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
December 2, 2016
Besides working on this crewel embroidery project I’ve been sharing with you recently, I’ve got a few other hand embroidery projects on the go.
I’ve added something bright into my current project mix, to bring a little sunshine into the chilly gray days of winter. It’s Modern Crewel designed by Susan Porter and detailed in Inspirations Magazine Issue #90. I reviewed the kit for Modern Crewel here, if you’d like to read my review.
November 30, 2016
We’re back to A Stitcher’s Christmas, and this time, it’s embroidery books!
Remember last week when we chatted about the A-Z series of needlework books published by Search Press? Well, here’s your opportunity to win three beautiful and functional A-Z books for your own needlework library.
I’m also announcing the winners of last week’s Stitcher’s Christmas give-away – so read on to see if it’s you!
November 28, 2016
Last week, we looked at progress on the Mellerstain Firescreen kit that I’m working my way through.
This weekend’s stitching bout was a journey of self-discovery when it comes to crewel. I found out I’m too uptight with my stitches. They’re not as long and sketchy as they should be, especially in the large grass shards on top of the hillocks.
In fact, some of the grasses look pretty d-r-e-a-dful.
But…all that being said…the piece is coming along! Today, I’ll show you a correction, and then an interpretation. I’ll also defend my case for rabbits.
November 26, 2016
As the post-Thanksgiving weekend continues here in the US, I thought I’d pop in and let you know that I’ve clambered onto the band-wagon!
Oh yes, I’ve clambered! Because there’s just nothing better than a bandwagon to get things going!
Today is what retailers have been calling lately “Small Business Saturday” – when you’re encouraged to patronize small locally owned businesses to do your holiday shopping.
While I generally see most name-dubbing of specific days as marketing ploys, the whole “go forth and support small businesses” is a strategy that’s totally worthwhile.
November 25, 2016
Good morning and happy Day After Thanksgiving!
Today, we kick off A Stitcher’s Christmas! This is a series of pre-Christmas give-aways here on Needle ‘n Thread for some delectable embroidery stuff, just in time for Christmas!
I’m kicking off the series with some gorgeous over-dyed threads, courtesy of Colour Complements…because, after all, who doesn’t like thread?
November 24, 2016
Here in the US, we celebrate Thanksgiving today!
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and after this past year of all kinds of interesting adventures, I know I have much to be thankful for!
In fact, I’m pretty convinced that every day should be a day of thanksgiving.
November 22, 2016
Back in October, we chatted about a series of needlework books called Beginners Guides, that are super-valuable to have in your embroidery library. The books are excellent, especially for stitchers who want to explore specific needlework techniques that they might not have tackled before.
Today, we’ll look at another great series of embroidery books that are for beginners and experts alike – the A-Z Series of needlework books. The A-Z series is an instructional reference series that has been around for a while and has been a best seller in the industry. Understandably, the books have a huge fan base, because they’re just that good!
If you’re just getting into embroidery and you’re looking for instructional books that will take you step-by-step in a logical, methodical way through learning stitches and techniques, these books are perfect for that.
