Cross Stitch Resolutions
December 20, 2007 by Melinda
I am sure as the New Year approaches, we all come up with a list of resolutions to aim for. I’d like to propose a few related specifically to our needlework endeavors. If we all work at one or two individually, imagine the possibilities for our needlework industry when our efforts are combined.
Discover a “new” Designer. There are many creative, talented people in the needlework industry. Perhaps you have some favorite designers already. Spend some time looking at other designers’ work to start new projects for next year. You will be pleasantly surprised with the creativity and imaginative projects. You may discover a new “favorite” designer!
Take a Needlework Class. Besides the comraderie of a group experience, you will benefit from the Needlework Teacher’s experiences, tips and techniques. Many offer exclusive teaching pieces. You can discover new stitches, finishing techniques, innovative ideas or expand your needlework skills with a challenging project guided by a talented instructor.
Learn a new finishing technique. There are many wonderful books on the market with diagrams, instructions and detailed photographic guides to assist you in learning new finishing techniques for your needlework projects. Aim to learn a new finishing technique for next year.
Learn a new needlework technique. Never tried Hardanger or Schwalm embroidery? Give it a try.
Expand your Knowledge of Stitches. Again, there are many books with stitch diagrams on the market. Better yet, join a local cross stitch group or guild and benefit from the knowledge of the members of the group. Learn new stitches together.
Visit your local Needlework Store. You will find many wonderful fabrics, flosses and threads, products, and gadgets that you can’t live without. I like to be able to touch a fabric, see the color, place floss next to it in order to determine if it is the one I need for a project. Somehow a picture snippet on the internet just doesn’t cut it for me. Many stores offer trunk shows, stitched models, classes or instruction. Support your Independent Needlework Retail stores.
Pay it Forward. I think this just might be the most important on the list. We learned to do needlework from someone; our mother or grandmother, an aunt, a friend, a teacher, etc. Pay it forward by teaching someone to cross stitch. There are many mentoring programs out there to take part in such as TNNA’s Take Part! program.
Feel free to add your own ideas to the list above.
