I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more
Contact Mary
I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more
Contact Mary
May 15, 2017
Good morning, and a Happy Monday all around!
Today, I want to share a little stitching inspiration with you, to give you an idea of what you can do with the free embroidery patterns available here on Needle ‘n Thread!
This particular piece comes by way of Peggy Kimball, who stitched up her interpretation of the embroidery design I shared with you here, using surface embroidery and stumpwork techniques.
I think it came out great!!
May 13, 2017
Joy, bliss! It’s Saturday! And the weekend is upon us!
It was a busy week behind the scenes here at Needle ‘n Thread. I managed to get a few projects sorted, I’ve gotten a heap of computer work done, and doggonit, I’m glad it’s the weekend!
After my kerfuffle with the linen I showed you yesterday, I tested a couple different fabrics. I’ll share those tests with you down the road.
For the sheer fun of it, I set up a new embroidery project – the full version of the design you saw in yesterday’s article. This time, it’s on crisp white linen, and not for a tote bag. I really like the design and I’m eager to stitch out the concept for it that’s floating around in my head. So I’m looking forward to the first stitches on that this weekend.
Today, I have some fun embroidery-related newsy bits to keep you entertained through the weekend. And I’m going to announce the winner of the Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork give-away, too.
So, grab yourself a cup of your favorite morning brew, and let’s kick back and browse a bit together, shall we?
May 12, 2017
I don’t really want you to stop stitching! No, no! Never that!
The title above is what I finally had to say to myself the other day. I knew I was wasting my time from the very start of the project. I knew it before I put design to fabric, fabric in hoop, thread in needle, or stitch on design.
I knew it, and yet I persisted. But I finally reached a point when I had to tell myself, “Stop!”
Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t have some inflated value of what my own time is worth. How we value our time depends on so many different circumstances, and normally, we (or at least I) don’t consider the “value” of time when I’m getting a lot of pleasure from stitching, no matter what kind of stitching it is, how good it’s turning out, or what it’s intended for.
But there comes a point!
For me, it’s that point when I know the thing I’m working on is not going to turn out how I want it to; when I know that, no matter what I do to it, it won’t work! And once I know that, there’s no point in going forward.
May 10, 2017
I think I’m becoming a light junkie.
I have a number of lights that I work under, depending on stitching circumstances.
I’m firmly convinced that – aside from your needle, thread, and fabric – lighting is the most important consideration when it comes to doing detailed needlework.
What it boils down to is this: you just can’t stitch in the dark!
And the better your lighting, the more accurate and successful your stitching.
So, yep, I’m a light junkie!
I have several lights to stitch by. Some are floor lamps out in my workroom. They hang over my table. Some are little book lights that come in handy in a pinch, especially when stuck in the car, commuting, traveling. I have a couple average task lamps I can use when other people are stitching with me, so that they have task lighting if they need it. I have my magnifier and light combo for extra-fine, tiny stitching. I have one pretty lousy battery operated task lamp that I can take with me if I need to. And I have a sunny front porch that works great this time of year!
But now…. now I have a Stella Two, thanks oodles to the folks at Stella Lighting! They didn’t ask me to, but I’m going to review this particular light for you, because I think it’s worth knowing about if you’re in the market for a task lamp.
May 8, 2017
Gotta love these last minute, I-put-it-off-too-long embroidery projects! If nothing else, the finish is always a relief!
With an hour to spare on Sunday morning, I put the last stitches in this embroidered prayer book cover for my niece’s First Communion, slid the thing in a plastic bag (who needs gift wrap?) and hustled it off to the happy recipient!
So here’s a recap on the project, materials and techniques, in case you want to duplicate something similar. I suggest perhaps allowing a little more time, so you’re not hustling at the last minute!
May 5, 2017
Happy Friday!
I thought a give-away would be a great way to end the week and to get you all revved up for the weekend!
Today’s give-away is courtesy of Carole Dyer, and it’s for your own brand-spanking new copy of the new edition of Ruth Chamberlin’s Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork.
May 3, 2017
Last week, I shared this embroidery design with you, that I’m using to embellish a cover for a First Communion prayer book for my niece.
Her First Communion is on Sunday, as a matter of fact, so this is a bit of a rush job. I’m still not sure if I can have it finished on time. But I’m not ready to give up yet!
Today, I’ll show you the beginnings, talk a bit about choices for stitches and whatnot, discuss a few details you have to pay attention to on this type of project, and tell you about flipping.
Yes.
Flipping.
