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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Some Embroidery Related Links and AWOL

I've been absent without leave the last few days. My apologies - I've been really sick with whatever is going around! I plan to put more tutorials together for later in the week once I get to feeling better, but for today, I'd like to share with you a few embroidery-related links I've come across lately that I hope you find interesting.

First up - I'm a sucker for free hand embroidery patterns. Given the current and upcoming seasons (fall and winter), I thought these free patterns were worth taking a look at:

-- Jacobian leaves: I've mentioned these before. Now that it's autumn, methinks these leaf patterns are even more significant. While you're checking out Kelly's Jacobean leaves, take a few minutes to check out two new patterns she's put up lately - Bloomin' Marvellous 1 and Bloomin' Marvellous 2. They're a perfect way to practice a variety of stitches on small motifs. Bloomin' Marvellous 2 is my favorite - it looks like lots of fun!

-- Cute pumpkin tea towel design - from Bird Brain Designs.

-- Christmas ornaments: Twelve Days of Christmas - these designs from Tricia-Rennea would make darling hand embroidered ornmaments, and could also be used to decorate all kinds of Christmas items - tree skirt, table runner, bread basket liner, etc.

-- Heart Christmas Tree Ornament - from Matryoshka Biscornue, a counted cross stitch ornament that's very pretty.

I wonder if you've had a chance to check out these old Sajou patterns from Pattern Maker Charts that are free for the downloading. They are mostly Very Nice cross stitch alphabets, along with some pretty border designs and so forth. I like keeping up with this blog!

Moving out of the realm of free patterns, here's some good needlework news:

You know I'm a Trish Burr fan. I don't know if you know I'm a bird fan. I am, I am! Trish Burr's kingfisher stole my bird-loving heart..... and then she made another bird kit, and ... it ... is ... gorgeous. If you haven't seen her Lilac Breasted Roller that she has added to her embroidery kits page, do check it out. If you like beautiful birds and you're a lover of needlepainting (long and short stitch shading), then you'll probably be taken by this beautiful creature.

And finally, Yvette Stanton of White Threads (and Vetty Creations) has finished her Left-Handed stitch dictionary - The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion - and has sent it off to press! Yvette's stitch samples - worked on beautiful colors of felt - look absolutely lucious. There's inspiration to be had in this book, I tell you! And I can't wait to get my hands on it! It's not due out until January, but it's available for pre-order now.

I think that about does it from this end. I'm going back to "recovery" mode. In the meantime, I've fallen behind a bit on website e-mail, so if you haven't heard from me, this is why. If you have an urgent-urgent question, feel free to e-mail me again, and your question will move to the top of the list.

To LISA (in San Francisco?) I did try to reply to your e-mail, but it bounced back (AOL addresses always bounce back on me). If you want to try again with an alternate e-mail address, please do!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, free embroidery patterns

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Saturday, April 04, 2009

Hectic Stitch-Free Saturday... and some Needlework Links

I had a looong list of embroidery-related plans for today, most of which were in preparation for Easter break, which begins next Wednesday at noon! But some things just aren't meant to be...

Besides straightening up my studio, where I do the set-up work for all embroidery projects and where I store (sometimes rather haphazardly) all my supplies, I was supposed to get the following done today:

1. Catalog all my needlework books!
2. Set up two future embroidery projects!
3. Frame up four blank pieces of fabric for filming some videos!
4. Work up three technique tutorials: overcast stitch, trailing, and twisted bars for drawn thread work.

As far as cataloging the books are concerned, though it sounds like a mammoth project, I don't think it would have taken too long. I have a new book cataloging program and a scanner to help things along! I've got about 20 books in the database so far - all the needlework books inside the house right now. The rest would require toting in to the computer, then back out again to the studio. Hm. Doesn't sound so enticing, come to think of it! A laptop would come in really handy right now - unfortunately, mine has a dead backlight. I considered hooking it up to my digital projector and projecting on the wall, while I cataloged the books. But... that might be going a bit too far. (Though, come to think of it - it might be worth it!)

The funny thing about the two future embroidery projects... they're the two Inspirations kits I wrote about the other day. I've been an Inspirations subscriber for a long time. I know I had #50 (for the Summer Harvest stumpwork project). As luck would have it, it's the only one I can't find! Another good reason for cataloging books! I have leant many a book and many a magazine over the years, and lost several, so now I will keeping strict track of them!

I have four stretcher bar frames specifically to use for filming stitches in the next couple weeks. I wanted to set them up with four different types of fabric - white plain-weave linen, a good cotton muslin, a beige even-weave, and a white even-weave. I'm out of thumb tacks... they were on my shopping list for my quick trip into town early this morning - but more on that in a moment!

Finally, later this afternoon, my plan was to work on some photo tutorials, one of which was actually supposed to be this blog post.

Unfortunately (not for me, but for my Mom!), all plans went a bit askew this morning when my Mom and I were at our first shopping stop on our quick trip into town. Walking out of the store, poor Mom (she's 75) stepped on an uneven curb and fell. I took her to the emergency room with a broken foot, which will need to be further addressed on Monday morning by an orthopedic surgeon.

And so... you can see how my weekend will go! I hope to have something more interesting for you tomorrow, depending on how tonight goes! In the meantime, if you want to browse online through some interesting links, here's a list:

The Stitchin' Fingers Gallery - prepare to be inspired!

Allison Aller's blog - she's got some really bright, springy projects going, involving lace, embroidery, and crazy quilting - really flowery, cheery stuff!

Spring flowers and birds patterns - over at Stitchado, Claudia posted a nice page of flowery patterns.

Pinbroidery - a new stitching cards website, in the "spirograph" style. A few interesting flower designs on there for your spring cards, plus a couple free patterns.

The Embroiderers' Story - check out the lace for the Plimoth jacket - it's gorgeous - bobbin lace with metal threads and spangles!

Threads Across the Web - Carol-Anne has been embroidering some gorgeous cherry blossoms!

Completely unrelated to Embroidery! Silk-Dyed Easter Eggs - yes, I want to do this. It just looks cool.

Beadlust - Robin Atkins has a really pretty piece full of French knots and colonial knots.

Needle in a Haystack - they have some interesting weekly specials, including 40% off Gamnut threads!

Easter Egg Design - would be really cute embroidered - simple and sweet.

Wool Felted and Embroidered Easter Eggs - this look fun, and they're pretty! And heck, they'll last til next year, too!

From Old Books - lots of scanned images from out-of-copyright books... some neat illustrations that could serve as needlework inspiration.

Whew. That'll have to do! Until next time, enjoy your needle 'n thread!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, miscellaneous embroidery musings, personal

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Saturday, March 07, 2009

Browsing Through Needlework Websites

It's been a while since I've done a lot of needlework website hopping! I try to keep up with all the neat things I see going on in the needlework world so that I can pass on a few links to you... so, here are the things I've noticed lately that you might enjoy checking out, too.

For those of you interested in drawn and pulled thread embroidery, you might enjoy looking at Broderibloggen, a website in Swedish that has some really nice embroidery on it! I like this post especially titled Hopdragssommar, which has a pretty little pulled thread sampler featured on it. There are quite a few other really nice projects on the site - scroll through! You're sure to find some inspiration there!

Yvette Stanton (of White Threads) posted a nice thanks to her textiles teacher from high school - something that every teacher does love to hear now and then!! Check out the photo of the Hardanger piece! It's really gorgeous!

On Craftstylish this week, there's a Dorset Button tutorial. I like Dorset Buttons. I made a couple to match a whitework pouch a while back, and the one I chose worked out really well. I reviewed my favorite tutorial for Dorset Buttons a while ago, which is where I originally learned how to make them. Dorset Buttons make great additions to sweaters and totes, by the way!

Sharon on Pintangle has been documenting the development of her band sampler, line by line. If you haven't seen any of these posts, do check them out! They're great for stitch variation inspiration! It's fun to see each line on the sampler upclose!

Speaking of Sharon, I mentioned earlier that one of my other online haunts is Stitchin' Fingers. There's been some pretty interesting conversations going on in the pulled thread group, and also in the goldwork group. I haven't had a lot of time to spend interacting in the past couple weeks, but I hope to catch up there soon! If nothing else, though, have a look at the photo gallery on Stitchin' Fingers! It's a collection of amazing needlework from talented stitchers around the world, and really fun just to browse through!

JoWynn of Parkview 616 posted some magnificent photos of goldwork bonnets used in traditional Austrian costumes. Very nice! I don't know if I'd ever be able to make, by hand, something like that, and to have it be fully functional! They're gorgeous! (And, oh - the kids are really cute!!)

Megan posted some neat Elizabethan embroidery links on her blog recently. I love the butterfly wing that stands up from the fabric! Nice!

Di van Niekerk has been adding a lot of stuff to her website lately - don't miss her little downloadable lessons on embroidery and silk ribbon embroidery. I think I may have mentioned these already, but they're worth mentioning again. I like the idea of these small, manageable projects that help stitchers learn techniques! And the projects are attractive and colorful, and very reasonably priced.

The Victoria & Albert museum have these nice designs for embroidery, available to print.

I was completely twitterpated (yes, that's a Thumper-ism) when I visited Robin's site, Beadlust, and saw these darling beaded rabbits. I can't help it. I think they are so adorable. I like bunnies, by the way. I'm not really a "cuddly pet person," but for some reason, I've always had a penchant for bunnies.

My visit to Robin's site corresponded with my seeking tiny beads to use in my miniature embroidery project. Susan Elliot (of Plays with Needles) very kindly responded to my comment about miniature beads, and directed me to Beadcats, where I was able to find vintage beads all the way down to (or up to, depending on how you look at it!) size 24/0. I ordered some little beads, TINY beads - and I'll share those with you a little later. Nice colors, and ... did I mention TINY?

Check out this little cross-stitch jousting knight on Maria del Valle's website! He makes me chuckle! Such a valiant little fellow!

In response to my miniature embroidery project, I got several recommendations for places to purchase silk gauze in high counts (up to 100! oh yes! I am!!). One of the shops recommended was Micro-Stitchery. I haven't ordered from them personally, but I couldn't help mentioning that I'm enamored by (with?) some of their projects - little tapestries and so forth for miniature embroidery. Check out their "kits" link and just take a look at some of those tiny things! I kind of want to do one of those wee medieval tapestries on 100 ct gauze. I don't know why. I don't know when. But some day...

Speaking of Medieval, have you seen this website called Reconstructing History? They have an embroidery section with patterns available for purchase. Though the patterns aren't free, they are certainly interesting and worth looking at! If you're into historical costuming, this is a neat resource! (No, I'm not making a coif. Could you see me in a coif? Me neither!) Thanks, Margaret, for sending the link!

I have been watching Allie's Cottage CQ develop since she started it, and I've really enjoyed the process of development - the piece has blossomed into something really amazing. Allie recently posted a photo with the center complete - so do take a look at it! I love the trees and the grasses and the look of the sky glinting in. She says she still has work to do on the water section --- ooooooooh. Fun! Can't wait to see it!

Ok, completely unrelated to embroidery, but one of the "cross over" areas of inspiration, I have to admit that I spent some time looking and looking and looking at these mosaics of the Galla Placidia Mausoleum. Embroidery inspiration can come from a lot of places, you know!

I've also spent far too much time trolling around Alison Cole's website. Have you looked at her goldwork kits? Have you ever worked one? I'm dying too! I especially like Alison's mini-goldwork kits (scroll down). If you click on those - the strawberry, frog, gecko, etc., you can see a larger version that will enchant you. The gecko - I want to work the gecko! I love the gecko. And I'm quite partial to the frog. I think part of the reason I find them so enticing is that I would have never thought of working a gecko or a frog in Or Nué! They are whimsical and darling. I've got them on my "list." I have a most expansive list.

Speaking of Most Expansive Lists, I think I am done for the day! I've run out of typing time, and you've probably run out of reading time!

Enjoy the links - I hope there's something in here somewhere that appeals to you, too!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, needlework websites

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Sunday, February 01, 2009

Needlelace Tutorial - Excellent Step-by-Step Instructions!

I came across a fabulous step-by-step tutorial for making needle lace when I was looking for (of all things) images of the plaited braid stitch. I was about 10 pages into google's images under "plaited braid stitch" - long past the point where plaited braid stitches were showing up! - when my attention was arrested by the image of a most intriguing piece of needle lace.

Needle lace - or "needlepoint lace" (as it is called on the website I was viewing) is lace that is really made by a series of embroidery stitches worked between couched thread outlines of shapes. There are a variety of different styles of needle lace, and a variety of ways of going about setting up the foundation to work the stitches that make the lace.

But one thing most needle laces have in common is the use - in some variety or another - of the buttonhole stitch.

For example, take this tiny sample of needle lace I worked up about a year ago, when I was fiddling with Italian cutwork. The fill stitches in the triangle parts of the center are all buttonhole stitch, as are all the stitches covering the lines and the outline. It's not the most well-executed piece of needle lace in the world, but I recall thinking it was really fun to do at the time!

Anyway, to get to the link!

So there I was, looking for images of plaited braid stitch, when I came across a picture, which led me to this website:

Needlepoint Lace Tutorial on Textile Dreams website

Needlepoint Lace Tutorial on Textile Dreams website

The fact that the photo I came across (featured there on the website image above) was needle lace was the first thing that arrested my attention. When I clicked on the photo and enlarged it, without knowing at all where it came from, I was furthered intrigued by it because it looked like....

What?

What does it look like to you?

Well, childhood memories came into play here. It looked to me like a pile of "helicopters." Did you call them "helicopters"? Those seed pod things with the wings, that circled around and around as they fell? We called them helicopters, and I said to myself when I saw the needlelace, "Oh. Helicopters."

Guess what? I went to the source of the photo, a website called Textile Dreams - Fibery Wake-up, and found an excellent tutorial on making needle lace, from beginning to end - making the pattern, setting up, laying the foundations threads (with hints and tips along the way), filling the sections with different lace stitches, finishing the edges, and removing the piece from the pattern. An excellent, thorough tutorial! And I was really excited! Someone went to a lot of trouble to put that together, and it's really well done!

The other thing that excited me - silly as it may sound - is that I was right!

Needlepoint Lace Tutorial on Textile Dreams website

They were helicopters!

If you you'd like to see a great tutorial on making needlepoint lace, do stop in and check out the nine steps posted on Textile Dreams! I think you'll enjoy the thorough tutorial! I know I did.

Don't forget, by the way, to sign up for my January stash give-away if you're interested in a chance to receive a really nice book and collection of new threads. To enter the drawing, read the original post, follow the directions, and leave a comment on the original post before Wednesday morning, February 4th.

Have a great Sunday!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, needlelace, needlework websites, whitework

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Thursday, January 15, 2009

Needlework Around the Traps

Now that the holiday rush has come to a grinding halt and life is back to normal, I've had a chance to squiz around other needlework websites and do some reading and some viewing. It's great fun to see what everyone's up to! I looked, I lingered... and I made a list of the things I saw that I liked! Ready to browse?

There are different types of needlework and embroidery websites and blogs online that will cause me to pause, look, and read. Some, I pause to read because I enjoy the writer's work and find the writing itself informative, fun, or refreshing. Others strike me because the pictures grabe me right away - there's something unique or beautiful to look at. I'll linger over others because they're introducing me to a good idea or inspiring me with something new. And sometimes, I even stop to look because I find something that's just ... well, too far out. Whatever the case, there's endless variety in browsing needlework websites. A good browse is like one of those vacation road trips, where I enjoy the regular route and the side trips, and I don't even mind getting lost!

Katy of Kathryn Estelle made a darling monogrammed pillow recently. It's embroidered in red on a white background, and has a little hanging ribbon attached. This isn't really "shameless schilling" here - it's true that she used one of the monograms from my monograms pattern page - but I just thought the red monogram on the white was so perfect! I love the idea of the hanging pillow, too - a perfect accent that would make a nice little gift for someone special.

I know I already mentioned Yvette Stanton's Elizabethan Embroidery project, but I have to mention it again, because I keep going back to it. I think ... I think.... I think I want to do something similar! Now that the holidays are over, I'm in a quandary over what project to start next. I'm not quite sure this type of broject will be the thing... but I keep going back to look at it and drool a bit...

Carol-Anne of Threads Across the Web has been working on some gorgeous beading. She's working on a red background, with blue and goldish beads... I'm a sucker for red. And of course, her work is always gorgeous. I love the flowers, too - especially the fact that the petals are pointed. Nice!!

Sharon Boggan on her blog Pintangle has been documenting her band sampler and all the various stitches used in it. You'll enjoy browsing each section of the band sampler so far, but the one that really caught my eye was Band 10, on lacing running stitches. I love the effect of this, and I think it would make a great fill pattern. While you're visiting Pintangle, notice in the right hand column that Sharon teaches online classes. Her Personal Library of Stitches class begins March 4th. If you're interested in really learning a variety of stitches and developing overall stitch know-how, this would be a terrific class! It's offered through Joggles, for only $60, which is more than reasonable for a class like this. If you're a crazy quilter, or just getting into crazy quilting, she's also offering an Encrusted Crazy Quilting class beginning at the end of February. Either class would be terrific - I've heard heaps of happy comments on them! So if your New Year's Resolutions included expanding your horizons a bit in the stitch world, you should check these classes out!

Gosh, I meant to point this one out ages ago! I may have mentioned them? But, if I didn't, here they are - Romilly embroidered the camels I love. I keep going back to these, too. They're on my list for this year. How soon? I don't know - but I keep going back to Romilly's blog, Stitching with a Shimmy, and contemplating them!

Have you seen Allie's Cottage Crazy Quilt? This link is a little outdated - she's made more progress on it since then - but it's one of my favorite run-downs on the progress on this project! I love it! When she first started the cottage, I had no idea how such a piece would come together, but as she progresses with the embellishment, I find myself completely enchanted with the whole piece! Check out the waves and bubbles while you're there, too.

For those of you who like counted thread techniques, cross stitch, and blackwork, you should check out Maria del Valle's New Year's Greetings post, where she includes a beautiful counted thread pattern for free. It's a filigree heart, which would make a wonderful Valentine project. The chart is available in a PDF download below the colored graphic design of the piece. I was thinking about making a tiny version on 40 count linen, in pinks and reds.... I haven't done any counted work in a long time, but I do love the filigree on this pattern! It would be fun for a little something different, don't you think?

Megan on Elmsley Rose recently published a comprehensive post on Elizabethan embroidery stitches, listing several sources for information on Elizabethan embroidery. Included in the post, she has charted the different stitches she's been experimenting with on her historical sampler. If you like Elizabethan embroidery, or historical embroidery techniques in general, you'll find the resources Megan lists very interesting and informative!

And speaking of Elizabethan embroidery, Jeanne on Just String has made beautiful progress on an Elizabethan motif that includes plaited braid stitch. This is one stitch I'm determined to master this year, and in fact, early this year. I especially like the look of Jeanne's stitch, which is slightly different from other varieties I've seen. Notice the center of the vine, and how it has a kind of openwork pattern to it. I really like that!

Speaking of Valentine's Day (I seem to be jumping around!), there's a pretty little heart and bird embroidery pattern available for free on Andrea Zuill's blog, Badbird's.

Before she left to go camping (hard to believe, when I'm sitting here in Kansas shivering my teeth out), Jo in NZ posted some really nice samples of her crazy quilt post cards for this year. Having only briefly ventured into crazy quilting recently, I am prone to stop and ponder all seam treatments lately. These seam treatments on Jo's crazy quilt postcards are so precise and pretty! My favorite's the second one down....

Deepa on This and That recently posted a picture of a beautifully embellished Indian outfit (skirt and top). It's stunning - I love the fabric, the colors, and the embroidery. Do look at it! While you're there, check out Deepa's various stitch tutorials - she's got some excellent Indian embroidery stitch tutorials on her website, including this one on the Chinese knot used in Indian embroidery.

Pat Winter, on Pat Winter Gatherings, recently made beaded Kumihimo cords (bracelets) that are fascinating. I'm a big fan of kumihimo, but I don't take the marudai out often enough to become proficient at making cords. I use it here and there for smaller projects that need a touch of cord on them, but I've yet to make cord for cord's sake... The beaded cords here are pretty neat!

For those of you who like canvas work, check out Barbara Bergsten's Create Needlepoint! website, where you'll find a nice glossary of needlepoint stitches with clear diagrams and photos of the finished stitches. I recently discovered this blog and added to my RSS feed right away! I thought her latest post on Nobuko stitch was really interesting, as I hadn't seen this stitch before.

Di Van Niekerk has a new book out called Flower Fairies. For those of you who enjoy silk ribbon or dimensional embroidery and sweet little fairies and flowers, you're certain to enjoy this book! It looks like a lot of fun. Along with the book, you can order thread and ribbon packs for the various projects in the book. Don't be put off by the prices - they're listed by South African rands, so the exchange rate is about 10 to the US dollar. Incidentally, Di van Niekerk also offers downloadable ribbon embroidery lessons on her website. The first lesson that's available features little chickens in a barnyard. If you've ever seen any of her books, you know that the author is very thorough in instructional techniques - the lessons are bound to be a terrific way to learn silk ribbon embroidery.

And, finally, I couldn't help it. I paused on this one! The Wooly Thread blog is the blog connected with Wooly Thread, which is a great resource for Country Bumpkin's A-Z books, all kinds of wool for needlework and sewing, and satin ribbon binding for blankets, among lots of other things. The blog is used to update readers on specials and current events at Wooly Thread. Well, I just couldn't help chuckling over the heading "Needle and Nibble," announcing a needlework gathering that centers around... well, chocolate. If you live in the area (Seattle, Washington, and Surrounds) and you like needlework and chocolate, you just might want to look up this event! It sounds kind of fun! (I mean, really. What's not to like?)

Well, that's not exactly an exhaustive list, but those were my website wanderings this week. It was an exercise in procrastination. I don't really need a lot of practice in the fine art of procrastination, but now and then, I do like to make sure I'm still in shape! Now, I must get back to work. I hope you enjoy wandering as much as I did!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources

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Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Great Tutorial for Smockers!

Just a quick note to let you know about this terrific tutorial for honeycomb smocking on Tumbling Blocks. It's an excellent picture tutorial for a really neat smocking technique. It makes it look really easy and fun! I hope you enjoy it!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, Hand embroidery stitches, needlework tutorials, needlework websites, smocking

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Monday, September 08, 2008

Needlework Inspiration - or Inspirational Gluttony?

Now and then, I like to see what the rest of the world is doing, needlework-wise. I don't always have time for leisurely browsing, though! I did yesterday, and I was delighted with everything I came across (very dangerous, I know). It was kind of a binge of sorts - meandering through different internet haunts to see what creative things are going on in the world - and taking my time doing it! So, in case you haven't discovered some of these online treats yet, I thought I'd share some goings-on that particularly caught my fancy.

These are in completely random disorder. About halfway through my glut on needlework sites, I started keeping a brief list of sorts, to see where things took me!

I always like to pop in at Jeanne's blog, Just String, and this week - oh boy oh boy - she's got some photos up of some gorgeous embroidery, including whitework, drawn thread, shading techniques, and even ecclesiastical embroidery. I was thrilled to see her post on Marion Scoular's Royal School of Needlework experience. If you haven't seen these photos yet, do stop in and look at them. You'll be impressed.

Last week, Maria del Valle posted a link to a website called Randa - Handmade Lace. Now, I like lace. I do - I admit it - and I love netting. Filet lace, filet guiperre - oh, they make me shiver. I'm not a "lacer" myself by a long shot, but I'd like to be. I particular like this white point lace (hand-made netting) with the filet flowers. I can't wait to see what it turns into. The flowers, if you look close, are worked in two different techniques of filet (which is more like weaving than embroidery). The middle is the simple over-under-over-under type of filling that doesn't cross back into itself, as "real" filet filling does. The two on the sides are the "original" filet filling technique. I need to show this to my mom! She's bent on taking up filet lace (the real stuff - not crocheted), but I keep trying to explain specifically these two different techniques to her. I prefer the flowers on the sides. She thinks all filet lace is worked as the flower in the middle!

While you're visiting Maria's blog, if you haven't seen it yet, you absolutely must take a look at this masterpiece - her Angel in blackwork. I never visit her website that I don't go look at that. I think it's an amazing piece of work, and ever-so-enchanting.

Allison Aller is possibly the busiest needleworking gardener (gardening needleworker?) I've ever seen. If you aren't familiar with her blog, Allie's in Stitches, you should be - it's a source of inspiration for the needleworker in every regard. Her focus is generally crazy quilting, but even if you aren't a crazy quilter, you will appreciate her use of color, stitch variety, tutorials, and all else. And then... there's her garden. I don't know about the rest of you, but to this Kansas corn-dweller, that garden looks like something akin to Paradise. If you haven't seen Allie's Spring CQ, you need to take a look at it - it's vibrant and colorful and really detailed. Squiz through her posts on that piece to see up close the various details. Um... I wasn't quite sure about the whole burner bag thing, but... ok. I'm kinda glad to see you spring back to the flowers, there, Allie!

Elmsley Rose has been plugging away at a sampler using historical embroidery techniques and elements. The whole sampler has a 16th / 17th century look to it, and she's using all kinds of exciting threads and such to work the piece. It will be fun to watch this develop! I loved the recent snail photo she posted, and the link to the tutorial, which comes from the Floss Box, via Paula Hewitt's website, The Beauty of Life. Paula has an excellent list of stumpwork tutorial links on her site - if you haven't seen all these resources, you should check them out! They're a grand source of inspiration and a great place to get started if you've ever wanted to give stumpwork or dimensional embroidery a try.

While you're at the Floss Box, if you have an inclination towards counted thread techniques and like biscornu, do check out Emily's biscornu pattern page - there are some neat ones on there, in PDF, for download.

I love following the goings-on at Plimoth Plantation! The jacket is really coming along, and if you haven't seen the post about Playing with Sparkle, you should! The combination of lace, gold, and color is mesmerizing. And it doesn't help when they post links about handy-dandy organizers and such. Via the Embroiderers' Story at Plimoth Plantation, I ended up looking at this Travis Case at Creative Imaginations - a really perfect-looking storage box for needlework supplies. While I was squizzing around looking at sources for this box, I came across a dressed-up version of the Travis case. This one is perhaps a bit too dressed up for my tastes, but it's nice to know the box can be embellished.

Though I'm a bit perturbed with Wooly Thread right now because I still haven't received my goldwork book (I know it isn't their fault! They actually have very good service and are an excellent shop!), I must mention that I was excited to see that they have some back issues of Inspirations on sale right now, particularly Inspirations # 33. This is a "rare" issue, selling through CB at $60 / copy. Wooly Thread's selling it for $8 + $2 shipping. This is the issue that has Jenny McWhinney's gorgeous camels in it. I want this issue. But I can't have it right now. It's really weird to think that I can't even spend $10 on embroidery goods right now. (Daunting medical bills... I mean, I gave them my gall bladder - you'd think they'd pay ME!) But you know, denial is actually a good thing sometimes! It builds character, I think. We can't always have what we want, and that is a-ok. But I hope someone else can buy it and enjoy it! And if you ever make the camels, I want photos!

Sharon Boggan at the In A Minute Ago blog has posted another list of links to other great textile-related blogs. These lists of blogs get me in trouble. I could spend lots of time meandering through them all! She's already done A through J, so if you're looking to spend some really long hours online, check out her blog lists. Better yet, though, check out her Diamond Block crazy quilt and her tips for finishing projects. Even better yet, though, I clicked under one of the diamond blocks and ended up at Sharon's picasa photo page, where... well... yes. I got a bit lost looking at detail after detail after detail of some really pretty stitching. This particular embellished block is really pretty - I've seen it often, but if you haven't seen it, you should! And finally, best yet, Sharon offers online classes. I've never taken one, but I've heard from people who have, and they say they learn so much, and they really love them. One of the classes she offers is called Sumptuous Surfaces, which is a perfect name. When I think of Sharon's embroidery, that is precisely what I think of. If you want to see what they do, Sharon provided a link to her students' needlework projects on Flickr.

Alicia in Hawaii is doing crewel work! Yippee!! She's got a stash of medici wools she's putting to good use, and I can't wait to see how her Tree of Life design develops. If you haven't seen her various wristlet projects, you might want to check those out - they're neat step-by-steps on creating this little wrist bag that is just so cute. I love the one made with the pinks and greens in the middle picture. *Sigh* I have got to learn to sew better.

Mary Grace McNamara at Hooked on Needles has been posting lots of video tutorials on knitting. I don't knit. I might try some day, though, and when I do, I know where to go for tutorials. The one that caught my eye this past week was on adding seed stitch to your knitting. I'm probably knot saying that right. (Yes, that was on purpose...) Anyway, I'm a huge fan of seed stitch in embroidery, and I think I rather like the look of it in knitting, too. Some day, I might learn to knit. Maybe I'll put that on the list, after learning to sew better. Anyway, MGM has a whole list of video tutorials developing - I like the ones on knitting and crocheting especially. Some day, I may take up those kinds of needles and threads...

JoWynn at Parkview 616 always has something pretty to look at on her website. Lately, she made a card for her friend Gina, and it's stunning! On Gina's card, JoWynn laid down a background of gold lattice, and then, in the monogram "G", she worked a colorful selection of embroidered flowers. Take a look! This is no "Hallmark" card - it's a real, true, sincere, meaningful, and beautiful greeting masterpiece!

I was sad to hear about Carol-Anne's recent mishap, and I hope she's stitching again soon. At Threads Across the Web, you will run into some of the most delightful goldwork and Japanese embroidery and other kinds of embroidery and neat needlework stuff and other interesting pictures and ... and... well. It's a favorite stopping point for me! I'm closely monitoring Carol-Anne's Karahana project. What could be more stunning than goldwork worked on a red background? It's so beautiful! If you're new to the needlework blogging scene and haven't seen Carol-Anne's Flutterbies, you might want to check them out. Even if Japanese embroidery isn't your particular fancy, these butterflies will impress you! I remember the first time I happened upon Threads Across the Web - Carol-Anne was working on the first blue butterfly. It's been a heap of fun watching her projects progress!

Another stop I made yesterday was Hooroo Christine's blog, Lady Jane's Journal. I know that's not really your name, Christine, but for some reason, that's how I think of you! Christine recently ventured into this piece of cutwork and needlelace, and I like it. I like it A LOT. I love the colors, the stitches, the design of the needlelace. My prob is that I see things like this and it makes me say, "Oh. Yes. I want to do some of that..." There isn't TIME to do everything I see that I like!

See what happens when you spend time squizzing around like this? Inspirational Gluttony can be rather hard on the system, you know.

But I'm not quite finished....

Where else did I go on my binge? Let's see...

I visited Deepa's blog, This and That, where I scrolled through her various tutorials on different techniques of Indian embroidery. I especially like this Pachis work, and the tutorial on kamal kadai. I think, in both techniques she demonstrates, it's the red that gets me. I love the flower in the kamal kadai tutorial!

And I jumped over to Wormspit, to finally look at those silk reeling videos. Neat stuff! It blows my mind how silk is spun and dyed and everything else, just so that I can enjoy stitching with my favorite fiber.

Finally, to top off my gluttonous overload, I ended up at Stitchin Fingers. I started off at my page on Stitchin Fingers (I have no idea what my page looks like when I'm not me looking at it)... then I moved on to everyone else's - and all the interesting discussions - and looking at everyone's photos. I ended up seeing too much. I had to shut down. It was like over-indulging on a super-rich dessert! To state the obvious: there are heaps of super-dee-duper talented people out there!

Creativity is a great gift! While I'm an advocate of the rule "moderation in all things," I think creativity is something worth indulging in! So, thanks, all you creative people out there, for the hours (H-O-U-R-S) of indulgence! 'Twas fun, and just what the doctor ordered. I'm heading back to work today. I finished Breath of Spring, by the way, so I suppose I may as well go back to work! I'm looking forward to getting back into a productive routine (of sorts)...

Enjoy the week!

Labels: embroidery links, needlework websites

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Monday, July 07, 2008

Chemanthy Work - an Indian Embroidery Technique: Tutorial Link

Deepa, who checks in and comments now and then on Needle'nThread, has a blog called This and That, and on it, she is presently featuring a very interesting embroidery technique from India called Chemanthy work. I've never seen this stitch before, so I thought I'd point the post and the tutorial out to you, so you could take a look at it and add it to your stitching repertoire, too.

The stitch itself is worked in several steps, and it makes a really neat looking filler for shapes. I can see this being added to my embroidered flowers samplers! It would look great in an embroidered garden!

For a look at the stitches, check out Deepa's post with pictures of Chemanthy work, and then step over to her photo tutorial on Chemanthy work, which features more pictures of the completed technique, as well as a very clear step-by-step on how to do it.

Thanks, Deepa, for the clear tutorial and the introduction to this technique!

Labels: embroidery links, Hand embroidery stitches, regional embroidery techniques

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Monday, June 09, 2008

Where to Find Free Embroidery Patterns, Ideas, Tips, Tricks and all kinds of Other Stuff

How many craft magazines are on the market, do you think? How many needlework magazines? I suppose there are lots, but I'm not a big subscriber to magazines (except Inspirations - I can't get enough of that publication!) But even if you aren't a subscriber to craft or needlework magazines, they can still come in handy. I'll show you what I mean...

Take, for example, Cross Stitch and Needlework Magazine. They have a website, and if you visit it, you'll notice something:

Cross Stitch and Needlework Magazine - Freebies

Freebies! Now, doesn't that just make your heart flutter?? It's needlework stuff, and it's free!

On this particular website, you'll find good information - various tips and tricks for the hand embroiderer. For example, they have an very nice selection of PDF articles in their archives. Three that I find most interesting are: Introduction to Hardanger, an excellent article on hemstitching, and a great idea for organization - notebook pages for keeping track of your stitches, your embroidery threads, and your embroidery projects.

Besides the PDF articles with pictures and so forth, you'll also find a good section of tips, with information on things like how to strip your floss, how to calculate design fabric counts, and why it's sometimes good to use a larger needle.

So even if you don't generally subscribe to magazines, it's always a good idea to check out websites of craft and needlework magazines - you never know what little treasures you'll find... for free!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, embroidery tips and tricks

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Thursday, May 01, 2008

Great Online Source for Free Embroidery Patterns

I like expanding my list of online sources for Free Embroidery Patterns. So here's a fun site - you could get lost in it, as it's got All Kinds of Stuff besides embroidery on it: tips for just about ... well, anything!

TipNut has a categorized list of tips and tricks and shortcuts and saving solutions and craft projects and embroidery patterns and crochet information and do-it-yourself projects ... and... and... and the list goes on and on! It's a fun site, and a super-duper clever idea for organizing all those interesting tips one builds up over the years - whether online or in writing. Whoever's behind TipNut is brilliant! (Well, if nothing else, you've got to love the name!)

There are plenty of embroidery pattern links on TipNut - lots of vintage ones. You'll also find a good page of links to various sites for organizing your sewing and needlework area. But what drew me to the site was the list of tutorials for needle books and needle cases.

Browse about the site for a bit - you will probably enjoy it. My tip: don't spend tooooo much time browsing, or you'll forget to get back to your needle 'n thread!

Back to cramming!

Enjoy!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, embroidery tips and tricks, free embroidery patterns

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Monday, April 28, 2008

Embroidered Clothing: Vintage from the New York Times

During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, embroidery on fine clothing was the norm. By the time the Industrial Revolution finished off the cottage industries, embroidery on clothing could be done by machine. But that didn't stop some people from undertaking the embellishment of their own wardrobes, as this New York Times article attests.

Anyone interested in costuming, in vintage textiles, or even in general surface embroidery may find this "Message to Women" interesting. What's the message? "Gold Thread to be Used Lavishly in Many Fabrics this Season" with explanations on "Honeycomb Stitchery." Read the gold thread article if you get a chance - you can pick up some interesting instruction on how to work the techniques discussed. If nothing else, I think it's amusing!

NY Times Article on Gold Thread use on Clothing

NY Times Article on Gold Thread use on Clothing

Speaking of embroidery on clothing and vintage textiles, another interesting source of embroidery designs is The Costume Galler's Online Library of Vintage Publications, in particular the free page of McCall's Magazine Self Transferable Embroidery Patterns, from May of 1908.

McCall's Magazine, May, 1908: Embroidery for Clothing

McCall's Magazine, May, 1908: Embroidery for Clothing

The nice thing about the patterns offered on the McCall's page (there are five embroidery patterns altogether) is that you could easily modify the pattern for something other than the bodice of that dress you're making for your summer tea parties.... you could take just one section of a motif and use it on linens or whatever!

Enjoy!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, free embroidery patterns, goldwork, historical needlework, vintage embroidery

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Saturday, April 19, 2008

Dinky-Dyes Silk Line Door Prize at the Needlework Show

The Needlework Show is a twice-yearly online event where needlework designers and vendors set up a "booth" (web page) featuring their products, so that retailers and their customers can "shop" online. The customer (that would be you and me, if you don't own a retail shop) can see what's offered by different designers or vendors and request the products at their local needlework shop. The retailers can see what's new without having to visit a trade show. So all in all, it's a good deal. The fun part, though, are the door prizes... and one in particular caught my eye, so i thought I'd tell the rest of you about it.

The majority of the needlework featured at The Needlework Show are from designers or vendors who supply counted-thread designs. There are very few free-style surface embroidery techniques featured.

You've probably guessed my forte is not counted thread work, although I do love to look at historical samplers and I am quite enchanted by certain types of counted thread designs. For example, I like this chart from The French Needle:

The French Needle Fleur de Lys Chart

I also like blackwork, the Quaker style samplers that are popular right now, the European / French-look designs that have a hint of historical and Provencial charm to them, Hardanger embroidery (there are some nice projects featured on the J. Design page), and some of the embellished biscornu designs that implement more than just cross stitch. If you, too, like these styles of counted thread techniques, you'll find plenty of designers' work to browse through at The Needlework Show.

Some of the vendors feature accessories for needlework, such as Kelmscott Designs, which offers mother-of-pearl thread winders and keeps, and those pretty magnets for holding extra needles on your projects while you stitch.

Some thread vendors feature their wares at The Needlework Show as well. For example, you'll find a Needlepoint Inc Silk page promoting their threads.

One thread vendor in particular that caught my eye was Dinky-Dyes. Dinky-Dyes is an Australian company that offers a vast range of dyed cottons and silks. I knew Dinky-Dyes offered cotton threads, but I didn't know they had such a fantastic line of dyed silks. The colors look really stunning, and I love the names! The exciting part about the Dinky-Dyes booth at The Needlework Show is that they are offering a really nice door prize: a full line of their silks to a lucky winner!! WOW! You probably realize I have a thing for thread. I love embroidery floss, I love silk especially, I love beautifully colored silks - and if you do, too, well... here's another source for thread and maybe you should check out their line. I'm going to!

Better yet, perhaps you should register for the door prize. Check out the Dinky-Dyes booth at the Needlework Show to register - by MONDAY, April 21st, at midnight!

Enjoy browsing through The Needlework Show, but get there before midnight, Monday, April 21st, or it'll be gone - until next fall.

Labels: counted thread embroidery techniques, embroidery links, embroidery resources

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Embroidery Inspiration!

WOW. If you have not checked out this website, it's a must, for a lot of reasons, but most especially for one of the most enchanting examples of an embroidered face that you may ever see!

Maria del Valle's websites focus on needlework and her other creative interests, which include drawing and painting. Her main site, AlarTTex, is in Spanish, but she runs a parallel site in English and French, AlarTTis, and she also has the option to translate on her main site.

Her embroidery and needlework are really inspirational - but what caught my eye, and has been floating around in my head ever since I saw it, is her Da Vinci angel, in blackwork.

It's not uncommon to see embroidered faces, but usually we see them worked in long and short stitch, split stitch, and so forth. But when you see one like this in shades of crimson, done in blackwork, with such detail, you can't help being mesmerized by it!

If you view the picture at AlarTTex, you can click on the image for a larger version. The eyes are amazing!

The angel is taken from DaVinci's painting, the Madonna of the Rocks.

Angel from DaVinci's Madonna of the Rocks

Angel from DaVinci's Madonna of the Rocks

The Madonna of the Rocks is a beautiful paiting! If you want to click the link to see it at ARC (Art Renewal Center), please be aware it's a large file and takes a while to load. I have never looked very closely at the angel, but Maria's needlework prompted me to do so. It is really a lovely face!

Visit Maria's websites to enjoy other beautiful works of art! She is amazingly talented, and I think you'll really enjoy your visit.

Labels: embroidery links, readers embroidery

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Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Embroidered Cap with Gilt Sylke Twist

Tricia Wilson Nguyen disclosed a beautiful project incorporating the Gilt Sylke Twist being used on the jacket at Plimoth Plantation. If you haven't seen this embroidered cap, do check it out! It's stunning! Be sure to click on the first photo for a really nice close-up. Enjoy!

Labels: embroidery links, historical needlework

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Monday, March 03, 2008

Embroidery Patterns: Online Resource with Free Patterns

Free hand embroidery patters - can you ever get enough of them? I have an ever-growing collection of websites that offer free patterns, and I have to admit, I've got a folder on my computer that's filled to the brim, and then some, with patterns that someday... someday... I know I'll use! Well, here's another online resource for you - from Jennie Baer of Homeberries.

Homeberries is a neat little website devoted to hand embroidery, and the patterns available are a cross between primitive, cute, fun, and even sorta funky. If nothing else, check out the website's look - the use of ric-rac is really well done!

Free Hand Embroidery Pattern Resource - Homeberries.com

But while you're there, be sure to check out Jennie's free embroidery pattern page. You're bound to find something on there that will be perfect for embellising that little "something" - whether a baby gift, a housewarming gift, kitchen towels - you name it. When I saw her patterns, I immediately started thinking in terms of the hand embroidered greeting cards I've been playing around with lately. I'm working up my kids' summer workshops, and planning to do some embroidery on paper. A lot of these patterns would be great for that!

Jennie also has a page of my embroidery videos on her site... which made me realize that I was not consistent in using the same color for the background of the introduction! Darn. I would have never realized how bad they look if I hadn't seen them lined up on one page! (Noted for future revisions!)

So, when you get the chance, check out Homeberries - it's sure to be a fun visit!

Labels: embroider on paper, embroidery for fun, embroidery links, embroidery resources, free embroidery patterns

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Friday, February 08, 2008

Interested in Dimensional Embroidery?

Whoa! After a hectic work week, I'm able to concentrate on a couple embroidery resources I want to share with you! The first one is a website dedicated to Brazlian Embroidery, the techniques of which carry over into stumpwork and regular surface embroidery. So, here it is:

The Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery International Guild has a very informative website with a lot of interesting embroidery goodies on it.

First of all, there's a good information section on the site. I found the page on thread comparisons and embroidery supplies very informative! Basic stitches are an important part of any embroidery endeavor, and you'll see some good diagrams here. They also supply photos of the finished stitches, which is really handy.

Finally, since it's a technique-specific site, it's great that they have some free Brazilian embroidery designs for practice. I love the one called Rhapsody - it's really nice (and I like the vibrant colors).

So, if dimensional embroidery is your thing, do check out the The Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery International Guild! You'll be glad you did!

I'm still trying to concoct an idea for a stash give-away contest. I need a good question I can ask people to share information on! Any ideas???

And now, for the first time in AGES - I'm going to go pick up my own needle 'n thread and make some progress on my little canvas work sampler. Tomorrow, I'll show you some photos! (It's not turning out as badly as I thought it would!)

Labels: embroidery links, free embroidery patterns

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Monday, January 14, 2008

A Needlework Blog I ... Forgot to Mention!!

If you have not visited Qualquer Motivo, you should!! I knew there was another needlework blog out there that I check with irregular regularity! Thanks to the commentor on the ladder stitch, for reminding me. In fact, this certainly a "Make my Day" blog, because I never go there that I don't see something bright and beautiful. The towels she's working on right now have beautiful woven edging - and interesting! But if you scroll down the main page, that fish scene is just perfect. I love the use of the elongated woven picots for the sea weed! (I've got a video on woven picots coming up later this week...) So check out that blog, and consider it officially added to my list of blogs that make my day!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources

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Saturday, December 15, 2007

Nice Example of Stumpwork! & Interesting Stitch!

I was squizzing around the internet this morning, reading a few posts on a couple embroidery and needlework blogs, when I came across a comment on one website that directed me to some really nice examples of stumpwork or dimensional embroidery.

I think I was on Sharon B's embroidery / textile blog, In a Minute Ago, actually, but I'm not sure! Anyway, the comment was written by the writer of a blog written in Portuguese, called Qualquer Motivo, where I found some really nice examples of colorful embroidery. The one that really catches my eye is the fourth sample down, with the owl and sunflower. Very nice! But what really intrigues me is the stitch illustrated right below that.

It's an interesting stitch - it looks like a combination of a chain stitch and turkey work, resulting in something similar to a granito, linked to another granito. Anyway, I've never seen it, and I thought it was neat! Have you ever seen the stitch, and do you know what it's called? I'm curious!

Anyway, Valquiria has some really nice examples of needlework on her website, Qualquer Motivo, so if you get a chance, do check it out. If you scroll down the page, you'll come to another example of stumpwork, with a buck, a castle, a tree, and a lady on it, among other things... take a look at it! If you like stumpwork, you'll probably like it!

Labels: embroidery links, stumpwork

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Monday, December 03, 2007

Embroidery Resource: Stitch Guide, Free Pattern, Inspiring Designs

I've had a link for Windflower Embroidery in my list of free embroidery patterns around the web for a while. But sometime pretty recently, Windflower Embroidery has had a facelift! The new look on the website is very clean and neat and bright and sunny, which goes well with the stumpwork designs by Jan Kerton.

Jan Kerton specializes in stumpwork. On Windflower Embroidery, she features kits and designs for various types of stumpwork, embroidered blankets, and other projects. Right now, her products aren't currently available, but when they do become available, the site promises to be a good resource for kits, if you like working with kits.

Embroidery Website

The site hosts excellent information for the needlework enthusiast. You'll find a free stitch guide in PDF, which can be downloaded and printed. Better yet, you'll find some tutorials on finishing techniques for mounting your embroidery work in different settings, including wooden boxes, jar lids, and paperweights. While Jan concentrates on stumpwork, the techniques she covers for mounting are adaptable to all kinds of needlework. Jan also has a great tutorial (with good pictures) on making applique animals to use on blankets. And finally, you'll find a tiny berry garland free design, which is sweet.

So, if you're browsing about the web, stop in and give Windflower Embroidery a look. It looks like a site with a lot of potential - it will be fun to see how it develops!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, free embroidery patterns

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Sunday, November 18, 2007

Great Site for Embroidery Inspiration!

If you like to browse sites with great photos of embroidered work - especially if you're interested in historical embroidery - then you'll probably love the Victoria & Albert Museum!

The Victoria & Albert Museum has a marvelous textile collection - perhaps the best in the world. Search the collections at the V&A, typing in "embroidered" for a keyword search, and you will find page after page of magnificent images of historical embroidery.

Victoria and Albert Museum Collection Search

Victoria and Albert Museum Collection Search

You can then click on the thumbnails of the embroidery you'd like to see up close. At that point, you'll get all the "vital statistics" on the piece - what it's made out of, where it was worked, who embroidered it, what it was used for, and so forth - as well as some interesting little tidbits. For example, I clicked on a fantastic piece of beetle-wing embroidery, and was treated to this image, only larger:

Victoria and Albert Museum Collection - Beetle Wing Embroidery

Victoria and Albert Museum Collection - Beetle Wing Embroidery

... along with some historical information about beetle-wing embroidery:

Dress fabrics embroidered with pieces of beetles' wing-cases, often cut into leaf shapes, were popular with Western women (those based in India and in Europe) from the mid-19th to early 20th century. The iridescent pieces of beetle-wing gave a lustre and sparkle to evening dresses that emulated applied gemstones. The pieces of beetle-wing were attached by piercing them with a needle and sewing them directly onto the ground fabric, in this case black net, but often fine cotton muslin. Because of their extreme fragility, they were usually used only around the edges of garments (hems, necks and sleeves) to minimise crushing. (Taken from the V&A Museum Website.)

Since I'm right in the middle of a beetle wing & goldwork embroidery piece, I was thrilled to be able to take a look at this!

You can do all kinds of keyword searches through the link above, so if you're wanting to browse about for some inspiration, or you just want to glory in some gorgeous art, visit the V&A today!

Thanks, Margaret, for the link!

Labels: beetle wing embroidery, embroidery design, embroidery links, goldwork, historical needlework

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Friday, October 26, 2007

Ethic Embroidery Website - Great Resource

Here's an interesting embroidery website that focuses on types of embroidery and needlework from around the world. You'll find at least a definition of every type of regional needlework, and many of the definitions have photos attached.

Ethnic Fiber Art, LLC, is a website devoted to the world of ethnic needlework techniques.

The needlework techniques database is an easily accessible database divided into the names of techniques or into regions, whichever search method you prefer. When you search the technique, you'll get a definition or a description of how it is executed, the country of origin, and often a photo of a needlework piece.

So if you've ever wondered what Tvistsom is, you can look it up by the technique name, or, if you know it is a Swedish technique, you can search under Sweden. You'll find out that it

uses long-armed cross stitch, but changes stitch direction in parts of design. Yarns often tweeded. Originally used wool thread on canvas, but many mutations during its history. Durable embroidery traditionally used for seat cushions, etc.

And you'll even get a photo:

You can look up Toroko Stitch and find out that it is a Hungarian technique used as a filling stitch.

And, if you've heard of Temari and don't know what it is, you can look it up and find out that it is a Japanese technique for wrapping and embroidering balls with geometric shapes.

You'll also find a nice list of tips and hints for different embroidery techniques. And, if you want to get lost a bit online, you'll find a nice list of links for different regional embroidery techniques. A couple of the links are outdated, but most of them are not. They provide some interesting browsing!

Enjoy the resource!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, regional embroidery techniques

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Sunday, October 21, 2007

Even Embroidery has Its Own Jargon... A Textile Dictionary Link

When you're looking for embroidery supplies or trying to find explanations on techniques, do you get a bit hornswaggled over the terminology? Sometimes, in the textile world, we run across terms that are not too clear to the everyday embroiderer.

Do you know what a bobbin is? What's duck cloth? What's a filament, when someone's talking about "filament silk"? What's it mean when someone says a certain fabric "has a good hand" or "handle"? You've probably heard of mercerized cotton - but what is it - what is mercerization? Cut on the selvedge - what's the selvedge?

If you're wondering about terminology, here's a useful dictionary of textile terms. Not all the terms are of interest to the casual embroiderer, but when you get stuck wondering what a word means when you're looking at textiles, it's nice to have this resource handy!

Labels: embroidery links

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Saturday, October 20, 2007

The Needlework Show Website - take a look before Monday!

The Needlework Show is like an online "trunk show" with a bunch of companies participating. The interesting thing about it for the average needlework consumer is that you can get a good look at what the different design companies are offering to your favorite needlework shops this year.

So, for example, if you like the little tiny kits from the Sweetheart Tree and you want to see what the Sweetheart Tree has out this year, you can check The Needlework Show. Find The Sweetheart Tree on their list of vendors, click on the link, and voila! There you are at the Sweetheart Tree "display" on The Needlework Show website.

It's not just vendors of needlework kits that you'll find - you'll find thread vendors such as DMC, Dinky Dyes, Thread Gatherer, Needlepoint, Inc. Silks (under NeedleXpress), and others. Many of the vendors carry accessories, too - neat thread winders, scissor fobs, and so forth.

But this is the thing: The show is only open to the general public (that's you and me) until this coming Monday, October 22nd. So if you want to take a look at what the various designers and vendors are offering this time of year (so that you can see if your local needlework shop carries the things or if you can order them... or so that you can find them online....) you have to browse the show this weekend!

If you have time, browse through The Needlework Show this weekend - if nothing else, you'll probably find some great sources for inspiration!

Labels: embroidery designers, embroidery links

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Saturday, September 01, 2007

Machine Embroidery Patterns for Hand Embroidered Projects!

Hand embroiderers might find the title of this article a bit paradoxical, but I wanted to share with you an embroider site that I like that's dedicated to machine embroidery.

Now, the reason I like the site is because, though a machine embroidery site, it has some great inspirational ideas for the hand embroiderer - AND - it's got some good patterns on it that can be used for hand embroidery.

Les Secrets de Francine is a French website that sells motifs for machine embroidery.

Machine Embroidery patters that would work great for hand embroidery, too!

Machine Embroidery patters that would work great for hand embroidery, too!

Although the site is in French, English viewers will have no problem browsing through it. One of my favorite sections of the site is the Alphabets page, where you can view a number of great alphabets that would be terrific for monograms on gifts, household items, accessories, and any other place you'd embroider a monogram!

All kinds of inspirational ideas for hand embroidery projects

All kinds of inspirational ideas for hand embroidery projects

Besides the alphabets, you'll find ideas for redwork designs, cutwork patterns, and even patterns adaptable for goldwork.

Whether or not you're interested in machine embroidery, check out Les Secrets de Francine, where you can pick up plenty of good ideas for your next hand embroidery project!

Labels: embroidery links, free embroidery patterns

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Sunday, August 26, 2007

Embroidery Website News...

For all you embroiderers out there who like to keep up with what's happening in the embroidery world on-line, I'm sure you've run across Sharon Boggan's embroidery (and other textile stuff!) site, Inaminuteago.

Sharon has, I think, the most thorough pictorial embroidery stitch dictionary online, and that's how I found her site years ago.

If you're familiar with her website, you may want to know that the In a minute ago blog has moved recently. Sharon's blog features much informative content for the needleworker, so if you've never checked it out, give it a look!

Labels: embroidery links

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Thursday, March 22, 2007

Historical Needlework: Klosterstitch

When I reviewed Floresita's vintage embroidery pattern site, I made the mistake of attributing the Vogart library to Floresita, who pointed out that it actually belongs to Jane Stockton. My apologies to Jane Stockton! I found out from Floresita that Jane also has an embroidery site - come to find out it's one I'm pretty familiar with, as I check it fairly regularly.

The Needles Excellency is a site devoted to historical needlework, and right now, Jane Stockton has updated her latest project, which is a hanging worked in klosterstitch. Check out her progress! It's really fantastic. I'd love to know more about the hanging - the design, for example, and the symbols on it, the choice of threads, and whatnot. It's really quite beautiful so far!

Klosterstitch is a "couch as you go" kind of stitch. It's also called Romanian couching, or Bokhara. "Kloster" meaning "cloister," it has roots in convent embroidery - that is, embroidery done for the Church. While I don't have the opportunity right now to add Romanian couching to my Video Library of Stitches, I do have it on my list of stitches I want to add. In the meantime, you might want to read about Romanian couching and see how it's worked.

Thanks, Jane, for a magnificent and fun website! Good luck on your Klosterstitch hanging! And my apologies for the misdirection on your Vogart Library!

Labels: ecclesiastical embroidery, embroidery links, Hand embroidery stitches, historical needlework

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Thursday, March 15, 2007

Embroidery Supplies: Thread Express

Thread Express is an online embroidery supply depot where you'll find, among other things, heaps of embroidery threads.

The online embroidery shop apparently has a real-life counterpart by appointment only located in Maine. Thread Express online offers a good amount of embroidery supplies, but, as the name indicates, it's all about the thread.

What kind of threads will you find here? You've got cotton, linen, wool, blends, synthetics, silks... You'll find the full palette of Anchor stranded cotton available, at $0.59 / skein. You'll also find Anchor Pearl Cotton #5 in a few select colors. You'll find the Caron Collection threads - Wildflowers in the cottons, but all the other types as well (silks, blends, etc.)

For silks, you'll find predominantly Eterna Silk, but you'll also find Alyce Schroth silk embroidery floss, which is a two-strand, low-luster silk, along with some Au Ver a Soie, Caron Collection, Thread Gatherer (Silk'n colors), lots of Rainbow Gallery (which I hesitate to recommend - if you're looking for silk, this isn't such a great thread, and I'd avoid it!), YLI, Glissen Gloss Japanese Colorwash Silk, and J. L. Walsh Silk - and maybe even more...? The nice thing is, when you want to order more than one color of most threads, you can go to an order page and just check off the ones you want and hit the button once. You don't have to go back and forth between a shopping cart and an ordering page.

There's also a good amount of embroidery books available on the site. You'll find many of the A-Z books, as well as some specialty books in techniques like crazy quilting, etc.

You'll find patterns for redwork, punchneedle accessories and kits, and a bunch of beads and "small delights."

I'm not super-impressed with the accessories offered - I think you can find better items, less expensive, elsewhere - but I think the site is well-worth a look, especially if you like trying out different threads! Enjoy!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, supplies

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Thursday, March 01, 2007

Embroidery Designer Spotlight: Laura J. Perin

I like embroidery designers. I like the fact that there are people in the world with creative and marketing sense who help the rest of us enjoy embroidery or perfect a technique without doing the "hard work" - thinking about how to plan and tackle a project. I was perusing some blackwork links when I came across the designs of Laura Perin.

Laura's embroidery designs are sold in shops around the globe (the first one I came across was actually in the UK - an online shop called Happy Hobbits, which seems to specialize in counted techniques depicting fantasy-type art). You can also purchase her embroidery designs through her own website, Laura J. Perin Designs.

Her designs are counted techniques, and what she sells on her site are the designs only - the charts and patterns. She doesn't sell full kits, but she gives recommendations for threads and fabric.

She's got a nice collection of blackwork patterns that include animals, flower motifs, angels, various stylized designs, and people in period costumes.

And then she's got this section of quilt patterns that are worked in cotton and silks on mono canvas - I think these would be heaps of fun to work, and would make such great gifts for the quilters in our lives! Nice accents for walls, etc. And they are really eye-catchers. Some look more challenging than others.

To top everything off, Laura offers a free pattern page. This is generous - designers don't have to offer free patterns, certainly, but it is an effective way of getting stitchers interested in their designs!

Laura's also got a blog, The Two-Handed Stitcher, which features photos of her works. Don't miss the blackwork knight on that page. He's cool - I'd like to have him in my classroom! Reading through her posts is amusing and informative. She explains the origin of the name of the site (Two-Handed Stitcher), which is a good lesson for anyone serious about getting into embroidery.

And now a plug for designs and kits: I always have a kit or two on hand for what I call "casual" stitching - that is, stitching for my own pleasure, without having to do anything in particular with the product. If I buy a kit, it is usually one from a designer who specializes in a particular technique (like Tanja Berlin's needle painting kits or Laura Perin's blackwork kits). Working through a kit or a pattern by these designers is a GREAT learning tool. If you want to learn a technique well, it isn't enough just to practice a few stitches of this stitch or that stitch, or to work one tiny thing in a particular technique, and then to move on to another technique. If you want to perfect your embroidery skills, then you need to explore somewhat deeply specific techniques. Kits and patterns give the stitcher a manageable way to complete a project, and they generally introduce the stitcher to the nuances of the specific technique. As you acquire skill in the technique, you can move on to more complex projects, all the while having fun while the embroidery unfolds before you. If you find you lose interest in the technique, that's ok, too. Try another. But if you want to become skilled at stitching, I think it's important to learn different techniques with depth - not just to skim the surface by learning to execute a whole bunch of different stitches.

Now this is just my opinion, of course! And if your goal is to just have fun with your needle doing whatever pops into your head - hey, that's great, too!!

Enjoy Laura Perin's site. I know when my schedule loosens up a bit, I'm going to get a couple of her blackwork patterns for some "casual" stitching.

Labels: embroidery designers, embroidery links, embroidery resources, free embroidery patterns

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Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Vintage Embroidery Designs: Iron on Transfers

Vintage embroidery designs are definitely charming. If you are into vintage embroidery and are looking for a resource for these "old" iron on transfer patterns, you should check out the Vintage Embroidery Transfer pages at Pattern Bee.

You'll find all kinds of vintage embroidery patterns here, in iron-on format so you can quickly get down to the matter of stitching. Patterns for quilts, kitchen and household linens, baby goods, etc., are all available. There's even a "free stuff" section, if you're looking for a traceable design to use today.

The homepage exudes vintage:

If you like vintage embroidery patterns, check out Pattern Bee's Gallery as well. Lots of photos for browsing!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, free embroidery patterns

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Monday, January 08, 2007

Crewel Work Kits

I love crewel work, and I think any beginner can learn crewel embroidery, especially if you start with a good kit. Crewel work teaches a whole variety of stitches, too, so it's a good way to expand your repertoire of stitches and also to fine tune some of the more difficult stitches and techniques, such as long-and-short stitch shading.

What is crewel work? Basically, it's embroidery in somewhat bold designs, usually on linen or linen twill, using wool threads. It's great for home accents, and is often seen worked on pillows and cushions, for wall hangings, etc.

If you're looking for some good crewel embroidery kits, here are a couple neat shops with good or interesting selections:

Twining Thread: they have a whole variety of crewel kits, which come with the prepared fabric, all the wools, and detailed instructions.

Accomplishments Shop: they have some gorgeous kits - somewhat pricey, but they would certainly work up into heirloom quality pieces. Check out the Crewel Work Company kits that they carry. They're stunning!

Now that the holiday rush is over and the New Year has begun, you might want to sink your fingers into a good project that will carry you through the rest of the winter. Why not try crewel work?

If you're looking for wools for crewel embroidery, by the way, you'll find the best deal at The Wooly Thread.

Labels: beginner embroidery, crewel work, embroidery links, embroidery resources, wool

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Friday, June 16, 2006

Embroidery links - great sources!

Looking for some good sources for information on embroidery? Find them on my links page. I'll be updating it regularly - for now, some of my favorites, which will help the beginner and inspire the pro...

Here are some great embroidery links - find fabric, patterns, threads, accessories, and more!

Find Needlework (& Related) Supplies Online

Lacis - this is probably the most thorough supply house for any kind of needlework. Lacis is located in California. They have a great online catalog. Their shipping rates are reasonable, but expect to wait a bit if you order with standard shipping, especially if you live in the Midwest or on the East Coast. But don't let this deter you! Some stuff, you won't find anywhere else - and you certainly won't find such an array of embroidery goodies in one spot! Have fun browsing - but for a handy reference, pay the mere $5 for their paper catalog.

Needle In A Haystack - Located in Alameda, California, this store has a great online catalog with a wonderful selection of everything, especially threads. Anything I've ordered from them, they've either had, or acquired very quickly. The service is friendly and knowledgeable, the prices are good, and their selection is great! Check out especially their large selection of Au Ver a Soie. They have a photo catalog of all the Soie d'Alger online, which is nice when you're selecting colors. If you're looking for flesh tones in silk, this is the place to order it, as they have them marked clearly, and the ordering process is really easy!

Berlin Embroidery Designs - Here you'll find embroidery designs, kits, instructions, and supplies all put together by Tanja Berlin. When I first got into goldwork, this is where I started. Her beginning goldwork kits (the goldwork sampler) are fun to work and really beautiful. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. If you like needle painting, check out her designs. They're exquisite! She's in Canada, so whatever we in the US might save on the exchange rate, we pay in shipping. But it's worth it!

Sage Stitchworks - A neat site for vintage paper embroidery mottoes. These make great gifts for friends and family, and are quick and easy to work up.

Hedgehog Handworks - this is a great site for harder-to-find supplies. They actually specialize in costuming stuff, it seems, but they carry authentic threads, real metal threads, historical books on needlework, plenty of technique books (some that I haven't come across elsewhere - including a good selection of foreign books), neat tools, fabric, costuming supplies, and the list could go on. It's an easy-order website, and the service is good and the prices reasonable. And, to top it all off, their logo's great!

Country Bumpkin - The editors of the A-Z series books and Inspirations Magazine. They have gorgeous stuff! Enjoy browsing their site. If you're looking for back issues of Inspirations, you can find them here - but beware, overseas shipping can be expensive!

Wendy Shoen Design - a great website for heirloom embroidery. You'll find children's clothes patterns and lots of heirloom embroidery projects and kits. Her needle packs are perfect, if you're looking for a variety pack of needles for general fine embroidery.

Nordic Needle - another thorough supply source, Nordic Needle has been around since the '70's. Here, you can find heaps of stuff on hardanger, counted cross stitch, ribbon embroidery, and many other embroidery techniques. They have a great "free pattern" page (mostly hardanger), and they offer a great selection of embroidery kits. Mostly, I use Nordic Needle as a resource for fabric - they carry all kinds of excellent linen. I also purchase harder-to-find tools and accessories here.

Thread Express - This website has a great selection of threads, as well as other accessories and supplies. They "specialize" in Eterna silk, but they have other makers as well, including Au Ver a Soie (limited), Charon collection, Kreinik, Madeira, and plenty of cottons, wools, etc. Their prices are pretty good - they seem to run a couple cents less than other places on the good stuff.

Embroider This! - a great site for pre-finished items ready to embroider. They cater primarily to machine embroidery, but most of the stuff on the site is great for hand embroidery, too. You can find linens, aprons, hankies, dresser scarves, and a slew of other goods here. Looking for baby bibs and receiving blankets? Their interlock stuff is nice. (Yes, you can hand embroider on interlock!) Items are reasonably priced, service is good, and shipping is quick. Look for their specials - you'll get better deals for things that can be made into good gift items.

Yesterdays Charm - Another site where you can buy pre-finished items, ready to embroider. This shop caters to hand-embroidery, and you will find a bunch of designs for sale here. They also specialize in quilting supplies, mostly for kids' quilts. You can find very nice towels ready to embroider (under ready-made linens). There's a little stitch lesson on-line as well, which is great! Browsing through this site is fun, and it shows how easy it can be to personalize the perfect gift.

Mary Brown Designs - Goldwork Supplies in Australia - Mary Brown is an Australian, so if you order from her, you're ordering from overseas, but the postage is very reasonable, and so are her prices on the metal threads and supplies. Her kits are really beautiful! Check out her website and browse her gallery and her selection of kits. You'll be impressed! And don't forget to convert currency when looking at her prices.

Alison Cole Embroidery - Alison Cole is another Australian embroiderer. She specializes in goldwork and stumpwork. Her site includes full kits that you can order (for US customers, remember to convert currency, and don't forget postage rates!). Her kits are gorgeous! She also has an impressive gallery that's fun to scroll through. Check out her Or Nue work.

Wooly Thread - If you're looking for Appleton wool for crewel work, or wool fabrics for blankets, this is the place to look. They have the full range of Appleton wools, at $1.10 per skein, or you can join their Appleton Crewel Club, and receive a selection monthly, until you've collected all the colors. This way, they average only 85¢ per skein. Check out their site, and if you're a wool enthusiast, sign up for their newsletter, which gives advanced notice of specials. Their wool felt, by the way, is Really Nice - thick, firm, and easy for embroidering "in hand" (without a hoop).

Japanese Embroidery Center - This is a great resource for flat silk and for goldwork supplies (imitation and real Jap for couching and embroidery). The website is interesting - lots of photos of magnificent work of embroidery in the finest of Japanese needlework traditions. For folks who live in the Atlanta, Georgia area, classes in Japanese embroidery are offered throughout the year. The JEC is a non-profit educational organization. Their shipping is reasonable and pretty quick, and the people are really nice and accommodating.

Jane Nicholas: Stumpwork Embroidery - Besides being a stunning website to stroll through (it's like going for a walk in a beautiful garden on an ideal day), this site is packed with supplies for the stumpwork enthusiast. If you haven't tried stumpwork and are interested in doing so, this might be the very place you've been looking for! Jane has 5 beautiful stumpwork books published, all available on the site, but best of all, she offers kits for the projects in the books! (Great idea!) Check out this site! Even if you aren't into stumpwork, you'll enjoy the beautiful stuff! (Make sure to check out her gallery - only three works shown, but wow!) US Shoppers: this is an Australian site, so you're looking at a lot on shipping. Also, you can find better prices on silk threads here in the States, even with the currency exchange.

Embroidery Informational Websites

Pin Tangle - A great place for browsing through marvelous examples of embroidery and reading interesting embroidery stuff. Check this site out! It's so much fun. Sharon Boggan's crazy quilts are works of art, and her embroidery samples are fantastic. The stitch dictionary on her site should be on every embroidery-enthusiast's list of favorites.

Needlecrafter - Neat website! Whoever runs it has a great embroidery pattern library for surface embroidery projects. They're pdf files, so easy to print and trace.

Or Nue - Ever wonder how to do this type of shaded goldwork? Here, you'll find good beginner's instruction. You won't find supplies here, but the instructions are clear and easy to implement if you want to try this technique.

Netting - If you like filet embroidery (filet guipere, filet lace, etc.) and you'd like to make your own netting, here's a website with easy step-by-step instructions. She doesn't get into any embroidery techniques, but you can learn to make the netting ground by hand here.

The Embroiderer's Guild of America - Yep, I'm a member. If you don't have a local chapter nearby, you can become a "member at large" and still take advantage of their workshops and correspondence courses. Their Needle Arts magazine is worth the yearly fees. There's always something fun in it.

Filet Lace by the Sea - Here's a great site for learning filet lace and for purchasing knotted filet netting. If you're interested in filet lace but have never tried it, Filet Lace by the Sea offers beginner kits. You'll find all the tools to get started with your filet lace project available at this website.

Embroidery Patterns - this link will take you to the embroidery patterns page here on Needle 'n Thread! I've got quite a few patterns available on my site, but also a good list of online pattern sites that are worth browsing.

Much more to come, but have fun with these!

Labels: embroidery links, embroidery resources, supplies

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Video Library of Stitches Long & Short Stitch Lessons Gallery: Posts with Pictures Tips and Tricks for Hand Embroidery Topic Index on Needle 'n Thread Needlework Books Online Embroidery Patterns Needlework Book Reviews Embroidery links - great resources!

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Saturday, September 01, 2007

Machine Embroidery Patterns for Hand Embroidered Projects!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Embroidery Website News...

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Historical Needlework: Klosterstitch

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Embroidery Supplies: Thread Express

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Embroidery Designer Spotlight: Laura J. Perin

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Vintage Embroidery Designs: Iron on Transfers

Monday, January 08, 2007

Crewel Work Kits

Friday, June 16, 2006

Embroidery links - great sources!

Find Needlework (& Related) Supplies Online

Embroidery Informational Websites

The Editor's Floss

Embroidery Search Engine

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