March 1, 2021

Sampling Along on Stitch Fun 2021

Just a little Stitch Fun 2021 sampler update this morning, to kick off the week and the month of March!

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve been fiddling with a new camera – certainly no great, complicated thing. I just use a point and shoot for most of my blog photos. And often, I just use my phone.

But I need a regular camera for certain situations. And for the most part, it has to be a small, quick camera. If I have to tussle with a monster camera every time I needed to take a photo, I’d get nothing done.

My favorite all-time camera over these blogging years has been my trusty-rusty Canon G12. But I think I’ve practically used it to death. It’s starting to limp. So I invested in a new point and shoot – one of the latest in that line of Canon cameras – and galldernit, it has a learning curve. I think it’s going to be a great camera, as soon as the Interface to the Chair (that would be me) can figure out its nuances.

That’s my excuse, if you’re not keen on the images posted today!! I’m working on it!

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February 26, 2021

Stitching a Striped Shell – Again and Again

I’ve been struggling with embroidering one little tiny seashell for almost two weeks now.

It has become a gargantuan sea monster in my head. It’s time for me to tackle the beast once and for all!

Today will be the day! Do or die, says I!

Hand Embroidery Books

February 24, 2021

Piled High & Deep: Stitch Dictionaries on my Table

I’m a huge advocate of SDO – Stitch Dictionary Ownership.

You don’t have to own a gazillion stitch dictionaries. But I do think that every person who goes beyond the initial dabble into embroidery to pursue it as a developing interest should invest in at least one good stitch dictionary.

I won’t go so far as to say in at least two stitch dictionaries, since we have such easy access to the internet and a million online tutorials. But it’s always good to have one, as well as one or more other sources (including online) for cross referencing.

Right now, I have stitch dictionaries piled high and deep on my work table. You’ll find out why later!

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February 22, 2021

Embroidery Magazine Winner and the Bayeux Tapestry

Today’s quick little article contains two somewhat unrelated subjects: who won last week’s give-away for a collection of beautiful, new copies of Giuliana Ricama… and a fun resource for anyone who wants to get a closer look at the Bayeux Tapestry.

I’m going to be quick so that we can all tackle Monday with vim and vigor!

(If I find any vim and vigor, I’ll let you know…)

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February 19, 2021

Embroidered Wheat Five Ways, Part 4: Last Stalk & Leaves

In this previous installment of our series on how to embroider wheat five different ways, we stitched the two stalks on the right side of the bundle using bullion knots in different ways.

Today, in the last of the four tutorials in this collection, we’re going to work a relatively quick satin stitch for the kernels on the middle stalk in the bunch of wheat, and then we’ll stitch the leaves.

I’ll be referring you to some tutorials here on Needle ‘n Thread to help you out, if you’re a beginner, so please feel free to follow the links to various tutorials that go into detail on the stitching techniques. It’s a good way to pick up little embroidery tips!

How to Embroider Wheat 5 Ways: satin stitch, long & short stitch

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February 16, 2021

La Dolce Vita… with Needlework! (and a Giveaway)

Buongiorno (and howdy, too!) from frozen Kansas. Whoooooeeeee – it’s cold here! Time to take advantage of inside activities like embroidery and … embroidery … with a little hot-tea-drinking thrown in for good measure.

Yesterday morning things went a bit awry on my end. And then in the afternoon, we went into conservation mode, utilities-wise. I’m sorry I didn’t get this post out to you as intended first thing in the morning! I was probably daydreaming about sunny Italy. I think it’s time to read Enchanted April again!

Italy has a gloriously rich tradition in the needle arts, from far back into the ages of the early Roman emperors, right on up into our modern era. I’ve written before about a relatively new embroidery magazine on the market called Giuliana Ricama, and today, I want to remind you about it, and also offer a little give-away of some recent editions.

Hand Embroidery Tutorials

February 12, 2021

How to Embroider Wheat part 3: More Texture with Bullions

If you’re just joining us here on Needle ‘n Thread, we’ve been exploring five different ways to interpret wheat in hand embroidery.

Last Friday, we looked at how to embroider wheat in two quick and simple ways, using daisy stitch and granitos on two different stalks.

Before that, in Part 1, I posted the free design that we’re using here, along with the materials I’m using and any introductory information.

Today in Part 3 of How to Embroider Wheat five different ways, we’ll look at adding a little more texture to the wheat using bullion knots.

We’re actually going to look at 2.5 ways to use bullions, because I wanted to show you a possible variation to bullions that you might like as well.

Ready?

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Sampling Along on Stitch Fun 2021

Stitching a Striped Shell – Again and Again

Piled High & Deep: Stitch Dictionaries on my Table

Embroidery Magazine Winner and the Bayeux Tapestry

Embroidered Wheat Five Ways, Part 4: Last Stalk & Leaves

La Dolce Vita… with Needlework! (and a Giveaway)

How to Embroider Wheat part 3: More Texture with Bullions

Connect with Mary

How-To Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos