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
May 8, 2014
Earlier this spring, I added a couple gingham embroidery or chicken scratch patterns to Needle ‘n Thread.
I was working on this chicken scratch design in particular while playing around with the stuff, and the resulting square is now something useful.
I call it a Gingham Thingham.
May 7, 2014
The other day, we took a general glance at the embroidery on the flowers on the Secret Garden project, with an overview of the thread colors and embroidery stitches I’m using on the flowers.
Today, we’ll cover some stitching tips for the flowers. Even if you’re not stitching along with this project, these are the types of tips you can apply to your own embroidery projects. We’ll be looking primarily at satin stitch here, since it’s the only stitch on the flowers that might be a little challenging.
May 6, 2014
Have you even looked at a piece of vintage embroidery – say, a gorgeous whitework monogram with its satiny smooth surface and incredibly detailed adornment – and thought, “Wow. They just don’t make ’em like they used to!”
May 5, 2014
The other day, I gave you a little sneak peek at the flowers on the Secret Garden project, and today, as promised, we’ll chat about colors and stitches.
May 3, 2014
It’s only a quick glance today! Next week, I promise we’ll chat a bit more about the flowers on the Secret Garden embroidery project. We’ll look at colors and techniques, and I’ll give you some stitching tips.
But in the meantime, I just wanted to show you a splash of color on the linen, so you can get a sense of where the piece is going. Green, you see, is not the Only Color!
May 2, 2014
Earlier this week, I reviewed this very instructive and thorough Hedebo embroidery book – Guida al Ricamo Hedebo – and today, compliments of Stephania Bressan, I’m giving away a copy.
If you’d like a chance to win your own copy to add to your needlework library, read on…
May 1, 2014
When it comes to learning a new embroidery technique or improving your skills in a technique, I think one of the best ways to learn, short of private classes, is to work a kit designed by an expert in that particular technique.
I never hesitate to recommend stitchers to various designers around the world who provide excellent instruction through their embroidery kits.
When it comes to authentic crewel work, Phillipa Turnbull’s Crewel Work Company, located in the UK, produces beautiful, historical crewel kits replete with all the right materials and excellent instructions.
During May, Phillipa is offering something special to readers here on Needle ‘n Thread – an excellent way to learn crewel work, with an extra component beyond a kit. Read on, read on…
