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Cross Stitch in the 1990's

Life continued to be busy.  Every once in a while I'd go to the chain store and buy a kit that appealed to me.  I'd finish it and pick up another one.  I wasn't always quick but it was a fun hobby to pick up every once in a while.  I didn't let anyone know I cross-stitched as I didn't think anyone else did (actually, people must cross-stitch, because otherwise the stores wouldn't carry the pattens, but I didn't think of that at the time).

I moved to Colorado Springs in 1994 and with most of my stuff in storage and living in a tiny apartment I needed a project and found a Columbine pattern to stitch on.  I also discovered a cross stitch store down the street from the apartment.  They had alot more patterns than the chain store and the patterns where so much better.  They had more than just aida cloth and DMC floss.  It was a whole new world.  They also had a group that met Thursday night which I joined.  From there I discovered EGA, the Embroiderers' Guild of America.  It was another whole new world. 

At a typical meeting there would be about 70 ladies who did all different kinds of embroidery.  There where classes and projects to choose from.  No longer did I start one project and finish it before moving on to the next.  There where too many exciting projects out there and people to share them with.  I also learned that if you didn't like the colors in a pattern you could change them to any color you want.  You could change a section of a pattern you didn't like.  Some people also made up their own designs.  My technique improved and I learned alot more than just cross stitch.

1999, our chapter hosted the regional seminar, something I never attended before.  One of the exhibits at the seminar was called Prospectors and it is an exhibit of original designs by region members.  I had no idea what to expect, but I love a challenge and decided to come with a design for Prospector exhibit.

More on that next time.

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