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
November 7, 2011
It seems there are too many articles on Needle ‘n Thread about framing up embroidery for stitching. I talk about it practically every time I start a project!
Today it’s time for something different. Why not write about taking an embroidery project off the frame?
November 5, 2011
The art of drawing and the art of hand embroidery cross paths quite often. Designers, for example, draw. They even make it a point to practice drawing and keep sketch journals and so forth. And then there’s the whole question of using drawing pencils and pens for design transfer, right?
But here’s a little tip for you on a drawing supply that can save you quite a bit in your needlework budget.
November 4, 2011
Today, I thought I’d show you some photos of a large piece of Battenberg Lace and tell you a little bit about how this piece came about.
November 3, 2011
Yesterday, I was toying with the idea of contrast achieved by using different stitches in an embroidery project. Today, I want to show you an update on my current church embroidery piece, where you’ll see a subtle contrast achieved through changing the thickness of the thread and switching to just a slightly darker shade of color.
November 2, 2011
While mucking about the other day with floche and satin stitch, I found myself wanting to check out a theory about contrast in stitches.
November 1, 2011
No, no. I’m not embroidering with chopsticks. But I am embroidering in the company of chopsticks. And I don’t mean that annoying piano piece we all learned as kids – you know, the one that can effectively drive even the most resilient person nuts in a matter of seconds?
I really do mean chopsticks, as in Asian eating instruments.
You may remember that a couple weeks ago, I showed you my slate frame set-up for the commissioned embroidery piece I’m presently working on. And you might remember I was worried about the close quarters of the piece within the slate frame, because it didn’t leave me any room for tensioning the piece further if I needed to.
Enter: the best part of Needle ‘n Thread. You.
October 31, 2011
Even though today is Halloween, and I know many people expect something pumpkin-ish, orange, or scary, I’m afraid I don’t really have anything to offer in that regard. So how about a splash of color, instead?
This past weekend, I had a blast at a local festival that featured booths and costumes and performances highlighting different countries and their cultural customs, costumes, foods, and so forth. Besides being fun, the festival is always a huge splash of color. I don’t often take photos at it (and I didn’t take very many this year, either), but I did snap a few shots of this Polish vest that’s covered with sequin and bead embroidery. The girl who wore it is my nieces’ friend, so I was able to cajole her into some shots and take a look at the vest’s construction.
