Today’s give-away is courtesy of Berlin Embroidery Designs. Tanja Berlin has put together two beautiful collections of goldwork threads for the 12 Days of Christmas give-away series. That means that today, there are two winners to draw!
If you’ve been hankering to try goldwork, but haven’t invested yet in a variety of threads, you’ll find a wonderful variety in both goldwork thread collections here. If you already enjoy goldwork, these are threads you’ll love having in your stash!
Here’s a run-down of the goldwork threads you’ll find in each collection:
Set One:
Gold No. T71 Japan Thread: 10 Yards
Gilt No. 6 Bright Check Purl: 1 Yard
Gilt No. 6 Rough Purl: 1 Yard
Gold 2% WM No. 6 Smooth Purl: 1 Yard
Gilt No. 1 Pearl Purl: 1 Yard
Gilt No. 4 Smooth Passing: 4 Yards
Gold 2% WM No. 1 ½ Twist: 2 ½ Yards
Gold 2% WM Medium Rococco: 1 Yard
Gold 2% WM 36 x 6 Check Thread: 1 Yard
Goldwork Pad
Pair of Fine Tipped Tweezers
Spool of Gutermann Yellow Polyester Sewing Thread
No. 10 Crewel Embroidery Needles
Retail
Value: $70.00
Set two:
Gold No. T72 Japan Thread: 10 Yards
Gilt No. 7 Bright Check Purl: 1 Yard
Gold 2% WM No. 7 Rough Purl: 1 Yard
Gilt No. 7 Smooth Purl: 1 Yard
Gilt Super Pearl Purl: 1 Yard
Gold 2% No. 4 Smooth Passing: 3 Yards
Gold 2% WM No. 1 ½ Twist: 2 Yards
Gilt Very Fine Rococco: 1 Yard
Gold 2% WM 16 x 3 Check Thread: 1 Yard
Goldwork Pad
Pair of Fine Tipped Tweezers
Spool of Gutermann Yellow Polyester Sewing Thread
No. 10 Crewel Embroidery Needles
Retail
Value: $65.00
The two winners will receive either one of the sets.
Goldwork is considered an advanced embroidery technique, but frankly, goldwork is not difficult. The stitches involved are really quite basic; the most intimidating thing about goldwork is knowing what to do with what threads. With a nice variety of threads like these, you’ll have an opportunity to play around with the threads to see how they work.
Incidentally, Berlin Embroidery was on my Christmas Wish List this year, and I did get my Christmas wish! (Granted, I bought it for myself, but we’ll just keep that between you and me, ok?). You see, when the project line-up was announced some year and a half ago for the 2011 EGA national convention, I saw Tanja’s goldwork peacock feather project for the first time, and I fell in love with it! Then I saw it in person and up close last spring, and I really fell in love with it! So when she announced that her goldwork peacock feather kit had been released for general sale at the beginning of this December, I made up my mind that it would be my Christmas present.
The photo of the kit doesn’t do it justice. If you want to see it up close, you can see the goldwork peacock feather on Tanja’s site. Pretty, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to working it during 2012.
Give-Away Instructions
To enter today’s give-away for one of the two sets of goldwork threads shown above, please read and follow these simple instructions!
1. Leave a comment at the end of today’s article. If you click on that link, it will take you directly to the comment area, so that there are no mishaps! Comments delivered via e-mail or on other articles will not be included in the give-away.
2. In your comment, answer the following question:
If you win this particular give-away, what do you hope to do with the threads?
3. Make sure you leave a recognizable name either in the body of your comment, or on the “name” line above the comment box. For example, if your name happens to be Carol, you might include a last initial or a location, to differentiate yourself from the other Carols out there (example: Carol C.).
4. Leave your comment before January 9th, 2012, at 5:00 am Central Standard Time (Kansas, USA!). All winners for this series will be selected on January 9th, and announced that day here on Needle ‘n Thread. You’ll have to check back on January 9th to see if you’ve won, because the winners will need to contact me within 3 days to claim their prizes. The Give-Away is Now Closed. Thanks for your interest!
Merry Second Day of Christmas!
Please do not panic if your comment does not show up immediately. All comments are moderated in the order in which they come in, and they will eventually be posted. If you are looking for your comment, please use the “older comments” and “newer comments” links at the top of the comments section. These will take you through all the comments pages, from newest to oldest.
Hi,Mary
Happy Holidays
I would use the gold threads for a sun disk.
JoanB
Mary, my son is a priest and I will be using the thread on the albs I am embroidering for him. Because the alb is worn under, I do a border embroidery on the lower hem and sleeves. This is done is the seasonal colour with appropriate themes. Currently I am doing red and will include doves for Confirmation and some thing to represent martyrdom. These themes go inside the border.Some goldwork would add tremendously. Sue
Having never done goldwork, I would use this as an opportunity to experiment with and see if I’d like to add this to my list of things to learn.
I hope to try goldwork for the first time!
OOOOOHHHHHHH!!!!!!! GOLDWORK has always been one of my dreams. And to have a sampler of the threads would be fantastic. I could finally give it a try.
Si tuviera la fortuna de ganar esta preciosidad de hilos, haría algo que adorne nuestra linda imagen de la Virgen Santísima en mi parroquia. Agradecida por su generosidad, sus explicaciones son muy claras y muy completas. Dios la bendiga siempre! Cariños desde Venezuela.
What a beautiful set! It would be SO MUCH fun to do this project!
Good Morning, All!
JoAn
Learn learn learn!!
Hi again, not sure if my comment got sent .. My keypad is ultra sensitive, just like me! Would love to win, I love Tanya as a teacher and designer. If I win, I will use the threads to embellish the outside of a piece I have finished, like a gold frame! These threads remind me of 5 golden rings!! … Jumping ahead past the birds in the song!
If I win this set I, of course, hope to have a lot of fun with it!
I haven’t worked with gold treads before, but it has definitely been on my wish list.
I would make something out of Hazel Everett’s book, so I can follow the step-by-step instruction and it wouldn’t be so intimidating to make something beautiful.
Goldwork has been an ambition of min for many, many years, but I have not had the goldwork wire. With so many designs now incorporating goldwork, I would like to try adding some to my crewel work.
Oh this twelve days of Christmas is so much fun!
Goldwork is on my list of techniques to explore in 2012. Planning on taking a correspondence course about it and have several books lined up in my library to read and a couple more to purchase.
Would love to have any gold threads to accompany this study and hope to have a completed thistle and shamrock to show for my studies.
You know, I’ve only ever done the most basic goldwork (couching, mainly). This would certainly be lots of fodder for experimentation and learning. If I win, I think I’ll do a bunch of small geometric patterns and turn the ones I’m happy with into a linked bracelet or necklace.
if I suddenly win this give-away, I dream to create some ancient Russian ornament, like were on women’s dressings in 17-18th centuries….
WOW- goldwork threads!!!!! First off, I would put them under my pillow for safe keeping, and of course, they would be nearby so that I could sneak a peak every now and then. Next- touch them- hold them- ahhhh- gold threads! THEN- I would LOVE to try either stumpwork or Elizabthan embroidery with them. My eyes would be delighted- LOVE THEM!! Many thanks Mary and Berlin Embroidery Designs for this offering.
Peg F. in NJ
If I won the metalwork threads, I would finally have an opportunity to try working a project with these beautiful threads. I think I would enjoy making a monogram.
JaneinAz
Hi Mary, what a wonderful give-away!
If I’d win one of these gorgeous sets, I’d try to monogram a few little things to gain some experiences with goldwork. These enormous variety of threads seems to be perfect for many little projects.
Ann from Germany
Oh, this one is so easy! I LOVE doing stump work beetles. So these lovely threads will be put to immediate use doing some more beetles on silk! Or, maybe they will be used in a dragonfly! Happy New Year! Cheers!
I purchased two books about goldwork: A-Z of Goldwork and Hazel Everett’s Goldwork. It would be great to have such threads in order to learn how to do goldwork. Thank you for your give-aways and the chance to win.
Lovely gold threads! I’m taking the CQJP 2012 challenge, and making a Christmas wall hanging from the blocks: gold work threads would be perfect for this! Thanks for the opportunity!
My first and only goldwork project used goldwork in combination with shadow work embroidery. It turned out just beautifully, and the gold threads were a joy to work with. If I win one of the fabulous collections I plan to use the threads in another combination project.
I discovered Needle ‘n Thread site earlier this year after commiting myself to reviving the Alter Guild at our small, wooden mission church. We, badly, need new alter linens, and since I used to embroider (self-taught) I decided to hone my skills – I never dreamed that I would find such a wealth of information to help me as I have found on this site. The beautiful peacock feather design reminded me of my first serious embroidery – an 18 in. by 24 in. (approx.) barnyard roosters that I did over 50 years ago. My goal for the goldwork threads would be to use them on the alter linens, intensely following instructions that I have found, and continue to find on Needle ‘n Thread. Thank you. Mary Ple
I have long been thinking of an indian design but have not taken the time to draft and stitch it. It is a design that has spiritual significance. These threads would be so nice to use – gift, I’ve learned a lot from Tanja, New Year, auspicious start etc.
I have an old magazine from Mary Hickmott(I think that’s the correct name) that has some goldwork designs in. I’d look one out and give it ago
Wow! Goldwork is unbelievably beautiful. The quality of work I believe is a partnering of skill and design. The goldwork projects you have shown are so tantalizing that I know I would like think I could do that too! As the engine said,”I think I can, I think I can..” Winning the gold threads stash pack would be the start of what is undoubtedly a passion.
With all that beautiful thread I will do
“small” things because I embroider for
doll houses!!
I have watched your progress on various projects since around 2009. I am absolutely awed at your skills with gold work. I have never tried goldwork but your tutorials and daily blogs have given me the impetuous to actually attempt a small goldwork project for 2012-I would like to use the gold work thread collection for a small arts and crafts tile project that I have been mulling over using a small piece vintage linen that my grandmother had given me when I was a child.
What would I do with these threads? PLAY, PLAY, PLAY PLAY!!!
ooooh, so much fun!
I haven’t done much goldwork before, so the result might simply be a small sampler of what can be done I would use to refer to in the future.
If I were lucky enough to win the threads I would try to replicate the beautiful peacock feather so beautifully done by Tanja. I have a lovely box too that requires something special on the lid, so this would be the perfect opportunity to start working on it
Oh my, another lovely give-away! Luscious threads, and what a wonderful opportunity to learn a new technique. I have wanted to learn goldwork to add to my crazy quilts but have put off buying any books or supplies because I have been afraid that the technique was too expensive or too difficult. This would be the perfect opportunity to try!
Dear Mary,
Happy 2nd Day of Christmas! I would love to win one of the goldwork thread collections. I have never tried goldwork but have wanted to. I have a wonderful book showing the techniques plus your website and feel that I could do it if I had the proper threads and materials.
Thanks for this great offering.
Tania
If I won one of these sets I would look for a Christmas themed project to work!
I would love to win one of these kits as a friend of mine is due to be consecrated Bishop next year and I would like to be able to embroider some Episcopal gloves and a Mitre.
Gold work has always intimidated me and with so many other projects I’ve always held it at bay as a “some day” ambition. I have been wanting to make a linens bag for a new priest in our parish. (Priests keep their alter linens in them.) Picking out the design has been easy, but finding the right and deserving thread has been difficult as there are just so many to choose from and my knowledge of them is nill. I would use the gold threads for this long over due project. (And happily send you pictures of the finished project, too)
Happy New Year!
Mary Ann
Mary,
Oh, my goodness, what luscious assortments. I’m fond of peacock projects/colors, and had noticed the feather project in Needle Arts. Thanks for letting me know it’s available!
Saw the Plimoth Jacket at Winterthur again yesterday, and am in awe of the accomplishment. I’d use these threads to make a spot sampler to get familiar with the different types, so I’d know what each of them can do.
Once again, many thanks to you and all of those who contributed items. You inspire us!
Boy I’m unsure, though I think some blackwork done with gold threads would be quite stunning at least I’d like to try.
I am taking Spring Splendor now with my quild. Once I have practiced the goldwork with it, I may try to make an ornament.
At the first photo I began salivating and my fingers itched to gently feel the texture of each type of thread. What would I do with them?…..
I belong to a group of very talented, skilled, trained and artistic Stitchers. I’d like to gift most of the collection to the organization to be used in our continuing education in embroidery.
With only a little experience working with metal or metalic threads, I believe one of the collections would inspire our more skilled stitchers to develpe mini-projects to help all of us increase our knolwedge.
By the way, your photos are wonderful and very helpful.
Lee F.
My,My, what beautiful gold. I love it and have alway wanted to work with gold thread. I will us it on my crazy quilt projects, and I have a Christmas picture I have been wanting to do in golds. It would be beautiful. Hope I win!
Wow how beautiful! I have never done gold work but would have all the necessary items to start if I was picked for this gift
If I win this giveaway : I hope to add Goldwork to my bucket list for 2012!
Thanks so much for this opportunity! I love seeing and learning from your website!
i would love to try this gold work thread..I have never done gold work and be interested in trying a design in it.
Joanie M in west TN
J’ai investi dans l’achat d’un livre sur l’orfèvrerie dernièrement. Je n’ai pas encore essayé cette technique mais j’aimerais bien m’y mettre cette année surtout après avoir vu la plume de paon de Tanya Berlin. Cette technique est magnifique. Je crois bien que ce sera mon tout premier projet.
Joyeux Noël et bonne année et merci pour tous vos précieux conseils.
Huguette
Thank you Tanya, for the very generous give-away packs. All those gold threads for the second day of Christmas, how wonderful.
Of the many projects that I have in mind (and not enough time to do), one is a gold work dragon. My husband was born in the year of the Water Dragon and the coming year will be the Year of the Water Dragon again, so I would like to stitch it for his birthday.
Well, that peacock feather is gorgeous! I loved it on the black background the best. I have some goldwork supplies but have not attempted their use yet. Perhaps winning one of the prizes would push me into beginning. A simple beginner sampler, like the one offered on Tanya’s site for free would most likely be my first project. However, I have wanted to do a gold dragonfly for ages…so I might just begin with something small like that as well. So much to do…and so little time!
Kathy
Oh my! I would love the chance to try out some of the goldwork techniques I’ve seen on your website. I’ve been doing counted cross stitch forever, but since I’ve been following your blog, my ambitions have widened considerably.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to try to win this stash.
Kathy Pennington
Diggins, MO
I have looked at that thread at the craft stores and have it on my crafting bucket list. If I were to win the drawing, I think that I will try to make a special card for someone.
I hope to find a very beginner project to experiment with the threads and start a whole new collection of course! Gold is a girls best friend. LOL. Chris Beresford from Michigan
I am going to keep it real simple. Learn and experiment.
If I were to win this array of gold threads?! I have a plan….not fleshed out yet, but it would be used to promote our EGA chapter’s ” Golden Anniversary”.
I am currently president of The Philadelphia Chapter, and we will celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2014. Ours is the oldest chapter of the EGA! We have started planning for several events: we plan to host our Region’s seminar, have an exhibit, and hold at least one gold work workshop! This collection of threads would be perfect for a grand prize? Or to make a fabulous center medallion for our banner? Or to be the inspiration for a challenge? The mind reels…… I would love to have the chance to put this to good, good use to celebrate this milestone. Thank you for this opportunity to dream.
The gold work was beautiful, catching the both the brilliance and mystery of this season. I am inspired to design and execute a piece for the Holidays, something to remind me of the Second Day of Christmas on darker days throughout the year.
I’ve watched some of my fellow guild members do goldwork during open stitch meetings. It fascinates me but I’ve never had the courage to try and I know I’m not alone!
Being Program Chair for my chapter I’m always trying to think of ways to keep our membership interested and engaged. We have a small chapter and I’d really love to design a program around these threads to give everyone a chance to try their hand with this technique.
If I win these gorgeous threads, I will first do lots of reading on goldwork to learn more about how to best work with each of the threads. When I have a working knowledge of the threads, I may incorporate some goldwork into Brazilian embroidery but I will also look for a goldwork project, possibly even the Peacock feather,to stitch and utilize the threads.
Good Morning! I would like to use the gold thread in a dragonfly/garden setting. Thank you.
If I win the threads, I will use them on a full-size gentleman’s cap for my husband’s collection of embroidered hats.
Well, you know that I already gave a try with goldwork. And I loved it !!
Maybe could I experiment your pomegranate ??
Your giveaways are wonderful Mary. Thanks again.
Last Christmas my sister made me a beautiful dragon fly out of gold work and I would love to be able to learn this technique. Something for Christmas would be ideal.
Hi,
I am a beginner in gold work. This would help me to try and understand the nuances of gold work.
The first thing I would probably do is just lay out the threads and look at them. Then I might do the peacock feather. I took a class with Tanya Berlin and her directions are great so I’m sure her collection of threads is great, too. How nice that designers share their talents and materials.
I am designing a piece which will require about 75 % of it to be done in goldwork. I would love to win this and use it in the piece
Beryl B
nice collection of threads…
i would use them to embellish a cuff probably; something small so i could try out each type and get a feel.
i know it’s GOLDwork, but do these threads come in silver as well? or other metallic colors?
love that peacock feather!
I will try my first gold work project. I have admired Mary’s posts about gold work through out the year – now a chance to give it a try.
I will try my first Gold Work project. I have admired Mary’s throughout this past year – now a chance to give it a try.
The gold thread will be used to decorate a small box honoring my Godmother who died at the age of 103. Her love of crocheting, applique, sewing, knitting, and needlework of all kinds is what motivated me to begin my love affair with the same things at the age of seven. Lucia
Oh no! I didn’t know about Tanya Berlin, but I followed the links and now I have to have a beginners goldwork kit, but which one to choose? If I won, I’d attempt your Tudor rose using only gold thread as a next project.
These threads are so elegant looking. I have a good friend that I know would love to teach me how to do gold work I know I could make something spectacular with these gold threads. Perhaps something for Christman 2012
MerryChristmas Mary,
These golden threads are a real treasure! I would try to make golden bees to fly above that Somali Bee Eater!
Cathy in PA
Oh my goodness there is nothing better than GOLD!! I would first look at it for days and then use it in a project I am working on right now!!!!
What a great gift! If I won, I would either try a Jane Nicholas design, or come up with my own. Something that would really play up the textural quality of the gold.
If I win a Goldwork pack I would use them to try out one or two of the designs from Hazel Everett’s beautiful and informative new book on Goldwork that I received for Christmas, perhaps a Christmas decoration or a new needlebook.
Designing my own embroidery and using the Eifel Tower as my subject is on my 2012 New Years resolution. These gold threads have inspired me to use goldwork in my design.
I have two books by Alison Cole and would love to make her projects.
I am only short of time and threads
Wow! That peacock feather is amazing. I would love to try working with these threads. I am nearing retirement and budget just won’t stretch to play with specialized threads like this.
Thank you for offering a chance to win these threads.
Becky in upstate SC
If I were to win these threads, I would be able to learn goldwork. I simply have not had the funds to be able to do this kind of work, and not being sure where to start – well, I’d start with the threads!
I’d also do a lot of oohing and aahing!!!! Karen Gass
The first grandchild of my parents (they only have three) just became engaged. I would like to use the gold threads to make a wedding gift for her, my niece — a framed goldwork piece in honor of her wedding day. If there is enough, I might also use some to make her something to wear or carry on her wedding day.
I am a beginner in goldwork. I have never done it. I think that I would try a goldwork dragonfly pattern that I once saw.
Mary!
)
What glorious threads!!! I’m in awe of each and every one who can create something extraordinary with these fine threads. If I won them they would sit in my collection for quite a number of years I’m sure for I’m not at the stage of ability to do them justice yet. So Please don’t enter me in the drawing. I jusst had to pop in and tell you that the 12 days of Christmas is such a generous and lovely thing for you to do. Thank you!
This is a treat for the eyes, and the heart.
I hope you had the Merriest of Christmases and that this New Year will find you blessed beyond measure…peacock and all.
Thank you for all you do for us!
Oh, what a lovely give away. If I were to win this I would enhance several projects I have “on deck” — and probably come up with one that would showcase this bounty.
Mary, you have a lovely Christmas gift! I have bookmarked Tanja’s website and will definitely think of her Pansy class as I am a beginner. I also like her Blackwork patterns.
I had a class with Tanja and loved it. She is an excellent teacher. I saw the peacock feather at the class and would use the threads to stitch that design.
I love viewing goldwork and have not done any yet so winning the set would be great to do this I would add it to flowers I embroider with silk thread. I am mostly home due to heart failure needlework embroidery are things I enjoy.
If I were to win one of the beautiful collections of goldwork threads from Tanja Berlin I would like to use them to make needlework ‘smalls’ for my sewing box. Ihat way each time I used a needlebook, scrissor fob or case, and or pin cushion I would be able to admire the beautiful golden thread(s) and how they enchance each project.
if I won these threads It would stop my friends from nagging me to get started and have a go ..lol I keep ummming and ahhhing and this would give me a push in the right direction *VBG … thanks for the chance
love mouse xxx
Mary, I would love to win all these goldwok threads so that I could design something myself to use them on. I have some experience with goldwork, but have alot to still learn. I think they are so beautiful when finished. I love Tanya Berlin’s work and have done several of her pieces. Maybe I’ll try the peacock feather also. It is one of the most gorgeous ones that I have seen.
Sharon K.
I would never be able to afford to buy this beautiful collection of gold threads, so this would be a fabulous gift for me to win.
I am a beginner so I would do some research first on how to stitch with them, and would possibly make something special first like an embroidered lavender or rose petal sachet
Oh I want this so bad I can taste it…which would likely be cold and metallic. I’ve been learning some couching lately with DMC memory thread, since it’s cheaper than the good stuff, but if I won this prize, I would go completely nuts on some Elizabethan-style embroidery.
Mary, What a beautiful collection of Goldwork threads. I haven’t worked with gold threads but am looking forward to doing so. Thank you
I have purchased a couple of kits from Tania, and gold work is fascinating, my first , I couldn’t wait for instruction books, drew myself a gold fish and stitched it. OK but……..I am in the process of embroidering a book of linen with all the different techniques for my daughter, so it will be a kind of sampler. The peacock feather from Tania would make a lovely page.
Thank you Mary
If I won the gold thread, I would make a six inch cross and crown pattern on a journal cover. Ever since I saw your Prayer Book, I have wanted to use your pattern.
Greetings, Mary. What a Christmas angel you are this year…or maybe a particularly delightful Christmas elf. The time between Christmas day and the end of the season can often be a bit of a letdown and a little devoid of excitement but you are not letting that happen to your readers this year! Thank you.
I am a bit vague about what to do with it if I win one of the goldwork kits…surely some practice skirmishes will be necessary. My daughter was recently baptised into the Catholic Church and I think the goldwork materials would be wonderful worked into a small hanging commerating this event. What do you think?
Barbara B., Ellettsville, IN
I have learned quite a few embroidery techniques so far and I hope to be able to add goldwork to my list. Since Santa was in a hurry on Christmas eve, he forgot to stop in Alberta to bring me a kit on his way to Quebec, so please……..
If I win, I think I will use the goldwork threads in a piece I would like to make for my husband. I would like to design a tapestry that would memorialize his great deeds, somewhat like the medieval sorts, and hang it in the stairway. Gold thread would make it regal. Thank you Mary,
Shelia in Oklahoma
I am very interested in trying goldwork based on the articles that you have posted. I know that I can do a good job with these excellent supplies. Thanx to you and to Tanya.
This is a beautiful give-away – Thank you! I tried goldwork years ago & loved it but never knew where to purchase thread. I would love to have these to try it again!
What beautiful threads! If I should win, I would have an opportunity to learn this amazing technique! Imagine creating anything as beautiful as that peacock feather with my own hands!
Thanks so much for having this wonderful giveaway!
I’m going to use it for my class at the rsn that i’ll be taking in goldwork in a few months…very exciting. Thanks Mary
Goldwork! Fun/hard/gorgeous. I’m trying to do one now and I have a love/hate relationship with it. The results are stunning. So, I guess the love wins. I would love to explore this technique more. Thanks for the giveaway. I’d love to win.
Judy
Oh–would love to get these. I would like to use some in the ring pillow I am going to stitch for my son’s wedding and then use them in some fairy patterns for my grand daughters. What fun!
Oh what a gift this would. I would use the kit to learn a new technique. The gold work would make a wonderful addition to my repertoire. I love to learn new things!
Hi Mary,
I’ve always been intrigued with gold work and
winning these threads would give me an opportunity to expand my knowledge of stitches
using these gorgeous gold threads.
Teri
This year I did my first goldwork piece, Circle With Blue Flower, as a group course. It was beautiful and a lot of fun to do, however challenging. Having these gold threads on hand, will encourage me to step out and do another piece on my own. This one for my beautiful granddaughter!
Mary:
What a wonderful “give away”. Have watched you comments and pictures on gold work and it is so beautiful. Would love to give it a try. Love any kind of hand work.
Thanks,
Louise
Oh WOW! What a great beginning to a goldwork workbox. Mary, thanks to you and Tanya Berlin for making this opportunity available
.I have been drooling over doing some goldwork ever since you came out with the Tudor Rose design, Mary. My budget wouldn’t stretch enough to get all the supplies at one time, so I couldn’t purchase the supplies needed but wanted to use the pattern for something special. I substituted DMC and Kreinik threads and put it in a needlbox lid for a very special friend. It turned out nice but not as nice as the goldwork and silk threads would have been, so I’m continuing to yearn for goldwork and silk threads.
Many years ago I found a terrific bargain on wooden boxes that are approximately 1 foot square and approximately 3 inches high. they have an opening in the lid of approximately 11 ½” square; ideal for some kind of needlework. In the past I’ve made jewelry boxes and shadow boxes and put some counted cross stitch under glass in the jewelry box lids. I have three boxes left and I’ve been saving them to use for my granddaughters; something they can keep forever to remember their grandmother by when I’m gone. When I saw the monograms at the link Mary posted to the Antique Pattern Library site I knew they were perfect for those boxes and have already printed out the first initial and dug out my scroll frame. ( I’d planned on reading your instructions on how to set up the scroll frame when I logged onto your site today. Adding some goldwork accents to the monograms would be WONDERFUL!) When worked they would be placed under a round cut picture mat inside the lid which would accent the needlework plus protect the stitching and keep the glass off of the stitching so I could use padded stitches, French knots, etc. . The monograms would stretch and improve my embroidery skills and make something really unique for my girls. The plan is to make the boxes into jewelry boxes and give them to my three granddaughters, probably for high school graduation. As the girls are currently, 13, 10 and 5 I believe I’ll have plenty of time to learn the skills necessary for goldwork but I can’t learn the skills without the threads so if I’m a lucky winner, that’s what I’ll do with the threads. Isn’t it amazing how we plan out our needlework projects years in advance….lol…I’m glad to see that other people do it too and I’m not alone in my obsession. I’ll look forward to seeing your progress on the peacock feather. It is indeed very beautiful. Glad Santa was good to you…lol
Sharyn in Cincinnati
The assortment of gold threads would, indeed, be a wonderful gift for me to use to make something beautiful to display in my house. Thanks for the opportunity.
I was given a pattern of a peacock that someone hand drew to make a pillow. I think these beautiful threads would be the perfect touch to make that pattern zing!! The pattern was drawn in the 40 or early 50′s. It’s on tissue paper. I’ve been wanting to make it for a very long time. Thanks for a chance to win.
I would love to create a small hanging for the chapel of my new home – an assisted living manor.
Took a couple of classes taught by Tanja, would recommend them.
Louise Van B.
Dec. 27, 2011.
I received Hazel Everett’s Goldwork book for Christmas so I’d use the threads to follow along.
Hi,
I have never worked with Gold before but it has always been one of my goals. I would love the opportunity to try it. And the peacock feather is beautiful.
Thanks
Cheryl H
I have a small flower pattern that I have wanted to stitch in goldwork for ages. This prize would be perfect for that project. Thank you Mary and Tanja for the opportunity.
I think I would use these beautiful threads to make a goldwork sampler to compare the different threads with different stitches.
Hi Mary,
I just want to tell you that I love,love,love your newsletter and look so forward to it every day!
If I won the goldwork threads from Tanya Berlin-I would be in second heaven! I have only done a small amount of goldwork and am still learning. It’s such an incredible technique that requires lots of practice,so that’s what I would do with the threads-start a wonderful sampler to get in the practice.
Many thanks,
Laurie from Mississauga, On. Canada
I HAVE NEVER WORKED WITH GOLD WORK BUT I LOVE SEEING THE THINGS YOU DO WITH IT. wOULD REALLY LIKE TO TRY USING IT.
THANKS FOR THE TUTORIALS YOU ALWAYS SHARE.
Happy Second day of Christmas. Absolutely stunning to see the peacock feather in person. I took Tanja’s class at EGA in Naples and it made me want to explore goldwork even further. Thank you for the opportunity.
I’ve recently purchased a book on gold work, and haven’t organized my thoughts and ideas as to how I would like to start my first project. This would be so helpful!
Happy Holidays!
Maria
I love your blog and videos! I have learned so much and refer friends to your site for the excellent instructions and illustrations. I am working on a crazy quilt and embellishing it with laces – oh my,lots of laces!!, trims, silk ribbons, beads, stones & pearls. It is only in pinks and whites and fabrics that are silk, satin and velvet. I would use the gold threads to embellish designs and create more designs! I think this project is a lifetime project. I really don’t know how to stop – plus each day I learn more from you site… oh, how to stop?
I’ve never dreamed of doing goldwork, but this collection of threads would certainly get me started on learning to use it. I’d have to give it some thought, but I’d look for a design that really, really grabs me the way you were drawn to the peacock feather. I’d like to do something special to leave to my son as a keepsake. Marvelous opportunity to make it especially grand with gold threads. Thanks.
I would love to use the threads to recreate a small Elizabethan-style sweet bag. They are SO gorgeous!
I’ve never had the opportunity to worked with gold thread but would love to give it a try. I lost my daughter recently. She was only 43. I hope to print and embroidery her picture and frame it for her children. My Sheila was an angel and I’d love to be able to use the gold thread to enhance her beauty. Thank you for your consideration and this opportunity.
Wow I can see why you love the peacock feather it is beautiful! This is another technique I would love to learn so I would use the threads on my CQ project this year to start learning. I have always loved the loo of gold work!
What a wonderful selection of gold threads. I have not tried goldwork yet so I think I would design a sampler to use these. It would be a learn as I go process but I would certainly enjoy these wonderful threads.
Mary I will use the gold work threads to create design motifs on my crazy quilt blocks.
Once again thanks to you for making this feasible and a big thanks to Tanja for her generosity.
Susie Jarosz in Omaha
Hi, Mary -
I would love to win one of the set of goldwork threads. It would be a fabulous stash enhancement as well as an inspiration to continue to work on the design of a little project I have in mind – something still very nebulous but percolating in the gray matter! Thank you for making today so fun with the contest!
Cheers,
Karen
If I win this giveaway, I’ll be able to practice the goldwork techniques I want to try out on synagogue decorations our group has been developing!
Thank you for all the opportunities to be creative you provide us!
wow! What a beautiful selection of threads. If I were to win, I know exactly where they would disappear to. I’ve been experimenting with Russian ecclesiastical embroidery and have a poruchi (cuffs) project of goldwork and pearls in the works for awhile, just been assembling the materials. This would go a long way toward starting.
I love snowflakes. Would add some silver and make snowflakes.
I love this peacock feather — especially the colors. I’ve tried or nue however, and I am no enamored with the technique. If I win the gold threads, I will use them to work a project in the new goldwork book that I have been drooling over. Thanks, Mary.
When I read in your newsletter some months back about using Pearl Purl and Check Purl, I was intrigued. Six years in EGA had not exposed me to these wonderful sounding gold threads. Gold work looks like a wonderful new direction for me to go! The thought of working (playing) with such amazing-looking threads has me very excited.
What a fabulous gift these threads will be for the lucky winners.
Thanks for all your instruction and book reviews, and all you do for the art of embroidery.
CathieB
To be honest I have never worked with gold threads, but now would be a good time to start. I am stitching a peacock at present and to work the gold thread into this project would make it even more beautiful.
Thanks for this opportunity to receive these unique and beautiful threads.
Have a good day Mary
Trish D
I have never done any gold work so if I win one of the set I will experiment using some of the techniques you have shown us. I would make a sampler so that I would have a record of what I had done.
First off, let me thank you for saying goldwork is not difficult, but learning what to do with the thread really is intimidating. I wish my second teacher had said that — learning it myself was a rather expensive lesson.
What would I do with more gold to play with? I’ve printed out all your lessons on the Tudor Rose that you did. I want to make that as the top for a display stand. I’m reading Hazel Everett’s new book avidly and I want to make the Quatrefoil and Rococo hanging ornaments, and then the Elizabethan needle book. I’m adding gold and beads to blackwork now and I want to add gold to two crewel pieces that I’ll work on next.
This threads are beautiful. I think i would like to make something for christmas on a black background using the threads. i’ll have to look for a pretty pattern if I win them.
Donna Altieri
I’ve used metallic thread on only one project, but would like to use it on a blackwork project. However, if I’m the lucky winner, I will share the booty with my sweet daughter.
What wonderful threads! If I were lucky enough to be the winner, I’d like to try Berlin Embroidery Designs’ Harebell. It’s a beautiful design by the sponsor of today’s contest. I’ve never done goldwork, and this is designated as a good project for beginners. Thank you for the contest and for introducing me to this vendor! Theresa/OctoberLace
I love this web site – I have been studying various embroideries especially goldwork as I want to use it on a vestment I am planning to make.
Mary,
So far each day is an amazing give away! If I were to win these gold threads, I will try to use the couching techniques for embroidered Christmas cards for next year. Thanks! Sheila K. from CA
With those gold threads, I would start an embroidery of a rabbit – my husband’s sign. My husband and I have often discussed a goldwork rabbit when we sit in Indian or Thai restaurants and admire the embroidery on the wall.
I would have to try it for the first time and then hopefully could get the peacock kit—it is so gorgeous!!
Lovely! I’m NOT sure what I would do with this prize because I never thought in a million years I would have gold thread to work with. BUT I know that I could find something in Inspirations Magazine to try it with. I have also been contemplating a stumpwork & brazillian embroidery scene–I’ve ben thinking about this little picture & trying to compose it in my head for the last year. Gold work might make an interesting border!
What beautiful threads! I’m just now getting into goldwork, and hope to finish two UFO’s that are currently languishing in my sewing room. If I were to win these I’d make something from all the ancient Egyptian images I’ve been collecting, maybe one of the goddesses.
Dear Mary (& Tanja)
Goldwork by Hazel Everett has been bought; new words. The only way to understand any new medium is to do it. Then I really didn’t know what the gold materials look like in reality compared with photos. So have been thinking of buying a kit but would that solve the problem as Tanya and you have by selecting different gold materials which I will combine with silk thread even perhaps silk ribbon….mmmm. (Love to buy the coloured gold for the flowers, but just starting)
Just want a hands on experience of the materials please so I can then play & experiment.
I’ve never tried goldwork, but I would very much like to. If I win one of these sets, I would learn this new technique!
If I won, I’d use the threads to make a sampler of insects from my new book on goldwork.
Hi,
i ll start learning goldwork….
happiness always,
rajis.
These kits are fantastic! I have signed up for the CQ Journal project and I have planned to apply different techniques to my blocks – things that I have wanted to try; but never got ” ’round to it!!”. So these threads, along with your helpful hints that you have shared with me (and many more!)would be wonderful to work with on this special endeavor. I am excited about trying new ideas and hope to come up with 12 months of different and fun techniques on my crazy quilt squares!
I think if I won these, I would make a very elegant needle case for myself. I’ve been eyeing some Victorian designs that I think these would be amazing for!
If I won the threads I would use them to embroider a DNA molecule (with the help of DW). This would make a stunning display for my biology classroom. Additionally, my hope is to pique interest in embroidery with my students.
Such lovely threads! I just bought my first book on goldwork, and it has many lovely projects to learn with, so I would explore and experiment! Thank you again!
If I were lucky enough to win these gorgeous threads, I would use them for freehand embroidery work I do on my fabric collages. I have a ton of beautiful velvets, satins, brocades and silk fabrics I have been creating with and this thread would be fabulous with the gold threads!
What beautiful sets of gold work threads!
I have done some goldwork before, but always from kits. I never did any of my own things since I didn’t know exactly how to choose the threads. This set of threads solves my problems!
Thanks!
What beautiful threads. If I were lucky enough to win, I would certainly attempt a project with gold threads.
I have been wanting to try goldwork ever since I discovered Cathy Hayes and her attept to recreate lady cursons peacock dress from the dehli durbar as a fundraiser. After watching her progress on livejournal, I want to try making one of the peacock feathers – which is when I went searching for instructions, and found this site! a kit like this would be perfect to make my own attempt. – Jessica s in torrance
I would love to try goldwork but the threads are beyond my budget so if I won the threads I would be able to give it a try
If I won this gift I would finally try gold work!
Ren. Mondragon Taos NM
I would give the old threads to my daughter as she is a much better stitcher than I am and could create a beautiful piece from them.
I have always wanted to try goldwork. I would start with a pattern like the feather or something simple to start, and make a design that could go on a pillow for my chair. Oh this is a great great giveaway.
I would use these gorgeous threads on a crazy quilt wallhanging I’m planning as a graduation gift for the daughter of one of my dearest friend. She’s a glitz and glamour girl and goldwork stitches would be a good way to add this to her present! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I have never tried goldwork before and so first I’d like to learn to work with it. Then . . I saw a beautiful blackwork embroidery piece once that had gold thread embellishing. I was really taken with this, so I would like to try using gold threads in blackwork.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Vivian M.
Ooh, try them out and just look at them! Thanks for the try and Happy New Year!
I love the look of goldwork, and it has been on my list of things to try for a while now. I have two projects in mind. A couple of years ago Inspirations had a piece with two goldwork frogs that I really loved. I also have Ruth Chamberlin’s Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork, and I would love to do some or all of the sampler on the cover. I would need a good look at the threads to narrow it down!
I would learn a lot with these threads! They’re gorgeous and I’d love to learn how to work with them.
I have tried a bit of goldwork in the past and would like to do more.
Gorgeous! I’d create a dragonfly with the gold threads.
I belong to a historical reenactment group and have done a bit of goldwork on clothing. While I’d like to do some more of that, I’d also like to experiment with some more modern designs.
Of course both set are amazing …. I do love win anyone … I am crazy about work with gold threads since I have your here … so this this second day of giveaway leaves me with more water in the mouth … like a baby!!!
Walfrida
I have been longing to try gold work. Winning one of these thread collections would make that longing a reality in 2012.
If I were to win these threads, I would use them to make a special Christmas ornament for my tree. Goldwork is something I would like to master and this would be a terrific opportunity to try different threads.
Winnifred, Braeside, Ontario
I have always wanted to try goldwork. If I won this, I would use it in my crazy patch embroidery. I particularly like to make crazy patched blocks with white and off-white fabrics, then embellish them to death with white, gold and silver embroideries and beadwork.
G’day Mary,
I have a small, dark, carved wide frame with a small window opening. I’m saving it for an Or Nue beetle (that feather is gorgeous) that’s in an Inspirations (or is it Embroidery and Cross Stitch) magazine. So the passing thread, if appropriate, would be used for Mr. Beetle.
For the bulk of the prize I would probably design a freestyle type of doodley pattern to kind of do a sampler for a…well, a whatever it looks like it should be for when it’s finished!
A grateful thank you, Mary and Tanja Berlin for this very special giveaway.
Cheers, Kath from Oz
Mary,
I have never done any goldwork but I love the look and would love to try it. This giveaway would let me have the opportunity to try it and not have a large investment in an expensive medium. I love th peacock feather. My newly married daughter has fallen in love with peacocks and I am just waiting until all those lovely Hoffman fabrics come out in the spring to make her a bedroom ensemble and the peacock feather would be a lovely wall art piece.
if i won these threads i would get together with my embroidery friend and we would find a project to work on together, thank you for the opportunity
The peacock feather is lovely, as are the other projects worked in gold. The rooster is so regal! The Walnut Sewing Box is the perfect display piece. I have no gold threads, I am not sure why. I am reluctant to buy anything other than 6 strand floss. The gold thread would be a nice addition and I would love to give that peacock feather a try.
Deb
Well…. besides admire and pet them if I won, I’d use them to do one of Jane Nicholas’ Turkish designs. I’ve been delaying getting the materials for one, but dying to do it!
(please delete comment #48 – Forgot what project)
Of course both set are amazing …. I do love win anyone … I am crazy about work with gold threads since I see yours here … I´ll try the pomegranate with real gold threads and not like mine actually with fake gold threads .. of course I´ll finish both … and send to you pictures!
This second day of giveaway leaves me with more water in the mouth … like a baby!!!
Walfrida
If you win this particular give-away, what do you hope to do with the threads?
I’ve never done goldwork and I’d like to try it. These threads look awesome – I’ll have to look through my charts to see if I have anything worthy of stitching them on. I might just have to look for something like the peacock feather to stitch them on.
Thanks, and happy New Year!
I would love to win those beautiful threads to try my hand at gold work. I’ve not bought any because of the cost and if I didn’t use it, that would be a waste. Joan
Happy 2nd Day of Christmas.
If I won this gold work peice prize, I would take the opportunity to learn how to do gold work….
I, in particular, would like to try that “corkscrew” metal thread that is seen on
your website, it is awesome.
Have a great day and thank you for the generosity of all your sponsors.
Chris
Wow! I keep wanting to get into goldwork, but frankly I find the whole selection of types daunting. These samples would be a fantastic way to get my feet wet.
Hi again,
I noticed that Judy T. from South Carolina mentioned in her post today (#44) that she signed up for the “CQ Journal project” and is “excited about trying new ideas and hope to come up with 12 months of different and fun techniques on my crazy quilt squares!”
I can’t find anything on your website about this, and I would LOVE to know about it. Crazy quilting is my favorite hand work and a monthly sampler sounds perfect for me! Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I would use the lovely gold threads to accent a stumpwork covered box that features oak leaves and acorns with my initials in the center.
I’m just learning goldwork with one of Tanya Berlin’s kits and when completed I’d use those beautiful threads for an embroidery I designed of a bible verse with an illuminated capital and scrolling border. Thanks, Mary, for this fun filled opportunity.
I have been buying books about goldwork for several years now. I leaf through them, say “Oh,wow!, and then onto the shelf they go. Winning the thread collection is just what I need to turn my procrastination into action.
The feather is beautiful, and what a great way to learn/relearn ow to do gold work. I would include it in a quilt I plan to do with peacocks. Thanks you for making this fun.
If I were to be a lucky winner it would make it possible for me to really do goldwork instead of improvising with other threads to learn how to do the stitches. Practice is good but the real thing would be so much more fun.
I have my fingers crossed!
Being mystified by the types of threads for goldwork, I was happy to see your review of Hazel Everett’s “Goldwork.” I promptly bought the book and rrrealllly like it! So if I get lucky on this drawing, I will use the threads to try some of the things in her book.
Thanks!
Marilyn P. in Las Cruces, New Mexico
I mostly do historical embroidery. I recently saw some Or Nue embroidery at the Cloisters museum in New York and it’s definitely on my list of things to try in 2012
.
I’ve been wanting to try goldwork ever since I saw a demonstration at the Stitching and Knitting Show in London UK in the fall – and this prize would be a big help on the way to my first attempt – a sheaf of wheat as I am a Prairie girl from Saskatchewan in Canada.
Elizabeth L Mac
I saw a gorgeous little icon back through your blog entries, I’d love to do something like that with some nice goldwork accents.
I took a stumpwork workshop with my daughter and we learned goldwork by stitching insects. I had never thought embroidery could be so sculptural and fun. I invested in an insect stumpwork book that I would love to use again with access to more threads. Thanks for the chance.
If I won this lovely give away, I would start one of the projects in the Royal School of Needlework’s Embroidery Technique book.
Thank you.
Hi
i want to make a start on goldwork.the kits have introduced me to Tanja Berlin maybe goldwork too. itching to do peacock feather- after learning the basics. thank you
ansu chennai
I would love to have either one of the goldwork threads kit. I received a new book for Christmas, “Goldwork, Techniques, Projects and Pure Inspiration” by Hezel Everett. There is a beautiful bee there and these threads would help me do that project.
I’ve never tried goldwork, I’ve always neen afraid of it coming out gaudy, but I’d sure like to prove myself wrong.
What a beautiful collection of goldwork threads! I’ve tried goldwork a couple of times and fell in love. The thread isn’t easily avaialable in our area and it’s wonderful to see such a lovely collection. Since I’ve tried goldwork, I’ve been adding to my collection of books a couple of great books with designs that would be fun to work. Some of the Jane Nicholas designs would also be great to use these threads with. The different types of threads of intriguing to me, I hadn’t seen a couple of them and would love to try them out!
Hi Mary,
You wrote “Goldwork is considered an advanced embroidery technique, but frankly, goldwork is not difficult. The stitches involved are really quite basic; the most intimidating thing about goldwork is knowing what to do with what threads”, so I am more than ready to trust and try.
Ginette of Mexico
Hi Mary I don’t know what exactly I am going to do with those gold threads but definitely try my best to create something worthy..
I’ve met Tanya and even worked a few simple designs (both hers and EAC). I’d love to try or nue and I do have enough threads. What I need is time. Are you giving away any? But the feather is gorgeous.
I would be a newbie to goldwork and am interested in trying it out so these threads would be a great addition to get me going! Another creative venture in my embroidery world!
Avis in VA
If I win the thread, I will utilize it in my “Crazy Quilt” projects I have planned for sometime in the New Year. (After I complete a Halloween project I’m starting on. Krind
When one breeds and presents dogs to judges for assessment, occasionally the dog earns points and ribbons. The dog is then photographed on a table. I’d like to make a lovely winner’s table cover with the embroidered kennel name and accompanying beautiful gold butterfly for those special occasions.
Good morning Mary,
I would make a beautiful Ecclesiastical piece.
Thank you!
Camille VF