We must say another good-bye. Embroidery legend Erica Wilson died Tuesday at age 83. I certainly never met Erica, but I felt she was my friend. Like so many others, I took up the needle in the early 1970s, inspired by her encouragement in books and magazines and her colorful, modern crewel designs. We were a generation who wanted to make things with our own hands, in our own vivid way, and Erica Wilson was on the spot to teach us, and to show us that needlework wasn’t just about samplers. We embroidered our shirts, our jeans, our bed linens, our table linens, our wall decor. The youngsters who push the boundaries of stitch today stand on our hippie shoulders. And we–all of us–stand on Erica’s. She will be sorely missed. See the New York Times obituary.
Image by Andrea Mohin of The New York Times.
She will be sorely missed in the craft world.
Rest in peace sweet Erica. I know there is a special place in heaven just for you.
I too remember fondly watching her show on PBS in Boston growing up. What a wonderful artist
What an incredible Artist. I was just looking through my books yesterday and realized I had 2 of the same Embroidery Books by her. I’m pretty sure I learned my first stitch by following her instructions. She will be missed.
I was one of those she drew into the world of needle work! I just hung my Jemima Puddleduck and Peter Rabbit ornaments that I made from one of her kits on our Christmas tree!
Loved her work!!
Erica Wilson inspired me in my young days. RIP Erica…the world is a sadder place today.
can’t add to that beautiful tribute, Denise. She was and will continue to be an inspiration.