The Basics:

Name:

Gaby Wichser

Zooming in from:

Dussnang, Switzerland

At:

11 a.m.

On Instagram: @gabyskraeuterundmehr

My Story:

Why do you enjoy hand embroidery?

I enjoy hand embroidery because it lets me forget all the troubles which go on in the world. It really calmes me down as I just concentrate on where to put the needle next.

I also enjoy the diversity of techniques. I am not someone who sticks to the same technique or project for too long. I have all the time several projects on the go.

What’s the first thing you can remember stitching?

I can't remember exactly, but I guess it must have been some cross stitch, which endet up as a pin cushion. I must have been seven or eight years old then. A bit later my aunts and my grandmother gave me for Christmas some towels to stitch the border.

What are you currently working on?

My main project right now is the "Sugar and Spice" advent calendar box by Kelley. Sometimes in between I work a bit on the little crofter cottage by Chrissie Juno Mann. Of course there are several unfinished objects waiting to get finished, but there is not enough time right now.

Later at night I usually do some knitting or crocheting, there are as well several projects around and I can choose from what ever I want.

What is on your wishlist of stitching projects?

I would love to design a bit a bigger crewel work project and of course stitch it. I only did two smaller projects and I really enjoyed them. I think the process of starting something from the very base is so delightful and I really would like to try this out.

But then I see always other things which I would love to do, Instagram really doesn't help with sticking to just one project. it sets too many ideas into my head.

What else can you tell us about yourself?

Several hours every day I spend with my two donkeys Yanik and Muck. I love spending time outside and do some physical work and I am always accompanied by our cats Sancho, Paco, Pepino and Pamina. We moved to the countryside 16 years ago and are really thankful that we are able to live in a quiet corner of our rather crowded country.

Three years ago I started a Knit and Natter in our village and in the meantime we are quite a big group of women meeting once a month, which is always a very enjoyable afternoon.

Other things I enjoy doing are spinning, weaving and sewing. There is just never enough time for everything, but from time to time I sit with my spinning wheel or the sewing machine.

Learning at the Stitch Sanctuary

What brought you to Kelley’s online class(es) in the first place?

I think this was pure luck. Five years ago I saw this sampler online class from the RSN. And it sounded perfect to me, as I wanted to make a sampler forever. So I met Kelley and since then I did several classes with her.

What online cours(es) have you taken at the Stitch Sanctuary?

Traditional Stitch Sampler, Goldwork Sampler, Stumpwork Seasons Sampler, Sugar & Spice Advent Calendar

How do you find the online learning experience here?

I think it's perfect. Kelley is really experienced and finds a solution for everything. I see two big advantages in online learning when Kelley explains or shows something you have always a perfect view on the work, which is in a physical class not always possible, when there are several people standing around the table. And the other thing is you need to do everything yourself. Because the teacher isn't next to you to help you out if something doesn't work out properly. I don't know how many times I thought, I won't be able to do this, but of course I had to, and I could, and it made me always a bit proud.

I love that there is always something to smile or laugh about in Kelleys classes, she has such a good sense of humour.

What would you say to someone thinking of booking onto a Stitch Sanctuary class for the first time?

Don't think too hard, just book the class you like. You will have a wonderful time and meet new lovely people. I have found so many friends in those online classes, who would have thought that. It's just great!