August 20, 2018
Out of Commision for a Wee Bit
Well, my friends, I will be away from Needle n Thread this week. I am talk typing this on my … Continue reading Out of Commision for a Wee Bit
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…
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.
August 13, 2018
Embroidered Treasures: Birds
Way back in January, I reviewed the book, Embroidered Treasures: Flowers, a wonderful compilation of embroidery pieces held by the Embroiderers’ Guild of the UK.
Guess what? The next Embroidered Treasures album is coming soon – and today, I just wanted to give you a heads up and quick little look at it!
August 10, 2018
10 Hand Embroidery Stitches for Stems & Branches
Stems and branches – you’re bound to run into them at some point in hand embroidery!
Whether it’s tree branches, wispy herbal shoots, curly vines and tendrils, heavy stalks, or stylized stems on stylized flowers, it’s highly probably that at some point in your embroidery journey, you’ll have to make a decision on the stitches to use to interpret these types of growing things.
To help you make just such a decision, I’ve put together a list of my favorite 10 hand embroidery stitches to use for stems and branches, with information on how they can be used and links to tutorials.
August 8, 2018
Simple Floral Borders – Free Hand Embroidery Design
Happy Mid-Week!
Today, just a quick little free hand embroidery design for you. I worked a very simple floral border up earlier this summer, thinking I might use it on a linen towel or even a flour sack towel.
After playing around with it for a bit, this was the resulting little border:
August 6, 2018
Kids’ Embroidery – The Last Installment
I promise this is the last installment on this year’s summer embroidery classes for kids!
I just wanted to share a few more photos, insights, and learning experiences from the recent round of kids’ classes, for those who have written in to ask questions and for those who want to teach children to embroider, too.
Here are a few progress photos and a few more finishes, then, with some commentary along the way. I hope you enjoy seeing what the kids have accomplished over their three week embroidery adventure!
