Reasons to be Cheerful: A Stitch in Time by Vicky Edwards

Turfing out a bag of random bits from the cupboard under the stairs (I  was hunting for lightbulbs I had bought a while ago), I came across an embroidered comb case that I made in primary school over 50 years ago. Shockingly untidy, it’s fair to say that my needlework skills have not improved any with the passing of time. I have neither the neatness or the patience to progress beyond that rather scrappy ‘could do better’ effort from 1975.

Nevertheless, embroidery is something that I have always admired; as a skill and as an art form. Those tiny neat stitches, carefully made, eventually forming a picture or an intricate pattern - I so admire the nimble needle ability of others.

Local lass Jacqueline is an embroidery superstar. As well as clothing, cards and all sorts of clever gifts, she has also started creating the loveliest wedding souvenirs. Using a photo of the couple that includes the bride’s bouquet, she embroiders the flowers in the photograph! Showing me some examples, I was wowed. All done by hand, these beautiful mementos are so striking. Move over Bayeux Tapestry!

Embroidery is one of those crafts that date back thousands of years. The earliest surviving examples go all the way back to when early man was stomping about, with bone needles and thread made from animal sinew and plant fibres discovered. And while the Industrial Revolution saw its popularity dip (those clever sewing machines put hand sewing in the shade for a while), in the late 19th Century William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement reignited a passion for embroidery done by hand.

Historically the pastime of women, some men, including Henry Fonda and Gustaf V, King of Sweden, are both said to have been cross-stitch devotees. It is also rumoured that John Lennon was taught embroidery by his auntie. Harrison Ford and Chris Hemsworth are also reported to be dab hands with a bit of backstitch. I hope so much that is true. The idea of those two stitching between takes of epic action movies is just perfect!

I’ve no inclination to give it another go myself (my primary school efforts is where embroidery began and ended for me), but I will definitely be pointing my brides Jacqueline’s way for a souvenir from their big day that is, quite literally, a stitch (or few) in time.

I never did find those pesky light bulbs, but going down an embroidery rabbit hole has been a lovely diversion. So much so that I might have to get myself to The Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition at the British Museum before it closes in July next year.

Find out more about Jacqueline’s creations at www.lovesnowberry.co.uk

Follow Vicky on Facebook & Instagram at @spotonceremonies www.spotonceremonies.co.uk