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 18, 2013
Two exciting announcements today!
The first announcement – registration is now open for the Vintage Strawberries online needlepainting class. The class is now sold out! (Had no idea that many spots would go that quickly! Thanks to all who jumped aboard!)
And the second announcement? Five winners of these great little “Stitch Beautifully” zipper bags!
January 17, 2013
Normally, the books reviewed on Needle ‘n Thread are embroidery technique, project, or history books. But let’s deviate a bit! This book is an example of needlework in action.
It’s a children’s book. If you have children in your life – kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, godchildren, friends’ children, any children! – this is a fun book that makes a great gift!
A couple years ago, I reviewed Salley Mavor’s book, Felt Wee Folk, which is a project book that demonstrates how to combine felt and embroidery and dimensional objects and characters into little pictures or story boards. It is a wonderfully instructive book, and if you like working with felt, embroidery, and sculpted figures, chances are, you’ll love this book!
But today, I want to show you Salley Mavor’s creations at work, in her book Pocketful of Posies. It is, simply put, an enchanting book.
January 16, 2013
It’s strawberry time again here on Needle ‘n Thread! It’s your chance to participate in a thoroughly instructive class in needlepainting (long and short stitch shading), taught by Margaret Cobleigh.
In today’s article I’ll tell you about the class, including some insights gleaned from students who participated in last year’s run, plus let you know exactly when registration will be open. That way, if you want to take the class, you can mark your calendars and jump in to reserve your space as soon as registration opens.
January 15, 2013
Today, I’m going to take some time out from regular blog articles, tutorials, and stitchy talk to introduce you to a very special crew of needlework-related businesses – the advertisers here on Needle ‘n Thread.
The businesses that you see speckling my website are truly “hand picked,” specially selected because they fit. So while the advertisers on Needle ‘n Thread do me a service by off-setting some of the cost of running Needle ‘n Thread, they are also here to serve you – to give you top-notch resources for your hand embroidery and needlework needs.
I’d like to tell you a little bit about their businesses, and what they offer for the needleworker.
January 14, 2013
Stitch Beautifully. I think this is a great motto for embroiderers – something that we all try to aspire to in our own way.
Admittedly, I don’t always succeed! There are days when I make a perfect mess with my stitching, and I have to rip it out and start again. But that doesn’t keep me from aspiring to stitch beautifully. Pretty much, all my efforts are aimed towards that simply put phrase.
And today’s give-away is aimed at keeping us all inspired to Stitch Beautifully!
January 12, 2013
The lattice variation with French knots that we looked at yesterday lead to some questions about threads and stitches.
So, I’m turning one of those questions into a contest! That’s right – if you’re the first to answer correctly, you’ll get a prize!
January 11, 2013
The other day, we looked at Griffin Stitch, a lattice filling, as part of the Stitch Fun series. While playing about with that particular lattice variation, I discovered something that you might discover, too, if you’re fiddling about with lattice stitches any time soon.
They’re kind of addicting.
