Gray Hair and Bifocals Not Required

Close your eyes and imagine someone doing needlework. Okay, what came to your mind? If you pictured a gray-haired woman in a rocking chair with bifocals perched on her nose, we've got some work to do here.

That image needs to become a wide range group shot in which appear the young, the old, and the in-betweens. That is the reality.

To correct and update your first image, just look around. You'll see children learning the craft in school and in clubs. You'll see young wives stitching treasures for first homes, and first babies. And, yes, you'll see grandmas with needlework in their hands.

The Two Needles, Linda Queen and Wanda Burnett

Needlework is a craft handed down from generation to generation. Grandmothers share it with grandchildren, mothers with daughters, etc. Needlework has saved us from outbursts of rage during airport delays, and many times, has averted marital mayhem during marathon hours of sports on TV. With our hands and minds kept busy, we resisted snatching the remote and flipping to a good movie, a move that would have caused a husband to flip.

Ironically, we two do indeed nowadays fit that first image of yours. We've got the gray hair, the bifocals, and the rocking chairs. But out addiction to needlework began in our younger years and has never waned.

You'll be giving yourself quite a wonderful gift if you try it. Find a design that pleases you or suits someone you love and give it a try.

Take a break, take a seat, take a needlework project and take pride and pleasure in your ability to create something of beauty and lasting value.

Back to top