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Mary Corbet

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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

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    Over 75 Embroidery Stitch Videos to Help You Learn

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May 17, 2023

Little Blooms Part 6: Preparing for the Finish Process

 

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Last week in our Little Blooms stitch-along, we finished the embroidery on the project.

Today, we are going to start the finish process with two preparatory steps that you should not skip.

These two steps are preliminary to cutting out and constructing the snap purse. They will make the finishing easier and the final outcome better

If you’re just joining in, you’ll find the previous installments of this stitch-along all listed here in the Little Blooms project index. Members of the Needle ‘n Thread community on Patreon will receive a downloadable PDF that will include all the finishing steps in one download. This last PDF will cover today’s installment (part 6) as well as part 7 (construction) and 8 (stitched trim), and it will be available when we get to the construction part of the purse in the next lesson.

Little Blooms: Preparation for Finishing
Continue reading “Little Blooms Part 6: Preparing for the Finish Process”

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May 15, 2023

Working Ahead: A Small Whitework Test

 

Last the week, I took the opportunity (that’s code for “I started this thing that I should have started two months ago”) to test a little whitework project.

I thought I’d give you a little sneak peek today.

And that’s code for “I had planned a much more intricate blog post for this morning, but it isn’t ready, so instead, I found something short and sweet for you.”

whitework, satin stitch, and hemstitch
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May 12, 2023

Splendid Embroidery in Abundance!

 

Here’s a little secret I’m almost embarrassed to share:

I didn’t immerse myself in any of the “Royal Events” for the coronation last week.

I know! I know! Even with all that embroidery to gaze upon!

When I finally had the time and the inclination, though, I scoured about for some good needlework chit-chat related to the grand event. Of course, the anointing screen worked on by the RSN was big news. It seemed to take the forefront in embroidery chatter.

But to me, the most impressive thing that I read about was Jenny Adin-Christie’s involvement in refurbishing the heralds’ garb, which she talked about here on Instagram. That is pretty cool! What a job! And I loved her pictures of the goldwork applied on the velvet.

But let’s morph into another subject here – along the same lines, but perhaps somewhat more accessible?

Embroidery Convention UK 2023
Continue reading “Splendid Embroidery in Abundance!”

Hand Embroidery Tutorials

May 10, 2023

Little Blooms Part 5: Finishing the Vines

 

Finally, we’re back on the road to finishing Little Blooms! Thanks for your patience with this stitch-along!

If you’re just joining in on this project, you’ll find the Project Index for Little Blooms available here. That’s where you’ll find all the previous articles relating to this project listed in chronological order so that it’s easy to follow along.

If you’re waiting for a kit for Little Blooms, we’ve started putting a new batch together, but we are waiting on a few items still. As soon as they’re available, we’ll have kits ready again. Please keep an eye on the website for the announcement of new stock.

For members of the Needle ‘n Thread community on Patreon, I’ll post your PDF a little later today, covering parts 4 & 5, with little extra tips and stitch tutorials. For Dedicated and Avid Stitchers on Patreon, I’m working on two more videos for this project and I’ll post them as soon as they are ready.

And now, let us move forward with Little Blooms!

Little Blooms - Finishing the Vines
Continue reading “Little Blooms Part 5: Finishing the Vines”

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May 8, 2023

Goldwork Finish – Getting Back on Track!

 

Last week, we (just barely) met the deadline for the goldwork altar cover project that’s been developing for almost a year now. You can find the backstory on this project here.

After the crunch (which was particularly crunchy!), it took a few days to get things back into working order here in the studio, and then it took a weekend to recuperate in general on all the normal aspects of life that were pretty much on hold since the last week of March.

As of today, we’re back to our normal operations – still catching up, but everything should even out again this week!

Today, I’ll show you the finish. And then later in the week – delayed, but not forgotten! – we’ll be back to our regular program, including Little Blooms.

Goldwork medallion for altar cover
Continue reading “Goldwork Finish – Getting Back on Track!”

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April 26, 2023

Goldwork … and Holding!

 

Well, here it is. Wednesday, April 26th! The deadline for this goldwork project!

Ok, ok. It’s what I called “the first deadline.” I really wanted to be finished by today, since we have a family wedding this weekend, with family coming in from out of town for the event, and all kinds of activity going on. I knew it would get hairy around here! The “absolute” deadline is next Tuesday.

There were multiple spanners tossed into the works on pretty much every front lately, so, alas, here we are. Unfinished goldwork. Deadline looming. Wedding this weekend. Medical appointments. Last minute tree removal in front yard. House still in the process of construction. Another new toilet to be ordered. Little Blooms awaiting progress. And on and on and on.

But hey! Who doesn’t have this type of Life Episode now and then? It keeps things exciting (!) – and it gives us a chance to appreciate the those quiet, peaceful days. There’s bound to be some of those ahead shortly.

Today, I’ll share goldwork progress from Monday – we’ve gone a little farther since then – and then regretfully, I have to put you on hold for a wee bit. I’ll tell you about that below.

Goldwork medallion, Marian monogram altar cover
Continue reading “Goldwork … and Holding!”

Hand Embroidery Tutorials

April 21, 2023

Little Blooms Part 4: More Stitches on the Vines!

 

Welcome to the next installment of Little Blooms: A Mini Snap Purse – a Stitch Snippets stitch-along on Needle ‘n Thread. If you are just joining us, you’ll find all the previous information on this project, plus a chronological list of previous lessons, in the Little Blooms Project Index here.

In Little Blooms Part 4, we’re going to take a quick look at two more vine treatments.

For members on Patreon, the PDF will come out next week. It will cover the vine stitches in general. Today’s installment here on the website will get you going on the vines, if you’re ready to move ahead. Otherwise, next week, I’ll map out all the stitch combinations for the vines in one PDF.

Today, we’re going to stitch two parts of the vine, using some composite and combination stitch techniques.

Little Blooms Part 4: More Stitches on the Vines
Continue reading “Little Blooms Part 4: More Stitches on the Vines!”