For Anette Goelet, embroidery has always been more than just a craft. It’s a cherished connection to her childhood in Norway, where she spent hours stitching alongside her grandmothers. But as life got busier, her passion for embroidery took a backseat. That all changed when she discovered our beginner’s Hand Embroidery course (Skill Stage 2).
Determined to reignite her creativity, Anette embraced the structured learning, expert mentorship, and flexibility of our distance learning program. The course not only refreshed her technical skills but also encouraged her to explore her own designs, giving her the confidence to develop embroidery as a true artistic expression. Now, with her sights set on Hand Embroidery Skill Stage 3, Anette is eager to push her creativity even further. Read on to discover how our course helped her reconnect with her love of stitching and build a foundation for her next chapter in embroidery.
Anette Goelet
“I appreciated how the course was structured to teach the essentials while also encouraging individuality. It pushed me to take risks and to let go of the need for perfection. Instead, I began to embrace the creative process, which felt liberating and fulfilling. The course helped me see stitching as not just a craft but a form of artistic expression. Structure and delaines were also helpful for me.”
I enrolled onto Skill Stage 2 Hand Embroidery to reignite a passion that had been dormant for many years. Ever since I was a little girl growing up in Norway, I have loved handicrafts. I spent countless hours with my grandmothers and their lady friends, knitting, doing needlepoint, and working on embroidery. From the age of seven, I would sit among them, listening to their chatter and observing their work. They instilled in me a love for creativity and a deep appreciation for the art of stitching.
As I grew older, life inevitably became busier. Though I occasionally dabbled in creative projects, my stitching days seemed like a fond memory. However, the desire to return to that world never entirely left me. Last year, I decided it was finally time to reconnect with my creative roots. I wanted not just to stitch but to take my skills further exploring my own designs rather than following pre-made patterns.
Rediscovering a Passion for Embroidery
When I discovered The School of Stitched Textiles (SST), it seemed like the perfect fit. Their diverse range of courses and skills was incredibly appealing. I was particularly drawn to the online format, as I live in the United States and travel frequently. The flexibility of being able to learn and create from anywhere made the program accessible and exciting.
Embarking on the Hand Embroidery course was a joy. Starting with basic skills and exploring a variety of stitches and techniques helped me build a solid foundation. I appreciated how the course was structured to teach the essentials while also encouraging individuality. It pushed me to take risks and to let go of the need for perfection. Instead, I began to embrace the creative process, which felt liberating and fulfilling. The course helped me see stitching as not just a craft but a form of artistic expression. Structure and delaines were also helpful for me.
I am eagerly looking forward to starting Level 3 this spring. Diving deeper into design concepts and further honing my skills is an exciting prospect. I am motivated to develop my own unique style, blending the traditional skills I learned as a child with the new techniques I’ve discovered through SST.
Advice for new students
For anyone considering an accredited textile art course with SST, I have a few recommendations. One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the mentorship. I found my mentor incredibly helpful in clarifying expectations and guiding me toward deeper creative development. Frequent communication with your mentor can make a big difference in your experience. I also found the webinars helpful. These sessions with fellow students and teachers were inspiring and a great way to exchange ideas. I only wish I could have attended more of them.
Reconnecting with embroidery has been a rewarding journey, and SST has provided the perfect platform to grow and explore. I’m thrilled to continue this creative adventure.
