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 23, 2013
Good morning, Friends! Today’s the eve of Christmas Eve, and it’s Monday, and it’s just a little over a week before we ring in 2014.
And all of those together make it a great day for a very special give-away!
A few weeks ago, I reviewed Margaret Lee’s beautiful and instructive new book, The Art of Chinese Embroidery.
December 21, 2013
Just a quick little note today to announce the winner of the Beam ‘n Read light give-away!
December 20, 2013
Last time we looked at the Mission Rose project, I was working on the outer frame.
I still am.
And I’m still pushing for that Christmas finish!
A few readers asked about finishing the twist that I’m using down the middle of the outer frame. It is obviously a much heavier thread than the passing threads and check threads surrounding it. So how do you finish twist at the end of a line? Do you plunge it? And if you do, how?
December 19, 2013
Shrewsbury Abbey, located in Shropshire, England, has been around for a Long Time! Founded as a Benedictine Monastery in the latter part of the 11th century, the portion of the Abbey that is still standing serves as a parish church.
For those who aren’t local to the area, but who are fans of British mystery shows, Shrewsbury Abbey (technically, the Abbey Church of St. Peter and St. Paul) is well known as the setting for the Cadfael mystery series.
When Virginia, a reader of Needle ‘n Thread, visited the Abbey recently, she took pictures of some of the embroidery she saw at the Abbey and sent the photos along. I thought I’d share them with you today. They’re beautiful!
December 18, 2013
Remember last week, when we discussed the angle of viewing this wool embroidery sample, where I’m playing with tambour embroidery in wool, along with a few other stitches?
Well, I fixed the long & short stitch filling on that little paisley shape in the center, and I thought you’d want to see it. And as things like this always go, once I fixed that, I started in, ripping out another section, too.
Don’t worry. Eventually I’ll get it.
December 17, 2013
We’re in the last month of 2013, and although I’m probably not the most organized person in the world, I do actually attempt to keep a semblance of order and organization in my life, by way of Planning Ahead.
I find that if I have some kind of plan to follow – some kind of long-term schedule and short-term schedule so I know where I want to go and what I need to do to get there – I’m a much happier person. And this is especially true here on Needle ‘n Thread.
Planning ahead is super-essential, if I want to keep Needle ‘n Thread alive. And I couldn’t do it without you. I would have no interest in keeping Needle ‘n Thread going, if I didn’t have such an interesting and engaging audience.
And that brings me to how you can help me do what I do, better than I’m now doing it.
I have some questions for you, and your answers may very well determine our direction on Needle ‘n Thread in 2014:
What do you need?
What do you want?
What’s your needlework wish?
December 16, 2013
Because it’s Monday, and I Love Mondays – and because Christmas is coming – and because we all need a little light in our lives – today, I’m giving away a Beam ‘n Read light, courtesy of the Beam ‘n Read folks who make it!
If you’re unfamiliar with this little light, you can read my review of the Beam ‘n Read light here on Needle ‘n Thread. It’s definitely a handy light, especially if you’re prone to electrical failures right when you’re in the middle of stitching – not too uncommon during the winter months!
