February 4, 2012

Pattern Darning on Silk Gauze

Pattern darning is a needlework technique that employs running stitch to create a pattern on the surface of the fabric or canvas – it’s basically just working lines of running stitches in such a way that a pattern develops according to the placement of those running stitches.

Because it’s running stitch we’re talking about here, pattern darning is pretty simple in concept. The only difficult part of pattern darning is making sure you don’t misplace a stitch, because that can throw your pattern all out of whack. Working on the silk gauze, I had better luck getting my stitches in the right spot when I was using my magnifying lamp. When I didn’t use it, I was more likely to misplace a stitch here and there.

And though it might sound boring to work lines and lines of running stitch, it really is a satisfying technique – it’s super fun to watch the pattern develop and grow.

Hand Embroidery Patterns

February 3, 2012

Hungarian Hand Embroidery Pattern #11: Small

Last year here on Needle ‘n Thread, I started a sharing with you a series of Hungarian embroidery designs that have been shared with me – if you would like to read the back story on these patterns, you can find it under Hungarian Embroidery Designs: Lilly’s Legacy. There, you’ll find the story of the artist who drew these embroidery patterns in the first half to the mid-1900’s and of how they were preserved.

There are eleven Hungarian embroidery patterns here on Needle ‘n Thread now, and they’re all available for your personal use on the Patterns page.

Today’s design comes from a small panel of three small, colorful designs painted by Lilly in 1956.

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February 2, 2012

Coronation Cord – Cheater Embroidery?

Cheating at hand embroidery – how to give the impression of hand embroidery, without really hand embroidering, and yet still call it hand embroidery. In a sense, this is what the once-popular “coronation cord” does.

There are certain types of stitchery that could be considered, in a way, “cheater” embroidery. Today, I’m going to show you one of them, by looking closely at an antique tablecloth. Then we’ll chat a bit about the technique and its history and uses, and then I’ll give you some resources.

By the way, by calling it “cheater” embroidery, I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. The effects of coronation cord can be lovely!

Embroidered Whitework with Coronation Cord

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February 1, 2012

Winner of Home Sweet Home!

Last week, when I mentioned some needlework books that have just hit the US market, I also announced a give-away of Carolyn Pearce’s book, Home Sweet Home: An Embroidered Workbox, and today, I’ll announce the winner!

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January 31, 2012

Vintage Linens

I have A Thing for vintage linens, and when I find a good source of vintage or antique linens (i.e. someone who is meticulous and careful in the care and presentation of them) that offers reasonable prices, I always bookmark the source so I can come back to it now and then and check up on inventory.

Lately, I purchased some antique and vintage linens that I’d like to show to you. Some, I bought as gifts. One, I bought because it is pretty interesting – it’s pretty, but a bit rough and not your typical “fine linen.” But more on that last one later! Today, some doilies – three gorgeous examples of the combination of linen and crocheted lace.

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January 28, 2012

Neat Needlework News of Note on the Net

Sorry. I don’t know where that post title came from. I had a writing instructor once who warned us of over-using alliteration. He said it could often come off as a Cheap Ploy. And in this case, I’m sure it does!

Since it’s Saturday, and since I know we’re all (I am) avoiding those things we tend to do on Saturday – like running errands, doing laundry, getting the house in order – I thought I’d give you an excuse to relax with a cup of coffee and browse through some neat needlework stuff.