Needlework: A Family Tradition

Many people are surprised to learn that my father taught me to cross stitch. In the 1970s, felt painting was all the rage, so my mother lent her artistic energy to painting pre-printed images to hang around the house. I distinctly remember a picture of a toddler with a roll of toilet paper hanging above the commode in our yellow-and-brown bathroom. Ah, the 1970s…

My grandmother embroidered pillowcases and dishcloths, a skill she passed on to one of my uncles. I have a cousin who became an anime artist and was talented enough to produce work for major gaming companies, including Blizzard, the studio behind Warcraft and Diablo.

My own artistic talents have flourished in creating beautiful cross stitch pieces to hang on the Christmas tree or display in frames. My favorite works are designs by Teresa Wentzler, a renowned fantasy artist whose intricate patterns are a serious challenge but well worth the effort. My current project is Teresa Wentzler’s “Romeo and Juliet,” stitched on pale blue linen. Cross stitching on linen is quite a challenge because, unlike Aida cloth, the squares aren’t as clearly visible.

Sometimes Erin asks me what my perfect day in retirement would look like. My answer is always the same: a cozy chair, a warm quilt, a large window looking out into the backyard and woods in autumn, a cross stitch project in my lap, and an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation playing softly in the background. I’ve experienced that very moment many times. It’s those moments that help me recenter my mind, escape the stresses of the world, and be fully present, creating a work of art. In those moments, I feel at peace.

Pisgah Needleworks is our effort to bring that same sense of peace and creative joy to others by sharing our love of needlecraft and artistic expression. Each item in our shop appeals to members of our family who love to create. We offer cross stitch, embroidery, crochet, and Diamond Art projects ready to help you plan your perfect, relaxing day. If you’re searching for a specific project, send us a message or give us a call, and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Thank you for joining us on this amazing journey. We look forward to serving you!