About

Mary Corbet

writer and founder

 

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

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Silk, Glorious Silk!

 

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It’s been a long time since I’ve embroidered a whole project in silk threads.

But the fact is, I love silk embroidery threads, and if I could, I’d embroider the entire world with silk thread!

So you can well imagine how excited I am to launch into another little (bigger) kaleidoscope project, this time worked entirely in silk. I’m in Hog Heaven – Silk Hog Heaven, that is!

I picked out a four-color, multi-shade palette to work with for this particular design. I found myself sucked into the project, dreaming about it at night and waking up extra early to get stitches in. You know how it is…

So, today I thought we could chat about these particular silk threads, because I love them so.

Silk Embroidery Thread: Au Ver a Soie's Soie d'Alger
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Chatelaine: A Gorgeous (and useful) Embroidery Kit

 

You might have noticed I’ve been reviewing quite a few hand embroidery kits lately.

Back in April, we discussed designer’s embroidery kits – that is, embroidery kits directly from the designer, as opposed to embroidery kits that you might find at a big box craft store or similar.

Since then, I’ve been reviewing some kits that I plan to work so that you can get a close-up look at them and maybe make a decision on whether you want to work any of them, too.

You see, I love kits. I might design my own stuff, but that doesn’t keep me from loving other people’s designs and the kits that come from them. I consider stitching someone else’s kit almost like eating dessert. Dinner may be really good and it certainly sustains you, but dessert – ahhhh. Dessert! It’s a source of decadent pleasure!

I always feel a bit luxurious when I work a kit. I suppose it’s because all the really hard work is already done – I just have to sit back and enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labor while I indulge in the pure pleasure of stitching.

Today, I want to show you a kit involving silk embroidery with some tiny gold accents. The finished products are gorgeous and useful embroidery accessories.

Inspirations Embroidery Kit: Chatelaine
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16 Favorite Monogram Alphabets – All in One Place!

 

For all you monogram lovers out there, I’m really excited to share today’s article with you!

Ever since I first started posting monogram alphabets on Needle ‘n Thread, I’ve had requests to make the whole alphabets available in one PDF, so that they were easy to download and organize, to pull up whenever you need a pretty letter to stitch.

Finally, I finished doing that – and not only with the monogram alphabets you’ll already find on Needle ‘n Thread, but with a heap of other alphabets, too!

So, today, I’m happy to present…

Favorite Monograms: A Design Resource for Hand Embroidery and Other Crafts
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Forget the Adult Coloring Books – This is Much More Fun!

 

Adult coloring books are all the rage, and while they’re a heap of fun in a lot of ways, I think I’ve found an even better outlet for needle and thread lovers!

Careful, though – it might become addictive!

This weekend, I finished the kaleidoscope design I’ve been playing with.

When I put the last stitch in, I was almost sorry to see the end of the project. I say almost, because my brain was churning with ideas for the next one!

Kaleidoscope Embroidery Design Sample
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Needlework News Snips – July, 2016

 

Happy Saturday! Time to grab your favorite cup, fill it up, and pull up a chair for a little online browse!

In Needlework News Snips, I like to share little embroidery-related snippets that I’ve come across online, hither and yon.

Usually, my Snips are a hodgepodge of inspiration, information, and instruction – a pretty picture or a neat project that caught my eye and that might inspire you; embroidery products, sales, or resources that sound interesting; or maybe a tutorial here and there…whatever happens to pop up whenever I have time to browse about through online embroidery haunts.

It’s a good time for me to share any newsy bits specifically related to Needle ‘n Thread, too, so I usually throw those in at the end of the list.

It’s a meandering journey, sometimes short, sometimes long. And the only thing required to enjoy it is your favorite morning beverage!

(A pastry probably wouldn’t go amiss, either.)

Shall we browse?

Needlework News Snips July 2016

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Summer Stitching Ideas

 

What makes a good summer stitching project?

The answer to this will vary, undoubtedly, depending on what you like to do in the summer, the type of climate you live in, and whether you’re a “seasonal” stitcher. And of course, there’s the whole question of what you like to stitch, too!

For me, a summer stitching project should have a few key attributes. I’ll share my ideas on those below, and then suggest some projects that would make a good fit for summer stitching.

Gingham Embroidery
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