March 31, 2014

How to Simplify the Embroidery

Some stitchers following along with the Secret Garden project have written to ask for tips on how to simplify the embroidery on their versions of the project, especially with regards to long & short stitch fillings.

At times like this, I wish I were an octopus… or a double-octopus (a sedecipus?). With 16 hands, I could embroider all the possibilities for every follow-along project on Needle ‘n Thread. Just imagine! And that way, I could answer so many questions visually, which would be easier all around.

But, since I only have two hands, we’ll have to settle for a few general tips. You can apply these to any surface embroidery project, not just the Secret Garden project.

To that end, here are some suggestions and thoughts on simplifying embroidery projects to make them more accessible to your own particular levels and likes.

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March 29, 2014

Searching for Schwalm Whitework?

I’m a huge fan of whitework embroidery of all types. And although I don’t do a lot of whitework compared to other forms of embroidery, I do dabble in whitework now and then.

One of my favorite types of whitework embroidery is Schwalm whitework.

I love Schwalm whitework for a few reasons: 1. It offers a never-ending plethora of variation, especially when it comes to fillings; 2. It involves relatively simple stitches, which makes it easy to get into; and 3. With its crisp white finish, airy openwork areas, and simple folky design elements, it’s really beautiful and, at the same time, it’s accessible. It doesn’t overwhelm.

Since it’s Saturday morning, how about we have a nice cup of coffee together while we browse through a wonderful Schwalm embroidery resource?

Hand Embroidery Patterns

March 28, 2014

Free Hand Embroidery Pattern: Rococo Bud

I have The Worst Time Ever trying to name hand embroidery designs.

It’s a great source of wonderment to me, how designers can repeatedly come up with apt, catchy, or elegant names for embroidery projects, kits, and designs! Or how thread manufacturers can come up with diverse color names that work!

When I try to come up with clever and appropriate names for designs or projects, words like thingy, stuff, and whatchamacallit come to mind.

Once upon a time, I thought about resorting to a numbering system. Project 1. Project 2. Project 214a. But that would be even worse, wouldn’t it?

So I really put my thinking cap on for this design, and I named it Rococo Bud.

It’s not necessarily a clever name. But it beats Acanthus-ish Thingamabob.

And if you say it ten times fast, it ends up twisting into nonsense words, like ropocobut, which makes it doubly entertaining.

Free Hand Embroidery Pattern: Rococo Bud

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March 27, 2014

Red, Red, Redwork – Slow Progress

Last time we looked at the Hungarian Redwork Runner project that I started some serious eons ago, the second end section of the runner was underway.

Here’s a brief little update on the slow progress of this project, just to prove that it isn’t forgotten and hasn’t been shelved!

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March 26, 2014

Stitch Fun! Buttonholed Bullion Buttonhole Wheels

It’s been a while since I’ve written a Stitch Fun tutorial! I’ve been aching to write one, though, for quite a while!

This particular combination of stitches results in a rather frivolous and fun spoked wheel. It would be perfect for adding to dimensional embroidery projects, Brazilian embroidery, highly textured embroidery, free style embroidery, and so forth.

Before we begin, if you’re not familiar with buttonhole wheels and bullion knots, you might take some time to watch the buttonhole wheel video tutorial and the bullion knot video tutorial.

Stitch Play: Buttonholed Bullion Buttonhole Wheels

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March 25, 2014

Leaf Clusters & the Order of Stitching

Last time we visited the Secret Garden project, I was reveling in Yellow. I still haven’t gotten over the excitement of the yellow – I want to outline every element on the project in yellow now!

But I’ll refrain…

Today, let’s look at some leaf clusters. There are quite a few clusters of leaves on the Secret Garden project. Some could certainly be translated into flowers. The three-leaf clusters, for example, could be worked as some kind of stylized flower, in colors other than green.

But, as I explained earlier, my color vision for this particular project is predominantly lush and vibrant green – lots of green. Very leafy and springy green. And so my clusters are all going to be leaves.

Secret Garden Project: Order of Stitching

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March 24, 2014

Silk Embroidered Blue Bird & Lessons Learned

Last week, I reviewed the book BiblioCraft, wherein you’ll find a project I designed, inspired by ornamental penmanship of the 19th century.

The project in the book is worked on a linen glass towel (like the one I used for this monogrammed towel). The one in the book was my second version of the project, though.

The first version of the project was worked in various types of silk thread, and it ended up looking like this:

Silk Embroidery Inspired by Ornamental Penmanship

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

How to Simplify the Embroidery

Searching for Schwalm Whitework?

Free Hand Embroidery Pattern: Rococo Bud

Red, Red, Redwork – Slow Progress

Stitch Fun! Buttonholed Bullion Buttonhole Wheels

Leaf Clusters & the Order of Stitching

Silk Embroidered Blue Bird & Lessons Learned

Connect with Mary

How-To Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos