big stitch, small stitch

During the summer, when my book Little Stitches was first released, I gave each of my daughter's their very own copy.  To my delight, they have now stitched several pieces each and I thought it might be an idea to show you a couple of these today - In case you are thinking up activities to do with your kids during those almost-here holidays.

The above picture shows two versions of the Hoot The Owl pattern - On the right is my original which is featured in the book and on the left is the one my 9 year old daughter stitched.  If you look closely, you can see that she stitched the pattern her own way, sticking to running stitch and satin stitch.  Despite the simplicity, her embroidery has so much more personality than mine.  In effect, younger children very much treat embroidery just like colouring in - only using floss instead of pencils.  I find it best to supply them with all the tools they need and then just leave them to it unless they ask for help.  I better stress here that I always sit with my daughter's when they stitch.  Usually, I'm stitching too or doing paper work or writing patterns but you can never be too careful where needles are concerned.

Here is an example of my 12 year old daughter's handiwork (again on the left).  Whilst on the right is my Sleepy Kitty from the book.  My elder daughter is far more confident in trying out lots of stitches and her embroidery has been done in all the same stitches as mine - using the pattern instructions in the book.

What I love the most about my girls embroidering is how absorbed they get in this activity.  Not only are they quiet for 15 minutes to a half hour but they seem to be very relaxed and calm for once.

And they end up with something they've practically made all by themselves.  If you really want to give them a boost, display their embroideries on a wall or propped up on a bookshelf - children love nothing better than to know you admire what they made ;)

Comments

[Jamie Lee]

I love this! My oldest daughter loves to sew and I bet she'd love this!

[Kay]

Just lovely!!

[elsa]

Your daughters are both are wonderful embroiderers! Love the little owls and how different they look ~ cute kitties too!

[Mary Ann]

My Grandaughter is 4 1/2 and I am giving her some og the big sewing on plastic netting soon. I hope thT moves us to embroidery a few months later. The girls work is so sweet!

[Kristy]

Precious, absolutely precious. If only all little girls could have this opportunity.

[Elizabeth]

I still have my first embroidery project! Good for you for passing this love on to them.

[Olivia Kuebler]

I think embroidery was the first "hand craft" I learned. My patient Grandmother taught me when I was maybe 8. Good to see you teaching your daughter's. It may be my favorite.

[Archie the wonder dog]

They've inherited their mam's talent!

[karen Blondedesign]

Perfect you may soon be getting ideas from them!!, my embroidery is awful. Kx

[Charlotte E]

Lovely to see them following in their Mum's footsteps. If they can do embroidery then I should really give it a try.

[Flying Blind]

Your girls are so cool xxx

[Becca]

My eldest daughter will be getting an embroidery kit on Christmas. I can't wait. :)

[Sarah]

Ooh love. I'm teaching Home Ec textiles next year to 12-13 year olds and I was thinking of beginning with hand stitching. Thanks for the teaching tips! I love the calming effect of stitching.

[Julie]

Clever girls, their stitching is beautiful. Good on them.

[Alex]

Oh how wonderfully gifted they are... just like their mum .. xx

[Margaret]

You just gave me an idea for a Christmas present for my 9-year-old--your book plus an embroidery starter kit. :-)

[Margaret]

Come to think of it, Aneela, can you recommend what a basic embroidery kit for a 9-year-old should contain?

[Aneela]

Hi Margaret,

A good basic embroidery kit would include -
White cotton fabric
Needles, try and seek out embroidery needles if you can
Embroidery hoop, 7" diameter isa good size
6 stranded embroidery floss in the following colours - red, pink, light pink, blue, light blue, green, dark brown, medium brown, yellow
Pair of small sharp scissors

:)

[Jane]

Hi Aneela,
You have done remarkable with your girls - they did a beautiful job with their embroidery - and you did a beautiful job with your girls.

Blessings to you all!!

[maypole]

your daughter does a lovely neat stitch, good that they have an interest in sewing.

Love the quilt too

[Delcia R.]

Your daughter's little kitty is so happy looking (not to take away from yours). Isn't it wonderful how each person makes a pattern their own. I love that about creativity. She has your talent; a needle off the old pin cushion.