My Journey with my Needle, Thread, and Scissors

My love affair with creating things with my own hands began when in the late 1950s. I was young enough to sit and watch my mother and grandmother knit and crochet. Their hands moved quickly, turning yarn into sweaters, blankets, socks, and doilies. I was fascinated, but had no idea then that my interest in creating with a needle and thread would bring me to where I am today.

After learning to crochet and knit at a local YWCA, I went to college, where I received a degree in Occupational Therapy. As part of the required curriculum, l learned quilting, leather tooling, weaving, tatting, and other techniques.

Once I learned that I could use fabric, needle, thread, and scissors to make designs, I was hooked on quilting and sewing clothing, not only for myself, but also for friends and family.

After getting married in the 1970s, I decided to teach myself how to crewel. Each time I picked up a needle and thread, I fell more in love with the idea of creating things, not only for myself, but also for people I loved. Not only did I learn to crewel and make ornaments as well as framed pictures to give to family and friends, I also enjoyed classes in smocking. Later I joined the group Embroiderers’ Guild of America. This was life changing for me and I’ve been a member for many years. Through this organization, I’ve have been taught the skills to complete hardanger, lacis, and whitework among many other stitching skills.

Even though I loved creating for myself and my friends and family, it wasn’t until I had two daughters that I was able to see my needlework really come to life.

When my daughters were young, they wore smocked dresses that I made for them. After hours of hard work, seeing my designs being worn and loved was an incredible feeling. And, years later, I made smocked dresses for my granddaughter.

I had no idea, but these first smocked dresses were just the beginning of the creations I would make for family. In addition to making smocked clothing as well as quilts for my daughters and grandchild, one year, my twin sister asked me to make special bridesmaids gifts for her daughter’s wedding. I was thrilled to have been asked and stitched gorgeous hardanger decorated boxes for all of the girls.

Decades ago, I made a quilt for my parents’ Christmas present. As they opened the box, they thought it was “just another coverlet”. As soon as they realized I had made them a quilt, though, they cried with joy. Knowing that I could make someone feel my love for them in such a tangible way made me want to help others feel that same excitement, so I decided that I wanted to help others learn to stitch, as well.

As passionate as I am about leaning new techniques, I knew that it was time for me to give back by sharing the gift of stitching with others, especially with kids! I’ve assisted instructors in teaching youngsters the art of quilting and hardanger. There are lots of pricked fingers when working with kids, but there’s nothing like the joy of teaching them how to create on their own!

When my oldest daughter was in the 5th grade, I worked for months with her class to teach them to quilt. Together, we made a gorgeous wall hanging quilt with books on it that we donated to the school library. This quilt is still there and I hope that some of the now-adults still quilt or stitch to express themselves.

I have found over the years that my love for having fabric, needle, and thread in my hands with scissors next to me has:

Made it possible for me to express myself creatively.

Allowed me to sit in an airport, in a plane, or in a car traveling while doing something I love.

Given me the opportunity to make special gifts for those special people I care about. As I stitch for others, I pray for them.

Lowered my blood pressure. I can actually feel my blood pressure go down while stitching.

Helped me make lifelong friends through the Embroiderers’ Guild of American while learning new stitching techniques.

Given me great joy when stitching needlework for friends, giving someone I love my needlework, and helped show love to people when I share with them.

Blessed me with years of opportunities to learn more than I thought possible through the Embroiderers’ Guild.

Allowed me to share with others what I have learned.

Given me moments of sheer terror when I have cut a wrong thread and overwhelming joy when I realize that yes, I do know how to repair that mistake.

Given me the knowledge, understanding, and desire for an excellent and sharp pair of scissors always with me.

All of this is why I, over the years, have enjoyed and loved having fabric, needles, thread, and a great pair of scissors as well as all of the opportunities that they have afforded me.

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts.