My mother taught me how to embroider towels and pillowcases when I was seven or so. She kept me in supplies and expected no less than perfect stitching. Less than perfect was ripped out and redone.
She sold my work to fund missionary programs for the church. After I mastered embroidery I leveled up to crochet and tatting to add lace edges.
In the 1960's and 70's I earned my own extra money embellishing bell bottoms for friends.
I gave up this kind of delicate work for years and years.
Until I lost my son. I took up my needle again and sewed dozens and dozens of towels to focus on something in hand.
When Summer came to live with us she filled much of that emptiness and I put the sewing away again.
I am starting again to craft a few gifts. It is something I can give without having to shop.
This time it's just for fun.