I have worked with many new stitchers over the years. Some achieve stitching success and go on to become artists at their craft, while others quickly give up and find a new hobby. There’s a secret ingredient all successful stitchers share.
You may be thinking that successful stitchers were born with stitching talent, the manual dexterity of the gods, or an eye for art that the rest of us don’t have. But you would be wrong.
Several people who have asked for stitching lessons are gifted crafters and artists. They love the creative process and want to add to their bank or artistic crafts. But after a few weeks, they decided stitching wasn’t for them, and they put down their yarn.
One client I worked with recently had no skills whatsoever and wanted to use crochet for practical purposes. She completed her first project and immediately asked for another one.
Surprisingly, talent and innate skills are not predictive of stitching success!
It’s simpler than that.
Commitment.
Yep, that’s it. Boring. Vanilla ice cream with no toppings. Just one uncomfortable word.
Before you wave your hand in disregard, hear me out.
Talent vs. Commitment
When I was in school, I was a good student. I rarely studied, barely ever did homework, and scored well on tests just by attending class. So it was easy for me.
I didn’t get straight A’s, but I got B’s with little effort.
My best friend studied like crazy and had mostly A’s.
I am in no way bragging; my poor study habits did not benefit me long-term!
But this demonstrates the difference between talent (easy B’s) and commitment (A’s).
You might be thinking I had it better because it was easy for me. I won’t disagree that it felt better at the time. But when I got to college, I quickly dropped out when I realized I had to complete homework assignments and study to pass the tests.
My best friend went on to get A’s in college, became a teacher, and finished her master’s degree. She was used to working hard and studying.
What was the difference between us?
I had the talent and the capacity to earn A’s. I was intelligent and learned quickly. If I could get a B without working, I could have jumped to the head of the class if I had dedicated myself to my studies.
But I wasn’t committed to my education. The long-term cost was that I couldn’t succeed in college the first two times I enrolled. Fifteen years and three kids later I summoned up the commitment and courage I needed to try again. This time I was committed. First I went back part time and got an associate degree in accounting, then I really committed and went full time for a bachelor degree in finance. I only got two B’s in six years.
The only difference between flunking out and graduating Magna Cum Laude was my level of commitment.
This scenario is the same for anyone who wants to learn to stitch.
The Secret Sauce for Stitching Success
Some people pick up a skein of yarn,, and it seems that the stitches easily flow from their hooks and needles from day one. But that isn’t true for almost anyone!
Most people have a series of starts that are atrocious—big blobs of yarn that don’t resemble any form of art. Once they master how to create a row, their first potholder rarely turns out as a square as the outside edges grow and retract with missed and increased stitches. Or sew a pair of pants that have a two inch opening for the leg, like my first sewing project.
It’s ok to be a beginner!
Those who commit to learning the art of stitching and continue to pick up their yarn or sit at the sewing machine and make uncomfortable stitches over and over until it becomes comfortable, master their craft and develop a love for this practical form of creation.
Finding Help
There are an infinite number of resources for new stitchers who want to learn.
Going it alone is possible, but when you get stuck, or can’t figure something out easily, it’s tempting to just walk away, or move on to a simpler hobby.
Finding a coach, joining a Facebook group for beginners, or sitting down with a friend who can show you how, will help you get past the discouragement. When you’re frustrated, it can feel impossible, when in reality you might just need someone to point out where you are making a mistake and give you pointers to make it easier.
Most of the stitchers I know are eager to pass along what they know and make another stitching friend along the way. So reach out to your friend, coworker, or family member and set up a time to meet with your yarn ready.
Then, get committed. No matter if it’s trying to learn a stitching skill for the third time, or going to college for the third time like I did, commitment trumps talent every time. Commit to being a beginner, and working through the challenges. Commit to making the awful beginner projects and mistakes. Through this commitment you gain experience. That’s when your desire to learn is transformed into mastery.
If you are ready to start your stitching journey and need a helping hand, click here to set up your first lesson. I am always looking for new stitching friends!!
Happy Stitching!
xo — Lavena
