I find I have to revise my expectations when it comes to embroidery. I am used to having bread that rises, knitting that grows, quilts that spread, and tulips which expand. But with stitching, the time to output ratio is very different.
Admittedly, I am not a particularly speedy wielder of the needle, but I am always surprised by how much time embroidery consumes. This is compounded by my choice of favourite stitches. I love stem stitch, blanket stitch, French knots and lazy daisies, all of which are either filling or fiddly. I also have a particular passion for satin stitch and can never resist running my finger over the smooth ridges it forms. I don’t design my own embroideries, but prefer to use vintage iron-on transfers (eBay is the best source of these) and I enjoy stitching smallish pieces which can be held in a medium size hoop.
