We haven’t had a lot of time in the studio lately for “casual” stitching, where we meander more slowly through projects that don’t have a definite deadline.
Occasionally, on afternoons when we’re caught up with work-work, though, we can take a couple hours just to stitch quietly and move some of our slower developing projects ahead.
This type of break is good for the project, but it’s also good for me and Anna. It gives us time to think; it gives us time to relax while we’re still working; and it helps us both to remember that stitching is meant to be enjoyable.
And if it happens to be a rainy afternoon to boot, gosh! Studio Life could hardly get better than that!
One of our slowly developing projects is a ready-to-stitch set that we’ll be adding to our current line-up of towel sets. This set – Tea Towels – is something that we had to produce, because… well. It’s Tea! It’s an essential part of Studio Life.
Our Tea Towels set is almost finished. Just two more cups to go!
We never launch a ready-to-stitch set until we’ve stitched the set ourselves – at least once, and sometimes more than once.
Unlike the majority of the AI-generated embroidery designs and kits that are proliferating the internet these days, we actually draw our designs ourselves, and yes, we actually stitch them!
Stitching our designs (even the simple ones) makes us certain that the design really works – the proportions are right and the logistics of the design are suitable for the type of embroidery.
Stitching our designs also allows us to make reasonable color and stitch suggestions for those who want them.
After all, there are two Real People on the other side of the computer screen here! We both know how to stitch, we like to help people out, we are happy to answer questions about designs from Needle ‘n Thread and to share practical stitching tips.
That’s what we do! And we love it!
The Tea Towels set has three towels in it, each with a different tea-related design.
There’s a line of varied tea cups (the first pictures), and then there’s this tea pot and cup design directly above…
…and one sweet little cup design.
The stitching here is not at all advanced or complex. Any level of stitcher can embroider our ready-to-stitch goods.
The scope for variety in color and stitch choice on this particular project set provides great fun. I particular like this set for color variety. Sometimes, simple stitches in a variety of colors is Just The Thing for a set like this.
Ah me! This type of project is a real problem for me! If I could, I’d spend most days doing projects like this, listening to a good book or nice music, chatting now and then about other project ideas – all part of that idyllic casual stitching time in the studio!
But alas, real life intervenes. We’ve got other work to do! And the instructions for Plique-á-Jour aren’t going to write themselves, linen isn’t going to order itself, fabric isn’t going to cut itself, threads are not going to kit themselves, that leak in the ceiling isn’t going to repair itself… you see how it goes!
But it’s a great life, Studio Life! And I’m ever-so-grateful for it, in all of its delightful aspects!
We’ll have this ready-to-stitch set available soon, to add to our ever-growing collection that you can find here.
And now… about that leaky ceiling. I suppose I should go address that.
Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday!
Well, that was an interesting lead-in to an impending disaster! Yes, the leaky ceiling could destroy your embroidery materials & projects . . . oh, it’s raining on your head? Nevermind, save the embroidery!! 🙂
The teacups are charming!
Oh , I love the tea towel projects and am so glad that you will give the color and stitch recommendations. Some times you just want to be told what to do and how to stitch so you can just not think about it and know it will turn out looking good! Hope you post when they are available. I am glad there is a real person behind the designs, I had rather support a REAL small business person, not AI, what ever that is! Seems it is into everything and if you’re not told sometimes you don’t even know!
Thank you for this, everything you do is so amazing!
I’m really looking forward to stitching these tea towels! My daughter and I love tea and when we were homeschooling, tea time with a glass pot with loose tea from Teavana (you could watch the herbs and tea infuse the water) was our favorite break. Thanks for all you and Anna do to make embroidery accessible for your readers! ❤️
Hi Mary,
Anna and you make a great team! It is a beautiful tea towel set. I will be ordering several of your printed Tea Towel sets in the next couple of weeks. I am going to stitch them out and give them as hostess gifts over the holidays..
On another note, I finally received the Garden Swirl Stitch Snippet kit about a week after I received the absolutely gorgeous Inspirations, the Handpicked collection volumes 1 & 2 in the mail. The USPS never disappoints. I am now only missing volumes 3 &5.. I have already finished the Lady Bug from Volume 2. I stayed up for 3 days straight (I only missed 1 night of sleep). I did use a bit of metallic floss in it and I changed the green in the leafs to a darker green. I am currently working on the bee now alongside the Garden Swirl Stitch Snippet (when I get frustrated with 1 I go stitch on the other one).
I hope you will be having another Open House at your studio this Christmas as I will definitely drive up from Texas to go!!
Thank you for all that Anna and you do,
Carrie
Mary and Anna,
Love the “Tea” towels! Can’t wait to see them in the shop! The colors you have chosen are perfect. Please consider providing a DMC color list with the set??
Thank you for the studio updates and all the information and education you share so freely. The newsletter is always the first thing I read. 🙂
Blessings,
Gale
Hi Mary:
I am so looking forward to your teacup towels, could you let me/us know when you will have them ready? I collect antique/old/vintage teacups and saucers and some tea pots that go with them.
Thank you,
Sherry McLaughlin
Oh yes! I’ll post it here on the website when they’re available! Thanks for asking!