was so pleased with the results until it was turned over on it reverse side. So many knots and tangles… but mom loved it and it made us all happy.
The first project I remember couldn’t have been my first project, because it was an entire crewel pillowcase. I think my mom set me to it to keep me out of her hair over a summer vacation. I don’t remember it ever being made into a pillow, though…. 🙁
My first embroidery project was a stamped dresser cloth for my grandmother.
First embroidery project was a cross stitch sampler kit, age 6 or 7, (early 1960’s), sitting on the front stoop, in the summer, in suburban central NJ.
The fabric troubles you are having is certainly cause not to continue but you will find the right one. I love your work and the beautiful gold work. I haven’t reached the skill level that you have but am working towards it.
As a relative newcomer to embroidery, my most memorable project thus far is a less-than-successful attempt stitching quarter-inch monograms.
Thank you for offering the give-away! I hope to try, before too long, the gold and silk technique for a simple ecclesiastical design on either a burse or a hand missal cover.
The first embroidery I ever did was at the age of 10. I used to make doll clothes for my “day of the week doll” I won a prize at school during a contest. I was so proud. So that’s my story. It also kept me occupied when my parents took me out with them when they were visiting friends
I bought myself a little scissors keep kit. It is strawberries on navy linen. I still use it everyday and love the design. I found it hard to work at first and could only manage it on my window seat in the sunlight. The reverse side has a gold crown.
I love that crown and copied it on to natural linen and made a lavender sachet to give my granddaughter when she was presented with her Queens Guide Award.
Since then I always have a project ( or several) on the go. Danish designs are a favourite of mine too especially Edith Hanson’s designs. Very clever simple and effective.
Jenny
PS I’ve passed on my love of embroidery to my daughter and nine grandchildren. Even some of the boys.
The first embroidery project I remember making was a rather large (13 x 36) grouping of whales swimming in the ocean. It was for my mother-in-law who loves whales. It was a kit if I remember correctly, and I loved how it turned out. I had it framed for her. She loved it as well even with my beginner abilities.
The first embroidery project I did was a needlepoint project – a painted canvas of Groucho Marx! I had never stitched anything and was walking past a sewing store and saw it in the window. I bought the canvas and threads and taught myself the continental stitch. I had it framed and it was so out of wack (I didn’t know about stretcher bars) that the framer had a very hard time getting it straight enough to frame. I have come a long way since then and enjoy many types of embroidery. Goldwork is on my list of new forms of embroidery to learn. The book looks great! Thanks for a wonderful give-away.
my first project was in 1983 and was a kit purchased at the strong museum in rochester ny. the kit was put out by the examplarery/ joanne harvey and called the shepherdess, not knowing they had beginners, intermedate and advanced kits for stitching. I loved every minute of the stitching and when it was done people could not believe this was my first ever attempt. since i have been stitching every reproduction i can get my hands on! 19 years ago i lost my dominte arm in a table saw mishap….first thing i did when i came home from the hospital with a stump three inches below the elbow was to teach myself how to thread a needle. the rest is history!
My first project was a cross stitch bear holding a red heart. It was a small kit. That started a love that I’ve had ever since in all forms of needlework.
That book looks absolutely divine.I have never tried goldwork but the book looks as though I could really learn a lot. Thank you for the chance to win it.
I don’t remember my first embroidery kit but my favorite embroidery project was Cardinals in Dogwood. The colors were wonderful & the stitching was a great way to relax. I was doing it just for me so I didn’t have any deadline or any goal other than to improve my stitches as I continued to embroider.
The very first thing I ever stitched was a couple of Danish flags–you know, flags on poles with poles crossed kind of design. I don’t know for sure, but I’d guess the design came from an Eva Rosenstand catalogue (they come with a free design or two.) I don’t remember how old I was, but certainly still in grade school.
I remember doing Chicken Scratch on gingham when I was in primary school. I’m a bit more ‘sophisticated’ in my embroidery now, but still enjoy the simpler ones as well.
My father’s best friend had to move to Nigeria to work. He asked my dad to look out for his mum and dad (Pop and Pol). Dad did and Pop and Pol became us kids 3rd grandparents. Pol was an embroiderer and when we visited I would sit by her chair and watch and sort her threads for her. Like all crafters she was happy to share and encourage. She gave me some threads and transfers so I could have a go. Once home mum sorted out a piece of old sheet and we transferred the patterns I wanted. I worked on that embroidery on and off through my child hood but forgot about it in my teens. I left home, got married etc.
In 2000 my mum died and I had to clear the house. Her next door neighbour came in as I was sorting the coffee table draw. In the draw was my first embroidery. The fabric had been squared off and the edges hemmed. The neighbour said that the cloth was laid on the table when mum and dad had tea on Sunday. The cloth is now used by me when my husband and I go off in our camper van (RV) and reminds me of two very special women.
Thanks for the opportunity for the goldwork book.
My first embroidery that I recall was a large crewel picture (probably by Dimensions or similar company). I remember the turkey work in particular. It was way overstitched. But I figured it out on my own, so it was an accomplishment in that sense. And my mother loved it in spite of the poor stitching.
My first embroidery effort was crossstitch of course – it was a LARGE version of the Cluny Tapestry “Sense of Hearing”. I saw it in a shop window, and thought – this is what I want to do! It came with red Aida fabric, and took me 18 months to complete. One day I will do the next one “My one Desire”.