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Mary Corbet

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I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

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Short & Sweet – Project Update!

 

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Just a little project update today, to prove that I really do embroider now and then!

Here’s my update on the Hungarian Redwork Runner, which is coming along slowly… but at least it’s coming along.

Hungarian Redwork Runner Embroidery Project

I’m working the “inside ends” first, and then I’ll work the outside design all around the runner. Just to recap on the stitches and supplies: I’m using Alba Maxima linen, DMC perle cotton #8 and coton a broder cutwork thread #25, both in color 321. For stitches, only two: Hungarian braided chain stitch and chain stitch.

Hungarian Redwork Runner Embroidery Project

You’ll see different weights in the lines of the design. The Hungarian braided chain stitch worked in perle cotton makes a heavier line, and the regular chain stitch worked in coton a broder makes a lighter line. I’ll also be working regular chain stitch in perle cotton and Hungarian braided chain stitch in coton a broder on the outside design.

One thing that I really like about this project is the folky-ness of the design. It’s homey and happy and warm. Stitching the project makes me happy – it’s perfectly relaxing stitching. It’s been a while since I’ve worked a project like this just for fun.

Another thing that I like? It’s easy to transport! No frames, no hoops, everything just folds up and slides into a pouch.

And now you know – I actually do stitch once in a while!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about the project, feel free to leave them below. You can also read the backstory and see the project develop step-by-step by visiting the Hungarian Redwork Runner project index, where links to all articles relating to this project are listed chronologically.

Happy Monday!

 
 

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(14) Comments

  1. Good idea to do the ends first! Years ago I started a table runner and didn’t do that. I could have been using it all this time if I hadn’t started at one end and then the middle-have never gotten to the other end 🙁 Should have used it last year for our EGA UFO contest, LOL. Pat in SNJ

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  2. I like it when something is only part way through and different features stand out in their own right in a way that they wont when they’re part of the finished whole. That diamond shape would stand alone. Very nice.

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  3. Mary –

    What a beautiful piece! Shows you not only the beauty of folk work, but how compelling a single color can be. We had no doubt that you stitched – what astonishes all of us is how much you do for this site – the daily blogs, the stitch play (which is one of my personal favorites), the step by step projects in virtually every area of stitching and all of the photographs that go with it, the giveaways and the networking it requires to even get them, the profound amount of information on the site – especially the stuff that is crucial but often considered tedious, the list goes on and on.

    No, we all know you stitch all right – what is amazing is how much you do in support of your stitching and of us. We all appreciate it.

    Anastasia McP in the Wilds of Rural Utah

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  4. Hello, Mary. The runner is coming along nicely. The difference in the weight of the two stitches is quite noticeable from a distance. I like the “highlighting” effect of the braided stitch, which adds interest without having to add additional color.

    Also appreciated the notes on lighting. It is certainly one of my biggest problems, too – having enough light!!

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  5. Dear Mary

    Beautiful stitching I like the contrast of the thickness of the Hungarian braided chain stitch and the thinness of the chain stitch and I love the colour and yes it does look folky-ness and homely, lovely!!!

    I liked your article on the lighting one day I hope to be able to afford Bluemax lighting.

    Regards Anita Simmance

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  6. Can you take a guess at how many #8 and 107s we are going to use on this runner. I am just getting all
    needed together in a mesh folder so that when I have done my Schwalm whitework I can start right away. Perhaps you can just make a mention in the next Redwork
    newsletter. Thanks this is going to be a great pick up and go project.
    Bless you

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  7. How beautiful!! Your chain stitches are so wonderful;
    mine rarely look open and/or equal in size. The single
    color with the two different weight threads makes a
    beautiful statement. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. How beautiful! The sheen of the red against the white fabric is so crisp and clean. Wish I could get my tension as even as you have yours!!!

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  9. Mary, I love to read your website and newsletters. They are both so inspiring to me. As a 2nd generation Hungarian American, I got a thrill to see this and the other information you have published on Hungarian embroidery. All I had before was an old Dover pamphlet/book and a bunch of my grandmothers needlework items. We did not live very close to my mothers family when I was growing up so we only got to see them every other year on the family car vacation trip. You information has truly opened my every and inspired me to further investigate you site and the internet. Thank you so much for all you do. Diane

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  10. Thank you, Mary, for your wonderful blog. I am following it – and it is a treat for me to read it.
    By the way I ordered the magazine “Inspiration” after I read your article about it. I am waiting for for my first issue.
    Happy and merry Christmas and New Year.
    Anneliese in Germany

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