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Project Discussions:  Who taught you your Needlecraft/Sewing Skills?  |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
5968 Posts
Debbie Fischer
Coos Bay
OR
5968 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 26 2026 : 11:30:55 AM
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I was reading the Just A Bit of Merit Badge Chitchat Thread on the main forum this morning. And Debbie K. was saying that her Grandma taught her how to Needlepoint and other skills. It got me to thinking about who taught me and other Wildflowers to do their favorite craft.
I did take sewing in Home Ec. I made all my Sisters maternity clothes and got A’s. Then when I was pregnant with Kent I made him some little clothes and clothes for me. I love sewing. Not sure what happened as I do not sew anymore with my sewing Machine as I cannot sew a straight line. I love hand sewing and I taught myself to do that that. Then :
My neighbor who lived across the street was German and I was Friends with her daughter. I watched her knit lovely things for years. Finally when I was 16 I ask her to teach me and she did. My first project was a scarf and I was hooked! I made many things over the years not perfect for sure as I never got as good as she was. But I have made baby blankets, more scarves, shawls , socks and more. I have loved making socks. And I always thought of that neighbor when I am knitting who taught this young girl all those years ago to knit. I had not one relative to teach me so I am so grateful to her. And over the years I have taught others to knit. I enjoy it so much, it is my relaxing time.
So Wildflowers who taught you? Share your story of how you learned.
I have not done a give away in a while so I will have a giveaway related to our topic.
Thank you Debbie K. for giving me the idea.
Have fun Wildflowers reminiscing :-)
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Big Hugs,
Debbie
Farmgirl if the Month for:
September 2012, February 2018, September 2022 and August 2025.
“My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Bryon
When I am old I am wearing Purple. I am Old!!
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Edited by - Blessed in Colorado on Apr 26 2026 7:32:52 PM |
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levisgrammy
Scattered Prairie Hen Honcho
11033 Posts
Denise
Ohio
USA
11033 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2026 : 12:28:06 PM
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| My mom taught me my sewing and crochet skills. My grandmothers were no longer around when I got to the age to learn it. A friend's daughter taught me to knit. I had a friend I met in the military who got me interested in cross stitch. My aunt, dad's older sister was more like my grandma and she taught me needlepoint. Quilting and everything else I craft, I am self taught. My maternal grandmother was an avid crafter. She sewed, crocheted, and made all sorts of things that she sold in her craft/ bake shop. |
Denise~~
Sister #43
"I am a bookaholic with no desire to be cured."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"
Psalm 119:105
www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
Edited by - levisgrammy on Apr 26 2026 12:37:13 PM |
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Jokamartell
True Blue Farmgirl
1758 Posts
Karen
Kennewick
WA
USA
1758 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2026 : 7:19:19 PM
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| I learned to sew in Home Ec while in high school. My dad’s mom taught me to crochet. She was very patient with me. :) I was never formally taught to needlepoint or embroider. I am mostly self taught there. |
Karen :)
To quote one of my past preschoolers “Not one of those Karens, but a good Karen”! Haha |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
2175 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
2175 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2026 : 7:29:21 PM
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| My mom taught me sewing, counted cross stitch, plastic canvas, and attempted to teach me knitting and crocheting as a kid. The sewing, cross stitch, and plastic canvas were great. The knitting and crocheting were a challenge! My mom is left handed, I'm right handed, and there may have been a bit of teenage attitude involved. I did manage to knit a dishcloth and was SO happy! I counted it as a win and never stuck with it. Fast forward quite a few years (and loose the attitude) and I was able to learn knitting and crocheting again with some books and advice from my mom on the phone (we live in different states now). It went much better the 2nd time around and now I'm addicted to crocheting. If only there was a tatter in my family...I'm having a heck of a time with that one. |
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
5968 Posts
Debbie Fischer
Coos Bay
OR
5968 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2026 : 7:37:07 PM
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| I learned to Tat Heather from MaryJane with the instructions from one of her books. But I do not tat with the little shuttle as I could not do it. I use the needles she suggested so much easier for me. But for the badge I do not know what she would want us to se. I need to look it up. |
Big Hugs,
Debbie
Farmgirl if the Month for:
September 2012, February 2018, September 2022 and August 2025.
“My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Bryon
When I am old I am wearing Purple. I am Old!!
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Wanda Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
1951 Posts
Wanda
Murrells Inlet
SC
USA
1951 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2026 : 04:40:12 AM
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| My mom sewed most of our clothes growing up. We had a huge fabric store we went to monthly. I loved feeling all the fabrics, she would let me use the bigger scraps to make my Barbie doll tube dresses, lol. As a teenager I asked her to teach me, so on the next fabric trip, I got to pick out the pattern, fabric, and all of the notions. I had to use the seam ripper alot! By the end, when it was time to sew in the sleeves, I somehow sewed a sleeve in upside down, and then I was done. Mom fixed it and finalized the dress. I never sewed anything again, until I joined the Sisterhood. I then turned to embroidered kits that came with everything you need, even the frame. I loved it, and made many to give away. Then I wanted to try cross-stitching, I fell in love with that too. The older ladies of our church met on Wednesday nights, and they offered to mentor the teenage girls with anything they wanted to learn. We met first and decided on the project. My person advised me to pick up a kit, something simple, by the next meeting. While on vacation, I picked up a small kit with two images, a duck and a raccoon, that came with two wooden curtain rings to frame them. I guess my idea for simple meant small, lol. My mentor had a fit when she saw I picked one with hardanger fabric. To me it was a perfect project to learn counted cross stitch, and I have loved it ever since!! |
A day hemmed in prayer is less likely to unravel.
Wanda Sue
Farm Girl #3677
Farmgirl of the Month-August 2022 |
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levisgrammy
Scattered Prairie Hen Honcho
11033 Posts
Denise
Ohio
USA
11033 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2026 : 04:40:52 AM
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| I have my grandma's tatting shuttle and need to learn. Maybe the badge would get me motivated. |
Denise~~
Sister #43
"I am a bookaholic with no desire to be cured."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"
Psalm 119:105
www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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debbieklann
True Blue Farmgirl
3442 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
3442 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2026 : 06:19:54 AM
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My maternal grandma was my main teacher. I think she could do about anything except that she never learned to tat. Her mom could tat but she was left handed and there is the struggle! Great grandma was the same...she did everything; quilted, crocheted and was a skilled dressmaker. She would just hold up paper next to you and take your measurements and draft her own pattern for your new dress. Grandma taught me how to knit and crochet. I could call her later in life and ask her questions and she'd get me going in the right direction. Mom helped me some with crocheting and cross stitch...she does beautiful work. We had a sweet woman who we called Grandma who taught me knitting and tried to teach us to tat. I have a picture of her sitting with my mom and sister during a lesson and they have the same lost look on their faces that I have had trying to learn! haha Everything else is self taught and lots of practice. I wish they were still here to hang out with :)
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Debbie Klann
Farmgirl Sister #770
2018 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
FGOTM January 2020 and March 2026
"Well behaved women seldom make history"...
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich |
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debbieklann
True Blue Farmgirl
3442 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
3442 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2026 : 06:22:42 AM
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Wanda...your sleeve story made me laugh! It reminded me of when my aunt was in Home Ec in high school and was making a sleeveless dress. She wasn't getting the help she needed for some reason and got frustrated and just ended up sewing the sleeve openings shut!!! THEN...they had to wear their creations in a "fashion show" at school. So here she went down the "runway" with her arms trapped inside her dress....(if you only knew her....) hahaha
I think that was the end of her sewing career.... |
Debbie Klann
Farmgirl Sister #770
2018 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
FGOTM January 2020 and March 2026
"Well behaved women seldom make history"...
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich |
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Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
749 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2026 : 07:57:45 AM
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These stories are delightful!
I am not a fully-fledged needlecrafter by a longshot, but so far--
A grandma before she died while I was still in my single-digits but helped me keep my Barbies and stuffies decent
My mom (but she was a lefty and more of a careerist than domestic goddess)
Home Ec where we machine-sewed a drawstring bag (and I went on to evacuate the school by putting a plastic cookie sheet in the oven and watching it blow up like a balloon)
A very crafty co-worker who crocheted the most amazing inspirational marriage and baby shower gifts
Youtube, library books, and just bodgering through things Fallon dreams up or that MJF badges call for
Sewing triage nurse from MIL who sends her grandkid cute seasonal outfits that invariably drop buttons or come out of the first wash (on delicate) with unraveled seams and wear and tear on over-loved stuffies |
Farmgirl#8680
www.steamstead.blogspot.com
Oct 2025 FGOTM |
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LauraBell
True Blue Farmgirl
442 Posts
Laura
Corpus Christi
TX
USA
442 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2026 : 08:12:51 AM
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Oh what a fun discussion!
Our mom was our creative inspiration - she was an artist (so creative) but her father made her go to nursing school rather than pursue an art education. One of my favorite memories of her creativity are the Richard Scarry murals she would paint on our brother's bedroom walls. She drew the little animals from Cars, Trucks and Things that Go on one wall and painted them all. So cute! Our dinner table growing up was her drafting/art table.
Mom always sewed our clothes growing up, then became a quilter. She co-owned a quilt store for a number of years. She then moved on to creating liturgical vestments for clergy and churches. I took classes at the quilt store and hand quilting classes in Kingsville. But my mom would often take our projects and just finish them rather than teaching us how to do it. Jen and I really learned quilting after we lost our mom and we took on her quilting supplies. Our quilty group is a great resource for us.
I taught myself to cross stitch in college. I was a residence advisor in the dorm and had to offer educational programming. So I taught myself and then taught my residents.
My mother-in-law tried to teach me to crochet and told me "I would never be able to crochet" and it's been a mental struggle ever since. I really want to learn to do granny squares and edging for linens - but I think I have a mental block!
Love the sleeve story - I also took home ec in junior high and hated the clothes sewing portion. I made a skirt - wore it for the fashion show - and never put it on again!
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Laura
Happy to be Farmgirl #7286 |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
5968 Posts
Debbie Fischer
Coos Bay
OR
5968 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2026 : 5:17:03 PM
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I am really enjoying all your stories, it’s nice to know that I am not the only one who made mistakes in High School Home Ec. When it was time for my Fashion Show my Sister came and Rocked the Maternity Clothes I made. Of course her maternity pants was the biggest and boldest Flower pants on a brown background if I recall. I did not pick out the fabric my Adopted Mom did as the fabric was cheap. I tell you Wildflowers they were the ugliest maternity pants I have ever seen. But, my adopted Sister wore them proudly even to the store. Years later when we brought up those pants we laughed our butts off as they were so Ugly!!
I just found this quote in the new When Women Create a special edition. The woman who posted in her article makes the most beautiful treasures with wet wool. Here is the sheep piece she made they look real:
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“Beauty is found in the whole of creation. I wish to emphasize this one more time. It is found in nature and found in art, in the works of human beings. People seek this beauty in their works of art.” Karol Wojtyla, God is Beauty/Pope John II
Thank you Debbie for letting me know Who Karol Wojtyla was.
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Big Hugs,
Debbie
Farmgirl if the Month for:
September 2012, February 2018, September 2022 and August 2025.
“My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Bryon
When I am old I am wearing Purple. I am Old!!
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Edited by - Blessed in Colorado on Apr 28 2026 6:58:33 PM |
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debbieklann
True Blue Farmgirl
3442 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
3442 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2026 : 5:22:55 PM
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Karol Wojtyla!!!! Pope John Paul II !!! I love that man! That is a beautiful quote...and those sheep look so lifelike!
I am still laughing about the maternity pants!!! |
Debbie Klann
Farmgirl Sister #770
2018 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
FGOTM January 2020 and March 2026
"Well behaved women seldom make history"...
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
5968 Posts
Debbie Fischer
Coos Bay
OR
5968 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2026 : 5:28:23 PM
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It is funny to me too Debbie all these many years later.
Did Pope John II say the quote first? |
Big Hugs,
Debbie
Farmgirl if the Month for:
September 2012, February 2018, September 2022 and August 2025.
“My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Bryon
When I am old I am wearing Purple. I am Old!!
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debbieklann
True Blue Farmgirl
3442 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
3442 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2026 : 6:39:10 PM
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| The Pope’s real name was Karol Wojtyla. |
Debbie Klann
Farmgirl Sister #770
2018 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
FGOTM January 2020 and March 2026
"Well behaved women seldom make history"...
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
5968 Posts
Debbie Fischer
Coos Bay
OR
5968 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2026 : 6:55:16 PM
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| Say What? I am shocked and especially that I did not know that, having been raised Catholic. |
Big Hugs,
Debbie
Farmgirl if the Month for:
September 2012, February 2018, September 2022 and August 2025.
“My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Bryon
When I am old I am wearing Purple. I am Old!!
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debbieklann
True Blue Farmgirl
3442 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
3442 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2026 : 7:09:36 PM
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| True story!!! That was his given name before he became JP2. |
Debbie Klann
Farmgirl Sister #770
2018 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
FGOTM January 2020 and March 2026
"Well behaved women seldom make history"...
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich |
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Wanda Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
1951 Posts
Wanda
Murrells Inlet
SC
USA
1951 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2026 : 02:56:27 AM
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| Debbie I can just picture your friend modeling her closed sleeve dress, lol. That is hilarious!! |
A day hemmed in prayer is less likely to unravel.
Wanda Sue
Farm Girl #3677
Farmgirl of the Month-August 2022 |
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Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
749 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2026 : 06:52:39 AM
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Those sheep are incredible! Beauty in nature and in art, indeed!
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Farmgirl#8680
www.steamstead.blogspot.com
Oct 2025 FGOTM |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
2175 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
2175 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2026 : 12:22:27 PM
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Love everyone's stories! And those sheep are amazing.
I've heard from 2 different people now that MaryJane's way in her book is a great way to learn tatting. I guess I'm going to have to look into some tatting needles. I have a shuttle so I thought I'd just use it. Never guessed it would be so difficult! |
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington |
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debbieklann
True Blue Farmgirl
3442 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
3442 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2026 : 12:57:16 PM
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| I got a set of 4 of them from Amazon. They came in a little storage tube along with a double ended needle threader that REALLY came in handy! |
Debbie Klann
Farmgirl Sister #770
2018 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
FGOTM January 2020 and March 2026
"Well behaved women seldom make history"...
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich |
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AussieChick
True Blue Farmgirl
117 Posts
Cindy
Esk
Queensland
Australia
117 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2026 : 7:50:31 PM
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Yes, I have a Home Economics disaster story too!! I was sewing a pair of tailored shorts with front pleats for a school project. It was the night before we had to hand it in, so I was ironing the pleats out nice & flat when suddenly.... I burnt a whole in the front of the shorts. I sat & cried for a while, then it was Mum to the rescue as usual. We sat up late that night together until a new pair of shorts were created. Mum sewed all of our clothes when we were little. My sister is 5 years older than me & Mum would make us matching outfits. My sister wasn't that impressed about wearing the same as me, but I thought it was fantastic. Then, I would get my sister's hand-me-downs, so essentially would wear the same outfit for 5-6 years.
Mum is still very crafty. She taught me sewing, knitting, cross-stich & long-stitch, Russian punch embroidery & quilting. We have a macrame date coming up. She has pulled all her 80s macrame patterns out & we're going to tackle a few together. She is always there to help me when a disaster strikes. She helped me make my own wedding dress 20 years ago.
It was my Grandmother, however, who taught me to crochet initially. It was our thing to do together whenever I would visit her. |
Farmgirl #6058
Farmgirl Sister of the Year 2021
"The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have". |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
5968 Posts
Debbie Fischer
Coos Bay
OR
5968 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2026 : 8:13:54 PM
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| Lucky girl Cindy that you have your mum to come to your rescue to make everything come out right. I love that your mom is still around for help if you should need it. Thank you for sharing. |
Big Hugs,
Debbie
Farmgirl if the Month for:
September 2012, February 2018, September 2022 and August 2025.
“My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Bryon
When I am old I am wearing Purple. I am Old!!
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Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
749 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2026 : 06:30:54 AM
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| I also love that Cindy and her mom were pioneering the idea of a "uniform" -- wearing the same outfit for a half decade waaaay before it was trendy! |
Farmgirl#8680
www.steamstead.blogspot.com
Oct 2025 FGOTM |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
264 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
264 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2026 : 2:53:10 PM
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My small sewing skills come from my sewing class in high school. My first project was a drawstring bag with a slanted pocket lol. I thought it would look neat, but in reality it was not a great design. Then for my large project I made a twin size blanket and matching full size pillow. I picked out this very soft and pretty green and white material (I can't remember what it is) and cut them into squares and sewed them into a checkered print. Then I decided to run some yarn up through the corners and make little knots. Little did I know this material was so dang thick that running a tapestry needle through 2 layers would be very difficult! My fingers were sore for days! But the blanket turned out exactly as I imagined.
As far as crochet and cross stitch, I taught myself how to do both of them. By the time I had interest in these skills my grandma had already passed away. And many of the Farmgirls here have helped me with my questions and problems along the way! |
Krista
Farmgirl Sister #528
Farmgirl Of The Year 2025 |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
5968 Posts
Debbie Fischer
Coos Bay
OR
5968 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2026 : 2:05:30 PM
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Thank you Wildflowers for your Sewing Stories I truly enjoyed each of them:-)
I have put everyone’s name in my basket and can you guess whose name I pick out? Yep, that’s right our own FGOTY Heather. This is for sure your year Heather and you deserve it all:-) Congratulations, your surprise will go in the mail on Friday, I hope you enjoy what I picked out for you.
Thank you again Wildflowers for supporting my threads and contests, I do have fun:-)
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Big Hugs,
Debbie
Farmgirl if the Month for:
September 2012, February 2018, September 2022 and August 2025.
“My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Bryon
When I am old I am wearing Purple. I am Old!!
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Edited by - Blessed in Colorado on May 13 2026 2:07:49 PM |
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Project Discussions: Who taught you your Needlecraft/Sewing Skills? |
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Who taught you your Needlecraft/Sewing Skills?
