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
January 30, 2014
In an effort to keep you abreast of all the little details of the Secret Garden Project, I’m going to show you some doodlings with different embroidery threads.
There’s nothing lovely here. Just some stitching, to see how things pan out. You can decide what threads you like better – I’m still debating the question.
January 29, 2014
Moving along on the Secret Garden embroidery project, today I’ll share a few more musings about transfers.
I should probably mention right now that the transfer work for this project is not what I’d call “easy.” It requires some patience.
And transferring it three times over? Well, I’ll admit by the third time around, I was careless. Fortunately, or serendipitously, my carelessness paid off.
January 28, 2014
If you’re up to a needlework-related challenge – or if you just want to browse a fantastic historical embroidery pattern collection – this is for you!
The Dakota County (Minnesota) Arts Challenge sounds fantastic! It’s an art challenge based on a collection of historical needlework patterns.
January 27, 2014
My poor bookshelves were in the throes of upheaval last month – undergoing one of those bouts of organization and purging that must happen – when I came across this gem and I realized that I had not yet shared it with you.
So today’s your lucky day!
Embroideries from an English Garden: Projects and Techniques in Surface Embroidery by Carol Andrews is an Absolute Must for the embroiderer’s library. I don’t say that lightly, either.
Actually, I wonder if I say that too many times, about too many books?
Well, whatever the case – I Absolutely Mean this book is an Absolute Must!
January 24, 2014
Here’s another indispensable tool in my workroom. I don’t keep it in my “tool box” with my scissors or anything else – no, no, it has a special place right next to where I sit, because I use it daily.
And besides, if it were in my tool box, it would make a mess of everything!
You may very well have one of these already (if you do, I bet you love it, too!), or you may have seen or heard of them and thought you didn’t really have a need for it. I thought the same thing until I bought one. And now – well, it’s True Love. We won’t be parted! We’re drawn to each other, like… like… magnets.
January 23, 2014
Were we speaking of blackwork? Well, we were last week!
You know I have this thing for “15 Minute Projects” and “grab and go” projects. That’s what the Hungarian Runner is right now. And when the Hungarian runner is finished, I’m going to need another “15 minute” project to fill in those 15-minute gaps this year.
Now, granted, I do have the Secret Garden projects going, but those are “studio” projects – I work on them in my workroom only, because that’s where I can photograph things, take good notes, and prepare overly wordy articles for you.
January 22, 2014
Today, let’s chat a bit about ground fabric for this Secret Garden Embroidery Project.
We’ll look at my choices for ground fabrics, why I chose them, how I prepare them, and how I’m transferring the design.
