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 6, 2013
Tricia Nguyen of Thistle Threads sent along this really fun little freebie for distribution to embroidery fanatics everywhere.
If you’re a fan of 17th century embroidery, and especially a fan of embroidered caskets, you’ll love this little gift box that you can make with just scissors and a good glue stick!
I love it – it’s so cute!
December 5, 2013
I’ve written about Trish Burr’s needle painting kits here on Needle ‘n Thread many, many times. And there’s a reason for that – her needle painting projects are so finally detailed, so charming, so pretty. Her flowers, her birds, her little miniatures – they appeal, you know!
But most of all, what I think I love best about Trish’s embroidery projects is her sense of color and color blending. No one else does it quite like she does.
Here are four of Trish’s recent kits, up close. To see them is to love them!
December 4, 2013
Perhaps it’s the time of year. Things are very Sparkly this time of year, aren’t they?
I like Sparkly! I love rich jewel tones, and I especially love them when they are combined with gold.
So when a reader asked about the possibility of doing shisha with beetle wings, a lightbulb went off. Why not? Shisha embroidery can hold practically any-shaped, flat-ish anything onto fabric. And beetle wings! Well, they are magnificently rich in color, and they can be trimmed to practically any shape.
If you’ve never heard of beetle wings being used with embroidery, you’ll find some magnificent images online. I’ve worked a beetle wing and goldwork project and written a few articles on beetle wing embroidery here on Needle ‘n Thread, including tips on preparing beetle wings for embroidery.
December 3, 2013
Oh, ye’ll tak’ the high road, and I’ll tak’ the low road…
But whatever road you take, if you end up in Scotland, and if you love needlework and all things historical-needlework-related, perhaps you should schedule a stopover in Coaltown-of-Wemyss, perched just north of the Bonnie Banks of the Firth of Forth, to visit the Wemyss School of Needlework.
I recently wrote to the Wemyss School of Needlework to get on their newsletter mailing list. This led to an exchange of emails and an offer to write an article about them. You see, I find this little school and what it is doing now quite fascinating, and I think you’ll find it equally as fascinating. Hopefully, you can help me spread the word about it!
The Wemyss School of Needlework is perhaps not as well known as the Royal School of Needlework to the south; nevertheless, it has a worthy history, it houses an impressive historical collection, and it is recently “making a comeback” in needlework education.
December 2, 2013
Here’s a gorgeous new book out called The Art of Chinese Embroidery – Foundation Level by Margaret Lee.
And when I say Gorgeous, I really do mean Gorgeous!
But the book isn’t just beautiful. It’s thoroughly instructive as well. Today, I’ll show you the book and tell you a little bit about it…
November 29, 2013
If you’re determined to whip up some Christmas stitchery this year, you might find some of the following free embroidery patterns useful.
Though I do try to keep everything on Needle ‘n Thread easily indexed in one way or another, it’s easy to miss some of the content from previous years, so here’s a quick recap of some holiday-related (or holiday-adaptable) stitching patterns for you.
November 28, 2013
The ever-recurring Thanksgiving Textile Turkey is joining me again this year to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
