After a long hiatus- several years- I decided to pick up surface embroidery again. I've done several cross stitch pieces recently but no embroidery for at least 3 or 4 years and then only basic stitches to embellish a top. I decided it was time to teach myself to stitch once again. So, I got out an old tutorial of my mom's called "A Comprehensive corse in Crewel Embroidery" by Marion Nichols from 1971. This is actually the primer to a class that presumes you have the accompanying printed pattern which I didn't. So I just did a free form sampler of each of the stitches on some muslin as they were introduced in the book. Once I felt comfortable with one stitch, I moved on to the next. Soon I felt ready for a "real" piece to work on.
I found a likely picture on the internet, site now unknown, and copied. I touhgt it would work as a sampler of sorts for different stitches.
I've learned so many new stitches on this piece. It's not perfect but it was fun. I can't wait to finish it as a pillow for my youngest daughter who loves owls.
Happy stitching.
