Who got you Started on your Favourite Craft?

I’ve been loving hearing the stories that my readers have been sharing in response to my newsletter questions recently. It so interesting to hear about their crafting heritage. Recently I asked “Who got you started on your favourite craft?”

For me I was lucky enough to have a Mum that was a Home Economics teacher and was always sewing when I was a child. I realise now that some of the sewing was by necessity to save money – clothing four children can get expensive! – but I think she enjoyed it too. I can still remember shopping trips where we would look at clothes on the racks and talk about how to reproduce them or alter them to make them that little more special or individual. She used to take measurements with her handspan or from the tip of her nose along her outstretched arm, and she seemed know every possible fabric type. She also sewed many dance costumes when I was in primary school, even taking a class in how to sew stretch fabrics and trying her hand at leotards and swimsuits. I did not realise how lucky I was or how clever she is!

From Readers:

Linda said: 

My Grandma Miller and Aunt Katie are the two that started my thirst for many art mediums. They purchased a dresser scarf embroidery kit, which had lots of flowers on it, and every day (Mon-Friday) my Grandma Miller worked with me on that dresser scarf, and on Thursdays when my Aunt Katie came over she worked with me as well. I look back on those days when I was 6-8 yrs old, and I have some incredible memories of not only spending time with them, but also learning from them. I’m quite sure they are in heaven working on projects and teaching others.

Joyce said: 

My mum taught me to crochet when I was a little girl. although she was not very good at it.  She showed me how to hold the hook and a couple of basic stitches.  In the late 60’s crocheting became very fashionable and that is when I really got “hooked” on it and have been crocheting ever since.  I have made all sorts of things, doilies, dresses, double size bed spread and lots more.  I still enjoy it as much today at 65 than I did all those years ago at 18.

Leona said: 

My Mum during the school holidays. It was Knitting Nancy then scarf then beanie. (60 years ago)

Suzanne said: 

I thought I would teĺl you who started me with crafts.  My dad had a maiden aunt Lil, who had cared for him growing up. She patiently taught me to hand sew when I was 5 and we made dolls clothes that I still have 56years later. My grandmother then taught me to use a treadle machine as my hand-sewn clothes were not very resilient with bike riding. I hated my mother’s choice in clothes so I had decided to make my own. I was 7. For my 8th birthday I was given my great grandmother’s embroidery book and a sewing basket. I still have them and they are still much prized.

Michelle said:

I was looking for an outlet so taught myself.

Elaine said: 

My mother taught me many crafts and skills that I still enjoy today. These include hand embroidery and sewing. As I got older I tried other things to craft and I even taught my mother a few new crafts. Mom’s hands are too gnarled with arthritis that she can no longer do anything that needs fine motor skill. She still enjoys seeing what I do,  looking at possible projects, and talking about things she has done in the past. Great memories being shared with my 95-year-old mother.

Yoka said:

It was my grandmother who always  kept her hands busy knitting or crocheting.
I also went to a private school and we all did water and oil painting, weaving, crocheting, knitting, wood working, pottery, etc.my mom was also very good sewing clothes and she also knitted! My mom always won with flower arranging too.

Carina said:

My love of crochet was introduced to me by my bestie’s mum way back in primary.
I think it was my friend from uni that introduced me to stamping and embossing and hence the subsequent love of paper crafts.This same friend introduced me to cross stitch.
My parents introduced me to the world of miniatures.
I am so lucky to have met so many influential [in a craft sense] people.
Now as soon as I sense a craft passion from someone new that I meet I ‘squeeze’ as much knowledge and insight that I can from them.

Your Turn:

“Who got you started on your favourite craft?”

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