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By LUGENE HUDSON
New Castle News
New threads mean Laura Crawford is going to be happily busy.
In this case, threads are not slang for clothing, but literally the brightly hued cotton, silk, rayon and even bamboo and soy fibers that evolve into admirable items of beauty.
Crawford’s home is proof of the expertise produced by a single needle. Her fine-honed ability mixed with a dedication of service won her recognition.
While she didn’t actively pursue the Gold Thread Award, she now proudly wears it on her blouse lapel. Crawford traveled to Chicago last month to receive the pin — a little golden spool — from the Embroiderer’s Guild of America. She is a 30-year and only remaining charter member of the Keystone chapter, which is part of the guild’s Mideastern region.
In order to win, one must first be nominated. Crawford was unaware other guild members including president Joyce Shannon had nominated her for her contributions in the field of embroidery education and communication.
“I don’t know how I got picked,” Crawford said, setting back in a living room chair and recalling her surprise upon receiving the letter announcing her achievement. “It is an honor and the most prestigious thing is I can wear it to our meetings.”
To Shannon’s knowledge, no other member has claimed such a prize. “Laura deserves congratulations for a well-deserved honor,” Shannon said, noting the guild has 13 regions and only one person can win each year.
Crawford has served as regional director and other chapter offices, taught various classes and worked on developing a national online youth embroidery program.
“I see myself as a cheerleader,” she laughed, adding, “Wouldn’t you know I was a cheerleader?”
“She takes people under her wing and has patience teaching others,” Shannon said. “Her pieces are very creative.”
Like Shannon and other members, Crawford finds the pastime relaxing.
“I get so absorbed in it,” she said. “Once I get started, I have to make myself stop. It’s addictive.”
But in a good way.
A white pillow boasts a floral bouquet and a framed embroidered iris is majestic and flawless. Pictures, purses and clothing are mostly given away. But a few remain at home such as an exquisite lacy angel done in gold thread.
“It was so much fun to do,” she said.
The needlepoint and embroidery she learned from her grandmothers was handed down to daughter, Sandy. Crawford is now somewhat of a free spirit, preferring to create freehand, which means tossing patterns aside — a method Shannon calls difficult.
“I don’t have to obey the rules now,” Crawford smiled, noting she works on several different projects at once.
The guild’s motto refers to selections done by thread through the eye of a needle. For Crawford, that includes needlepoint and embroidery on fabric and canvas, cross stitch and quilting. She is also committed to spreading the word about embroidery and keeping its heritage alive by passing along those skills to younger people.
“We didn’t join the guild knowing everything,” she explained. “Even though some are experienced, we wanted to learn about new techniques and products.”
The Keystone chapter meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of every month at Third Presbyterian Church. Members can work on or get assistance on projects and take classes such as color theory.
“A virtual beginner doesn’t have to know how to thread a needle,” Crawford said.
Although she may have lost track of the amount of pillowcases, kitchen towels, pictures and samplers she has completed through the years, her experience has paid off.
Now she has taken home the gold.
Classmate wins the "gold"
Laura's favorite embroidery is the brazilian, which she does freehand. (All photos are by The News)
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Laura Crawford's embroidered pillows are among many decorations she's made for her home.
The pin that she received from The Embroiderers' Guild of America.
Golden angel
Laura with some of her embroidery creations
