Emma has been watching the progression of several of my embroidery projects lately and decided she wanted to try some. She has embroidered in the past, with my help, but those of you who are familiar with twelve year olds might already know this, but its best if the idea is their own. No prodding of the gentle arts from Mom are going to create any enthusiasm these days. But I guess looking over my shoulder enough times did it for her. She asked for ideas, and I sent to a wonderful, all-inspiring book of embroidery sampling called, appropriately, A Rainbow of Stitches. (How's that for a gripping title for a tweener?) I showed her a few basics, like how to copy her pattern onto the fabric, and how to make basic stitches... backstitch, chain stitch (loves that one), split stitch, etc. That took about 5 minutes, or at least that was all she would give me. She nodded her head with impatience and before I realized it, she was gone. Off to stitch.
EEEEKKK! I'm so giddy!
