I grew up with a last name that was hard to spell. I married into a name that is so easy to spell, I don’t mind if I get called “terry” or “berry” or whatever. But call my needlepoint knitting or cross stitch or tell me about how your mother or grandmother did it and I will want to slug you.
And if it is someone who is a journalist so I need to control those impulses, well . . .
I always thought it was because needlepoint isn’t all that common. But it turns out that misunderstanding by journalists must be endemic.
Franklin Habit, a writer, illustrator, and knitter, has this problem too. He shares his friendly advice in a column for Lion Yarn’s blog.
Just substitute “needlepoint” for “knitting.” And don’t drink your coffee while you read.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Carol Harper says
LOVE it! I’m always on my husband’s case about how needlepoint and cross stitch and free embroidery are NOT the same thing! He is a slow learner (52 years married this June) but I will persist. I think I’ll send him this article!