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
February 19, 2011
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
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 These new patterns will feature formerly unpublished patterns from a Hungarian lady – a professional embroiderer and artist – with an interesting history.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.
February 17, 2011
Finally, at long last, the main parts of the pomegranate are embroidered! Keeping in mind that this means I’ve satin stitched only five little strips of color, it’s really not that impressive of an accomplishment. BUT – I think I’ve finally found my groove on this project. (Did I just say groove? My inner nerd is creeping out…)
But it’s true! Do you know what I mean? When you start on a project, and it just doesn’t grab you – you just don’t get into it? But with a little plodding and plugging away, often it clicks. And then the project is suddenly all-consuming. The click has clicked, and I find myself thinking Wool and Pomegranates all day long!
So I was happy to spend a good chunk of time yesterday afternoon getting in these short bits of satin stitch.
February 16, 2011
When embroidery meets craft, the results can be Really Fun!
A recent quandary over time combined with a bit of selfishness almost made me turn away from an upcoming project. I often convince myself that “I don’t have time,” when, in fact, I usually just want to spend my time the way I want to spend my time! But it was a happy circumstance when I said yes, I would come up with some ideas for crafts that would be suitable for youth (not necessarily little children, but rather younger teens) that could be helpful with some fundraising endeavors.
Ok, ok. I got suckered into this! But sometimes, I’m glad I’m a sucker! It’s fun, and the projects that eventually will materialize are fun, too. And since the stars actually aligned correctly to enable me to do more than I intended and produce better results than I imagined, I ended up pretty happy with the initial test session.
February 15, 2011
A month ago today, I wrote about Thimbles. But don’t worry – on the Ides of every month, I don’t plan on writing about thimbles! What I really enjoyed about the post was the reader input on the question of thimbles. There were over 100 comments on that post, and so many of them were good suggestions, good stories, and good information about thimbles and finger protection when stitching. It was so enjoyable reading them!
There is a certain attraction to the thimble, no doubt. Do you suppose the thimble is a kind of “symbol,” in a way? (“Thimble Symbol” – eesh, what a rhyme!) But really, we collect them, we embellish them, we make houses for them – they are precious, and they’ve certainly been a valued tool to generations of needleworkers. Take, for example, the latest issue (and many, many past issues!) of Sampler and Antique Needlework Quarterly. In the latest issue, there are some of the most elaborate thimble holders that I’ve ever seen! What effort people have gone to, to protect and house their thimbles! It’s really amazing!
And that brings me – with some trepidation – to today’s topic: the Finger Glove!
February 14, 2011
I love linen. It is my favorite fabric, hands down, for needlework. But I love it for other things, too. I love it for clothing, I love it for household goods. (Did I mention that I love linen?!)
And good linen is …. oooooh. Like nothing else for stitching on!
I think it’s good for needleworkers to know about how linen is made, and to know that All Linen is Not Created Equal. Mass-produced linen made from inferior flax and woven for upholstery, for example, is not the same as linen made from superior flax where all the growing conditions are just right for the plant, where all the production is overseen step-by-step by people who know linen, and where this quality linen is woven specifically for needlework.
February 12, 2011
This morning, Title Creativity is out the window! After ten minutes of staring at the computer screen hoping an ingenious title for this post would simply emerge from somewhere… “thingamabob” crept in, and I knew it was going to be One of Those Saturdays.
Here’s a quick update on my miniature Cluny piece, which is a kit from MicroStitchery. This past week has been riddled with 15-minute bursts of stitching on the miniature Cluny piece, and overall, the progress isn’t too bad.
Update, 2018: While MicroStitchery is still online, they are no longer honoring orders. I have heard from many folks who have placed orders with them, but have never received the orders and had to apply to PayPal for a refund. I’ve tried to contact Joy, the lady who took over the business, but with no luck. Just a word of caution, for those looking for miniature tapestries.
