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
August 31, 2022
Flabbergasted. Truly flabbergasted! How can it be the last day of August already?
Am I the only who feels this way?
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, this is the time of year when summer subsides, school resumes, and the impending Autumn triggers the close of the year, seasonally and calendorically. (I made that last word up myself.)
It’s also the time of year when I look around and realize I’m not where I planned to be.
August 29, 2022
Earlier this summer, I began sharing with you a Very Large goldwork project that we’re working on here in the studio. You can read the backstory of this piece by following the links at the end of this article.
Today, I’ll show you where we are, we’ll talk about how the mind can play mean tricks on you, and I’ll share a rigged tool solution.
August 26, 2022
Today’s article is more of a Public Service Announcement than anything else – but it may also provide you with a weekend rabbit hole for further exploration of all kinds of topics.
I can’t tell you how many people have reached out to me over the years to ask how to clean, repair, restore, fix, or conserve a precious piece of embroidery that they’ve usually inherited from someone they love. When time, use, or environment have wrought havoc on an important textile that you want to keep because it has special meaning to you, what do you do?
Earlier this week, an article from Piecework caught my eye. It answers similar questions from the expert’s point of view, with helpful suggestions and resources.
August 24, 2022
In the spring of 2021, I dabbled about with a project that I thought I would bring out as a small group of designs with stitching & finishing tips. It was called Summer Wheels.
If you’ve been following along on Needle ‘n Thread since last year, you might remember that I finished the small camper into this tote bag.
I still use the tote bag almost every day. It makes a great project bag! I released the Happy Camper design for members on Patreon, but I never quite got the whole design group together and stitched.
Recently, I’ve had a couple inquiries about the bike.
Yes, there was a bike!
August 22, 2022
This floche Garden-Bright thread pack that we released last month was a pretty big hit! I really thought we would have the threads in stock for a while, but they sold out quickly, and I’ve been compiling an advanced notice list for those interested in the next batch. (If you want to be on that list, please contact me to let me know – I’ll add you!)
We started preparing some new floche packs right away.
It’s a long and grueling process, but I think it’s worth it!
August 19, 2022
I am So Excited that Jane Nicholas has a new book coming out!
I’m a huge fan of Jane’s beautiful work, and I love all of her books and projects. I have to admit, if Jane had groupies, I’d be one of them. (Come to think of it, maybe she does have groupies…?)
So yes, you can imagine that I was pretty excited to find out that Jane has a new book coming out. I was even more excited when an advanced copy landed in my mailbox!
The new book is Japanese Motifs in Stumpwork & Goldwork, and guess what? In many ways, it’s not like any of her other books.
Let’s look at it together, so you know what to expect when it hits the shelves!
August 17, 2022
