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
June 14, 2017
Have you ever had repeated frustrating experiences with the same needlework-related product and told yourself, I will never use this again?
I have!
Every time I work with these particular things that I’m going to talk about today, I say to myself, Never again!
And then, next thing I know, I’m using them again, because, strangely enough, I do like them!
Let me explain, by way of a very rare rant…
June 12, 2017
Yep. This fabric just Begs to be embroidered!
The coloring book craze overflowed into the fabric industry quite a while ago, and although these particular fabrics have been on the market for a bit, I didn’t take the plunge at first.
You can imagine, though, what my first thoughts were when I saw different lines of “coloring book” fabric coming out. Coloring with ink? No, no! Coloring with thread? Oh yes!
Earlier in the spring, when I started thinking towards summer activities for kids, birthday present ideas, and so forth, my mind went back to coloring book fabric.
Have you seen this stuff? What else is a stitcher supposed to do, when faced with fabric like this? Embroidery really is the only option!
June 10, 2017
Good morning, my friends, and a Happy Saturday all around!
Today, a few little news snips for your weekend reading, inspiration, and contemplation. I’m still trying to get my head around a couple of them – they befuddle me, by their sheer artistic genius!
I’ve also got a sweet little deal for Needle ‘n Thread readers, if you’re looking for a good task lamp!
So, a little Saturday morning browse for you – grab your cup of whatever (tea for me!) – and let’s jaunt, shall we?
June 9, 2017
Earlier this spring, I told you that one my favorite embroidery shops, Hedgehog Handworks, is closing.
Joady is retiring after many, many years of great service in the needlework world. The ‘Hog will be sorely missed!
This week, though Thursday, June 15th, Hedgehog is accepting final orders from their website. Everything is marked down at least 25%, so it’s a good time to get some good deals on their remaining stock of needlework supplies.
Here are some delectable things that are still available at the time of writing this, that are a really good deal and worth considering if you’re in the market for stash building, new threads, and new tools.
August, 2017 update: Hedgehog is closed!
June 7, 2017
I use a lot of stem stitch when I embroider – primarily, because it’s a pretty stitch, but also because it’s so versatile.
I can use it as a filling, and even as a shaded filling. I can use it for fine lines or heavy lines. I can use it as a foundation for other composite stitches. There are heaps of ways to use the stem stitch!
One of my favorite ways to use the stem stitch is for delicate lines that curl at the tips. Sometimes, though, it can be tricky to get the stem stitch to curl around a tight curve correctly.
So today’s stitch tip is a simple one, and pretty quick! Here’s how to stitch tight little curls with stem stitch. The same principle can be applied to hairpin turns, too, and any tight curves in stem stitch.
June 5, 2017
Have you ever started an embroidery project from scratch, with just a line drawing, and found yourself wondering, “What stitches should I use?”
Whether you’re new to embroidery or you’ve been stitching for a while, chances are, you’ve run into the What Stitch Where dilemma.
Today, I’m going to share five basic tips with you, to help you gain confidence in selecting your own stitches for hand embroidery projects. Down the road a bit, we’ll revisit the topic in much greater detail – let me I’ll explain why…
June 3, 2017
Happy First Saturday of June! Hard to believe it’s June, isn’t it?
This month marks the 11th anniversary of Needle ‘n Thread! I think I’ll have to do something special for you, come mid-month. Any suggestions?
I’ve had some fun gathering together some needlework news snips for your weekend perusal, and yes, the winners of last week’s silk thread give-away!
This week, it’s a bit o’ this and a bit o’ that. Travel seems to be on my mind lately, so there’s quite a bit on textile or needlework related travel.
Grab a cup of your favorite liquid indulgence – for me, it’s a creamy cup of beaten coffee this morning – and let’s go for a wander!
