Stitching Snobbery...

Sure I'm a stitching snob, aren't we all? I even have the blinkie to prove it! But only when it comes to the materials I buy and use. I'm picky that way, as I'm sure we all are, and in way I'm proud to be a snob! Yes I like my silks, but I also love my "plain ole' "cotton threads, and truthfully, I'm an evenweave kinda gal! I love my jobelan, jubilee, and jazlynn (see a trend), and if the project calls for it, I've no problem using aida at all. I've tried other fabrics, but their just not for me. I just didn't enjoy stitching on them, and that is what this hobby is about. How boring stitching or life for that matter would be if we all liked the same things, however this isn't the snobbery I'm talking about...

I'm sure there are people like this everywhere and in all walks of life, that this is not just isolated to the stitching world alone... I'm sure you've met up with a few of them, I know I have and they just really irritate the heck out of me! You know who they are... those stitchers who seem to know everything about anything and always look down on those who don't...and that their way is always the right way. (though sometimes they out themselves and show they don't really know it all)

I just don't get it... we're all stitchers, we all know the work that goes into doing a piece - regardless of the size and number of colours, and the finishing. But how can people be so rude as to come out and say something to a person who just finished something that they are proud of and say that it is no good, that the finishing/stitching/insert whatever you like here/ are just bad??? An internet friend of mine had this happen to her just recently at a stitcher's get together. They did a gift exchange, and when she gave the gift to its recipient (who loved it btw) another stitcher present started making comments... now I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what was said, or how (tone of voice, body language) but it must have been hurtful enough for both the giver and the recipient to blog about it!

I mean come on, we're already a bag of nerves when it comes to these exchanges as it is - or at least I am, hoping that the recipeint likes what we made, hoping that our finishing techniques are okay and that it all looks good, and when the recipient recieves it and loves it, well there is nothing better! Its one thing to have your family and your friends like your work, but when another stitcher praises you, well that is a different matter entirely! You are on top of the world, and then to have someone come and burst your bubble, well that is just not nice at all. I just hope that this person (the not so nice one) realizes what they did and apologizes - but more often than not and this is the sad part about it, is that they don't.

I've had similar experiences in the past, where I was told everything from that I don't stitch right to the fact that I don't like linen is just plain wrong - real stitchers only stitch on linen... the stories I could tell you! (but I won't, they are in the past and I've moved on...)

The way I look at it is that I enjoy what I do, I love stitching, and it has pulled me through quite a few rough spots in my life, and no matter what anyone else's opinion may be, I'm going to keep on doing what I love the way I like to do it. I've been stitching for a fair number of years now (off an on for 20+ years, seriously for the last 9 almost 10) and I like to think of myself as a pretty darn good stitcher - not the best by any means, but I can hold my own, when it comes to cross stitching. (other things like sewing, embroidery, knitting etc - I'm still a beginner or would like to learn) But I also know that there are lots of stitchers out there, who may not have been stitching as long as I have or have had the opportunity or the confidence to try/play with all the different types of fabric, floss, specialty stitches as I have (so far - still many to try!).

So who I am I to critizie their efforts? They are doing the best that they know how. Instead of critizing why not lend a helping hand instead. Give a few tips on how they could make their stitching better, show them a few tricks (the loop method jumps to mind here), introduce them to new things. Boost their confidence! I know I always like to learn new things when it comes to my favourite obsession! If I can help another stitcher out with what I have learned, and pass on the love I have for stitching, and the happiness it has brought to me and help a fellow stitcher learn something or try something new then all is good in the world.

Rememeber there are only three true rules to stitching, everything else is just personal preference...
1. The floss/thread goes through the needle
2. The needle goes through the fabric
And the most important rule
3. Enjoy your stitching...