October 29, 2018

Embroidery Tools: This Week on My Table

At some point each weekend, I sort through my embroidery mess from the previous week’s work sessions.

I take about half an hour to put away supplies or stitching tools that I know I won’t need for a bit. Then, I gather and organizing the needlework doo-dads that will get me started or carry me through the oncoming week.

Sometimes, if I’ll be starting a new project, I’ll have a wide variety of tools and gadgets out (like this coming week). Sometimes, if I’m carrying on with a project that’s been under way for a while, I might just have a pair of scissors and some needles out, along with the required lighting, or hoop, or stand, and whatnot.

These are some of the essential needlework tools that are on my work table for this week!

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October 26, 2018

Stitching for Christmas Yet? Here’s Some Motivation!

Today, I have to do a little shameless self-promotion. But it’s to your benefit, so I don’t feel too guilty about it!

With the end of October looming, and with November close upon us, it’s time to start thinking seriously about Christmas stitching.

Many stitchers start embroidering for Christmas way back in summer. And I even know some who start next year’s Christmas projects as early as January!

But me – I’m a seasonal stitcher. I like embroidering for Christmas as the holidays approach. It adds to the festive atmosphere and keeps me in good cheer!

To prod you along in your determination to whip up some stitchy Christmas gifts ahead of time, I’ve put my most popular e-book, Twelve Trees for Christmas, on sale through this weekend, at 15% off!

If you’re not familiar with Twelve Trees, this is what it’s all about…

Twelve Trees for Christmas - Easy Small Embroidery for the Holidays

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October 24, 2018

Small Stitching – It’s Engrossing & Mesmerizing!

Lately, I’ve been stitching small stuff. Very small stuff.

I find small stitching to be engrossing and mesmerizing. There are a number of reasons why, I suppose.

Here’s a little sneak peek of what I’m working on at the moment. It might be a bit crazy, but it’s also crazy fun! I’m enjoying the design process, the stitching process, and even the re-stitching process!

Silk Embroidery Threads: color choices for smalls

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October 22, 2018

Silk and Gold: A Unique & Beautiful Embroidered Frontal

I have a friend who takes pictures for me of ecclesiastical embroidery that she comes across in her travels.

When she leaves town, I never know if she’ll run into something picture-worthy, but when she does… it’s always exceptional!

On her last excursion, she was able to photograph an antique altar frontal. This piece was donated to the monastery that owns it, and the provenance is not known.

But there’s something about the style of piece (we’ll talk about it below), and of course, there’s the sheer beauty, skill, and splendor of the piece that’s worth noting, even if we don’t know anything about where it came from.

Gold and Silk Embroidered Antique Altar Frontal

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October 19, 2018

Weekend Reading: The Making of the Bayeux Tapestry

When it comes to historical pieces of embroidery – large historical pieces of embroidery, especially – it would be difficult to conceive of one that is more widely known than the Bayeux Tapestry.

I like the Bayeux Tapestry. I like the history of the era. It’s a subject that always holds me fascinated.

So when this particular article popped up in the newsfeeds a week or so ago, I knew I had to share it with you – it makes good weekend reading!

The Making of the Bayeux Tapestry article

Hand Embroidery Books

October 17, 2018

Lampshades: A Bright Way to Display Embroidery

The first time I saw a hand embroidered lampshade was in a book on Schwalm embroidery, sent to me by Luzine Happel, an expert in Schwalm embroidery from Germany who writes beautiful books on how to do Schwalm work.

I marveled at the pristine whitework stretched taut over the frame of a lamp – and I thought, “Now, there’s an embroidery finishing technique you don’t see too often!”

If you’re unfamiliar with Luzine’s Scwalm website, you should check it out! She features a nice article on an embroidered Schwalm lampshade, here. This is the lampshade:

Schwalm Embroidery Lampshade, Luzine Happel

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October 15, 2018

Differences between Bluprint & Craftsy

Lately, I’ve gotten quite a few folks asking me about Bluprint, and what the differences are between Bluprint and Craftsy.

A while ago, I reviewed quite a few of the Craftsy online embroidery classes that I like, explaining why I like them, what’s in them, and how they can be of value to the beginner (and beyond). They’re especially suited to those who don’t have classes or guild groups close by, or who might not have the wherewithal (flexibility in time, finances, or what-have-you) to attend face-to-face classes.

Recently, Craftsy and Bluprint have been showing up together online, so I want to explain the differences and highlight some pros and cons for those who are curious about the two.

Craftsy vs Bluprint online embroidery classes

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

Embroidery Tools: This Week on My Table

Stitching for Christmas Yet? Here’s Some Motivation!

Small Stitching – It’s Engrossing & Mesmerizing!

Silk and Gold: A Unique & Beautiful Embroidered Frontal

Weekend Reading: The Making of the Bayeux Tapestry

Lampshades: A Bright Way to Display Embroidery

Differences between Bluprint & Craftsy

Connect with Mary

How-To Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos