by Bea Peterson
Sally Statile of Grafton has been making counted cross stitch embroidery pieces for 30 years. “I’m addicted to it! I love it! I’m intrigued with it,” she said. It would seem so. An early riser, Sally begins her day at 5 am with an hour of cross stitch. That is followed by a three mile walk through Grafton Lakes State Park with her dogs. Whatever the day unfolds, she always finds more time for embroidery.
Sally and her husband Dan are retired. They lived in West Sand Lake for 32 years before moving to Grafton five years ago. They have two sons and twin grandchildren, age 12.
Sally has done wedding samplers for the boys and their wives and samplers for the
grandchildren. For the most part she finds samplers boring. “I love stitching pieces with people in them, especially children,” she said. She has no favorite theme. Her pieces are of landscapes, nautical scenes, flowers and nature. “Fortunately, I like everything!” Her pieces average 11×14 inches in size, though some are as large as 32×24 inches. Many are completely stitched, not just stitched on a focal point. “I have them professionally framed with non-glare glass.” Perhaps that is why her work is often mistaken for paintings.
Sally is impressed that people can paint or draw something so beautiful on a piece of fabric that she can then stitch. Besides American patterns, she has created some wonderful pieces from Denmark, Holland, Belize, Australia and England.
Sally said, “People either love counted cross stitch or get frustrated. I find it very relaxing.” All you need to master the art is “good patience, good light and plenty of time.” Twenty years ago she taught her sister, Nancy Stowell, the needlework art.
Sally had never thought of exhibiting her needlework. Encouraged by her Grafton friends she and Nancy will be displaying about 145 pieces at the Everett Wagar Senior Center April 3 to 5. The free show will be open Friday from 4 to 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. Sally and Nancy will be on hand throughout the show. Refreshments, made by the sister, will be served.
Not all of their needlework is wall pieces. The exhibit will include rocking chairs, blankets, games, foot stools, towels and a clock.