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
May 9, 2013
Last week, we had a give-away here on Needle ‘n Thread for this pair of red Bohin embroidery scissors. They’re functional, they’re sharp, they cut well, they’re nicely weighted, and… they’re Red. What more could a person want?!
Today, I’ll announce the winner and tell you about a special something that’s coming up next week that, if you any interest in historical embroidery, you won’t want to miss!
May 8, 2013
So my good friend the Lattice Sampler, which began as part of the Stitch Fun series, is almost finished.
On the one hand, this is a good thing, because I find it distracts me now and then. On the other hand, this is a bad thing, because I find I like to be distracted by it.
Also, it has proved to be a good Thinking Project. I spoke about this last time we looked at the lattice sampler – when I’m at loose ends and can’t figure out what to do next, putting in a few stitches on this thing gives me time for putting my thoughts in order and laying out other plans. So I’ll be sorry to see it finished (on the one hand) – but… on the other hand…
I wish I had more hands.
May 7, 2013
A little while ago, I was asked to try a new (to me, anyway!) line of hand sewing needles from Pony.
Even though I have my favorites when it comes to embroidery needles, this doesn’t mean that I don’t use other brands. I do, and quite frequently. And I like all the needles I use, for different reasons. Believe it or not, I’m not super picky about embroidery needles, as long as they don’t have burrs and they do their job.
May 6, 2013
“Reverse stitching” – i.e. ripping out previously stitched areas – is ever a part of the embroidery process.
Mentally, I prepare myself for the frustrations of picking out stitches by convincing myself that it really is just part of the process. Looking at it that way, I can then convince myself to actually enjoy it as part of the whole Embroidery Journey.
Yep. Sometimes, we just have to play mind games!
In any case, after my first escapade with the second leaf on the Mission Rose project, I decided to take the leaf out and start over. And this is how it went:
May 4, 2013
Yesterday, we looked at two pairs of Bohin scissors on the needlework market, and today, courtesy of Access Commodities, I’m giving away a pair of these red needlework scissors. Not only are they red, but they cut really well!
May 3, 2013
I’m not a scissor collector. No, really! I’m not.
At least, I don’t intend to be. But scissors are an important part of needlework, and good scissors – well, good scissors are just good.
So yes, I have a few pairs, and now and then, I like to write about them. They are my tried-and-true assistants. And they work hard for their moment in the spotlight.
Bohin, the needlework tool company in France that specializes in high quality needles for handwork, also makes scissors. They have a terrific line of delicate little embroidery scissors, but they also have two specific pairs of needlework scissors that, though somewhat hefty in comparison to their more delicate brethren, are marvelous tools.
May 2, 2013
An interesting question came up the other day in the inbox, regarding surface embroidery on even-weave linens, or lower thread count linens sold primarily for cross stitch. Essentially, the reader wanted to know “Can it be done?”
To answer the question and make some qualifications, here’s a sneak peek of an upcoming project.
