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
July 11, 2012
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:
July 10, 2012
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!
July 9, 2012
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!
July 8, 2012
Granitos used in hand embroidery are “little grains” made up of straight stitches to create a plump petal shape.
July 7, 2012
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.
July 6, 2012
Today’s Stitch Play looks at a variety of different types of hand embroidered elements that feature petals or spokes. These types of circle-and-spoke elements come up often in hand embroidery, whether they are simple flowers made from detached chain (daisy) stitch to complicated affairs involving layers of petals in woven picots.
July 5, 2012
The woven wheel, also known as the woven spider web stitch, is a great example of a simple stitch that is versatile and beautiful. The woven wheel makes terrific flowers in almost any kind of thread. It’s used widely in ribbon embroidery for making roses, but it works well in surface embroidery using cotton floss, perle cotton, wool (it looks great in wool!), silk, and really, any kind of thread!
