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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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The Best Mini Hoops for Finishing Embroidery

 

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Today’s article is an example of either Really Bad Timing or Really Good Timing, depending on how you look at it.

I want to show you the Most Adorable, downright cute, perfectly constructed, beautifully finished tiny little hoops that you can use for finishing itty-bitty embroidery projects – whether you want to finish those little broder-bits into jewelry, ornaments, keychains, tiny framed things to hang from your ceiling all over your house…

Perhaps I should have mentioned these well before Christmas, so that you could use them to finish little embroidered ornaments or fun and unique jewelry to give as gifts. It’s too late for that now, but look at it this way: January gives you plenty of time to prepare for next Christmas, and for all the holidays, birthdays and other occasions in between!

Better yet, it’s also a great time to make something fun, just for yourself.

Miniature Hoops for Finishing Embroidery - for jewelry, ornaments
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Late Harvest: Long & Short Stitch, Inside Out – It Works!

 

The last time we visited Late Harvest, an embroidery kit that I’m working on that was designed by Hazel Blompkamp and featured in her book, Crewel Intentions, we discussed different approaches to the long & short stitch when filling a leaf.

I’m still struggling with those differences. But I keep trying! You know how they say it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks? Well, the same concept applies for stitchers.

Not that we’re dogs, mind you!

I did make some progress on the project last weekend – not a lot, but if you’ve been reading Needle ‘n Thread for a while, you know one of my recurring themes: some progress is always better than no progress!

Late Harvest Embroidery Project - long & short stitch and beads
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A Merry Christmas to All!

 

Happy Christmas Eve!

My big plans for today – to share with you a whole completed stack of red Christmas napkins embroidered with snowflakes using the patterns I’ve been posting on Needle ‘n Thread lately – have fizzled to naught!

Unless I sprout another eight arms and acquire another eight hours in the day, they won’t, alas, be finished. So I’ve decided to do what any sane person would do, and let it go. There’s always next year!

Merry Christmas!
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Tutorial for Stitching on Soluble Canvas & Free Patterns!

 

A happy Monday all around!

Although there are a mere four days left until Christmas, I want to share with you a tutorial I wrote for using soluble canvas on plain weave fabric, along with three new holiday stitching patterns.

These are quick projects to stitch up – even the larger of the three patterns works up fast! – so there’s still time, if you’re adventurous, to whip up a handmade gift or two before Friday.

Stitching on DMC water soluble canvas - free holiday stitching charts
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The Mother of All Snowflakes – Free Pattern

 

Just popping in to share with you another free snowflake pattern, in case you’re stitching up any holiday flakes this year!

This particular pattern is for a rather large snowflake – it would make a nice focal point on a table cloth or table runner, especially if surrounded by smaller flakes arranged in a pleasing way.

But it might just work on its own, on a little red cloth napkin, which is how I’m stitching it up. Granted, it takes almost a quarter of the cloth napkin – but it’s pretty, and it’s fun to stitch.

Large Snowflake Cross Stitch Pattern
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For History Buffs: Lady’s Magazine Stitch Off

 

For all you history buffs out there who like to combine embroidery with historical interests, there’s something fun going on over in the UK!

And, since it’s Monday, and Monday’s a great day to start thinking of new projects (because you really need another new project, right?!), I thought I’d point you to the Lady’s Magazine Stitch Off, in case you haven’t already seen it.

I think it’s a neat idea, and it would be great fun to participate!

Lady's Magazine Stitch Off - historical embroidery patterns
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