Cross Stitch Memories

As a teen, I had never been known for my excellence in domestic chores. If there was anything cooking-related that needed to be done, I would do anything to not be in the kitchen. My grandmother tried a million times to teach me how to crochet. She was a master at it - however, I was all thumbs. My mother tried to teach me how to hem a pair of pants and to sew on loose buttons.  These were skills that would inevitably be needed in the future.  I was just not interested in learning and soon everyone gave up on trying to teach me. In fact, I even failed one of my final exams in a mandatory Home Economics class in middle school.  My sewing project was supposed to be a cute little pillow.  Instead, it was a lopsided mess with the stuffing poking out of some unstitched holes.  Well, when was I ever going to need to know how to sew a pillow anyway?   I could just go out and buy a pillow when I needed one.

Fast forward a few years and I am 21, pregnant with my first kid and bored out of my mind.  I had just graduated from college and was expecting my baby to be here in person in just a few months. I was itching to do something fun and creative but had no clue as to what exactly I should do.  So I went to the craft store to see if something got my creative juices flowing.  I came across a baby blanket cross stitching kit for beginners. I was so excited! My baby's first blanket would be something I made just for him!  It would be so special--one of a kind! 
What I did not consider was that it was quite an ambitious design.  The picture covered most of the front of the blanket and contained precise and meticulously formed stitches.  I had never even threaded a needle before but I was determined to do this! I bought the kit, which came with the required threads, needle and the embroidery hoop to hold the cloth taut.  I immediately rushed home to read the instructions and begin on my baby's first treasure.  After about a dozen false starts, the thread tangling up a few times, and pricking my finger with the needle about a hundred times, I gave up.  When my husband came home, he saw the project and said to me, "Do you really think you will be able to do this before the baby is born?  I honestly don't think you will be able to finish it."  I looked at him with a determined look on my face and said, "Watch me!"

I started off with excitement and fervor but there were times when I just dreaded the thought of even picking up the needle and thread.  When the thread got all tangled and I couldn't untangle it, I would have to cut it and start that section all over again.  Because I made so many errors, I ran out of a particular color of thread and had to go to the store and purchase more of that color.  I was tempted to give up more times than I can count. 
Honestly, I don't know why I kept going. I just felt this overpowering need to finish this for my baby and to prove to myself that I could do this.  I spent hours every day with the television on and would just stitch away. I learned to divide the blanket up into smaller, more doable sections.  It was encouraging to finish a small section but daunting to see exactly how much was still left to do!  Little by little, I started to see the blanket become a piece of art. I really wanted something handmade for my baby and I was the only one that had the time and motivation to do it.

Now 21 years later, that blanket has so many heartwarming
memories attached to it.  My baby would lie on it and play for hours.  I can still see him giggling and smiling.  He learned to turn over for the first time on that blanket.  When his grandparents and great-grandparents saw him for the first time, he was wrapped in that blanket. By the way, everyone was surprised by the fact that I was the one who made it.

 I am proud to say that I completed that blanket, was able to cross stitch another blanket for my niece, a sheet set for my baby boy, and continue to cross stitch smaller pieces. It has become one of my hobbies now that I have a little more free time.  I have given a few special people pieces I stitched as gifts to show my appreciation for them in my life.  For ideas and inspiration on needlework and cross stitching, look no further than your local branch library. There are tons of books for every level, from beginner to advanced, to guide you.

   



Here are a few titles to help get you started:

Designer Cross Stitch Projects: Over 100 Colorful and Contemporary Patterns by the Editors of Cross Stitcher

Cross-stitch for the First Time by Donna Kooler

Ultimate Cross Stitch Projects: Colorful and Inspiring Designs from Maria Diaz by Maria Diaz

Simply Stitched: Beautiful Embroidery Motifs and Projects with Wool and Cotton by Yumiko Higuchi

Mastering the Art of Embroidery: Tutorials, Techniques and Modern Applications by Sophie Long

Doodle Stitching: Embroidery & Beyond: Crewel, Cross Stitch, Sashiko & More by Aimee Ray

- Kaneeze, Hightstown Branch