How To
Tips & Techniques
Patterns
Members Books
Shop Patreon Search
About

Mary Corbet

writer and founder

 

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

Connect with Mary

     
Types of Hand Embroidery  
Pictures of Hand Embroidery  

Archives

2025 (90) 2024 (135) 2023 (125) 2022 (136) 2021 (130) 2020 (132) 2019 (147) 2018 (146) 2017 (169) 2016 (147) 2015 (246) 2014 (294) 2013 (294) 2012 (305) 2011 (306) 2010 (316) 2009 (367) 2008 (352) 2007 (225) 2006 (139)

Tags

See All Tags

  • How-To
    Videos

    Over 75 Embroidery Stitch Videos to Help You Learn

  • Embroidery Tips & Techniques

    A Collection of Instructional Articles

 
Uncategorized

April 19, 2013

Mission Rose Embroidery Project: Color Choices

 

Amazon Books

When the Mission Rose project first started taking shape, I knew two things right off: 1. that it would involve very specific silk embroidery threads; and 2. that it would involve some goldwork threads, but not a lot.

The majority of the project will be worked with silk embroidery threads, specifically with Soie de Paris by Au Ver a Soie. I used this thread for the Tudor Rose in the Medallion Project, and I loved-loved-loved it.

While I was working out those five Tudor roses, I was already thinking to myself, “I would like to do a Whole Project with Just This Thread.”

Silk Embroidery Threads for the Mission Rose
Continue reading “Mission Rose Embroidery Project: Color Choices”

Uncategorized

April 17, 2013

Hungarian Redwork Runner: Red Tape and a Fix (or, Why I Don’t Watch Movies While I Stitch)

 

I was creeping ever-so-steadily towards the halfway point on the Hungarian Redwork Runner this past Sunday. It was an indoor day, quiet, gloomy and cloudy outside with threatening storms, and perfect for some simple stitching. And I thought to myself, “Today will be the day I hit the halfway point!”

And I really thought it would be!

I found myself starting to nod. I don’t normally nod off over my stitching. But the weather, the silence, the perfect peace of the day, a late night the night before… you see how it can happen, right?

Then a Brilliant Idea struck me! I would do something I rarely (as in, pretty much never) do. I would watch a movie while I stitched! Imagine that! A quiet day, no interruptions, rain outside, a really good movie (I’m a sucker for BBC dramas). Doesn’t that sound ideal?

And it worked! I hit the halfway point on the runner! And I was pleased.

And I looked at it.

And I thought a bit.

And then I realized….

Hungarian Redwork Runner
Continue reading “Hungarian Redwork Runner: Red Tape and a Fix (or, Why I Don’t Watch Movies While I Stitch)”

Uncategorized

April 15, 2013

Learn Carrickmacross Lace – a Kit Review

 

If you love embroidery and you want to learn embroidery – all different types of embroidery – one of the best places to find accessible, clear, thorough instruction in a variety of needlework techniques is Berlin Embroidery Designs.

Tanja Berlin was one of the first fine needlework teachers in North America to establish a thriving online business offering contemporary goldwork kits and supplies, needlepainting kits, fine whitework kits and supplies – all kinds of kits and supplies for fine needlework techniques that were just beginning to enjoy a resurgence of interest in the mid-1990’s. I remember just seven or eight years ago, searching up and down and all over the place for a good selection of goldwork threads available in one shop, and Berlin Embroidery was the only place in North America that I could find a really good selection of supplies. And since then, her selection has grown by leaps and bounds.

Berlin Embroidery Designs
Continue reading “Learn Carrickmacross Lace – a Kit Review”

Uncategorized

April 13, 2013

Mission Rose Embroidery Pattern

 

Last week, I introduced you to a new embroidery project I’ll be working through here on Needle ‘n Thread, called Mission Rose.

So far, we’ve looked at fabric choices for the ground fabric, transferring the embroidery design to the ground fabric, and framing up the fabric to get it ready for stitching.

Here’s the pattern I’m using for Mission Rose, in case you want to follow along on the project.

Mission Rose Embroidery Project
Continue reading “Mission Rose Embroidery Pattern”

Uncategorized

April 12, 2013

Craftoptics: So You Can See the Details!

 

I’m always excited to share products that I think can improve the embroiderer’s life, especially when the improvement has to do with seeing our needlework better. I’d like to introduce you to a tool – a tool that can change the way you look at your embroidery. And I mean that literally!

Craftoptics are an incredible tool for people who do detail work – any kind of detail work – but they are especially wonderful for those of us who have vision problems and need to use magnification when doing embroidery.

Imagine small binoculars (or two jeweler’s loupes) that magnify your work considerably. Add a directional light beam that brightens up your work surface, and imagine both of these effects – good magnification and bright light – without a bulky magnifier positioned between you and your needlework. That’s what you get from Craftoptics.

Craftoptics - Magnification for Embroidery
Continue reading “Craftoptics: So You Can See the Details!”