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 22, 2024
Remember the needlework Eye-Spy puzzle that I posted for Christmas just … oh, less than a month ago? (Why does it seem like this Christmas is already two years ago?!)
Well, I had several inquiries about different parts of the image, and a few of those inquiries focused on the small book in the upper right hand corner of the picture.
January 19, 2024
Anna and I went bead shopping. It was not as much of an adventure as I would have liked, simply because there are so few bead stores within driving distance here in Kansas.
In fact, for the type of beads we were looking for, there are only a couple. We picked the most promising of the two, and hit the road early in the morning.
Now, I know most people would think, “Yay! An opportunity for a day out shopping! Hurray!”
No, no! We were women on a mission, focused and determined. We were finished and on our way back home pretty quickly.
January 17, 2024
During the Great Freeze of Aught 24 (Music Man reference – do you get it?), and since I was sick anyway, I worked on a few things from home.
I discovered there’s a big disadvantage to working on arts, hobbies, and crafts at home when you normally work away from home in a separate studio. When you have a dedicated space, you’re used to having all your tools and paraphernalia – and all your extra tools and paraphernalia, including the ones you didn’t know you needed – on hand.
For example, I don’t have a decent camera at home, or a laying tool, or a good ruler, a functional drawing pencil, or even, to my great chagrin, the thing I wanted most – a stand to hold my embroidery hoop.
Despite the drawbacks, I did have fabric, embroidery floss, needles, a hoop, scissors, and a good light, so I was able to continue some test stitching on my little bullion piece that I mentioned here last week.
January 15, 2024
Greetings from a rather chilly Kansas. Good grief! It’s really winter!
To warm up your winter days – or cool down your summer ones, depending on where you are – I thought I’d share a nice little online resource for embroiderers who are interested in working with monograms.
Monograms are such a wonderful subject for embroidery. They are a decorative way of personalizing linens and the like, marking them distinctly and uniquely as your own.
A monogram that’s well-embroidered is a very personal thing of beauty!
January 10, 2024
Howdy ho and Happy Wednesday! I’m just popping in today with another little sneak peek – a pretty little embroidered band that coordinates with the bullion bits we looked at on Monday.
I can’t wait to show you how these will all come together!
January 8, 2024
Over the past couple weeks, I’ve been testing a little embroidery piece that will be finished into something entirely useful. I’ve been using bullion knots. I love bullion knots!
Unfortunately, bullions get a bad rap as a difficult stitch. Yes, it’s true they can be a bit fiddly sometimes, but they’re not necessarily difficult. I think the biggest problem with bullions is the instructions that normally come with them.
Let’s chat a little bit bullion knots, shall we?
January 5, 2024
When I showed you this Christmas break project the other day, you might recall that I mentioned a couple times that I was glad – very glad! – that I didn’t choose a pink or coral-to-red color scheme for them.
I almost did choose a pinkish-coral-to-red color scheme. The corals were a better contrast against the gray background of the felted mittens, compared to the purples. But something in me just wanted to use those glorious purples!
And it’s a good thing.
A very good thing.
