Needle'nThread.com

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Embroidered Flowers for Elizabeth - the Winner is...

This morning, the second give-away for the book Embroidered Flowers for Elizabeth by Susan O'Connor draws to a close. If you want to read all about how I normally do the give-aways, you can visit last week's winner announcement for the first copy of the book.

This second copy of Embroidered Flowers for Elizabeth (courtesy of Country Bumpkin) goes to....

Danielle K!

Congratulations, Danielle! I'm sure you will love the book as much as I like being able to send it off to you, and I hope it provides you with much inspiration!

Please contact me via e-mail with your mailing address, and I will get the book in the mail to you as soon as possible!

If you're looking for your own copy of Embroidered Flowers for Elizabeth, you'll find sources for the book mentioned on my review of it. Read the comments - there's an excellent resource listed in one of the comments!

Tomorrow, I'll be back to the goldwork project. I was planning to take a hiatus from it and spend some time with the fish, but I got hooked into the goldwork instead and am eager to see it done. So tomorrow, I'll be discussing check thread. Over the weekend, I won't be getting any stitching in (boohoo) as I'm very busy with work-related matters right now. Hopefully, by the middle of next week, my time will be loosened up a little bit. On the bright side, I've stitched a bit beyond my blog posts, so I should be able to keep you relatively entertained over the next several days!

Or put you to sleep....

Whichever!

Labels: Book Give-Away, Give Away, website news

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Hand Embroidered Handkerchief of the Vintage Variety

Foraging in the studio yesterday for my black threads had its advantages: I came across some treasures that I had (admittedly) forgotten about. Among them is this very delicately hand embroidered handkerchief that I bought at an antique store ages ago. I thought I'd show you some photos up close. It'll give you a whole new perspective on drawn thread embroidery and whitework!

This vintage embroidered handkerchief is about 11" square. The fabric is very sheer and delicate - I'd call it "gauzy."

Hand Embroidered Vintage Handkerchief

It's a very pretty handkerchief, but it is certainly not an "original" design or one-of-a-kind piece. I recently saw one very similar to it (if not identical - I didn't have this one with me to compare) in another collection of vintage textiles. It caught my eye because of the edges.

Hand Embroidered Vintage Handkerchief

The edges feature a crenellated pattern, with the threads drawn to form a net, and the edges worked in tiny buttonhole stitches. This form of edging is not uncommon - I have a few pieces of heavier vintage linens (dresser scarves) with the same edge pattern - the work is not as delicate as this, but still very fine.

Hand Embroidered Vintage Handkerchief

The little whitework flower design sprinkling the hanky is so tiny and delicately done. There's an itty-bitty eyelet in the middle of each flower. While the leaves may look almost like a bullion knot, they aren't - they're worked in an overcast stitch - that is, they're satin stitched over another single thread. You can see the single thread sticking out at the end of some of the leaves there.

Hand Embroidered Vintage Handkerchief

My favorite part of the design is these three corner squares, surrounded by the little flowers. Each drawn thread grid there is just barely over an inch square - split into nine, with the threads drawn out and hemstitch worked all around. It's all so fascinatingly small.

So, despite the irritation of my desperate search for my black threads yesterday (more on that later - there is an ironic ending to that episode!), I was really thrilled to be reminded of a few pieces of embroidery that I almost forgot!

In addition to a few vintage pieces of needlework, I unearthed a large collection of kits, charts, designs and stuff that I will never ever in a million years use. They'll make excellent give-away treats. They're mostly for counted work - they came in a bundle package that I bought when a needlework store closed. They're all "new" (unopened, unused), but not all necessarily "recent." There are some series pieces in there - Old Santas and the like - as well as some Primitive designs (in surface embroidery), some historical flavored pieces (Quaker and old English), and so forth. So I'll be giving those away in bundles - keep an eye out!

And, finally, I did set up the blackwork project, so I'll show that to you this week, too. It's not what you expect, so please don't expect much! And, yes, I've managed to put some stitches onto a couple projects.

With all that, here's hopin' I can keep things interesting this week!

Enjoy the day!

Labels: pictures, vintage embroidery, website news, whitework

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Friday, January 29, 2010

Needle 'n Thread News, Stats, and Looking Ahead...

It isn't often that I write an article focusing solely on the website aspect of Needle 'n Thread. In fact, it's been over a year and a half since I've actually spilled forth about the website itself, what it is, what you'll find on it, and where it's going. For faithful readers who have been here for a long while (the website's over 3.5 years old now), what's on Needle 'n Thread might not be new information for you. But for those of you who have joined my needlework journeys relatively recently, you may find that a little orientation will help you find your way around the website with a bit more ease. Old Timers and Newbies alike may find my current stats information interesting, and hopefully, you'll all be keen to know what's coming up in the future of Needle 'n Thread. So please bear with me, while I babble a bit about my online home!

Finding Your Way around Needle 'n Thread

The last time I mentioned in detail the organizational set-up on Needle 'n Thread was well over a year and a half ago. Given the growth of the website in the last year, I thought perhaps I should acquaint and re-acquaint readers with the website's current organizational "system," so that you can get the most out of your visits to Needle 'n Thread. You may also find some hidden gems of information or inspiration that you didn't know were here!

Lost in the recesses of 3.5 years of posting, you'll find my Orientation Page of the website. This is a good place to start exploring Needle 'n Thread, and to get a feel for what's on the website and where to find it.

Needle 'n Thread Website Statistics

I'd like to share some statistics with you, not for the sake of horn-blowing, but rather so you know where the website's been and where it's going.

I haven't been one to linger much on website stats. When I first started Needle 'n Thread, I had no idea what I was doing as far as blogging is concerned, and I had no visions of popularity or grandeur - my website was merely meant to be a teaching tool, an extension of the embroidery classes I was teaching during the summer months. Still, the website has enjoyed some growth, thanks to you, of course!

As far as statistics go, I'll speak in term of "visits" (numbers of people actually visiting the website), as opposed to "hits" (which are simply requests for files by a user-agent, and do not necessarily translate into the number of people actually visiting a website).

Last year in January, 2009, Needle 'n Thread received 8.5K - 9.5K visits per day (up to almost 60,000 visits a week). For a narrow niche like hand embroidery, I'm told this is good.

As of this January, 2010, the site receives between 13K-15K visits a day, and averages around 90K-93K visits a week, which strikes me as a nice growth rate.

Last January, 2009, Needle 'n Thread had a total of 1,674 daily readers who subscribed to the website via a feedreader or through the daily e-mail newsletter.

This January, 2010, Needle 'n Thread has over 3,200 daily readers who subscribe to the webfeed or the daily e-mail newsletter.

(Good golly, three thousand regular readers?! I never, ever expected those kinds of numbers! It's rather humbling! Thanks for your confidence and interest, dear readers!)

Where Needle 'n Thread is Going

This is a difficult subject, because I'm not 100% clear on the topic myself right now! I find myself in a situation where I have to make some serious changes to the website. This is actually a hosting problem, which I hope will be rectified through some serious tweaking, a different method of hosting, and even a complete overhaul of the website itself. In the next couple months, I'll be working towards this end with some professional help, and in the process, there may be some glitches. Please bear with me!

Once the technical difficulties are squared away, I'll be adding some new features to the site and actually offering a couple products / services. This latter part is taking me a heap o' work right now! I'm excited about it, but a bit nervous!

One thing that won't change: valuable, free daily content on subjects related to hand-embroidery - the same type of content you've enjoyed up to now, and that I've enjoyed putting together.

I hope you'll stick with me through the transitions in the months to come! If you have any questions, comments, and suggestions, you are always welcome to contact me. I always look forward to hearing from readers, and I like to be able to tailor the site to your interests, so don't hesitate to write!

And finally, thank YOU so much for your encouragement and accompaniment during my needlework explorations! I've learned so much and have been so inspired by the kindness and generosity of the online needlework community! I hope the rest of this year sees continued interest and growth in the art of embroidery so that we, and future generations, may continue to enjoy this art we all love so well!

Labels: website news

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Friday, January 01, 2010

Happy New Year! Reminiscing, Resolutions, and a Revised Rooster

Happy New Year to All! I wish you all a wonderful 2010, full of many blessings for you and yours! This morning, I'm looking back a bit on 2009, ahead a bit for 2010, and revising yesterday's rooster.

In 2009, I didn't really have any huge embroidery finishes! Looking back on the year, I managed a lot of little things mostly geared towards publishing here on Needle 'n Thread, but I didn't really finish anything big. In fact, anything big I started, I didn't finish. I wonder if this is a way to measure success? If it truly is... oh golly. I'm such a loser! Some things that transpired on Needle 'n Thread in 2009:

Goldwork and Crazy Quilting

In January, I concentrated a lot on Goldwork, for an article in CQMag Online. (You can still find the goldwork article online at CQMag!)

Whitework and Drawn Thread Embroidery

In February, I focused quite a bit on drawn thread embroidery and whitework, in this embroidery sampler, which - well, yes, I admit it! - I never finished. Another project took over, and I had to use the frame, so once I unframed this piece, I never got back to it. You can find the tutorials that accompanied this project under the Tips and Tricks for Hand Embroidery.

Miniature Embroidery

In March, the drawn thread sampler continued, and I did actually manage a finish on something else. Whoo hoo! It's not exactly a big finish, but I enjoyed working this miniature embroidery piece, and it's one of my favorite little framed pieces in my house. Lots of free hand embroidery patterns were posted on Needle 'n Thread in March, too.

Long Dog Sampler

In April, I started working on this Long Dog Sampler titled Angel Pavement. It was a project that my niece and I began working on together - we set up two samplers, bought double charts, supplies, and whatnot... Neither of us have finished! But we're still working on it now and then! The sampler is stitched on 28 ct fabric, over one.

Drawn Thread on Gingham

In May, besides sifting through stash stuff and starting a new project and going Needlework Shop Hopping, I did manage to post one useful tutorial on Drawn Thread Embroidery on Gingham. Oh, and this can be counted as a finish, too!

Hand Embroidered Pall - Ecclesiastical Embroidery

Hand Embroidered Pall - Ecclesiastical Embroidery

In June, I hand embroidered this pall as a gift. It counts as a finish! June was also a month full of guest articles here on Needle 'n Thread, because I went on vacation for a few weeks. That was fun!

Temari Ball

In July, I worked my first Temari ball. That can be counted as a finish, can't it? I also reviewed the needlework shops I visited while on vacation, and spent a lot of time preparing the Long and Short Stitch Shading Lessons that got into full swing a bit later.

August saw the Long and Short Stitch Shading Lessons in full swing, though they definitely carried on past August!

Embroidered Stole

In September, the Long and Short Stitch Shading Lessons continued, I didn't do a whole lot of personal embroidery, I did dig out an old embroidery project to reconsider how to finish it (and got nowhere at the time!), and I gave away a lot of good stuff in September, like Jane Nicholas's stumpwork books and some Trish Burr kits! September is always a difficult month to make progress on personal projects, since school is starting and a new routine is taking over.

Hand Embroidered Lettering and Text

October saw the beginning of the hand embroidered lettering and text tutorials, which would last into December! It was also another month with few personal projects due to the demands of the school year.

Hand Embroidered Lettering Sampler

November saw the bulk of the Lettering tutorials, as well as the beginning of a needlebook. I gave away some stuff, and started posting a new monogram alphabet, which I haven't finished yet!

Needlebook Kit: Nichole by Bobbi Chase, distributed by Access Commodities

Needlebook Kit: Nichole by Bobbi Chase, distributed by Access Commodities

December was a fairly productive month, for being one of the busier months of the year! I finished a needlebook, the lettering sampler, and a little crewel piece. I've gotten on a crewel kick here, so I've been writing a bit for upcoming posts on crewel work, comparing threads, and so forth. Also during December, I managed a lot of behind-the-scenes work here on Needle 'n Thread, working on a couple projects that will be launched in the early parts of 2010. December was indeed a productive month!

Resolutions and Looking Ahead

For 2010, I have some personal embroidery-related goals: use more stash, finish more projects! I also have some plans for Needle 'n Thread! I've been compiling a list of tutorials and topics that I hope you will enjoy throughout 2010. The video camera has also been occupied lately, so you can look forward to some video-related productions, too.

And the Rooster

Yesterday, I posted a rooster pattern for crewel work that will be my first "New Year" project here. I've since revised the pattern, so if it is something you were thinking of stitching along with, I thought I'd let you know there's a new version available on yesterday's post.

Happy New Year, one and all! I'm looking forward to 2010, and I hope you are, too!

Labels: miscellaneous embroidery musings, website news

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Needlework Goodies, Soap Boxing, and Your Input

Access Commodities has announced two enticing new needlework goodies that I thought I'd point out to you. One is especially suited to fans of historical needlework and the other is perfect for those of us who like pretty accessories!

First up, if you've been a follower of the Plimoth Plantation Jacket project which was unveiled last week, you may be particularly inclined towards this beautiful set of threads now available. It's a Plimoth Plantation Thread Pack, and it includes the various colors of silks used on the jacket, as well as a wee jar of spangles.

Plimoth Plantation Jacket Thread Pack

You can read all about the Plimoth Plantation thread collection on the Access Commodities Blog, where you'll also find the contact information for ordering these beautiful threads!

Needlebook Kit: Germaine - from Access Commodities

Needlebook Kit: Germaine - from Access Commodities

The other new item just out is Germaine, the third needlebook in the series of French Maid Needlebooks designed by Roberta Chase and packaged and distributed by Access Commodities. The needlebook I'm currently working on (called "Nichole") is from this same series. These kits have some Major Points that make them desirable, in my mind: 1. The designs are charming; 2. the instructions for creating the needlebooks are wonderfully clear; 3. the supplies are The Best - fabric, threads, ribbons, needles are all top quality - the kit is complete with everything you need to make the needlebook; 4. the reproduction fabrics used as the lining and inside pocket are pretty and unique!

I've never actually been a 'collector' of series items, but I love this series of needlebooks, and I'm pretty... uh... certain at this point that I'm going to be avidly waiting for each kit. I don't know how many are projected, but I do believe there is at least a fourth planned.

You can read about Germaine on the Access Commodities blog. If you want to order the kit, I suggest ordering through The Mad Samplar - they are apparently carrying the kit in stock, and their whole ordering process on their website is very easy. In my experience, they have have excellent customer service, too - and who knows? You might even be able to get it before Christmas, if the shipping gods are on your side!

The more I learn about Access Commodities (which is a company not directly accessible to us retail shoppers, but is a wholesale distributor and manufacturer of fine needlework supplies), the more I'm impressed with what they do. The availability of some very fine needlework supplies here in the US is thanks to Access Commodities. From Au Ver a Soie products, Trebizond, Appleton wool, goldwork threads, Legacy linen, Hardwicke Manor hoops, slate frames, and so forth, we have access to them (no pun intended) because this company has a vision of supplying the best in needlework products. If you shop at your local needlework store and find that they carry Access Commodities products (such as Trebizond or Au Ver a Soie threads), and you are interested in other products (like Hardwicke Manor hoops and so forth), you can probably ask for a special order. I think it would be worth it to ask - it would benefit you, your local needlework shop, and the stitching public in general, because it would demonstrate customer interest in other fine products. I'm all for supporting the industry, especially when it means keeping quality needlework supplies available for all of us!

Ok, I'm off my soap box!

Christmas vacation officially begins for me tomorrow morning! I'm working on two Very Exciting Projects during the break, but I can't share them with you until all the kinks are worked out and I'm positive that they will happen. But once I'm positive they'll happen, I will be jumping up and down and shouting about them from the rooftops. (I'll give you a hint: it's about time - I'm going to produce something!) (I suppose that wasn't much of a hint!) Anyway, you all will be the FIRST to know.

Besides those Big Looming Scary Projects, I've got a bunch of small things I must work on for sanity's sake, plus a few tutorial ideas that I want to develop for you.

Can I have your input? I'm open to ANY ideas of things YOU want to see, that I can feasibly manage to do for you here on Needle 'n Thread. Do you have any ideas? Any topics or techniques you'd like to see discussed? Hearing from you will help me shape content to your interests, so don't be shy! It will also help me set a direction for 2010. I want your input! I need your input! I appreciate your input! So please - input!

Have a terrific day with your needle and thread!

Labels: Embroidery Projects, embroidery resources, miscellaneous embroidery musings, silk, supplies, website news

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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Fancy Hems Winner!

Good morning, folks! This post is short and sweet - announcing the winnder of Fancy Hems and a little rundown on what's coming up on Needle 'n Thread later in the week!

First of all, the winner of Luzine Happel's book Fancy Hems is ....

Mommablogger.... who apparently happened to be visiting Kansas a while ago and doesn't like the dirt. Yep. We have a lot of that stuff in Kansas.... Please drop me an e-mail with your mailing address, and I'll get that off to you as soon as possible! Congratulations!

Coming up this week on Needle 'n Thread: some musings on an embroidery design for goldwork, another lettering tutorial, and some great information from a reader on gingham embroidery Christmas trees! So stay tuned....

Have a terrific Wednesday!

Labels: Book Give-Away, website news

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Monday, September 07, 2009

Stumpwork Medieval Flora Winner!

Happy Labor Day, everyone! I don't know if you noticed my two-day absence, but if you did, I bet you thought I was embroidering my fingers off. Heh heh. I wasn't. Not the whole time, anyway (though I did manage several 15-minute sessions). I was working. Laboring, actually. And now that it's Labor Day, I have good cause to celebrate, since I've finally accomplished something in the realm of labor!

But all this is neither here nor there! Right now, I will announce the winner of Jane Nicholas's Stumpwork Medieval Flora.

The lucky winner of this beautiful stumpwork embroidery book is.....

Trish in Columbia, TN, who happens to be working on a stumpwork piece right now, so that works out well for her! Congratulations, Trish - please contact me with your mailing address, and I'll get that in the mail to you as soon as possible.

Coming up this week on Needle 'n Thread, I'll be talking needles, showing you some progress on embroidery projects, posting the next lesson in the Long and Short Stitch Shading Lessons, and sharing some other little embroidery tidbits.

I hope those of you celebrating Labor Day (that's a federal holiday here in the States) are enjoying your three-day weekend. I'm going to celebrate the day in the most appropriate manner, by getting back to work. I've almost caught up enough on school work to have some "legitimate" breathing space, so keep your fingers crossed for me. In the meantime, I've fallen deplorably behind on e-mail, so if you are expecting to hear from me, don't give up hope! I'll catch up soon!

Enjoy the day!

Labels: Book Give-Away, website news

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Saturday, August 15, 2009

Historical Needlework Give Away Winner!

Earlier in the week, I posted a give away featuring embroidery items related to different eras of needlework history. And since I know you're just absolutely dying to know just Who Won, here's the winner...

The winner of the historical needlework give away is:

(drumroll)....

Annie in hotter 'n heck Michigan!

The problem is, if it isn't hotter than heck in Michigan right now, do you still win?

Contact me, Annie, with your mailing address, and I'll get that out to you soon. First, I'm going to copy that linen - I meant to do that last week, but just haven't quite gotten to it!

Thanks, all, for participating! We'll do it again soon!

Labels: stash contest, website news

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Thursday, August 06, 2009

Share Photos of Your Long & Short Stitch Project!

Just a quick announcement! If you want to share photos of your long and short stitch project, get feedback from fellow embroiderers, or ask a specific question about a problem, I've set up a Flickr group for the Long and Short Stitch Shading lessons. You're welcome to join up! I think it'll be a good way to get feedback from others, display your work, and help others, too. Here's the Flickr group address:

Flickr Group for Long & Short Stitch Lessons

In order to comment and post photos in the group, you need a Flickr account. They're free and it's relatively easy to sign up. Once you have an account, you add your photos to your photostream. Then, you can join the group and add your photos to the group photo pool. You can even put little notes on your photos, to highlight an area you might have a question about - which is a very hand feature, when learning a technique online.

So, if you're interested, feel free to join the group on Flickr. I'll be checking in at least once a day, too.

Labels: embroidery lessons, long and short stitch, needlepainting, organization, stitchalong lessons, website news

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Friday, July 24, 2009

Still Fiddling with Needle 'n Thread - in Lots of Ways!

I'm afraid I'm going to bore everyone with website news, but I wanted to make a quick announcement that today (Friday, July 24), I am making the attempt to switch my e-mail service for the delivery of the daily newsletters! Read on, and I'll tell you what you can expect!

I figured I may as well give a new service a try to see how it works, and if I (we!) like it, we'll be good to go! If not, a little tweaking will put us back in place.

In the meantime, this is what you can expect:

I will be transferring the Needle 'n Thread subscription list today (or at least, part of it.... I can only transfer 2,000 readers a day...) You will probably receive a confirmation e-mail again from me, to confirm your e-mail subscription. Following the confirmation e-mail, you will probably receive a follow-up e-mail, welcoming you to my newsletter.

If you do not receive either, don't panic. Because you have already confirmed your subscription, you may not receive another confirmation. If, however, you go a few days without receiving the e-mail newsletter, you can re-subscribe via the form on the website here, or you can contact me directly and I'll let you know what to do.

Once you confirm your subscription, you'll get the daily newsletters, just like before, except there will be a few changes:

1. You'll be able to reply directly to my newsletters if you have a question!

2. If I'm a good girl about writing my posts on time, for the most part, they should arrive on the same morning that they hit the website.

3. You'll receive special editions - occasional newsletters with extra needlework STUFF in it - tutorials or what-have-you... think of it as extra editions of the blog. These will be random and, again, occasional (once a month, I'm thinking!)

4. You'll receive advanced notice of contests & give-aways

So that's the plan. If there are any glitches in the next few days, it's because I'm fiddling!

If you are not subscribed to my e-mail newsletter and are interested in doing so, feel free to sign up! The form is right there, in the right hand column. Just add your e-mail address and click "subscribe."

Stay tuned for a Better Embroidery Post later on today! Surely I can come up with something Far More Interesting than this!

Thanks for your patience!

Labels: website news

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Sunday, July 19, 2009

Attention Needle 'n Thread Subscribers - and Everyone Else, too!

This is particularly addressed to those of you who subscribe to Needle 'n Thread's daily newsletter, which allows you to get my posts in your e-mail on the day after they are posted. Of course, all of you are welcome to read and comment on the topic!

I'm considering changing services for the delivery of my daily newsletter, to a paid service, in order to better ensure reliable delivery and to give the option of sending out special newsletters to subscribers - advanced notice of give-aways and contests, occasional special lessons, etc. This would give me a bit more control over subscriptions and would hopefully eliminate some of the glitches I (and probably you) have experienced with the current e-mail subscriptions.

This in no way changes your privacy or anything in that regard. Your e-mails are solely used for my newsletter and nothing else, and I guard that trust very carefully! Also, never fear! I would not be flooding your inbox with ridiculous amounts of embroidery-related mail... but occasionally, I would like to be able to send special news to my subscribers, or to give you the opportunity to receive special newsletters on specific topics.

If I go this route, it will require a little behind-the-scenes work on my part (and hopefully with the help of my dear darling brother, the Knower of All Things Internetish), and it may involve a few glitches at first, but overall, I think it will be a smooth transition. I'll certainly be going with the best provider of this service, so, with their support, my brother's help, and your patience, it would not be too traumatic a transition!

Before firmly investing in this, though, I'd like your feedback! What do you like about the e-mail newsletter? What would you like to see different about it? If you have any ideas, input, or suggestions, will you please share them with me?

I'm eager to make your experience with Needle 'n Thread as pleasant, trouble-free, informative, entertaining, and (when possible!) inspirational as I can. I can do this best if I receive feedback from you, with your impressions or suggestions. So - comment away! I'm all ears! (Alternately, you can send me an e-mail via my contact form, if you would rather.)

Thanks for helping me in my constant quest to improve Needle 'n Thread!

Labels: website news

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Labels: organization, website news

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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Needlework Give-Away Winners Announced!

For this give-away, which I announced Monday to celebrate Needle 'n Thread's 3rd Anniversary, I've selected three winners, who will receive a nice little package of needlework supplies!

Each package will contain a selection of embroidery threads, some accessories, and a few little embellishments. I'm pretty sure the winners will like them!

Each winner needs to contact me with a mailing address, so that I can put the goods in the mail. However, since I'm going out of town tomorrow for vacation, the packages probably will not be mailed until I return. (Sorry!)

Without further ado, the winners of the Needle 'n Thread Third Anniversary Give-Away are:

Pierette (Love to Stitch 99)

Agne (who I believe is in Lithuania!)

Haley Shurtleff (which works out well, because she's a college student, and we all know what college students' budgets look like...!)

Congratulations, you winners, you! Please don't forget to contact me with your mailing address!

Now, for the nitty-gritty! Tomorrow, I'm off! But don't forget to check the website each day for several interesting articles that are coming up - among them, an aquatic sampler that will have you just bedazzled by the colors and stitching, a hand-embroidered coif (for you historical embroidery buffs), some first-hand discussion on stitching your way into a successful Etsy shop experience, a tutorial on a form of Indian embroidery, a beautiful quilt made by a grandmother and featuring one of the patterns here on Needle 'n Thread, a tutorial (from me) on mitering corners for finish work, several really nice free online book links, a new silk resource, finished photos of the pall, a review of a goldwork kit perfect for beginners (yes, well... I couldn't resist buying it, so I thought I better show it to you), and ... well, I'm HOPING to give you some updates of my journey and any stitchery shops along the way, but that depends a lot on hotel internet connections!

So, see, I won't be abandoning you! I'll do my best to keep comments moderated, but chances are, I won't be able to answer too much e-mail!

Wishing you the best in the next couple weeks! Keep stitching!

Labels: personal, stash contest, website news

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Monday, June 15, 2009

Blog Anniversary! Three Years?!?

Today is the Three Year Anniversary of Needle 'n Thread! Three years seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? But I don't feel like I've been doing this for three years.... Anyway, how about we do something SPECIAL for the day?

First, I'm going to gush. Bear with it! (You can always scroll to the end if you think I'm going Overboard!) I get so many kind e-mails and comments from readers who are always expressing their gratitude for my website, but do you know how much that is reciprocated on my part? I have, I think, the Best Bunch of Blog-Reading People in the Whole Blog Universe, right here on Needle 'n Thread. I'm sure there are bigger and better blogs out there, but I can't imagine that they have as much fun, or learn as much, or get such enjoyment from their readers as I do from you all. I just love keeping this blog up, and I love doing it, because of you, the audience.

It's a weird thing, you know. When I first started this website, I had no idea what kind of interest it would evoke, and it was a tentative, shaky start, as I had never done anything quite like blogging before.

I'm happy with the way it has grown, and I love the constant challenge of keeping up with it and trying to focus and fine-tune it. I love the possibilities my blog is always presenting to me - I think I'm a better embroiderer because of my website. I try harder and I try things I wouldn't necessarily ever try, if it weren't for the website. And that keeps my needlework life pretty exciting.

And... I only do all that because I have a great audience!

So, to celebrate - oh, let's - let's have a give-away! Let's have a 3-person give-away!

But, this is the hitch! I'm leaving Thursday, so it has to be a quick give-away. Besides, instead of having it published all over the web, where droppers-by jump in and sign up and we never hear from them again, I'd rather keep it among us - a quiet, closer-knit give-away. The only way to do that, methinks, is to make it a quick turn-around on the drawing...

So, with that in mind, three lucky readers will be drawn for this year's anniversary give-away, and I am going to send you a selection of nice threads, some thread rings and accessories, some embellishments, and whatever other neat things pop into my head. And I'd show you a picture of the goods, but... drat... I left my camera at my sister's house and won't be getting it until late Monday or early Tuesday (I'm typing this on Sunday!). Tuesday, if I can, I'll post a picture. Anyway, the point is to get the give-away started, and you'll just have to trust me on the loot!

My Great Three Year Anniversary Give-away ends on Wednesday morning, June 16th, at 5:00 am, at which time I will announce the winners. If I hear from the winners before the end of the day Wednesday, I can get the packages in the mail before I leave for vacation on Thursday morning. If not, they'll be mailed as soon as I get back!

To enter, answer the following question in the comments section on the website under this post only:

What feature do you like best on Needle 'n Thread, and what would you like to see more of? Your answer will help me improve the site and keep it interesting for you!

Thank you for a fun three years!!

Labels: stash contest, website news

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Friday, June 12, 2009

Calling All Needleworkers, Picture-takers, Reader-Bloggers, etc.

Next Thursday, June 18th, I'll be heading out of town, embroidery projects in hand, on a little vacation road trip with my folks. Originally, my vacation plans this summer were non-existent...

... except for a four-day weekend beginning the 18th, for a quick trip to Minnesota, where I hoped to throw in a really quick day-trip up to Fargo, North Dakota, to visit Nordic Needle. (Well, it's a four hour drive from where I'll be - but relatively speaking, that's pretty close!)

Other than that quick trip, my vacation time was to be spent filming videos and working entirely on this website, including the finishing touches on some long and short stitch lessons. Heh heh. Don't worry, I'm not abandoning my plans! But I have been convinced - cajoled - brainwashed - whatever you want to call it - into believing that a break is necessary. That it's time to get away for a bit. And I admit, I have come to believe it!

(It didn't take much convincing - I'm a sucker for traveling, I adore road trips, especially when they take me to places I've never seen before, and, after the school year, it is always nice to get a bit of rejuvenating, to refresh one's outlook, and so forth!)

To prepare for departure, I'm pre-publishing some articles here on Needle 'n Thread. I thought it would be a good time to ask you to help me out with some content!

Do you have an embroidery project I could feature here on Needle 'n Thread? How about an online needlework-related shop (whether supplies or goods you have made) that you might want to tell my readers about? What about your own needlework-related blog that you'd like to introduce (or re-introduce) to us? How about a trick or tip that you'd like to teach us? Maybe you teach online classes that you'd like to publicize a little bit, or maybe you just have your own needlework story that you'd like to share.

If you'd like to help me out with a little content by allowing me to feature something about you and your needlework-related ventures, will you drop me a line? If you send me a short e-mail via my contact form, I'll e-mail you back with some simple guidelines.

If you can help me out, you'd have my undying gratitude for life! (Ok, well... you know what I mean!)

The Fine Print

AOL Users: I can't seem to reply to AOL e-mails. My replies get bounced back. AOL apparently has a thing called a "white list" and "black list" and I'm on the latter - they read my e-mails as spam, which is crazy, because I have never used e-mail addresses that way and never will! Still, that is the case. So if you're an AOL user, if you have an alternate e-mail address, please use it instead. Sorry for the inconvenience, but the problem is actually on the AOL end, and there's nothing I can do about it.

I reserve the right to be discriminating (in the proper sense of the word) about content for my website. If you've been reading me for a while, you know I tend towards a more conservative approach in regard to language, photos, types of projects, etc. Anything I consider crass, lewd, vulgar, rude, or grotesque isn't quite the thing I'm looking for! Also, content that promotes any kind of "link farm" sites, etc., will not be considered. I've got a very high opinion, though, of the calibre of my readers, so I'm not too worried about this point - but I thought I better mention it, just in case.

In case there is an influx of content volunteers, I will probably have to do some picking and choosing. I'll let you know, either way!

Labels: website news

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Up and Coming on Needle 'n Thread...

I just wanted to let you know in advance that over this coming weekend, I'll be posting an Embroidery Stash Give-Away for May. It'll include some of the items from the Needlework Shop Hop I participated in a couple weeks ago! So keep an eye out on Saturday for that! Tomorrow, I'll have a post up about some needlework artifacts my Mom dug up this week and a little bit about her needlework adventures (her 75th birthday celebration is this weekend!).

Do keep an eye out for the give-away on Saturday. I'm hoping it's something you'll find enticing!

Wishing you a delectable weekend ahead, with plenty of stitching, gardening, cooking, playing, or whatever you like to do on the weekend!

Labels: website news

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Monday, April 13, 2009

Monday Morning Post Holiday Delay!

Just a quick note to let you all know that the birthday give-away announcement will be a leeeeetle delayed! I'm off to a slow start after a weekend of company and family obligations! (Holiday weekends always end up this way....)

This week, I've got some neat stuff to show you - some birthday presents (!) that are needlework related and Really Exciting (I'm excited, anyway!) and photos of the spring gardern corner on the towel, which I did finally finish on Easter Sunday afternoon, just before giving it to my sister as a gift!

By the way, don't forget that the French Needle is giving a 10% discount to readers of Needle 'n Thread through April. To find out how to get 10% off your order, read my original post on The French Needle! I bring it up because (guess what??!), I got a pretty cool birthday present from there. It's nice when family members do actually read my website!

My needle and thread related work this week includes working on videos, studio organization, setting up a commissioned project that's due in June, and setting up a sampler with my niece. Those are the things I must get done - I have a whole list of things I want to get done, too, but we'll see! I'll let you know how I progress!

I hope everyone had a terrific weekend! I'll announce the give-away winner tomorrow, then, first thing. If you haven't had a chance to sign up, the deadline's extended to tomorrow morning at 5:00 am CST (Tuesday, April 14)!

Labels: stash contest, website news

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Monday, March 09, 2009

Cleaning House on Needle 'n Thread - and Your Druthers?

It was inevitable. Besides cleaning my real living space this weekend, I finally devoted some time to cleaning house on Needle 'n Thread!

Strangely enough, keeping up a website with any regularity can seem rather daunting now and then. I appreciate so much you dear loyal readers who keep me motivated to continue growing this website! Without motivation.... well, it's easy to let things lag a bit.

Sometimes, the website goes through a content growth bubble. These are the times when I'm adding a lot of content, but not necessarily doing the behind-the-scenes work of linking up to various indexes, so the content is easier to find later.

So, this weekend, I did a little backtracking to index some content. I still have a little more to do (hopefully today!) so that you can see the results on a much more organized Needle 'n Thread!

First, I updated my Hand Embroidery Patterns Index. There, you'll be able to find the free hand embroidery patterns available on Needle 'n Thread listed and described.

Then, I updated the Tips and Tricks for Hand Embroidery page, where you can find all "tips and tricks" articles - usually tutorials, how-tos, various ideas on organization, stitches, techniques, etc. - listed.

I began, but didn't finish, updating the Gallery, where you'll find links to posts with pictures of specific projects, embroidered works, etc. This is quite a time-consuming job! It's the first thing I want to finish up today.

Squizzing through the site a bit, I started looking for broken links and so forth. I found out that I have several on my Embroidery Patterns around the Web list, so that's going to take some attention this week, too! At the same time, I'll be updating my links page with new resources and with new information sites.

Making lists is an inevitable part of my life. Lists help with general organization, and, at least for a while (until I lose the list!), they help me get things done. I've made up a long list of other things that need updating - like my bookstore (I've got a tremendous hand embroidery library that I've wanted to catalog for a long time and share with you some reviews, but ...!!), the "editor's floss" section in the top right column (I want to make some adjustments there), and my contact info form.

So much to do, so little time!!

In the meantime, there's the ever-present question of new videos to be added to the Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches. Well, never fear, there are some coming. I've found, though, that with time, I've become a bit more persnickety about the quality of the videos. When I first started making them, video was still somewhat of a novelty online - certainly not as widely used as it is now. I wasn't too familiar with the whole filming-editing thing, and I didn't have any decent equipment. Now, I look back on my earlier videos and tend to cringe a bit at their quality. Eventually, I'll remake all of them. In the meantime, though, I'm trying out new techniques and some new equipment and will be adding to the library as soon as I can. I'm in the throes of deciding whether to invest in a new camera, too - a video camera, as opposed to a regular snapshot camera that has a video function. For close up filming, the cameras become a bit more complex, though, which means they're a bit more expensive. So I'm fooling around with that idea a bit... As things develop in the video line, you'll be the first ones to hear about it!

Finally, I'm also contemplating a new format for the website. This, I undertake with trepidation. I know how difficult it can be to re-adjust to a website after you've become used to the format. But it's an idea I'm playing with, nevertheless, always keeping in mind that I want the website to be reader-friendly.

And here's my question:

I'd love to know what kind of content you'd enjoy seeing more of on Needle 'n Thread. Often, I'm not sure what readers really like. This would probably be a good place for a poll, but polls are rarely specific enough. How about, instead, you leave a comment below, letting me know what you like on Needle 'n Thread and what you'd like to see more of? That would help give me a better sense of direction!

As my mom would say, what are your druthers? ("Druthers," Mom? Is that even a word?)

Thanks for your input! Enjoy your Monday!

Labels: miscellaneous embroidery musings, website news

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Friday, February 20, 2009

My Online Haunts: Feel Free to Look Me Up

I thought I'd add a few of my online haunts here, in case anyone wants to look me up!

If you happen to use other online media tools, you can catch some of my embroidery musings, general craft goings-on, and a bit about embroidery now and then at a couple other places online. Here's my contact information, if you want to look me up:

Twitter - Great for posting links and bits of info I come across that I don't have a chance to blog about

Stitchin' Fingers - This is a huge community of online needleworkers, and you'll find groups for just about any technique you might be interested in! It's a pretty active group and a lot of fun!

If you want to contact me directly, the best way is via the contact form here on Needle 'n Thread, since this is my "hub"!

Hope to see you around!

Labels: personal, website news

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Sunday, February 08, 2009

Atypical Whitework Embroidery

I suppose there are a few things I should clarify about the whitework technique embroidery sampler that I've been messing around with! First, though - thanks very much for your responses to my question about fabric.

Many of you could see the decision coming, methinks: I did change the fabric to the darker linen. The deciding factor was the question of photography. I get better pictures on darker fabric, especially when the stitches need to be seen.

36 ct Edinburgh linen, natural, for whitework technique sampler

36 ct Edinburgh linen, natural, for whitework technique sampler

You can see that the contrast makes the stitches a lot clearer. In choosing between the two fabrics, I was choosing between this fabric (the darker shade) and a shade lighter than this, but not white. The original fabric I started working on was almost a golden color, but, in close ups and with any kind flash or bright lighting, the fabric tended to wash out, so the stitches were not as noticeable.

I also decreased the size of the whole piece. I think it's 16" x 18" now, which is much easier to work on.

Now, to explain the whole sampler. I'm afraid the term "whitework" only refers to technique. I realize it is not properly "whitework," since it is not done on a white ground fabric (which is usually the case with real "whitework"). The point of the samper for me is to explore different types of whitework techniques, demonstrating "how to" and troubleshooting and whatnot as I go. In the process, I'll work up a few photo tutorials of different techniques for you, like the one on re-weaving the edges in drawn thread work and the one on finishing the edges with satin stitch.

The finished piece isn't meant to "be" anything, other than a sampler. I'm not trying to create a gorgeous work of art or anything, although I do hope it comes out fairly nice! I have no idea what it will look like yet, when finished, but I have blocked out a drawn thread section and a small Ukranian sample, and I've transferred a Schwalm design on the fabric, using Christine Bishop's book, Schwalm Whitework Embroidery (the link will take you to my review of the book).

Besides this sampler, which isn't meant to be my sole occupation for the next however long it takes, I've got plans for other embroidery, too - so don't worry, I won't bore you to death with whitework (I hope!).

In the embroidery arena, I've got some interesting things coming up! I'm eagerly waiting some sample projects that I'll be working on, from some well-known designers. I don't want to whisper anything too loudly right now, but just so you know, in the near future, there are some exciting projects coming out for embroiderers, with the possibility of some new kits becoming available ... and, well. Just a hint: think long and short stitch shading and flowers, and you may just guess who I'm talking about!

And, with my present creepy, crawly, cruddy cold dissipating, my voice is getting somewhat back to normal, so there's a good chance I'll be able to add sound to some videos this week. (Keep your fingers crossed for me!) I just can't do the frog voice on something that is more or less public and permanent!

Coming up, I've got a little photo tutorial on transferring a design using tissue paper (very easy, though somewhat time-consuming). Along with that, look for a photo tutorial on simple hemstitch and a beautiful piece of embroidery from a reader. Also, some thread tips, thanks to Pam and Inspirations, are in this week's line up.

A busy week ahead, but I hope you all enjoyed the weekend, got some stitching done (I managed a wee bit!) and are looking forward to a good week!

Labels: fabric for embroidery, linen, pictures, sampler, Schwalm, website news, whitework

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Friday, January 30, 2009

January Embroidery Stash Give Away?? I almost forgot...

I can't believe it's almost the end of January! and we're about 1/12th of the way through 2009! Before the month officially ends, I wanted to let you know that I am still doing the stash give-aways this year. Last year, they were fairly successful! I think the people who won enjoyed receiving their packages, and I think (?) that everyone enjoyed at least having the opportunity to win some threads, needlework books, embellishments, and so forth!

Tomorrow, I'll announce the January give-away. (Sorry - seems cheap to title the post that and then not announce it now...) But I wanted to let you know before the weekend, so that you are sure to check back.

The stash contest will include a beautiful embroidery book from one of the UK's top designers, as well as some nice threads, and whatever else I can gather together this evening that will make a good, interesting, and coherent package. After all, we may as well kick off the new year with a good one!

For those of you new to Needle'nThread lately, do check out my past embroidery stash contests, so you can see what kind of stash items I give away each month. I've also given away several nice embroidery books over the past year.

Don't forget to take the opportunity to check back in over the weekend to see what I'll be giving away to a lucky winner!

Have a great weekend!

Labels: Book Give-Away, stash contest, website news

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Sunday, January 18, 2009

More Goldwork on a Crazy Quilt Square... and the P.O.M.

In anticipation of the CQMag online issue that is going to be available soon, I thought I'd give you another peek at my crazy quilt square embellished with goldwork...

I suppose I should be perfectly frank with you.

I didn't have anything else to write! Aaack. For the first time in a long time, I sat down at my computer this morning and .... nothing. Completely blank. I knew I should at least resort to a photo, since most people like pictures!

So here's combination of corners on the crazy quilt square:

Goldwork on a Crazy Quilt Square

Ever since I finished this square, I've started paying closer attention to pictures of seam treatments and so forth. And I have learned something! On the square I embellished, very few of the seams actually have the embroidery crossing the seams! My embellishment mostly floats on top of the seams. But it seems, in most of the pictures I've persued, that the majority of seam embellishments in crazy quilting actually cross over the seams.

Well, live and learn. And, of course, as a salve for my ignorance, I reminded myself of The Rule of crazy quilting: that there are no rules.

(Still, one does like to look as if one knows what one is doing....!)

If you want to see the rest of this project, you can read my article on CQMag Online, titled Goldwork and Crazy Quilting.

The P.O.M. - do you know what this stands for? It stands for "The Plan of the Month." When I was growing up, we would always hear in our household, "What's the P.O.D.?" (Plan of the Day) I suppose that must've come from my dad, who was a Navy pilot. We learned lots of stuff like that from him, but the two things I remember most clearly are "P.O.D." and the call letters Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, and so forth.

Anyway, that is irrelevant. Back to the P.O.M.

One of the reasons I don't have something ready at my fingertips to write about this morning is because I do not have one project underway. Shocking, isn't it!!???!!! You cannot be more shocked than I am! I am fairly aghast at the situation! So this afternoon, I shall remedy it.

Lately, I've been doing a lot of writing on goldwork. For those of you who are not goldwork fans, please bear with me! There is a little more goldwork in the near future, but you'll be happy to know that the Next Project I'm starting (this very afternoon) is whitework. The down-side is that whitework is so difficult to photograph well!

My plan for the rest of the month is to explore some whitework techniques. I had discusssed this idea with Yvette Stanton a few weeks ago: a whitework sampler - rather random - that incorporates different techniques of whitework in it. So, Schwalm, Hardanger, Mountmellick, drawn thread, pulled thread, cutwork, needle lace, blackwork, (did I just say blackwork? on whitework? I'm so confused - but yes, I have a plan regarding that)... all kinds of techniques. And regular surface embroidery in white. Just random and exploratory and fun.

At first, I thought it might be a silly idea; then, I visited Stitchin' Fingers (where I'm a member), and I noticed they had set up a group on Pulled Thread work, which I readily joined! Within the ongoing discussion right now, someone posted a link to a blog called Pins and Needles. And there I saw that someone else was already doing something akin to what I want to do, though slightly different. You have GOT to see the work on this whitework sampler by Jocelyn! It's AMAZING. It made me realize the idea isn't so silly, after all, and I solidified my determination to do it.

I've been a little hesitant about starting the whitework, though, for a couple reasons: whitework is hard to photograph, and of course, I'd like to blog the techniques, instructions, tips, etc.; "random" can sometimes be troublesome... and "too random" can be downright frustrating, once you get into it - it seems to me that working with some kind of plan is better; I was a bit stitched out, and really bogged under with real work (school work!) the last week or so. But today, I'm ACHING to start something again; and finally, I'm waiting for a fabric order from Nordic Needle (grrrr - it's taking ten forevers!), in which I have some natural-colored (oatmeal-ish) linen in a higher count - I thought the natural linen might solve the photography probs. But I'm not waiting anymore!

Therefore, the P.O.M. begins with setting up this project this afternoon.

Further ahead, in the details of the P.O.M., you will find exciting things like editing stitch videos, filming more videos, setting up a Very Big and Exciting Project that I'll tell you about as it progresses (it's one of those "this is going to take a long time - like, months" sort of projects), and the development of other little ideas that are brewing. You might wonder how all this is to come about, given the fact that January is half way over and I work full time! Well, the fact is, I have a five day weekend coming up, and I'm determined to plan it thoroughly, so I can make the most of it!

So that's what I'm up to. What are YOU up to? Anyone have a project going on that they're blogging about? Leave a link below! If you don't have a blog, drop me a line so you can send me some photos!

Labels: crazy quilt, goldwork, miscellaneous embroidery musings, needlework pictures, pictures, website news

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Saturday, January 03, 2009

Thread Painting Tips - a Follow Up

Yesterday, I touched on the topic of thread painting with one thread as opposed to two or more, showing you the difference in the way the finished project looks. Here's a follow up tip for you...

After writing yesterday's post, I heard from Trish Burr, who is well known for her many books on long and short stitch shading techniques. She is, in my mind, one of the real masters of long and short stitch shading, and, if you're familiar with her books, you will probably agree with me on that!

Trish wanted to add a suggestion. Her tip is a new idea to me, but it makes a lot of sense, and I am looking forward to trying it out on my next thread painting project, which hopefully won't be too far distant.

Anyway, here's the tip:

If the shape you are filling is large enough - try using 2 strands of thread in the first row and changing to one strand in subsequent rows. This enables you to fill the first row closely which is important because you need to have substantial stitches to work back into - but still create a fine (one strand) effect overall. I do this on all my needle painting now; it saves a lot of time.

Thanks, Trish! I can't wait to try this out!

This weekend, I'm finishing up a "little" project that I'll be sharing with you in "little" stages, as soon as I can get the finish work and final photography done. Then, I have plans! BIG PLANS! Well, the truth is, I have one more week of vacation before the school year kicks in. During that week, I'll be doing the following:

1. School work - yes, it is inevitable. I must. I've scheduled a chunk of time each day to devote to my real job, in preparation for the next semester and to finish off the last semester.

2. Stitch videos - yes, I will. I will spend at least two filming sessions next week on the list of stitches that I've compiled, in order to expand my Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches. The filming takes time, but the editing takes even more time for each stitch, so please don't expect a sudden onslaught of videos, though I do plan to be trickling in some new ones over the next couple months. One of them will certainly be that long-awaited long and short stitch video, if all goes well!

3. Project set up - any time I have time off, I like to set up at least one major project that I can devote time to in the following months. I'm planning on setting up a large-ish project that involves needlepainting and goldwork on a somewhat overdone and grand scale. Probably biting off more than I can chew, as usual. In addition, I have three small projects to set up, but no immediate deadline on any of them, so - life is good!

4. Blog catch up - I need to index a lot of new stuff on the website from the last couple months, so I'll be devoting a bit of time to re-organizing Needle 'n Thread. I'll let you know what I accomplish!

So those are my plans, which of course must be mixed in with regular real-life, daily activities. Think I can do it all? Well - you will be the first to know if I do, and even if I don't!

Have a terrific weekend!

Labels: embroidery tips and tricks, miscellaneous embroidery musings, needlepainting, Trish Burr, website news

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Monday, December 29, 2008

You Know What I'm Doing!

I've tried writing this post once today already, but it didn't publish. Here we go again...

If you read my post yesterday, you know what I'm doing today! You can see a short update in the comments section of yesterday's post (written at midnight, before hitting the pillow). Normally, I have "back up" posts for just such occasions, but, as luck would have it, the holidays have drained me!

So, instead of boring you with my prattle, I've decided to challenge myself in a different way today, and make this the shortest post ever in the history of Needle 'n Thread!

I'll update you soon on my crammed project - maybe even by the end of today? - and this week I also want to share with you the Most Incredible Little Christmas Present I got in the mail yesterday. It's hand stitched, and simply blows my mind. Also, I'll have some photos of another project to share with you, among other little juicy tidbits.

Darn. This isn't as short as it was supposed to be!

See you soon!

Labels: miscellaneous embroidery musings, website news

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Monday, October 20, 2008

Thread .... and Needles!

For most people, Mondays are met like the plague, but I like Mondays, and I LOVE Mondays with mail. I don't get a lot of mail, so when I do, it's rather exciting. Today, I received two little packages - one with thread, and the other with needles. What else in the world could be more appropriate, I ask you! Would you like to see?....

New Embroidery Threads to Try!

The first little package contained two types of embroidery thread, Soy Luster and Baroque Silk, from The Pure Palette.

Threads for Hand Embroidery: Soy Luster and Baroque Silk from The Pure Palette

Threads for Hand Embroidery: Soy Luster and Baroque Silk from The Pure Palette

They're Really Pretty Threads! The two purples are Soy Luster, made from (right!) soy. One is solid and the other variegated. The red is Baroque silk, which is 100% silk. It's so pretty. The picture can't do it justice!

I haven't used either thread yet, but I'm going to, and I'll write up a comparison so you can see what they're like lined up to other familiar threads. I'll also give you the low-down on the threads, where you can find them, and so forth. I can't wait to try this stuff out!

And New Needles, Too!

Now, the needles are funny. Not ha-ha funny, but peculiar funny. They're called "Spiral Eye" needles, and they're made for easy threading, because you don't have to "thread" it in the same way. I haven't tried stitching with one of them yet - or even threading them! - but I will, and when I do, I'll tell you all about them and what I think of this nifty invention. They aren't calyx needles, in case you're wondering. Here's what the Spiral Eye needle looks like:

Spiral Eye Needle - You don't have to thread it!

Spiral Eye Needle - You don't have to thread it!

The needle is actually very small. Close-up photos always make things look much larger than reality! I'm eager to try this and to let you know what it's like. It looks like it will be a great option for those who have a hard time keeping their needles threaded.

So that was my Monday mail! And both packages have given me plenty to do! I like testing threads and tools...

Coming Up This Week on Needle 'n Thread

Coming up this week, I'll continue with information for the very beginning beginners on beginning and ending threads. Actually, I think this kind of information is also good for those of us who have been stitching for a while. I love hearing how other people do the basics, just in case there's a better way!

I've also got a book review coming up on a unique ecclesiastical embroidery book. And speaking of books, I'm going to do a book giveaway on a nice book called Heirloom Embroidery.

I've started couching the gold around the outside of my Christmas ornament, so I'm sure I'll be able to share that with you before the end of this week! I also helped my niece set up a needlebook that she's going to embroider for her Home Ec class assignment, and it's kind of cute - bulky, but cute. She's coming over Wednesday for studio time, so I'll get photos of it then. (Hopefully, she's made progress on it!)

I have a gorgeous reader's embroidery to post for you, too, and who knows what else?

This coming weekend, I'll be helping out with my family at a local international cultural festival, so I'll be pre-writing several posts in order to fit in all the weekend events. We're doing a Welsh exhibit, and cooking for... oh.... 1,500 or so. Should be fun!

Busy week! I'm looking forward to it, and I hope you are, too!

Labels: needles, needlework tools, pictures, threads, website news

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Thursday, October 09, 2008

In the Market for an Embroidery Kit? or a Special Project?

This is just a quick news item, perhaps worthwhile for those of you looking for a special project or kit, especially if you live in the US or Europe. You know I mention (sometimes even "rave on about") Country Bumpkin quite often.

I love their magazine, Inspirations. It's always filled with great information, sources of inspiration, and detailed instructions to complete the featured projects --- not to mention, great photography, nice stories, and so forth. It's the ideal magazine for someone who loves fine needlework.

Their kits are excellent, too. With their kits, you get all the materials you need to finish the project in the magazine - fabrics, threads, needles, embellishments, finishing goods, etc.

The biggest drawback to ordering from Country Bumpkin is the postage, which can often be steep even if you're just ordering a "little" something. BUT - this is my point of this post - if you keep up with international exchange rates, you may have noticed that, at the moment, the Australian dollar is somewhat low - I think the exchange rate right now is about .068 on the US dollar, and .50 on the Euro, which can add up to significant savings if you're ordering outside Australia.

That being said, it might be a good time to check out Country Bumpkin's online shop, or, if you subscribe to their magazine, it may be a good time to renew a subscription. If you have a special someone in your life who loves needlework, a subscription would make a great Christmas gift, too.

So, if you're in the market for any of the above, do check out Country Bumpkin's online shop (make sure you switch to your country's currency so you can see the price difference), or their Subscriptions page.

On another note...

I've been spending time on the Long and Short Stitch lessons I've mentioned, and am about ready to reveal the pencil sketch of a sampler that I think I'll call "The Long and Short of It." That's probably a really trite name. I don't know what else to call it. I thought about "Shaded Stuff," but that just doesn't ring, you know? I'm not ready to launch into the lessons, yet, though. I have to stitch ahead on those, film and edit the tutorials, and so forth, all of which takes a lot of time. I don't see those coming about until mid-November-ish, unless I have a blessedly free weekend before then! I'll keep you posted as that develops.

Don't forget to sign up for this month's Autumn Abundance Stash Give-Away, if you haven't already! It's a good one!

Labels: embroidery resources, Inspirations Magazine, website news

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Monday, August 04, 2008

My Needlework Photos - Not All, but Many...

For a while, I've been thinking it would be nice to have one "hub" of photos where all my needlework or website photos could all be viewed in an organized album. It would be nice to have a photo album right here on Needle 'n Thread, and eventually... I might!

But, in the meantime, since someone else has already done the technical work, I thought I'd take advantage of Flickr and add some of my needlework pictures there. I haven't added "all" my photos - just some highlights. For example, I didn't add a lot of step-by-step photos - usually, just the finished products.

So, if you want to go photo-squizzing (I don't know if "squizzing" is really a word, but it sounds about right!), you can check out Needlenthread on Flickr.

If you have any good advice about how to set things up there or organize them better, or if you have any particular photos you've seen on Needle'nThread that you think should be over there, let me know, and I'll see what I can do!

Labels: pictures, website news

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Friday, June 06, 2008

Needle 'n Thread is Two Today - Let's Celebrate!

Today is Needle 'n Thread's birthday - 2 years old! Who woulda thunk it? I think I'll reminisce here a little bit, tell you some stuff you might already know, and announce a special give-away for the occasion!

What would you like me to do first? Reminisce? Ok! Two years ago today, I started up my little website here, Needle 'n Thread. I started with a really lame post on hand embroidery in general. Going back to look at that post, I began to wonder if I fulfilled any, or all, or just a few of the objectives I started with. I think perhaps I have fulfilled some, but not all - which is a good thing, because that means I'll stick around for a bit!

My website was inspired by my darling little brother, who is my internet and computer guru. He is all wise and knows all things computer. Or so he thinks! For my purposes, he certainly does, anyway. So I owe him a huge thanks for helping me out generously these two years.

I will candidly admit that my reason for starting the site was to help me finance the summer embroidery classes that I was teaching each year to youth in our rural community. The classes cost me heaps of money the first few years - the layout was all on my side, for the most part, since I charged $5 per child for 8 weeks of instruction, to help "defray the cost of supplies." (Supplies for 30+ children cost a lot!) They had to bring a hoop, a box, and some transfer pens. I supplied the rest! But on my budget, it was rather crippling. So my brother suggested that I participate in blogging to help supplement those classes. So I did.

Mercenary, I know! At first, I was skeptical, and I didn't like the idea of starting something like this for mercenary reasons. And I still don't! Fortunately, though, the experience of blogging and building the site - and the interaction with thousands of people over two years - and the idea of helping people learn embroidery basics ... well, those grew on me fast, and so I stuck with it, despite some pitfalls along the way.

I started with the Ugliest Template Ever and I hated the look of the site. It took a while, but last December, I was able to integrate the whole blogging set-up into a static template with other features that I could customize so that Needle 'n Thread would look a little more appealing. While I like the look a lot better, there are some things I'd like to brush up a bit! I have an on-going, ever-growing list of improvements, brilliant ideas, and so forth - which means I suppose, God willing, I'll stick around!

The first post, I think, on the website that caught any real attention "out there" was my silk-on-silk satin stitch post. I couldn't believe that THE Sharon Boggan noticed it! It was flattering. I really never showed my needlework to any other real needleworkers. It's easy enough to impress people who don't do needlework. But to be complimented by someone who does - who's a pro in the field - that was something! Besides, I think Sharon's been online with needlework, and blogging about needlework, as long as personal websites, and then blogging, have been around. I was familiar with her site, and so thankful for her coompliment, because it really motivated me!

Then, let's see... the video library of hand embroidery stitches. They were in my head from the very beginning, but it was all a matter of figuring out how to do them. I'm still figuring that out! And wow, when I go back to look at the earlier ones, I cringe. Especially with improvements in video technology for the internet, I am gearing up to fine tune my approach on the videos. In fact, I just sunk a small investment into audio hardware, because the sound really stinks on the videos, doesn't it??

People like the videos, and I'm glad. They're a great way of extending the concept of teaching beyond just a little rural community in the middle of Kansas.

One of the greatest things about doing this website is that I've really met some terrific people! Joey, formerly of Twining Thread, has been a mainstay as far as sound advice, encouragement, and great insight to the whole world of embroidery. Megan in Australia is a terrific encourager, experimenter, and Finder of Information, Michael is a silk genius, Trish Burr is generous and inspirational, Judy of Possibilities paints incredibly beautiful canvases, Jeannine is a terrific commentor, Allison Aller makes gorgeous stuff in general, JoWynn Johns is patient and so artistic, Carol-Anne over there in England, Jeanne of Just String, Maria del Valle over there in Spain... Valquiria... oh, golly. Such talented people! The list could go on and on and on and on. There are heaps of generous, interesting, talented and fun people in the world, and needlework is a great catalyst for bringing them together!

Enough reminiscing and background jabber....

Let's celebrate!!

Needle 'n Thread is two years old today! And so I'm going to do two stash give-aways this month, and both include a special little gift (a magnetic needle-minder from Kelmscott Designs), and threads and embellishments!

But this post is already way to long, and my camera battery is still charging, so I'm going to post the stash giveaway for June tomorrow. I'm excited about it, since it's an extra-nice one, and I think you'll like it, too. Of course, you have to do something for it - I'm going to pose two questions for you in tomorrow's post, so keep an eye out!

Labels: miscellaneous embroidery musings, website news

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Friday, May 23, 2008

Something New on Needle 'n Thread!

Did you notice something new on Needle 'n Thread today? Please let me tell you all about it!

All About Blanks is a company that provides beautiful blanks (linens, cottons, etc.) for embroidery. They've been very kind in helping me out with my summer embroidery classes, so I want to return the favor as best as I can!

I've contacted several companies for assistance, and people have been very generous! All About Blanks was the first to respond, so I've placed them here first. Their ad will be part of the side column for a month!

I want to encourage you to see what they have to offer for embroidery. I love working with blanks, because once you've finished stitching, you are --- well, finished! You'll find at their website all kinds of household goods and specialty items. For our classes, we're using their gingham towels and their oatmeal colored guest towels, among other little things. The oatmeal colored linens are wonderful for monogramming in white, by the way.

Feel free to check out their website! Especially if you're looking for goods to embellish as gifts or for your own house, you're sure to be pleased with what you find!

Labels: embroidery resources, website news

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

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Monday, October 20, 2008

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My Needlework Photos - Not All, but Many...

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Needle 'n Thread is Two Today - Let's Celebrate!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Something New on Needle 'n Thread!

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