If you’re looking for something inspirational and different for needlework projects, here are a couple resources!
Tricia Wilson Nguyen of Thistle Threads (and of Plimoth Jacket reknown) has recently published a new Needlework Nibble that makes good use of Gilt Sylke Twist and some of the stitches used on the Plimoth Jacket. Tricia’s Needlework Nibbles are tiny projects – usually only a couple inches in either direction, size-wise – that employ some interesting threads and techniques, so that you can get a taste of these without launching into a big time-consuming project. I love the idea!
Her latest Needlework Nibble is a bunch of grapes worked with Gilt Sylke Twist. She sells the little kit for a reasonable price – less than $20 – and offers the embroidery pattern and instructions for free on her website. Now, this is really generous! For those of us who might have some GST in our stash, this is a great little project to try with it, and we can do it without purchasing any supplies. But, if you don’t have GST in your stash, her kit is a wonderful way to try many colors of this gorgeous thread, at a reasonable price (less than the cost of a spool of GST). Among the instructions for the project, you’ll also find a Gilt Sylke Twist Primer (PDF), which details very clearly how to work with GST.
Another interesting tidbit from Tricia is a great little video on the sparkle of Gilt Sylke Twist. Yep, that alone should get you drooling over those threads!
And speaking of historical threads and so forth, recently, I’ve become quite avidly enchanted with the Needlprint blog and all the goings-on with the Mary Wigham samplers all around the globe. It really is fascinating to read the interesting stuff on that website! Recently, Jacqueline featured a beautiful border from a Scottish sampler, which is available for free to download, if you have the right design software for cross stitch. You can get the software through her website – look for the Infinity Beatrix Potter deal, where you get the software and all the Beatrix Potter design motifs for $20.
I think these Infinity charts that Jacqueline sells on her website are super-duper interesting, and would make a good resource especially for designers. They are counted thread designs, but I can’t help thinking that many of them can be adapted to other forms of surface embroidery, too. I like the Quaker and antique-type sampler motifs that are featured on Needleprint. Have you seen them? What do you think? I did something with one of them the other day, and I’ll share it with you soon. Hopefully. (I haven’t actually finished it. In fact, I’m not finishing much lately. Argh.)
Now, on to the excuse… for those of you who were expecting the second-to-the-last Long and Short Stitch Lesson today, never fear – it’s coming! It’ll be up tomorrow! I got tied up yesterday and couldn’t finish the lesson! Sorry about that!
Have a terrific Thursday!
I love Tricia's "Needlework Nibbles"! I purchased the kits for both silk purl bugs last month (knowing I'd be unlikely to actually USE the silk purl otherwise). I've finished one (but have neglected to put it on my blog), and I just ordered this month's kit. I love being able to play with these threads for minimal cost and time!