Getting back into embroidery

[GelatinousDynamo]

Does anyone have any tips for me on how to start embroidering again? I was often ill as a kid and my mom brought me these pre-drawn patterns which I then embroidered. She died a few years ago and I've been missing her terribly and this feels like something that would "connect" me to her and be quite calming and meditative at the same time, in the way that doing something with your hands often is. I looked for "starting kits" on Amazon, but there was so much and it totally overwhelmed me... And of course I forgot all the knots and techniques, I've been planning to try YouTube.

Do you have any tips or resources for getting "back" into it after almost 30 years? Or any good resources for a fresh start, really.

Ah that sounds like a lovely thing to do.

I haven't done embroidery since having my daughter a few years ago but I learnt everything through YouTube - I can't remember any particular ones unfortunately but just have a search on YouTube and loads will come up. I will say it's probably cheaper to buy your own stuff rather than an embroidery kit. Kind of making me want to take it up again! I do miss it.

I recommend Sarah Homfrey’s videos on stitches etc https://youtube.com/@sarahhomfrayembroidery?si=F45bH5zDBQoxtUzE

She’s very good at explaining and showing. What she makes isn’t always to my taste but I’ve learnt lots from her. I don’t do kits myself, just a bit of freestyle stuff, but if I did I’d maybe get something from Madaher https://wearemadaher.com/collections/embroidery-kits because they’re so full of different flowers and colours!

There are also some great sampler kits out there that include lots of different stitches.

This is a US supplier but is the kind of thing I mean: https://cleverpoppy.com/products/stitch-sampler-beginner-kit?variant=43812196909250

Go on Etsy and find a fun pattern. Most of the formal kits in stores and on Amazon tend to be a bit old fashioned. To get started again, something small and modern is a good way to dip your toe in the water.

Magazines often give away little kits with everything you need. They are small and easy to finish 😂

Hawthorn Handmade make lovely kits https://www.hawthornhandmade.com/collections/embroidery-kits?page=2

Thank you, I've had a look at the first few videos, it's exactly what I've been looking for.

I'm so glad! I think she's great. There's another channel called Handiworks which is visually instructive but the talking isn't great (i.e. variations on "like and subscribe"). I can recommend it though for some more unusual stitches - she's from Sri Lanka so does a few techniques from that part of the world.

I love doing embroidery, I found Marion’s World on YouTube and she’s so good at explaining things and a very creative lady.
I highly recommend her and Sarah Homfrey.

I'm starting to get into it but I'm very messy! I bought the 30 days of summer one (just finished it, as we hit Autumn 😊) and changed it up a bit to reflect our holiday.
I've just bought the tree ornament download from the London School of Embroidery. That's to start in November

Oh, and check out makebox- that's where I got the summer one.

I have a lovely book with embroidery stitch examples. Don't have it at hand, but will look for it later (it's mane escapes me!).
What a lovely thing to feel connected with you mum 🥰

OP, I bought a couple of kits and then realised embroidery isn't really for me- I prefer blackwork! If you're interested PM me- happy to send them on to you to save them going to waste? One is a full kit and the other is a lilipopo design printed onto calico.