... introduce myself when I joined because, well, I never know what to say.

You know that thing where you begin night-classes and the tutor says, "We'll start by going round and each person can introduce themselves"? I always freeze when that happens. (Why, oh why, do they never consider that some people might be shy?) It shouldn't be that way with online groups, but I have to admit to feeling almost as inhibited introducing myself here despite the anonymity

But so as not to appear rude: I've been cross stitching for only a couple of years (better late than never, I suppose). I'm still not very good at it (I can only marvel at the neat stitching you all do here!), and am very slow. But I enjoy it and find it immensely satisfying, which is what counts, isn't it?

I also dabble with needlepoint and latch hook. And love reading.

Hello and welcome from South Carolina. I do understand how you feel in a new place (even online is a place of sorts) meeting new people. You have come to the right place though as this forum has more warm, friendly and caring people than any other place that I know of. and most everyone has a wonderful sense of humor too. I usually (I know this is probably hard to believe since I am such a chatterbox) have a hard time getting to know people, but everyone here makes it so easy that you can be as much or as little a part of it (hope you will like us and stay) as you are comfortable with. Lots of help and encouragement is available. I'm looking forward to seeing your work. We love pictures.

Carole

I think I was here for maybe 3-4 months without introducing myself. Not sure how I missed that step- ah well.

And I too freeze when doing introductions in a group. I want to say something new, something different, something that people will remember me by. But I end up saying almost the same thing as the person before me and sit down as quickly as I can Then look to my neighbor and hope they start talking. So, you're in good company.

Oh and Hello, my name is Maggie. I am from Minnesota USA.. ahh.. ahh.. next

Hi there! I'm Sam

Please don't feel shy about posting and please don't feel like you will ever be judged if you ask what you believe is a stupid question....I know because when I first joined I was a little reluctant to ask questions thinking to myself ' Will these guys think I'm an idiot if I ask....?' But you know what....I bit the bullet, asked a question and I have never looked back since! The advice I got was second to none and the people who answered reassured me and made me feel more than welcome. This place now kinda seems like home!

You will find that everyone on here is supportive and friendly.....there is always someone here to talk to if you're feeling low, celebrate with if you're feeling happy and share your stitchy journey with.....let's face it...it feels good to share our creations with like-minded people who appreciate the craft! I personally love this forum, it's like a big extended family of stitchy pals from all around the world. So welcome to the family and enjoy the stay!!

Welcome !
Come to think of it, I never introduced myself either and as you can see
<----------I'm starting to accumulate some posts so maybe I should do that

I lurked on this forum for months before I felt confident enough to join in and introduce myself. I'm fairly shy and these days I don't get out and meet people much so I guess it's lack of practice joining in on the chatter that makes me hold back. I am sure you are going to love being part of this family and you will learn a lot about your craft. I have been stitching almost 70 years and am still learning. By the way, I am Athalie and I live in Newcastle, Australia.

Thank you all so much for the warm welcome!

rcperryls You're right, people do make it easier to join in here. I used a few other forums, briefly, (not about stitching) and they were just so much less friendly. It was like being at a party with everyone standing around in groups, and impossible to get beyond standing on the fringes.



Hee hee, that's it exactly, Maggie!

And Sam, that is an important lesson. You're right. I tell myself there is no such thing as a stupid question, and always try to ask

calico - absolutely. You must! Go do it right this minute!

And I know just what you mean, Athalie. The lack of opportunity face-to-face can make shyness grow. But 70 years stitching! That's really something!

Welcome to the group, I know what you mean about other groups having joined and then unjoined several as I always felt like the kid who joined school halfway through the year, I have not been here all that long myself but everyone is so lovely willing to give advice just natter or encourage and none of that "you have not posted 6 point 4 times today you'r going to be barred post more" rubbish lol which is good coz I am at best a spasmodic poster lol.
One word of warning though < looks over shoulder and whispers> this lot are terrible for getting you onto new stuff and encouraging you to purchase stash stash and more stash lol

Sam

Hello and welcome to the forum!! It's really great to have you here and I hope that you will enjoy this wonderful site!

Hi Deb and welcome from a cool and damp Brisbane.

Yes its hard to introduce oneself in any place but does seem a bit easier on the forum. I think I did it when I first joined a year or so back. Its a great place to be but yes Sam's (cristaltipps) whisper is right, we love to encourage others to enjoy the wide wide world of stitching and stash gathering - after all even though its addictive its good for you.

Hello and I never introduced myself either ... I just butted in when I had something to say

I've also been stitching for a few years and don't seem to be getting any better at it but it's not about being perfect, it's about enjoyment.

Thank you for the further welcomes, cristaltipps, karen4bells, Squirrel, and Mystonique

And that whisper is noted. (makes note to try to resist buying lots more stash - token resistance at least)

Mystonique: I wouldn't mind being better at stitching, but you're right, enjoyment is the point. I'll stop doing it if the fun goes, but I don't see that happening.

welcome to the forum!!

Thank you, maemae0410

Hi there,
Welcome to the family. Glad that you are enjoying your stitching.You can learn a lot here.
Judy

Thank you, and I'm sure I will. I've already picked up some super advice here in just the past few days!

Oh boy do I feel glad I'm not the only one with that fear! When my husband joined this current sub I was sooo nervous about having to go to the support group... At our last command I had to introduce myself and tell them a little about myself.. And I completely drew a blank.. So I was determined to be prepared this time... Had formulated a small blurb I had memorized and repeated in my head... and this time I only had to say my name Figures!

Welcome to the forum from Connecticut.. Trust me.. everyone here is so wonderful!
Faith

Yes, that figures. But you know just what would have happened if you hadn't prepared, don't you

Hello and welcome from Vermont, USA!

It's good to be here, tiffstitch. A "hello" back to you from the UK.