Taking that first step

The first embroidery technique I decided to get 'serious' with was Crewel. I am and will always be entranced by the world of Jacobean design and William Morris even if I didn't really know what that meant back in 2011. 

While on a holiday break I took the opportunity to get started.

I bought this book....

I selected this design....

It is called Majestie and was designed by Avril Ambrose-De Havilland. I chose it because I really liked the colours. 

I was really excited to commence stitching but soon discovered that it takes preparation to get a new embroidery project underway. For me starting something new can be so much fun - the adventure of working out what you need and in some instances having to try quite hard to get just what you want.

So in trying to get this project started what did I find out?

• that finding exactly the threads used in the design are not always easy to source but you can always substitute something else
• that linen twill, the fabric historically associated with Crewel, is relatively expensive but you can find what you want if you keep looking
• and finally that having someone to help you get started when you don't really understand what the instructions are telling you is priceless. This can be online or with friends or in a classroom.

In the end to get the supplies I needed I had visited or spoken with:

• Ocean Grove Sewing Centre
• Bustle and Bows
• The Embroidery Den

and to get the encouragement I needed I joined

• Stitchaholics (invitation only)
• Stitchin' Fingers

I was ready to get going.