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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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Talliaferro Crewel Kit Winner and an Update!

 

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Happy Monday!

Here in the States, it’s Labor Day, which means many folks are enjoying a three-day weekend. If you’re one of them, I hope you have a chance to kick back and relax – and maybe spend some quality time with your needle and thread!

A three-day weekend is always a perfect excuse to get some stitching in, don’t you think?

Today, as promised, I’m announcing the winner of the Kashan crewel embroidery kit by Talliaferro Classic Needleart, sold exclusively through Wooly Thread.

At the end of the article, you’ll find some updates – a short personal one for those who are interested, and some upcoming stuff on Needle ‘n Thread.

If you’d like to read about the Kashan crewel kit, you can find more information about it in the original give-away article here.

Kashan Crewel Embroidery Kit

The question I asked on the original give-away article was, “What type of embroidery do you like best and why?”

If you’ve been stitching for a while and you’ve tried lots of techniques, you understand that it’s a tougher question than it might sound like at first.

I have a hard time narrowing down a favorite type of embroidery. Like many of you, my delight in one technique over another usually varies, depending on what I’m stitching.

But if I had to narrow it down (by not narrowing it down at all!), I’d say that the type of embroidery that gives me the most joy, hands down, and that I always revert back to eventually, is just straightforward surface embroidery of the “free style” nature. The type of embroidery that is not categorized into a specific technique – it’s not dependent on particular fabrics, threads, or stitch families. It’s just surface embroidery.

But really, there’s nary a technique out there that I don’t like. Granted, I haven’t tried everything. But I haven’t run into any stitching technique that hasn’t given me some kind of pleasure.

So, yes, it was a tough question. Sorry!

Kit Winner!

On to the winner!

Drawn by random number, the winner of the Kashan kit from Wooly Thread is Dara Wamsley in West Virginia. Her answer to the question:

For years, my favorite has been counted cross stitch, but lately I have branched out to include regular surface embroider,blackwork, hardanger, and canvas work. I’ve also tried some Brazilian. Like many others my favorite depends on my mood and my current obsession.

I hope you enjoy the kit, Dara! Please drop me a line with your mailing information so that it can wing its way to you soon!

Updates All Around

Thanks to all of you who have inquired about a personal update! I’ve written up a short one, if you’re interested, and you’ll find it here.

On the Needle ‘n Thread side of things, September’s THE month! The new site design will be launching this month – I’ll announce it just before the event, so that you know to expect some changes here on Needle ‘n Thread. I’m very excited about the new design and can’t wait for it to be up and running. It will be especially helpful for those of you who access Needle ‘n Thread on tablets and mobile devices.

And guess what I did this past weekend? I set up five (yes, FIVE) small projects that I’ll be sharing with you over the upcoming months.

I think I may have gone overboard.

I tend to do that.

Hope you had a terrific weekend and that you’re looking forward to a good week ahead!

 
 

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(54) Comments

  1. Mary,

    Was good to read your update. You are a remarkable person to be able to keep such an upbeat outlook this past year. Glad that things are looking brighter.

    Love your web site. I am always looking up stitches to see how they are done. Your information is invaluable.

    Looking forward to the new site.

    Take care.

    Louise

    1
  2. Dear Mary; Our family is so happy to hear your positive news and we love your optimistic attitude! Wishing you continued good news. Tom,Diana and Evelynne

    2
  3. Oh it was so good to read your update! A year for the books. Yes it puts it all into prospective. Wishing you continued good health and happiness stitching!

    4
  4. Dear Mary

    Congratulations to Dara I do hope you enjoy this wonderful give-away from Mary. I so looking forward to the new Needle n’ Thread website, I can’t to look see the new design. I can’t believe you have set up five projects I can’t wait to hear all about them in the coming days. Thanks for the sharing the give-away and for your personal note and for the up and coming new website, I look forward to seeing it.

    Regards Anita Simmance

    7
  5. Hello Mary,

    Congratulations for the great news from your doctors. Your positive attitude and all the prayers were all that was needed to get you healthy again.

    I shaved my hair this summer it was so comfortable during those hot days. So do not worry your hair will grow back
    so fast .

    Have a great day
    Louise

    8
  6. Dearest Mary,
    You are a role model for us all.
    You’ve handled the toughest possible situation
    with truly amazing grace and dignity.
    Your sense of humor remains intact and
    your warm and welcoming personality
    shines through in every post.
    Bless you for having such strength.

    9
  7. Mary, thanks for the update. I admire your
    courage and positive thinking through this journey.
    Happy for the good news on the scans!!!
    Five projects lined up too boot! Wow! Can’t wait to
    see the new site and projects! By the way, my
    Sister’s hair grew back in much thicker! I envied
    her new beautiful hair ! Mine is thin!

    10
  8. Hi Mary,
    I’m so happy to hear about your good results! Your attitude is both amazing and inspiring.
    Thank you so much for your website and instruction. I’m learning so much. I can’t wait to see your new website.

    Congrats to Dara. I’m looking forward to your next give away!

    Have a great Labor Day.

    11
  9. G’day there,
    Congratulations Dara and enjoy.
    Many thanks Mary for the encouraging update. It means a lot to me. Hairs to a warm coverage for winter!
    Cheers, with love,
    Kath

    12
  10. Really glad to read the good news in your latest medical update. You must be so very, very relieved with those results. Don’t push yourself too hard yet, Mary, even if you’re raring to get on with new ideas and plans. Take things a bit gently or you’ll get tired.

    13
  11. Thanks so much for the update. What a wonderful one. I so admire you for all that you have been through so far, and what is yet to come. Love your website and all that you share with us!

    14
  12. Mary, I’m so happy to hear it’s good news so far. I hope your oncologists report will be a good one too.
    You did an amazing job of keeping going as you went through your treatment.

    15
  13. Mary,

    If I’m ever faced with a critical illness I hope I can be ust a little bit like you and keep moving forward in spite of it all. You are not only a teacher of embroidery, you are a teacher of life.

    Blessings,

    Jacquelyn

    16
  14. Dear Mary,

    Thank you for your update, and congratulations!! I am so happy and overcome with tears for you!! I know that your continued strength will inspire everyone as it has this whole past year. My prayers are always with you!

    Debbie

    17
  15. Congratulations Dara! And thank you Mary for the update on your journey. I’m sure your new hairstyle is lovely and so liberating. I stopped wearing facial makeup due to melanoma surgery and I’m never going back. I truly appreciate your updates and stitching help.

    18
  16. Congratulations, Dara! What fun lies ahead for you!!

    Mary,thank you for the update. I’m sitting here with the biggest, dopiest, ear-to-ear grin on my face, and tears in my eyes. It’s the news we were all hoping for! (Yes, I know, it isn’t official until your oncologist says so, but I’m celebrating NOW.)

    Excited about the new site and the new projects!

    19
  17. Sounds like wonderful news! SO happy for you – may you continue to receive good news and blessings! My prayers are with you!
    Barbara in TN

    20
  18. Happy to read your update, Mary. It is nice to know that things are well, health wise. And thank-you so much for your great website and all the information to you give us, your internet friends, on an ongoing basis. You are a gem!

    21
  19. Great news on your cancer story. Have been praying for you and a complete recovery. I thought of shaving my head a few times with the heat and humidity this summer, but my family would not let me. 🙂
    Thanks for a great web site. I just found the perfect stitch for a project I am working on. When I make some progress, I will post it and send people to your page…

    22
  20. Thank you for the update Mary; of all my online acquaintances, you are the one I most relate to-and worry about. I’m truly amazed at how you have kept going with your blog and projects, with the so very difficult procedures you have endured. And I salute your positive attitude, which often makes the differences between healing well and not-so-well. I’m so happy at the so far good news and hope your future is filled with vigilance only.
    I’m looking forward to your new blog look and as always am so grateful for the guidance and happiness you bring into so many lives, including mine.
    Peace and love
    Joan

    25
  21. Dear Mary,
    I was so pleased to read your latest update. I can’t believe it is already a year since we started this journey with you, At last we are seeing together with you a light at the end of the tunnel. You have been very brave and all we could do was just cheering you on. Just promise one thing, never skip any followup examinations.If you feel something might be wrong in between visits, see your doctor, rather be safe than sorry. My husband is now 13 years in remission, but he never skips an appointment on the due date.
    Thank you for your news letters in this time and from now on we will all hope and pray that you will go from strength to strength. I have my own little bit of good news. I will be a grandmother of twins, a boy and girl next month. My son Julian and his wonderful wife Kylee are expecting twins after 12 years of marriage. It will be my first grandchildren so you can imagine the excitement.
    Congratulations to Dara I trust she will fully enjoy her prize.
    Lost of love,
    Elza bester , Cape Town.

    26
  22. Mary, I’m so glad you are doing well. You have been on my prayer list since you shared about your illness. Stil praying you are cancer free,

    28
  23. Dearest Mary,

    What good news! I am so happy for you! Keeping you in prayer and close in heart. And now I’m all excited about the enticing new projects that you will be sharing, as well as the new website! Take good care of yourself and please remember that you are cherished.

    Liz

    29
  24. Many congrats to the winner of the kit. Like Dara I’m a dedicated cross stitcher too but have wandered into other fields of needlework. It’s all fun and beautiful.

    Also a huge ginormous congrats to you Mary for the good test results. I’m getting soft in my old age and admit that when I read your news, tears just welled up in my eyes. What fun to have tears of joy instead of sadness.

    31
  25. I’m so happy to hear of your good news. My prayers and thoughts remain with you. Your enthusiasm for new projects, whatever the circumstances, is an inspiration to us all. It certainly keeps me motivated to take on all kinds of new things. (I just have to learn how to get motivated to make things up after I finishing stitching them!)
    Love, Alison

    32
  26. well I couldn’t be happier for you! Was really wondering about your status over the summer but somehow I know MS.ORGANIZED would fit in an update for us. You know I love the site, your work, your instruction etc. I do not often have time to post frequently but you are so inspirational to us…in so many ways! Keep going…stay positive…clearly that helps and let us know if you need more .. really …you are a joy! God Bless YOU!

    33
  27. Congratulations to Dara. And Mary – that’s wonderful, wonderful news! No wonder you’ve started 5 new projects – you’d be bursting with enthusiasm and zest for life. May the other tests confirm that all is well and make that ear-to-ear smile official.

    34
  28. That is just wonderful news, Mary! I am so happy for you. You are quite right, it’s best to just get on with things and not put your life on hold. Can’t wait to see the new website! And the five new projects…

    35
  29. What a lovely design! In Maryland, Talliaferro is an old name, pronounced Tall-a-ver. I think it does them honor (there are buildings named after the family on the U MD campus, at least in my time.)

    36
  30. Congratulations to Dara! I’m so glad you are doing so much better and are beating this awful disease. I’m sure that your positive outlook helps quite a bit. I hope to be reading your posts for many years now.

    37
  31. So glad to hear positive new on your health! I believe your very positive attitude has been a major factor in your treatment and welfare. Keep taking good care of yourself and enjoy more stitching!

    38
  32. Hi Mary

    Great news on the personal front, hope things get better and better for you from here on out.

    Looking forward to seeing the new site.

    Take care, Kelly

    39
  33. I’m a new member and am really enjoying this site. This is the first time I have contributed to anything online!! Creative work, when you are fully absorbed in the task, is balm for the soul, (maybe except for times when you can’t make your design work!). I am delighted to hear you are so much better, Mary. My son, Stuart, died in July just the day before his 23rd birthday with linitis plastica cancer, having been diagnosed with it just a month before. Fatal before symptoms show etc. He was surrounded with friends to the end and even got married in the hospice. We are left trying to think of a short, sweet life. Sewing away here and looking at photographs of his happy face on the mantlepiece.

    40
  34. Mary,
    I rarely comment, but always enjoy your blog and love the info you so generously provide on your website. I was particularly glad to read your latest update and hear your good report. You have such an optimistic outlook and as someone who lives with a chronic illness, I know how important that is to good health and a good life.
    Warm wishes for your continued improvement,
    Toya

    41
  35. Dear Mary,

    So happy to read your update and the encouraging news about your health. I will continue to hold you in my prayers for healing.

    Looking forward to all you have in store for us at Needle ‘N Thread!

    42
  36. Thanks so much for the update on your health. So glad to hear the good news on the biopsies. Atta girl, keep plugging away. We love what you do for us. Every step you take is an inspiration to us all. You have not hidden your lamp under a basket. You let it shine and it brightens so many people’s lives. Again, thank you. And I look forward to the new website design.

    44
  37. Thanks to everyone for your congratulations.
    I was stunned to see that I had won the fabulous crewel kit. Crewel is something that I have been wanting to try and the smaller size is just perfect for me to get my feet wet. I am truly thankful to Mary for offering us such opportunities and for introducing us to such wonderful sources that keep us stitching and learning as we go.
    Mary, I am thrilled that you are on recovery road and that you are feeling so much better. I’m looking forward to seeing the new projects. I really enjoyed reading about the recent monograms and kaleidoscope projects.
    Thanks for all you do!
    Dara in West Virginia

    45
  38. Well Wishes and Energy!!!! Glad you are doing well. Don’t be surprised if your hair comes back with very different texture than you had before. While mine was always wildly wavy it now does ringlets… In some places. Just another one of the great adventures!

    Cheers!

    46
  39. Hi Mary!

    I’m a little late with this comment, but it was good to read you’re doing better! I’m so glad things appear to be as ‘over’ as they’re going to get. You have one of my favorite blogs, and I’ve learned so much from you, and have been inspired to expand my own needlework from cross-stitch to surface embroidery techniques. I’m having a lot of fun with it, and can never thank you enough. 🙂

    One of these days, I will actually take a picture and show you the stuff I’ve been working on.

    Thanks again,
    -Monika in Mobile

    47
  40. Dear Mary,
    Very happy to hear that you have better news. Your positive and sunny attitude has helped me through my own health issues when things just felt like one thing too many. Like you, I have had many kind and good people helping me along.
    Thank you for your excellent website. I’ve been following you for over 4 years now and I still look forward to the newsletters with happy anticipation
    So glad you are feeling better.
    Cynthia

    48
  41. So happy to read your personal update – Yes, it has been an ordeal that you can now be grateful to have weathered and learned from. Your courageous inspirationality (is that a word?) has expanded from the textile world to the land of the heart – so Thank you for sharing this part of your life journey with us. I hope and pray that we will continue to hear only good things …So now on to the fun part…LOL – a new site? FIVE new projects? greater accessibility? – what a way to celebrate! (p.s. – yep, short hair is cool!)

    49
  42. Hello again,

    I just finished browsing the Talliafero website. An

    incredible site, the designs are well Worth the asking

    price. I don’t know if I could do such beautiful work

    but I would like to try.

    Louise

    50
  43. Hi Mary.

    I just read your update and was very happy to read that you’re on the road to recovery. Keep on keeping on, as they said during the War. I’m sure your work provides not only motivation but also that essential life-need, creativity. Sending you positive vibes.

    51
  44. Just read the personal update and I’m shocked as heck that I missed being able to support you during that time. 🙁 You can steal my needles in penance!

    I will root you on from here on out–losing your charming presence in stitchery would be a true tragedy! So fantastic that things are positive thus far.

    Keep the chin up and know I’m sending the best thoughts I can your way!

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