About

Mary Corbet

writer and founder

 

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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Re-organized Supply Room – Almost There!

 

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Normally on Fridays, I spend much of the day preparing articles for the following week.

Last Friday, though, I was in the throes of the Great Studio Overhaul of 2021 – which perhaps isn’t as great as it sounds. Still, it’s functional and organized, there’s a place for everything, and hence, it’s a big deal to me.

So this morning, I thought I’d show you what was achieved at the end of last week and share a few suggestions in case you’re planning an overhaul job of your own.

Studio Shelving - a bit industrial
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Overhauling the Studio – Another Summer Job

 

One other notable, big project going on here in my studio is a bit of a studio overhaul.

And I will admit, it’s a big job, but it needs to be done. My trusty sidekick Anna is really good at this kind of thing, and she actually seems to like it (strange girl), which works out well for me.

She’s a Huge Help for this type of project, and I trust her organizational mindset. It is much better than mine!

Needle 'n Thread studio space set up
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Setting Up Grapes: Color & Stitching Considerations

 

A couple weeks ago, I sneak-peeked the colors for the next embroidery project in the How to Embroider (Blank) tutorials and asked you to guess what we’d be stitching.

Many of you chimed in with irises and other flowers, some chimed in with fruit, and, in fact, it’s grapes!

This is definitely a project we will feel our way feel our way through together, slowly. It’s going to be a little more complicated and challenging than the projects so far. But it’ll be fun, and, taken slowly, it’s definitely manageable.

How to Embroider Grapes
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Sea to Stitch – Finished Monogram!

 

At long last, here’s the finished embroidery on my Sea to Stitch monogram designed by Elisabetta Sforza and available in her book by the same name – which, if you’re interested in procuring a copy, is out of stock at the moment but you can drop me a line to be put on the advanced notice list when new stock arrives.

My blog publishing schedule and correspondence will return to normal by Monday. I’ve been on hiatus for a week, and without regular internet, but I’m back, catching up, and things should settle into the summer routine of moderately smooth sailing now, with only a few small schedule blips for a couple upcoming events. Thanks for your patience!

Sea to Stitch Monogram on Needle 'n Thread - finished embroidery
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Books for Embroidery Inspiration – but not Embroidery!

 

Inspiration for needlework can be found just about everywhere – and I like to find it in books that aren’t necessarily needlework books, but are somewhat art-related.

Last year, I added two books to my library, and I really, really like both of them. Especially if you’re interested in botanical subjects for embroidery, you might find them enjoyable, too.

For me, it’s the tie-in with literature and poetry and art that caught me with these two books, Botanical Shakespeare and The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady.

Books for Inspiration for Embroidery
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Embroiderers’ Guild Transfers Collection Review

 

Oh, Happy Tuesday! Today we’re going to look at an embroidery design book that came out earlier this year. But before we launch into my review, I have a wee bit of news to cover.

First, we’re pushing out some changes today to my online shop here on Needle ‘n Thread, so there may be a couple hiccups on the site, but hopefully not! I’m excited about the new layout – it should make it easier to keep the shop organized and easier for you to find things. Yay!

Second, I’m taking a short break for the next week, and I will have limited internet connectivity. I have some articles scheduled – including some project finishes – but I won’t be able to respond to email or moderate comments as frequently. I’ll check in as I can.

And now, for the book!

If you tend to hesitate to jump into an embroidery project because of the transfer process, then you’re going to love this! If you like source books for embroidery designs, you’re also going to love it.

The Embroiderers’ Guild Transfers Collection is a unique book, so let’s look at it a little more closely.

Embroiderers' Guild Transfers Collection
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