That's really beautiful. I have not done any needlework in a very long time but regularly have things pop up in my Pinterest feed. They are all tempting to me. I see things like these all the time - not kits though.

And then there's punch needle which is probably more my speed.

Those are beautiful, DLM. I’ve been looking into punch needle, too, I like the style of it.

I used to cross stitch a lot, and just remembered I did (simple) crewel pieces as well. Love those.

So pretty! I can sew, and I used to cross-stitch, but I do not know embroidery stitches. I think these kits would probably be out of my league.

Tina, I think they’re out of my league, too. I recently bought an inexpensive (beginner) embroidery kit and struggled with it quite a bit. I think I’m missing the sewing gene.

I can cross stitch up a storm, but everything else is a challenge.

Jinx, look up dropcloth samplers on etsy. They are easy to learn stitches on, and end up looking kinda cool. I think wattle and loop is way overpriced. You can also get books of iron-on patterns, apply them to your own fabric and buy DMC floss in whatever colors you want.

Oops, I looked quickly and didn’t realize how intricate the W&L kits are. Maybe not so overpriced, but if you haven’t done embroidery, I would recommend practicing with less expensive options first!

As usual with Pinterest they now think stitch work is the only thing I want to look at! This popped up but I think it's mis-titles. Should be SEE how people are creating.... not LEARN how

https://mymodernmet.com/embroidery-applique/2/

Thank you, Sue! Great advice, I’ll look up what you said. I think you’re so right in that I need to start with something easier, and not as costly.

Thank you, DLM, for that link!

Those are really pretty. I'd call that applique. The term 'slow stitching' is a new one for me.

Carol, me, too … I’ve never heard that term and didn’t know if it was made up or not.

I gave two of those kits to my mom during Covid lockdown to try to keep her engaged. She did a beautiful magnolia one but didn't want to do the protea. I gave that one to my son's MIL when she was having surgery last year. My mom (an accomplished crafter, sewer) found it difficult. But she was also 94 at the time!

jmck, those sound lovely!

I’ve taken a few ”slow stitching” classes and basically, they were just embroidery classes!

Jinx, those are so pretty. I learned embroidery as a child and also used to do a ton of cross stitch. I don't think my eyes could do that anymore, but I might try an embroidery one.

Jana, I so wish I’d learned as a child. No one on either side of my family sewed. I started doing cross stitch in my 20s.

I do have a magnifying light if I take it up again. :D

What gorgeous pieces, Jinx. My favorite needlepoint kits are from England as well. Their colors and wool are TDF. My mother made me one panel of a William Morris triptych from Beth Russell needlepoint. If the other two are to be made, it will require hiring the job out.

I ordered an embroidery kit a few weeks ago. It sits unopened. I learned to needlepoint as a child, but am not very good at it. I really need to try the embroidery. Surely there is a YT out there to help me get started.

Oh, Zalco, your mother’s work sounds so wonderful!

Good idea about YT, I’ll check into that if I get a kit. I got a bit burned out making jewelry, but will probably start that up again, too.

My mother did a lot of needlepoint, crewel, and appliqué work. In cleaning out her sewing room I found more projects, some started and some still in the package. She didn't seem to get into repurposing textiles in this way, though. Perhaps she'd had enough of doing that out of necessity growing up.

Ahh, bpath, what treasures to find. :)

I don’t have anything of my mother’s. Not one thing. I so wish I did.

Oh, NOC says hi to everyone. :)

That is HIS driftwood. We brought it home from the lake years ago, to have for looks, but he quickly claimed it as a scratching post and perch. He loves that thing. :D

Those prices are OUTRAGEOUS. Buy a coloring book, go the the fabric store, you could get what you need for well under $10, and it would be custom to your decor.

I have looked at (and coveted) those Wattle and Loop kits before and decided I am too old to tackle one. My crewel embroidery skills used to be pretty good but it has been too many years since I did any of that, or cross stitch either. Once my close vision started deteriorating, it wasnt as much fun, even with a magnifying lamp. Slow Stitching is a new term to me. That would be my speed though.

Jinx, if you have a good needlework shop nearby, there could be someone who teaches a class. I had someone teaching me the stitches which really helped. No YT back then, although that would clearly be helpful today for tips.

Outside, I’ll look for classes nearby, thank you!

I think I definitely need to start with simpler (and less expensive) projects.

Interesting, Carol, that makes sense!

I agree -- it is basically a combo of applique and rustic embroidery. It looks like the only stitches required are a straight stitch, a running stitch (short stitches in a row to make a line) and a French knot. The French knot takes a little practice but isn't hard -- it's tying a knot at the base of the thread on top of the fabric and then pulling the thread to the back. The two variations on straight stitches are easy enough -- and because the stitches are being used to create texture against mostly printed fabrics, I don't think precision is required. If you love them, the price would be the biggest issue for me. I'm not big on kits, but these look like you could have different fabrics or use them a little differently, and certainly could mix in some of your own, so you can personalize it. I've done collage applique and have linen fabric - I'd probably make my own. Jinx, if you lived closer, I'd help you get started, but I think you are in a different part of this big ol' state. Well, I'd still help you from a distance -- kit or no kit. I encourage makers and creators of all kinds.

Thank you, lascatx! Great info … and I so wish we lived close and could get together in person for lessons. :)

I have a screenshot of that fig saved from several years ago, thinking I could copy, no, emulate it in the future!!!

It’s such a cool design, Springroz! I really like it.

Jinx, saw this and thought of you.

https://mymodernmet.com/hand-embroidery-stitches/

I thought it was connected to the site you posted, but now I can't find how I got there. Anyway .... While looking I did notice the few photos of customer done kits at the bottom of the site. Did you scroll down far enough to see those?

I didn’t, las! Thank you for that link!

Jinx, did you notice this link

https://mymodernmet.com/hand-embroidery-stitches/

Or the customer finished kit photos at the bottom? They might be a good indication of what you can expect.

Thank you! I’m feeling excited about learning this. :)

Check out textileartist.org too!

Thanks, Sue!

@Jilly- You got this. I taught myself embroidery when I was very young. I think I took a book of stiches out of the library. The library is you friend. Probably spent too much time reading novels about Victorian ladies and their needlework. I also did cross-stick and needlepoint. I havent done it for years but have been eyeing projects lately.

Also I dont think it's a crime to overpay for a 'kit' that will make it easy, approachable, and convenient. It's not necessary, but if you have the expendable cash, and you want it, go for it.

Here's a very easy starter kit, from Etsy, it's purpose is to teach, and it's very inexpensive. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1158598933/embroidery-kit-beginnerbeginner?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=embroidery+kit&ref=sr_gallery-1-9&pro=1&frs=1&organic_search_click=1 

Thank you, local! Will check out that link!

Wish we all lived close and could have an embroidery club. :)

There is a textile arts group that meets weekly in our community. They frequently display their own appliqué work, which is intricate and beautiful. They also make simpler designs on washable blankets and throws for our local women’s shelter and for kids entering the foster care system.

I concur with Carol‘s assessment of the term ”slow stitching” and would also liken it to the ”slow travel” phrase that is so popular now on travel fora,

Those kits are lovely but the finished size is much too small to be useful IMO. It’s too small to be used for a pillow as is, it could only be an inset piece on a larger pillow front which would be a lot more work so sew. Framing those small textiles (6.5 x 8.5”) doesn’t make a very effective show unless you have a lot of them for impact and interest. One or two little bits of embroidered applique, especially as unrelated as those kits are, would not make a great framed installation. I often see baby names in that type of smaller framed handwork in a nursery, which is a good use for it. They are very beautiful, though. The cherry blossoms, if larger, would make a lovely pillow front.

Thank you, Kswl! How wonderful about your local textile group.

You made a good point about the finished size … I was so intimidated looking at all the scraps, I didn't think of that. :D

I just came across the London Craft Week account on IG, and these beautiful trimmings:

These were done by Brian Turner Trimmings: https://instagram.com/brianturnertrimmings?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I have one tassel on our entry closet door, and have a new appreciation for how they’re crafted.

(I’m going to be repotting my poor Peace Lily asap.)

Those trims are gorgeous!

It occurs to me that a professional (or probably AnnieD or My3dogs) could ise any one of those finished kits as the front panel of a beautiful evening purse or small fancy bag to carry to a wedding.

I was just thinking about My3dogs, miss seeing her here. :)

Kswl, the way those kits are stitched with raw edges and such would make a bag made with them a fairly short lived bag -- but for a special occasion maybe it doesn't matter. There are things you could do to stabilize the fabric and have less fraying. Could be interesting.