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As the winds of fall blow through our neighborhoods and the scorching temperatures of summer subside into the cool crisp autumn days, my thoughts turn to the upcoming winter. Right now we still have leaves, although some are rustling brown and holding on for dear life. Soon the trees will be spindly and bare under iron gray snow clouds. It’s time to get cozy.
Winter is always crafting time at my house. Stuck inside and bored of tv, my entire family pulls out projects to pass the time. My daughter is an artist. She diligently works on her portfolio while not at her day job. My husband can be heard in the garage using his woodworking tools, while I sit down with my cozy cup of hot cocoa and stitch.
There is nothing quite like sitting in front of a fire (real or electric), with my Pomeranian curled up next to me, lazily pushing a needle through fabric or yarn. It’s therapeutic.
“Hand work” is what my Oma called it. It was never yarn. It was always called wool. She was a Dutch immigrant who came over after the second world war. Her family had lived in a tiny village bordering Germany for countless generations. The entire village was filled with Kleuskens, Verheydens Vanderhavels and Hoeks. The war brought devastation and depression to the area and a huge number of families immigrated out for a better life. In 1947, Anna, Peter, and their 4 children, including my mother, joined hundreds of other people on a ship that brought them to America. Ironically, the county that they had just left in The Netherlands was also named America. More on that later.
Today’s project is embroidery. It was a perfect day to embark on an artistic project that would capture the essence of this beautiful season. The vivid hues of autumn make the perfect color palette: deep maroons, burnt oranges, rich browns, and vibrant yellows.
I had gathered an array of threads in shades that mirrored the fall landscape. The deep maroon reminded me of the maple leaves that carpeted my backyard, the burnt orange evoked the pumpkin patches that I visited as a child, the rich brown echoed the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg in my Oma’s pies, and the vibrant yellow captured the golden glow of the harvest sunsets. These threads would become the paint for my canvas, an intricately woven piece of fabric that would weave together the colors and emotions of fall.
Embroidery, for me, has always been a calming and meditative activity. The rhythmic motion of the needle passing through the fabric, the gentle pull of the thread, and the satisfying click of the hoop as it secured the fabric all created a soothing cadence. As I settled into my favorite armchair by the window, I began to embroider. The coolness of the day outside was in stark contrast to the warmth that enveloped me as I worked.
To embark on an embroidery project like this, one must start with the basics. Here are some simple instructions for those looking to explore this creative and therapeutic hobby:
- Gather Your Materials: You’ll need an embroidery hoop, embroidery fabric, embroidery floss in fall colors, a needle, and embroidery scissors. The hoop will keep the fabric taut, making it easier to work on, and the floss is the colored thread you’ll use for your design.
- Select Your Pattern: Find or draw a pattern that embodies the spirit of fall. It could be leaves, pumpkins, acorns, or any other fall-related design. If you are not sure how to transfer your ideas onto the fabric you can always buy iron-on patterns. When I began embroidery, I used only iron-on embroidery patterns, and I highly recommend them for beginners. They are super easy to use. You can even put several patterns together to make a collage. For this project I am making patches for a quilt that I will eventually make.
- Thread Your Needle: Thread your needle with three strands of embroidery floss, about 18 inches in length. You can adjust the length based on your comfort and project size. I rarely do fine stitching. If you want something a little more delicate looking, use one strand. Also, I am getting older and use a needle threader . It just makes it easier.
- Begin Stitching: Start with a simple stitch, like the backstitch, which is great for outlining your design. Bring the needle up through the fabric and then back down to create a straight line. Continue this process until your design begins to take shape.
- Explore Different Stitches: As your confidence grows, experiment with other stitches. The satin stitch is perfect for filling in shapes, and the French knot can create textured details like the seeds on a pumpkin. I can tell you that I myself only use three or four different kinds of stitches and I learned them all on YouTube.
- Take Your Time: Embroidery is a patient art form. Enjoy the process, and don’t rush. The slow, deliberate pace is part of what makes it so calming and meditative. For me, I truly enjoy the moment.
- Embrace Imperfections: Remember that imperfections can add character to your work. No two leaves or pumpkins in nature are identical, and your embroidery should reflect that diversity.
If you are new to needlepoint embroidery, it may be easier to use a kit for your first few projects. Amazon has some great Beginner Embroidery Projects. These have everything you need to complete a project, including needles, threads, cloth, and a hoop.
As I followed these steps, I watched my embroidery project take shape. The rich colors of fall began to emerge on the fabric, and with each stitch, a sense of nostalgia enveloped me. The memories of crisp autumn days spent with family, picking apples, carving pumpkins, and savoring warm cider came flooding back.
As the sun dipped below the horizon I put down my needle, wrapped my project in the hoop, and sighed with contentment. My embroidery, with its soothing process and vibrant fall colors, had transformed a simple day into a rich tapestry of memories and creativity. It was a testament to the timeless art of Hand Work and the enduring charm of fall.
