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 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.
May 1, 2013
I tend to underestimate brown. When considering colors for an embroidery project, it’s never one of the first colors I think of.
April 30, 2013
This Hungarian Redwork Runner project is really quite enjoyable.
I know! I know! It looks like it would be monotonous! I thought that by now, I’d be bored with it and barely pushing myself to pick it up occasionally. But in fact, I love sneaking 15 Minutes here and there to work on it. And because it’s easy to transport, I can grab it and take it with me hither and yon, when venturing out.
It’s proved to be a nice little companion.
