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
January 17, 2025
This morning, I’m Musing Over Things.
Actually, I’ve been musing over Things for the past many weeks. But this morning, I’m developing detailed lists from my musings on Things.
I want to fill out my Topic Lists with some more relevant, useful needlework topics – topics that you find relevant and useful. So I’m going to propose a question to you, and I hope you can take a little time to answer it.
January 15, 2025
I’m going to indulge in one of my favorite needlework topics today – ecclesiastical embroidery. When I found out that there was (finally!) a new book on the topic coming out, you can bet I was pretty excited!
I ordered it right away from the UK (it’s not released in the US until this April) and received it last week.
Ecclesiastical Embroidery: Techniques and Projects by Heather Lewis is both an instructional and a project book, as the title promises. It’s a hard-bound book published by The Crowood Press. It covers the standard approaches to embroidery used to embellish the accoutrements of worship, as well as information on symbolism, design, and construction of some liturgical items.
Let’s take a look at it up close, shall we?
January 13, 2025
Is 2025 your year to learn a bit more about the history of embroidery? If it is, then you’ll want to check out a new offering from the Victoria & Albert Museum!
The Victoria & Albert has this on-demand lecture course on English embroidery available, and of course, I am intrigued.
Besides the notable subject matter, you’ll see that it’s a self-paced lecture course, and it’s very reasonably priced (and the British pound is relatively low right now).
January 10, 2025
Well, there’s a lot coming soon on Needle ‘n Thread – a lot of embroidery content, tips, techniques, tutorials, projects, supplies, books, resources, and more. Everything you expect on the website… with a few new twists and surprises for 2025. Like hand embroidery, the Development of Things here is a slow process, but you’ll see the fruits of our labor as 2025 unfolds.
Right now, it seems that the biggest “coming soon” is that we will be coming (back) soon. We’ll be back to the full swing of work on Monday. I’m counting on the upcoming above-freezing weather to do its job and clear up our roads this weekend.
In the meantime, I’m still working from home. As we speak, I’m looking out at the steepest and longest hill street in our town (believe it or not, this part of Kansas is not flat!), which happens to be the street bordering the west side of my home. It is still compacted with snow and ice and barricaded. My driveway, halfway up that hill, is inaccessible. Needless to say, the street has become the premier destination of every kid with a sled. It’s fun to watch!
January 6, 2025
Wooohoooo!!! It’s 2025!
I remember as a kid thinking of future years and giving them dates. 2025 sticks out in my mind as a year that I perceived as the most futuristic, sci-fi-ish sort of date ever.
I have no idea what I thought 2025 would be like in my kid imagination.
But I’m pretty sure I didn’t picture it like it is right now.
Right now, 2025 is really snowy.
December 24, 2024
My best wishes to you and yours for a very Happy Christmas season, full of all kinds of blessings straight into – and through – the New Year!
Today, besides wishing you the joy of the season, I want to wrap up our final “Here Comes Christmas” Give-Away, and hey ho! provide you with a little game to add to your Christmas cheer!
December 20, 2024
Happy Friday, my friends! Welcome to Give-Away #4 in our Here Comes Christmas series of give-aways for 2024!
First, I’ll announce the randomly drawn winners of Wednesday’s give-away (the RSN Essential Stitch Guide for Crewelwork), and then I’ll tell you about today’s books and give you some give-away guidelines to follow.
