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What do ranchers, prairies, and stitching have in common?
To find out, read about Doug Kreinik’s latest road trip to
Bella’s needlework shop in Edinburg, Texas.

Rounding Up Stitching Time

Edinburg, the point furthest south in Texas, abutting the Mexican border, was the location of my latest road trip. Firstly, I visited Bella’s needlework shop where I found an enthusiastic group of active stitchers who asked lots of questions as they “ooh-ed and ahh-ed” over the many needlework models that I had toted with me. And secondly, I was treated to an experience of a lifetime—a day on the ranch—an authentic ranch with ranchers, cattle, prairie lands, and delectable southwestern food!

When I travel to so many stitching seminars, I love to get a taste of the area’s culture. My hosts spoon-fed me a generous portion of Edinburg ranching culture! Early in the evening, they drove me down a dusty country road to a place hidden amongst the mesquite trees and sorrel cactus. As we drove through the open gate to the front of the ranch house, under a clear sky of stars, sounds of barking guard dogs and smiling faces welcomed us. In that moment, I knew I would experience a true southwestern evening—a most memorable adventure.  

Entering the ranch house, I was instantly drawn into its charm, with its display of Mexican and southwestern art. Decorating the walls were antique saddles, old Winchesters, and collections of primitive artifacts from ancestors. Trophy heads of antelopes, javelins, wild pigs, and bobcats, along with bear and snake skins and other assorted firs, covered every wall. As I stood in the center of this family homestead, I admired its rich history.

My hosts spoiled me with a delicious home-cooked dinner. Amongst the guests were other ranch women who sat with me and laughed when I referred to the place as a “real ranch.” I was told, “This is just a place we go to on the weekends.” 

The hard-working female ranchers worked the land and tended to the animals on the range.  Many of them grew up on the prairie. Most interesting to me was when we talked about their favorite pastime, stitching. Each day, as they waited for the family men to complete roundup time, they would sit in their trucks and do needlework.  “There’s a lot of waiting,” one woman said. “So we get a lot of needlework done.”   Generations learned the art of needlework this way.

As we ate chicken, beef, beans, and guacamole made with limes, and sipped southwestern beverages, I couldn’t help but admire this group of the most avid stitchers I had ever met. At the end of the evening, as I took my last bite of pecan pie (of course made with freshly picked and shelled pecans just that day), I realized that I didn’t want this memorable evening to end. It was truly one that I will remember always.

If you’re ever in Edinburg, Texas, be sure to stop by Bella’s needlework shop. Owner, Betty Lanier, will be sure to make you feel right at home. You may find yourself as I did--never wanting to leave!