I continue to ask LTS members to share their stories about how they started to stitch and their first piece.........and yet, I don't think I ever really shared mine. This is how I came to LOVE stitching!
Growing up, my grandmother (we call her Mom Mom Sarah, her real name is Rita but that’s a whole other story…) would sit in her chair at night and stitch. I was amazed that she could look at a picture on a piece of paper and recreate the design on a blank piece of fabric. Mom Mom made the most amazing things. From Blankets, to pillows and everything in between she always found a way to find the perfect project.
I was 5 when Mom Mom took a piece of fabric and taught me how to use a needle and thread. I was BEYOND excited! I practiced each day learning to thread a needle, choosing the right colors for my project and working hard to be sure it would turn out just so. After I was able to learn the basics I got brave and charted my first design. I worked on it every night in my room and was so excited to give it to my Mom Mom.
I was 24 when I decided to start designing needlework professionally. I had a great collection of original designs to show and was a week away from my first industry tradeshow, when I had lunch at Mom Mom’s house. She took me up to her bedroom and framed on her nightstand was the first piece I ever designed. 20 years she had that piece. Mom Mom said she cried when I gave it to her. She always knew I would do something creative and was so thrilled that I chose needlework.
I have my first piece hanging on my wall in my office. Every day I go to work, I am reminded of my fabulous Mom Mom who taught me how to stitch. She gave me needlework skills that I could turn into a career that I love and made me feel like I could do anything. I have come to realize stitching is not just something to do. It is so much more than that. Stitching creates memories, builds bonds and provides a way for people to connect. She couldn't have given me a better gift!
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