February 25, 2011
Wool Embroidery Project: Perspective is Everything!
The Pomegranate Corners wool embroidery project is coming along – errr. Well, it’s back to where it was a while ago, with the top bunch of leaves in…
February 24, 2011
Bullion Knots and Thread Twist
The other day, we discussed the direction in which buttonhole stitch is worked, and I demonstrated that the direction you move with your buttonhole stitching can change the look of the buttonhole stitch. Well, the same principle is true with bullion knots. The direction in which you wrap the knot makes a difference in the way the bullion knot looks.
Now, this isn’t to say that wrapping in either direction is wrong; rather, that stitchers should be aware of the difference in direction in which they wrap the knot, and if their bullions are coming out looking different from each other, the difference may very well be due to the direction in which the thread is wrapped around the needle. Keep in mind that sometimes, you want one result or the other in your bullions.
A few photos will demonstrate this.
February 23, 2011
Free Hand Embroidery Pattern: Tulips & Carnations
Here’s a free hand embroidery pattern for you. I mentioned it a while ago, but never published the complete pattern. It comes from a stitched design in the work New Patterns in Old Style by Emilie Bach, which you can find in digital format (PDF) online at Antique Pattern Library.
I think it’s an excellent design that would look great worked small, in silk and gold, or larger in crewel embroidery.
February 22, 2011
Buttonhole Stitch – Direction Makes a Difference
Did you know that the direction in which buttonhole stitch is stitched makes a difference in the finished look of the buttonhole stitch? You almost wouldn’t think it would – buttonhole stitch, after all, is buttonhole stitch.
There are two points that come to mind when speaking about stitch direction and buttonhole stitch: The downward stroke of the stitch, and the twisted rope-like edge that forms on the outside edge of the stitch.
February 21, 2011
Combining Fabric, Paper, and Embroidery. It Took a Long Time.
This weekend, with the invaluable aid of some little advisors and half-way helpers, I got back to the project I mentioned last week, when I brought the subject of embroidery as craft, and asked you all if you have other creative pursuits outside of needlework. I think most needleworkers do. Maybe it’s the whole “hobby” thing: people who are prone to have hobbies or to be creative seem to cross over lots of interest areas, don’t they?
This past weekend, I got to dabble in a cross between embroidery and paper craft and… fabric manipulation, in a sense. It was fun (ish), and these are the results:
February 19, 2011
15 Minute Project Update: Still Micro-Stitching on Cluny
The week is over, and I haven’t made a whole lot of progress on my miniature embroidery project, but I did make some, and that’s what counts. The whole purpose of my “15 Minutes of Stitching Philosophy” is to assure that, even if progress is slow, it’s at least progress.
February 18, 2011
Hungarian Folk Embroidery – a Great Pattern Book!
In March, there’s something coming to Needle ‘n Thread that I’m very excited about! Thanks to Mike up in Canada, I’ll be adding a new element to the free embroidery patterns offered here. These new patterns will feature formerly unpublished patterns from a Hungarian lady – a professional embroiderer and artist – with an interesting history. I’m excited to provide them to you for several reasons: 1. I think it’s important to keep alive the interest in folk embroidery from various regions of the world, and Hungary has a very rich tradition of colorful folk (and fine) embroidery; 2. the patterns can be easily adapted to other embroidery styles, such as Schwalm whitework techniques and so forth; and 3. the patterns are just really beautiful!
So as the time creeps closer to presenting those patterns, I want to highlight some books that I have in my collection that feature folk embroidery from different regions. I’ve already touched on one book – Nagyanyáink öröksege – which illustrates the variety of color and styles in Hungarian embroidery.
The book I want to show you today is called Korai Kalocsai Hímzések, or Early Kolocsa Embroideries. It’s essentially a pattern book, excellent for embroiderers looking for patterns to use on tablecloths, household items, and costumes, and the individual motifs would serve well for adapting to all kinds of needlework projects.
