We all have unfinished embroideries tucked away in boxes and cupboards – well-intentioned pieces begun as gifts or to mark a momentous occasion. Sometimes, however, an upcoming event prompts us to revisit these works, either to complete them at last, or to seek help in doing so.

One such client came to us with exactly this hope: to finish an embroidery piece she had begun whilst pregnant with her daughter, and to present it as a gift for her daughter’s 50th birthday.

“I left my teaching position in December at the end of term. After about 16 weeks of pregnancy, my sickness began to ease, and I thought it would be good to have a project to work on. I saw the Spring Flowers crewel embroidery advertised as a kit in Family Circle magazine. I loved the image of the completed piece and decided to send away for it.

I hadn’t paid much attention to the dimensions, so when it arrived I was astonished by its size — 18 x 40 inches (45.7 x 101.6 cm)! In the end, I decided to finish only half of it, which is what you see framed today. But in 1975, at 25 years old, happily married for six months, and full of confidence after two years of teaching, I thought: never mind the size, I have plenty of time.

By the time my daughter was born in August 1975, I had at least made a start. I soon learned, however, that a new baby takes up all your time, and any free moments you think you might have! The years that followed brought two more children, several pets, and a very busy life, meaning the piece rarely saw the light of day.

I did manage small amounts when I could, and eventually I took the embroidery to a daytime sewing group at the Needlecraft Centre in Thame. There I received expert advice, encouragement, and support, and began working the large, bright flowers in the foreground. After discussing it with the needlework teacher, I decided to make the project more manageable by finishing it halfway, a very good decision.

My neurological health condition later made extended stitching difficult. The final attempt I made was in 2024, when I completed a little more of the grasses and French knots, but Parkinson’s tremors and pain made it impossible to continue. With only a tiny section left unfinished, I had to accept that I could not complete it myself.

I began looking for advice on whether it was possible and worthwhile to finish the embroidery. That’s when I found the RSN online. I read that alongside prestigious commissions, such as King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation robes, they also restore and complete unfinished projects. I rang the studio and left a message…”

This is where we took up the story…

We worked closely with our client to complete the remaining section of the embroidery, ensuring that our stitching blended seamlessly with her own beautiful work. For someone with such a busy life, the embroidery had been executed with great care and skill. Thankfully, she had kept all the original materials together, allowing us to use the correct wools and follow the original kit instructions precisely.

Once the embroidery was complete, we mounted it onto fabric-covered, conservation-grade board in preparation for framing. The client and her husband collected the finished piece and took it to our recommended framer, who worked with them to select a frame that would truly enhance the embroidery.

The result is a deeply meaningful and beautiful gift, carrying with it a remarkable story spanning five decades.

Do you have an object you would like made, restored, or conserved?

Why not get in touch with the RSN Embroidery Studio Team or visit the website today for bespoke embroidery commissions, restoration and conservation services.