Pearce-ing together NEEDLE AND THREAD
“My mother relieved my boredom by teaching me needlework and it’s been a big part of my life ever since.” Today, Julie’s home is a showcase of intricate and beautifully crafted cross stitch artworks which first time visitors often mistake for paintings. Her artfully framed ladies in elegant evening dress are quite breathtaking but add to that her series on flowers, hats, horses, stiletto shoes, farm scenes and much more, then the extent of her skill – and patience – becomes obvious. While some items reflect her own personal taste, some cater for the interest of family members – especially her grandchildren – and some are works of love for others. At present she is working on a blanket made up of 30 squares, each containing a beautiful image of a bird, animal, flowers or specific scene. “I’m doing it for a friend who www.southmagazine.co.nz
On casting an eye over the vast number of works Julie has completed it would seem she has time for little else. But this energetic Papakura senior doesn’t sit still for long. Apart from embroidery – “I sew and knit too” – Julie is a member of two embroidery guilds (Counties and East Auckland) a Probus club and a luncheon club. However, it is the needlework which keeps her particularly busy especially now as she prepares for an upcoming display in Howick. “I’m just deciding what new pieces to enter and while I do some hardanger and a little leskara lace embroidery, I much prefer cross stitch although seeing the work of others always stimulates new ideas. That means I’m unlikely to stop stitching any time soon.” The East Auckland Embroiderers’ Guild is hosting a major public exhibition at the Malcolm Smith Gallery, Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick from September 3-7. It will showcase a wide range of embroidery styles including some of Julie’s work.
Photo Wayne Martin
“Fancy work we called it,” says Julie Pearce, who clearly recalls the bout of pneumonia which laid her low for several weeks in 1949.
has started the blanket. She has completed two rows but is too ill to finish the project. Unfortunately, I don’t have a pattern to work from, just a picture so I have go forward quite carefully. But, I believe it will be rather beautiful when finished.”
Julie Pearce. south | august 2020 | 31
How do you amuse a sick seven year old when there is no television, no mobile phone loaded with games and no internet? You teach her to embroider, of course!
