craftygal travels - Stitch and Be Social too!

by Taryn

Are you a closet stitcher? Come on, it’s okay to admit it — you enjoy cross-stitching, or embroidery, or some other type of needlework. Maybe you hide it under your bed, only taking it out when no one’s around to harass you about it. Or maybe you only tell your mom about your new projects because she’s the only one who "understands." Perhaps you explain it away by saying, "It’s just a winter hobby — something I do to keep myself occupied until spring."

Well, wouldn’t it be nice if the people you grace with gifts that take hours of painstaking concentration and labor could comprehend what you put into them? Wouldn’t it be comforting to know that you were among friends? Well, perhaps it’s time you looked into joining a group of people who share the joy you find in stitching. Maybe it’s even time you considered starting your own!

Fellow craftygal, Christy, and I decided it was high time that we branched out with our cross-stitching habit, and attended the Stitch Night we’d seen advertised at the Golden Thread Needlearts Store in East Rochester, NY. When I called the number I was informed that it was held every Thursday night from 6 to 9 PM, so we arrived at about 6:15, not knowing what we were in for… Fortunately, we were pleasantly surprised.

There are 8 to 12 regulars who attend this particular event, ranging from teens to women in their ‘80s; however, the average age seemed to be somewhere between 30 and 45. For many of these ladies, it’s the only night of the week they get to indulge in a personal interest. It’s a welcome relief from the rest of the week, which is spent on chores like planning slumber parties, tending to soccer injuries, and caring for ailing parents. One woman is so dedicated (or just plain fortunate) that her husband drives her from the opposite side of the city and takes their son to McDonald’s while she enjoys her special evening out with the gals. And you can tell they relish hearing each other’s family tales. There’s a camaraderie similar to what I imagine you’d find at a bridge club. "But," I’m told, "it’s better than playing cards, because you can enjoy stitching by yourself or with friends."

We were also somewhat surprised to find that there’s a similar competitive undertone. There’s no denying that these women take pride in sharing the pieces they’ve completed, or the new challenges they’re about to take on. Christy took time to marvel at the fabric one woman was busy stitching, because of how tiny the thread-count looked, and was promptly informed: "There are people here who work on 40 count silk gauze! But that’s for Sunday afternoons when the sun is out and I’m very rested." It’s all very good-natured, but you’d better be prepared to hear about the joys and trials of working with beads or metallic threads if you should happen to inquire. One thing is for sure, if you need guidance or advice on a particular project you’re doing, it would definitely pay off to be connected with a group this experienced.

Perhaps you’ve been looking for something just like this. It may be worth your while to ask around at your nearest sewing supply shop to find out if a similar group exists in your area. You could also check online for local interest groups. Or maybe you’re thinking of starting your own. If you have a friend or two you suspect would be up for it, put the idea out there and see what happens. Interest could come from surprising places, too, so try taking chances on people you’re not sure about as well.

Soon, you’ll be in your element, surrounded by folks who can appreciate the time and effort you invested in that wedding or shower gift. In no time, you’ll be sharing techniques, reveling in the circle’s accomplishments, and wondering what ever made you want to conceal your needlework interest!

Welcome Home: It's Stitch Night

by Taryn

Commonly Heard Stitch Night Phrases