PERSONAL PROJECT HIGHLIGHT: MAYA | LEARNING EMBROIDERY

What was your project about? Why did you choose this topic?

My project was to learn more about embroidery, specifically to learn five new methods of stitching. I did this by learning from videos online and practicing, then applying my knowledge to a final product. I chose this topic because I enjoyed learning how to cross stitch from my mom when I was around 8 years old, and since it had been a while I wanted to bring back that skill and develop it further.

What was the most challenging part of the project?

The most challenging part of the project was starting, but once I started it all flowed easily. I lacked motivation to start due to how busy I was with my class subjects and exams, so this project was at the bottom of my priority list for a while. Because of this, I procrastinated for a couple months and ended up striving for a goal that was relatively easy compared to that of my classmates. However, once I finally had the time to sit down and get things done, my project started to come together easily and I enjoyed it a lot.

What was the most rewarding part of the project?

The most rewarding part of the project was when I was done and able to admire my artwork, as well as show it to others. It was something that I'm really proud of and I think looks very nice so I took pride in showing others what I had learned.

What did you learn from doing this project?

I acquired new skills in embroidery (specifically the satin stitch, french knot, fishbone leaf stitch, outline stitch, and back stitch) and also got to practice and develop my time management, concentration, and patience.

How did this project help you develop your Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills?

I was able to develop my self-management skills by practicing organization, making timetables, setting goals, and writing reflections. And I was also able to develop my thinking skills by evaluating and thinking about whether my plans were feasible, connecting previous learnings to the current situation, and finding creative ways to incorporate all stitches in one product.

How did this project connect to your personal interests and passions?

This project stemmed from a hobby that I hadn't done in a while and wanted to bring back, but it also developed and branched out this hobby into a bigger one. Now that I'm done with the project and I learned more about embroidery, I'm interested in taking it a step further and trying new projects -- such as learning new stitches or trying to embroider on new mediums.

What advice would you give to other students who are working on their Personal Projects?

I would advise that they plan their time out well and be honest when they're behind schedule or make mistakes. For me the most effective way of getting things done was by breaking things down and realistically setting mini goals that are easy to achieve.