Introduction

I thought about starting the series of articles out with one about my love for this art. The needle, the thread, the fabric, the trim, the colors, and the picture I want to create have inspire in me a deep love of embroidery. Embroidery allows the crafter to do just that... create the picture in his or her mind and translate that picture onto some textile/paper article.

I first fell in love with this craft when I saw my mother's collection of her mother's and grandmother's works. The stitching was perfect. The designs, graceful. Handkerchiefs, table runners, potholders, kitchen towels, tablecloths, clothing items, and towels were just a few of the items where they worked their embroidery. Flowers seemed to be the theme of these artful items but occasionally, these ladies would veer off into other designs such as people and umbrellas, houses and insects.

When I picked up my first project, I was awkward. The worst stitch for me was the French Knot. I have since mastered this fine stitch but for a long time I would avoid projects that required this stitch. Eventually, I, like the women in my family, leaned towards things of nature. I would sway the fabric, weaving the needle in and out, leaving behind a plethora of flowers and leaves.

Embroidery became a craft that I extended into other crafts such as crochet, knitting, and sewing projects. As a self-taught crafter in the above areas, I constantly look for the best ways to incorporate embroidery into the other crafts. See, embroider, by its name, simply means to adorn an object with some design and thereby, enhancing the original project.

Embroidery includes a number of subcategories which we will explore over time. I think you will find yourself eventually daydreaming...finding that one perfect project that you too will want to incorporate embroidery techniques. Then you will know that embroidery has become a love in your life.

Our second article for this topic will start with smocking. It will end up as a series of articles teaching you the art. Will be fun!

Yours in Embroidery,

Sharon Washam Suite101 Embroidery Editor

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