About me and my love of needlework

At my Grandmother's knee

It all began when I was a youngster, watching my grandmother create beautiful tablecloths with intricate stitching. She patiently taught me the basics, and I was hooked! My first stitches were, well, let's just say they were a great learning experience. But with her guidance, I improved, and my love for needlework grew.

In senior school my needlework teacher tried to persuade me to make clothes, but I was passionate about embroidery. For nearly three years, I resisted her efforts, and my mum's collection of embroidered tray-cloths grew. Eventually, Miss Abrahams got her way, and I begrudgingly made a red poplin skirt.

I never wore the skirt - it didn't even make it home.

The next time I made clothes, they were for my baby daughter,

However, I didn't give up on embroidery.

Counted Cross Stitch - A new hobby

I discovered counted cross stitch in a craft shop while searching for a hobby to fill my evenings.

That first stitch sparked a passion that consumed me. I spent hours stitching pictures, cards, and decorations - even creating cherished Christmas heirlooms.

But it was a birth sampler for my daughter that led to a breakthrough. I couldn't find a pattern featuring a Blue Dutch bunny that looked like her pet, Danny, so I decided to design one myself.

The process was challenging. I spent hours sketching, planning, and experimenting with colours and arrangements. But then, with each stitch, Danny came to life on the fabric. Completing the project filled me with a sense of accomplishment.

Becoming a Designer

That little bunny design, paved the way for a future in embroidery.

Before I knew it, I was working as a freelance designer for top British needlework magazines like Needlecraft and Cross Stitcher. Seeing my designs in print was a dream come true, each time a new issue hit the shops.

But that was just the beginning. The magazines saw beyond my designs to my passion, and asked me to write a monthly article.

The "Diary of a Country Stitcher" became a popular series that ran for over a year, pairing my words with small cross stitch designs.

Those magical times shaped me both personally and professionally, honing my design skills and teaching me to find my voice as a writer.

Enter the computer

Up until this point I had been designing on squared paper, but the magazines suggested I used computer software to create my designs, which would save them time and effort when preparing them for publication.

It took a little persuasion, but I realised this would also enable me to offer designs for stitchers like yourself, along with building on my embryonic writing skills.

And eventually this website, where I could share my knowledge with you.

I had always enjoyed teaching different forms of embroidery, both locally and at the big British needlework shows. I built up a clientele who returned repeatedly because they said "You break down complex stitches and techniques into manageable steps, making them easy to master."

Now I had the chance to introduce stitchers across the globe the fun of embroidery through the tutorials and articles on my site. 

Teaching you to embroider

I have been lucky enough to meet some of my online students in real life.

Like the tall young man at a national show. I had stepped away from my booth for a short refreshment break, when he sat beside me and said “Thank you for teaching me blackwork.” At first confused, I discovered he had used the lessons on this site. What a special moment we shared, two strangers brought together through a love of stitching. 

Your stories and the impact I've had on you remind me why I do this work. It's fulfilling to see my designs and stories make a difference in the lives of fellow stitchers.

A man once called me to say, "Thank you for saving my life!" His words were genuine, and his story was heartbreaking. Six months earlier, his wife, Mary, had passed away, leaving behind an unfinished cross stitch project - my largest design, also called Mary.

Consumed by depression and loneliness, he considered ending his life. But he made a pact with himself to finish the embroidery his wife had started before making any decisions about his future. Although he had some experience with cross stitch, this project was larger than any he had attempted before.

As he stitched, the rhythmic motion of the needle and thread brought solace to his darkest moments. Each stitch mended a piece of his heart. The finished design was not just a work of art, but also gave him a renewed sense of purpose.

His words, "Thank you for saving my life," carried profound weight, and in that moment, I felt the immense power and responsibility of inspiring others.

I am always happy to hear from you. Drop me a line from my Contact Carol page to share your own stories and insights after trying the techniques I share.

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