I think I was born with a passion for flowers. My father was a bulb grower and exporter, as was my mother's father in a neighbouring village; my father and my mother's brother first met on a boat bound for America where they were going to sell flowers.

Ever since I can remember, flowers have been part of my life. When I began to draw, and later to stitch, it seemed natural to choose flowers as my inspiration.  

Growing up in the village of Sassenheim, The Netherlands, I was fortunate to be surrounded by vast fields of tulips, daffodils, and other stunning flowers. From my bedroom window, I could see endless rows of vibrant blooms stretching across the landscape, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.

During the spring and summer holidays, my siblings and I worked in these bulb fields, cutting and harvesting flowers for export. Though the work was physically demanding, I found joy in being close to nature, and it was during this time that my deep appreciation for flowers began to grow.

At home, while my father tended the fields, it became my responsibility to take care of the garden, a task I embraced with enthusiasm. I loved planting and caring for the flowers, especially sweet peas, whose delicate, scented blossoms fascinated me.

This love of gardening sparked my interest in art, and I began drawing flowers, paying attention to the smallest details.

My artistic journey took a new direction when my aunt introduced me to embroidery. I was captivated by the process of creating intricate designs with needle and thread, and soon I was spending hours crafting embroidered panels, inspired by the natural beauty that surrounded me.

My other passion was sewing, a skill I inherited from my mother.
It was my aunt who first encouraged me to try embroidery. I used to stay with her each summer, and she was always embroidering exquisite panels, cushions and kneelers which were sold for the church.

I was fascinated by the way her needle would flash in and out of the fabric, stitching tiny stitches with lustrous coloured threads.
She showed me how to draw a pattern on fabric with a pencil, then embroider over it with twisted chain stitches, French knots and satin stitches.

I took to embroidery quickly, and spent much of my spare time after that making pictures with coloured threads.
This dedication to realism remains a hallmark of Thea Gouverneur embroidery patterns and
cross stitch kits today.
We hope you will Enjoy Thea's extraordinary cross stitch artwork with us!