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September 10, 2018

Madeira Embroidery in the News – Beautiful Stuff!

 

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I love it when hand embroidery that’s been carried on for generations and generations hits the news. I think it’s a good sign that we still appreciate – and have a need for – beautiful handmade goods!

Recently, Euronews published a small blurb and video on hand embroidery from Madeira, off the northwest coast of Portugal.

The video is definitely worth watching! It demonstrates the value of handing down needlework skills through generations.

Madeira Embroidery, handed down through generations
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September 7, 2018

Making it Work: A Butterfly & Some Stitchy Bits

 

Good morning, all! And a Happy Friday all around!

The last couple days, I’ve been picking up this little piece of stitching that I showed you on Wednesday (with the hollyhocks), and working a few stitches here and there, now and then, in a very laid-back sort of way.

And you know, I’m thoroughly convinced that this is the way embroidery for pleasure should be – you pick it up when the urge strikes, you stitch on it for as long as you’re enjoying the process and it gives you some pleasure or relaxation, and then you put it down until the next time. No pressure. Just enjoy it!

While I’ve been working on this little project, I’ve had to play the “make do” game. It’s a good game to play!

Embroidered Butterfly - Simple Design & Stitches
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September 5, 2018

Embroidered Hollyhocks with Buttonhole Stitch

 

Good morning, my friends! It has been a long while – the longest blogging break I’ve ever taken! – since writing something for Needle ‘n Thread. Hopefully, this streak is well and truly over!

I’m on the mend, and I can finally sit at a desk. I’ve summarized a small personal update at the end of this article, for those who want to read it. Thank you ever-so-much for the influx of well-wishes! When I returned from the hospital, there were over 1,200 emails in my inbox. I’ve read them all, and they cheered me considerably. I’m sorry I can’t respond to each individually!

While convalescing, I managed to do only a tiny bit of stitching this whole time.

I thought I’d share that with you, along with a couple tips on how to embroider your own hollyhocks.

How to Embroider Hollyhocks in a garden border
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August 17, 2018

Goldwork Frame: A Big Mistake & A Dilemma

 

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has ever run into a rather major problem right in the middle of an embroidery project.

This problem is entirely of my own making – it’s one of underestimating (or perhaps of being overly optimistic? I can’t decide!)

In any case, I have a dilemma, and I’m totally open to your suggestions on how to solve it!

A while ago, I shared the beginning of this round goldwork frame that I’m working on right now. I’ll include the links at the end of this article, so you can see the backstory and how the project has developed step-by-step.

But in the meantime, let’s just launch into my little problem…

Goldwork Frame - Passing Thread filling
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August 15, 2018

Schwalm Whitework Embroidery – with a Twist!

 

It’s midweek – a perfect time for a little burst of inspiration for you!

Over on the Needle ‘n Thread Community on Facebook, members are treated to incredible amounts of inspirational embroidery each week.

For the past couple weeks, one member – Cathinka Hoff Strønstad, from Norway – has been sharing her exploration of Schwalm whitework embroidery, which she is learning thanks to the excellent tutelage of Luzine Happel, in Germany. If you’re not familiar with Luzine’s beautiful Schwalm embroidery books, you should take a look at them!

As Cathinka worked her way through one of the projects designed by Luzine, she shared her progress. And then she showed us what happens when you become familiar and confident with a technique, and your mind starts playing with possibilities.

Schwalm Whitework stitched by Cathinka Hoff Strønstad
Continue reading “Schwalm Whitework Embroidery – with a Twist!”