September 2, 2015

Iron-On Embroidery Transfers – Comparisons, Tips & Resources

So, being the ~~lazy bum~~ “highly efficient person” that I am, there are times when I opt for certain quick modes of embroidery design transfer, despite the fact that I have misgivings that they’ll work as I need them to.

The Thing is, there is Nothing quite so appealing as a design transfer method that takes a mere 30 seconds. And this is precisely what an iron-on embroidery transfer promises.

Don’t get me wrong – I have nothing against iron-on transfers, in the right circumstances. But there are times when an iron-on might not be the best solution, despite the promise of a quick transfer. For example, if your lines will not be completely covered with stitching, don’t opt for an iron-on. They usually don’t wash out. Opt for a transfer method that you are sure will leave no trace of a pattern.

And then there are times when the iron-on itself might be problematic. All iron-ons are not created equal. Let me show you what I mean.

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September 1, 2015

Tool Talk: Custom Slate Frames!

The slate frame is possibly the Best Embroidery Frame that you can invest in.

Slate frames have been around for centuries, and it’s no wonder. In concept, it’s quite a simple thing – horizontal “roller” bars are held apart from each other by vertical slats or stretchers. The vertical bars pass through the ends of the horizontal bars, which sport a twill “tape” to which the fabric is sewn, top and bottom. Space and tension are maintained by pegs stuck in the holes in the vertical bars. The fabric is further tensioned by lacing it on the sides, until it is truly the drum-tautest fabric you could want.

You can adjust your tension on your fabric, by tightening the laces or adding another peg of space in the vertical bars.

Projects set up on a slate frame can stay there interminably, until they’re finished. And when they’re finished and removed, you just have four slats of wood and four pegs to store.

Whether your stitching forte is cross stitch, needlepoint, surface embroidery, whitework, crewel, goldwork – it doesn’t matter. A slate frame can handle them all!

If you’re not sure what a slate frame is, you might find this article on dressing a slate frame handy. You’ll see what the frame is, and one way of setting it up.

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August 31, 2015

Mixed Media: Paint & Embroidery in Miniature

I’m not much of a painter.

But looking at the miniature paintings of Carol André makes me wish I were!

Carol paints traditional miniatures, which, according to her website, is “defined both by size and technique. A true miniature is 25 square inches or less, and is highly detailed, able to withstand magnification and still look good, and generally the subject should be 1/6th scale or smaller.”

To add a new dimension to her artwork, Carol began adding some embroidery to some of her miniature paintings, and the outcome is quite delightful. Keep in mind that these pieces are small – and you’ll get the sense of how small, at the end of the article!

Mixed Media: Paint and Embroidery in Miniature - Church in Mt. Vernon, Iowa

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August 28, 2015

The Lost Adventure of Satin Stitch & Floche

Once upon a time, in the deep, dark recesses of time (as in, two or three years ago), a rather addle-brained embroiderer (that would be me) set out on a stitching adventure with two of her best friends: Floche and Satin Stitch.

Over peaks and through valleys, the three risked life and limb (ok, maybe not) to complete an Embroidery Quest and reach Embroidery Paradise (or at least, to complete a little test project).

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August 27, 2015

Bead Embroidery by a Beginner? (and some Silk Work)

I always marvel (and rejoice!) when I see intricate needlework projects successfully completed by stitchers who are beginners in that technique.

When this happens, it illustrates the point that, with a little courage and determination, any kind of needlework is accessible! It just depends on how badly you want to do it.

Case in point: Cathy Pratt. She’s a geologist by day, and obviously pretty keen about needlework when she’s not geologizing!

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August 26, 2015

Come, Travel with Me!

You’ve probably noticed that there’s a magnificent trend going on right now in needlework-related travel. I love it!

I love the fact that embroiderers are getting out and about to workshops, tours, and retreats in exotic places, from the Highland castles of Scotland to shipboard tropical cruises, where they can interact with other embroidery enthusiasts, learn about embroidery, and explore local needlework, all while enjoying the little luxuries and fineries afforded by the vacation.

What a way to take a holiday!

The fact is, though, I don’t travel a lot right now. For the majority of us, the time might not be quite right for our dream vacation. Work, family obligations, financial restraints and the like keep us dreaming. Some day! Some day!

But this doesn’t mean I’m not intensely curious about how these grand experiences play out! I love it when folks on the workshop or traveling end of the experience send me photos and emails. It’s a great way to vicariously take part!

Today, I’d like to share with you some photos from a current needlework retreat in the Lakes District in England. The retreat is going on right now, and it looks lovely!

So, let’s escape together for a little bit, shall we?

Arts & Crafts needlework retreat in the Lake District of England, with the Crewel Work Company

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August 25, 2015

Reader’s Embroidery: Sajou Initials for the Whole Family

Over the next several weeks, off and on, I’ll be featuring embroidery projects from fellow stitchers in the Needle ‘n Thread community.

I like to share what other people have been doing with their own needle and thread, and that’s why I started, many years ago (way back in 2007!), this ongoing series highlighting your embroidery projects. When we see a wider range of stitching from folks all over the world, it enriches our own needlework experiences – it helps inspire us, it gives us new ideas and a broader outlook.

If you want to participate in the series, it’s really easy! Just drop me a line at mary(at)needlenthread(dot)com, attach your photos, and tell me a bit about the project.

Today, I want to share with you a beautiful piece by Laura Bray, a reader from North Wales. It involves some gorgeous decorative initials – and here’s the story behind it.

Embroidered decorative initials - Sajou 621

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

Iron-On Embroidery Transfers – Comparisons, Tips & Resources

Tool Talk: Custom Slate Frames!

Mixed Media: Paint & Embroidery in Miniature

The Lost Adventure of Satin Stitch & Floche

Bead Embroidery by a Beginner? (and some Silk Work)

Come, Travel with Me!

Reader’s Embroidery: Sajou Initials for the Whole Family

Connect with Mary

How-To Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos