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 8, 2013
Last week, I received a beautiful gift in the mail. And inside it was a note from the sender, explaining the enclosed scarf. She was passing it on to me, because it was buried in a drawer and she was afraid it would eventually be sent to a thrift store. She thought I might appreciate it – and she was So Right!
I love this scarf! I love it for lots of reasons – and I can’t wait to show it to you!
January 7, 2013
Time to play with a stitch and have a bit of Stitch Fun!
This stitch is particularly fun, because it’s colorful, it’s a little complex, but it still works up fairly quickly.
Griffin Stitch is a lattice filling used in hand embroidery, counted work, and canvas work. As with most lattice fillings, it’s easiest worked on an even-weave fabric, but it can also be worked on a plain weave fabric, and I’ll talk about that as we go through this tutorial.
Let’s make the stitch. Ready?
January 4, 2013
Thread, thread, thread. I love talking about needlework thread! Here’s one you don’t hear much about, but it does exist, so I thought I’d tell you about it.
Yesterday, we looked at the difference between the general shape of a backstitch line compared to a split stitch line, and how that shape helps determine the suitability for using one or the other as an outline underneath the edge of satin stitch or long & short stitch.
To demonstrate the point, I used a thread called DMC Retors Mat 4 (Art 89). It’s a strange name. And we don’t hear about this thread too often here in the States, because, although it’s a DMC thread, like many DMC threads, it’s not distributed by DMC USA. So, if a shop carries it, it’s imported from DMC in France.
January 3, 2013
So, you’re venturing into a stitch or technique that requires a padded outline underneath the stitch…
For example, you’re working a satin stitched monogram, like this one:
January 2, 2013
The start of a new year often involves resolutions to learn something new, or to do something different during the course of the new year. Here are four needlework possibilities that you might want to explore, if you’re itching for some new direction in needlework for the upcoming year.
January 1, 2013
Happy New Year, Everyone!
For 2013, I wish each and every one of my readers a year of blessings, joy, happiness, peace, success in all your good endeavors, and good health!
December 31, 2012
It’s the last day of the year! And to celebrate the end of 2012, let’s find out who won the Coton a Broder thread set from my give-away last week!
