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
December 20, 2014
Just popping in this morning to give you something to dream about while you’re sipping your coffee and waking up.
You know, just a little something to help you procrastinate on a Saturday morning!
The Crewel Work Company has announced their needlework retreat dates for next year. They look blissful, fabulous, dreamy – come see…
December 19, 2014
I’m pathetic when it comes to judging timing on my embroidery projects. I am an Over-Optimist when it comes to time.
If I just crack down and do it – Really Concentrate on it – it won’t take long at all. I can have that done in a day.
I tell myself things like that all the time. I give myself the Most Amazing pep rallies. Go, Mary. You can do it!
December 18, 2014
Yes, I know I should have done this two weeks ago! But there are a lot of things I’m doing right now, that I’m sure I should have done two weeks ago!
Every year, I’m accosted with the what-do-you-want-for-Christmas question, and I’m pretty sure there are plenty of stitchers out there who are also asked the same thing.
As time ticks away and Christmas looms closer, you still have a chance to lay out some heavy hints. If you have family and friends who might be baffled about what to get you for Christmas, forward this list!
You can even act like you did it accidentally.
And if you’re like me and you have to finagle (or even buy!) your own Christmas presents, maybe you’ll find something on the list you didn’t even know you wanted. Get it! Wrap it! Sneak it under the tree!
Then thank your husband, your wife, your brother, your sister, your parents – doesn’t matter who! – profusely for it.
December 17, 2014
Last week, we began Part 1 of this mini series on how to embroider and finish a Christmas ornament using materials, threads, and embellishments from your own stash.
Today, we’ll look at Part 2, which is essentially finishing the front of the ornament (even though, when I took the photos, I hadn’t finished the front of the ornament yet!). No excuse except (cue up the music): “It’s that time of year…”
(Is anyone else trying to figure out how we arrived at 8 days before Christmas, without warning?)
But see, that’s the nice thing about this project. It’s relaxing. It’s fun. It’s easy. And it should produce a nice finished ornament to either give as a gift or add to your own tree. Above all, this should be a no-stress project. And that’s exactly how I’m approaching it.
December 16, 2014
It’s just been released – Judy O’Dell’s Just-a-Thought needlework stand! And it’s lovely, and I’m excited about it, and I want to tell you all about it!
Update 2023: Judy has retired and this stand is no longer available.
I was very fortunate to receive a stand for review, after reviewing the prototype and giving feedback on it earlier this year. Even though I did receive the stand from Judy (thank you, Judy!), the review below is objective. I don’t get any kickback or anything if you buy a stand or if you don’t.
You’ll hear pros and cons, along with my own thought processes while unpacking the stand, putting it together and using it.
I’ll also compare the stand to other stands that I own, so that you have a good idea of what the Just a Thought Needlework Stand is and what it isn’t.
And all this, just in time for Christmas! If you have a needlework stand on your Christmas wish list, this one may fulfill all your Christmas dreams!
December 15, 2014
I love the word “ruched.” And I especially love it when it’s used in context with ribbon. Ruched ribbon – the two words just sound right together!
What does ruched mean? It means gathered, frilled, or pleated.
Ruched silk ribbon looks pretty neat, and it’s a great way to add some dimension and texture to the surface of an embroidery project.
On this Christmas ornament I’m currently working on, I added a little ring of ruched silk ribbon in pink. If it were done in green – perhaps speckled with tiny red seed beads – it would make an absolutely adorable Christmas wreath!
So, here are the instructions on how to create a ruched silk ribbon wreath or ring. You can adapt the approach to lines, squiggles, waves, whatever!
December 13, 2014
Howdy, howdy from the cornfields of Kansas!
Let’s take a break from the holiday hustle, shall we?
Grab a nice cup of something, and let’s explore some embroidery-related bits that have caught my eye in the past week or so. Some are informational, some are inspirational, but I hope all are enjoyable!
