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
July 11, 2014
Today, I’d like to share with you another embroidered monogram from the Delicate Spray alphabet – this one is an N and it’s just lovely!
And then, for the fun of it, I’ll add the next three letters for the alphabet – P, Q, and R.
July 10, 2014
Imagine yourself going all-out on an embroidery project, focusing all your concentration on that particular piece of needlework, getting into it, moving along on it, always having it there and ready for you when you have time to stitch…and then you run into the Brick Wall of Indecision.
Or at least, you find yourself second-guessing a previous decision and coming to a complete halt while you ponder your options.
Ever happen?
Well, it happens to me, probably at least once on every large project I work! The Hummingbird Color Kerfuffle we talked about yesterday – and to which you responded mightily with many excellent suggestions! – is exactly this kind of situation.
I always find pauses in a project like this a good opportunity to take stock of my workroom, re-organize, and clean up a bit. Doing so gives me time to think. And when I’ve finished tinkering and organizing, I’ve usually finished thinking as well.
Not only do I have a fresh perspective for my embroidery, but I end up with a moderately well-organized workspace where I can launch back into my project with an easier mind and a better sense of order about me.
July 9, 2014
Last week, I finished the flowers on the Secret Garden embroidery project – finally!
Two feelings welled up inside me upon completion of the flowers: 1. that sense of elation you feel when you’ve finally plowed through to a seemingly elusive goal; 2. that sense of trepidation at what comes next!
July 8, 2014
Last week, I reviewed Di van Niekerk’s new silk ribbon embroidery book, Little Flowers in Silk & Organza Ribbon. It’s a gorgeous book, accessible to beginners and beyond, with beautiful ribbon embroidery projects within!
July 7, 2014
After seeing (and sharing with you) Jacqueline’s lovely little embroidered E, I find myself more in love than ever with this particular monogram alphabet!
I’m looking forward to taking some time to work some of the letters in the near(ish) future. Monogrammed items make perfect gifts, and I’d like to monogram some gifts for Christmas this year. That’s the plan, anyway.
And that’s one of the reasons I’m pummeling you with a set of three letters each week – when I do get to the point of working some of the monograms, I want you to have access to all the letters, too.
Today, the next set of three letters: the M, N, and O.
July 5, 2014
Over the past several weeks, I’ve been sharing a monogram alphabet for hand embroidery with you. I’ve dubbed it the “Delicate Spray” alphabet, and you can find the other letters in the alphabet listed on this page of free monogram patterns here on Needle ‘n Thread.
Today, I’d like to show you a reader’s interpretation of this alphabet, to give you a good idea of how you can use traditional monogramming techniques to embroider the individual letters in the Delicate Spray alphabet.
July 4, 2014
There are embroidery projects, and then there are Embroidery Projects.
And Janice Gail’s embroidered casket is definitely the latter – an Embroidery Project Extraordinaire!
Today, I’d like to share some photos of her masterpiece with you so that you have something enchanting to explore over the weekend.
You can click on any of the photos below to make them larger.
