August 24, 2026

Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms Lesson 2: The Leaves

Good morning, happy Monday, and welcome to Lesson 2 in our Blackberry stitch-along, in which we stitch the leaves.

If you are a member of the Needle ‘n Thread community on Patreon, you have received this lesson last Friday, in a handy downloadable & printable PDF format. If you haven’t picked it up yet, hop on over to the community page on Patreon.

If you are just joining us in this series, you can find previous articles for this project in the Project Index here on Needle ‘n Thread.

There is a LOT of information in this lessons, so we will dive right in. Please remember to read through the instructions completely – at least once – before you begin!

Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms: The Leaves

Hand Embroidery Tutorials

August 21, 2026

Blackberry Bramble & Blossoms Project Index

Welcome to the Project Index for Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms, a stitch-along project here on Needle ‘n Thread!

Below, you will find each article that pertains to this project listed in chronological order so that you can follow along with the project easily.

This Index will be saved under “Tips & Techniques” in the main menu on Needle ‘n Thread. You are welcome to bookmark the Index page so you can easily access the articles when you need them.

Uncategorized

August 19, 2026

Don’t Waste Your Money on this Hoop

Rarely do I write an all-out negative review of a needlework product.

In fact, I don’t think I’ve written one.

Normally, even if I don’t personally love a thing or I would never use a thing, I can understand what other people might like about it. I can acknowledge good aspects about things that might not be my cup of tea. And I can recommend them on those merits.

If I can’t find those positive aspects, I generally won’t write the review or mention the product.

But I have recently encountered an embroidery hoop that has nothing to recommend it – including the hefty price tag for its worthlessness.

I think it’s worth mentioning so that you don’t do what I did: buy it to try it.

Cosmo embroidery hoop - don't waste your money!

Uncategorized

August 17, 2026

Blackberry Bramble & Blossoms Lesson 1: Branch & Brambles

Welcome to the first stitching lesson on our current stitch-along!

Today, we’ll be stitching the branch and the brambly bits on Blackberry Bramble & Blossoms. If you’re just joining in, this article will give you information about the stitch-along and what you can expect as we work through the project. And last week’s Introduction article will provide you with the materials & tools list, as well as the design.

If you are a member of the Needle ‘n Thread community on Patreon, you’ve already received this lesson in PDF format for easy downloading and printing.

Note: Always read through the instructions completely at least once before you begin stitching, so that you know where you’re going and what to expect along the way!

Blackberry Brambles Blossoms stitch-along lesson 1

Uncategorized

August 14, 2026

Introduction to Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms

Hello, my friends, and welcome to the first installment of Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms, which is officially the introduction to the project.

In this introduction, I’ll share the materials and tools I used and the design. We’ll discuss preparing your project for stitching, and I’ll also summarize what you can expect from the stitch-along and a general outline of the timing.

If you are a member of the Needle ‘n Thread Community of Patreon, you have already received this information in PDF format for downloading and easy printing. It was published last night. Additionally, you have received the first stitching lesson (the branch and brambles), which was published earlier this morning.

Blackberry Blossoms & Brambles - Introduction

Uncategorized

August 12, 2026

Home Project: Text on Linen!

You may remember that earlier this year, I finished a maniturgium with the text “Duc in Altum” and some fish embroidered on it.

If you’re not sure what this strip of linen is and what it’s used for, you can read about its liturgical use – and what becomes of it after its liturgical use – in this article.

Many, many years ago, I embroidered a maniturgium (you can see it here) with the Latin text “O Clemens, O Pia, O Dulcis Virgo Maria” on it, which comes from a prayer called the “Salve Regina” (or, in English, the “Hail, Holy Queen”).

These were all bespoke (commissioned) pieces.

I’ve taken on another one. After all, being stuck at home a lot lately, it gives me something to do there. I might as well be doing something productive!

Uncategorized

August 10, 2026

Embroidery Thread – Abundant Color!

I’ve recently acquired some new threads to play with.

I know. It’s a tough job, always having a reason to “play” with embroidery thread!

Soon, I’ll review the threads in depth, but since I haven’t actually stitched with them and tested their performance and resilience, today, I’m just going to show you the threads in general (no names, branding or anything) and share some first impressions – and some reasons why I think I might want to explore using them in some projects and kits.

I’m afraid I did the same thing to you a few weeks ago, showcasing this new collection of embroidery ground fabrics. This is the same approach with threads – a little eye candy, without much real substance.

Well, that’s candy for you! All sugar, no substance…

But who doesn’t like a little sugar now and then?

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms Lesson 2: The Leaves

Blackberry Bramble & Blossoms Project Index

Don’t Waste Your Money on this Hoop

Blackberry Bramble & Blossoms Lesson 1: Branch & Brambles

Introduction to Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms

Home Project: Text on Linen!

Embroidery Thread – Abundant Color!

Connect with Mary

How-To Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos