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 19, 2017
A quick start to the week here, with a little “hack” for embroidery floss organization!
This is a terrific idea from Brenda, a reader who sent along some photos of how she’s been keeping her collection of DMC floss organized for some 30 years.
If you have a large collection of floss – say, a complete set of DMC – this would work great!
June 16, 2017
Gingham lace, chicken scratch, gingham embroidery, snowflake embroidery, Depression lace – whatever you want to call it, embroidery on gingham, using a combination of cross stitches, double cross stitches and laced stitches, is an endearing, easy, cheerful type of needlework!
While it’s often seen worked on 1/4″ gingham or larger, I like working gingham lace in miniature, on 1/8″ gingham. The smaller gingham makes for a more delicate design that looks great on children’s clothing, household goods, and other accessories made out of gingham. Anything we do here, though, can also be worked on 1/4″ gingham or larger – just remember to increase the weight or thickness of the thread, to compensate for the larger stitches.
If you’ve never dabbled in chicken scratch but you want to – after all, summer is a perfect time to sport some gingham for picnics and parties – you’ll find several tutorials and patterns here on Needle ‘n Thread for gingham embroidery.
Today, I’ll show you step-by-step how to work a leafy border in gingham embroidery, that’s perfect for dressing up your chicken scratch with a little color and flair!
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.
