For your weekend diversion, here’s an engrossing video about the Bayeux Tapestry, which is a pet topic for many embroiderers.
The video (linked to below) was shared with me by a member of the broader Needle ‘n Thread community – and I couldn’t be more grateful! It seems like a long time since I’ve watched a video with as much interest and enjoyment as I did this!
Lately, interest in the Tapestry is ramping up more than usual. There are a few reasons for this, I think. Certainly, the exhibition of the Tapestry in England at the moment is a Big Deal, so that’s one reason. Another? There are two beautiful books coming out a little later this year that have to do with the Tapestry. I’ve received advanced copies of both, and I can’t wait to share the books with you!
But, no matter what, I think the Tapestry will ever and always be of interest to embroiderers. It’s such a massive, compelling, fabulous piece of history – all done with needle and thread!
The video, Archeologists Reexamine the Mysteries of the Bayeux Tapestry, is a just about an hour in length. It focuses on … well! So Much!
It’s hard to pin down favorite parts. I ate the whole thing up twice!
The points that I enjoyed most, if I must nail it down: the boats (around 32:56), the dyes (around 43:45), and the food history (around 47:20) that tells us quite a bit about social changes that came along with the Norman conquest.
The entire video, though, is incredibly absorbing. There is so much to learn from this “document” that we call a tapestry. The whole subject is such a source of Wonder and Amazement to me – and the video is well worth watching!
I hope the video gives you a pleasant little diversion over the weekend!
What’s Up at Needle ‘n Thread?
I’ve settled into a regular routine of working from 9-noon at the studio most weekdays, and working from home the rest of the time while taking care of my Dad. It seems to be working out ok. We are definitely not getting as much done, but we’re keeping afloat at the moment.
You’ll find a lot of new stock in the shop, if you haven’t explored over there recently.
For example, I’ve expanded the selection of these folk cross stitch kits. They are so enjoyable, and they feature lovely designs!
We have a wide, wide range of embroidery hoops available now (when it rains, it pours). For a while, it was hard to get stock on good wood hoops, but we’re back up and running in the hoop department. If you’re looking for a good hoop or two, then, we can help!
We also have high quality, thin cotton twill tape in a variety of widths, for binding the inner ring of your hoops. This is the best cotton twill tape I’ve found. It adds the friction and protection you want, without much extra bulk. And it lasts! Once you’ve bound a hoop (you can read about binding the inner ring of your hoop here), it should last the life of the hoop.
We are still working towards a stitch-along before too much more time goes by. I want to sneak peek it to you soon, but I need to make some progress on it and nail down the decision factors: this color thread, or that? These beads, or those? Or none? We even need to decide on ground fabric. It will certainly be linen. But what linen?!
Did you miss the hand turned tools that we started bringing in at the beginning of 2026? We have some in stock – including a wide range of really fun acrylic hand-turned tools. Why is acrylic fun? Because you can color coordinate – with projects, with seasons! So many color combinations! (These make terrific gifts!)
I’m sure there’s more – much more – that I want to tell you! But I’m on empty!
If you’re signed up for the EGA Virtual Lecture with me tomorrow at noon (Central Time), I’ll “see” you then! I can’t wait!
Have a lovely weekend!
Leave A Comment