November 10, 2010
Felt and Floche and Embroidered Chaos
Once upon a time (it was actually just the other day!), I found myself in a situation. A dilemma. A quandary, even.
November 9, 2010
French Knot Video Updated
I promise I won’t write a special post for each and every hand embroidery video that I update on Needle ‘n Thread in the future! But just to let you know what I’m doing behind the scenes, I thought I’d point out the update to the video on how to make a French knot. It’s the first of many updates to the Embroidery How-To Videos that will be rolling out in the next month or so. I plan, by the end of December, to replace many of the current videos. Most will be completely re-recorded, but the filming on a couple of them can be salvaged, I think, and just re-edited and re-processed. (If not, they’re out, too!)
November 8, 2010
Embroidered Spot Sampler Update
I’m in a tight fix. I’ve let the spot sampler slide a bit, because at one point, I had gotten pretty far ahead on it… so I haven’t embroidered on it for quite a while. But rats. My students are almost caught up with me! This week, they’re filling in a few leaf motifs and learning the stitches associated with those, and then they’ll be where I am.
This could be a good thing. It could also be a bad thing. It could be a good thing, because it might motivate me to move ahead quickly with some stitching. It could be a bad thing, because I don’t have a lot of time for stitching right now! But I’m pretty certain I’m not supposed to fall behind my students. Hmmmm……
In the meantime, I thought I’d show you what my spotty spot sampler looks like. This isn’t really my favorite type of stitching, but I have enjoyed working on the sampler. I just need to get back to it!
November 7, 2010
ThreadworX Hand Embroidery Threads – Here’s a Look!
Are you familiar with ThreadworX embroidery threads? ThreadworX has an extensive line of different types of overdyed threads for hand embroidery, so if you love overdyed threads, you might want to take a look at what they offer. I’ve been playing with some ThreadworX threads, and while I was at it, I thought a few photos were in order, to entice you!
Well, what can I say? I’m a thread junkie. You know I am. And I’m not afraid to admit it!
November 5, 2010
How to Use a Laying Tool Video Tutorial
A laying tool is an instrument used in hand embroidery to help keep multiple strands of thread that are being used at one time, flat and parallel. It can be used for a number of stitches, but I use it especially for satin stitch when stitching with multiple threads. It’s also used extensively in Japanese embroidery (the tool is called a tekobari) to stroke flat silk, and in cross stitch and needlepoint as well. Pretty much any needlework technique that involves a smooth-lying stitch made from multiple strands of floss would benefit from the use of a laying tool.
November 4, 2010
Video Tutorial: Scroll Stitch
Here’s a video tutorial for the scroll stitch. While working on refurbishing the How-to Videos here on Needle ‘n Thread, and going through the list a gazillion times to try to remember what’s there and what’s not, I was surprised that somehow, I missed this stitch! So, finally, I’m adding it to the collection.
Scroll stitch is a line stitch – it makes very pretty decorative lines, curves, and so forth, that look scalloped.
November 3, 2010
Cretan Stitch – Close it Up!
Cretan stitch gets a bad rap, in my opinion. It’s normally demonstrated open, with the stitches spread out so that they look kind of like a pointed and twisted herringbone stitch. And that’s all well and fine – but cretan stitch can do more than form decorative lines. When worked closed, it can fill up a space pretty effectively. It’s a perfect stitch for leaf shapes, for filled bars, petals, and so forth. Don’t underestimate the cretan stitch in its versatility!
