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
November 21, 2016
I’ve made a little more progress on the Mellerstain Firescreen crewel embroidery project that we talked about a couple weeks ago, and that I reviewed here.
Today, I’ll answer some questions and share a couple stitching tips – whether you’re working on this particular project, your own crewel project, or even any other embroidery project where the tips are still relevant.
I’ll also share a quandary and ask your opinion!
November 19, 2016
Howdy-ho and a vigorous good morning from a chilly Kansas!
Inspiration, instruction, information, and all kinds of tasty needlework tidbits – that’s what I’m serving up today.
I’m also going to share some juicy gossip with you at the end of the article, and ask for your help.
So, grab a cup (or two) of your favorite steamy morning beverage and let’s sit down and have a chat!
(You might grab a sweater, too. It is really cold here this morning!)
November 18, 2016
Today, some thread talk!
You might remember that a while back, I reviewed this dragon embroidery kit from Roseworks Embroidery Designs in South Africa.
Used throughout the design (and in many other Roseworks kits) are threads from House of Embroidery, a dye house also located in South Africa.
The review prompted a slew of inquiries about finding House of Embroidery threads in the US.
So I put on my Needle ‘n Thread Hat, did some research, made some connections, tested some threads (gosh, it’s a tough job!), took lots of photos, begged for some favors, arranged a terrific thread deal for you (update 2017: the deal has expired – sorry!) – and today’s article is the result of all that “hard work.”
Oh, the things I do for you! Like I said, it’s a tough job…chortle chortle.
November 16, 2016
If you’re like me, you’re probably still thinking it’s early days in the whole holiday preparation scheme of things.
I’ve heard that there are highly motivated, highly organized stitchers out there who actually embroider things for Christmas early in the year.
While I admire them – and I often wish I were one of those people – it never really works out that way for me. Usually, somewhere between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I get a hair-brained idea to stitch up holiday gifts. And then I do those frenzied late-night stitching sessions a couple days before the gift is due.
Don’t be like me! There’s still plenty of time to stitch up a fun gift or two for Christmas, enjoying the whole stitching process in a relaxed and calm state.
Here are some project ideas to help you do just that!
November 14, 2016
Ahhhh, Monday! I love you! I always feel like you give me a fresh start!
Today’s article isn’t precisely a fresh start – it’s a continuation of the floral scrip monogram alphabet that I’m adding to this collection of free monogram patterns for hand embroidery here on Needle ‘n Thread.
Today’s letters are Q, R, S and T.
This particular alphabet has features the weird S and T. If you’re a fan of monograms alphabets – especially those from older sources – you’ve probably pondered the weird S and T before.
November 12, 2016
Happy Weekend!
Today, someone out there is going to be a very happy winner of a copy of the recently re-printed Home Sweet Home, a very popular needlework book featuring an embroidered workbox and all its accessories, offered by the kind folks at Wooly Thread.
In fact, speaking of book popularity, we’ll talk a little bit about that below, too – what makes the book so popular, and its previous and subsequent appearance, disappearance, reappearance, disappearance, reappearance…and disappearance!
November 11, 2016
Whenever I talk about embroidery, I use the term love a lot.
But “hate” rarely comes into my embroidery conversation.
Hate is a strong word. When I was growing up, it was one of those words that garnered a quick reprimand from the Powers that Were.
“Don’t say hate. Say dislike.”
But there are certain areas of embroidery where I find myself courting a love-hate relationship.
As I ventured into this crewel embroidery project, I remembered that crewelwork is one of those areas.
Now, before you write me off, hear me out!
I love the project. And there are many aspects of crewel embroidery in general that I love.
But no matter how much my heart overflows with love for crewel work and this project in particular, there are some aspects that I dislike. Strongly.
Today, I’m going to share with you the deep, dark secrets of this love-hate relationship.
