Little Things … I’ve been working on Little Things for about 9 months!
What are Little Things? Well, they’re little embroidered things – in fact, they are part of a project book titled Lavender Honey & Other Little Things: A Little Primer on Embroidering & Finishing that will be available here on Needle ‘n Thread in the near future.
I conceived the idea for this collection of Little Things last summer, and it’s finally nearing its completion. (About time, eh?)
The little projects drummed up for the book are perfect for:
1. Using up scraps of fabric too small for regular embroidery projects
2. Using up leftover threads or thread stash
3. Learning many surface embroidery stitches in the context little designs
4. Learning how to finish things – how to make needlebooks, pin keeps, fobs, ornaments, etc.
5. Making something adorable – perfect for gift-giving or personal use – in less than a weekend
6. Guild group projects & stitch get-togethers
Of course, the step-by-step instructions that you’re used to from Needle ‘n Thread dominate the book. But the book also leaves you a lot of leeway for interpretation and personalization, and it gives you the foundations to go farther and conceive your own projects and finish them, based on the principles learned. (I think every good instructional book should do that!)
They’re fun, they’re colorful, they’re simple enough to complete in a very short period of time, they’re economical (you use what you have – unless you really want to buy supplies – I list all the supplies I used along with where to find them), and they’re instructive.
So that’s one big project full of little projects that’s been brewing behind the scenes here for quite a while. Just now, the very last piece is being finished and photographed over the next couple days. Whew! Can’t wait to see that last piece falling into place!
Look for it later this spring!
Yay! Can’t wait for the arrival of the book. These little things will be perfect to take along on trips, weekend visits to family or friends, or as an alternative to “big embroidery things” when we need to just have some fun. Such a great idea, Mary!
Well said!
That will be great. I tend to make a lot of smaller projects as gifts and plus the fact that my attention span seems to get shorter as I get older. I admire the huge beautiful works of art in needlework but just don’t scrounge up the energy to tackle them. This will be ideal.
Dear Mary
I agree ‘Yey to that! Can’t wait for the publication of ‘Little Things’ certainly will purchase when it becomes available. I love the bees, sheep and hedgehog and can’t wait to make small gifts out of them and I like the idea of using up existing supplies rather then having to buy supplies which saves money, brilliant idea.
Regards Anita Simmance
Mry, YAY!!!!this sounds like something Just Perfect to have when we don’t feel like tackling a big project. Love using up small bits of thread and I LOVE small projects.
This is so exciting……
Can’t wait to purchase it.
Hoorah, hoorah. That’s brilliant Mary.
I love having little things to work on between the major projects. Looking forward to your book. Congratulations to you for a great accomplishment.
Can’t wait to see them all! I’ve been watching for them and wondering when you would show them to us again – they are so cute. Looking forward to seeing them soon.
What a tease! Embroidery, little things, finishing – sounds perfect. How much later this spring?
Oh! I can’t wait!! Can you sa, “gazingus pin?” I cannot pass up books like this with little charming projects!!
Congratulations! It sounds wonderful!
What a wonderful idea for a book – i’m looking forward to getting it! Love the idea of using up scraps that are too big to throw away but not big enough to use! Very exciting 🙂
Like the others, I can hardly wait. Will you be taking pre-orders? Put me down for one. I love the bees and sheep. I want to do things for friends that are quick and easy so I have high hopes this will be chock full of ideas to fulfill that wish. As always, thank you for sharing your talents.
Hi Mary,
These look like that perfect little something to give someone just because you happen to think about them that day. Having two sisters that go to Guild meetings these look like the perfect little useful gifts to give.The ladies at the Guild meetings always “oh and ah” over these.
ji
Ooohhh I can’t wait. I’ve seen others in our embroidery group making books about Celtic Embroidery, 15th Century Embroidery etc. I have been waiting to do my own thing – and now there is a chance I might have it done in a year or so. Okay, just kidding. At least I can start. thanks so much for your wonderful work. Have a great one.
Mary, this sounds extremely interesting and very exciting! I am very much looking forward to the publication, hoping that the mailing charges to Germany won’t be off-putting.
Oh Mary, I have been so looking forward to the Little Things since you first tantalised us with them! Can’t wait. Definitely on my must-have list. Will look forward to hearing it will be available.
Wow…what a great idea! I can’t wait to get the book…and then make “little” projects! Thanks!
I can’t wait! I know a few people who want to try their hand at embroidery and a little project is always the best place to start! I can’t wait to start sharing.
I can’t wait to see this. So many days I am just looking for a quick little project for gifts, and especially looking to ways of properly finishing my projects because that’s often where I fall down.
9 months or so really *isn’t* a long time to write a book and get it on the market. In fact, esp. considering there were things to actually make and photograph, it’s very quick indeed!
What I seen already from the pictures this Little things are going to be gorgeous! Omg the hedgehog and the sheep are lovely!
I undoubtedly need this book!
G’day Mary,
I fell in love with your little things from the first peep. Like buttons, little things keep little and big things together, including needleworkers. From little things, bigger things are satisfied and very often grow.
Cheers, Kath.
For all the above reasons and more, can’t wait!
Thank you Mary for your wonderful website! I am looking forward to the “Little Things” book –it is just my “speed” I think I can do it! I can hardly wait!!