Occasionally, I like to go strolling about online for little needlework browses. Usually, these are prompted by blog posts of other needleworkers, by newsletters, or just by my own curiosity, to see what’s going on with other embroiderers or needlework-related enterprises that I’m interested in.
When I do this, I keep a list of links that I think would be of interest to you, too, and when I have the chance, I like to mix them all up in an article, so that you can go browsing, too.
Not that I would ever advocate Procrastination or any similar Heinous Habits … but really, sometimes, it’s just Fun to procrastinate! Think of it as Relaxing. Think of it as Garnering Inspiration.
Ah – the Justification of Procrastination! I could write a book on the subject.
So, pour yourself a delectable cup of coffee or tea, and let’s go meandering together!
Remember Jen Goodwin? We talked about her goldwork and blackwork kits last November. She has a new series of Kaleidoscopes kits out.
These combination goldwork, blackwork, and bead embroidery kits are suitable with stitchers who have some stitching experience already and who are looking for something fun, colorful, and challenging to work.
Love the one in the photo above! There are three new Kaleidoscopes available, and they match her other Medallion series kits, so I think they’d mix up into an interest display of embroidered artwork.
I’m Absolutely Beesotted with this Or Nué Queen Bee that Anna Scott’s been writing about on her blog. It’s Lovely! She’s got quite a few blog posts on the progress of that project – definitely worth checking out!
I think one of the reasons I really fell in love with Anna’s Queen Bee is that it reminded me of my Bee Beeeswax Cakes that I use for goldwork.
And I love my Bee Beeswax Cakes.
These are Hefty Handfuls of Beeswax, perfect for preparing threads for goldwork. I came across them at the Beeswax Company when looking for beeswax candles. Needless to say, I acquired a few of the 1.5 oz chunks of molded beeswax, and now, I can’t quite bring myself to run threads through them.
It’s a dilemma.
Speaking of Anna Scott and Bees… bees lead me to thoughts of summer. And summer leads me to thoughts of vibrant colors. And even though Anna’s new kit on her website is called Autumn Gold, it reminds me of summer – kind of a Southwesty Summer.
You can find the full crewel kit for Autumn Gold in Anna’s Etsy Shop, but – lucky for us who don’t live in Australia – you can also find Autumn Gold as a digital download. It’s excellent in download form – you get the pattern, the materials list, and very nice, thorough instructions.
It’s a fun, colorful crewel kit, perfect for beginners and beyond!
Are you a sampler buff? If you are, and if you’ve dreamed of creating your own embroidered sampler that will last for generations to come – that will become an object of study and inspiration for future embroiderers – then you might consider taking part in the Royal School of Needlework’s Sampler Competition.
The competition goes hand in hand with their sampler exhibit which is running now, so if you happen to be in the UK and in the vicinity of Hampton Court, and you love samplers, don’t miss the exhibit!
Then go home and design your own for the competition!
Speaking of designing samplers, if it is something you have a mind to do, I think one of the best resources online for extensive sampler motifs that can be used for designing is Needleprint.
At Needleprint, you’ll find a bunch sampler motif collections available for purchase and download. They’re nice collections!
Mac Users: Just be aware that, if you work on a Mac, the majority of the sampler collections work off PC-friendly software, so you’d need a VM solution to access them.
Several months ago, I told you about the fascinating history of the Wemyss School of Needlework in Scotland.
If you’re anywhere near Scotland in the coming months, do check out the class line-up at the Wemyss School of Needlework.
Helen McCook, graduate of the RSN, will be teaching classes in quite a few techniques – perfect for newbies and more advanced embroiderers alike. Crewelwork, goldwork, blackwork – there’s a whole list of classes coming up, so check them out if you’re in the vicinity or headed that way, and game for an affordable needlework class.
Ok, I’m browsed out! And my cup’s been empty for a long time.
Coming up this week and beyond on Needle ‘n Thread, I’ve got some stuff to share with you. Tools and stuff. Embroidery. Books. Threads. Project Progress. You know the drill!
See you tomorrow!
Mrs. Corbet,
Sounds exciting! I’ll be here tomorrow!
Sarah 🙂
Dear Mary
I’ve just procrastinated while browsing through this blog and I’ve looked at all the delightful embroidery kits and bits from your chosen needlework sites and I love it, it’s so interesting to browse through different needlework sites and look at the vast array of different techniques that it inspires and ignites the grey matter to explore the wondrous world of needlework. Thanks for igniting my grey matter and sharing the delights of needlework.
Regards Anita Simmance
G’day Mary,
I happened on Anna’s bee yesterday and got a real buzz out of it, and here it is again today. It’s certainly very appealing.
Needleprint is a treasure trove all right. Wasn’t up with that one. So many sweet motifs. I particularly like the black thread worked one, 3 down 2nd row in, with all the little trees etc.
Thanks Mary, Cheers, Kath.
Enjoying it all ! : )
Procrastination? No, half an hour a day to read, learn, dream so much beauty and talent that you let us see, you should be compulsory … Thank you Marie
I don’t blame you not wanting to use those pretty cakes of wax, Mary. Fortunately, the wax pieces that I use come from a local honey farm that has a stall at Shrewsbury’s monthly Farmer’s Market. They are plain hexagons and cost pennies, so I have no qualms about using them or about slicing them into smaller chunks for when I am stitching away from home. And it’s rather nice to know that the honey on my toast comes from the same bees as the wax on my silk.
Interesting post today Mary….thank you! Guess I’ll have to go pour myself a cuppa and do some drooling.
Hi Mary
This is my first comment to you. Love and learn a lot from your site..But one question. I am left handed and find some of your instructions a litte confusing,even after trying to reverse instructions
Hi, Babs – there’s an excellent stitch dictionary called The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion which is terrific for left handed stitchers. You can find it a variety of places – it’s by Yvette Stanton in Australia, and you can find it through her website, Vetty Creations. You might also be able to find a distributor in New Zealand that stocks it. -MC