August 7, 2015

Best Instructional Books for Goldwork Embroidery

I’m very excited that Search Press’s new edition of A-Z of Goldwork with Silk Embroidery is out now in the UK, and coming very soon (by September, I believe) to the US.

The re-printing of the A-Z series of needlework books (which I wrote about here) is a great thing for the embroidery world. The books, printed and distributed by Search Press, are now available more affordably, and hopefully, they’ll be available for a good long time.

Getting my little paws on the new edition of A-Z of Goldwork reminded me why I love this book. It prompted me to put together a short list of goldwork reference and instructional books that are definitely worth having on your needlework book shelf.

A-Z of Goldwork Embroidery - Search Press edition - and other goldwork instructional books

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August 6, 2015

True Confessions: I’m a Messy Stitcher

I wil tell you this unashamedly:

I am a Messy Stitcher.

And sometimes, just between you and me and the dog, I am a Very Messy Stitcher.

Being a Messy Stitcher can lead to some Problems, especially if you rely on embroidery for your livelihood (which I do).

The biggest problem has to do with Productivity.

As a Messy Stitcher, it’s very easy to lose track of things – from needles and threads to ideas and decisions.

I reconcile my Messy-Stitching-Habits with my Need-to-Be-Productive through one little object that I’m never without. And since it accidentally showed up in a photo, I thought I’d chat about it with you.

My Workstation for Hand Embroidery - it's a mess!

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August 5, 2015

Oh, that Needlework Bucket List!

Please tell me I’m not the only one who has a Bucket List when it comes to embroidery projects!

A Bucket List is a list of accomplishments or experiences that we want to eventually achieve. Often, these are events, projects, plans that we consider luxuries right now, that we work towards as life progresses.

I probably don’t have to tell you that Bucket List items often are not achieved. We think about them a lot, we dream about them often, we pine for them and plan for them – but it isn’t unusual that they don’t happen. Life takes us down one course, then another, and before we know it, the opportunity to experience this or that on our Bucket List is gone forever.

But it doesn’t have to be that way!

If you’ve been nurturing the Cabinet of Curiosities courses offered by Tricia Nguyen on Thistle Threads as part of your Bucket List, I want to encourage you to take the leap and get in on the current openings for this class. I’ll tell you why…

Cabinet of Curiosities stumpwork box by Jeri Zoubek

Hand Embroidery Tutorials

August 4, 2015

Gingham Embroidery Tutorial: Watermelon!

Here’s a fun project for summer stitching! If you’re familiar with chicken scratch embroidery, I think you’ll love this adorable chicken scratch border that features watermelons embroidered on gingham with chicken scratch techniques.

If you’re not familiar with chicken scratch, no problem! It’s a very simple style of embroidery that creates a lacy look on gingham fabric. You can learn all about it through these articles, tutorials, and projects for chicken scratch embroidery. So many possibilities with this humble, pretty, embroidery style!

Gingham Embroidery, chicken scratch tutorial - watermelon

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August 3, 2015

Goldwork Jewelry – Kits Give-Away!

To kick off the month of August and the first week therein, I thought this morning a good time for a give-away!

On Friday, I mentioned Tanja Berlin’s new Etsy shop, where she’s offering kits and digital downloads for a number of her designs, including some neat little goldwork and metal thread embroidered jewelry pieces.

I can think of several reasons for wanting these kits, though they might not be the reasons you’d expect. I’ll let you in on them below!

Tanja thought I might want to give away a couple of the kits to readers here on Needle ‘n Thread, so today I’m giving away one of each. Read on to see how to enter the give-away. It’s quite simple, I promise.

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July 31, 2015

Needlework News Snips – July’s End!

Well, we’ve come to the end of July.

I’m not sure exactly where the month went. Probably lost in the dryer with half my socks, I suppose.

Let’s end the month with some needlework news snips for your weekend reading and enjoyment, shall we?

This is the perfect time to pour yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea and pull up for a relaxing little break. I’ll share some information, inspiration, and new stuff out in the embroidery world with you.

Come, join me. Let’s explore!

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July 30, 2015

Changing the Size of French Knots

My little secret pleasure this week has been working on this embroidered tree. When I’m supposed to be doing Other Things, I find myself picking this up and putting in just a few (or so) little stitches.

I overcome the guilt by telling myself that at least I’m accomplishing Something.

Besides, it’s fun to watch it bloom!

Because I’m using a non-divisible thread on this wee tree (specifically, coton a broder #25), I’ve been playing around with different ways to change the size of the French knot blossoms.

I thought I’d share some tips with you on how to successfully vary the size of French knots when you’re working with one thread.

Hand Embroidered Blooming Tree with French Knot blossoms

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

Best Instructional Books for Goldwork Embroidery

True Confessions: I’m a Messy Stitcher

Oh, that Needlework Bucket List!

Gingham Embroidery Tutorial: Watermelon!

Goldwork Jewelry – Kits Give-Away!

Needlework News Snips – July’s End!

Changing the Size of French Knots

Connect with Mary

How-To Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos