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My eldest sister tried to join the EGA in her area and they were very unwelcoming -- mostly because she "only" did simple stitching and cross-stitched quilts, etc. Well, she didn't bother.

The EGA I belonged to in California was amazing. It was a huge group that met once a month, and we could opt in for a special project (weights to hold frames, scissor fobs, scissor holders, etc.) or we could work whatever we brought with us. Most of us would start the special one and also work on our own WIP. There were different types of WIPs (counted cross stitch, stamped cross stitch, needlepoint, counted canvas), and all were respected and admired. The group here that I quit met weekly and was really just a stitching circle.

How interesting that even within one organisation (like the EGA) the different groups can be so, well, different. Serinde, I've come across that attitude. Pooh, I say. Everyone does the needlework they are happy and comfortable with - some people like to challenge themselves, others feel life holds quite enough challenges already thank you very much, and want their stitching to be relaxing. Many people really enjoy cross stitch and have no desire to try anything else. Why should anyone get judgmental about that? (and let's not forget, many people who are sniffy about doing "proper" embroidery have never tackled a really complicated cross stitch piece!)

I joined a craft group when I moved to Scotland. I'd been a member of a very friendly group in France so I was quite shocked by the Stiff Upper Lip attitude of the first group here! I didn't stay for more than 2 meetings!

Luckily I found another nearer to where we now live and the difference is Amazing. So friendly and welcoming. We all enjoy different crafts and I have found new friends through belonging to it.
It's sad, isn't it, how an enjoyable hobby can be spoiled by the inflexibility of some people.

I expect that the reason they were the only ones in the group was because all the nice stitchers (which most of us are) left that group and maybe sooner than you did. Probably the goal of the women who stayed. I cannot imagine why you endured it for as long as you did. If you didn't live so far away we could start a group. I wouldn't tell you to leave South Carolina. I think half our state are relative newbies (defined as someone who's ancestors who neither in the Revolutionary or Civil Wars, especially in Charleston). The only time I have ever heard anyone told to leave, is when all that person does is complain about everything here and tell us how much better it was where they came from. Some people just refuse to be happy.

Carole

I just finished Delivery by Balloon, Bothy Threads, stitched on the provided 16 count blue Aida. It was charted to have houses with snow covered roofs at the bottom but I changed the houses to trees. We did a hot air balloon ride a couple years ago and we flew over more trees than houses.

What fun!!

Carole

A great way to make it more personal to you!

Indeed! Looks good (even if it is C....)

I finished this little guy last night. It’s meant to be a magnet but I want it to be an ornament.


Canada Goose, Mill Hill

Very cute!

love the scarf!

Mabel Figworthy wrote: ↑Fri Nov 03, 2023 4:45 pm love the scarf!

I just checked into a hotel and there were several Canada geese outside. None of them wore scarves.

Serinde wrote: ↑Fri Nov 03, 2023 4:05 pmVery cute!

I need to do a little more trimming on the paper; I was getting tired and didn’t want to take any chances of cutting where I shouldn’t. He was so much fun to do.

Know what you mean. I have the same conundrum when stitching on paper.

He's so cute! I've never stitched on paper and I think cutting around it would be scary.

Carole

I wonder if you were to set the back of the piece with glue of some sort, one might be able to cut a it closer -- you'd obviously need to keep the stitching hole entirely intact, but it might tidy up the piece? Then I'd always put a back of some sort on. A cut out from an old Christmas card, perhaps? Felt?

I tend to use a bit of glue on the ones I cut out when stitching on that thick interfacing - for peace of mind as much as anything else! Plain old white PVA works great as it dries clear.

Good ideas, Serinde and Mabel. I do typically back the paper ornaments with felt, but I like the idea of using an old Christmas card, too. I haven't been back to him but I do plan on finishing him for Christmas. I'll probably keep him because I love Canada geese and we have tons, some of which decide this is a great place to live and they stay year round.

Carole, it is scary cutting around the stitching which is why I have to go back and even it out a bit. Stitching on paper isn't my favorite but it makes for a great portable project.