A Starter's Tapestry

Student Essay by Cate Owens

When you walk into the throne hall of a castle the first thing you see is the lineage of the kingdom, the more people the better. Normally you would see these portraits done in paintings, but what you would not see is the queen or princess’s work. They would make a tapestry of the family so large that it would make any modern-day embroiderer shudder. These tapestries were not just done by royalty; they were done by everyone who could buy or make the materials. Before I recommend anyone start a great hall tapestry, I suggest a small wall hanging, if you are new to embroidery, it will most likely look intimidating. The good news is it is easier than it looks, but be prepared for a challenge. Let’s start with a pattern. You may have gotten one from Hobby Lobby or found something cute online. Whichever you have found, it’s great because you took the time to try a new hobby. If you get a kit, you should start by taking your items and spreading them out in front of you. If you found your pattern online, you will need canvas fabric, a medium needle, a hoop, and your corresponding floss colors. Before you start your pattern, you should read or watch the directions carefully, taking note of colors and how many pieces of floss are being used. Once you start your pattern, you are either going to love it or throw it across the room, but I encourage you to go on. Whenever I’m doing embroidery and I’m ready to throw it, I remember that God said we are his tapestry. When we are difficult and somehow end up knotted, He doesn’t throw us across the room; rather, He sits there und unknots us and continues His work in our lives. When you are finished with your wall hanging,  it might not look like the photo, but you made it.  As and as time goes on and you learn stitches, techniques and hacks, your project will look better than the original. Keep going and you just might make a tapestry worthy of Buckingham Palace.