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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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Hand Embroidery Tutorials

February 4, 2022

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Materials Information & Stitching the Top

 

Amazon Books

Howdy, and welcome to the next installment of the Bee-Jeweled Pincushion project, which is part of the Stitch Snippets series here on Needle ‘n Thread!

The idea behind this series is to take you step-by-step through small embroidery projects, and we’ve kicked of 2022 with a beautiful little pincushion. We’re going to embroider it and we’re going to assemble the parts into a pincushion that’s not only useful, but also mildly attractive.

It’s a fun project, and I hope you get a chance to try it out!

Last week, we chatted about fabric for the pincushion, and I showed you how I set mine up for stitching.

Before we launch into today’s short lesson, in which we embroider the top of the pincushion, I need to update you on materials and other news relating to the project. Please read carefully, so that you know what to expect in the coming weeks with this project. There have been some hiccups (which I will explain), so things are not unfolding as I would want them to. I expect them to straighten out within the week.

So let’s get started!

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion Tutorial: stitching the top of the pincushion
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Hand Embroidery Books

February 2, 2022

Goldwork & Silk Shading Inspired by Nature

 

This book review for Hazel Everett’s Goldwork & Silk Shading Inspired by Nature published at the end of last year is long overdue!

And since I’ve had a little timing and scheduling glitch going on with the Bee-Jeweled Pincushion project (more on that, on Friday!), today is a perfect day to fit it in.

If you’ve not seen this book yet, now’s a great time to take a look at it and see if it’s right for you. It’s a combination technique-and-project book that covers a wide range of goldwork, shading, and some other embroidery techniques, and condenses them into an equally wide range of projects, from simple to complex. I think it’s a good book for beginners and beyond, and you’ll certainly find some excellent gems of instruction and inspiration within!

Goldwork & Silk Shading Inspired by Nature, by Hazel Everett
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January 31, 2022

My Case for Trailing – Exploring Whitework Options

 

Last week, I introduced you to some prep work I’m doing for some major embroidery projects.

As is always the case when preparing any embroidery project, the methods and techniques occupy my mind considerably long before the stitching begins.

With these particular cloths – 21 feet of 17″ wide linen – the first option for the cutwork was, of course, Richelieu. The design was made for Richelieu embroidery, and it seems that this would be the direction to go with the embroidery.

But my mind went in a different direction, especially after I started test stitching.

Cutwork altar cloths with trailing
Continue reading “My Case for Trailing – Exploring Whitework Options”

Uncategorized

January 28, 2022

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Fabric & Set-Up

 

For those of you following along with the Bee-Jeweled Pincushion project, today we’re going to chat about fabric and set up. It’s a long, detailed article, so grab a cup of something before you delve in!

Normally, I figure if you’re taking on a project like this, you have some notion of basic embroidery and how to set up a project. Still, I don’t like to assume, and so, as a preliminary, I’m going to go over my method of setting up this project to get it ready for stitching.

We’ll also chat about using a hoop or a frame while embroidering the pincushion, I’ll give you some tips, and I’ll show you my preferred set up for this type of project. I’ll also mention alternatives.

If you’re not following with the Bee-Jeweled Pincushion, never fear! The tips below can be applied to practically any similar embroidery project.

Ready?

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up
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January 26, 2022

A Huge Embroidery Project: Linen Preparation

 

Today, I’m going to chat with you about a Massive Embroidery Project that I’m not actually doing.

Well, I’m doing part of it. The least-fun part! I’m doing all the set-up and helping with some pointers to get it going.

I don’t consider it “my” project, since I’m not actually doing the embroidery. *Sigh*

It’s actually a good thing, because this project is Huge.

Cutwork Altar Cloth
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January 21, 2022

Stitch Snippets: Bee-Jeweled Pincushion, Introduction

 

Today – woohoo! – I’m introducing the first of the 2022 Stitch Snippets, a series wherein we explore together some embroidery projects from start to finish.

The projects in the Stitch Snippets series will be of varying degrees of smallness. Some will be finished items. Some will be decorative springboards for your own ideas.

To kick the series off with a big ole bang, we’re starting with a project that I’ve named Bee-Jeweled Pincushion – a hexagon shaped embroidered pincushion embellished with beads and a little bee charm.

I’m so excited about this project! It’s a lot of fun to work, without taking too long to get to a very satisfactory and usable finish.

Let’s chat about what you can expect from the series, including when (date & time) the kits for this project will be available and what they entail.

Stitch Snippets: Bee-jeweled Pincushion Introduction
Continue reading “Stitch Snippets: Bee-Jeweled Pincushion, Introduction”