One of the really fun parts of working this job is when a box arrives that we aren’t expecting – or that we aren’t expecting yet. You know, one of those boxes with stuff in it that we haven’t seen before, but that we ordered on good faith that it would be everything we dreamed it would be.

That happened twice last week!

And both times, the boxes had very exciting things in them.

I just don’t know which to show you first…

Over the years here on Needle ‘n Thread, we have discussed Much about color in embroidery.

The question of color choice in needlework projects always looms high on the List of Most Frequently Asked Questions, Problems, Difficulties, Quandaries, and So Forth that arrive in my inbox.

When I asked earlier this year about your particular needlework challenges or difficulties you’d like help with, color choice was an oft-repeated request.

Today, I’m going to share a seemingly simple tip. It is, in fact, my #1 tip when it comes to solving color choice issues. I know this tip isn’t really as simple as it sounds. There are so many reasons why it can’t always happen, but when it can happen, it can make your color-choosing-life so much easier.

Today, I wanted to answer a couple questions about embroidering on these 3-dimensional felted hearts that I showed you last week.

The tips below can apply to any similar 3-dimensional object. This is pretty much how I go about embroidering on any pre-felted shapes. In fact, I’ll show you some more explorations of a similar nature in the weeks to come! And share more tips along the way.

But for starters, these two tips answer the majority of questions that arrived in my inbox, so here we go…

Happy Friday! Woooohoooo! And Happy Valentine’s Day, for what it’s worth.

If you want to know my general approach to Valentine’s Day, you’re welcome to read my one and only poetic tribute to Valentine’s Day here.

The cynical tone of that poem might lead you to think I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day. But not so! There are, after all, quite a few heart-ish embroidery designs on Needle ‘n Thread that have shown up around many Februaries over the past 19 years: Will Ewe Bee Mine monogram collection; this free Bloomin’ Heart design; this free swirly heart design; this Heart o’ Flowers design; this branch heart design; this hearty kaleidoscope design (published in July, actually); and of course, Key to My Heart, which happens to be one of my most popular project e-books.

So I’m not opposed to Valentine’s Day, but I don’t really get into that much, either. Maybe I need to buy myself flowers or chocolates or something, to change my perspective? Brighten the day up a bit! LOL!

In the meantime, though, I’m brightening things up and combating the doldrums of winter in a different way here in the studio, and I thought I’d show you how.

Before we start, though, a quick announcement: there are some damaged books for sale in the shop right now. You can find those in this listing. They include Enchanted Embroidery, too. The damage on the books is not severe – often, it’s just a dinged corner or two on the book, and not very noticeable at that. Be sure to read the descriptions if you’re interested in picking up some damaged books at a discount!

Greetings from a snowy Kansas! I’m back after a week of company and a big family wedding. All the guests departed Monday, in perfect time for a snowstorm today.

And there I was, thinking winter was over. Ha.

Last week, I found myself dabbling with some mini-mini projects. I couldn’t get the idea out of my head. Since I required flexibility during the week with all the company and such, I decided just to go with my idea and spontaneously play with some stitching. Sometimes, unplanned is the way to go!

On Monday, I promised I’d show you the beginnings of a developing embroidery project.

I love everything about this particular project so far – the Art Nouveau design, the ground fabric, the color choices, and yes, the metal threads that will accent the piece.