As I am sure you know the art of needlecraft has been with us for many centuries.  Born out of necessity.  It is sobering to think that in today’s world of mass production of clothes, bedlinen etc.,  that once upon a time all these items were made by hand.  On the whole I would say in most western countries the art of needlecraft in recent times has turned more into an activity thats more to do with pleasure than necessity.   Needlecrafts such as  knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, cross stitch, patchwork and embroidery all still attract tremendous practitioners.  They all give people the opportunity of expressing their creativity.  They are all relatively easy to learn and participate in which means they are very accessible to many people.

In many parts of the world their culture and history is tied up in the kind of needlecraft designs they specialize in.  Specific designs and colors have been handed down the generations.

There is tremendous satisfaction in wearing or using an item that you have actually created with your own hands.  Of course you can create gifts for others, which are usually greatly appreciated because of the time and effort you have put in to produce the item.