A couple weeks ago, we looked at 5 points about hand embroidery needles, and 5 points concerning hand embroidery fabric.

Today, I’d like to propose 5 general thoughts about hand embroidery and invite you to add your own thoughts. When you think of hand embroidery in general, what ideas or insights would you share with other stitchers or with folks who are just getting interested in the art of embroidery?

Here are 5 points that I think are worth considering about hand embroidery in general:

Autumn is just around the corner, here in Kansas. One thing I love about autumn, besides the blessedly cooler weather, is the squirrel-ish activities that go on in my backyard. I love squirrels. They’re generally such chipper little creatures!

And I like squirrels in embroidery! From this mini squirrel in cross stitch with a really fluffy turkey work tail, to this gorgeous realistic looking squirrel embroidered in needlepainting, designed by Tanja Berlin (I have this kit, but haven’t stitched it yet!) – I just love embroidered squirrels.

It’s really no wonder, then, that this cutwork embroidery design that includes two little squirrels is a favorite of mine. Some day, I want to stitch it (or a variation) at the end of a linen table runner, perfect for fall.

I’ve been sifting again through my collection of ecclesiastical embroidery photos. There’s a lot to learn from ecclesiastical embroidery – whether you use what you learn for religious or for secular needlework, the lessons can be quite helpful.

In this piece, there are a few notable points that catch my attention and that are worth learning from. Two in particular are “time savers” – time saving being a relative term, of course!

This is the 7th and final part to this series of tutorials on the Goldwork & Silk Tudor-style Rose project. If you’re just joining in on this series, you’ll find the index of all the previous stages of this embroidery project listed under Tips & Techniques, in the first section titled Hand Embroidery Lessons & Step-by-Step Projects.

Let’s look at the last step of the project, which involves outlining the inner circle of the flower with pearl purl and filling inside of the circle with Gilt Wire Check #10, which is a check purl in a fairly small size. I’ve already covered today’s particular goldwork techniques elsewhere on Needle ‘n Thread, so we’ll look at them briefly here, with links to other articles if you wish to read further.

I’ve been working behind the scenes on this little project and having so much fun with it, that I just can’t wait any longer to show you at least some of it! Hopefully, I’m not ruining the “unveiling” of the whole. I’m willing to take the risk, though – I just love this project! And I hope you will, too!

The Nesting Place is a beautiful little crewel needlebook designed by renowned needlework artist and designer, Bobbi Chase. It’s darling. It’s exquisitely detailed. And it’s beautifully finished.