I’m not talking about wool & silk combined into one embroidery thread, but rather, into one embroidery project. And, more specifically, into one element in one project.

The combination works!

A couple months ago, in the Stitch Play series, we looked at the raised stem stitch and then at the Super Duper Raised Stem Stitch (Casalguidi embroidery). Well, here’s a video tutorial for the raised stem stitch, which is a relatively quick and simple way to add dimension and texture to your embroidery.

Yippeee! I’ve wanted to do this for So Long! And now, it’s finished: there’s now an alphabetical index of embroidery stitches here on Needle ‘n Thread for your convenience while searching for stitches by name.

This is where I’ve put it, in case you’re ever looking for it:

Over the last week, I’ve added quite a few new embroidery stitch videos to the collection here on Needle ‘n Thread. I’m ever-so-determined to replace all the old videos with new ones that are clearer and more compatible with other devices – before the end of the summer!

Right now, there are over 70 how-to videos in the collection, and about half of them have been replaced. I have a short queue of replacement videos ready to be edited this week, plus about ten new stitches (and other “how-to” videos relating to needlework) to add to the current collection. Then it’s back to filming again.

This is a fun project, though really time-consuming. I’m pretty sure it’s a worthwhile project, too, and that it will pay off in the long run. My hope is that the videos make learning embroidery easier for those seeking to learn, and that they help stitchers expand their needlework a bit.

Here’s a list of recently updated videos. Maybe you can find a stitch in there that you’ve not worked before and give it a try!

You know that cliché? The one that tells you not to sweat the small stuff?

I wholeheartedly concur. In fact, I never sweat the Small Stuff. I love the Small Stuff!

Granitos used in hand embroidery are “little grains” made up of straight stitches to create a plump petal shape.

Reading through all the responses to this week’s give-away of four packs of Needle ID Cards, I’ve drawn a few conclusions: 1. I’m not the only one who thinks they’re smart and really cute! 2. Though they’re brand-new to the market, they’re going to be pretty popular little accessories for our workboxes; and 3. There are more than just a few of us who have needle-confusion in common!

This morning, I randomly drew four lucky winners who will each receive a pack of their own Needle ID Cards. Here are the winners, plus a list of links to shops where you can pick up a set or two for yourself and your stitching friends.